cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vinorelbine (Navelbine) in non-small cell lung cancer : future directions

Abstract Randomized clinical trials of vinorelbine (Navelbine; Burroughs Wellcome Co, Research Triangle Park, NC; Pierre Fabre Medicament, Paris, France) as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin have demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Administered as a single agent on a weekly schedule, the vinorelbine therapeutic profile compares favorably with other regimens currently used in palliative treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. Vinorelbine is also being considered in other treatment settings as well: adjuvant treatment in stage I and II disease, and regimens with curative intent in stage IIIa and IIIb disease. Future directions for vinorelbine in the treatment of NSCLC are likely to be directed toward combination trials with other agents active in NSCLC. Current phase I-II trials, for example, combine vinorelbine with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, mitomycin-C, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Princeton, NJ). Some phase III trials are planned and some are under way. Vinorelbine has been a focus of interest in multimodality trials. A Canadian trial, for example, combined vinorelbine and cisplatin, followed by accelerated radiation. Results from all these trials can be expected to guide the further development of vinorelbine in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings in NSCLC. Moreover, trials that are documenting the efficacy of vinorelbine in small cell lung cancer are just beginning.
Applying deep learning technology to automatically identify metaphase chromosomes using scanning microscopic images: an initial investigation

Automated high throughput scanning microscopy is a fast developing screening technology used in cytogenetic laboratories for the diagnosis of leukemia or other genetic diseases. However, one of the major challenges of using this new technology is how to efficiently detect the analyzable metaphase chromosomes during the scanning process. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a computer aided detection (CAD) scheme based on deep learning technology, which can identify the metaphase chromosomes with high accuracy. The CAD scheme includes an eight layer neural network. The first six layers compose of an automatic feature extraction module, which has an architecture of three convolution-max-pooling layer pairs. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd pair contains 30, 20, 20 feature maps, respectively. The seventh and eighth layers compose of a multiple layer perception (MLP) based classifier, which is used to identify the analyzable metaphase chromosomes. The performance of new CAD scheme was assessed by receiver operation characteristic (ROC) method. A number of 150 regions of interest (ROIs) were selected to test the performance of our new CAD scheme. Each ROI contains either interphase cell or metaphase chromosomes. The results indicate that new scheme is able to achieve an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.886±0.043. This investigation demonstrates that applying a deep learning technique may enable to significantly improve the accuracy of the metaphase chromosome detection using a scanning microscopic imaging technology in the future.
Abstract 3089: miR-491-3p regulation of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A gene family.

Background: The UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are phase II metabolic enzymes that prime endogenous and exogenous compounds for excretion from the body. The UGTs are often found to have high inter-individual differences in expression, and this impacts patients’ response to drug therapy. Studies examining the epigenetic regulation of the UGT enzymes have not previously been performed. Recently, it has been shown that the phase I metabolic cytochrome P-450s (CYPs) are negatively regulated by microRNA (miRNA). miRNA are short, endogenous strands of RNA roughly 22-24 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression. MiRNA specifically bind to the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of mature messenger RNA (mRNA) and post-transcriptionally repress protein expression. Purpose: The goal of this study is to identify and evaluate miRNA regulation of UGT1A expression and whether this regulation contributes to differences in UGT1A enzymatic activity. Results: miR-491-3p was identified using the miRanda prediction program. Luciferase assays showed a significant reduction in luciferase activity with an attached UGT1A 3’UTR in the presence of miR-491-3p mimic (P Citation Format: Douglas F. Dluzen, Anna Salzberg, Dongxiao Sun, Nathan Jones, Ryan Bushey`, Philip Lazarus. miR-491-3p regulation of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A gene family. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3089. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3089
Research Design Effects on the Reliability of Rating Scales: A Meta-Analysis:

This meta-analysis investigates the effects of research design on the reliability of rating scale measures used in marketing research. Three sets of independent variables—sampling characteristics, ...
Iterative PNS method for attached flows with upstream influence

A stable global-iteration procedure is developed by utilizing successive sweeps, from inflow to outflow boundaries, of a parabolized Navier-Stokes code for attached, steady supersonic flow. It is shown that the procedure converges in about ten or fewer iterations, and allows for the upstream influence within the subsonic region of a supersonic boundary layer. An implicit forward difference is employed in the subsonic region to evaluate the pressure-gradient term in the streamwise momentum equation. The pressure-gradient term is normally approximated in standard single-sweep parabolized methods, suppressing the upstream influence. The iterative results obtained demonstrate the validity of the single-sweep method for weak interactions. For hypersonic viscous interaction on a flat plate at a Mach number of 5.8, it is found that the single-sweep method has a small error that vanishes as the Reynolds number of the flow is increased. However, the skin friction has an error of about 10 percent for low Reynolds numbers and for hot wall conditions. The application of this method to laminar two-dimensional flow over weak expansion and compression corners shows that the pressure and skin friction results in the vicinity of the expansion corner compare favorably with a time-dependent Navier-Stokes numerical solution.
The myth of antioxidants.

