cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interview with Andreas G. Andreou

Professor Andreas G. Andreou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. He is the co-founder of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Language and Speech Processing and Director of the Whitaker Institute Microfabrication Laboratory. His research is aimed at brain-inspired microsystems for sensory information, life sciences microsystems and human language processing. Notable microsystems achievements over the last 25 years include a contrast sensitive silicon retina; the first CMOS polarisation sensitive imager; silicon rods in standard foundry CMOS for single photon detection; a large-scale mixed analogue/digital associative processor for character recognition; the first truly autonomous chip-scale hybrid silicon/silicone microsystem for cell culture and incubation; and an ultra-low power CMOS sensor for retinal prosthesis. In 1996 Andreou was elected as an IEEE Fellow ‘for his contribution in energy efficient sensory microsystems.’
Are demographic characteristics, health care access and utilization, and comorbid conditions associated with hypertension among US adults?

BACKGROUND Little is known about the factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. We examined the association of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, risk factors, health care access and utilization, and hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. METHODS The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004, a continuous, annual survey ofthe civilian non-institutionalized US population. The sample comprised 4,816 hypertensive persons aged 20+ years. RESULTS Adults >60 years were more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension compared with adults 40-59 years old (60-69 years old: odds ratio (OR) 1.69, confidence interval (Cl) 1.31-2.17; 80+ years old: OR 3.56, Cl 2.42-5.25, respectively). Compared to men, women were more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension (OR 1.29, Cl 1.01-1.64). When compared with non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks were more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension (OR 1.40, Cl 1.10-1.79). Diabetes and Poverty Income Ratio (PIR) classification of<1 were associated with increased likelihood of uncontrolled hypertension (OR 2.69, Cl1.99-3.63; OR 1.68, Cl1.19-2.37; respectively). Persons without health insurance had higher odds of being untreated when compared with insured persons (OR 2.38, Cl 1.71-3.32).Younger age (20-39 years), lack of risk factors for hypertension and less health care were associated with increased odds of being unaware of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Uncontrolled hypertension is more likely among women, older persons (≥60 years), non-Hispanic blacks, the poor, and diabetics. Hypertension awareness and treatment is lower among the young (20-39 years), the uninsured, individuals reporting fewer health risk factors, and adults with less exposure and utilization of health care.
A Semiempirical Model for the Ballistic Impact Performance of Textile-Based Personnel Armor

A parametric model has been developed to predict the performance of body armor systems under impact by a chunky steel projectile of arbitrary mass, shape, impact velocity, and impact obliquity. The model, which is based on a six-dimensional non linear regression analysis of extensive test data for Kevlar 29, is capable of predicting the performance of these body armor systems with user-defined areal density. The model partitions the energy absorbed by the body armor system into strain and kinetic energy; at impact velocities well above the ballistic limit of the system, the predominant mechanism of energy absorption is through kinetic energy transfer. The implications of this fact on the design of lightweight armor systems are discussed, along with the development of the model and suggestions for its use in designing, optimizing, and evaluating the functional utility of body armor systems.
Importance of Delayed Imaging for Blunt Renal Trauma

The advent of noninvasive computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis for evaluation of blunt renal trauma has led to the practice of expectant management for hemodynamically stable patients. Although expectant management of higher grade injuries (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Renal Injury Scale) would intuitively result in an increased frequency of urologic complications, this has not been previously examined in a large series of patients utilizing contemporary radiologic imaging techniques. A retrospective review of patients from a single institution within a recent 4-year period revealed 4 grade I, 13 grade II, 21 grade III, 7 grade IV, and 4 grade V injuries. None of grade I, 15% of grade II, 38% of grade III, 43% of grade IV, and 100% of grade V injuries had one or more (15 major and 11 minor) urologic complications. The incidence of urinary complications correlated significantly with increasing grade (0%, 15%, 38%, 43%, and 100% for grades I to V, respectively; r = 0.94, p = 0.0158). Of the delayed urologic complications, 50% were diagnosed on follow-up imaging studies and 33% of them required intervention. Therefore we advocate repeat imaging 2 to 4 days after trauma resulting in grade III to V blunt renal lacerations to identify delayed complications that may require intervention.
Analysis of variants and mutations in the human winged helix FOXA3 gene and associations with metabolic traits.

