cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of 38 breast cancer cell lines: a basis for interpreting complementary DNA microarray data.

Breast cancer cell lines provide a useful starting point for the discovery and functional analysis of genes involved in breast cancer. Here, we studied 38 established breast cancer cell lines by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to determine recurrent genetic alterations and the extent to which these cell lines resemble uncultured tumors. The following chromosomal gains were observed: 8q (75%), 1q (61%), 20q (55%), 7p (44%), 3q (39%), 5p (39%), 7q (39%), 17q (33%), 1p (30%), and 20p (30%), and the most common losses were: 8p (58%), 18q (58%), 1p (42%), Xp (42%), Xq (42%), 4p (36%), 11q (36%), 18p (33%), 10q (30%), and 19p (28%). Furthermore, 35 recurrent high-level amplification sites were identified, most often involving 8q23 (37%), 20q13 (29%), 3q25-q26 (24%), 17q22-q23 (16%), 17q23-q24 (16%), 1p13 (11%), 1q32 (11%), 5p13 (11%), 5p14 (11%), 11q13 (11%), 17q12-q21 (11%), and 7q21-q22 (11%). A comparison of DNA copy number changes found in the cell lines with those reported in 17 published studies (698 tumors) of uncultured tumors revealed a substantial degree of overlap. CGH copy number profiles may facilitate identification of important new genes located at the hotspots of such chromosomal alterations. This was illustrated by analyzing expression levels of 1236 genes using cDNA microarrays in four of the cell lines. Several highly overexpressed genes (such as RCH1 at 17q23, TOPO II at 17q21-q22, as well as CAS and MYBL2 at 20q13) were involved in these recurrent DNA amplifications. In conclusion, DNA copy number profiles were generated by CGH for most of the publicly available breast cancer cell lines and were made available on a web site (http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/DIR/CGB/++ +CR2000). This should facilitate the correlative analysis of gene expression and copy number as illustrated here by the finding by cDNA microarrays of several overexpressed genes that were amplified.
Development of a Bioassay System for the Predator, Xylocoris flavipes (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), and Its Use in Subchronic Toxicity/Pathogenicity Studies of Beauveria bassiana Strain GHA

Microbial biocontrol agents are useful commercially only if they do not harm other natural biocontrol organisms, at recommended use rate in the environment where the microorganism is being used. To test the hypothesis that the predatory warehouse pirate bug, Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter), is not adversely affected by the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin strain GHA, we developed a method using individually conÞned bugs during a 10-d feeding regime. Three concentrations of a conidial suspension were applied to assay surfaces (Þlter paper disks) to achieve 2.7 10 7 , 2.6 10 6 , and 2.6 10 5 conidia per cm 2 , representing 100X, 10X, and a Þeld rate of 2.6 10 13 conidia per ha (10%), respectively. Fifth instar X. flavipes suffered 0% infection at the Þeld rate when conÞned to treated Þlter paper for 10 d (16% and 42% infection, respectively, at 10X and 100X the Þeld rate). Second instar migratory grasshoppers, Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.), exposed to the same doses suffered 97, 92, and 100% mortality at the three respective doses 10 d after exposure. These data indicate that B. bassiana can be used safely at recommended application levels without signiÞcant effect on Þfth instar populations of X. flavipes.
Histone variant H3.3 stimulates HSP70 transcription through cooperation with HP1γ

Histone variant H3.3 and heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) are two functional components of chromatin with role in gene transcription. However, the regulations of their dynamics during transcriptional activation and the molecular mechanisms underlying their actions remain poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that heat shock-induced transcription of the human HSP70 gene is regulated via the coordinated and interdependent action of H3.3 and HP1γ. H3.3 and HP1γ are rapidly co-enriched at the human HSP70 promoters upon heat shock in a manner that closely parallels the initiation of transcription. Knockdown of H3.3 prevents the stable recruitment of HP1γ, inhibits active histone modifications, and attenuates HSP70 promoter activity. Likewise, knockdown of HP1γ leads to the decreased levels of H3.3 in the promoter regions and the repression of HSP70 genes. HP1γ selectively recognizes particular modification states of H3.3 in the nucleosome for its action. Moreover, HP1γ is overexpressed in three representative cancer cell lines, and its knockdown leads to reduction in HSP70 gene transcription and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. We conclude that the physical and functional interactions between H3.3 and HP1γ make a unique contribution to acute HSP70 transcription and cancer development related to the misregulation of this transcription event.
Interactive Visualization and Analysis of Hurricane Data

We present a novel methodology to process hurricane data to be ready for display in Microsoft Live Labs Pivot. We describe the complexity of hurricane data files, which makes gleaning information out of them difficult. Hurricane data files contain a significant amount of information pertaining to hurricanes, however it is a poor representation of data. We present an algorithm for a parser to extract information out of data files and generate a CXML formatted file compatible with Microsoft Live Labs Pivot for a more appealing and therefore more useful statistical representation. We show how historical data from past hurricanes can be modified for representation.
Reprioritizing the relationship between HCI research and practice: bubble-up and trickle-down effects