The article looks at research into the role of oxidative damage caused by free radicals in aging and the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamins to prevent age-related diseases. In a study of Caenorhabditis elegans worms genetically engineered to stop producing antioxidant enzymes, researchers found that the worms exhibited oxidative damage, but not early death. Another study discovered that naked mole rats, a species with a long life span, showed lower natural antioxidant levels and higher oxidative damage of tissues than other rodents. Other topics include the effects of superoxide radicals on aging, beneficial effects of environmental stress, and the potential health risks of antioxidant supplements. INSETS: When Vitamins Kill;Insight from Mutant Worms.
The puritan heritage and current economic attitudes in America

This essay sustains that the contemporary economic yearnings of American society are deeply rooted in seventeenth century Puritan Massachusetts — a cultural heritage which the people are unwilling and perhaps unable to abandon. The author identifies five of the most firmly-held assumptions as a beginning for the study of cultural values and economics in the United States today: 1. The assumption that America has a special, divinely ordained role as a world leader — exemplar of democratic ideals; 2. An assumption that those in power and authority should be willing to sacrifice something for the common good; 3. A sense of pride in the product itself and identity with the institution; 4. A sense of certain independence from the employer based on the integrity of the individual; 5. The assumption that individuals and institutions adhere to a set of shared moral principles. The essay concludes that the strengths of the Protestant ethic which have become part of the national ideology have begun to produce more barriers than benefits to progress and that what is urgently needed in the United States today is creative and imaginative leadership. Este artigo sustenta que os anseios economicos contemporâneos da sociedade americana estao profundamente arraigados na Massachusetts puritana do seculo dezessete — heranca cultural da qual o povo nao quer e talvez nao consiga se libertar. O autor apresenta cinco das pressuposicoes mais enraizadas, como ponto de partida para o estudo dos valores culturais e economicos dos Estados Unidos de hoje: 1. A suposicao de que os Estados Unidos representam um papel conferido por Deus, como lider mundial — modelo dos ideais democraticos; 2. Uma suposicao de que os detentores do poder e as autoridades deveriam estar dispostos ao sacrificio pelo bem comum; 3. Um sentimento de orgulho por aquilo que produzem e identificacao com a instituicao; 4. Um sentido de certa independencia do empregador, baseado na integridade do individuo; 5. A suposicao de que os individuos e as instituicoes sao fieis a um conjunto geral de principios morais. O artigo conclui que a forca da etica protestante, que e parte da ideologia americana, passou a gerar mais obstaculos do que beneficios para o progresso, e que os Estados Unidos de hoje precisam urgentemente de lideranca imaginativa e criadora.
Exploring extreme events on social media

Although recent research suggests that Twitter and other forms of micro-blogging are becoming increasingly relied upon by both the public and response agencies dealing with crises and disasters, little is known about how these dynamics may play out in a non-Western context. The current study examines the use of the Chinese Weibo service during a 2013 smog emergency, and compares user generated content to that found in earlier data concerning a weather event in North America. The results indicate that by way of comparison, the Weibo sample contained proportionately similar degrees of informative and affective content, but that users were less likely to use humor and showed no increase in affective outpouring as the crisis developed. Results are discussed in terms of implications for those designing social media campaigns for informing and motivating those affected by large-scale weather-related crises. A cross-cultural comparison of Twitter retweets and Weibo reposts for a crisis event was conducted.Differences emerged in type and rate of retweet/repost.Differences in informative and emotional content were found.Application of the results are discussed.
Analysis on Coverage Rate of Hepatitis B Vaccine Among Children Born in Rural Areas of Zhongfang County from 2002 and 2009

Objective To evaluate the full immunization and the first timely inoculation coverage rate of hepatitis B vaccine in rural areas of Zhongfang County since it has been put into the immunization program. Methods The data of the coverage rates of hepatitis B vaccine among the rural children of Zhongfang County during the period of 2002～2009 were collected and analyzed. Results Of the children born in rural areas of Zhongfang County,the annual average full immunization coverage rate and first timely inoculation coverage rate were 92.59% and 77.91%,respectively.The full immunization coverage rate and the first timely inoculation coverage rate went up to 97.27% and 89.54% in 2009 from 78.18% and 59.09% in 2002,which showed an increasing trend.The full immunization coverage rate and the first timely inoculation coverage rate in the Northwest hills-based developed rural areas were both significantly higher than those of the Southeast mountain-based underdeveloped rural areas.The first timely inoculation coverage rate in the children born in hospitals was significantly higher than that in the children born in clinics and born at homes. Conclusions The coverage rate of hepatitis B vaccine of children born in rural areas of Zhongfang County was increased yearly.Enhancing health education among the maternal and other key populations,increasing institutional delivery,and strengthening the supervision on obstetric services of medical institutions are the effective measures to improve the hepatitis B coverage rate of the children born in rural areas.
Serum protein fractions in domestic animals.

