cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR): Clinical, Radiological and Pathological Summary of 6 Cases and Review of This Recently Defined C19MC-Altered Entity (P3.276)

OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness and improve the early diagnosis of embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR). BACKGROUND: ETMR is a subtype of embryonal tumor of the central nervous system whose histologic spectrum led to description under three different tumor names: medulloepithelioma, ependymoblastoma, and embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR). It has recently been recognized, however, that these tumors share a common molecular signature, C19MC alteration. ETMR occurs in both supratentorial and infratentorial locations, but most commonly arises in the cerebral hemispheres (70[percnt]). The vast majority arise in children less than 4 years of age. To our knowledge, MR and CT imaging findings have not systematically evaluated in the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 5 preoperative MR and 1 preoperative CT imaging studies of 6 (3 M, 3F) pathologically-proven cases of ETMR referred to our institution between 2007 and 2015, and reviewed the literature. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis, 5 patients were under 4 years of age and 1 patient was 12 years old. Tumor location in 3 of 6 patients was in the brain stem, 1 in the frontal lobe and 2 in the spinal cord. Clinically, patients presented with severe neurological deficits based on tumor location. Lesions were expansile in 3of 6 cases, with no imaging evidence of infiltration. Four (2 brain and 2 spine) MRI studies demonstrated minimal nodular enhancement. DTI and MR spectroscopy studies were available for 1 case. Strong synaptophysin expression was present in 5 of 6 cases, with ependymoblastoma features in 1 case and medulloepithelioma features in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: ETMR is a relatively rare, but underdiagnosed, tumor with a recently recognized defining molecular signature. Early diagnosis aided by suggestive MRI findings, with histologic and/or molecular confirmation will lead to earlier intervention, with potentially improved prognosis. Disclosure: Dr. Gogia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fuller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ketonen has nothing to disclose.
WHEELCHAIR-AUTOMOBILE SYSTEMS FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED DRIVER

From the point of view of a severely disabled person, the best solution to the problem of independent transportation should offer the convenience and inconspicuousness of being able to enter, exit from and drive unassisted a standard automobile while seated in one's own chair. Two concepts are being developed at our Center to meet these needs. In the first approach, a specially designed wheelchair climbs a ramp extended from the rear hatch of a modified Dodge Omni. During climbing the seat is lowered and reclined to allow for head clearance as the chair passes through the hatchway. The ramp is stored in folded position inside the automobile when not in use. The second concept involves access from the driver side of a two-door General Motors X-body automobile. The seat's height-varying mechanism is also used to retract the wheel and suspension from under the seat while the seat is attached to the door. After the wheels are raised enough to clear the doorsill, a linear actuator closes the door placing the wheelchair and its occupant in driving position.
Ketamine: 50 Years of Modulating the Mind.

Ketamine was introduced into clinical practice in the 1960s and continues to be both clinically useful and scientifically fascinating. With considerably diverse molecular targets and neurophysiological properties, ketamine’s effects on the central nervous system remain incompletely understood. Investigators have leveraged the unique characteristics of ketamine to explore the invariant, fundamental mechanisms of anesthetic action. Emerging evidence indicates that ketamine-mediated anesthesia may occur via disruption of corticocortical information transfer in a frontal-to-parietal (“top down”) distribution. This proposed mechanism of general anesthesia has since been demonstrated with anesthetics in other pharmacological classes as well. Ketamine remains invaluable to the fields of anesthesiology and critical care medicine, in large part due to its ability to maintain cardiorespiratory stability while providing effective sedation and analgesia. Furthermore, there may be an emerging role for ketamine in treatment of refractory depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In this article, we review the history of ketamine, its pharmacology, putative mechanisms of action, and current clinical applications.
EI and Learning Styles: The Effect on Learning of Generationals

A quantitative research study was conducted to examine how emotional intelligence and learning styles effect the learning of generationals. The study had two research questions: What factors of Emotional Intelligence are significantly different between Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z? and Will the learning styles of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z be significantly different? The study had two hypotheses: There is a significant relationship between learning style and emotional intelligence and There are significant differences in learning styles based on generational factors. The study had 72 participants who completed demographic information, the EI 2.0 assessment and the LSI 4.0 online assessment. The participants were chosen using social media. The participants were given a link to Survey Monkey where they completed a confidentiality form, demographic information and the two assessments. The results of the study indicated that hypotheses two was supported. Other findings were demonstrated in the study that could lead to further research.
Homo Economicus at School: Neoliberal Education and Teacher as Economic Being

