cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol and tobacco abuse in pregnancy: Anaesthetic considerations

The illicit drug abuse in pregnancy has received significant attention over the past two decades. However, far too little attention has been given to the consequences of the use of social drugs such as ethanol and tobacco, which are by far the most commonly abused substances during pregnancy. While the deleterious effects of cocaine or amphetamines on the mother and the fetus are more pronounced and easier to detect, the addiction to ethanol and tobacco is usually subtle and more difficult to diagnose. As a result recreational use of alcohol and tobacco may continue undetected in pregnancy, significantly effecting pregnancy outcome and obstetric and anaesthetic management of these patients. This article reviews the consequences of ethanol and tobacco use in pregnancy and offers recommendation for anaesthetic management of these potentially complicated pregnancies.
A Case Study in Scheduling Reentrant Manufacturing Lines: Optimal and Simulation-Based Approaches

This paper presents initial results of a research study in the optimal scheduling (i.e., job sequencing) in Reentrant Manufacturing Lines (RML), motivated by applications in semiconductor manufacturing. In particular, a simple benchmark RML is utilized, and the optimal scheduling policy is analyzed for an infinite horizon discounted cost problem formulation. The optimality equation and condition are derived, and optimal policy results are obtained for general non-negative one-stage cost functions (in the buffer size). Computational experiments are also performed using the Modified Policy Iteration algorithm. Preliminary experiments on the application of a Neuro-Dynamic Programming (NDP) method (i.e., Q-learning) to approximate the optimal scheduling policy are then presented, when linear and quadratic one-stage cost functions are considered. These experiments show that the Q-learning algorithm gradually approximates the optimal policy as the number of iterations increases and longer simulation lengths are utilized. However, the computational load required by the algorithm increases exponentially with the number of states. Results from this study represent an initial and exploratory research in the application of NDP methods to large-scale RML systems. More extensive research in both exact optimal results and efficient NDP schemes is in progress.
Carl Stumpf (1848–1936): Founder of Experimental Phenomenology

The name of Carl Stumpf figures rarely, if ever, in historical accounts of phenomenology. And it is true that by no stretch of definition could Stumpf be turned into a full-fledged phenomenologist. Stumpf himself made this amply clear in his (posthumous) epistemology, where he devoted eleven pages to a severe criticism especially of Husserl’s phenomenology. Nevertheless, there is no other philosopher or psychologist of comparable stature and position who has been so important for the spread of phenomenology in the broader sense and for putting the phenomenological approach to scientific use. Hence his significance may actually be greater than that of the Phenomenological Movement in the stricter sense, although those who transmit his impulses may not be aware of them.
Synthesis and reactivity of silyl vinylketenes: a formal interrupted Dötz benzannulation with unexpected silyl migration.

An efficient method for the generation of silyl vinylketenes from the thermal reaction of Fischer carbene complexes with silyl-substituted phenylacetylenes is described. Although the silyl vinylketene products are highly stable, conditions have been identified to induce a benzannulation/silyl migration process, providing aromatic silyl ethers.
Detection of Carcinoma of the Prostate Utilizing Biochemical Observations.

This review presents the current status of attempts to identify individuals with a high risk of carcinoma of the prostate by using biochemical, immunochemical, and immunologic studies of body fluids. Blood, urine, and prostatic fluid have been subjected to a variety of analyses in attempts to find alterations that are sufficiently specific and sensitive enough to be useful in the early recognition of patients with a high probability of localized or disseminated carcinoma of the prostate. A variety of immunologic and immunochemical techniques to identify and quantify acid phosphatase of prostatic origin in the serum are currently being explored for this purpose; as yet, none has achieved the specificity-sensitivity relationship necessary for widespread clinical application. Biochemical studies of prostatic fluid have disclosed a reversal of the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme pattern with a predominance of LDH-V and increased levels of transferrin, complement C3 and possibly complement C4 in association with carcinoma of the prostate. The value of these non-specific changes is increased by the probable direct relationship between prostatic epithelial cell metabolism and changes in prostatic fluid composition. These approaches to identify individuals with a high risk of carcinoma of the prostate hold promise; they should be continued and expanded.
Narrow-Band Water-Based Absorber With High Return Loss for Terahertz Spectroscopy

A simple, compact, high-performance absorbing load (absorber) for narrow-band THz spectroscopy is described. Current commercially available THz absorbers offering more than 20 dB return loss are bulky, made of proprietary materials, and intrinsically broadband. This 240 GHz absorber consists of a precisely machined thin layer of PMMA (plexiglas) placed over a small volume of water. By diluting the water with glycerol, the effective refractive index of the back medium may be adjusted finely to maximize return loss. The resonant frequency of the absorber is tuned with the PMMA thickness. Reflectometry measurements of the absorber with a vector network analyzer (VNA)-based terahertz spectrometer show a peak return loss of over 47 dB at 240 GHz and an overall peak return loss between 230 and 250 GHz of over 60 dB. Preliminary calculations suggest that such absorbers can be designed to be effective over much of the sub-THz band. In addition, the absorber is highly sensitive to the refractive index of the back medium, suggesting this type of absorber can be used to track minute changes in the dielectric properties of aqueous solutions.
Temporal stability of lake whitefish genetic stocks in Lake Michigan