There has been an ongoing conversation about the role and relationship of theory and practice in the HCI community. This paper explores this relationship privileging a practice perspective through a tentative model, which describes a "bubble-up" of ideas from practice to inform research and theory development, and an accompanying "trickle-down" of theory into practice. Interviews were conducted with interaction designers, which included a description of their use of design methods in practice, and their knowledge and use of two common design methods-affinity diagramming and the concept of affordance. Based on these interviews, potential relationships between theory and practice are explored through this model. Disseminating agents already common in HCI practice are addressed as possible mechanisms for the research community to understand practice more completely. Opportunities for future research, based on the use of the tentative model in a generative way, are considered.
Structure-Activity Relationships for a Series of Compounds that Inhibit Aggregation of the Alzheimer's Peptide, Aβ42

Inhibiting aggregation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide may be an effective strategy for combating Alzheimer's disease. As the high-resolution structure of the toxic Aβ aggregate is unknown, rational design of small molecule inhibitors is not possible, and inhibitors are best isolated by high-throughput screening. We applied high-throughput screening to a collection of 65,000 compounds to identify compound D737 as an inhibitor of Aβ aggregation. D737 diminished the formation of oligomers and fibrils, and reduced Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity. Most importantly, D737 increased the life span and locomotive ability of transgenic flies in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Alzheimer's disease (J Biol Chem, 287, 2012, 38992). To explore the chemical features that make D737 an effective inhibitor of Aβ42 aggregation and toxicity, we tested a small collection of eleven analogues of D737. Overall, the ability of a compound to inhibit Aβ aggregation was a good predictor of its efficacy in prolonging the life span and locomotive ability of transgenic flies expressing human Aβ42 in the central nervous system. Two compounds (D744 and D830) with fluorine substitutions on an aromatic ring were effective inhibitors of Aβ42 aggregation and increased the longevity of transgenic flies beyond that observed for the parent compound, D737.
Direct torque control stability conditions and compensation methods

This paper discusses stability conditions of direct torque control (DTC) based on a singular perturbation perspective. Input-output decoupling is discussed and asymptotic-input-output-decoupling is proposed in order to improve erratic DTC performance reported by practitioners. Stability analysis shows that DTC is applicable for low-leakage machines. A detailed mathematical stability analysis and an experimental comparison of conventional DTC and decoupling methods under high speed and high load condition are presented. The results show that asymptotic decoupling compensates for erratic DTC performance with minimal control effort and controller complexity. The improvement trades off voltage headroom for dynamics of torque regulation.
Probabilistic performance analysis of scheduling parallel tasks with precedence constraints on mesh connected multicomputers

We investigate the problem of scheduling parallel tasks with precedence constraints on mesh connected multicomputers. It is an open problem as to whether there exists an approximation algorithm that has a finite worst-case performance ratio. We propose a simple level scheduling algorithm LL as a first attempt to solve our problem. There are three basic techniques in algorithm LL, i.e., a layer by layer scheduling strategy to handle precedence constraints, the largest-job-first algorithm to schedule tasks in the same layer, and the two dimensional buddy system for system partitioning. Algorithm LL does not have a finite worst-case performance ratio. However, its average-case performance ratio is quite acceptable. It is shown that for wide task graphs and typical task size distributions, the asymptotic average-case performance ratio of algorithm LL is about two for all probability distributions of task execution times.
Silk Materials – A Road to Sustainable High Technology

This review addresses the use of silk protein as a sustainable material in optics and photonics, electronics and optoelectronic applications. These options represent additional developments for this technology platform that compound the broad utility and impact of this material for medical needs that have been recently described in the literature. The favorable properties of the material certainly make a favorable case for the use of silk, yet serve as a broad inspiration to further develop biological foundries for both the synthesis and processing of Nature's materials for technological applications.
Ionic Current Variability and Functional Stability in the Nervous System

Identified neurons in different animals express ionic currents at highly variable levels (population variability). If neuronal identity is associated with stereotypical function, as is the case in genetically identical neurons or in unambiguously identified individual neurons, this variability poses a conundrum: How is activity the same if the components that generate it—ionic current levels—are different? In some cases, ionic current variability across similar neurons generates an output gradient. However, many neurons produce very similar output activity, despite substantial variability in ionic conductances. It appears that, in many such cells, conductance levels of one ionic current vary in proportion to the conductance levels of another current. As a result, in a population of neurons, these conductances appear to be correlated. Here, I review theoretical and experimental work that suggests that neuronal ionic current correlation can reduce the global ionic current variability and can contribute to functional stability.
pH Dependence of 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate binding to human hemoglobin Ao at 21.5°C

Rate equilibrium dialysis was used to measure the binding of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) to human oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin A0 over the range pH 5-9, at 21.5 degrees C. This approach yielded an accurate, precise, and self-consistent set of model-independent association constants. These data were successfully fitted to a thermodynamic model which is functionally similar to a Hill equation. The isotherms generated by this fitting procedure appear to intersect at low pH and converge at high pH. This apparent convergence at high pH is consistent with results obtained by oxygen equilibria studies performed under conditions of saturating DPG. These calculated isotherms were used to determine the enhancement of the Bohr effect as a function of pH. These results are consistent with data obtained by pH stat measurements by other investigators. This paper presents the first in a series of studies that will provide a systematic characterization of the interaction between hemoglobin and DPG.
An improved test for phenylketonuria.