This article extends the ongoing critique of neoliberalism's encroachment upon public education by highlighting how neoliberal ideas such individualism, accountability, governmentality, and the marketization of public life are recasting teachers today primarily as competitive economic beings. I contend that teachers are increasingly compelled to act as modern homo economici, working in an education system that conforms to the rules of the neoliberal market. As such, teachers are incentivized to act as self-entrepreneurs, rational individuals who are beholden to a governmentality that requires them to be accountable to the strictures of the neoliberal market. The neoliberal transformation of public schools has led to teaching becoming a strictly controlled and hyperindividualized entrepreneurial activity that compels teachers to focus on their own productivity, while rendering them eminently governable beings.
When Space Beats Time: A Proof of Concept with Hurricane Dean

In this research, we present an empirical case study to illustrate the new framework called “space beats time” (SBT). SBT is rooted in the expectation that predictions based on temporal autocorrelation typically outperform predictions based on spatial autocorrelation, except in the aftermath of abrupt disruptive events. Following such disruption scenarios, space is likely to outperform time, albeit often for a brief post event period. We illustrate the SBT concept by assessing the impact of Hurricane Dean on vegetation greenness using a remotely sensed spatiotemporal data series. We predict the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) using separate temporal-only and spatial-only models without the aid of covariates. We then compare each prediction model’s performance before and after the hurricane event. Results suggest that SBT expected behaviors are valid in general terms but that some issues require attention. Our case study shows conspicuous SBT effects in the aftermath of the hurricane event in question, including increased performance in the geographic areas where the hurricane impact was more severe. In addition, we unexpectedly find that a more limited SBT pattern is present before the hurricane. This unanticipated pattern suggests that the presence of SBT features in an empirical study may vary, depending on the strength of a disruptive event as well as on the ability of a dataset and proxy variable to capture a disruptive event and its effects.
Infection in Association with Local and Regional Anesthesia

Infections associated with regional anesthesia may be more prevalent than previously thought and are associated with various risk factors. In general, central neuraxial block should not be performed in patients with untreated systemic infection except in the most extraordinary circumstances. Strict adherence to aseptic technique, including masks and gloves, skin disinfection, and maintaining sterility of equipment, is critical to avoid infection and colonization of potentially harmful bacteria. Epidural abscess is most likely to occur in immunocompromised patients with prolonged durations of epidural catheterization, with the most common causative organism being S. aureus. In contrast, meningitis following neuraxial blockade occurs more frequently in healthy individuals who have undergone uneventful spinal anesthesia. In general, neuraxial blocks in patients with preexisting viral disease (herpes, HIV) or who are immunocompromised are safe; however, the usual precautions and safety measures are still recommended. The patient care team must be vigilant of any signs or symptoms of infection so that the source can be identified and treatment be initiated as early as possible.
Surface Morphology and Deformation Behavior of Polypropylene Single Crystals

As part of an investigation into the nature and properties of crystalline polymers, the morphology and deformation behavior of polypropylene (PP) single crystals have been examined. The study includes single crystals of the whole polymer as well as single crystals grown from each of three PP fractions (Mn = 740, 1260 and 1880). The structure of the crystal surfaces and the mechanical response of each of the single crystals to a tensile strain have been examined. Results have been obtained which indicate how the morphology of the crystal surface may be altered through the use of specific thermal and/or chemical treatments. A correlation has been found to exist between the surface morphology and deformation behavior of the PP single crystals. Two possible mechanisms are proposed to explain this relation between these single crystal properties. It is shown that the combined use of metal decoration procedures and a quantitative analysis of the deformation behavior of PP single crystals provides a powerful technique for studying the properties of polymer crystal surfaces.
Status of Controlled Clinical Trials in Peripheral Vessel Atherosclerosis

There are two general strategies to test the efficacy of drugs which may cause atherosclerosis regression in man. The first is to study drug effects on atherosclerosis-related morbidity or mortality, a strategy which has been accepted for many years. For example, the Coronary Drug Project1 studied the effects of six drugs in men aged 30 to 64 years who had recovered from one or more episodes of myocardial infarction (MI). Fifty-three clinics recruited 8,341 patients who were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups. Three study groups (conjugated estrogens, 2.5 mg/day; conjugated estrogens, 5.0 mg/day; and dextrothyroxine sodium, 6.0 mg/day) were discontinued before the scheduled conclusion of the project, whereas patients in the remaining groups (Clofibrate, 1.8 g/day; niacin, 3.0 g/day; and lactose placebo 3.8 g/day) were followed to the end of the study. The results of that study indicated that there was no evidence of significant efficacy of Clofibrate or of niacin with regard to total mortality or cause-specific mortality. Five-year mortality rates were 20.0% for Clofibrate, 21.2% for niacin, and 20.9% for the placebo.
Comparing Visual Attention Allocated to Thematic, Attribute and Benefit Sentences in Advertising Copy Blocks: An Eye Tracking Approach