The forkhead factor Foxa3 is involved in the early transcriptional events controlling adipocyte differentiation and plays a critical function in fat depot expansion in response to high-fat diet regimens and during aging in mice. No studies to date have assessed the potential associations of genetic variants in FOXA3 with human metabolic outcomes. In this study, we sequenced FOXA3 in 392 children, adolescents and young adults selected from several cohorts of subjects recruited at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health based on the availability of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data, magnetic resonance imaging scans and DNA samples. We assessed the association between variants present in these subjects and metabolic traits and performed in vitro functional analysis of two novel FOXA3 missense mutations identified. Our analysis identified 14 novel variants and showed that the common single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs28666870 is significantly associated with greater body mass index, lean body mass and appendicular lean mass (P values 0.009, 0.010 and 0.013 respectively). In vitro functional studies showed increased adipogenic function for the FOXA3 missense mutations c.185C>T (p.Ser62Leu) and c.731C>T (p.Ala244Val) compared with FOXA3-WT. Our study identified novel FOXA3 variants and mutations, assessed the adipogenic capacity of two novel missense alterations in vitro and demonstrated for the first time the associations between FOXA3 SNP rs28666870 with metabolic phenotypes in humans.
New treatment paradigms in bipolar disorder: Second-generation antipsychotics and combination treatments

During the past decade, the number of treatments documented as effective in treating various phases of bipolar disorder has skyrocketed. From three treatments approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for acute mania and one as a maintenance treatment, we now have nine acute treatments and four maintenance treatments (the treatment of bipolar depression is excluded because it is a separate topic requiring its own discussion). Dominating these new treatments are the second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). The result of these studies is not only a major shift in treatment paradigms for bipolar disorder, but a realization that the antipsychotics are a misnamed class of medications because their efficacy extends far beyond the boundaries of psychosis.
Disc-shaped fibreweb formation with controlled fibre orientation using electrostatic forces: Theoretical analysis and experimental verification

We developed a system to align fibres by using electrostatic forces to form fibreweb with desired fibre orientation. The purpose of developing such a system is to investigate an innovative mechanism of forming disc shape fibrewebs with engineered fibre orientation for the industrial fields such as carbon fibre reinforced brake discs and abrasive wheels for metal surface finishing. We provide computer models for simulating the process of transporting fibres in electrostatic field and laying them down to a fibre-collecting surface. The model reveals the effects of electrostatic field properties such as voltage and electrodes geometry on fibre orientation distribution. We also developed visualisation programmes to help display and analyse resultant data. Our experimental results and theoretical simulations are in a good agreement and show that the development of a new generation of non-woven fabrics with engineered fibre orientation distribution is achievable with the correct levels of the independent parame...
An Improved Size, Matching, and Scaling Method for the Design of Deterministic Mesoscale Truss Structures

Mesoscale truss structures are cellular structures that have support elements on the order of centimeters. These structures are engineered for high performance and have applications in industries where a high strength-to-weight ratio is desired. However, design of mesoscale truss structures currently requires some form of topological optimization that slows the design process. In previous research, a new Size, Matching and Scaling method was presented that eliminated the need for topological optimization by using a solid-body finite element analysis combined with a library of lattice configurations to generate topologies. When compared to topological optimization, results were favorable: design times were significantly reduced and performance results were comparable. In this paper, we present a modified Size Matching and Scaling design method that addresses key issues in the original method. Firstly, we outline an improve methodology. Secondly, we expand the library of configurations in order to improve lattice performance. Finally, we test the updated method and library against design examples.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Automorphisms of linear automata

Abstract Relationships between the group, Aut(M), of automorphisms of a linear automaton M and the structure of M are determined. Linear automata in which Aut(M) is a group of translations are characterized in terms of the structure of the state space of M. Also, conditions are determined as to when Aut(M) contains only linear transformations.
Filling the security gap: military or police

This paper adds to the growing body of research that explores which force, military or civilian police, would be the more effective in filling the security gap in a post-conflict environment. The current debate centres on specialised units within the military or paramilitary constabulary forces such as the Gendarmerie or the Carabinieri as being more appropriate than civilian police in filling the security gap. This paper explores the idea that civilian police with the correct training and equipment are as competent as any other force in providing immediate post-conflict security and are in fact superior to military forces in establishing a sense of democracy and rule of law in a war torn nation.
AN ADIABATIC PICTURE FOR ELECTRON TRANSFER IN MIXED-VALENCE SYSTEMS

Abstract An adiabatic picture is proposed to analyze short-time electronic coherence and dephasing in mixed-valence systems, which cannot be described by the Redfield equation or the golden-rule rate theory. In this picture, electronic coherence arises from Rabi oscillations between two adiabatic surfaces and decays as a result of inhomogeneous distributions and thermal fluctuations of Rabi frequencies. The initial preparation and wavepacket dynamics modulate Rabi oscillations and thus influence electronic coherence. Comparisons between exact numerical results and the prediction from the proposed theory verify the accuracy of the adiabatic approximation in describing the short-time electronic dynamics.
Personality Correlates of the Matching Familiar Figures Test in Adults

The Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) measures a dimension of cognitive style known as reflection-impulsivity. Interpretations of the MFFT sometimes supplement its cognitive implications with one of two personality models, impulsivity and/or ego-resilience. Both models have received some research support from studies that used preadolescent subjects. The applicability of these two personality models to adults was evaluated in this research. In three studies on college students, one personality characteristic within the ego-resilience position, independent-oriented achievement, was found to differentiate between impulsive and reflective scorers on the MFFT. No support was found for the impulsivity position. Implications were drawn for the influence of personality on the MFFT.
The African Diaspora

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the plantation aspect of the African diaspora. The most significant recent tendency in the historiography of the African diaspora is the recognition that such a thing existed. Historians wrote about the slave trade and slavery but only in a national context. North American historians dealt with slavery in the United States; British, with the British slave trade to the Caribbean; French, Dutch, and Portuguese, with similar aspects of their own imperial economies. The East African slave trade of the nineteenth century was a minor note in British imperial history, and hardly anyone paid attention to the trans-Sahara trade or to older branches that carried at least a trickle of people from Africa to India and even further east. The plantation aspect of the African diaspora was not confined to the Atlantic. The 18th-century Europeans bought slaves in Africa and settled them on sugar plantations in the Mascarene Islands, especially Reunion and Mauritius, which rapidly took on a West Indian pattern of society.
India's new African horizons: an American perspective

While the extensive network of economic, political, and military ties which the People's Republic of China has constructed across Africa has been the subject of considerable scrutiny – and, increasingly, not a little alarming – on the part of policy-makers and scholars in both the USA and Europe, the emergence of India as a major player on the continent has, until rather recently, gone largely unnoticed. That is changing, however, as Africa with its energy riches, agricultural potential, and other natural resources as well as its growing population finds itself courted by multiple suitors, both old partners and new. In this context, India's expanding commercial and strategic engagements across Africa represent a significant move in the global geopolitical order taking shape in the twenty-first century. This paper examines India's rapidly expanding network of relations, analysing the country's burgeoning public and private investments in the region as well as its policies vis-a-vis African regional organiz...
A multiplicative model for spatial interaction in the human visual cortex

Multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) were recorded simultaneously for both the target and the neighbor stimuli, each varying over 6 levels of contrast: 0%, 4%, 8%, 16%, 32%, and 64%. For most conditions, the relationship between the amplitude of target response and the contrast of the neighbor stimulus, as well as the amplitude of the response to the target stimulus, were described with a simple, normalization model. However, when the neighbor stimulus had a much higher contrast than the target stimulus, the amplitude of the target response was larger than the prediction from the normalization model. These results suggest that spatial interaction observed in the mfVEP requires (1) multiplicative mechanisms, (2) mutual inhibition between neighboring regions, and (3) a mechanism that saturates when the ratio between the contrasts of the target and that of the neighbor is large. A modified multiplicative model that incorporates these elements describes the results.
A Comparison of Unidimensional and Three-Dimensional Differential Item Functioning Analysis Using Two-Dimensional Data

Oshima, Raju, and Flowers demonstrated the use of an item response theory—based technique for analyzing differential item function (DIF) and differential test function for dichotomously scored data that are intended to be multidimensional. Their study assumed that the number of intended-to-be measured dimensions was correctly identified. In practice, however, the number of dimensions may be misidentified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of both underestimation and overestimation of the number of intended-to-be measured dimensions on the multidimensional DIF analysis using simulated two-dimensional data with known DIF items. Results show that overestimation of the number of y traits had a consequence of decreased power. Underestimation resulted in missing a certain type of nonuniform DIF, as well as confounding the impact with DIF. Recommendations are made on how to conduct a DIF investigation with a multidimensional within-item test.
Slow maxillary expansion: Skeletal versus dental response to low magnitude force in Macaca mulatta

Low-magnitude continuous force (1 to 2 pounds) was applied in a transverse direction to the palatal vault and posterior teeth of three rhesus monkeys to assess linear and angular changes of the maxilla versus those of the maxillary posterior teeth.
Evaluating Economic Policy: A Contextual Model of the Opinion Formation Process