SUMMARY Normal values for serum protein fractions of cattle, cats, dogs, horses and sheep are reported. These values were derived from electrophoretograms showing distinct separation of the various protein fractions. From these electrophoretograms, the relative distance of migration of the various protein fractions was established for each species. Examination of these data suggests that horse serum should be designated into albumin, alpha globulin, beta 1 , globulin, beta 2 globulin and gamma globulin. Because no standardized sera are available for quality control procedures for electrophoresis of domestic animals, it is proposed that the relative migration distances be used to assist the technologist in making consistent standardized separations of an electrophoretogram.
Introduction: Silencing the Storm—The Never-Ending Search for “Truth” After Tlatelolco

The introduction traces and provides background information for the events of 1968. It situates them in Mexico’s historical context, which includes a long history of social movements. It also provides the social and cultural context in 1968 Mexico that influenced the initial literary production in the aftermath of the Tlatelolco massacre. Finally, it stakes out the theoretical framework that will guide the book’s arguments. Specifically, it introduces the manner in which Foucault conceives power relations and the manner in which Deleuze and Guattari expand on that paradigm; the manner in which Žižek imagines the play between the real and reality; and the role of discourse in the construction of a historical construct using White and DeCerteau.
FIRE SAFETY PRACTICES IN INSTITUTIONAL, RESIDENTIAL AND HOME CARE IN FINLAND

Background The rescue act 2011 in Finland stresses that the responsibility of fire safety is on building owners and service providers. The regulation is justifiable, because people in vulnerable positions, for example elderly and disabled, have an increased risk being fire victims. The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of rescue service act among service providers in residential, institutional and home care facilities and to monitor changes from 2013 to 2015. Methods Online surveys on fire hazard assessment and risk management practices were done in 2013 and 2015. Respondents were managers of residential, institutional and home care facilities for the vulnerable people. Information of the facilities was obtained from the nationwide Register of Institutions in Social Welfare and Health Care. The study sample was systematically selected (every other) and it consisted 1605 organisations. Results In 2013 93% of institutional and 95% residential units had written guidelines to ensure fire safety. In 2015 the proportion has decreased to 84 in institutional and 88% in residential units. At home care written guidelines had less than 50%. The accident prevention guidelines had increased in institutional units from 66% to 74% and in residential units from 66% to 77%. At home care the guidelines had 50%. Safety guidelines in general e.g. crime prevention has also decreased and was now less than 50%, at home care only 22%. Patient and residential safety guidelines were increased only at home care from 55% to 60%. Conclusions The organisations have increased their preparedness for fire risk with sprinklers. But at the same time they made less written guidelines to prevent to fire. Fire risk assessment and management practices have improved only in home care. In IR-units the situation seems to be weaker than in 2013. The situation is not acceptable and the reasons should be diagnosed.
The circadian clock modulates anti-cancer properties of curcumin

Curcuminoids of the spice turmeric and their enhanced derivatives have much potential as cancer treatments. They act on a wide variety of biological pathways, including those regulating cell division and circadian rhythms. It is known that circadian clocks can modify cancer therapy effectiveness, according to studies aimed at optimizing treatments based on the circadian cycle. It is therefore important to determine whether treatments with curcumin or similar chemotherapeutic agents are regulated by circadian timing. Similarly, it is important to characterize any effects of curcumin on timing abilities of the circadian clocks within cancer cells. We examined the circadian clock’s impact on the timing of cell death and cell division in curcumin-treated C6 rat glioma cells through continuous video microscopy for several days. To evaluate its persistence and distribution in cancer cells, curcumin was localized within cell compartments by imaging its autofluorescence. Finally, HPLC and spectroscopy were used to determine the relative stabilities of the curcumin congeners demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin that are present in turmeric. Circadian rhythms in cell death were observed in response to low (5 μM) curcumin, reaching a peak several hours before the peak in rhythmic expression of mPER2 protein, a major circadian clock component. These results revealed a sensitive phase of the circadian cycle that could be effectively targeted in patient therapies based on curcumin or its analogs. Curcumin fluorescence was observed in cell compartments at least 24 h after treatment, and the two congeners displayed greater stability than curcumin in cell culture medium. We propose a mechanism whereby curcuminoids act in a sustained manner, over several days, despite their tendency to degrade rapidly in blood and other aqueous media. During cancer therapy, curcumin or its analogs should be delivered to tumor cells at the optimal phase for highest efficacy after identifying the circadian phase of the cancer cells. We confirmed the greater stability of the curcumin congeners, suggesting that they may produce sustained toxicity in cancer cells and should be considered for use in patient care.
Characterization of inter-detector effects in a 3-D position-sensitive dual-CZT detector modules for PET

