cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening and brief intervention training for HIV health-care workers in sub-Saharan Africa

Screening and feedback, brief intervention, and motivational interviewing have shown efficacy for reducing alcohol consumption. However, current protocols have been designed for Western settings. The present study adapted the methods to cultural and socioeconomic conditions in three developing African countries (Botswana, Tanzania, and Namibia). An intervention and associated curriculum was developed to train health-care workers to screen all patients and deliver a brief motivational intervention (BMI). A pocket guide and patient handouts were developed as implementation aids. Local beverages were referenced as standardized equivalents of beer, wine, and liquor. Materials were produced in English and prevalent local languages. Ministries of Health in each country adopted the methods as a strategy to reduce risky alcohol consumption and associated HIV infection risk in targeted areas. Based on follow-up surveys 60 days after the training, 64% of health-care workers in Tanzania and 94% in Namibia began using BMI for an average of 25% and 30% of their patients. Based on 14 clinician respondents in each country, a total of 252 Tanzanian patients and 424 Namibian patients received BMI in the two months following training. Implementation barriers included time, perceived stigma, and perceived patient resistance. The training and follow-up surveys document the health-care workers’ need for a culturally relevant brief intervention to address risky alcohol use in an HIV prevention setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Follow-up plans include streamlined delivery methods, implementing monitoring and evaluation tools, and providing refresher training sessions.
Performance analysis and integrity aspects of Tight Optical Integration (TOI) with GPS

This paper evaluates the performance of the tight integration of GPS and optical sensors such as digital vision cameras. The paper furthermore addresses certain integrity aspects of the proposed Tight Optical Integration (TOI) method. Target applications for the proposed system include the operation of UAVs in an urban environment for both civil and military applications. A regular unaided GPS position solution requires at least four satellites. However, in an urban canyon it is likely to have fewer than four GPS satellites at certain locations due to satellite signal blockage and degradation. Augmentation of GPS with measurements from other sensors is thus required for a reliable navigation capability in an urban environment. TOI integrates range measurements from the available GPS satellites (usually less than four) with feature data from a regular camera to form position estimates. If a building blocks a GPS satellite, markers or features on that building can be located and used as an "optical pseudolite." Unlike pseudolite or laser range scanner measurements, no range information is required from the optical sensor. Instead, the TOI algorithm takes the estimated azimuth and elevation of the marker to form an equivalent direction cosine for this marker. Then, these direction cosines are combined with range measurements from GPS satellites in a weighted least square solution. The current implementation of the TOI method forms linearized camera equations together with the linearized GPS equations and solves for the solution iteratively similarly to a regular GPS only solution. Inertial sensors are used to transform direction cosines from the camera frame to the GPS frame.
Aqueous Processing of Sintered Reaction-Bonded Silicon Nitride: I, Dispersion Properties of Silicon Powder

An aqueous-based system (Si-Al 2 O 3 -Y 2 O 3 -Fe 2 O 3 ) for processing sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN) was investigated with an emphasis on chemical control of suspension component interactions. Chemical stability and dispersion properties of a commercial silicon powder were characterized using electroacoustic, adsorption isotherm, and rheological measurements. The interactions of silicon with nitriding agent, sintering aids, dispersants, and binder were considered. The effects of pH, electrolyte, aging, particle size, and solids loading were examined. The suspension properties of the silicon powder were influenced by the native oxide film and powder treatment history. The silicon-oxide composite particles exhibit dispersion behavior similar to silica, characterized by a negative surface potential above pH 2. A method to improve the dispersion and homogeneity of suspension components based on the use of quaternary amine dispersants is proposed.
The Influence of Community-Wide Hurricane Wind Hazard Mitigation Retrofits on Community Resilience

A precedent has been set by historical and recent hurricane hazard events that illustrates the importance of building more resilient coastal communities. Community resilience is dependent on the socioeconomic response after a hazard event; however, it is also heavily dependent on the vulnerability of the community to disaster. Therefore, it is beneficial to think of community resiliency in terms of mitigating the initial shock experienced by a community subjected to a hurricane hazard event so that it does not become a disaster event. The intent of this research is to determine the influence of community–wide disaster mitigation retrofits on community resilience and to identify the percentage of homes within a community that must be retrofitted against hurricane wind hazards to maintain the integrity of the community when subjected to a hurricane event. The results from this research have the capability to provide insurance companies with the information necessary to better set premiums within hurricane–prone coastal regions and provide homeowners with the incentive for individual members to work together towards a more disaster–resilient community.
Linear energy transfer-guided optimization in intensity modulated proton therapy: feasibility study and clinical potential.