Abstract Lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis are the predominant species in the Lake Michigan commercial fishing industry. Six genetic stocks were identified in Lake Michigan in 2007; however, genetic structure can fluctuate throughout time due to demographic variables and changing environments. Temporally stable genetic units have a higher probability of containing genetically adaptive traits and thus, are integral components of a sustainable stock-based management approach. The objective of this research was to determine if the genetic stock structure of lake whitefish in Lake Michigan has remained temporally stable from the 1970s through early 2007. Archived scale samples collected by state and tribal agencies during annual assessments from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s were used as a source of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Samples were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci consistent with the contemporary genetic stock dataset. Tests of F ST , Jost's D EST , and Nei's genetic distance were used to compare nine historical sample populations to contemporary stocks. Most stocks showed temporal stability for a majority of the three different analysis methods. The only historical samples to not support the trend of temporal stability were located in the Green Bay region, where two genetic stocks are present in close proximity and are known to have relatively high levels of gene flow between the two stocks. The prevalence of temporal stability gives support to the theory that a stock-based management plan is appropriate for lake whitefish in Lake Michigan.
Abstract 202: Inhibition of Central Melanocortin 4 Receptor Signaling Severely Impairs Brown Adipose Tissue Activity and VLDL Metabolism

Objectives: SNPs near the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene are associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and deficiency of MC4R is the most common monogenic cause of obesity, a major risk factor for the development of CVD. MC4R-deficient individuals not only show increased food intake but also lower basal energy expenditure. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the central MC4R signaling by SHU9119 in mice increases weight gain independent of food intake. Since brown adipose tissue (BAT) importantly contributes to energy expenditure by combusting high amounts of triglycerides (TG) into heat, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of inhibiting MCR4 on VLDL-metabolism and BAT activity in mice. Methods and results: Female APOE*3-Leiden.CETP transgenic mice were fed a cholesterol-enriched Western-type diet for 4 weeks, matched on body weight and plasma lipids, and infused with either SHU9119 or vehicle for 2 weeks via an osmotic mini-pump into the lateral ventricle while being fed the same diet. SHU9119 increased body fat (+50%) and decreased fat oxidation (-42%). Shu9119 increased plasma VLDL-TG levels (+30%). Whereas hepatic VLDL-TG production rate was not affected, Shu9119 severely impaired clearance of VLDL-TG, explained by reduced uptake of [ 3 H]TG by BAT (-25%). In BAT, SHU9119 decreased UCP-1 protein (-60%) and induced large intracellular lipid droplets, indicative of severely disturbed BAT activity. Since SHU9119 increased food intake (+30%), SHU9119 was also administered in mice that were pair-fed with the vehicle-treated group. Under these conditions, SHU9119 still exhibited these effects, indicating MC4R inhibition impairs BAT activity independent of food intake. Conclusion: Inhibition of central MC4R signaling by SHU9119 increases VLDL-TG levels and decreases energy expenditure specifically by impairing BAT function. We anticipate that MC4R regulates adiposity and VLDL metabolism not only by regulating food intake, but also by modulating BAT activity, and that activation of MC4R is a promising strategy to combat obesity and CVD by increasing BAT activity.
Infinite Patterns and their Symmetries

Some ambiguities and curiosities that arise in the representation, construction, and symmetry classification of infinite patterns are examined. The discussion focuses on frieze patterns, a simple kind of infinite pattern. The examination of these patterns from a generative perspective—that is, in terms of rules that apply to construct them—reveals unusual characteristics of friezes.
Wide local en bloc excision of subungual melanoma in situ.

Abstract Subungual melanoma is a rare but lethal form of melanoma. Amputation at the level of the interphalangeal joint or proximal has been described as appropriate surgical management for all stages of subungal melanoma. In cases of subungual melanoma in situ (SMIS), wide local excision can improve functional and aesthetic outcomes. We reviewed our experience of wide local excision for the treatment of SMIS. Between 2003 and 2010, we treated 9 cases of SMIS. We performed a retrospective review of this series looking at the primary outcomes of recurrence or metastasis. Average age was 40 years (range, 5-65 years). Presenting lesions were on the thumb (5) and index finger (4). All patients underwent definitive reconstruction with a combination of full-thickness skin graft (8) and paronychial advancement flap (6). Reexcision was performed when disease-free margins could not be confirmed. To date, there have been no cases of metastasis or local recurrence in any of our 9 patients (mean follow-up time of more than 4 years). Wide local excision can improve functional and aesthetic outcomes with similar success in rates of local recurrence and metastasis when compared to treatment by amputation in SMIS.
Mutational analysis of the transcriptional activation domains of v-Myb.

