cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triptolide activates unfolded protein response leading to chronic ER stress in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a survival rate of <5%. Moreover, pancreatic cancer aggressiveness is closely related to high levels of prosurvival mediators, which can ultimately lead to rapid disease progression. One of the mechanisms that enables tumor cells to evade cellular stress and promote unhindered proliferation is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Disturbances in the normal functions of the ER lead to an evolutionarily conserved cell stress response, the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR initially compensates for damage, but it eventually triggers cell death if ER dysfunction is severe or prolonged. Triptolide, a diterpene triepoxide, has been shown to be an effective compound against pancreatic cancer. Our results show that triptolide induces the UPR by activating the PKR-like ER kinase-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α axis and the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-X-box-binding protein 1 axis of the UPR and leads to chronic ER stress in pancreatic cancer. Our results further show that glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), one of the major regulators of ER stress, is downregulated by triptolide, leading to cell death by apoptosis in MIA PaCa-2 cells and autophagy in S2-VP10 cells.
Multilingual Prosperity–Inspiration Outsourced!

With the advent of broader scientific and socio-educational motivations across the globe, cross-cultural and cross-linguistic inspirations are increasingly prevalent in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. This essay presents a sketch of a multilingual community, India. An overview of the general educational structure and the special education system has been presented to acknowledge the sensitivity of the government and non-government sectors towards multiple languages. Finally, an attempt has been made to present some socio-linguistic questions that are inherently tied to potential globalization of the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
The Chemistry of Carbon in Aqueous Fluids at Crustal and Upper-Mantle Conditions: Experimental and Theoretical Constraints

Carbon can be a major constituent of crustal and mantle fluids, occurring both as dissolved ionic species (e.g., carbonate ions or organic acids) and molecular species (e.g., CO2, CO, CH4, and more complex organic compounds). The chemistry of dissolved carbon changes dramatically with pressure ( P ) and temperature ( T ). In aqueous fluids at low P and T , molecular carbon gas species such as CO2 and CH4 saturate at low concentration to form a separate phase. With modest increases in P and T , these molecular species become fully miscible with H2O, enabling deep crustal and mantle fluids to become highly concentrated in carbon. At such high concentrations, carbon species play an integral role as solvent components and, with H2O, control the mobility of rock-forming elements in a wide range of geologic settings. The migration of carbon-bearing crustal and mantle fluids contributes to Earth’s carbon cycle; however, the mechanisms, magnitudes, and time variations of carbon transfer from depth to the surface remain least understood parts of the global carbon budget (Berner 1991, 1994; Berner and Kothavala 2001). Here we provide an overview of carbon in crustal and mantle fluids. We first review the evidence for the presence and abundance of carbon in these fluids. We then discuss oxidized and reduced carbon, both as solutes in H2O-rich fluids and as major components of miscible CO2-CH4-H2O fluids. Our goal is to provide some of the background needed to understand the role of fluids in the deep carbon cycle. ### Carbon in aqueous fluids of crust and mantle Numerous lines of evidence indicate that carbon may be an important component of crustal and mantle fluids. Fluid inclusions provide direct samples of carbon-bearing fluids from a range of environments. Carbon species in fluid …
School District Partner Choice in Emergency Management Collaboration

Successful emergency planning and response requires the cooperation of a broad array of partners. The literature on collaboration and social networks provides conflicting predictions about how organizations choose partners. One tradition focuses on the powerful role of similarity (or homophily) as predicting partner choices. A contrasting tradition argues that rational organizations will choose partners both unlike themselves and unlike their other partners to ensure that each collaboration provides access to unique resources. This article starts with the question of how an organization whose primary responsibilities are not focused on emergency management chooses partners when they respond to and prepare for emergencies. Using a survey of school districts in Texas immediately following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the article assesses the priority of partner choice. The results indicate that school districts choose partners largely on the basis of strategic difference, though there is some evidence of homophily.
An exact solution describing slow axonal transport of cytoskeletal elements: the effect of a finite half-life

This paper presents an exact solution for a two kinetic state model of slow axonal transport that is based on the stop-and-go hypothesis. The model accounts for two populations of cytoskeletal elements (CEs): pausing and running. The model also accounts for a finite half-life of CEs involved in slow axonal transport. It is assumed that initially CEs are injected into the axon such that their concentration forms a rectangular pulse; initially all CEs are assumed to be in the pausing state. Kinetic processes quickly redistribute CEs between the pausing and running states. After less than a minute, equilibrium is established, forming two pulses, representing concentrations of pausing and running CEs, respectively. As these pulses propagate, their shape changes and they turn to bell-shaped waves. The amplitude of the waves decreases, and the waves spread out as they propagate down the axon. The rate of the amplitude decrease is larger for CEs with a shorter half-life, but even if CE half-life is infinitely long, some decrease of the waves' amplitudes is observed. The velocity of the waves' propagation is found to be independent of the CE half-life and is in good agreement with published experimental data for slow axonal transport of neurofilaments.
Paradox in Positive Organizational Change