Previous research on economic voting has focused on the link between economic policy attitudes and candidate choice, taking the existence and formation of policy evaluations for granted. Arguments about the appropriateness of electoral control over economic policymaking, however, implicate directly the sources and the quality of those issue opinions. This research investigates the way in which policy evaluations on macroeconomic management are formed. The paper formulates a model of voter information processing and inferential reasoning that accounts for the connection between objective conditions and policy judgments. A notable feature of the model is its hypothesis of complementary roles for personal financial condition and "contextual" information about economic activity in the local area as sources of subjective economic grievances and economic policy evaluations. The model is estimated with national sample survey data collected in 1978.
Rear-projecting virtual data onto physical terrain: an exercise in two senses being better than one

This paper describes a project that combined physical model fabrication and virtual computer-based data display to create a unique visualization presentation. USGS terrain information on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska was used to create a physical prototype in SDSC's TeleManufacturing Facility. This model was then used as a mold to create a translucent plate of the terrain. Finally, deforestation data from the island was color mapped and rear-projected onto the translucent plate within a light box. The result is a very compelling display in which both the senses of sight and touch are used to make relationships between terrain features and the data more readily apparent.
Scheduling variable rate links via a spectrum server

We consider a centralized spectrum server that coordinates the transmissions of a group of links sharing a common spectrum. Links employ on-off modulation with fixed transmit power when active. In the on state, a link obtains a data rate determined by the signal-to-interference ratio on the link. By knowing the link gains in the network, the spectrum server finds an optimal schedule that maximizes the average sum rate subject to a minimum average rate constraint for each link. Using a graph theoretic model for the network and a linear programming formulation, the resulting schedules are a collection of transmission modes (sets of active links) that are time shared in a fashion that is reminiscent of spatial reuse patterns in cellular networks. In the special case when there is no minimum rate constraint, the optimal schedule results in a fixed dominant mode with highest sum rate being operated all the time. In order to offset the inherent unfairness in the above solution, we introduce a minimum rate constraint and characterize the resulting loss in sum rate when compared to the case when there is no minimum rate constraint. We also investigate alternate fairness criteria by designing scheduling algorithms that achieve max-min fairness and proportional fairness. It is shown that the max-min fair rate allocation maximizes the minimum common rate among the links. Simulation results are presented and future work is described
Targeting HER1/EGFR: A molecular approach to cancer therapy

The varying efficacy and toxicity of traditional cancer therapies has driven the development of novel target-based agents. Members of the HER (Human Epidermal Receptor) family, in particular epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR), are attractive therapeutic targets because they are overexpressed and/or dysregulated in many solid tumors. Activation of HER1/EGFR mediated through ligand binding triggers a network of signaling processes that promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis, and decrease apoptosis. Therefore, inhibiting HER1/EGFR activity could effectively block downstream signaling events and, consequently, tumorigenesis. Various approaches are being investigated to target members of the HER family, particularly HER1/EGFR and HER2. At the forefront are monoclonal antibodies and small molecules that inhibit the receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Monoclonal antibodies have been developed that act against HER1/EGFR and HER2. Monoclonal antibodies block ligand binding and prevent ligand-induced activation. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors block receptor phosphorylation, preventing downstream signal transduction. Several HER1/EGFR-targeted agents are advanced in clinical development and attention is focused on optimizing their clinical use. While this process may prove challenging, it promises to be beneficial.
Cellulase Treatment of Durable Press Finished Cotton Fabric: Effects on Fabric Strength, Abrasion Resistance, and Handle:

Enzyme washing is commonly used as a wet process technique to improve textile handle, appearance, and other surface characteristics of cottons in the industry. In this research, we have studied the effects of cellulase treatment on tensile strength, flex abrasion resistance, and handle of cotton fabric crosslinked by a polycarboxylic acid. The fabric is first treated with cellulase (pre-curing treatment), then crosslinked by 1,2,3,4- butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA). The fabric is also crosslinked by BTCA first then treated with cellulase (post-curing treatment). We compare the performance of the durable press (DP) finished cottons treated with cellulase using these two different procedures, and we find that the pre-curing cellulase treatment has a more positive influence on fabric handle than the post-curing treatment, but it also causes significantly higher fabric strength loss than the post-curing treatment. We also find that the difference in wrinkle resistance of the DP finished cotton fabrics with ...
Assessing the Impacts of Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges Piceae Ratz.) and Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Stand Structure and Mortality of Fraser Fir (Abies Fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) in the Black Mountains, North Carolina