A simple dip-and-read strip test for detection of phenylketonuria is described. This test contains ferric and magnesium ions and an acid buffer. It is called PHENISTIX. When the strip is moistened with urine it gives a gray to blue color with samples which contain phenylpyruvic acid, the intensity being proportional to the concentration of this constituent. A color chart provides for standardization of results and reproducible reports. Comparison of the performance of the test with conventional laboratory procedures has been carried out on over 1900 samples as tests on unknowns. The new test is reliable for the recognition of phenylketonuria and has some advantages over conventional laboratory procedures.
Towards a better understanding of readmissions after stroke: partnering with stroke survivors and caregivers.

Aims and objectives To describe the experience of readmission from the perspective of the stroke survivor and family caregiver. Background Older stroke survivors are at an increased risk for readmission with approximately 40% being readmitted in the first year after stroke. Patients and their families are best positioned to provide information about factors associated with readmission, yet their perspectives have rarely been elicited. Design Descriptive qualitative study. Methods This study included older stroke survivors who were readmitted to acute care from home in the six months following stroke, and their family caregivers. Participants were interviewed by telephone at approximately two weeks after discharge and a sub-set was also interviewed in person during the readmission. Interviews were audio-taped and content analysis was used to identify themes. Results From the 29 semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 stroke survivors and/or their caregivers, the following themes were identified: preparing to go home after the stroke, what to expect at home, complexity of medication management, support for self-care in the community and the influence of social factors. Conclusions This study provides the critical perspective of the stroke survivor and family caregiver into furthering our understanding of readmissions after stroke. Participants identified several areas for intervention including better discharge preparation and the need for support in the community for medication management and self-care. The findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce readmissions after stroke should be multifaceted in approach and extend across the continuum of care. Relevance to clinical practice The hospital level has been the focus of interventions to reduce preventable readmissions, but the results of this study suggest the importance of community-level care. The individual nature of each situation must be taken into account, including the postdischarge environment and the availability of social support.
Electromagnetic interference and electrical conductivity behavior of carbon/polycyanate composite with nickel nanostrands™ under fatigue

A conductive nanocomposite containing nickel nanostrands™ in carbon fiber-reinforced polymeric composite (M55 carbon fibers in toughened polycyanate resin matrix, RS-3) was investigated for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding effectiveness when subjected to the tension–tension fatigue load. These were measured in terms of dB attenuation and sheet resistance, respectively. Four configurations, one without nickel nanostrands and other three with different locations of nickel nanostrands layers, were investigated. The locations were outside surfaces, dispersed throughout the laminate thickness or the midplane. Fatigue strength was not affected by the addition of nickel nanostrands at any location. The addition of nickel nanostrands enhanced, in general, the EMI and ESD shielding effectiveness of the baseline polymeric composite with carbon fibers. However, the exterior location provided the maximum enhancement of EMI and ESD effectiveness. Furthermore, both EMI and ESD shielding effectiveness were practically constant under tension–tension fatigue loading condition up to 2 million cycles. This was because the nickel nanostrands were intact under fatigue loading condition. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. Published 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sialoblastoma- long-term follow-up and remission for a rare salivary malignancy

Sialoblastoma is a rare salivary neoplasm which presents either congenitally or during early infancy. It was originally considered a benign neoplasm, however a number of reported cases have documented locoregional recurrence and distant metastases. Currently, there is no consensus on the appropriate treatment for this neoplasm. We report on long term follow-up of a patient with metastatic sialoblastoma, and a brief discussion of the possible treatment modalities currently being considered.
Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced cellular injury in cultured fibroblasts involves oxidative events