This study presents results from two 3-D position-sensitive dual-CZT photon detector modules designed for a high-resolution small animal PET system. Each module comprises a stack of two 40 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm monolithic CZT crystals metalized with a cross-strip electrode pattern that achieves better than 1 mm resolution. In contrast to our prior work focusing on single-crystal CZT performance, this study investigated the impact of detector packaging and module construction on detector performance. This study measured five module-level characteristics; the corresponding findings are as follows. First, the study measured the fraction of event triggers potentially induced by intra-module cross-talk, i.e. occurrence of simultaneous triggers on anode or cathode strips of one detector and the corresponding electrode strips on another detector across the thin flex circuit. This was measured to be 1.51±0.34% for anode channels and 6.40±1.21 % for cathode channels - sufficiently low not to be of specific concern for PET imaging. Second, detector photon sensitivity is maintained at detector-detector boundaries, with the edge anode strip detecting approximately equal number of events as other anode strips. Third, the anode energy resolution in dual-module configuration was measured to be 6.18±0.87% and 4.38±0.67% - slightly degraded from previous studies of an individual detector crystal due to either increased anode stray capacitance or crystal variances, or both. Fourth, stray capacitance on cathode channels was seen to increase the readout noise level by a factor of -2.8 for a free-standing dual-detector module, and by a factor of -4.8 for two stacked dual-detector modules. This revealed the need to increase the cathode-cathode separation across flex circuits and the use of a lower dielectric constant flex substrate. Finally, a survey of noisy, intermittent or disconnected electrode channels highlighted the need for tight control of the module assembly process.
Optimal ex vivo lung perfusion techniques with oxygenated perfusate.

Background Accumulating evidence supports an increasing role of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) in clinical lung transplantation. However, EVLP has adverse effects on the quality of lung grafts, which have rarely been discussed. Careful optimization of current EVLP protocols might improve outcomes. This study examined effects of different levels of oxygenation of the perfusate circulated through the lungs during EVLP and the impact on post-transplant functional outcomes. Methods We compared results of 4 different oxygenation levels in the perfusate during EVLP: 6% oxygen (O 2 ), 40% O 2 , 60% O 2 , and 100% O 2 . We evaluated lung function, compliance, and vascular resistance and levels of glucose and other markers in the perfusate. After EVLP, lung grafts were transplanted, and post-transplant outcomes were compared. Results Lungs perfused with 40% O 2 on EVLP had the lowest glucose consumption compared with the other perfusates. Lungs treated with 40% O 2 or 60% O 2 exhibited significantly less inflammation, as indicated by reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine messenger RNA levels compared with lungs perfused with 6% O 2 or 100% O 2 . Significantly more oxidative damage was noted after 4 hours of EVLP perfused with 100% O 2 . After transplantation, lungs perfused with 40% O 2 during EVLP had the best post-transplant functional outcomes. Conclusions Optimization of O 2 levels in the perfusate during EVLP improved outcomes in this rat model. Deoxygenated perfusate, the current standard during EVLP, exhibited significantly more inflammation with compromised cellular metabolic activity and compromised post-transplant outcomes.
Numerical investigation of the stability of the rational solutions of the nonlinear Schrdinger equation

HightlightsA broad numerical investigation involving large ensembles of perturbed initial data indicates the Peregrine and second order rational solutions of the NLS equation are linearly unstable.A highly accurate Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method is developed for solving the NLS equation that uses the map x=cot in combination with the Fast Fourier Transform to approximate uxx on an infinite domain.A modified Fourier spectral method that can treat initial data with discontinuous derivatives over periodic domains is developed for solving the NLS equation, of which the resolution of the Peregrine solution is a particular example. The rational solutions of the nonlinear Schrdinger (NLS) equation have been proposed as models for rogue waves. In this article, we develop a highly accurate Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method (CPS4) to numerically study the stability of the rational solutions of the NLS equation. The scheme CPS4, using the map x=cot and the FFT to approximate uxx, correctly handles the infinite line problem. A broad numerical investigation using CPS4 and involving large ensembles of perturbed initial data, indicates the Peregrine and second order rational solutions are linearly unstable.Although standard Fourier integrators are often used in current studies of the NLS rational solutions, they do not handle solutions with discontinuous derivatives correctly. Using standard Fourier pseudo-spectral method (FPS4) for Peregrine initial data yields tiny Gibbs oscillations in the first steps of the numerical solution. These oscillations grow to O(1), providing further evidence of the instability of the Peregrine solution. To resolve the Gibbs oscillations we modify FPS4 using a spectral-splitting technique which significantly improves the numerical solution.
In-vitro evaluation of MPA-loaded electrospun coaxial fiber membranes for local treatment of glioblastoma tumor cells