Positive organizational change is a paradox. On one hand, natural human inclinations toward the positive and heliotropic tendencies foster a proclivity toward positive change in human systems. On the other hand, human beings react more strongly to negative than to positive stimuli, so the presence of negative events overshadows positive events. Paradoxically, both tendencies—toward the positive and in response to the negative— are important enablers of positive change, but because the negative usually dominates, positive factors have to be given extra emphasis for positive change to occur. The concept of “positive” has created a great deal of controversy and confusion in organizational studies, spawning critics as well as promoters. The major connotations of this concept in organizational scholarship are clarified, and a way to reconcile the paradox of positive change is proposed. New investigations of positive organizational change are introduced that address various aspects of the positive change paradox.
New Fireworthy Composites for Use in Transportation Vehicles

This paper presents an overview of certain aspects of the evaluation of the fireworthiness of air transport interiors. It examines some technical opportunities that are available today through the modification of aircraft interior subsystem components, modifications that may reasonably be expected to provide improvements in aircraft fire safety. These modifications have the potential of reducing the rate of fire growth, with a consequent reduction of heat, toxic gas, and smoke emission throughout the habitable interior of an aircraft, whatever the initial source of the fire. It is shown that these new materials modifications reduce the fire hazard not only because of their unique ablative properties, which help to contain or isolate the fire source, but also because there is a significant reduction in their characteristic flame spread, heat release, and smoke and toxic gas emissions.
A VLSI neural processor for image data compression using self-organization networks

An adaptive electronic neural network processor has been developed for high-speed image compression based on a frequency-sensitive self-organization algorithm. The performance of this self-organization network and that of a conventional algorithm for vector quantization are compared. The proposed method is quite efficient and can achieve near-optimal results. The neural network processor includes a pipelined codebook generator and a paralleled vector quantizer, which obtains a time complexity O(1) for each quantization vector. A mixed-signal design technique with analog circuitry to perform neural computation and digital circuitry to process multiple-bit address information are used. A prototype chip for a 25-D adaptive vector quantizer of 64 code words was designed, fabricated, and tested. It occupies a silicon area of 4.6 mm*6.8 mm in a 2.0 mu m scalable CMOS technology and provides a computing capability as high as 3.2 billion connections/s. The experimental results for the chip and the winner-take-all circuit test structure are presented. >
Distributed reinforcement learning for self-reconfiguring modular robots

In this thesis, we study distributed reinforcement learning in the context of automating the design of decentralized control for groups of cooperating, coupled robots. Specifically, we develop a framework and algorithms for automatically generating distributed controllers for self-reconfiguring modular robots using reinforcement learning. The promise of self-reconfiguring modular robots is that of robustness, adaptability and versatility. Yet most state-of-the-art distributed controllers are laboriously hand-crafted and task-specific, due to the inherent complexities of distributed, local-only control. In this thesis, we propose and develop a framework for using reinforcement learning for automatic generation of such controllers. The approach is profitable because reinforcement learning methods search for good behaviors during the lifetime of the learning agent, and are therefore applicable to online adaptation as well as automatic controller design. However, we must overcome the challenges clue to the fundamental partial observability inherent in a distributed system such as a self-reconfiguring modular robot. We use a family of policy search methods that we adapt to our distributed problem. The outcome of a local search is always influenced by the search space dimensionality, its starting point, and the amount and quality of available exploration through experience. We undertake a systematic study of the effects that certain robot and task parameters, such as the number of modules, presence of exploration constraints, availability of nearest-neighbor communications, and partial behavioral knowledge from previous experience, have on the speed and reliability of learning through policy search in self-reconfiguring modular robots. In the process, we develop novel algorithmic variations and compact search space representations for learning in our domain, which we test experimentally on a number of tasks. This thesis is an empirical study of reinforcement learning in a simulated lattice-based self-reconfiguring modular robot domain. However, our results contribute to the broader understanding of automatic generation of group control and design of distributed reinforcement learning algorithms. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Preoperative laboratory testing in children undergoing elective surgery: analysis of current practice.