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), formed during LDL oxidation and located within atherosclerotic plaques, induces numerous cellular responses, but via unknown mechanisms. Cellular events involved in sublethal lysoPC-induced injury were examined because these are relevant to mechanisms by which lysoPC alters cell behavior. LysoPC evoked transient membrane permeabilization in fibroblasts within 10 min. Cells underwent reversible rounding within 2 h, returning 3 h later to grossly normal appearance and a normal response to growth stimulation. We asked whether this sublethal permeabilization resulted from physical perturbation of the plasma membrane or if it required cellular events. LysoPC induced leakage of fluorescent dye from unilamellar phospholipid vesicles, suggesting physical membrane perturbation was a significant contributor. To characterize this further we increased the cholesterol content of cells and vesicles to stabilize membranes, and found decreased lysoPC-induced permeabilization in both cell and cell-free systems as cholesterol levels increased. Interestingly, vitamin E, a known antioxidant, blunted lysoPC-induced permeabilization and morphological changes in cells. Thus, lysoPC appeared to cause an unexpected oxidant stress-dependent enhancement of cell injury. To confirm this, several structurally distinct antioxidants, including N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, Desferal, Tiron, and 4-hydroxy TEMPO, were applied and these also were inhibitory. Oxidant stress was observed by a lysoPC-induced increase in fluorescence of 5- and 6-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, an intracellular marker of reactive oxygen species. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoPE) caused qualitatively similar morphological changes to cells and induced permeabilization, but injury by lysoPE was not inhibited by antioxidants. These data suggest that generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species follows lysoPC-induced plasma membrane destabilization and that this lysoPC-specific oxidant stress enhances cell injury. This intracellular oxidant stress in response to lysoPC may be an integral part of the multiple influences lysoPC has on gene expression and cell function. —Colles, S. M., and G. M. Chisolm. Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced cellular injury in cultured fibroblasts involves oxidative events. J. Lipid Res. 2000. 41: 1188–1198.
Imaging DCIS: Digital/Film-Screening Mammography, Tomosynthesis, MRI, Ultrasonography

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be visualized by multiple imaging modalities including mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can manifest as a mass or architectural distortion; however, it most commonly presents as suspicious calcifications. Fine linear or fine linear branching calcifications in a segmental distribution have the highest risk of malignancy. Most mammographic calcifications are benign; however, those which are malignant are usually associated with DCIS. The transition from film screen to digital mammography has resulted in an increase in the diagnosis of DCIS because of digital mammography’s higher detection rate for calcifications.
Underemployment Among Minorities and Immigrants

The share of the U.S. population comprised of non-white racial/ethnic minorities has increased dramatically in recent decades, and will continue to do so for decades to come. Due in large part to the impact of immigration, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that non-whites will represent the numeric majority in the United States starting sometime between 2040 and 2050, an event that has been dubbed the “majority-minority crossover” (Ortman & Guarneri, 2008). These trends strongly suggest that the economic well-being of racial/ethnic minorities and immigrant populations will be an increasingly salient question in the twenty-first century, not just for the members of such groups, but for American society as a whole. Indeed, with the overwhelmingly white baby boomers now beginning to reach retirement age, it will increasingly be non-white workers who will support the entitlement programs (i.e., Social Security and Medicare) upon which older Americans have come to depend after leaving the labor force.
MOLD ARTHROPLASTY IN THE TREATMENT OF HIP FRACTURES COMPLICATED BY SEPSIS.

The treatment of patients with intra-articular sepsis following open treatment of hip fractures is discussed. The results using mold arthroplasty in the treatment of this complication in nine cases are reported. One woman, ninety-two years old, died. The other eight were walking at followup one to eleven years after mold arthroplasty. One patient was still using two crutches, one year after operation; four used one cane; and three used no support except for long walks. All were free of drainage and free of significant pain.
Biological Detection with Terahertz Spectroscopy

This chapter describes the basic principles of resolved vibrational spectroscopy of biological macromolecules and species in the sub-terahertz spectral range of radiation and the application of this technology for the biological detection including material in air. The origin of THz spectroscopic signatures specific to bioparticles is based upon low energy internal molecular vibrations that absorb radiation at characteristic frequencies. The multiple resonance features provide distinctive spectral fingerprints for detection and identification of harmful biological species. The sensitivity and selectivity of THz biosensing is demonstrated. The possibility to make THz detector systems for the biological detection is discussed.
Assessment of the Impact of Arthropod Predators on Noctuid Larvae in Cages in Soybean Fields

Cage studies were conducted in the field in order to evaluate the effectiveness of entomophagous arthropods in reducing noctuid pest populations in soybeans. First and second-stage noctuid larvae were distributed randomly on soybean plants and exposed to single predator species and predator complexes for 4 to 9 days. In tests with single species in which densities of adult predators and prey varied, Oxyopes salticus Hentz took 7.4 larvae, Nabis roseipennis Reuter took 6.2 larvae, Geocoris punctipes (Say) consumed up to 3.4 larvae, Pardosa spp. took 3.3 larvae, and Lebia analis Dejean took 1.8 larvae per adult before larvae became too large for the predators to consume. When noctuid larvae at densities of 30 to 180 per cage were exposed to two complexes of predators, the number of prey taken by each complex was positively correlated with prey density. Slopes of regression lines revealed the complexes of predators consumed 0.26 and 0.47 larvae/week for each larva placed on caged plants. This study provides additional evidence that predaceous arthropods are of economic value to soybean growers.
Effect of Fly Ash on the Behavior of Expansive Soils: Microscopic Analysis