A minimal transcription activation domain of the v-Myb oncoprotein was initially mapped to a central cluster of charged residues using GAL4-Myb fusion proteins . This region has been proposed to interact directly with the CBP co-activator in animal cells. Regions flanking this central domain of v-Myb are required for transcriptional activation by the native, unfused protein in both mammalian cells and in budding yeast. To identify the critical residues for transcriptional activation, we have now subjected the minimal activation domain and flanking regions including the heptad leucine repeat to random PCR-mediated mutagenesis. We found that the entire region examined can endure extensive substitutions without affecting transcriptional activation by v-Myb in budding yeast. The few mutations that did affect transcriptional activation altered acidic residues within the minimal activation domain or the heptad leucine repeat region, rather than leucine residues. Remarkably, there was a strong concordance between transcriptional activation in animal cells and in budding yeast, even though budding yeast have no known homologue of CBP or related co-activators. In contrast, there was not a strong correlation between transcriptional activation and oncogenic transformation.
Impact of Dynamic Inconsistency on Optimal Long-Term Contracts

With the repeated moral hazard of long-term contracts aimed at and the agent of time preference taken into account,a three-period incentive model was developed and the impact of dynamic inconsistency on long-term contracts was then explored. The results showed that dynamic inconsistency does not change the memorability of long-term contracts,i. e. the high output at the current stage will positively affect the agent's payoff in the later periods; dynamic inconsistency does change the martingales of different periods,and the agent's optimal utility in Period 1 is less than the expected value in Period 2 and Period 3.
Mandatory Reporting (MR) in Higher Education College Students’ Perceptions of Laws Designed to Reduce Campus Sexual Assault

Mandatory reporting (MR) policies concerning sexual assault victimization now extend to institutions of higher education. The laws are new and thus controversial since relatively little investigation into their impact has occurred. Additionally, since the laws require disclosure to police, at times, even in instances where victims object, opponents have expressed concerns about potential unintended effects, such as diminished victim autonomy. Perhaps, though, the most glaring question involves how college students perceive the policies. Because students are the focus of the laws, this investigation evaluates student opinion about MR, including approval for the policy, the likelihood of personally reporting under MR, perceptions of faculty compliance, and expected outcomes of MR laws. FINDINGS suggest overwhelming support for MR, substantial likelihood of personally reporting assault under the law, and strong belief in faculty compliance. Not least, although students recognize both the positive and negative possibilities of the law, higher percentages believed in the law's potential benefits (e.g., increase university accountability). Implications for research and policy are discussed. Language: en
Effect of chronic hypoxia on K+ channels: regulation in human pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells.

We investigated the effects of chronic hypoxia on the major outward K+ currents in early cultured human main pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPSMC). Unitary currents were measured from insi...
EMERGING TECHNIQUES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SINUSITIS

In recent years, the high prevalence of chronic sinusitis has been noted in isolation and in association with bronchial asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and perennial rhinitis. Many sinus-associated symptoms arise from nasal rather than sinus pathology; thus, it is important to detect the presence, extent, and nature of any disease within the sinus cavities. Conventional plain radiographs have limited sensitivity and have been supplanted by more widespread use of computerized tomography. The role of other modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging has not yet been completely determined. Other tests such as cytology and endoscopy can detect the presence of infection without the need for invasive antral puncture. Practitioners should consider the impact of a negative imaging test on their therapeutic plan and order tests on that basis.
Judgment Making with Conflicting Information in Social Media: The Second-Order Judgment Problems

In online settings, people often face inconsistent or conflicting information about a target of judgment. To make an accurate judgment, they need to determine which information is most relevant, reliable, and trustworthy and how to incorporate it into their judgment making processes. In this paper, we call this the second-order judgment problem—evaluating the value of the information on the target of judgment before making judgments. Extending previous research on online impression formation [1], this study examined the impact of perceived social closeness between the target person whose personality is to be judged and those who provide the information about that person (e.g., comments), which is, in particular, in conflict with the information generated by the target person (e.g., online profiles) on impression formation. To this end, a web-administered experiment was performed, where participants were asked to judge the personality of a target person after reviewing the person’s Facebook page, which had conflicting information. The results showed that the information generated by distant others was more influential on judgment making than that generated by close others, confirming that perceived social closeness functioned as a critical cue for judging the value of the available information. The current findings provide an important implication for the design of the interface of social media: the method of presenting the information about the available information can alter the allocation of judgment makers’ attention, and thereby, final judgments.
Hansei: The Process of Self-Reflection

