cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irradiation effects in an HfO2/MgO/HfO2 tri-layer structure induced by 10 MeV Au ions

Abstract In this report, we present radiation damage effects in a thin film, tri-layer structure, HfO2/MgO/HfO2. Irradiations were performed with 10 MeV Au ions in a recently developed medium energy ion irradiation facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which is described in this paper. Energy deposition by 10 MeV Au ions corresponds to a mixed regime, wherein electronic and nuclear stopping contribute to radiation damage. In this study, we investigated modifications of both surface and bulk properties in order to assess the structural stability of our oxide tri-layers under the severe irradiation conditions employed here. The most dramatic structural changes were observed to occur on the surfaces of the tri-layer samples. Surface features consisted of large craters and spires. The dimensions of these craters and spires exceed those of the individual ion tracks by almost three orders of magnitude. As for the bulk tri-layer structure, our conclusions are that this structure is stable in terms of: (i) resistance to amorphization; (ii) resistance to compositional mixing and (iii) resistance to pronounced nucleation and growth of extended defects. The main effect observed in the tri-layer structure was the transformation of the first HfO2 layer from a monoclinic to either a tetragonal or cubic form of HfO2.
The effects of thyroxine on nitrogen metabolism in the Leopard frog, Rana pipiens

The effects of thyroxine treatment on body nitrogen, and nitrogen excretion, of adult Rana pipiens were investigated at 18 and 30°C. At 18°C, thyroxine-treated frogs contain more plasma amino nitrogen and less liver and muscle protein than controls; urea excretion is significantly below control levels, but ammonia excretion does not change. Intestinal glycine transport, used as a model for transport and utilization of amino acids in the body, does not change with thyroxine treatment. At 30°C, most results are qualitatively similar to results at 18°C. The exceptions are: thyroxine-treated frogs show significantly reduced glycine absorption; muscle protein nitrogen, and plasma amino nitrogen are not different from control levels. A partial picture of the effects of thyroxine on protein metabolism can be developed. In control animals, protein seems to be utilized as the main source of metabolic energy. In thyroxine-treated frogs, protein mobilization occurs, but cellular permeability to amino acid may decrease. Therefore nitrogen excretion, and perhaps amino acid utilization, decreases. These results are considered in relation to differences in glycogen metabolism and metabolic rate.
How will the greenhouse industry utilize waste heat

Recent regulatory and economic change encourages waste heat use in the northern United States. In this article, the value of that form of energy to growers of greenhouse crops is assessed. It is found that production of rooted floricultural crops is likely to be the dominant activity at facilities supplied with waste heat. Waste heat utilization is unlikely to cause interregional relocation of vegetable production in the US.
Incomplete Exciton Harvesting from Fullerenes in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

We investigate the internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) of high efficiency poly-3-hexylthiophene:[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) solar cells and find them to be lower at wavelengths where the PCBM absorbs. Because the exciton diffusion length in PCBM is too small, excitons generated in PCBM decay before reaching the donor−acceptor interface. This result has implications for most state of the art organic solar cells, since all of the most efficient devices use fullerenes as electron acceptors.
Ecologically based hybrid life cycle analysis of continuously reinforced concrete and hot-mix asphalt pavements

Abstract An ecologically-based hybrid life cycle assessment model is used to evaluate the resource consumption and atmospheric emissions of continuously reinforced concrete and a hot-mix asphalt pavements. The cumulative mass and ecological resource consumption values are lower for continuously reinforced concrete, but the median values of cumulative energy and industrial energy consumption were lower for hot-mix asphalt. In addition, the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement results in a higher sensitivity for the ecological resource consumption of hot-mix asphalt compared to that of fly ash when use on the natural capital utilization of continuously reinforced concrete pavement. The cumulative and industrial exergy consumption values are significantly reduced with increases in reclaimed asphalt pavement and fly ash, and the use of low fuel transportation modes.
Evolution in the amidohydrolase superfamily: substrate-assisted gain of function in the E183K mutant of a phosphotriesterase-like metal-carboxylesterase.