Purpose To investigate the feasibility and potential clinical benefit of linear energy transfer (LET) guided plan optimization in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Methods and Materials A multicriteria optimization (MCO) module was used to generate a series of Pareto-optimal IMPT base plans (BPs), corresponding to defined objectives, for 5 patients with head-and-neck cancer and 2 with pancreatic cancer. A Monte Carlo platform was used to calculate dose and LET distributions for each BP. A custom-designed MCO navigation module allowed the user to interpolate between BPs to produce deliverable Pareto-optimal solutions. Differences among the BPs were evaluated for each patient, based on dose–volume and LET–volume histograms and 3-dimensional distributions. An LET-based relative biological effectiveness (RBE) model was used to evaluate the potential clinical benefit when navigating the space of Pareto-optimal BPs. Results The mean LET values for the target varied up to 30% among the BPs for the head-and-neck patients and up to 14% for the pancreatic cancer patients. Variations were more prominent in organs at risk (OARs), where mean LET values differed by a factor of up to 2 among the BPs for the same patient. An inverse relation between dose and LET distributions for the OARs was typically observed. Accounting for LET-dependent variable RBE values, a potential improvement on RBE-weighted dose of up to 40%, averaged over several structures under study, was noticed during MCO navigation. Conclusions We present a novel strategy for optimizing proton therapy to maximize dose-averaged LET in tumor targets while simultaneously minimizing dose-averaged LET in normal tissue structures. MCO BPs show substantial LET variations, leading to potentially significant differences in RBE-weighted doses. Pareto-surface navigation, using both dose and LET distributions for guidance, provides the means for evaluating a large variety of deliverable plans and aids in identifying the clinically optimal solution.
Will the Pill Make Me Sterile? Addressing Reproductive Health Concerns and Strategies to Improve Adherence to Hormonal Contraceptive Regimens in Adolescent Girls

Paper Objective: This paper is designed to help clinicians understand the relationship between hormonal contraceptive side effects and the potential development of general and reproductive health concerns that can impact on adherence to hormonal contraception. By understanding the concerns raised by young women, we can then make our counseling more specific to the factors that affect compliance in this population. Design: Studies that specifically addressed hormonal contraceptive compliance, side effects, and method selection in adolescents and young women were chosen for this paper. All articles were from peer-reviewed journals. Medline-Ovid articles from 1980–2000 were used with the following search keywords: Contraception, Patient Compliance, Hormonal Contraception, Oral Contraceptive Pills, Norplant, Depo Provera, and Adolescents. Data Synthesis: The general public has many concerns about the safety of hormonal contraception. The development of side effects, especially those that are menstrual-related, seem to cause adolescents and young women to feel that their general and reproductive health is being threatened. Conclusions: Hormonal contraceptive counseling should include 1) explaining, in a nontechnical manner, how these methods work; 2) addressing negative information the patient has heard about the methods; 3) providing factual information about cancer risks, blood clots, and other general health concerns; 4) discussing the potential side effects and what each means to her health; 5) asking specifically about possible reproductive health worries, especially in light of the menstrual irregularities that may occur; and 6) assuring the patient that she should always feel free to share her concerns and worries with you, the provider.
The effects of goal setting, contingent reward, and instruction on writing skills

Writing is one of the primary skills that children learn in school. Interventions that address performance deficits and skill deficits have been shown to improve aspects of elementary school children's writing. This study demonstrates performance-based interventions (goal setting, feedback, and contingent reward) and a skill-based intervention (instruction) on the writing skills of a 10-year-old child. Results indicated that the performance intervention increased the number of correctly spelled words, and the combination of performance and instructional intervention increased the number of complete sentences.
Spiraling down the river continuum: stream ecology and the U-shaped curve