Two expansive soils were studied from a microscopic point of view to better understand the physicochemical, mineralogical, and microstructural changes that occur during Class C Fly Ash (CFA) stabilization. These changes were then related to macroscopic mechanical characteristics in order to better understand the mechanisms controlling expansive soil behavior. CFA stabilization achieved similar results as lime by activating cation exchange and pozzolanic reactions, which resulted in flocculation of clay particles and creation of interconnected assemblages. It was found that the CFA stabilization process reduced the plasticity index (PI), clay size fraction (CF), percent of swell (Δh), swell pressure (ps), and volumetric water contents of the soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs), and increased the unconfined compressive strength (qu). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that there were negligible changes in mineralogy caused by CFA stabilization; however, there were reductions in the total amount of clay minerals. Significant changes in microstructure were revealed, however, as qualified from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The existence of iron-oxide coating was verified by both XRD and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analyses. The coating resulted in chemically stable aggregates that resisted dispersion with hexametaphosphate. The combined effects of flocculation and coating reduced the water-retention property of the stabilized soils, decreased their swell potential, and increased the soil strength.
Counteracting Effects of Boron and Hydrogen on Ductility In Ni3Al

A minute amount of boron doping in polycrystalline Ni3Al can suppress embrit-tlement due to environmental moisture. However, B is ineffective in suppressing hydrogen embrittlement due to cathodic charging. A mechanism is proposed to explain this seemingly contradictory dichotomy. Grain boundaries in B-free Ni3Al contain crack-like microcavities, to the tips of which atomic hydrogen, generated by the reaction of moisture with Al, can diffuse and cause embrittlement. In B-doped Ni3Al interstitial B atoms interact with Ni atoms and reduce the strength of directional bonding between Ni and Al atoms, such that the atoms can relax easily to close up the microcavities, thereby reducing environmental embrittlement. In the presence of a large amount of hydrogen, introduced by cathodic charging, microcracks can be nucleated in B-doped Ni3Al by hydrogen-enhanced dislocation activity, and then hydrogen embrittlement can proceed by enhanced plasticity at the crack tips.
Seriously Injured Urban Black Men's Perceptions of Clinical Research Participation.

Black men are uniquely vulnerable in American society and our health care system: they bear a disproportionate burden of injury, yet are underrepresented in clinical research. This study aimed to explore the reasons why urban Black men with serious injuries chose to participate in clinical research and their concerns about research participation. This qualitative study was conducted within the context of a larger study focused on psychological effects of serious injury in urban Black men; 83 Black men with serious injuries were recruited while hospitalized in an urban trauma center. Informed consent was obtained. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants’ homes three months after discharge from the hospital and were audiotaped, transcribed, and de-identified. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes about perceptions of participating in clinical research. The mean age of our sample was 38.2 years, and the mean injury severity score was 10.7 (SD 9.6). The majority (53.2 %) of injuries was due to interpersonal violence, and 47 % were due to unintentional mechanisms. Eight reasons for research participation emerged from the data: human connection, altruism/community, self-improvement, compensation, gaining knowledge, curiosity/interest, low risk, and reciprocity. A major finding was that injured urban Black men participated in clinical research for the opportunity for human and therapeutic connection. Despite some expressions of mistrust, participants were willing to participate for altruistic reasons rooted in community priorities, and as part of their recovery process post-injury.
Land Tenure and Taxation from Ptolemaic to Roman Egypt

During the transition from the Hellenistic period dominated by temples, the army and the royal court to the Roman period with its market-oriented economy there were changes mainly in the financial structure rather than in the lease system.
Cosmic Catastrophes: Supernovae: stellar catastrophes

OBSERVATIONS Which stars explode? Which collapse? Which outwit the villain gravity and settle down to a quiet old age as a white dwarf? Astrophysicists are beginning to block out answers to these questions. We know that a quiet death eludes some stars. Astronomers observe some stars exploding as supernovae, a sudden brightening by which a single star becomes as bright as an entire galaxy. Estimates of the energy involved in such a process reveal that a major portion of the star, if not the entire star, must be blown to smithereens. Historical records, particularly the careful data recorded by the Chinese, show that seven or eight supernovae have exploded over the last 2000 years in our portion of the Galaxy. The supernova of 1006 was the brightest ever recorded. One could read by this supernova at night. Astronomers throughout the Middle and Far East observed this event. The supernova of 1054 is by far the most famous, although this event is clearly not the only so-called “Chinese guest star.” This explosion produced the rapidly expanding shell of gas that modern astronomers identify as the Crab nebula. The supernova of 1054 was apparently recorded first by the Japanese and was also clearly mentioned by the Koreans, although the Chinese have the most careful records. There is a suspicion that Native Americans recorded the event in rock paintings and perhaps on pottery, but other evidence is that the symbols are generic.
InGaN/GaN quantum dot lasers: The next frontier