Abstract Over the past several decades, naturally occurring populations of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) in the Black Mountains of North Carolina have been heavily impacted by both direct and indirect anthropogenic disturbances, including logging and logging-associated fires, and high mortality rates due to the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) (BWA). The decline in Fraser fir is worrisome because it serves as a foundation species of the spruce-fir forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Our objectives for this research were to: 1) characterize the current status of Fraser fir trees with respect to potential population decline, as identified by the regeneration-mortality hypothesis, by using stand structure and infestation levels, 2) determine the influence of slope, elevation, aspect, and disturbance history on stand structure, mortality, and BWA infestation level, and 3) examine broad trends of Fraser fir cover change caused by BWA over a 60 year period by using repeat aerial photography. We co...
Peridynamic Theory for Thermomechanical Analysis

Thermomechanical modeling for interconnects and electronic packages is a difficult challenge, especially for material interfaces and films under 1 ?m dimension. Understanding and prediction of their mechanical failure require the simulation of material behavior in the presence of multiple length scales. However, the classical continuum theory is not capable of predicting failure without a posterior analysis with an external crack growth criteria and treats the interfaces having zero thickness. A new nonlocal continuum theory referred to as peridynamic theory offers the ability to predict failure at these length scales. This study presents a new response function as part of the peridynamic theory to include thermal loading. After validating this response function by comparing against the displacement predictions in benchmark problems against those of finite element method, the peridynamic theory is used to predict damage initiation and propagation in regions having dissimilar materials due to thermomechanical loading.
Teaching Medical Ethics during Residency.

Because practicing physicians are poorly prepared to resolve many ethical issues that arise in patient care, this article proposes that residencies include practical training in medical ethics. Training in medical ethics helps physicians recognize ethical issues in patient care and resolve those issues wisely. Furthermore, such training has its maximum impact during the professionally formative years of residency. The article specifies key ethical concepts residents should know, including knowing how to obtain informed consent, knowing what to do about incompetent patients, knowing when to withhold or disclose clinical information, and knowing how to use resources properly. The article also points out that the success of residency training in ethics depends on strong commitments from the department: endorsement by the chairman and the residency program director; recruitment of several dedicated faculty; support for adequate ethics training for these faculty; dedication of conferences, rounds, and consultations to teaching ethics; and allocation of sufficient funds.
Motion Patterns: High-Level Representation of Natural Video Sequences

This work investigates the use of nonlinear dependencies in natural image sequence statistics to learn higher-order structures in natural videos. We propose a two-layer model that learns variance correlation between linear ICA coefficients and present a novel nonlinear representation of natural videos. The first layer performs a linear mapping from pixel values to ICA coefficients. In doing so, the spatiotemporal dynamics in natural videos are decomposed into a set of bases each encoding "independent motion." By assuming that the nonlinear dependency of ICA coefficients takes the form of variance correlation, the second layer learns the joint distribution of ICA sources that captures how these independent bases co-activate. Experimental results show that the abstract representation correspond to various activation patterns of bases with similar motion, hence the term "motion patterns." Our model offers a novel description of higher-order structures in natural videos. We illustrate the usefulness of the proposed representation in video segmentation and denoising tasks.
The use of α‐galactosidase and invertase in hollow fiber reactors

Invertase and alpha-galactosidase have been immobilized in hollow fiber cartridges with no detectable enzyme leakage and used for the hydrolysis of sucrose and raffinose, respectively. For both hollow fiber immobilized enzymes nearly complete substrate conversion is possible. Enzyme stabilities in polysulfonate hollow fibers which have been preconditioned with bovine albumin approach the stabilities of the free enzymes.
Effects of Direct-Fed Microbials on Growth, Health, and Blood Parameters of Young Holstein Calves

Abstract Direct-fed microbial supplementation and the performance of Holstein calves were evaluated. Calves were assigned to treatments that included: 1) colostrum only at birth; 2) colostrum at birth plus Biomate FG Concentrate for 35 d; 3) colostrum and medicated milk replacer at birth plus Biomate FG Concentrate for 35 d; or 4) colostrum at birth plus Biomate LA-20 for 35 d. Blood samples taken at birth, at 12 h or 24 h after birth, and at about 3, 10, and 35 d of age revealed no treatment differences in total serum protein, serum immunoglobulin G ( IgG ), packed cell volume ( PCV ), or hemoglobin. Calf BW and feed refusal were measured twice weekly. Significantly different calf BW were accounted for by differences in birth weight. No differences were detected in calf performance, health, or blood parameters, regardless of the microbial fed. Calves receiving a reduced level of colostrum ate more grain, but there were no differences in calf performance or health as compared with other treatments. No advantage was shown for microbial supplementation of young Holstein calves, except possibly when there was lowered colostrum intake.
Accounting For Deferred Taxes: Time For A Change