ABSTRACTThough eye tracking has been used in advertising research to evaluate designs and layouts, it has not been used to assess readers' levels of attention to specific parts of advertising copy....
Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Focusing on the phenomenon of terrorism in the age of ISIS/ISIL, Terrorism and Counterterrorism investigates this form of political violence in an international and American context and in light of new and historical trends. In this comprehensive and highly readable text, renowned expert Brigitte Nacos clearly defines terrorism’s diverse causes, actors, and strategies; outlines anti- and counterterrorist responses; and highlights terrorism’s relationship with the public and media. Terrorism and Counterterrorism introduces students to the field’s main debates and helps them critically assess our understanding of, and our strategies for, addressing this complex and enduring issue. New to the Sixth Edition: Additions to terrorist developments since 2016, including the rise and decline of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. A significant expansion of the analysis of intelligence gathering and the growth of the U.S. intelligence community in the post-9/11 era. Discussion of increasing activities of extremist groups in the so-called alt-right and the ANTIFA movement in the U.S. and abroad. More explanations for the making of terrorists, including rational choice theory and new research revealing childhood trauma as a risk factor. An enlarged chapter on women and children in terrorism to include suicide missions as family projects. A new section on human rights violations in counterterrorism.
Potassium chloride affects gluten microstructures and dough characteristics similarly as sodium chloride

Abstract Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) has critical technological functions in dough and bread, other than sensory contribution. Adverse effects of excessive sodium intake on human health drive the research of salt alternatives. Potassium chloride (KCl) is recognized as a promising salt replacer; however, its technological functions in dough and bread have not yet been well understood. In this study, wheat dough and bread with different levels (0–2%, fwb) of KCl were prepared and investigated to provide a fundamental understanding of its functions in comparison with NaCl. Physical and rheological tests of the dough were conducted using Mixograph, TA XT2 Texture analyzer, and Bohlin CVOR 150 rheometer. The microstructural characteristics of gluten and starch were analyzed using Zeta Potential Analyzer, RP-HPLC, FTIR, spectrophotometer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), etc. The addition of KCl greatly increased the strength and elasticity of the dough and reduced dough stickiness. KCl effectively altered gluten microstructures and physicochemical characteristics in a way very similar to NaCl, without compromising the qualities of dough and bread. Therefore, (partially) replacing NaCl with KCl in dough and bread products could be a feasible way to alleviate sodium related health concerns. Further research is needed to improve end product sensory.
Scientific Approaches for the Application of QbD Principles in Lyophilization Process Development

Lyophilization (or freeze drying) is an important manufacturing capability for delivering high-quality parenteral drug products. Significant lyophilization process knowledge based on established scientific fundamentals and understanding of the good freeze drying practice principles exists within the pharmaceutical industry. This cumulative scientific knowledge should be leveraged across the portfolio of both small and large molecules and serves as the basis to gain process and product understanding. By using the scientific principles of lyophilization, good freeze drying practices and existing product knowledge, a risk-based approach to process development will facilitate focused efforts to increase product and process understanding to decrease those risks and identify which parameters are critical for product quality. Ultimately, this approach driven by scientific principles results in the development of a robust control strategy for a given product. The process whereby this occurs is based on principles of Quality by Design (QbD) as defined in ICH Q8 (R2) Pharmaceutical Development. This chapter brings together the technical knowledge of the lyophilization process, well-established scientific lyophilization principles and elements of QbD to provide guidance on approaches to develop a robust manufacturing process and support a regulatory filing strategy for drug products, while maximizing the freedom to operate. While it incorporates QbD elements that align with ICH Q8 (R2), Q9, Q10, and Q11, the goal is to define a knowledge space based on robust scientific evidence and principles. Having this knowledge and data will provide the basis to justify the control strategy and lyophilization process description in the dossier that presents the critical product quality attributes and a process control strategy that is defined by the critical process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
Comparative Morphologic Changes in Canine and Human Breast Adenocarcinoma After Treatment with Plasma Perfused Over Immobilized Protein A

Administration of plasma perfused over protein A bearing staphylococcus or purified protein A bound to collodion charcoal (PACC) produced acute tumor necrolytic reactions in both dog and man with spontaneous breast adenocarcinoma. Objective tumor regressions of breast adenocarcinoma were observed in 4 of the first 5 patients treated. Sequential gross and histopathologic studies of tumor changes were carried out in biopsies of chest wall lesions in dogs and man. Several stages of the reactions in tumors were noted. In both dogs and man within 4–48 hr after treatment tumors became hyperemic and edematous. In man the appearance of multiple vesicular lesions containing neutrophils was noted, while in dogs neutrophils were localized to the affected tissues. Microscopic and ultrastructural evaluation demonstrated a striking similarity in the spectrum of lesions in both cytoplasm and nuclei of tumor cells within 24 hr after treatment consistent with lethal and sublethal changes. The lesions were unique in that they were not accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration around damaged tumor cells. With further treatments in humans, more pronounced degenerative changes in individual tumor cells and tumor nodules were apparent. With continued treatments at intervals of 2–3 days, deeper neoplastic sites showed marked focal mononuclear cell infiltration. At the conclusion of plasma perfusion treatments or additional short term chemotherapy, objective tumor reductions were evident and previously ulcerated areas of tumor had granulated and epithelialized. Microscopically, large areas formerly occupied by tumor were replaced by granulation and fibrous tissue. These findings suggest that similar cytotoxic mechanisms exist in man and dogs in the initial phase. With repeated treatments, it appears that several inflammatory mechanisms are activated simultaneously or in succession which may account for the tumor cell necrobiosis and objective tumor regressive effects observed in humans.
Review: Bioengineering approach for the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve.