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate current practice in preoperative testing of healthy children undergoing elective surgery that is not expected to result in significant blood loss. Design: Survey of members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. Setting: Anesthesiologists practicing in North America. Population: A total of 1,200 questionnaires were mailed. Interventions: Questionnaires were mailed to all members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. All members were asked to specify which tests were routinely performed and to state why. Specific questions were asked about performing complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and urine analysis (UA) in all patients, pregnancy test in adolescents, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thrombin time (PTT) prior to tonsillectomy, and sickle cell testing in black and/or Mediterranean children. Measurements and Main Results: 685 of 1,200 (57%) questionnaires were returned. No attempt was made to identify and follow-up with nonresponders. Hb testing is routinely performed in 27% to 48% of the children depending on the age of the patient. UA is ordered preoperatively in less than 15% of the children. Pregnancy test was ordered by 43% of the respondents. Hemostatic tests prior to tonsillectomy were conducted by 45% of the anesthesiologists. Conclusion: The results indicate the present practice of routine preoperative laboratory testing for children undergoing elective outpatient surgery. In spite of the many studies that indicate no specific benefits of performing routine preoperative testing in healthy children undergoing scheduled surgery, many physicians continue to order these tests in all such children.
Forgiveness in a political context The challenge and the potential

In this article I examine the challenging question concerning whether communal forgiveness is possible. In order to show that it is in principle possible I articulate and then respond to two of the most powerful objections to communal forgiveness that have been formulated to date, namely: (1) the argument that only victims can forgive; and (2) the argument that forgiveness is unconditional and thus outside the scope of such things as communal or political deliberation.I argue that communal forgiveness is a process of transformation that requires at the practical level an institutional framework in which a representative of a community can initiate the process of forgiveness, like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu did in South Africa. Because forgiveness is a process of transformation, it cannot be assessed at the level of acts or commitments alone, but is a wager on the future that will indeed show whether the communities involved have accepted the transformation.
From a Meccano set to nano meccano

The hurly-burly life of a scientific nomad is traced through thick and thin from the Athens of the North to the City of Angels with brief and not so brief interludes on the edge of the Canadian Shield, in the Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire, on the Plains of Cheshire beside the Wirral, and in the Midlands in the heartland of Albion.
A Secure Communications System Using Chaotic Switching

Since previous secure communications methods using chaotic systems require very high SNRs, knowledge of the initial conditions, and/or chaotic systems with the self-synchronization property, their application is limited. In this paper, a new secure communications scheme based on chaotic switching is discussed. The proposed scheme makes decisions on the incoming bits by comparing the power level of the dynamical error for each symbol signal after applying a noise reduction method based on the known system dynamics. A multi-user secure communications scheme is also considered where each user's symbol signal is mapped through a unique scramble matrix. We also examine whether these scramble matrices help to combat against smart jamming. The proposed system does not require self-synchronization between the chaotic receiver and transmitter and exhibits reasonable performance at relatively low SNRs.
Temperature and Thermal Stresses of Vehicles Gray Cast Brake

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the thermomechanical behavior of the dry contact between the brake discand pads during the braking phase. The simulation strategy is based on computer code ANSYS11. The modeling oftransient temperature in the disc is actually used to identify the factor of geometric design of the disc to install theventilation system in vehicles. The thermo-structural analysis is then used with coupling to determine the deformationestablished and the Von Mises stresses in the disc, the contact pressure distribution in pads. The results aresatisfactory when compared to those found in previous studies.
Heat Transfer for the Blade of a Cooled Stage and One-Half High-Pressure Turbine: Part I—Influence of Cooling Variation

Heat-flux measurements are presented for a one-and-one-half stage high-pressure turbine operating at design corrected conditions with modulated cooling flows in the presence of different inlet temperature profiles. Coolant is supplied from a heavily film cooled vane and the purge cavity (between the rotor disk and the upstream vane) but not from the rotor blades, which are solid metal. Thin-film heat-flux gauges are located on the un-cooled blade pressure and suction surface (at multiple span locations), on the blade tip, on the blade platform, and on the disk and vane sides of the purge cavity. These measurements provide a comprehensive picture of the effect of varying cooling flow rates on surface heat transfer to the turbine blade for uniform and radial inlet temperature profiles. Part I of this paper examines the macroscopic influence of varying all cooling flows together, while Part II investigates the individual regions of influence of the vane outer and purge cooling circuits in more detail. The heat-flux gauges are able to track the cooling flow over the suction surface of the airfoil as it wraps upwards along the base of the airfoil for the uniform vane inlet temperature profile. A similar comparison for the radial profile shows the same coolant behavior but with less pronounced changes. From these comparisons, it is clear that cooling impacts each temperature profile similarly. Nearly all of the cooling influence is limited to the blade suction surface, but small changes are observed for the pressure surface. In addition to the cooling study, a novel method of calculating the adiabatic wall temperature is demonstrated. The derived adiabatic wall temperature distribution shows very similar trends to the Stanton Number distribution on the blade.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
TG2 protects neuroblastoma cells against DNA-damage-induced stress, suppresses p53 activation