This study examines the theory underlying the current accounting and reporting standards for deferred taxes. Given the goal of global accounting convergence and under the proposed condorsement approach, the FASB and the IASB have a historic opportunity to revise the existing deferred tax accounting standards. Thus, it is warranted to illustrate the financial consequences of using the proposed flow-through (where tax expense is equal to the statutory tax liability) approach versus the asset-liability method of accounting for deferred taxes. We achieve this objective by computing the change in the debt-to-equity (DTE) ratios for the 2004-2010 period when net deferred tax balances are eliminated and corresponding adjustments are made in the total liability and stockholders equity balances. Based on our observations, we propose that the underlying issue in accounting for deferred taxes is the unit problem and argue that deferred taxes do not represent assets and liabilities as defined by accounting standards.
Rapid, Multiplexed Phosphoprotein Profiling Using Silicon Photonic Sensor Arrays

Extracellular signaling is commonly mediated through post-translational protein modifications that propagate messages from membrane-bound receptors to ultimately regulate gene expression. Signaling cascades are ubiquitously intertwined, and a full understanding of function can only be gleaned by observing dynamics across multiple key signaling nodes. Importantly, targets within signaling cascades often represent opportunities for therapeutic development or can serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Protein phosphorylation is a particularly important post-translational modification that controls many essential cellular signaling pathways. Not surprisingly, aberrant phosphorylation is found in many human diseases, including cancer, and phosphoprotein-based biomarker signatures hold unrealized promise for disease monitoring. Moreover, phosphoprotein analysis has wide-ranging applications across fundamental chemical biology, as many drug discovery efforts seek to target nodes within kinase signaling pathways. For both fundamental and translational applications, the analysis of phosphoprotein biomarker targets is limited by a reliance on labor-intensive and/or technically challenging methods, particularly when considering the simultaneous monitoring of multiplexed panels of phosphoprotein biomarkers. We have developed a technology based upon arrays of silicon photonic microring resonator sensors that fills this void, facilitating the rapid and automated analysis of multiple phosphoprotein levels from both cell lines and primary human tumor samples requiring only minimal sample preparation.
Behavioral Pragmatism: Obama's Approach to Employment Policy

However wide the ideological distance between positive and negative prognosticators of employment growth, the pragmatic center is where the White House preferences are likely to fall. Obama's pragmatic center may be far from the ideological center between public-private program alternatives. Instead, it is closer to the pressure center of partisan and interest-group forces that normally participate in fiscal policy-making. As a behavioral pragmatist the moderate position for Obama is found at the center of ideologically separated political competitors whatever the content of their beliefs, since content is relatively uncritical in this perspective. Pressure groups' numbers and organizational strength define the value of their diversity more than the substance of their beliefs. For the strong believers on both political left and right the outcomes will rarely look pragmatic because they will rarely fit the traditional standards for moderation.
A review of the strengths and weaknesses of archival, behavioral, and qualitative research methods: recognizing the potential benefits of triangulation

This chapter discusses the benefits, limitations, and challenges in developing research projects that integrate a combination of archival, behavioral, and qualitative research methods. By demonstrating the inherent strengths and weaknesses of using a single method in isolation, this chapter aims to broaden our understanding of why and how research that examines various issues from the different perspectives is richer than employing any single method and enhances our understanding of a given accounting phenomenon. This chapter also discusses how investigating an issue through multiple research methods can help researchers improve the generalizability of findings and present a panoramic view of a particular phenomenon.
Issues in pediatric palliative care: Understanding families

While family-centred care has always been part of the rhetoric of hospice and palliative care, few models have been developed that successfully integrate care of the caregivers into the overall schema. Systematic analyses of interventions have failed to produce any demonstrable benefit to families arising from the modern practice of palliative care. This alarming finding constitutes the greatest challenge for the 21st century. Pediatric palliative care may have much to teach in its approach to family care. Family-focused grief therapy is one model, used with both adolescent and adult families, that has promise for the field. The time has surely arrived for palliative medicine to focus on family-based research.
miR-183 Inhibits UV-Induced DNA Damage Repair in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Targeting of KIAA0101.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which miR-183 may contribute to the phenotypic alterations associated with stress-induced senescence of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Methods Changes in gene expression induced by miR-183 in HTM cells were evaluated by gene array analysis, confirmed by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR), and analyzed by MetaCore pathway analysis. Effects of miR-183 on cell proliferation were assessed by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and DNA damage by CometAssay after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in primary HTM cells, and confirmed in human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) and HeLa cells. A plasmid expressing KIAA0101 without its 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was cotransfected with miR-183 to evaluate the role of KIAA0101 on the effects induced by miR-183. Results miR-183 affected the expression of multiple genes involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response in HTM cells. Forced expression of miR-183 in HTM and HDF resulted in a significant decrease in proliferation in primary HTM and HDF cells but not in HeLa cells. In all cell types tested, overexpression of miR-183 resulted in increased DNA damage under UV irradiation. Expression of KIAA0101 lacking the 3'-UTR region partially prevented the effects of miR-183 on cell proliferation and completely reversed the effects on UV-induced DNA damage. Conclusions Our results suggest that the observed up-regulation of miR-183 after stress-induced senescence in HTM cells may contribute to reinforce cellular senescence by inhibiting cell cycle progression through multiple gene targets and limiting the DNA repair mechanisms through inhibition of KIAA0101.
Variation in cash price of the generic medications most prescribed by dermatologists in pharmacies across the United States.