The recent specialization for utilization of pesticides reported for Pseudomonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (pPTE) strongly suggests that this activity evolved from an enzyme endowed with promiscuous phosphotriesterase activity. Such a putative “generalist” enzyme was recently proposed to be a member of the new phoshotriesterase-like lactonase family (PLL). The promiscuous carboxylesterase and phosphodiesterase activities detected in pPTE and PLLs in turn paved the way for the prediction of the existence in nature of PTE-like enzymes with predominant carboxylesterase or phosphodiesterase activities. An “in silico” analysis of the related Mesorhizobium loti ORF MLL7664 and the biochemical characterization demonstrated its prominent carboxylesterase and low phosphotriesterase specificity. On the basis of sequence similarity with the phosphotriesterase homology protein from Escherichia coli and the carboxylesterase activity, we called it phosphotriesterase-like carboxylesterase (MloPLC). The carboxylesteras...
Investigating potential correlations between jet engine noise and plume dynamics in the hypertemporal infrared domain

Jet engine noise can be a hazard and environmental pollutant, affecting personnel working in close proximity to jet engines. Mitigating the effects of jet engine noise could reduce the potential for hearing loss in runway workers, but engine noise is not yet sufficiently well-characterized that it can easily be mitigated for new engine designs. That is, there exists a very complex relationship between jet engine design parameters, operating conditions, and resultant noise power levels. In this paper, we propose to evaluate the utility of high-speed imaging (also called hypertemporal imaging) in correlating the infrared signatures of jet aircraft engines with acoustic noise from the jet engines. This paper will focus on a theoretical analysis of jet engine infrared signatures, and will define potentially-detectable characteristics of such signatures in the hypertemporal domain. A systematic test campaign to determine whether such signatures actually exist and can be correlated with acoustic jet engine characteristics will be proposed. The detection of any hypertemporal signatures in association with acoustic signatures of jet engines will enable the use of a new domain in characterizing jet engine noise. This may in turn enable new methods of predicting or mitigating jet engine noise, which could lead to benefits for operators of large numbers of jet engines.
Finite element modeling of prestressed concrete spandrel beams

Nonlinear three-dimensional finite element modeling of precast, prestressed concrete spandrel beams is a challenging task and requires exploration of the effects of material parameters and modeling assumptions. To this end, the numerical results obtained using the commercial software ABAQUS/Standard were compared with existing experimental data. The sensitivity of the spandrel beam response to various parameters such as finite element type, dilation angle, fracture energy, tension stiffening, bearing stress distribution and support representation was investigated. The behavior of precast, prestressed concrete spandrels under vertical loading was found to be sensitive to the type of element, the dilation angle for the concrete, bearing stress distribution at the supports, and deck-tie stiffness. Many of the findings reported are believed to be applicable to other types of reinforced concrete structures.
Child Welfare Workers Who Experience the Death of a Child Client

Annually, almost 2,000 children die from maltreatment; 30%–40% are known to child welfare agencies. Critics attribute these deaths to young, inexperienced, untrained workers. This study used a multi-state sample of 123 child welfare workers who had experienced a fatality to address: 1) the characteristics of workers, 2) how workers approached the case, and 3) the fallout after the fatality. Workers were in their late 30s, were well educated, and had several years of experience. They felt confident in handling the case leading up to the fatality, felt supported by coworkers, and did not use formal support. Implications for administrators are discussed.
THE SPANISH NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH-CHRONIC PROSTATITIS SYMPTOM INDEX: TRANSLATION AND LINGUISTIC VALIDATION

Purpose: The prominence of health related quality of life end points in international clinical research underscores the importance of well validated and translated measures to enable cross-cultural comparison. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) assesses symptoms and health related quality of life in men with chronic nonbacterial, NIH type III prostatitis. To expand its use to Spanish speaking patients we performed a translation and linguistic validation.Materials and Methods: The 9-item NIH-CPSI was translated into Spanish according to a standard methodology of 2 forward translations, 1 reconciled version, back translation of the reconciled version and 3 independent reviews by bilingual experts. The purpose of this methodology was to create a single universal Spanish version that would be acceptable to native Spanish speakers inside and outside of the United States. After the translation process the Spanish version was pre-tested in Argentina, Mexico, Spain an...
A Visibility Sphere Marching algorithm of constructing polyhedral models for haptic sculpting and product prototyping

Abstract This paper presents a Visibility Sphere Marching algorithm of constructing polyhedral models from Dexel volume models for haptic virtual sculpting. Dexel volume models are used as the in-process models representation during interactive modification in a haptic virtual sculpting system. The stock material represented in a Dexel volume model is sculpted into a designed model using a developed haptic sculpting system. The sculpted Dexel volume models are converted to polyhedral surface models in STL format by the proposed visibility sphere marching algorithm. The conversion turns out to be an interesting and challenging problem. The proposed visibility sphere marching algorithm consists of three sub-algorithms: (i) roof and floor covering, (ii) wall-building, and (iii) hole-filling algorithms. The polyhedral surface models converted from the Dexel volume models can then be input to and processed by available computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or rapid prototyping systems. The presented technique can be used in virtual sculpting, CAD/CAM, numerically controlled machining verification and rapid prototyping.
Channel properties of NMDA receptors on magnocellular neuroendocrine cells cultured from the rat supraoptic nucleus