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional member of the transglutaminase (TGase) family (E.C.2.3.2.13), which catalyzes in a calcium-dependent reaction the formation of covalent bonds between the γ-carboxamide groups of peptide-bound glutamine residues and various primary amines. Here, we investigated the role of TG2 in a response of the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide, known to trigger DNA-damage cell response. We found an early and transient (~2 h) increase of the TG2 protein in SH-SY5Y cells treated with etoposide, along with the increase of phosphorylated and total levels of the p53 protein. Next, we showed that SH-SY5Y cells, which overexpress wild-type TG2 were significantly protected against etoposide-induced cell death. The TG2 protective effect was associated only with the transamidation active form of TG2, because overexpression the wild-type TG2, but not its transamidation inactive C277S form, resulted in a pronounced suppression of caspase-3 activity as well as p53 phosphorylation during the etoposide-induced stress. In addition, exacerbation of cell death with a significant increase in caspase-3 and p53 activation was observed in SH/anti-TG2 cells, in which expression of the endogenous TG2 protein has been greatly reduced by the antisense cDNA construct. Though the cell signaling and molecular mechanisms of the TG2-driven suppression of the cell death machinery remain to be investigated, our findings strongly suggest that TG2 plays an active role in the response of neuroblastoma cells to DNA-damage-induced stress by exerting a strong protective effect, likely by the suppression of p53 activation and p53-driven cell signaling events.
Acromegaly pathogenesis and treatment

Dysregulated growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion is usually caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma and leads to acromegaly - a disorder of disproportionate skeletal, tissue, and organ growth. High GH and IGF1 levels lead to comorbidities including arthritis, facial changes, prognathism, and glucose intolerance. If the condition is untreated, enhanced mortality due to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary dysfunction is associated with a 30% decrease in life span. This Review discusses acromegaly pathogenesis and management options. The latter include surgery, radiation, and use of novel medications. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) ligands inhibit GH release, control tumor growth, and attenuate peripheral GH action, while GH receptor antagonists block GH action and effectively lower IGF1 levels. Novel peptides, including SSTR ligands, exhibiting polyreceptor subtype affinities and chimeric dopaminergic-somatostatinergic properties are currently in clinical trials. Effective control of GH and IGF1 hypersecretion and ablation or stabilization of the pituitary tumor mass lead to improved comorbidities and lowering of mortality rates for this hormonal disorder.
Interactions between the Regulatory Subunit of Type I Protein Kinase A and p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase1 Regulate Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes toward the loss of muscle mass in myocardial pathologies. Previous reports have implicated type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, the precise mechanisms and the isoform of RSK involved in this process remain undefined. Using adult rat ventricular myocytes and mouse-derived cardiac HL-1 cardiomyocytes, we demonstrate that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced apoptosis is accompanied by a decrease in the type I PKA regulatory subunit (PKARIα) and activation of RSK1. As previously described by us for other cell types, in cardiomyocytes, inactive RSK1 also interacts with PKARIα, whereas the active RSK1 interacts with the catalytic subunit of PKA. Additionally, small interfering (siRNA)-mediated silencing of PKARIα or disrupting the RSK1/PKARIα interactions with a small, cell-permeable peptide activates RSK1 and recapitulates the H/R-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of RSK1 or siRNA-mediated silencing of RSK1 attenuates H/R-induced apoptosis, demonstrating the role of RSK1 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing of RSK1 decreases the H/R-induced phosphorylation of sodium–hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1), and inhibition of NHE1 with 5′-N-ethyl-N-isopropyl-amiloride blocks H/R induced apoptosis, indicating the involvement of NHE1 in apoptosis. Overall, our findings demonstrate that H/R-mediated decrease in PKARIα protein levels leads to activation of RSK1, which via phosphorylation of NHE1 induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Longitudinal comparison of anorexia nervosa subtypes.

Objective To compare patients with restricting anorexia nervosa (ANR) and binge/purge anorexia nervosa (ANBP) on measures of impulsivity, course, and outcome. Methods One hundred thirty-six treatment-seeking women with AN followed prospectively for 8–12 years were reclassified at intake as 51 ANRs and 85 ANBPs according to the DSM-IV subtyping classification. Lifetime Axis I and Axis II disorders were assessed using structured interviews; follow-up interviews were conducted at 6–12-month intervals to collect weekly data on eating disorder symptomatology. Results Women with ANR and ANBP did not differ on history of substance abuse, kleptomania, suicidality, or borderline personality diagnosis at intake, or on rates of recovery, relapse, or mortality. By 8 years of follow-up, 62% of women with ANR crossed over to ANBP prospectively and only 12% of women with AN never reported regular binge/purge behaviors. Conclusions The findings on impulsivity, course, and outcome do not support the current subtyping system. The high crossover rate in our sample from ANR to ANBP suggests that ANR represents a phase in the course of AN rather than a distinct subtype. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 31: 191–201, 2002; DOI. 10.1002/eat.10016
Xenopus CAF1 requires NOT1-mediated interaction with 4E-T to repress translation in vivo