AbstractBackground: The United States has the highest drug costs in the world. Consumers complain about large price differences at pharmacies on generic drugs.Objective: To evaluate variation in cash prices of generic medications most prescribed in dermatology across different drugstores and states in United States.Method: The 11 generic drugs most prescribed by dermatologists according to National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were assessed. By using Google, the most common used pharmacies in United States were listed, which are located at a random selection of six states. By calling the first available number of each pharmacy in the six states and asking about the generic cash price of the smallest stock size and the most prescribed type, the data were collected.Results: Drug prices varied; the median cumulative price of the 11 medications was highest at Rite Aid ($1226) and lowest at Walmart ($795.34) with 35% difference. The prices at CVS differed by 20% across different states; however, the prices a...
Effect of Body Mass Index– and Actual Weight–Based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Doses on Pathologic Complete Response in Operable Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction The effect of body mass index (BMI) and chemotherapy dose reduction on pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locoregional breast cancer remains unclear. Contemporary studies have reported largely on trial populations and used dose-capping. Patients and Methods Patient registries at the University of Iowa were queried to identify patients with operable breast cancer who received NAC. Dose reductions were calculated for taxanes (T), anthracyclines (A) and non–A-T chemotherapy. Clinical-pathologic characteristics, chemotherapy dose reductions, and adverse events were compared between normal (BMI Results Of 171 eligible patients, 112 were overweight/obese. Chemotherapy dosing was capped in 2 patients; all others initiated full weight-based treatment. Overweight/obese patients required more frequent taxane (44.6% vs. 25.4%; P = .01) and any chemotherapy dose reductions (50.9% vs. 33.9%; P = .03). pCR was attained in 29.2% of patients. In a multivariable model, the interaction term for BMI as a continuous variable and any chemotherapy dose reduction was significant independent of the clinical stage and tumor receptor status ( P = .04). For obese patients, any chemotherapy dose reduction was significantly associated with increased odds of not attaining pCR. Conclusion During NAC, overweight/obese patients more often have chemotherapy dose reductions. Chemotherapy dose reduction in obese patients was a powerful predictor of not attaining pCR. This was not seen for normal or overweight patients. Opportunities might exist to improve pCR rates in this higher-risk group.
Making Volunteer-based Democracy “Work”: Gendered Coping Strategies in a Citizen Legislature

How do state legislators working in a volunteer political institution cope with work and family responsibilities? This article complicates the conventional notion of work-family conflict by illustrating how another dimension of work, performed voluntarily in the political sphere, is managed in concert with paid employment and domestic responsibilities. Based on interviews conducted with state representatives in 2014, we analyze the patterns of work-family conflict in a “citizen” legislature. We find that working under nearly voluntary conditions results in a variety of coping strategies that are uniquely structured by an absence of salaries and administrative resources. Gender constrains the range of coping strategies available to women legislators in practice and has implications for women’s representation in political organizations. Our findings make a sociological case for expanding how we think about work and family mechanisms that affect women’s representation in politics.
Don't forget the hip! Hip arthritis masquerading as knee pain