Abstract Complex craniofacial surgeries of damaged tissues have several limitations, which present complications and challenges when trying to replicate facial function and structure. Traditional treatment techniques have shown suitable nerve function regeneration with various drawbacks. As technology continues to advance, new methods have been explored in order to regenerate damaged nerves in an effort to more efficiently and effectively regain original function and structure. This article will summarize recent bioengineering strategies involving biodegradable composite scaffolds, bioactive factors, and external stimuli alone or in combination to support peripheral nerve regeneration. Particular emphasis is made on the contributions of growth factors and electrical stimulation on the regenerative process.
Student Coping with the Effects of Disaster Media Coverage: A Qualitative Study of School Staff Perceptions

Addressing mental and behavioral health effects of disaster media coverage is an important part of a disaster public health response, and school staff may be particularly well suited to help children and youth cope with disaster media. We conducted qualitative interviews (N = 42) to explore US school staff (e.g., teachers, mental health staff, administrators) perspectives on disaster media coverage and students and used an inductive thematic method for analysis. We found that school staff reported that students often exhibited reactions to disaster media that included expressing emotions and asking questions. With regard to school staff coping efforts with students, participants described different ways they talked with students about disaster media, but also reported a need for help with these conversations.
Early urine electrolyte patterns in patients with acute heart failure.

AIMS We conducted a prospective study of emergency department (ED) patients with acute heart failure (AHF) to determine if worsening HF (WHF) could be predicted based on urinary electrolytes during the first 1-2 h of ED care. Loop diuretics are standard therapy for AHF patients. A subset of patients hospitalized for AHF will develop a blunted natriuretic response to loop diuretics, termed diuretic resistance, which often leads to WHF. Early detection of diuretic resistance could facilitate escalation of therapy and prevention of WHF. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients were eligible if they had an ED AHF diagnosis, had not yet received intravenous diuretics, had a systolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg, and were not on dialysis. Urine electrolytes and urine output were collected at 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after diuretic administration. Worsening HF was defined as clinically persistent or WHF requiring escalation of diuretics or administration of intravenous vasoactives after the ED stay. Of the 61 patients who qualified in this pilot study, there were 10 (16.3%) patients who fulfilled our definition of WHF. At 1 h after diuretic administration, patients who developed WHF were more likely to have low urinary sodium (9.5 vs. 43.0 mmol; P < 0.001) and decreased urine sodium concentration (48 vs. 80 mmol/L; P = 0.004) than patients without WHF. All patients with WHF had a total urine sodium of <35.4 mmol at 1 h (100% sensitivity and 60% specificity). CONCLUSIONS One hour after diuretic administration, a urine sodium excretion of <35.4 mmol was highly suggestive of the development of WHF. These relationships require further testing to determine if early intervention with alternative agents can prevent WHF.
Patterns and risk of recurrence in patients with esophageal cancer with a pathologic complete response after chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery.

Abstract Objectives A pathologic complete response in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy and surgery is associated with improved overall and disease-free survival. Nevertheless, approximately one third of patients with a pathologic complete response still have a recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors and patterns of recurrence in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who achieved a pathologic complete response after chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a single-institution database of 233 patients with stage II and III esophageal cancer with a pathologic complete response after chemoradiotherapy and surgery between 1997 and 2017. A multivariable competing risk-regression model was used to identify predictors of recurrence. Results A total of 61 patients exhibited recurrence in this cohort, 43 with adenocarcinoma and 18 with squamous cell carcinoma. Five-year cumulative incidence of recurrence did not vary by histology. Univariable analysis revealed that poor tumor differentiation (hazard ratio, 2.28; P = .022) and advanced clinical stage (hazard ratio, 1.89; P = .042) are predictors of recurrence in the esophageal adenocarcinoma subgroup, whereas poor tumor differentiation remained the only independent predictor on multivariable analysis in the entire cohort (hazard ratio, 2.28; P = .009). Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma had a higher incidence of distant recurrences, and patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated a higher incidence of loco-regional recurrence (P = .039). Conclusions Poor tumor differentiation is an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with esophageal cancer with a pathologic complete response. Although there is no difference in the cumulative incidence of recurrence between esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, patterns of recurrence appear to differ. Thus, treatment and surveillance strategies may be tailored appropriately.
On the numerical behavior of diffuse-interface methods for transcritical real-fluids simulations