Parents are the ones who raise their children. I frequently refer back to that notion. I don't have only the good ingredients needed to be a parent; in fact, I think I have more of the bad ingredients. So I take in this and that, reflect, and look back frequently. (Yasuko, high school educated, high self-efficacy mother of three) The words of Yasuko, quoted above, speak about the themes explored in this chapter on self-reflection and perceptions of parenting efficacy. When reflecting on her parenting, Yasuko used the term hansei , a complex concept that refers to thinking carefully about something she has done, evaluating whether she has performed well compared to an idealized image of correct behavior, and pondering how she can improve in the future (Heine, Markus, & Kitayama, 1999). The process of hansei is directed toward identifying one's weaknesses rather than enumerating one's strengths, but not in a way that is debilitating. Rather, after engaging in hansei , the individual is supposed to approach new activities with renewed focus and a sense of vigor and confidence. According to Heine et al., “because any discrepancies from the ideal are bound to be negative, Japanese self-perceptions tend to be critical and self-effacing. Yet, this self-criticism is in service of future improvement and achievement of the self” (1999, p. 771). However, to Western observers familiar with the idea that self-confidence is the key to high achievement, it may seem that focusing on one's weaknesses would lead to low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and impaired performance (Lewis, 1995).
Cultural Criminology of War

Criminology can help clarify how political–economic, institutional, and cultural forces promote criminal aggressive war. This requires drawing on sociology, history, and public opinion and communications research. An important cultural contributor to criminal war is elite legitimation of war by ideological ‘enlistment’ of the public. The cultural and psychosocial mechanisms that contribute to individual-level public support for war can be illuminated using Galtung’s theory of US imperialist culture. The results of this legitimation include socialization promoting fear, alienation causing a pessimistic view of human nature, definitions of the situation suppressing past in-group violence, obedience to authority, and normalization of deviance. These and other processes result in widespread, though not permanent or universal, apathy or enthusiasm about ones’ own nation perpetrating aggressive war.
Cataracts induced by neodymium–yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser lysis of vitreous floaters

Background Neodymium–yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser vitreolysis has been proposed as a treatment modality for symptomatic vitreous floaters. The purpose of this paper is to report two cases of cataracts associated with posterior capsular compromise, induced by Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters. Method Case series. Results Two patients who underwent ND:YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic floaters, presented with decline in visual acuity in the treated eye after the laser procedure. At the slit-lamp biomicroscope, each patient was found to have a posterior subcapsular cataract in the treated eye, with obvious loss of integrity of the posterior capsule. These two patients underwent cataract extraction by the same surgeon via phacoemulsification. Both eyes were found to have a defect in the posterior capsule intraoperatively. In both cases, a three-piece acrylic intraocular lens implant was placed in the sulcus, achieving optic capture. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both patients, at 1 month following the surgery. At 2 months, one patient had a BCVA of 20/15. The second patient maintained a BCVA of 20/20 at 3 months. Conclusions Secondary cataract formation accompanied by loss of integrity of the posterior capsule is a potential complication of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic floaters.
Dissolution of semicrystalline polymer fibers: Numerical modeling and parametric analysis

The solvent processing of polymers is significantly constrained by polymer chain crystallinity. A phenomenological model is developed here that captures the phenomena governing the dissolution of semicrystalline polymers, e.g., solvent penetration, transformation from crystalline to amorphous domains, specimen swelling, and polymer chain untangling. The model is validated for the case of cellulose fiber swelling and dissolution in an ionic liquid. A parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out to assess the impact of decrystallization rate constant, disentanglement rate, concentration dependence of solvent diffusivity, disentanglement threshold, and thickness of external boundary layer on the swelling and dissolution of semicrystalline polymer fibers. The rate of dissolution after attaining maximum swelling is found to be mainly controlled by the polymer chain disentanglement rate. The insights obtained from this study would facilitate the design of efficient solvent systems and processing conditions for the dissolution of semicrystalline polymers such as cellulose, polyglycolic acid, and polyesters. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The relationship between student core self-evaluations, support for school, and the work–school interface

ABSTRACTMore students than ever before are combining the experience of higher education with paid employment, but relatively little research has been done exploring how students manage these roles. In the current study, we explored the association between personality (i.e. core self-evaluations) and support, both specific to the school context. The relationship between support for school and both work–school conflict (WSC) and work-school enrichment (WSE) were also studied, and in turn, associated outcomes (i.e. grade point average, job satisfaction, general psychological health, and school burnout) of inter-role conflict and enrichment. In a two-wave study of 291 employed college students, we found that individuals high in school-specific core self-evaluations perceived greater organizational support and family support for school, which was associated with decreased WSC and increased WSE (through organizational support). In turn, WSC was related to lower general psychological health and higher school bur...
Cytokine Activation and CD16 Cross-Linking Leads to the Generation of Human Memory-Like NK Cells