Application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) to the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SON) generates clustered firing that may be important in hormone release. However, synaptically evoked EPSPs recorded from SON neurons exhibit varying contributions from NMDA receptors. We used the high resolution of single-channel recording to examine the receptor and ion channel properties of NMDA receptors expressed by SON neurons in 'punch' culture. Biocytin introduced into individual neurons during patch clamp recording revealed large (32.1+/-3.3 micron), oblong somas and bipolar extensions typical of magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs). Rapid application of NMDA (100-300 microM) in the presence of 10 microM glycine to outside-out macropatches resulted in openings with an average conductance of 46. 9 pS and reversal potential of +3.9 mV. Increasing glycine from 0.03 to 30 microM increased the apparent frequency, duration and occurrence of overlapping NMDA-elicited openings. NMDA responses were inhibited by Mg2+ in a voltage-dependent manner and by the NMDA-site antagonist, D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV). Application of saturating NMDA or glycine alone with the glycine-site antagonist, 5,7-dichlorokynurenate (DCK) or with D-APV, respectively, did not result in agonist-induced openings. NR1 immunoreactivity was observed in large neurons (>25 micron) with MNC-like morphology. These single-channel and immunocytochemical data confirm the presence of functional NR1-containing NMDA receptors in MNCs.
Retinal projections in a snake, Thamnophis sirtalis†

The retinofugal projections of the snake Thamnophis sirtalis were studied by the method of experimentally induced Wallerian degeneration stained by the Fink-Heimer method. The retinal ganglion cells project to all parts of the contralateral lateral geniculate complex, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus geniculatus pretectalis, nucleus posterodorsalis, basal optic nucleus and superficial layers of the optic tectum. In addition, the retinofugal projections were observed terminating in portions of the ipsilateral lateral geniculate complex and nucleus posterodorsalis. Examination of the morphology of the retinal terminal areas stained for Nissl substance with cresyl violet led to the conclusion that these regions are well differentiated and should not be considered poorly developed when compared with other reptilian forms such as turtles.
New low coefficient of thermal expansion polyimide for inorganic substrates

Recent interest in using polyimides for high-density interconnect applications (HDI) in which multilayer structures are formed has created a need for polyimides that have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched to that of the underlying substrate. A polyimide chemistry that allows for a significant lowering of the CTE and subsequent reduction of stress on silicon and ceramic substrates while giving improved dielectric constant
Securing location aware services over VANET using geographical secure path routing

We propose to secure location aware services over vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) with our geographical secure path routing protocol (GSPR). GSPR is an infrastructure free geographic routing protocol, which is resilient to disruptions caused by malicious or faulty nodes. Geographic locations of anonymous nodes are authenticated in order to provide location authentication and location privacy simultaneously. Our protocol also authenticates the routing paths taken by individual messages. This paper presents the design of the GSPR secure geographic routing protocol. The overhead of location authentication is investigated under various scenarios through network simulation. Results show that although the presence of malicious nodes increases the routing path length, a data delivery rate of larger than 80% is sustained even if 40% of the nodes are malicious.
The growth and characterization of AlGaAs double heterostructures for the evaluation of reactor and source quality

AlGaAs double heterostructures are grown by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition to evaluate the level of oxygen contamination in different trimethylaluminum sources. Effects of arsine purifiers, misoriented substrates, atmospheric exposure of the growth chamber, and possible phosphorus contamination are also studied. Extensive characterization is performed on these films by a variety of methods, including high-resolution x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved photoluminescence, and secondary-ion mass spectrometry. The PL intensities for structures grown with the low-alkoxide grade are reproducibly much greater than those grown with the regular-grade TMA1. The use of AsH3 purification improves the PL intensity.
The Expanding Reach of the Individual Alternative Minimum Tax

The Expanding Reach of the Individual Alternative Minimum Tax focuses on both the original minimum tax and its successor, the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT). The minimum tax and the AMT have applied in the past to a small minority of high-income households. But barring a change in law, this class tax will soon be a mass tax. By 2010, repealing the AMT will cost more than repealing the regular income tax. This report updates an article originally published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives to reflect tax laws passes in 2003 and 2004 and the latest economic projections.
Targeting NR4A1 (TR3) in cancer cells and tumors

Introduction: Nuclear receptor 4A1(NR4A1) (testicular receptor 3 (TR3), nuclear hormone receptor (Nur)77) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors and is highly expressed in multiple tumor types. RNA interference studies indicate that NR4A1 exhibits growth-promoting, angiogenic and prosurvival activity in most cancers. Areas covered: Studies on several apoptosis-inducing agents that activate nuclear export of NR4A1, which subsequently forms a mitochondrial NR4A1–bcl-2 complex that induces the intrinsic pathway for apoptosis are discussed. Cytosporone B and related compounds that induce NR4A1-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells through both modulation of nuclear NR4A1 and nuclear export are discussed. A relatively new class of diindolylmethane analogs (C-DIMs) including 1,1-bis(3′-indolyl)-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOCH3) (NR4A1 activator) and 1,1-bis(3′-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOH) (NR4A1 deactivator) are discussed in more detail. These antica...
Drivers of non-revenue water: A cross-national analysis