The spiraling concept provides an explicit approach to modeling the longitudinal linkages within a river continuum. I developed a spiraling-based model for particulate organic C dynamics in the Little Tennessee River to synthesize existing data and to illustrate our current understanding of ecosystem processes in river ecosystems. The Little Tennessee River is a medium-sized river flowing ;100 km through the southern Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia and western North Carolina (USA). Across this distance, allochthonous inputs decrease and autochthonous production increases, resulting in a U-shaped curve of energy input. The model was set up as an advecting seston compartment interacting with 3 benthic compartments: coarse benthic organic matter, fine benthic organic matter, and autotrophs. Model-estimated ecosystem respiration was consistently lower than measured values, suggesting a need to evaluate our measurements of whole-stream metabolism. Also, model-predicted seston concentrations were generally lower than measured values, reflecting a need to consider additional sources of organic C in the model. For the whole river system, leaves accounted for 19% of inputs, primarily near the headwaters, and the remaining input was from instream primary production in the lower reaches of the river. Almost ½ of the input was respired, 28% by autotrophic respiration and 21% by heterotrophic respiration, and the remaining 51% was transported downstream. Ecosystem efficiency was ;50% along the length of the river, and turnover length increased from several hundred meters at the headwaters to .100 km downstream. Based on various measures, the transition from heterotrophy to autotrophy ranged from 25 to .100 km downstream from the headwaters. As this model illustrates, a consequence of downstream transport is that much of the particulate C in streams is metabolized a considerable distance downstream from where it enters the stream. This longitudinal linkage is essential to our understanding of stream ecosystems.
Television news viewing and network affiliation changes

This study, analyzing ratings, audience flow and repeat viewing for news programs before and after a network affiliation change, tests divergent predictions based on network, program and channel loyalty.
A novel fading cancellation scheme for trellis coded systems based on a multichannel approach

The system encodes the information between signals suffering from similar fading signatures. Through proper processing, the fading signatures cancel each other from the final output. With the exception of the fading-cancellation capabilities, the system is also able to eliminate the Doppler phase shifts associated with the moving nature of the communication units. The scheme has been evaluated for a trellis coded four-phase-shift-keying (PSK) system. The results demonstrated improvements on the order of 9.0 dB at a bit error rate (BER) of 10/sup -3/ and reduction of error floors greater than three orders of magnitude. These improvements have been achieved without the use of interleaving, necessary for the operation of trellis-coded schemes under fading conditions. By eliminating the interleaving, extra complexity, as well as long time delays with negative effect on the quality of the communication link, is avoided. >
Oral drug reactions

Drug-induced side effects are a frequent occurrence. Many commonly available drugs are capable of causing untoward reactions. Such adverse effects may be seen in all age groups and present in many different forms. The oral drug reactions are often nonspecific, but they may mimic specific disease states such as pemphigus, erythema multiforme, or lichen planus. In such cases a high index of suspicion is required to make a correct diagnosis.
Exploration of bacterial community classes in major human habitats

Background: Determining bacterial abundance variation is the first step in understanding bacterial similarity between individuals. Categorization of bacterial communities into groups or community classes is the subsequent step in describing microbial distribution based on abundance patterns. Here, we present an analysis of the groupings of bacterial communities in stool, nasal, skin, vaginal and oral habitats in a healthy cohort of 236 subjects from the Human Microbiome Project. Results: We identify distinct community group patterns in the anterior nares, four skin sites, and vagina at the genus level. We also confirm three enterotypes previously identified in stools. We identify two clusters with low silhouette values in most oral sites, in which bacterial communities are more homogeneous. Subjects sharing a community class in one habitat do not necessarily share a community class in another, except in the three vaginal sites and the symmetric habitats of the left and right retroauricular creases. Demographic factors, including gender, age, and ethnicity, significantly influence community composition in several habitats. Community classes in the vagina, retroauricular crease and stool are stable over approximately 200 days. Conclusion: The community composition, association of demographic factors with community classes, and demonstration of community stability deepen our understanding of the variability and dynamics of human microbiomes. This also has significant implications for experimental designs that seek microbial correlations with clinical phenotypes.
An extended combinatorial analysis framework for discrete-time queueing systems with general sources