RNA-regulatory factors bound to 3′ UTRs control translation and stability. Repression often is associated with poly(A) removal. The deadenylase CAF1 is a core component of the CCR4–NOT complex. Our prior studies established that CAF1 represses translation independent of deadenylation. We sought the mechanism of its deadenylation-independent repression in Xenopus oocytes. Our data reveal a chain of interacting proteins that links CAF1 to CCR4–NOT and to Xp54 and 4E-T. Association of CAF1 with NOT1, the major subunit of CCR4–NOT, is required for repression by CAF1 tethered to a reporter mRNA. Affinity purification-mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation revealed that at least five members of the CCR4–NOT complex were recruited by CAF1. The recruitment of these proteins required NOT1, as did the ability of tethered CAF1 to repress translation. In turn, NOT1 was needed to recruit Xp54 and 4E-T. We examined the role of 4E-T in repression using mutations that disrupted either eIF4E-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Expression of a 4E-T truncation that still bound eIF4E alleviated repression by tethered CAF1, NOT1, and Xp54. In contrast, a mutant 4E-T that failed to bind eIF4E did not. Repression of global translation was affected only by the eIF4E-dependent mechanism. Reporters bearing IRES elements revealed that repression via tethered CAF1 and Xp54 is cap- and eIF4E-independent, but requires one or more of eIF4A, eIF4B, and eIF4G. We propose that RNA-binding proteins, and perhaps miRNAs, repress translation through an analogous chain of interactions that begin with the 3′ UTR-bound repressor and end with the noncanonical activity of 4E-T.
Nonlinear multivariable predictive control of an autothermal reforming reactor for fuel cell applications

In this work, we present a computationally efficient nonlinear multivariable predictive controller (NMPC) for an autothermal reforming (ATR) reactor. The proposed NMPC scheme is based on a fast reduced order nonlinear model and consists of three parts. The first is a steady state optimizer, which aims to minimize fuel flow for a given hydrogen demand while simultaneously observing the lower bound on the reactor temperature to maintain ignition of the reactor. The second part of the controller is to find a desired input/output trajectory via an offline nonlinear dynamic optimization problem subject to process constraints. The third portion of the controller employs a linearized model around the trajectory and minimizes an unconstrained trajectory tracking problem of which analytic solution is obtained. A linear Kalman Filter (KF) is employed to estimate process states. The proposed NMPC is compared with the classic feed-forward controller to illustrate improved performance.
THE GENUS GREENIDEA (RHYNCHOTA: APHIDIDAE) IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Two species of the Asian genus Greenidea have been introduced into the United States, Greenidea ficicola Takahashi and Greenidea psidii van der Goot. Synonymy confusion between Greenidea formosana (Maki) and G. psidii is resolved in favor of G. psidii. Both species colonize Ficus spp., and G. psidii colonizes a few other plants, mostly in Myrtaceae. The two species can be distinguished by the ornamentation on the siphunculi on the apterous forms, and usually also by the arrangement of rhinaria on antennal segment III of the alate forms.
Cosmetic surgery for a fatally ill infant

The ethical and clinical dimensions of strabismus surgery in a case of an infant with mucolipidosis type II are discussed. Three sets of considerations are relevant to the decision of performing such surgery: professional obligations to protect patients from futile or contraindicated treatment; parental authority to assess the risks and benefits for elective pediatric care; and the role of the family as patient. We argue that, when weighed together in the context of this case, these considerations can support a decision to perform the surgery upon parental request, despite the patient's poor prognosis.
Mastercard's Single Entity Strategy

This comment is a response to Professor Fleischer's analysis of the MasterCard IPO prepared for the Harvard Negotiation Law Review symposium. Professor Fleischer's analysis of the MasterCard IPO suggests that the adoption of this particular deal structure was driven not by transactions costs, but branding considerations and antitrust exposure. Fleischer identifies two features of the MasterCard IPO as particularly responsive to both branding and potential antitrust liability: (1) the reverse dual-class voting structure and (2) the charitable foundation. Fleischer correctly points out the proposed structure would reduce potential antitrust exposure by decreasing the merchant banks' control over pricing decisions and highlights an important and underappreciated relationship between antitrust rules and corporate structure. This comment supplements Fleischer's analysis of the antitrust implications of MasterCard's new governance structure. Part I summarizes the antitrust environment facing the cooperative networks serving MasterCard and Visa. Part II considers the antitrust implications of MasterCard's new organizational structure and Part III concludes with some thoughts regarding what the MasterCard IPO tells us about the role of lawyer in dealmaking.
Airtime transfers and mobile communications: Evidence in the aftermath of natural disasters