Reducing water losses is seen as key to sustainable water management, but turns out to be challenging. This paper applies a panel data analysis with fixed effects to assess the major drivers of non-revenue water, some of which are under the control of utilities and some of which are not. The analysis finds that the most important drivers are population density per kilometer of network and type of distribution network, which are mostly resulting from urbanization patterns which are factors mostly out of the control of the utility. Yet, low opportunity costs of water losses and high repair costs of water losses have an important adverse effect on water loss reduction. We also found that the country environment in which the utility operates has an important impact on non-revenue water levels.
Odorant molecular length: one aspect of the olfactory code.

Organic acid odorants of differing carbon number produce systematically different spatial patterns of [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb. Because increasing carbon number correlates with progressive increases in several molecular features, including hydrophobicity, length, and volume, we determined which of these properties was most associated with systematic changes in the location of an anterior, dorsomedial module responding to fatty acids. We exposed groups of rats to two series of organic acids that each had the same number of carbons, but differed in their hydrocarbon structures. These straight-chained, branched, cyclic, and double-bonded molecules differed independently in hydrophobicity, length, and volume. The only molecular property that was strongly correlated with the location of the module was molecular length, suggesting that this molecular feature is the principal determinant of the chemotopic organization of glomeruli within the module. We also found that distinct hydrocarbon structures produced large differences in spatial patterns of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in posterior parts of the bulb. Even subtly distinct structural isomers evoked posterior responses that differed greatly. The odorant 2-methylbutyric acid evoked much greater uptake in the posterior bulb than did its structural isomer 3-methylbutyric acid (isovaleric acid). These data suggest that posterior portions of the bulb may encode specific steric features of odorant molecules and that some odorant features may have an inherent or acquired greater representation than do others. J. Comp. Neurol. 426:330–338, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
LEF1 in Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer: Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression, Prostate Cancer Growth, and Invasion

A major obstacle in treating prostate cancer is the development of androgen-independent disease. In this study, we examined LEF1 expression in androgen-independent cancer as well as its regulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression, prostate cancer growth, and invasion in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Affymetrix microarray analysis of LNCaP and LNCaP-AI (androgen-independent variant LNCaP) cells revealed 100-fold increases in LEF1 expression in LNCaP-AI cells. We showed that LEF1 overexpression in LNCaP cells resulted in increased AR expression and consequently enhanced growth and invasion ability, whereas LEF1 knockdown in LNCaP-AI cells decreased AR expression and, subsequently, growth and invasion capacity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, gel shift, and luciferase assays confirmed LEF1 occupancy and regulation of the AR promoter. Thus, we identified LEF1 as a potential marker for androgen-independent disease and as a key regulator of AR expression and prostate cancer growth and invasion. LEF1 is highly expressed in androgen-independent prostate cancer, potentially serving as a marker for androgen-independent disease.
The Use of On-line Capillary Electrophoresis/Electrospray Ionization with Detection via an Ion Trap Storage/Reflectron Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer for Rapid Mutation-site Analysis of Hemoglobin Variants

￻Capillary electrophoresis/electrospray ionization using an ion trap storage/reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer detector (CE/ESI-IT/reTOF) is used to provide a rapid and sensitive method for analyzing structural variants in the hemoglobin (Hb) ‚-chain. The Hb AE- and ‚-chains are separated and the ‚-chain is digested by trypsin. The digest is analyzed by CE/ESI-IT/reTOF where a comparison of the total ion electrophorograms and mass spectra of the mutant and normal hemoglobins (Hbs) can detect the presence of a mutation site. In addition, collision-induced dissociation in the vacuum interface ‐ skimmer region can be used to pinpoint the identity of such a site. The unique capability of the CE/ESI-IT/reTOF system for accurately detecting fast separations with narrow peaks that may be under 1 s full width at half maximum is demonstrated. The speed of this system is essential for resolution of the large number of peaks that are separated in a short time duration using CE separations. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plant genotype differences to ferrous and total iron in emerging leaves. I. Sorghum and maize