Abstract Accurate and robust simulations of transcritical real-fluid flows are crucial for many engineering applications. Diffuse-interface methods are frequently employed and several numerical schemes have been developed for simulating transcritical flows. These schemes can be categorized into two types, namely fully conservative (FC) and quasi-conservative (QC) schemes. In this study, numerical analysis is conducted to show that the mixing processes for isobaric systems follow the limiting cases of adiabatic and isochoric mixing models when FC and QC schemes are employed, respectively. It is shown that these distinct mixing behaviors are a consequence of numerical diffusion instead of physical diffusion, and can be attributed to insufficient spatial resolution. By considering several test cases, numerical simulations confirm these theoretical results. The analysis of experimental data suggests that the isochoric mixing provides better agreement in terms of the phase separation behavior. This analysis provides quantitative understanding on the interpretation of numerical simulation results and the mixing models that are commonly used to study transcritical flows.
Effects of Propwash on Horizontal Tail Aerodynamics of Pusher UASs

In this paper, the propwash phenomenon for pusher configuration unmanned aerial systems (UASs) is studied. The SkyHunter UAS has the propeller placed aft of the fuselage and in front of the horizontal tail with no offset from the zero lift plane. Thus, the propeller slipstream directly flows over the horizontal tail affecting its aerodynamics. To validate the physics based model developed for propwash impacts and to quantify the effects of propwash, the SkyHunter UAS was equipped with an extra pitot tube. The first pitot tube was placed at the nose of the aircraft where the air is undisturbed and it was measuring the aircraft's velocity. The second pitot tube was placed at different locations on the horizontal tail and three flight tests were conducted. Flight test data showed that the current configuration of the SkyHunter: (A) has large variations in the horizontal tail dynamic pressure ratio along the span of the horizontal tail. (B) had the dynamic pressure ratio higher than 1.7 in two of the three investigated locations along the span of the horizontal tail. This suggests that the theoretical estimate of the dynamic pressure ratio (which is 0.93) may be an under estimation. (C) The dynamic pressure ratio varied with time during flight. A change in the horizontal tail dynamic pressure ratio directly leads to a shift in the location of the aerodynamic center of an aircraft as well as changes in the stability and control derivatives of an aircraft. The implication of these changes in small UASs can be significant since they affect the aircraft longitudinal stability, trim elevator, and flight characteristics. In order to mitigate such changes during flight, a redesign was made to the original empennage design where is an offset was added between the zero lift plane and the aerodynamic center of the horizontal tail. This redesign intends to move the horizontal tail above (and away from) the propeller slipstream. Manufacturing of the redesigned horizontal tail was completed recently and it was flight tested. Flight test data from the new design show that the new design successfully mitigates the effects of the propwash.
"Are We Gonna Talk About It or Not?" Thoracic Oncology Provider Perspectives on Smoking Cessation.

Abstract Background Tobacco use is the greatest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Preventive Task Force, and major professional societies that all health-care providers provide smoking-cessation counseling, smoking-cessation interventions are not consistently delivered in clinical practice. We sought to identify important barriers and facilitators to the utilization of smoking-cessation interventions in a thoracic oncology program. Materials and methods We conducted 14 semistructured interviews with providers including thoracic surgeons (n = 3), interventional pulmonologists (n = 1), medical oncologists (n = 3), radiation oncologists (n = 2), and nurses (n = 5). Interviewees were asked about prior and current smoking-cessation efforts, their perspectives on barriers to successful smoking cessation, and opportunities for improvement. Responses were analyzed inductively to identify common themes. Results All interviewees report discussing smoking cessation with their patients and realize the importance of a smoking-cessation counseling; however, smoking-cessation interventions are inconsistent and often lacking. Providers emphasized five domains that impact their delivery of smoking-cessation interventions: patient willingness and motivation to quit, clinical engagement and follow-up, documentation of smoking history, provider education in smoking cessation, and the availability of additional smoking-cessation resources. Conclusions Providers recognize the need for more efficient and consistent smoking-cessation interventions. Therefore, the development of interventions that address this need would not only be easily taught to providers and delivered to patients but also be welcomed into clinics.
Derivatized 2-phenylbenzothiazole cyclometalating ligands for reverse saturable absorption (RSA) materials development