Abstract We provide empirical evidence that Rwandans use the mobile phone network to transfer airtime to those affected by unexpected shocks. Using an extensive dataset on mobile phone activity in Rwanda and exploiting the quasi-random timing and location of natural disasters, we show that individuals make transfers and calls to people affected by disasters. The magnitude of these transfers is small in absolute terms, but statistically significant; in response to the Lake Kivu earthquake of 2008, we estimate that roughly US$84 in airtime was transferred to individuals in the affected region, that 70% of these transfers were immediately used to make outgoing calls, and that US$16,959 was spent calling those near the epicenter. Unlike other forms of interpersonal transfers, mobile airtime is sent over large geographic distances and in response to covariate shocks. Transfers are more likely to be sent to wealthy individuals, and are sent predominantly between pairs of individuals with a strong history of reciprocal favor exchange.
Bromine Residuesin Wheat and Milled Wheat Fractions Fumigated with Methyl Bromide

Bromine residue in fumigated wheat and wheat products (bran, shorts, flour, and middlings) was analyzed as total organic and inorganic bromine by standard neutron activation analysis techniques including calculations of concentrations from resultant gamma-ray spectra. Very little or no loss of bromine occurred after aeration for 6 hours with either 9% or 15% moisture content wheat. A greater increase in the bromine residue occurred with an increase in the moisture content of the wheat or an increase in the fumigation temperature. Results indicate that fumigation at lower temperatures and higher dosages may result in lower bromine residues than fumigation at higher temperatures and lower dosages. The bromine residue found in wheat fumigated for 48 hours was more than eight times greater than for wheat fumigated for 48 hours. A second repeat fumigation following a first fumigation by 24 hours added 60% to 70% more bromine residue to the wheat. Regardless of whether the wheat is fumigated and then milled to obtain fractions or whether the fractions are fumigated after milling the amount of bromine residue found was in the following sequence: bran>shorts> flour>middlings.
Candy Crush Combinatorics

In the popular game Candy Crush, differently colored candies are arranged in a grid and a player swaps adjacent candies in order to crush them by lining up three or more of the same color. At the b...
Abnormal Data Analysis and Processing Method for Power User Electric Energy Data Acquisition System

In 2010,State Grid Corporation proposed the building of"full coerage,whole collection,full charge control"electric energy data acquisition,which fully reflects the unifid smart grid"information technology,automation,interactive"features to achieve the development goals of modern marketing,and provides technical support for it.System includes the main station business systems,front-end system,the interface system.In consideration of accuracy of the data acquisition system for the demanding characterisitics,it describes the causes of abnormal data,acquire data classification,processing of abnormal data,threshold setting pronciples,identifies and describe the distrotion of data fitting algorithm.
On the Optimization of Occupant Restraint System for Non-airbag Vehicle

When 100%frontal impact occurs,the head performance protection is the key and difficult points in the development of occupant restraint system.Aimed at some minibus,a simulation model of the occupant restraint system is made by Mathematical Dynamic Model(MADYMO) software to record the situation when 100%frontal impact occurs and is validated. Based on the model,the effect of different types of seauSelts and seat back angle on the occupant's head,the contact position of steering wheel and head injury index is studied as well as the effect of the different positions of steering wheel and flange wheel on head impact performance by parts test.Finally,the paper draws the conclusion that the head can be protected well by the rational design of seat back angle or seatbelt load limiter and the control of the contact position between the head and the upper rim of the steering wheel.
Impaired Bladder Perfusion in Interstitial Cystitis: A Study of Blood Supply Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

AbstractLaser doppler flowmetry was used to study bladder blood flow in 16 patients with interstitial cystitis and in 18 control subjects. All studies were performed at cystoscopy under general anesthesia. Interstitial cystitis patients conformed to the diagnostic criteria of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Blood flow measurements were made at four specific sites in the bladder at a capacity of 100ml. and at full capacity. The mean maximum capacity under anesthesia was 828 cc for the control group and 562cc for the IC group. Blood flow at low capacity was similar in the two groups. When the bladder was filled to capacity, blood flow increased by a mean of 9.05 LDF units in the control group but only by 0.06 LDF units in the IC group (p = 0.007). Vault perfusion increased considerably more in the control group compared to the IC group (p = 0.002). The mean ratio of vault to trigonal perfusion was similar in both groups and was not affected by the overall blood ...
3D MR Neurography of the Lumbosacral Plexus: Obtaining Optimal Images for Selective Longitudinal Nerve Depiction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The number of centers currently performing 3D fat-suppressed isotropic imaging is limited. If the angular orientations of the major lumbosacral plexus nerves on 3D isotropic MR neurography could be determined, similar planes could be prescribed during acquisition of 2D or 3D nonisotropic techniques for optimal depiction of various nerves. Our aim was to determine oblique sagittal and coronal angular measurements for longitudinal depiction of lumbosacral plexus nerves. Interobserver and intraobserver performance and mean calibers of sciatic and femoral nerves were also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of lumbosacral plexus MR neurography examinations with 3D nerve-selective imaging performed during a 10-month period on a 3T scanner were evaluated. Two observers performed reconstructions and angular measurements. Sciatic and femoral nerve diameters were measured. Descriptive statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient correlations were used. RESULTS: There were 52 subjects, 11 men and 41 women. Mean sagittal thecal sac angles for coronal demonstration of lumbosacral plexus nerve roots from L1 to S1 for 2 independent observers measured 13.58° ± 2.87° and 13.61° ± 2.18°. Mean sagittal femoral nerve angles were 27.78° ± 4.81° and 28.94° ± 4.49°, and mean sagittal sciatic nerve angles were −10.7° ± 3.75° and −11.82° ± 2.87°. Coronal angular measurements of the femoral and sciatic nerves were similar. The intraclass correlation coefficient was moderate (0.582–0.671) for interobserver performance. For intraobserver performance among various angular measurements, the intraclass correlation coefficient was moderate to good (0.586–0.788). Femoral nerve caliber on MR imaging was almost half that of the sciatic nerve. Mean right femoral nerve thickness was 4.52 ± 1.11 mm and 4.85 ± 0.64 mm for the 2 observers, and mean left femoral nerve thickness was 4.48 ± 0.97 mm and 4.94 ± 0.57 mm. Mean right sciatic nerve thickness was 9.71 ± 1.76 mm and 9.94 ± 0.83 mm, and mean left sciatic nerve thickness was 10.03 ± 1.71 mm and 9.98 ± 0.99 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Angular lumbosacral plexus measurements aid in the prescription of different planes on MR imaging for the optimal longitudinal demonstration of nerves.
Latin America in the Age of Globalization