Abstract Ferrous iron (Iron2+ and Fe2+) has been considered by many investigators to be the active form of iron (Fe) in plants. Experiments were conducted to determine differences in Fe2+ and total Fe in newly emerging leaves of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes considered to be “Fe‐susceptible”; and “Fe‐tolerant”; to low levels of Fe. Treatments consisted of growing plants in nutrient solutions with Fe (+Fe) and without Fe (‐Fe) under growth chamber conditions. Once Fe deficiency chlorosis symptoms were visually observed in plants grown with ‐Fe, leaf samples were collected daily from plants grown in both ‐Fe and +Fe solutions for Fe2+ and total Fe determinations. Iron2+ in the newly emerging leaves of plants grown in ‐Fe or +Fe solutions remained fairly constant. Total Fe changed daily and was dependent on the amount of Fe deficiency stress in sorghum, but not necessarily in maize. Total Fe and Fe2+ values were fairly similar in plants with severe Fe deficiency chlo...
Some Error Estimates for Numerical Solutions of Boundary Integral Equations

Boundary integral equations can be numerically approximated by various methods. Let $$Au(x) = g(x),\quad x\in\partial\Omega$$ (10.1) be a boundary integral equation on the boundary ∂Ω of a domain Ω. Let {Vh}h be a family of finite-element spaces on ∂Ω. We can think of the Galerkin method for approximating (10.1).
Multivariate Mixtures of Normal Distributions: Properties, Random Vector Generation, Fitting, and as Models of Market Daily Changes

Mixtures of normal distributions provide a useful modeling extension of the normal distribution—both univariate and multivariate. Unlike the normal distribution, mixtures of normals can capture the kurtosis (fat tails) and nonzero skewness often necessary for accurately modeling a variety of real-world variables. An efficient analytical Monte Carlo method is proposed for considering multivariate mixtures of normal distributions having arbitrary covariance matrices. The method consists of a linear transformation of a multivariate normal having a computed covariance matrix into the desired multivariate mixture of normal distributions. The computed covariance matrix is derived analytically. Among the properties of the multivariate mixture of normals that we demonstrate is that any linear combination of mixtures of normal distributions is also a mixture of normal distributions. Methods of fitting mixtures of normal distributions are briefly discussed. A motivating example carried throughout this paper is the ...
Toward a New Legal Empiricism: Empirical Legal Studies and New Legal Realism

The past decade has seen a return of interest in empirical research within the U.S. legal academy, hearkening back to a similar empirical turn during the ascendancy of Legal Realism in the New Deal era. However, the current revival of legal empiricism has emerged against the backdrop of several well-established traditions of empirical sociolegal research in the interdisciplinary law-and-society movement and in the social science disciplines. This article examines two of the most prominent manifestations of the “new” legal empiricism, empirical legal studies (ELS) and new legal realism (NLR), and it situates them within the preexisting sociolegal terrain. The analysis concludes by considering possible futures for empirical research on law.
Accounting Majors' Perceptions of Future Career Skills: An Exploratory Analysis

Business education is often criticized for its failure to develop lifelong skills. This study examines the opinions of 205 students to determine what skills they deem to be important for their future careers. The study then compares the opinions of accounting students against other business disciplines. The results of the study are mixed for the accounting profession. Many of the skills accounting majors ranked as important for their future were not surprising. However, there was some indication that accounting majors may be suffering from a silo effect and are not able to fully grasp how skills learned in other university courses impact their professional success.
An Overview of Insulin Pumps and Glucose Sensors for the Generalist

Continuous subcutaneous insulin, or the insulin pump, has gained popularity and sophistication as a near-physiologic programmable method of insulin delivery that is flexible and lifestyle-friendly. The introduction of continuous monitoring with glucose sensors provides unprecedented access to, and prediction of, a patient’s blood glucose levels. Efforts are underway to integrate the two technologies, from “sensor-augmented” and “sensor-driven” pumps to a fully-automated and independent sensing-and-delivery system. Implantable pumps and an early-phase “bionic pancreas” are also in active development. Fine-tuned “pancreas replacement” promises to be one of the many avenues that offers hope for individuals suffering from diabetes. Although endocrinologists and diabetes specialists will continue to maintain expertise in this field, it behooves the primary care physician to have a working knowledge of insulin pumps and sensors to ensure optimal clinical care and decision-making for their patients.
Lamotrigine Treatment for Agitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

Received December 18, 2015; revised January 11, 2016; accepted January 11, 2016. From Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL (WLW, GAS); Departments of Psychiatry and Geriatric Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL (JTS). Send correspondence and reprint requests to Jonathan T. Stewart, M.D., D.F.A.P.A., A.G.S.F., Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service (116A), James A Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs BLVD, Tampa FL 33612; e-mail: jonathan.stewart1@va.gov Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Introduction
Expert Systems for Knowledge Engineering: Modes of Development

The problems of human-computer interface design will be confronted increasingly by human knowledge engineers-those who acquire and incorporate the knowledge of domain experts and other users into expert or knowledge-based systems. Knowledge engineers thus occupy a central role in integrating friendly use with user-friendly systems. But knowledge engineering expertise itself is already targeted for expert system development.
Identification of extracellular vesicle-borne periostin as a feature of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