Abstract Abstract 3291 Introduction. How NK cells acquire enhanced functionality against infection or malignancy remains an important aspect of NK cell biology. Recent studies in mice have shown that activation of NK cells can lead to memory-like properties. The NK cell memory-like response is characterized by an initial activation event, a subsequent return to the resting state, and then enhanced functionality (e.g. IFN-γ production) upon re-stimulation. The discovery of memory-like NK cells has important implications for NK cell-based therapeutics by providing new strategies to enhance and prolong NK cell responses in patients. We hypothesized that cytokines can induce human memory-like NK cells with enhanced ‘recall' function. Methods. Normal donor PBMCs, purified NK cells (>95% purity) and flow-sorted NK cell subsets (>99% purity) were cultured with low dose (1 ng/mL) IL-15 alone (control) or activated with combinations of IL-12 (10 ng/ml), IL-15 (100 ng/ml) and IL-18 (50 ng/ml) or by cross-linking CD16 (plate-bound anti-CD16 mAb) ± cytokines for 16 hours. After washing, the cells were then cultured for an additional 7–42 days in low dose IL-15 (to support survival). Following this prolonged rest period in vitro, NK cell responses (IFN-γ, degranulation) were assessed after 6-hour re-stimulation with cytokines or K562 leukemia cells. For proliferation experiments, NK cells were labeled with CFSE (5 uM, Sigma) for 5 minutes. Results. Initial stimulation with IL-12 + IL-18 for 16 hours resulted in the majority of NK cells producing IFN-γ protein, returning to baseline with no spontaneous IFN-γ production after several days of rest. However, after 7 days of rest the IL-12 + IL-18 pre-activated NK cells exhibited significantly increased IFN-γ response upon re-stimulation with IL-12 + IL-15 compared to controls, by both CD56bright (68 ± 6% vs. 38 ± 5%, p Conclusions. Human NK cells pre-activated with combinations of IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and CD16 cross-linking have memory-like properties evidenced by enhanced function (IFN-γ production) upon re-stimulation with leukemia targets and cytokines. This memory-like phenotype persisted after extensive proliferation and was evident at least 6 weeks after initial pre-activation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of human memory-like NK cells induced by cytokines and/or CD16 pre-activation. This provides a new rationale for investigating short-term pre-activation with combinations of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 in NK cell-based immunotherapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cloud Computing-Based Marketplace for Collaborative Design and Manufacturing

This paper introduces an open-source, interoperable platform for real-time collaboration in complex product lifecycle development across multiple companies. Each segment of the lifecycle, including product conception, design, analysis, prototyping, component sourcing, manufacturing and assembly, logistics and delivery, and services from installation to maintenance, repair and overhaul, can benefit from this collaboration through easy access, development, deployment, and integration of heterogeneous models and data. The platform is built on an elastic cloud-computing environment, which provides efficient scaling of computational performance needs to support the collaboration platform. We believe that this platform will enable organizations of all sizes to enter a new digital age of integrated product design, manufacturing and service systems.
Low-loss self-switching bandstop filter

A new switchable low-loss bandstop filter is presented based on an indirect switching method combined with all-pass coupled lines. The proposed design allows switching between an all-pass mode and a bandstop filter mode for On/Off operation of a bandstop response. Due to the location of the switch, which is outside of the through line, the passband insertion loss is drastically improved with this new method compared with a conventional switchable bandstop filter configuration. In addition, the method provides consistent group delay throughout the passband in both the all-pass mode and the bandstop filter mode, which is a capability that is not commonly available in conventional multi-path-type switched filter approaches. A 4-pole prototype switchable notch filter centered at 1090 MHz with 14 MHz 30-dB bandwidth was fabricated and measured for demonstration.
Dynamics of Plate Boundary Fault Systems from Basin and Range Geodetic Network (BARGEN) and Geologic Data

Continuously recorded Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the northern Basin and Range suggest that contemporary deformation is quite slow and broadly distributed, rather than being concentrated in the relatively narrow zones of historical earthquakes. Surprisingly, however, in north-central Nevada, the data indicate rapid, rangenormal crustal shortening at a rate of 2–3 mm/yr in an area where the geology indicates crustal extension via Holocene normal faulting. A possible explanation for the conflicting geodetic and geologic data is that the region of shortening represents the contractile side of a slowly east-propagating deformation pulse generated by the 1915 Pleasant Valley and 1954 Dixie Valley and Fairview Peak earthquakes. Such pulses, which are transient effects not recorded by faulting, are predicted by a broad class of physical models, but have only been observed within a few years after very large earthquakes, when the signal is much larger than the long-term deformation rate. The Basin and Range, and similar areas with a combination of low long-term deformation rates and large earthquakes, may therefore have the best potential by combining modern geologic and geodetic data to elucidate fault system behavior, in particular how transient effects from an earthquake on one fault may influence patterns of stress and seismic strain release on others. These types of data are essential in developing realistic models of seismic hazard, and in linking short–time scale observations with longer term geologic processes.
George Klein (1925-2016) A Prescient, Luminous Voice.