This paper considers a general class of discrete time systems with batch arrivals and departures. Such models a appear frequently in the teletraffic analysis of computer and communications networks. Our arrival models are assumed to be quite general. They could be independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) in successive slots, periodic, Markovian, or described by the moving average time-series model, etc. Our solution framework is novel and unifying and it uses a combination of multidimensional generating functions and combinatorial analysis utilizing extensions of classical ballot theorems. In general, we provide an explicit analytical expression as an infinite sum to obtain the system stationary probability distribution avoiding classical root-finding methods, matrix analytical methodologies, and spectral decomposition approaches. We provide a number of analytical and numerical examples including the i.i.d. models with Poisson and Binomial arrivals, the multiserver queueing systems fed by Markovian sources, queues fed with a discrete moving average source of the first and second order, and an i.i.d. discrete Pareto batch arrival model. Closed-form analytical expressions are obtained for the stationary distribution of the system queue lengths and numerical examples are also provided when appropriate.
Regulation of TNF-α-activated PKC-ζ signaling by the human biliverdin reductase: identification of activating and inhibitory domains of the reductase

Human biliverdin reductase (hBVR) is a dual function enzyme: a catalyst for bilirubin formation and a S/T/Y kinase that shares activators with protein kinase C (PKC) -zeta, including cytokines, insulin, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Presently, we show that hBVR increases PKC-zeta autophosphorylation, stimulation by TNF-alpha, as well as cytokine stimulation of NF-kappaB DNA binding and promoter activity. S149 in hBVR S/T kinase domain and S230 in YLS230F in hBVR's docking site for the SH2 domain of signaling proteins are phosphorylation targets of PKC-zeta. Two hBVR-based peptides, KRNRYLS230F (#1) and KKRILHC281 (#2), but not their S-->A or C-->A derivatives, respectively, blocked PKC-zeta stimulation by TNF-alpha and its membrane translocation. The C-terminal-based peptide KYCCSRK296 (#3), enhanced PKC-zeta stimulation by TNF-alpha; for this, Lys296 was essential. In metabolically 32P-labeled HEK293 cells transfected with hBVR or PKC-zeta, TNF-alpha increased hBVR phosphorylation. TNF-alpha did not stimulate PKC-zeta in cells infected with small interfering RNA for hBVR or transfected with hBVR with a point mutation in the nucleotide-binding loop (G17), S149, or S230; this was similar to the response of "kinase-dead" PKC-zeta(K281R). We suggest peptide #1 blocks PKC-zeta-docking site interaction, peptide #2 disrupts function of the PKC-zeta C1 domain, and peptide #3 alters ATP presentation to the kinase. The findings are of potential significance for development of modulators of PKC-zeta activity and cellular response to cytokines.
Supercritical fluid chromatography for the 21st century

A brief historical review of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) as it pertains to open tubular (i.e. capillary) column SFC and packed column SFC is presented. Specific sections include (1) early emphasis on open tubular columns and non-polar analytes; (2) packed column SFC for separation of more polar analytes; (3) preparative scale packed column SFC. The review is completed by discussing current trends in SFC such as (a) chiral separations, (b) achiral separations, (c) simulated moving bed SFC, and (d) SFC coupled to mass spectrometry.
Historical Perspectives: Total Parenteral Nutrition

The report chosen for this Historical Perspectives (1) describes a study of the feasibility of total parenteral nutrition in low-birthweight (LBW) infants. This report was to have been followed by a randomized, controlled trial of total parenteral nutrition versus conventional nutrition management of LBW infants, which at that time was intravenous infusion of glucose with introduction of enteral feedings when tolerated. However, this planned trial was never completed. Despite a masked (then called “blinded”) randomization scheme that would meet today’s rigid standards, only one of the first 12 infants enrolled was assigned to the parenteral nutrition regimen! This ill-fated trial was conceived by the two of us when we were enthusiastic, idealistic, and perhaps naive young postdoctoral fellows at Babies Hospital and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. We were encouraged by our mentors, William Silverman, Stanley James, Jack Sinclair, and Bob Winters. Influenced by the findings of Myron Winick, who had just become Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia, we reasoned that better early nutrition during the critical period of cellular growth of the brain of the preterm infant should, as observed in rats, prevent …
Assessing resource transactions in partnership networks: US 100,000 Strong network of public diplomacy