// Christopher R. Silvers 1 , Yu-Ru Liu 1 , Chia-Hao Wu 1 , Hiroshi Miyamoto 2 , Edward M. Messing 1 , Yi-Fen Lee 1 1 Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA 2 Departments of Pathology and Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Correspondence to: Yi-Fen Lee, e-mail: yifen_lee@urmc.rochester.edu Keywords: periostin, extracellular vesicle, exosome, muscle-invasive bladder cancer and biomarker Received: August 24, 2015 Accepted: February 25, 2016 Published: March 10, 2016 ABSTRACT Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality, and heterogeneity in MIBC results in variable clinical outcomes, posing challenges for clinical management. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MIBC have been shown to promote cancer progression. EVs derived from bladder cell lines were subjected to proteomic analysis, and periostin was chosen for further characterization due to its stage-specific gene expression profile. Knockdown of periostin by RNA interference reduces invasiveness in vitro and produces a rounder morphology. Importantly, treating low grade BC cells with periostin-rich EVs promotes cell aggressiveness and activates ERK oncogenic signals, and periostin suppression reverses these effects. These data suggest that MIBC might transfer periostin in an EV-mediated paracrine manner to promote the disease. To determine the potential of periostin as a bladder cancer indicator, patient urinary EVs were examined and found to have markedly higher levels of periostin than controls. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of a bladder cancer tissue microarray revealed that the presence of periostin in MIBC cells is correlated with worse prognosis. In conclusion, periostin is a component of bladder cancer cells associated with poor clinical outcome, and EVs can transfer oncogenic molecules such as periostin to affect the tumor environment and promote cancer progression.
First-Passage-Time Modeling of Transport in Fractured Rock

This paper presents theory intended for the design and interpretation of tracer tests in fractured rock. The objective is to provide an understanding of experiments in which particulate and solute tracers are injected simultaneously. In such experiments, it is expected that the solute tracer will diffuse into the rock matrix, while the particulates will be confined to the fractures. The theory allows information about matrix diffusion to be extracted from the breakthrough curve. Furthermore, it can accommodate tests in which a non-ideal source is used, and where some of the withdrawn fluid is re-injected. The solution is performed in Laplace space and transformed to the time domain using a commercial spreadsheet.
Protection of Chick Against Rous Sarcoma Virus by Serum from Adult Chickens.

Discussion and SummaryWhatever vascular cells are affected, the induction of hemorrhagic lesions by the Rous virus indicates extreme susceptibility such as that usually found in the chick.3 The present results show that adequate treatment of such hosts by serum from adult chickens—presumably through the antibody-like factor there present—causes either a shifting from hemorrhagic into neo-plastic lesions or suppression of all lesions. In other words the treated chicks react to the virus much as adult chickens do. This goes to show that in fowls the age differences in the response to the Rous virus are dependent upon factors in the blood, and confirms the supposition that the relative ineffectiveness of the virus upon the vascular system of the adult is due to the selective protection by the blood of the susceptible cells of the vascular wall whereas the susceptible extra-vascular cells are less protected. Presumably these cells in the chick are still less protected since after an injection of virus, large ...
Managing Scale and Innovation in Health IT.

Abstract Given the high-intensity interaction between radiology and IT, radiology leadership should understand IT's new, somewhat conflicting, dual roles. Managing large-scale and small-scale projects concurrently has become an important challenge for leaders of health IT (HIT). Historical parallels of this challenge can be drawn from transportation and communication systems, in which a large-scale mind-set is needed to build the initial network, whereas a small-scale mind-set is more useful to develop the content that will traverse this network. Innovation and creativity is a cornerstone of content small-scale thinking, and in HIT, that is what is needed to extract the value from it. However, unlike the early historical transportation and communication examples, the time between the development of the infrastructure and the follow-on, value-rich content is shortened greatly because it has become nearly simultaneous in HIT. Weaving the ability to concomitantly manage both large- and small-scale projects into the fabric of the organizational HIT culture will be critical for its success.
The nature of urban design; a New York perspective on resilience

I have a pre-disposition to like this book, as until recently Alexandros Washburn was the chief urban designer for the New York City Planning Department, and I held a similar position there many ye...
Analysis on the situation of wearing respiratory protective devices among 406 laborers of the key hazard enterprises in Futian District,Shenzhen City