Abstract Core-sheath fibers containing a drug for brain tumor are reported. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), a FDA-approved immunosuppressant, has been demonstrated to inhibit several types of tumor cells growth. However, the effective serum MPA concentration for anti-tumor declines quickly in-vivo due to degradation in the liver, which hampers the development of MPA-based anti-tumor therapy. To overcome this issue, we have formed MPA-containing electrospun fiber membranes as local drug delivery vehicle and characterized MPA release profiles based on fiber composition and geometry. Coaxial fibers with poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/MPA core and PCL sheath provided a more sustained release than homogenous fibers. In particular, thicker PCL sheath with 1:10 ratio of sheath thickness to fiber diameter provides gradual release in an initial period and higher MPA release after refreshing of media. The host polymer for MPA has a significant effect on the MPA release, with PCL/MPA single fiber providing more sustained release than coaxial fibers with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/MPA core and PCL sheath. In-vitro glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor cell culture results show strong cell suppression effect by MPA-containing fiber membranes, with coaxial fiber membranes inhibiting GBM cell growth 3-5 × more than the single fiber membranes. This indicates that MPA-containing electrospun membranes have a promising potential for local treatment of GBM.
Slow-scale split-step tau-leap method for stiff stochastic chemical systems

Abstract Tau-leaping is a family of algorithms for the approximate simulation of the discrete state continuous time Markov chains. A motivation for the development of such methods can be found, for instance, in the fields of chemical kinetics and systems biology. It is known that the dynamical behavior of biochemical systems is often intrinsically stiff representing a serious challenge for their numerical approximation. The naive extension of stiff deterministic solvers to stochastic integration often yields numerical solutions with either impractically large relaxation times or incorrectly resolved covariance. In this paper, we propose a splitting heuristic which helps to resolve some of these issues. The proposed integrator contains a number of unknown parameters which are estimated for each particular problem from the moment equations of the corresponding linearized system. We show that this method is able to reproduce the exact mean and variance of the linear scalar test equation and demonstrates a good accuracy for the arbitrarily stiff systems at least in the linear case. The numerical examples for both linear and nonlinear systems are also provided, and the obtained results confirm the efficiency of the considered splitting approach.
Queer teachers, identity, and performativity,

Queer teachers are located at a nexus of political, professional, and personal desires and performances (Gray, Harris & Jones, 2016). Should they be role models for queer students? Should they prio...
Central composite design parameterization of microalgae/cyanobacteria co-culture pretreatment for enhanced lipid extraction using an external clamp-on ultrasonic transducer

Lipids extracted from algal biomass could provide an abundant, rapidly growing, high yield feedstock for bio-diesel and other green fuels to supplement current fossil-based sources. Ultrasound pretreatment is a mechanical cell disruption method that has been shown to enhance lipid recovery from algae due to cavitation effects that disrupt algae cell walls. In this study, a locally grown mixture of Chlorella vulgaris/Cyanobacteria leptolyngbya was sonicated in an ultrasonic reactor with a clamp-on transducer prior to solvent lipid extraction. This configuration allows for a non-contact delivery method of ultrasonic energy with improved operational advantages (no fouling of transducer, continuous operation, and fully scalable design). A central composite design (CCD) was implemented to statistically analyze and evaluate the effect of ultrasonic power (350-750 W) and treatment time (5-30 min) on lipid yield. Lipid recovery was found to increase with both ultrasonic power and treatment time. Total lipid yields (on dry biomass basis) extracted via the Bligh and Dyer method from Chlorella vulgaris/cyanobacteria co-culture ranged from 8.3% for untreated algae to 16.9% for algae sonicated with 750 W power for 30 min, which corresponds to more than a doubling of lipid recovery due to ultrasound pretreatment. Increased power and treatment times were found to increase the degree of cell disruption as observed in the SEM and TEM images after ultrasonic pretreatment. Additionally, hexane (1:1 v/v) was evaluated as an alternative to the standard Bligh & Dyer (2:2:1.8 v/v/v chloroform/methanol/cell suspension) lipid extraction solvent system. On average, the Bligh and Dyer method extracted on average over twice the amount of lipids compared to hexane extraction. The lipid profile of the algae extracts indicates high concentrations of lauric acid (12:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), and linoleic acid (18:2). This particular configuration of an ultrasonic system proved to be a viable method for the pretreatment of algae for enhanced lipid yields. Future research should focus on identifying alternative extraction solvents and expanding the range of treatment conditions to optimize the ultrasonic power and treatment times for maximum lipid recovery.
ANITA-An active vibration cancellation system for scanning probe microscopy.