In 1993, Fernando Henrique Cardoso contributed a chapter to a volume entitled The New Global Economy in the Information Age.1 A year earlier, the authors of the book had used the findings of their research to advise the Yeltsin government of Russia how to formulate its political and economic policies to thrive in the globalized economy. In it, Cardoso was preoccupied with new challenges that the South has to confront, as the 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year world economy becomes increasingly more globalized, borderless, and stateless. The world was moving toward the New Millennium built on the twin foundations of democracy and economic freedom on the one hand, and innovative science and technology on the other. It has been the technological revolution of informatics, telecommunications, and transportation combined with the political and economic revolution of freedom and market that has been driving the processes of globalization.2 As in the old world system of “dependency,” the North dominated the new information. Gone was the Cold War and its intense superpower rivalry, along with the dual hegemonic worlds of the United States and the Soviet Union.
Demonstrating 100 kHz 2D IR Spectroscopy Using a Mid-IR OPCPA Laser Source

We present a 100 kHz 2D IR spectrometer using MgO:PPLN based OPCPA and ZGP DFG stages to generate 4.65 µm pulses. Data collection at 100 kHz with high speed pulse shaping generates spectra in millisecond timescales.
An Improved Convective Ice Parameterization for the NASA GISS Global Climate Model and Impacts on Cloud Ice Simulation

AbstractPartitioning of convective ice into precipitating and detrained condensate presents a challenge for GCMs since partitioning depends on the strength and microphysics of the convective updraft. It is an important issue because detrainment of ice from updrafts influences the development of stratiform anvils, impacts radiation, and can affect GCM climate sensitivity. Recent studies have shown that the CMIP5 configurations of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM simulated upper-tropospheric ice water content (IWC) that exceeded an estimated upper bound by a factor of 2. Partly in response to this bias, a new GCM parameterization of convective cloud ice has been developed that incorporates new ice particle fall speeds and convective outflow particle size distributions (PSDs) from the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA), NASA Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling (TC4), DOE ARM–NASA Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), and DOE ARM Small...
A multi-chamber model of combustion instabilities and its assessment using kilohertz laser diagnostics in a gas turbine model combustor

Abstract A multi-chamber model for the combustion instabilities manifested in a gas turbine model combustor was developed. The proposed model was used to explain the dependencies of instability frequency on burner geometry and other flow parameters, some of which could not be reconciled with previous models. The new model was built upon the Helmholtz analysis of two connected resonators. The instability frequency as well as the complex pressure ratio between two chambers were predicted by solving ordinary differential equations. To assess the assumptions and predictions of the proposed model, the spectra and magnitude of the oscillations of pressure, heat release rate, and velocity were measured for four different operating conditions: rich (R1), lean (L1), stoichiometric (S1), and reduced flow rate (R2) with a kilohertz laser diagnostic system. These measurements reconfirmed that the instability is of Helmholtz type. A global equivalence ratio that is consistently greater than unity was identified to be an enabling factor for combustion instability. This is also in agreement with the predictions made by the proposed model. Furthermore, the model was shown to be able to predict the right trend of instability frequency when multiple parameters were changed. It is concluded that the current model is an improvement over previous models, because the acoustic coupling between different chambers of the burner was considered.
Oxidative inactivation of plasmin and other serine proteases by copper and ascorbate