![][1] George Klein George Klein, and his wife, Eva Klein, made discoveries that were fundamental to cancer immunology and cancer biology. George passed away December 10, 2016, at the age of 91. George and Eva Klein's 1960 article in Cancer Research ([1][2]) was something of a big
Robust lp Stability and Performance

Abstract In this paper we study robust stability, in the lp sense, against structured perturbations of bounded lp norm. The perturbations may be either linear time-varying, nonlinear time-varying, or nonlinear time-invariant. We develop exact tests for robust stability for each case in terms of convex optimization problems. These results are extended to solve the corresponding robust performance problems, with performance measured via the induced lp norm.
Hegel and India: The Aesthetics of Eurocentrism

This chapter discusses Hegel’s account, in his aesthetics, of India and of the Sanskrit epic, the Mahābhārata. Previous chapters have shown that Hegel is one of the creators and enablers of the discourse of modern Eurocentrism, articulating it at its highest level, not only in his politics and the philosophy of history but also in his thinking about art and literature, which is closely tied to his overall historical scheme. This chapter extends the book’s argument into the important domain of Hegel’s aesthetics, and indicates the kind of reception, use, and opposition they have evoked in postcolonial theory. In order to do this, it outlines Hegel’s vision of the evolution of art through its symbolic, classical, and Romantic forms, and then focuses on one exemplary portion of his aesthetics, namely his treatment of Indian poetry.
Maps of Daesh: The Cartographic Warfare Surrounding Insurgent Statehood

The ongoing Syrian civil war raises new cartographic challenges, including the ethical question of how the self-proclaimed Islamic State should be represented. Based on a comparative study, this ar...
HER2/neu (erbB2) kinase domain mutation results in constitutive phosphorylation and activation of HER2 and EGF receptors

1457 We have examined the transforming effects of mutations/insertions within exon 20 of the HER2/neu (erbB2) proto-oncogene that were recently discovered in lung and other epithelial human cancers (Stephens et al. , Nature 2005; Shigematzu et al. , Cancer Res. 2005). Expression of HER2 containing a YVMA insertion at G776 in BEAS2B (bronchial) and MCF10A (mammary) human epithelial cells was markedly more potent in inducing serum-free proliferation, invasiveness, survival, and tumorigenicity in vivo compared to wild-type (WT) HER2. HER2 YVMA was potently autophosphorylated on tyrosine and induced transphosphorylation of EGF receptors and higher association with signal transducers, such as Shc and p85, that engage proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways compared to HER2 WT . HER2 YVMA transphosphorylated kinase-dead K721R EGFR as well as wild-type EGFR in the presence of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (’Iressa’), suggesting that in heterodimers of EGFR and mutant HER2, the catalytic activity of the former is dispensable. RNA interference of mutant HER2 in H1781 lung cancer cells, which contain a VC insertion within exon 20 of HER2 , resulted in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. Treatment with the HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab downregulated mutant receptors from the cell surface and inhibited growth of H1781 and HER2 YVMA -transfected cells. Taken together, these data suggest that 1) this natural mutant of HER2 activates cellular substrates, such as the EGFR, more potently than HER2 WT ; 2) cancer cells expressing this mutant should remain sensitive to trastuzumab but insensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Sensory Functions of the Neostriatum

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the sensory functions of the neostriatum. The sensory responses of the neostriatum clearly indicate a close relation to polysensory systems. Responses can be recorded to a wide range of sensory modalities in the manner typical of other polysensory structures such as centrum medianum of the thalamus, association cortex, reticular formation, and the deep layers of the superior colliculus. Typical polysensory neurons are characterized by partial or complete convergence of different sensory modalities onto a single unit, wide and often bilateral receptive fields, and an inability to follow repetitive sensory stimulation at rates exceeding 2–6 stimuli per sec. Unlike the activity of the modality specific lemniscal systems, polysensory activity is greatly depressed by barbiturates but is unaffected or enhanced by chloralose, so that much of the information pertaining to polysensory systems has been obtained from animals anesthetized with α-chloralose. Comparable results have been obtained from immobilized, locally anesthetized preparations and from unrestrained animals with chronically implanted electrodes.
Brainstem Premotor Cardiac Vagal Neurons