The high sensitivity of scanning probe microscopes poses a barrier to their use in noisy environments. Vibrational noise, whether from structural or acoustic sources, can manifest as relative motion between the probe tip and sample, which then appears in the probe position (“Z”) feedback as it tries to cancel this motion. Here we describe an active cancellation process that nullifies the appearance of this vibration by adding a drive signal into the existing Z-feedback loop. The drive is digitally calculated from accelerometer-based vibration measurements. By transferring the vibration cancellation effort to this drive signal, vibration-created noise is significantly reduced. This inexpensive and easy solution requires no major instrumental modifications and is ideal for those looking to place their microscopes in noisier environments, coupled, for example, to active refrigeration systems (e.g., pulse tube cryocoolers) or other high-vibration instruments.
The Role of Sphingolipids in Modulating Pluripotency of Stem Cells

Sphingolipids are essential components in mammalian cell membranes and vital modulators of cellular signaling processes. Nine molecular types of glycosphingolipids (GSLs), along with sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), play crucial roles in stem cells. GSLs are generated via ceramide glycosylation, the first step of which is catalyzed by glucosylceramide synthase, followed by further alternative elaborations to globo-series, ganglio-series, and lacto-series GSLs. Certain globo-series GSLs, namely, Gb5 (stage-specific embryonic antigen 3) and MSGb5 (stage-specific embryonic antigen 4), are essential for maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells , and a shift of globo-series to ganglio-series GSLs (GD3, GM3, GD2, GT3) is associated with differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neural stem cells. Stem properties of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) mainly rely on glucosylceramide synthase and globo-series GSLs (Gb3). GD2 is a newly adopted surface marker for identifying BCSCs, and is also an effective target for eradicating BCSCs. S1P, which is generated from sphingosine phosphorylation following ceramide hydrolysis, activates S1P receptors and regulates stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Fingolimod deactivates S1P receptors and induces brain tumor stem cell apoptosis and protects neural stem cells. Targeting selected enzymes controlling sphingolipid synthesis and degradation can maintain normal stem cells and eradicate cancer stem cells. GSLs and S1P modulate stem cells through cSrc/β-catenin and pathways, but the mechanistic implications require further studies for clarification.
An oscillating cortical network model of sensory-motor timing and cordination

We report on the preliminary development of a model of sensory-motor control and rhythmic motor coordination that proposes a solution to the “timing” problem in the theory of motor control and a unification the “motor program” and the “systems dynamics” points of view. Subsets of oscillating associative memories modeling cortical columns are coupled to form a rhythmic time base of counters that change 40 Hz attractors on the peaks of thalamic cycles to divide down the thalamic clock rate from 10 to .5 Hz. We train a Jordan motor control network to tap the end of a planar three joint arm at target points in time specified by a “plan” vector representing a target state of this time base. The biomechanics of the arm are modeled by an invertible equilibrium point model, and the arm and controler after learning form an integrated analog feedback system modelling primary cortex and below. The arm dynamics are continuous and behave functionally as a “system dynamics” type nonlinear oscillator during rhythmic motor activity. A “motor program” is specified by a 40 Hz plan vector in premotor cortex unaffected by immediate proprioceptive feedback. These plans may change on a thalamic cycle when activated and entrained by learned cortico-cortico connections to an ongoing 40 Hz “attentional stream” of synchronized sensory-motor loops. Sequences of plan vectors are activated by the output of a nested higher order level “Elman” network. It’s plan (input) vector is given in supplementary motor area by a further nested association cortex Elman net with dorsolateral prefrontal working memory holding the highest “master” plan. A simple rhythmic tapping sequence is implemented where tap and return programs alternate in premotor cortex according to a plan vector in supplementary motor area held in place by the plan in working memory.
Stability and Change in Antebellum Property Law: A Study of Judicial Rhetoric

This essay, appearing in a collection in honor of Morton J. Horwitz, explores one aspect of judicial methodology inspired by The Transformation of American Law, 1780-1860 (1977) - the extent to which judges viewed themselves to be primarily responsible for stability in the law. In the antebellum United States, judges, in their rhetoric at least, expressed a profound interest in maintaining stability in order to preserve certain property rights. This view self-consciously recognized the undesirability of changing common-law rules which had created property reliance interests. State court judges discussed the protection of settled expectations about property and contracts to be essential to the preservation of property rights. Although the rhetoric associated with the stare decisis property rule no doubt served a legitimating function, and it was probably ignored when for instrumental reasons courts wanted to change the rules, the concept is invoked frequently enough that one can draw more general conclusions about judicial attitudes toward the stability of property rights. Judges viewed abrupt changes in precedent to be undesirable when settled property expectations would be disturbed. At another level, the rhetoric of stare decisis employed by antebellum jurists in questions relating to property rules was not a concern that private property might be taken for public benefit without compensation, but instead expressed the absolute prohibition to the taking of property from A to give to B - a power courts expressly denied to the legislature in this period. In this sense, it is correct to state that these state court judges would not have recognized a general prohibition against "judicial takings" as the issue is argued today. Many judges, however, believed it was important to honor the "reasonable expectations" of property owners and those engaged in commercial transactions based upon their general understanding of common-law rules, or at least the settled understanding as those judges could discern it. These judges clearly showed an appreciation of the potential effect of their decisions on property reliance interests, but their focus was a pragmatic concern for economic stability that was sometimes paramount to the reliance interest of a particular individual.
A New Hope for Early Psychosis Care: The Evolving Landscape of Digital Care Tools