Low threshold visible lasers are useful for a number of applications including full color mobile projectors, optical data storage, heads-up displays in automobiles, in medicine and plastic fiber communication. Lasers emitting in the blue and green are generally realized with GaN-based InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) as the gain media [1]. However, there are materials-related issues which compromise the performance characteristics and prevent the epitaxy of quantum wells for lasers emitting at longer wavelengths. On the other hand, self-organized quantum dots (QDs) which form by strain relaxation offer distinct advantages over quantum wells and their emission can be extended to longer wavelengths (λ ~ 630 nm). In this talk, I will describe the steady state and dynamic characteristics of green- and red-emitting InGaN/GaN quantum dot lasers [2-5].
Monitoring Landsat vegetation indices for different crop treatments and soil chemistry

The timing and quantity of fertilizer and herbicide applications in agricultural systems are critical where maximizing vigour and yield is the ultimate goal. While fertilizers are applied to the soil to promote plant growth, herbicides are commonly used to control weeds in order to reduce the weeds’ competition for nutrients. Satellite imagery is frequently used to monitor agricultural activities and vegetation indices VIs are widely applied in temporal analysis of crop status. This study considers monitoring Landsat VIs for the period between 5 June and 27 October 2014 in agricultural systems under four different management treatments at the Kellogg Biological Station KBS, in Michigan, USA. The results show that 1 fine-tuning conventional treatments by intense early herbicide applications in combination with no-tilled soil results in significantly higher VIs during the early growth stage, a more rapid maturity rate, and the highest crop yield; 2 nitrogen uptake from nitrate-based rather than from ammonium-based fertilizers might be more beneficial in terms of crop vigour and yield return; 3 organic treatments, with organic corn and no agricultural chemicals, keep higher VIs longer in the season at the cost of lower yield; and 4 genetically modified GM breeds under conventional or reduced-chemical treatments have synchronized early senescence. A positive correlation between VIs during the early growth stage and yield is observed for conventional no-till treatment coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.70. The correlation becomes gradually weaker with each month from late June to October 29 June: R2 = 0.70; 16 August: R2 = 0.61; 17 September: R2 = 0.44; 27 October: R2 = 0.01. The analysis of variance ANOVA–Tukey–Kramer approach suggests significant differences in VIs between organic and GM corn treated conventionally or with reduced chemicals for the preharvest season 27 October 2014. The leave-out-one cross-validation analysis confirms the predictive accuracy of the model mean square error MSE = 0.0014. The rapid evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds requires constant refinement of chemical inputs to agricultural systems, thus making the monitoring of Landsat VIs important in the years to come.
Net Neutrality: An Incyte Perspective responding to recent developments in the European Union

The road to net neutrality within the European Union (EU) has been slow and winding. However, a major milestone was reached in August 2016 through the publication of the BEREC Guidelines on the Implementation by National Regulators of European Net Neutrality Rules . These Guidelines, which must be given the “utmost consideration” by national regulators, provide the EU’s first detailed and unambiguous regulatory commitment to net neutrality, and are carefully crafted to balance the needs of content providers and network operators. This extended article explores the scope of the net neutrality principle as understood and applied in a number of jurisdictions. The approach in the EU is contrasted with the approaches of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States (US) and of a number of other countries. Although there are some constants that recur for net neutrality in all of the countries examined, there remain a variety of specific local connotations. The article indicates that the question, “What is net neutrality?” will continue to be asked and continue to be very apposite for some time. The EU approach, with the BEREC Guidelines, will likely be central to a more harmonised approach worldwide. It also argues that the new EU framework is likely to be even more influential than its highly publicized but politically fractious US equivalent. The EU approach to net neutrality will find greater favour among developing countries, as it provides sufficient flexibility to offer network investment incentives whilst retaining appropriate competition and user safeguards. As with the earlier EU ex-ante regulatory frameworks for market analysis and cost-based interconnection, the BEREC paper paves the way for continued export of best practice regulation from the EU to the rest of the world. However, there are issues that demand caution in how the BEREC approach might be implemented. The authors have extensive experience as consultants and commentators on telecommunications industry and regulatory issues in many countries. David Rogerson and Jim Holmes are founding partners of Incyte Consulting, located in Falkirk (Scotland) and Melbourne, respectively. Pedro Seixas is a Principal Associate of Incyte Consulting located in Frankfurt.
Profitability of Hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags for African Common Bean Producers