This chapter focuses on the neurobiology of premotor cardiac vagal neurons that are located in the brainstem. These parasympathetic cardiac neurons play an essential role in the regulation of heart rate, and are responsible for, together with sympathetic activity, cardiovascular homeostasis. Since cardiac vagal neurons are intrinsically silent their activity is determined by the activity and transmitters released by the neurons that synapse upon these neurons. This chapter focuses on the synaptic activation of cardiac vagal neurons, their postsynaptic receptors and electrophysiological responses, and, in particular, how the cellular activity of these neurons is altered during different physiological and pathological conditions.
Relative Vasodilatory Potencies of Substance P, Deca-Substance P and Nona-Substance P in the Canine Forelimb

We have assessed the relative vasodilatory potencies of substance P, deca-substance P and nona-substance P in the canine forelimb. In pentobarbital anesthetized dogs (35 mg/kg, i.v., n=7) the right forelimb was perfused at constant flow via the brachial artery. We measured systemic, forelimb perfusion, skin and muscle small artery and skin and muscle small and large vein pressures. Brachial and cephalic blood flows were measured by timed collections of the venous effluents. The peptides were infused intra-arterially in sequentially increasing dosages of 75, 150, 300, 750 and 1500 ng/min for ten minutes at each infusion rate. Each infusion rate immediately followed the previous one. However, pressures were allowed to return to steady-state values after completion of each peptide infusion before proceeding to the next peptide. The order of peptide infusion was varied for each experiment. Substance P infusion resulted in a 48, 8, 13, 16 and 10% decrease in forelimb perfusion pressure and a 24, 10, 13, 16, and 7% decrease in systemic pressure at the above infusion rates, respectively. Infusion of deca-substance P produced 51, 6, 12, 20 and 15% decreases in forelimb perfusion pressure and 26, 6, 15, 23, and 17% decreases in systemic pressure. Nona-substance P decreased forelimb perfusion pressure 48, 6, 17, 18, and 13% and systemic pressure 15, 3, 11, 17, and 12%. Skin and muscle small and large vein pressures were only transiently altered during peptide infusion. The dilation produced by all three peptides in the forelimb was equally distributed between the skin and skeletal muscle circulations. These data indicate that substance P, deca-substance P and nona-substance P possess similar vasodilatory potencies in the canine forelimb.
Speaking Practice Outside the Classroom: A Literature Review of Asynchronous Multimedia-based Oral Communication in Language Learning

Classroom instruction provides a limited amount of quality speaking practice for language learners. Asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication is one way to provide learners with quality speaking practice outside of class. Asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication helps learners develop presentational speaking skills and raise their linguistic self-awareness. Twenty-two peer-reviewed journal articles studying the use of asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication in language learning were reviewed, (1) to explore how asynchronous oral communication has been used to improve learner speaking skills, and (2) to investigate what methodologies are commonly used to measure and analyze language gains from using asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication to improve learner speaking skills. In this study we present three principal findings from the literature. First, asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication has been used in conjunction with a variety of instructional methods to promote language gains in terms of fluency, accuracy and pronunciation. Second, the methods found in this review were technical training, preparatory activities, project-based learning, and self-evaluation with revision activities. Third, the majority of previous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these methods have relied on learner perceptions of language gains rather than on recordings of learner speech.
Usefulness of Circulating Caspase-3 p17 and Caspase-1 p20 Peptides and Cardiac Troponin 1 During Cardioplegia to Gauge Myocardial Preservation

Evidence is accumulating that cardiac apoptosis occurs and contributes to myocyte cell death during myocardial ischemia. Cardioplegia, defined as the temporary cessation of cardiac activity during cardiac surgery, is a clinically controlled condition with myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Our goal was to determine whether the apoptotic biomarker caspase-3 p17 is elevated in the coronary sinus (CS) during cardioplegia and if any elevations were reflected in the peripheral venous (PV) blood. Levels of the necrotic biomarker cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and the inflammatory marker caspase-1 p20 were also quantified in CS and PV. Blood was drawn before and at the end of cardioplegia in PV and CS and levels of p20, p17, and cTnI were measured. cTnI, p20, and p17 PV levels were significantly elevated compared with the control population before and at the end of cardioplegia. PV levels of all 3 markers increased after cardioplegia. CS levels were higher than PV levels for all 3 markers at both time points. Our data are consistent with the occurrence of cardiac apoptosis and inflammation during cardioplegia, in addition to necrosis. The heart-derived markers contributed to the peripheral levels and suggest that measurement of PV biomarker concentrations can be used to gauge cardiac preservation.
Cross-Talk Between Antigen Presenting Cells and T Cells Impacts Intestinal Homeostasis, Bacterial Infections, and Tumorigenesis

Innate immunity is maintained in part by antigen presenting cells (APCs) including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. APCs interact with T cells to link innate and adaptive immune responses. By displaying bacterial and tumorigenic antigens on their surface via major histocompatibility complexes, APCs can directly influence the differentiation of T cells. Likewise, T cell activation, differentiation, and effector functions are modulated by APCs utilizing multiple mechanisms. The objective of this review is to describe how APCs interact with and influence the activation of T cells to maintain innate immunity during exposure to microbial infection and malignant cells. How bacteria and cancer cells take advantage of some of these interactions for their own benefit will also be discussed. While this review will cover a broad range of topics, a general focus will be held around pathogens, cancers, and interactions that typically occur within the gastrointestinal tract.
Quality of life, depression, and end-of-life outcomes in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.