Improving understanding of and outcomes for early-course psychosis (ECP) is a recognised global mental health priority. We argue digital health technologies can advance care for ECP by better accounting for clinical heterogeneity, offering better predictive models, increasing access to early interventions and enhancing existing treatment options.Declaration of interestL.M.T. owns shares in Safari Health Inc - a digital health technology company.
Chimerism, Transplant Tolerance, and Beyond

The present review discusses current developments in tolerance induction for solid organ transplantation with a particular emphasis on chimerism-based approaches. It explains the basic mechanisms of chimerism-based tolerance and provides an update on ongoing clinical tolerance trials. The concept of "delayed tolerance" is presented, and ongoing preclinical studies in the nonhuman primate setting-including current limitations and hurdles regarding this approach-are illustrated. In addition, a brief overview and update on cell-based tolerogenic clinical trials is provided. In a critical approach, advantages, limitations, and potential implications for the future of these different regimens are discussed.
Evaluation of Oxygen Saturation Index Compared With Oxygenation Index in Neonates With Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.

Importance Oxygenation index (OI), an invasive measurement, is routinely used as a marker of severity of hypoxemic respiratory failure in neonates. Oxygen saturation index (OSI) is a noninvasive measurement and has been shown to be a reliable surrogate marker of OI in children and adults with respiratory failure. Objectives To evaluate the correlation of OI with OSI and to derive and validate predictive OI from noninvasive OSI measurements for clinically relevant OI values. Design, Setting, and Participants For this retrospective cohort study, 220 neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for hypoxic respiratory failure during the first 3 days of admission were recruited from a level III neonatal intensive care unit during a 6-year period, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from January 2017 to December 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was correlation of OI with OSI, analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. The secondary outcome was derivation and validation of OI from OSI. The data were split into derivative samples, from which a predictive equation for OI was derived using generalized linear model, and a validation sample was used to assess the predictive ability of the derived OI. Bland-Altman plot was used to assess agreement between derived OI and measured OI. Results A total of 1442 paired OI and OSI measurements from 220 infants (190 preterm and 30 term; median [interquartile range] gestational age, 29 [26-33] weeks; mean [SD] birth weight, 1602 [1092] g) were recorded during the study. The median (interquartile range) number of samples was 5 (3-9) per patient. Overall, OI and OSI showed strong correlation (r = 0.89). The correlation was stronger in preterm infants ( Conclusions and Relevance A strong correlation of OI with OSI was found. Derived OI from OSI was in good agreement and strongly predictive of clinically relevant OI cutoffs from 5 to 25. Oxygenation index derived from noninvasive sources may be useful to reliably assess severity of respiratory failure and response to therapy on a continuous basis.
Hispanic adults' physical activity and sedentary behavior profiles: examining existing data to drive prospective research.

BACKGROUND Because physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are two distinct, interdependent behaviors, increases in PA may influence SB. As a limited number of SB interventions have been tested in Latino/Hispanic samples,. The purpose of this study is to assess if there was more PA and less SB in a Hispanic border community where there had been a PA-targeted community-wide campaign since 2005. METHODS This cross-sectional study included Hispanic adults (N = 676) sampled from both intervention and comparison Texas-Mexico border communities in 2010. Our dependent variable was four-categories based on meeting PA guidelines and excessive SB (≥540 mins/day) cut-points. We conducted adjusted multivariable analysis to assess the association of intervention group with the PA/SB groupings. RESULTS In 2010, most adults were in the Low PA/Low SB group. Compared to the comparison group, the intervention group had 6.45 (p < 0.001) times the adjusted odds of being in the High PA/Low SB vs. Low PA/High SB group. CONCLUSIONS Five years into the campaign, more PA and less SB were more likely in the intervention community, indicating the association of some PA interventions with SB. PA-targeted interventions should capture effects on SB to expand the literature on effective SB interventions for Hispanic adults.
Sibship Size, Family Organization and Children's Education in South Africa: Black-White Variations