Abstract Background Hip osteoarthritis typically manifests with groin or thigh pain. Other atypical pain patterns, including knee pain, have been described. Except for 2 case reports, there is no literature on this subject. Methods From our institutional database, between 2011 and 2016, we identified 21 patients who were referred for treatment of knee pain but ultimately diagnosed with hip pathology as the cause of their pain. This group was evaluated for duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, previous interventions, presence of walking aids, and symptom resolution after treatment of the hip pathology. Results Fifteen of the 21 patients were referred from musculoskeletal providers (12 from orthopaedic surgeons). Prior to diagnosis of the hip etiology, 16 patients were reduced to major assistive devices including wheelchairs. Twelve of 21 patients had undergone surgical knee interventions, including total knee arthroplasty, with minimal to no relief of their pain. Seventeen of 21 referred patients underwent total hip arthroplasty at our institution. Fourteen patients had complete resolution of knee pain after total hip arthroplasty. Conclusions Although knee pain referred from hip disease may be considered a basic and common knowledge, it continues to be an overlooked phenomenon. Most of the cases were misdiagnosed by musculoskeletal providers including orthopaedic surgeons and this highlights the need for continued education and awareness of this clinical scenario.
Microhabitat Factors Associated with Occupancy of Songbirds in Suburban Forest Fragments in the Eastern United States

Abstract Forests in the eastern United States have become fragmented by urban development and agriculture, creating a landscape of remnant forest patches. Many bird species rely on these fragments for breeding habitat, but habitat selection in these patches is not well-understood. Our objective was to examine the effects of forest structure, native plants, and invertebrate biomass on the occupancy of an assemblage of common Eastern songbird species in suburban forest fragments. We collected data at 98 plots in remnant forest patches in Delaware and Maryland. Avian point counts were conducted three times per season between 15 May–7 August 2009–2010. We estimated occupancy probability, while accounting for imperfect detection, for nine common songbird species in order to understand how they are influenced by invertebrate biomass and vegetation characteristics. We ranked competing models using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). Occupancy of six of our 10 candidate species was affected by forest structure, na...
Trust in Robots Versus Trust in Humans

Human-robot interactions requiring trust are increasingly common in the marketplace, workplace, on the road, and in the home, yet little is known about human willingness to make trust-based investments with non-human agents (i.e., “robots”) and the emotional reactions these interactions elicit. Using a between-subjects design, we compare human investment and emotions from a trust game with people to investment and emotions from a nearly identical trust game (a.k.a. a “risk game”) with a robot. Between treatments we found different emotional reactions but no differences in investment behavior. Conflicted emotions were not reported following trust-game interactions with robots in the way they were with humans. These results highlight a unique emotional facet of human interaction while providing support for recalibration models of emotions and trust. For an expanded study with these and additional results, developed since this working paper was produced, see the more recent "Trust in Humans, Robots, and Cyborgs: Treated the Same, But Experienced Differently." by Eric Schniter, Timothy Shields, and Daniel Sznycer
Synthesis of Novel Oxazolyl Amino Acids and Their Use in the Parallel Synthesis of Disubstituted Oxazole Libraries

Novel chiral oxazolyl alanine and homologues are synthesized and utilized as building blocks for the solid-phase parallel synthesis of novel trifunctional oxazole small molecules in good to excellent overall yields and with high purity. The orthogonal deprotection strategy of oxazolyl amino acids, prepared from serine methyl ester and amino acids such as aspartic and glutamic acids, allows multiple sites of diversification to make a variety of pharmacologically relevant small molecules. The general nature of this approach allows the preparation of a large number of small molecules and peptidomimetics.
Transnational Advocacy and the Politics of Sustainable Development in a Small Island Developing State: An Uncertain Future for the Grenada Dove:

This article presents a qualitative case study of a transnational activist network (TAN) to protect the endangered Grenada Dove that achieved measurable success in the 1990s and then reformed in th...
Modifiable Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an acceptable therapy for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis at high or prohibitive surgical risk. Attempts are ongoing to validate risk prediction models for in-hospital mortality after TAVR. Our aim was to define modifiable risk factors predictive of in-hospital mortality after TAVR. Methods We identified patients who underwent TAVR from the 2012 database of the National Inpatient Sample. Patients who died during the index hospitalization were compared to those that were successfully discharged. The predictors of in-hospital mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 1,360 patients (mean age 81 ± 8.8 years, whites 80.1%, blacks 3.5%) had TAVR and 68 (5%) died during hospitalization (χ2 [1, n = 1,360] = 1,101.6, P Conclusions Fluid and electrolyte disturbance could be a modifiable predictor of in-hospital mortality following TAVR. Efforts should be geared towards reducing its occurrence in this patient population.
Reflection and refraction problems for metasurfaces related to Monge-Ampère equations.

A metasurface is a surface, typically a plane, on which a function called phase discontinuity is chosen so that the metasurface produces a desired reflection or refraction job. We derive the equations that the phase discontinuity function must satisfy, i.e., Monge-Ampere partial differential equations, and we prove the existence of solutions.
The Effects of Neurofeedback Training on College Students’ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms

ABSTRACTMany college students struggle with symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that might affect their academic performance and overall well-being. This study sought to inv...