Transition metal chromophores (TMCs) are a widely studied class of materials due to their synthetic tunability and photophysical properties. Second- and third-row d6 TMCs, such as RuII or IrIII, are of particular importance due to their large spin-orbit coupling constants and the prevalence of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states. TMCs have found broad application in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), photoredox catalysis, photodynamic therapy, and non-linear optics (NLO). Recent photophysical studies on organometallic iridium complexes of the form [IrIII(C^N)2(acac)]0, where C^N is a cyclometalating ligand and acac is acetylacetonate, have demonstrated their potential as reverse saturable absorption (RSA) materials. The photophysical properties, including photoluminescence and transient absorption spectra, are reported for [Ir(pbt)2(acac)], where pbt is 2-phenylbenzothiazole. In an attempt to engender new excited state absorption (ESA) bands, a triphenylamine (TPA) moiety was installed on the pbt ligand via microwave-assisted Suzuki coupling. The spectroscopic properties of the new TMC were compared to the parent [Ir(pbt)2(acac)] complex with particular emphasis on their potential application as RSA materials.
A real-time bus dispatching policy to minimize passenger wait on a high frequency route

Abstract One of the greatest problems facing transit agencies that operate high-frequency routes is maintaining stable headways and avoiding bus bunching. In this work, a real-time holding mechanism is proposed to dispatch buses on a loop-shaped route using real-time information. Holds are applied at one or several control points to minimize passenger waiting time while maintaining the highest possible frequency, i.e. using no buffer time. The bus dispatching problem is formulated as a stochastic decision process. The optimality equations are derived and the optimal holding policy is found by backward induction. A control method that requires much less information and that closely approximates the optimal dispatching policy is found. A simulation assuming stochastic operating conditions and unstable headway dynamics is performed to assess the expected average waiting time of passengers at stations. The proposed control strategy is found to provide lower passenger waiting time and better resiliency than methods used in practice and recommended in the literature.
Functional analysis the role of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus vBcl-2 protein in cellular apoptosis (1010.13)

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a transforming virus associated with various cancers, the most common being the skin cancer Kaposi’s sarcoma. KSHV viral proteins are known to disrupt many normal cellular pathways in the human host. One specific target is the apoptotic pathway, or the programed cell death process. The cellular Bcl-2 family proteins, critical components of apoptotic signaling, converge at the mitochondria. This broad family of proteins is comprised of both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, sharing homology in four conserved trans-membrane domains, BH1-BH4. KSHV encodes a protein, vBcl2, with functional and sequential homology to the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. This gene is expressed in the early stages of the viral lytic cycle and has been shown to affect the progression of apoptotic signaling in order to allow for proper viral replication and virion production. We analyzed the interaction between KSHV’s vBcl-2 protein and a human protein, BIK, a member of the BH3 only f...
Symposium on Shakespeare and Governance

Do Shakespeare’s plays teach students and practitioners of public administration important lessons about public ethics today? Contributors to this symposium explore that question by taking a careful look at some of Shakespeare’s most important and intriguing works. Despite their age, these plays may sharpen modern perceptions of the interpersonal, social, and political contexts that animate ethical decision-making in public organizations.
Information-theoretic signal processing on the time-frequency plane and applications

Time-frequency analysis is a major tool in representing the energy distribution of time-varying signals. There has been a lot of research on various properties of these representations. However, there is a general lack of quantitative measures in describing the amount of information encoded into a time-frequency distribution. Recently, information-theoretic measures such as entropy and divergence have been adapted to the time-frequency plane to quantify the complexity of individual signals as well as the difference between signals. In this paper, we present a variety of information-theoretic measures and their definitions on the time-frequency plane. The properties of these measures and how they can be applied to signal classification problems are discussed in detail. We then present an application of information-theoretic signal processing to the analysis of event- related brain potentials.
Technological Choice in Less Developed Countries

It is widely believed that the economic situation of less developed countries (LDCs) can be greatly improved by conscious and judicious application of science and technology to the solution of their many problems. This belief is well supported by evidence attributing the rapid economic growth achieved by industrially advanced countries to the technology factor ([1], [13]). Early economic theorists noted that the level of savings and investment in the LDCs was low. They recommended transfusion of capital to spur investment and capital formation; but beginning with the late fifties the emphasis shifted to transfusion of technology rather than capital. However, the collective experience of the LDCs with imported technology over the past three decades has been far from encouraging, as is apparent from the growing discontent voiced by the “Group of 77.”
The M w 7.9 2014 intraplate intermediate-depth Rat Islands earthquake and its relation to regional tectonics