Bruchid species like Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera) and Zabrotes subfasciatus (Coleoptera) cause significant storage losses for African common bean producers. The value of storage protection to a market-oriented farmer is a function of price seasonality, value loss prevention, and their respective opportunity costs of capital. Evidence suggests that hermetic technologies like Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags could be effective against key legume storage pests, but sustainable technology introduction requires that it be profitable for producers. While PICS bag effectiveness against these specific common bean bruchid species is still under investigation, this analysis references dry weight loss figures from life science articles and builds on previous value loss research to provide a model for potential competitiveness and technology adoption. PICS bag profitability with one and two years use are compared with estimated profitability of leading insecticide Actellic Super (permethrin (0.3%) + pirimiphosmethyl (1.6%)), weekly solar disinfestation and sieving, and the botanicals A.indica, T. minuta, C. lusitanica, and C. ambrosiodes. The Tanzanian market regions of Mbeya, Songea, Arusha, and Kigoma are analyzed. Results show competitive profitability of PICS bags with conservative loss estimates for alternative storage technologies, with high potential for adoption in Mbeya, Songea, and Kigoma.
Intraobserver Error in Macromorphoscopic Trait Data

As part of a much larger investigation into the use of macromorphoscopic trait data by forensic anthropologists to estimate ancestry from unidentified skeletal remains, we conducted a fourteen-year (2002–2016) intraobserver error study. Motivated by the development of a large macromorphoscopic database―which will potentially utilize data collected in 2002―quantification of observer error, the impact of technological improvements in macromorphoscopic trait data collection and observer experience is necessary. To maximize comparisons between the two samples, ten macromorphoscopic traits were assessed. Results revealed three patterns of error relating to observer experience, the introduction of new technologies, and error inherent in the method. Overall, this study found the effect of error on macromorphoscopic trait analysis could be predicted and did not significantly impact their utility
Rates of Seizure Freedom After Surgical Resection of Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas

Objective Patients with diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) typically present with seizures. We sought to review the neurosurgical literature for seizure outcome after resection of these tumors. Methods Using PubMed, we identified surgical series reporting seizure freedom rates for grade II astrocytoma, oligoastrocytoma, and oligodendroglioma. Inclusion criteria included seizure outcomes reported specifically for DLGGs and at least 10 patients with follow-up data. Results Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. The median seizure-free rate after surgery in these patients was 71%, with an interquartile range of 64%–82%. In 10 studies, more than 60% of patients were seizure free. Studies used varying reporting times for seizure outcome determination. In the 6 studies that reported postoperative antiepileptic medication use, 5%–69% of seizure-free patients were weaned off these agents (median, 32%). The durability of seizure freedom has not been clearly studied to date. The most commonly reported prognostic factor for seizure freedom after resection was increasing extent of resection. Conclusions Among articles reporting seizure outcomes after resection of DLGG, the median seizure-free rate was 71% (interquartile range, 64%–82%). Seizure freedom is likely associated with extent of resection.
Use of low-dose thrombolytics for treatment of intracardiac thrombus and massive pulmonary embolus after aborted liver transplant leads to recovery of right ventricular function and redo liver transplantation.

This is a 61-year-old man with end-stage liver disease who experienced cardiac arrest secondary to a massive pulmonary embolus and intracardiac thrombus during cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in preparation for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Surgery was aborted and the patient was taken back to the intensive care unit in cardiogenic shock on multiple vasopressors. The patient was unresponsive to heparin bolus and too high risk for systemic thrombolytics or embolectomy. He was ultimately treated with 12 mg total of alteplase through his pulmonary artery catheter over 3 hours. He had subsequent resolution of his cardiogenic shock and proceeded with successful liver transplantation 5 days after his initial event without any bleeding complications. Low-dose thrombolytic therapy in the setting of absolute contraindications to thrombolysis allowed for recovery of cardiac function and, ultimately redo OLT in a patient with otherwise little hope of survival.
Oregon Medicaid Expenditures After the 2014 Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion: Over-time Differences Among New, Returning, and Continuously Insured Enrollees.

BACKGROUND There is interest in assessing health care utilization and expenditures among new Medicaid enrollees after the 2014 Medicaid expansion. Recent studies have not differentiated between newly enrolled individuals and those returning after coverage gaps. OBJECTIVES To assess health care expenditures among Medicaid enrollees in the 24 months after Oregon's 2014 Medicaid expansions and examine whether expenditure patterns were different among the newly, returning, and continuously insured (CI). RESEARCH DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using inverse-propensity weights to adjust for differences between groups. SUBJECTS Oregon adult Medicaid beneficiaries insured continuously from 2014 to 2015 who were either newly, returning, or CI. MEASURES Monthly expenditures for inpatient care, prescription drugs, total outpatient care, and subdivisions of outpatient care: emergency department, dental, mental and behavioral health, primary care, and specialist care. RESULTS After initial increases, newly and returning insured (RI) outpatient expenditures dropped below CI. Expenditures for emergency department and dental services among the RI remained higher than among the newly insured. Newly insured mental and behavioral health, primary care, and specialist expenditures plateaued higher than RI. Prescription drug expenditures increased over time for all groups, with CI highest and RI lowest. All groups had similar inpatient expenditures over 24 months post-Medicaid expansion. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that outpatient expenditures for new nonpregnant, non-dual-eligible Oregon Medicaid recipients stabilized over time after meeting pent-up demand, and prior insurance history affected the mix of services that individuals received. Policy evaluations should consider expenditures over at least 24 months and should account for enrollees' prior insurance histories.
Economic resources and corporate social responsibility