Objective To investigate the current status of wearing protective respirators among laborers in the key hazard enterprises,and to analyze the factors affecting laborers who used personal protective equipment(PPE). MethodsBased on the monitoring results,we surveyed and analyzed the current situation of wearing respiratory protective devices among 406laborers who worked in the places with higher concentration(≥1/2PC-TWA)of occupational risk factors among 110key occupational hazard enterprises in Futian District,Shenzhen City. Results The results of multivariate non-conditioned Logistic regression showed that factors affecting laborers' use of protective respirators were,in turn,supervision measures,training situation,educational background,permanent domicile,comfort degree of protective respirators,enterprise scale and length of service. Conclusions There are many factors influencing laborers' protective respirator use.It is essential for institutes for prevention and treatment of occupational diseases at all levels to strengthen supervision of the key hazard enterprises,promote the enterprises' inspection and management,actively carry out trainings among laborers and supply effective and comfortable PPE so as to reduce work-related injury and illness.
“Better to be a pessimist”: A narrative inquiry into mathematics teachers' experience of the transition to the Common Core

AbstractThe Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a focus of state education policy today influencing curriculum implementation and assessment in public schools. The purpose of this narrative inquiry is to understand how high school mathematics teachers experience the transition period. Based on interviews with mathematics teachers in a high school in the Midwest, we aim at bringing teachers' voices to the forefront. Through teachers' stories, we find that: a) Teachers live in the different zones of enactment; and b) Teachers' ecological view of agency should be used as a link to a transition to the CCSS for creating a genuine dialogue. This article is significant in two ways. First, it informs the administrators and policy makers of how there will be inconsistencies across states, districts, schools and classrooms in the implementation and assessment, and second, it helps to explain the need for new professional development approaches.
Sacral Mass in a Fetus

A female neonate who had an antenatally diagnosed sacralmass is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit immediately after birth. ### Prenatal History The 26-year-old mother had two previous normal pregnancies. In the current pregnancy, a mass was discovered at 20 weeks’ gestation. The woman underwent serial ultrasonographic imaging to monitor the mass. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging obtained at 24 weeks’ gestation revealed a mixed solid-cystic mass in the sacrococcygeal region, extending inferiorly (Figure 2). Elective cesarean section is performed at 37 weeks’ gestation Figure 1. Figure 2. ### Birth History and Presentation Abdominal radiographs reveal a 13×15-cm broad-based pedunculated soft-tissue mass projecting from the lower sacrococcygeal area (Figure 3). Figure 3. Postnatal ultrasonography demonstrates a large mass posterior to the coccyx. The mass has a heterogeneous echotexture with solid, cystic, and vascular components. The lower spinal canal appears normal. Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration is 335,700 ng/mL (35,700 μg/L). The infant undergoes surgery on the third day after birth. Histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen reveals the presence of mature neuroglial tissue, choroid plexus, adipose tissue, smooth muscle cells, squamous epithelium, cartilage, and bone (Figures 4 and 5). Figure 4. Figure 5. Newborn who has a sacral mass Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) SCTs are the most common tumors in newborns, occurring in 1 per 20,000 to 40,000 births. Females are four times more likely to be affected than males, but malignant change is seen more frequently in males. Sizes range from 1 to 30 cm, …
A Generic Software Framework for Carsharing Modelling Based on a Large-Scale Multi-agent Traffic Simulation Platform

Over the last decade, numerous carsharing systems have been deployed around the world. Yet, despite this success, net profit margins of carsharing services are still insufficient due to a complicated demand modelling and high expenses for fleet redistribution. To address these problems, different carsharing paradigms (e.g., one-way versus free floating), operational models and pricing schemes have been proposed. In order to assess the effectiveness of these models and strategies, realistic simulation tools are needed that account for the main parameters that affect system performance. To this end, we have developed a generic software framework that caters for several flavours of carsharing services, such as hybrid systems where both one-way and free floating modes coexist. In addition, the proposed framework accounts for electric vehicles, power sharing capabilities, smart charging policies, booking services, fleet redistribution and membership management. Our tool is based on MATSim, an open-source platform for multi-agent traffic simulation. To validate our simulation model we will use a case study based on data from the 2006 Lyon conurbation household travel survey, which provides information about more than three million trips.
Discriminatory Power of High School Seniors to Evaluate Advertisements in Popular Periodicals on the Authenticity of Their Health Claims

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine how well high school seniors could evaluate the authenticity of health claims made in advertisements from current best-selling periodicals. Eight hundred and eighty-one students evaluated 47 advertisements which had previously been validated for use in the study by juries of experts. For student evaluation, the advertisements were organized in two parts and administered at separate classroom periods. A five-point rating scale describing the authenticity of the expressed health claims in the advertisements was used. Substantial numbers of seniors reflected low discriminatory power in their responses, although girls did significantly better than boys.
Eastern Arctic ambient noise on a drifting vertical array