Recent studies suggest that the generally observed negative sibsize-education association is much less consistent in developing nations, partly because of different cultural customs reflected in family organization. Using data from a national survey in the early 1990s and from the 1996 census, the present study assesses the effect of number of siblings on education in South Africa. In a multi-level framework, I link family arrangements to the sibship size effect on education for two major population groups with distinctive family arrangements, Whites and Blacks. A negative effect exists for Whites, who have adopted a Western nuclear family system, whereas no effect is shown for Blacks, whose family life operates under extended family organization. The study goes beyond previous efforts by explicitly testing the hypothesis that it is extended family arrangements that protect children from negative sibship size effects: results show that the absence of a negative sibship size effect is restricted to extended households; in Black nuclear and fostering families, by contrast, the negative effect holds just as it does for White families. Sensitivity tests are performed to gauge the extent to which the observed sibship size effect is contaminated by endogeneity and a confounding birth order effect. Results suggest the observed differential sibship size effect is relatively robust for Blacks, whereas for Whites it tends to be exaggerated by endogenous factors.
Groovy assignment: the VR ride: a cross disciplinary assignment in computer graphics and interactivity

In this Groovy Assignment submission, we present a VR Ride assignment that challenges students to create a fully interactive VR computer graphics experience integrated with a themed ride. For this assignment, a ride is an apparatus that fully supports the users weight, utilizes the user's body motions as a primary input for computer interactivity, and provides haptic feedback relevant to the VR experience.The assignment is designed to inspire and motivate creative thinking and cross disciplinary collaboration with faculty and students from outside the scope of those traditionally involved in programs focused on computer graphics and interaction.The assignment can be easily scaled, by utilizing wholly existing, found or purchased platforms (exercise equipment such as a rowing machine or stationary bike) for use with small groups of students if desired. In the example presented, students from Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Game Design, VR & Immersive Media, Animation & VFX and Game Design programs collaborated using primarily found or recycled components to build a bespoke, human powered "VR Cycle" ride, integrated with original VR experiences developed for the ride.
A New Proof of Work for Blockchain Based on Random Multivariate Quadratic Equations

In this paper, we first present a theoretical analysis model on the Proof-of-Work (PoW) for cryptocurrency blockchain. Based on this analysis, we present a new type of PoW, which relies on the hardness of solving a set of random quadratic equations over the finite field GF(2). We will present the advantages of such a PoW, in particular, in terms of its impact on decentralization and the incentives involved, and therefore demonstrate that this is a new good alternative as a new type for PoW in blockchain applications.
Subsea Bolt Failure Analysis Using Advanced Forensics

Resistance to environmentally assisted cracking is a key consideration in the selection of materials for subsea drilling safety critical equipment bolting applications. This paper describes several unique forensic tools used in combination to examine a safety critical bolt that failed during subsea oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, one of several failures in a single flange. The method of examination presented here represents a new and unique toolset for examining failures in subsea bolts. The two-inch-diameter coated bolt, specified as AISI 4340 steel alloy, sheared near one of the threaded ends. The sheared bolt end was removed and cut approximately in half to examine microscopic cracks. Scanning electron microscopy techniques were utilized to examine the flat, cut face of the bolt interior. The sample and individual small sections were examined at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory using high-energy synchrotron X-rays with energy levels up to 100 keV. The X-ray examinations produced a three-dimensional picture of the sample. Based on the results and discussions, design recommendations were made for increased corrosion resistance in subsea environments.
Unity in the trees: Arbor Day and Republican China, 1915–1927

Scholars of modern China have overlooked the role environmental policy played in early Republican efforts to promote both modernization and national unity. Beginning in 1916, the national governmen...
Geometry-Assisted Multi Surface-Gateways Placement Topologies for Underwater Sensor Networks

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs) have been presented as an advanced technology for detection and extraction of data in marine environments. UWASNs have many current real-time applications not limited to: resource exploration, seismic monitoring, marine explorations, oil and gas inspection, and military surveillance applications. However, this advanced technology is constrained to data detection, transmission, and forwarding. In addition, transmitting and receiving large volumes of data is requires an exhaustive amount of time and substantial power to be executed, and still fails to meet real-time constraints. This has directed our research focus to the development of a real-time underwater computing system to meet the required real-time constraints. In our research activities, we discover and extract valuable information from beneath the ocean using data-mining approaches. Previously, we introduced a set of real-time underwater system architectures (RTUSAs) that can address various network configurations according to their applications and data size We also presented architectures that use efficient data-gathering and information-extraction approaches to meet the required real-time constraints for underwater big-data applications. In this study, we extend our results and develop multiple-gateway placement topologies using geometric distribution characteristics to satisfy real-time constraints. The system performance has minimal end-to-end delay, and decreased power consumption. Finally, the simulation results are verified to validate the performance of our system according to multiple-gateway topologies.