Abstract The 2014 M w 7.9 Rat Islands intermediate-depth (∼107 km) earthquake is studied using seismic observations at teleseismic distances. The nodal plane with a steep-dip angle (87°) and a strike of 308° inferred from the Global CMT solution is selected as the causative fault plane because of the consistency with the distribution of the aftershocks relocated using the Joint Hypocenter Determination method. Its slip history is constrained using broadband P and SH waveforms and long-period (3–6 mHz) seismic waves in vertical and transverse components. The rupture process associated with this plane shows a rupture propagating at ∼2 km/s. The rupture essentially breaks one large slip patch (peak slip amplitude of 3.5 m) located 30 km west of the hypocenter. The size of this slip patch extends from 80 to 140 km depth, which would be the largest depth extent of earthquake slip ever documented. We show that this earthquake breaks the entire cold core of the subducting slab defined by the depth of the 600–650 °C isotherm. In addition, the lateral extent of the rupture appears to be bounded by the heterogeneities of subducting slab. Our results further indicate that, along this segment of Aleutian Arc, the intermediate-depth earthquakes might contribute to the westward transporting motion of Rat block. Lastly, the slip distribution of this earthquake as well as that of two other well studied M w > 7.5 intermediate-depth earthquakes suggests that the coldest portion of the subducting slab, outlined by the double Wadati–Benioff zone, is seismic during large intermediate-depth earthquakes. Such a result is important for estimating the seismic hazard of future large intermediate-depth earthquakes.
Association of patient characteristics with chemotherapy receipt among depressed and non-depressed patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer patients suffer considerable morbidity and mortality along with substantial psychological distress [1]. Lung cancer patients with diagnoses of depression experience greater mortality than their non-depressed peers [2], but the causes of this increased mortality are not well understood. For patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), platinum-based chemotherapy prolongs survival, improves symptom control, and yields superior quality of life compared to best supportive care [3]. The utilization of chemotherapy and patient factors impacting its receipt have not been characterized in depressed patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has established Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of lung cancer [3]. Previous studies have revealed that patients’ age and comorbidities affect receipt of recommended therapies [4], which is in accordance with guidelines. Other patient characteristics, such as black race, reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy receipt and represent an important treatment disparity [5–7]. It is unclear to what extent patients’ psychological comorbidities, such as a diagnosis of depression, influence utilization of guideline recommended chemotherapy. In addition, interactions between patient characteristics, such as race and depression, and their impact on chemotherapy receipt have not been explored. We examined chemotherapy receipt among lung cancer patients with a diagnosis of depression, including an analysis of patient risk factors associated with reduced receipt, in order to determine if differences in receipt may contribute to increased mortality.
UREA SYNTHESIS IN ENTEROCYTES OF DEVELOPING PIGS

Urea synthesis from ammonia, glutamine and arginine was determined in enterocytes from newborn (0-day-old), 2-21-day-old suckling, and 29-58-day-old post-weaning pigs. Pigs were weaned at 21 days of age. Cells were incubated for 30 min at 37 degrees C in Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) containing (i) 0.5-2 mM NH4Cl plus 0.05-2 mM ornithine and 2 mM aspartate, (ii) 1-5 mM glutamine, or (iii) 0.5-2 mM arginine. In enterocytes from newborn and suckling pigs, there was no measurable synthesis of urea from ammonia, glutamine or arginine, and analysis of amino acids by a sensitive fluorimetric HPLC method revealed the formation of negligible amounts of ornithine from arginine. In contrast, in cells from post-weaning pigs, relatively large amounts of urea and ornithine were produced from ammonia, glutamine and arginine in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the mechanism of the developmental change of urea synthesis in pig enterocytes, the activities of urea-cycle enzymes were determined. The activities of enterocyte carbamoyl phosphate synthase I and ornithine carbamoyltransferase were lower in post-weaning pigs than in suckling ones, whereas there was no difference in arginino-succinate lyase. The activities of argininosuccinate synthase and arginase were increased by 4-fold and 50-100-fold, respectively, in enterocytes from post-weaning pigs compared with suckling pigs. The induction of arginase appears to be sufficient to account for the formation of urea from ammonia, glutamine and arginine in post-weaning pig enterocytes. These results demonstrate for the first time the presence of synthesis of urea from extracellular or intramitochondrially generated ammonia in enterocytes of post-weaning pigs. This hitherto unrecognized urea synthesis in these cells may be a first line of defence against the potential toxicity of ammonia produced by the extensive intestinal degradation of glutamine (a major fuel for enterocytes) and derived from diet and luminal micro-organisms.
Experimental plasma physics in laser plasmas

We will review high-power laser-plasma interaction experiments which have been performed at various laboratories. We will briefly discuss the standard diagnostics in use, such as picosecond resolution streak cameras, as well as some of the more novel approaches to the difficult diagnostic problems. The experiments can be split into two categories: long wavelengths, such as from C02 lasers, and near-vlsible wavelengths, as from Nd:glass. The long-wavelength experiments, while not usually at as high a power as the shorter- wavelength ones, offer the possibllity of direct measurement (via Thomson scattering) of plasma and ion waves. Direct scattered light measurements are awkward due to the relatively poor diagnostics available in the IR and require special techniques. Nd:glass experiments, especially frequency-doubled or -tripled ones, allow scattered light measurements in the special regime where the best instruments exist. The relatively high density of these plasmas makes direct measurements of plasma waves difficult at best. These plasmas may ateo be more collisional than the CO2 formed ones.
Virtual Patent Extension by Cannibalization