Ambient noise in the eastern Arctic was studied from April to September 2013 using a 22 element vertical hydrophone array as it drifted from near the North Pole (89° 23′N, 62° 35′W) to north of Fram Strait (83° 45′N, 4° 28′W). The hydrophones recorded for 108 min/day on six days per week with a sampling rate of 1953.125 Hz. After removal of data corrupted by non-acoustic transients, 19 days throughout the transit period were analyzed. Noise contributors identified include broadband and tonal ice noises, bowhead whale calling, seismic airgun surveys, and earthquake T phases. The bowhead whale or whales detected are believed to belong to the endangered Spitsbergen population, and were recorded when the array was as far north as 86° 24′N. Median power spectral estimates and empirical probability density functions along the array transit show a change in the ambient noise levels corresponding to seismic survey airgun occurrence and received level at low frequencies and transient ice noises at high frequencies...
Perceptual Differences between Novice and Professional Music Theater Singers.

Summary Objective Research examining contemporary commercial music styles of singing has increased significantly over the last 10 years. While acoustic analysis has helped determine which characteristics define various vocal genres, a discrepancy still exists in how those acoustic characteristics are perceived, described, and evaluated. Methods The current study recorded seven novice and four professional musical theater singers performing belt, legit, and mix vocal samples. Novice singers were defined as first- and second-year students in an undergraduate musical theater program, while professional singers were defined as having played at least one major role in a music theater production in regional Equity theaters. Five regional Equity casting directors listened to the recordings and rated each sample on the basis of style (belt versus legit) and tone quality (brassy versus fluty and bright versus dark). Results were compared across experience level (novice/professional) and pitch. Additionally, relationships between style (belt/legit) and quality (brassy/fluty, bright/dark) were examined. Results The statistically significant correlation emerged between the raters' perceived singing style and the singers' indicated singing style. Auditors identified the style (belt/legit) more reliably for the professional singers than for novice singers, and ratings of other qualities varied significantly between raters. Conclusions The singers were successfully able to produce voicing styles that matched the perceptual expectations of the casting directors. Not surprisingly, professional singers were somewhat more successful in this regard than were the novices. There appears to be little consensus among the auditors, however, about which acoustical qualities define a belt, mix, or legit style.
Implications of a spontaneously active ground state for computing with brain-inspired circuits

Commonly used brain-inspired models assume that neurons in the network are silent until perturbed by external stimuli. This assumption has created a family of feedforward neural models that progressively detects complex features. However, experimental observations suggest that the brain is spontaneously active where neuronal activity is driven by internal fluctuations in total synaptic input leading to asynchronous and irregular patterns of activity even in the absence of external inputs. The implications of this ground state of the brain is explored for designing brain-inspired circuits that are more driven top-down rather than bottom-up activity leading to a more radical mode of information processing.
Repurposed kinase inhibitors and β-lactams as a novel therapy for antibiotic resistant bacteria

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are an increasing global problem, and pathogenic actinomycetes and firmicutes are particularly challenging obstacles. These pathogens share several eukaryotic like kinases that present antibiotic development opportunities. We used computational modelling to identify human kinase inhibitors that could be repurposed towards bacteria as part of a novel combination therapy. The computational model suggested a family of inhibitors, the imidazopyridine aminofurazans (IPAs), bind PknB with high affinity. We found that these inhibitors biochemically inhibit PknB, with potency roughly following the predicted models. A novel x-ray structure confirmed that the inhibitors bind as predicted and made favorable protein contacts with the target. These inhibitors also have antimicrobial activity towards Mycobacteria and Nocardia, and normally ineffective β-lactams can potentiate IPAs to more efficiently inhibit growth of these pathogens. Collectively, our data show that in silico modeling can be used as a tool to discover promising drug leads, and the inhibitors we discovered can synergize with clinically relevant antibiotics to restore their efficacy against bacteria with limited treatment options.
Multiscale modeling of dependencies between spikes and fields

Measuring and modeling the brain at multiple spatiotemporal scales are important for studying brain function and developing high-performance brain-machine interfaces. To better understand neural encoding of behavior, the conditional dependencies between different scales of brain activity should be considered in the multiscale modeling framework. Here, we develop a new multiscale model that characterizes the conditional dependence between spikes and fields during behavior. We modeled this mutual dependence by incorporating the effect of field features on each neuron's firing rate function. To reduce the number of model parameters to be learned, we assumed that the strength of dependency between a pair of neuron and field feature is a function of the distance between electrodes from which they are recorded. We then constructed the shape of this unknown spatial dependency function with a weighted sum of Gaussian kernels. We devised an unsupervised learning algorithm using expectation-maximization to learn the kernel weights as well as other model parameters. Using simulated data, we show that this learning algorithm accurately identifies the multiscale model parameters and the conditional dependency functions. This modeling and learning framework can help study spike-field encoding and dependencies and could enhance future neurotechnologies.