Fibrin thrombi form at sites of injury, where leukocytes release a variety of oxidants. To determine whether oxidants might affect proteins of the fibrinolytic system, we examined the effects of various oxidants on plasmin. Plasmin was not inhibited by micromolar concentrations of hypochlorous acid, chloramine T, or H2O2. Neither Fe nor Cu affected plasmin alone or in the presence of H2O2. However, incubation of plasmin with 5 mumol/L Cu(I or II) in the presence of the reducing agent ascorbic acid resulted in a loss of its hydrolytic activity towards proteins as well as towards small synthetic substrates. The addition of EDTA, but not mannitol, prevented its inactivation. Inactivation was prevented by the addition of catalase and accelerated by hydrogen peroxide. Preincubation of plasmin with the competitive inhibitor alpha-N-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester prevented inactivation by Cu(II) and ascorbate. These results together suggest site-specific oxidation of plasmin9s active site. Treatment of the plasminogen activators tissue plasminogen activator and two-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator, as well as trypsin, neutrophil elastase, and thrombin with Cu(II) and ascorbate resulted in a loss of their amidolytic and proteolytic activity, indicating the general susceptibility of serine proteases to this type of oxidation. Oxidation of the zymogens Glu-plasminogen and single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator by Cu(II) and ascorbate resulted in the failure of these molecules to generate active enzymes when treated with plasminogen activators or plasmin, respectively. The active site His residue may be the target of oxidative inactivation, as evidenced by the partial protection afforded plasmin by the addition of Zn(II), histidine, or the platinum derivative, platinum(II) (2,2′:6′,2″- terpyridine) chloride. Because platelets contain micromolar concentrations of Cu and leukocytes are rich in ascorbate, Cu-dependent site-specific oxidation might play a role in modulating proteolytic events and the life span of thrombi formed at sites of tissue injury.
High-Sensitivity Troponin as a Biomarker in Heart Rhythm Disease

Biomarkers are important prognostic tools in various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. Although their utility in cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is less established, biomarkers may guide EP clinical practice by identifying patients at risk for developing arrhythmias and their complications, in addition to augmenting therapeutic decisions by targeting appropriate pharmacologic and interventional therapies to patients who may benefit most. In this review, we focus on the prognostic role of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays—which detect subclinical cardiac myocyte damage—in cardiac arrhythmias and their sequelae. We review the current literature on hs-cTn and its impact on various arrhythmia disease states and also provide suggestions for future research in this field. In conclusion, although the utility of hs-cTn assays remains at an investigational stage in cardiac EP, studies to date have suggested value as a prognostic biomarker in atrial fibrillation and as a screening marker for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (both in the general population and among those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
Wearable sensors for monitoring on-duty and off-duty worker physiological status and activities in construction

Abstract Total Worker Health® (TWH) integrates occupational health and safety with the promotion of workers' off-duty wellbeing. Wearable sensors (e.g., activity trackers and physiological monitors) have facilitated personalized objective measurement of workers' health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the TWH concept is relevant to construction workers, especially roofing workers, as they encounter high on-duty health and safety risks and have poor off-duty lifestyles. This study examined the reliability and usability of wearable sensors for monitoring roofing workers' on-duty and off-duty activities. The results demonstrated the usability of these sensors and recommended a data collection period of three consecutive days for obtaining an intraclass correlation coefficient of ≥ 0.75 for heart rate, energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, and sleep efficiency. The participants exhibited significant variations in their physical responses, health statuses, and safety behaviors. Moreover, several issues were identified in the application of wearable sensors to TWH evaluations for construction workers including roofers.
The use of nesiritide in patients with critical cardiac disease.

Objective We evaluated the use of nesiritide in children with critical CHD, pulmonary congestion, and inadequate urine output despite undergoing conventional diuretic therapy. Design We conducted a retrospective analysis of 11 patients with critical CHD, comprising 18 infusions, each of which occurred during separate hospitalisations. Haemodynamic parameters were assessed, and the stage of acute kidney injury was determined before and throughout the duration of therapy using a standardised definition of acute kidney injury – The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Patients Children with critical CHD, pulmonary congestion, and inadequate urinary output despite undergoing diuretic therapy were included. Measurements and main results The use of nesiritide was associated with a significant decrease in the maximum and minimum heart rate values and with a trend towards a significant decrease in maximum systolic blood pressure and maximum and minimum central venous pressures. Urine output increased but was not significant. Serum creatinine levels decreased significantly during the course of therapy (−0.26 mg/dl [−0.50, 0.0], p=0.02), and the number of patients who experienced a decrease in the stage of acute kidney injury of 2 or more – where a change in the stage of acute kidney disease of 2 or more was possible, that is, baseline stage >1 – was highly significant (five of 12 patients, 42%, p<0.001). Conclusions Nesiritide had a favourable impact on haemodynamics, and its use was not associated with deterioration of renal function in patients with critical CHD.