We propose a model to explain the recent practice of pharmaceutical firms of introducing generic substitutes for their own branded products before their patents expire. By this early introduction, a branded product’s provider seeks to establish a Stackelberg leadership role in the forthcoming generic substitute market. Along with the early introduction of the generic substitute for its branded product, the firm optimally raises the price of its branded product above its prior monopoly level. However, despite its Stackelberg leadership position in the subsequent generic substitute market, the firm’s branded product’s price declines for a sufficiently large number of entrants into that market. Consumers, who are assumed to be composed of a brand-loyal segment and a price-sensitive segment, are better off both before and after the branded product’s patent expires as a result of the branded products’ suppliers early introduction of generic substitutes. The branded products’ suppliers are also better off but the generics’ suppliers are not as a result of this practice. However, total producer profits are higher than they would be if the branded products’ suppliers were not involved in supplying their own generic substitute.
Comparison of Amendments and Management Practices for Long-Term Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands

Abandoned mine lands containing pyritic spoil may become toxic due to production of sulfuric acid and subsequent high levels of heavy metals. A field study was initiated to compare the long-term (10 yr) effectiveness of digested municipal sewage sludge (224 Mg ha -1 ), powerplant fly ash (448 Mg ha -1 ), papermill sludge composed with either coarse or fine wood bark (67, 90, and 112 Mg ha -1 ), and limed topsoil (20-cm depth) in maintaining a grass-legume mixture on toxic abandoned mine spoil (initil pH 3.4). Management of reclaimed plots included an additional one-time application of N, P, and K according to soil test 1 yr after reclamation and annual cutting of vegetation that was either removed from the plot or left on the surface [...]
Development of a plutonium-americium monitor for in situ soil surface and pond bottom assay☆

Abstract An intrinsic germanium detector has been found to provide in situ monitoring of the depth and concentration of 239Pu and 241AAm in soil surfaces and pond bottoms. The detector can simultaneously measure the three uranium X-ray peaks from plutonium decay and the 26 and 60 keV gamma ray peaks from 241Am. Average 241Am depths are determined from the change in the 26 to 60 keV peak ratio relative to the ratio observed for a thin source of 241Am on the surface of the soil. The 241Am activity is then determined from the depth-corrected intensity of the 60 keV photopeak, and the 241Am contribution to the uranium X-ray measurements of 239Pu is calculated. The average depth and activity of the 239Pu deposit is calculated from the corrected X-ray peaks in the same manner as for 241Am. Detection limits for the method are 6.1 dpm/cm2241Am and 72 dpm/cm2239Pu for soil depths up to several millimeters. Americium-241 can be measured at soil depths of several centimeters at 10 dpm/cm2. The effect of soil composition was also examined. The intrinsic Ge detector was determined to be most suitable for this type of monitoring after comparison with the response of NaI(Tl) scintillators, gold surface barrier alpha detectors, and gas proportional ionization chambers.
Surface derivatization of corn starch granules

ABSTRACT Commercial corn starch, treated with stearoyl chloride in carbon tetrachloride and triethylamine, is surface-derivatized without noticeable swelling. Granules that are reacted with chloroacetic acid under similar conditions undergo surface etherification, visibly identified by their color binding with fuchsin. Interestingly, the dye experiment indicates surface-derivatization as well as derivatization of the granule central interior, suggesting reagent penetration to the granule interior through pores and derivatization of a lower density porous center. Esterification of corn starch granules treated with glucoamylase have five times greater esterification than normal corn starch granules. Placed in water, these and palmitoylated granules have a fatty feel to the fingers. Stearoylated corn and amaranth starches showed indications for use as fat replacers in frozen desserts.
Consistently Greater Decondensation of the Nuclear DNA-Protein Complexes from Normal Lymphocytes than from Acute and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells Following Treatment with Disulfide Reducing Agents

Nuclear DNA-protein complexes (DPC's) obtained by lysis of lymphocytes with nonionic detergents in the presence of varying concentrations of NaCl showed readily visualized decondensations following treatment with S-S reducing agents. Magnitudes of these decondensations were significantly greater with lymphocytes from normal individuals compared to acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from every patient tested. Control experiments indicated that decondensations occurred not through DNA strand breakage or indirect action, but most likely through reduction of S-S bonds present in DPC's. This alteration of DPC structure in leukemic cells may relate to their potentially unlimited proliferative lifespan and altered genomic regulation.