Abstract Our research suggests that firms condition their CSR policies on the availability of economic resources. Using the value of a firm's real estate as a measure of exogenous shocks on the firm's economic resources, we show that increases in resources reduce CSR concerns, while decreases in resources increase CSR concerns. The relative impact of resource availability on CSR concerns, however, depends on several organizational variables that influence a firm's preferences for CSR investments. Furthermore, we show that firm reactions to increases and decreases in resources are not symmetric: resource gains reduce CSR concerns, but resource losses increase CSR concerns even more markedly. Overall, these results suggest that firms may treat CSR decisions in much the same way as other investment decisions.
Application of Immobilized Cell Technology for Biotreatment of Industrial Waste Streams

Social and regulatory pressures are forcing industry to further reduce environmental discharges of hazardous chemicals. Monsanto, like many other companies, is focusing its waste reduction efforts in three main areas: 1) Improved process efficiency leading to less waste produced. 2) Recycling of waste chemicals and unreacted intermediates. 3) Innovative waste treatment technologies. This chapter will discuss applied research designed to evaluate the fluidized bed reactor (FBR) as one type of innovative technology for biotreatment of industrial wastes.
Sarcoidosis with unsuspected oral manifestations: Report of a case

Abstract Gingival sarcoidosis can occur when other easily attained tissues are healed or otherwise nondiagnostic. Gingival involvement may be present even when the gingivae appear grossly normal. It is therefore suggested that gingival biopsies be performed in proven or suspected cases of sarcoidosis.
Efficacy and safety of triplet versus doublet salvage therapies among relapsed myeloma patients: Meta-analysis of phase 3 randomized controlled trials.

8020Background: Triplet therapies exert deeper responses and result in prolonged progression free survival (PFS) while the argument to favor doublets is their better toxicity profile. The objective...
A Concise Total Synthesis of (±)‐Vibralactone

Disclosed is a five-step synthesis of (±)-vibralactone, a biologically active terpenoid natural product. A key photochemical valence isomerization of 3-prenyl-pyran-2-one produces both the all-carbon quaternary stereocenter and the β-lactone at an early stage. Cyclopropanation of the resulting bicyclic β-lactone produces a strained housane structure that is converted to the natural product through a sequential ring expansion and reduction strategy. This concise and modular route to the natural product provides the shortest total synthesis of (±)-vibralactone reported to date.
It Takes a Matured mAb to Treat Ebolavirus Infection

Pan-Ebolavirus immunotherapy would provide a rapid-response treatment during Ebola virus outbreaks. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Wec et al. (2019) and Bornholdt et al. (2019) optimize the MBP134 mAb cocktail through antibody affinity maturation, improving its protective efficacy against three Ebolaviruses: EBOV, SUDV, and BDBV.
Assessing Mechanical Anisotropy in Transversely Isotropic (TI) Elastic Materials Using ARFI-Induced Peak Displacement (PD) at Electronically Steered Rotation Angles

In transversely isotropic (TI) materials, mechanical properties differ along versus across the axis of symmetry (AoS). The degree of these directional differences has been interrogated as the ratio of ARFI peak displacements (PD) acquired when the long axis of the ARFI excitation point spread function (PSF) was aligned along versus across the AoS. When performed using a conventional linear array transducer, such measurements require a 90° transducer rotation, which can be cumbersome and prone to misalignment errors. Rather than 90°, we hypothesize that smaller rotation angles via electronic steering can be used to assess mechanical anisotropy. This hypothesis was tested in silico using finite-element method (FEM) models and Field II simulation. ARFI Imaging was simulated in thirty-four TI elastic materials using a 3×192 (elevational x lateral) elements multi-D array transducer with elevational elements width >> wavelength of ultrasound. The longitudinal versus transverse shear moduli ratios and Young's moduli ratios were varied from 1.0 to 5.0 and from 1.0 to 4.0, respectively. Via electronic steering, ARFI excitation PSF was rotated at 0°and 59°and was asymmetric at focal depth with long over short axis lengths of 2.7. PD ratio (PD 0 /PD 59 ) increased with increasing shear moduli ratio and did not statistically vary with Young's moduli ratio (p>0.05, Wilcoxon ranksum). PD ratio distinguished simulated materials with greater than 25% difference in shear moduli ratio (p < 0.05). These results suggest that elastic anisotropy may be interrogated by PD ratios acquired via electronically rotating PSF instead of manually rotating transducer, which could facilitate data acquisitions and improve the reproducibility of elastic anisotropy assessment.