9525 Background: Hospitalized cancer patients are more likely to have advanced disease and are at risk for poor outcomes, yet little is known about their quality of life (QOL) and rates of depressi...
Architected hollow sphere foams for simultaneously tunable noise and vibration control

Architected metamaterials, which are rationally designed multiscale material systems, exhibit novel functionalities and unique properties that cannot be readily achieved in natural bulk solids. In addition to unusual mechanical and physical properties, such as high specific stiffness and strength, negative Poisson’s ratio, negative coefficient of thermal expansion, and negative compressibility, architected metamaterials have been designed and optimized for novel elastodynamic wave phenomena. One example of such architected metamaterials is phononic metamaterial, which consists of periodically topological structures and materials dispersions. These rationally designed structures enable the manipulation of propagating acoustic or elastic waves but not simultaneously. Here, we report a new type of architected hollow sphere foam that can attenuate sound and elastic wave synchronically. Our numerical simulation results suggest that the acoustic wave attenuation is controlled by the drilled area and thickness of the spheres, while the elastic wave propagation can be manipulated by changing the connectivity among the hollow spheres. We printed the architected hollow sphere foams and experimentally demonstrated the existence of omnidirectional acoustic and elastic wave bandgaps. Our findings reported here offer new opportunities to design lightweight architected metamaterials to simultaneously control undesired noise and vibration over a wide range of frequency.
A novel mutation found in the 3' domain of NADH-cytochrome B5 reductase in an African-American family with type I congenital methemoglobinemia.

Congenital methemoglobinemia caused by an erythrocytic deficiency of cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R; type I) in African-American individuals was first reported by this laboratory. The rarity of this observation is possibly due to the difficulty detecting cyanosis that is masked by naturally occurring dark skin pigment. Since previous biochemical studies on the African-American family with variant enzyme b5R- Shreveport showed enzyme instability, we focused on molecular analysis of its transcript. The transcript size was the same as that of a normal control. The nucleotide sequence of both normal and variant transcripts were examined by directly sequencing reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) product. The propositus was found to be homozygous for a G to A transition at codon 212 in exon 8, changing a glutamate to a lysine (E212K). In addition, a C to G transversion was found at codon 116 in exon 5, changing a threonine to a serine (T116S). Using allele-specific PCR, we determined that E212K was found only in the propositus and her heterozygous mother. Furthermore, E212K is predicted to disrupt an alpha-helix peptide structure of b5R, suggesting that this is likely the disease-causing mutation. In contrast, T116S was found to be a high-frequency polymorphism specific for the African-American population. The E212K mutation is uniquely present in the 3′ end of the b5R gene (exon 8), which differs from those b5R mutations found among Japanese subjects (exons 3 and 5) and in an Italian subject (exon 4) and, thus, further contributes to our understanding of the structure/function relationship of this housekeeping enzyme.
Examining the effects of passive and active strategies on behavior during hybrid visual memory search: evidence from eye tracking

Hybrid search requires observers to search both through a visual display and through the contents of memory in order to find designated target items. Because professional hybrid searchers such as airport baggage screeners are required to look for many items simultaneously, it is important to explore any potential strategies that may beneficially impact performance during these societally important tasks. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role that cognitive strategies play in facilitating hybrid search. We hypothesized that observers in a hybrid search task would naturally adopt a strategy in which they remained somewhat passive, allowing targets to “pop out.” Alternatively, we considered the possibility that observers could adopt a strategy in which they more actively directed their attention around the visual display. In experiment 1, we compared behavioral responses during uninstructed, passive, and active hybrid search. We found that uninstructed search tended to be more active in nature, but that adopting a passive strategy led to above average performance as indicated by a combined measure of speed and accuracy called a balanced integration score (BIS). We replicated these findings in experiment 2. Additionally, we found that oculomotor behavior in passive hybrid search was characterized by longer saccades, improved attentional guidance, and an improved ability to identify items as targets or distractors (relative to active hybrid search). These results have implications for understanding hybrid visual search and the effect that strategy use has on performance and oculomotor behavior during this common, and at times societally important, task.