Abstract Studies on relations and networks in both public diplomacy and public relations have been focusing on the project implementation. Largely ignored is the foundational stage of resource gathering before implementation that also involves relationship management. This paper applies the social network analysis to examine the 100,000 Strong partnership network for study abroad in China that facilitates the transaction of necessary resources to support US public diplomacy implementation. The findings of the research suggest that the 100,000 Strong Foundation, as the network builder, has successfully established channels to mobilize resources through opportunity recognition, information arbitrage, and innovativeness creation. Other network actors also obtained various levels of power from the network structure, which may ultimately contribute to public diplomacy. This study offers a new theoretical and methodological framework to study relations and networks in public diplomacy and public relations, while informing some practical insights.
RNA Binding Protein Ptbp2 Is Essential for Male Germ Cell Development

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are increasingly recognized as essential factors in tissue development and homeostasis. The polypyrimidine tract binding (PTB) protein family of RBPs are important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. In the nervous system, the function and importance of PTB protein 2 (Ptbp2) as a key alternative splicing regulator is well established. Ptbp2 is also abundantly expressed during spermatogenesis, but its role in this developmental program has not been explored. Additionally, the importance of alternative splicing regulation in spermatogenesis is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Ptbp2 is essential for spermatogenesis. We also describe an improved dual fluorescence flow cytometry strategy to discriminate, quantify, and collect germ cells in different stages of development. Using this approach, in combination with traditional histological methods, we show that Ptbp2 ablation results in germ cell loss due to increased apoptosis of meiotic spermatocytes and postmeiotic arrest of spermatid differentiation. Furthermore, we show that Ptbp2 is required for alternative splicing regulation in the testis, as in brain. Strikingly, not all of the alternatively spliced RNAs examined were sensitive to Ptbp2 loss in both tissues. Collectively, the data provide evidence for an important role for alternative splicing regulation in germ cell development and a central role for Ptbp2 in this process.
Classification of physical human-robot interaction scenarios to identify relevant requirements

This paper presents a classification to describe promising use case scenarios for physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) and their requirements from an industrial point of view. While previous surveys also cover use cases for pHRI we try to focus on particular requirements and deduce necessary research efforts. A detailed classification allows the investigation and identification of key requirements and proposals for future research focused on industrial usability.
Time variation of the Ginzburg--Landau order parameter

We use a nonequilibrium form of the Green's-function formulation of the BCS theory of superconductivity to investigate the circumstances under which differential equations in space and time, i.e., "time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations," give a valid description of the space and time variation of the order parameter $\ensuremath{\Psi}$ in superconductors. We find that if the variations are sufficiently slow, time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations exist near absolute zero and near the transition temperature. In the former case the equation has wave-like character, and in the latter case it is of diffusion type, with the restriction that either the characteristic frequency of the time variation of $\ensuremath{\Psi}$ is greater than the gap frequency or the ratio of the Fermi velocity to the product of the characteristic wavelength and frequency of the space-time variation of $\ensuremath{\Psi}$ is greater than unity. Under all other circumstances and at general temperatures, there are no differential equations to describe the variations of $\ensuremath{\Psi}$. We discuss also the influence of slowly varying time-dependent fields and derive the dependence of charge and current densities on the variations of $\ensuremath{\Psi}$. Local electrodynamics are assumed. The necessary modifications for the case of dilute superconducting alloys are described. Applications are made to the questions of collective modes, nucleation, and London's theory near absolute zero.
Food‐Borne Parasites

Food-borne infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and food-borne parasitic diseases, though not as widespread as bacterial and viral infections, are common on all continents and in most ecosystems, including arctic, temperate, and tropical regions. Major food-borne trematodiasis in humans has been discussed in this chapter. Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, and T. asiatica and T. solium, the pork tapeworms, cause taeniasis in humans. Taenia saginata and T. solium occur worldwide, endemically in underdeveloped regions where pork and beef are consumed and sporadically in developed nations, largely due to importation by immigrants and travelers. The neck of the tapeworm begins the process of strobilation, the production of proglottids. Humans and other piscivorous mammalian hosts harbor the adult tapeworm, which is attached to the small intestinal surface by the scoop-shaped scolex and bothria (or grooves), which are characteristic holdfast organs of pseudophyllidean tapeworms. Adult tapeworms are generally benign, but abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea may occur, and Diphyllobothrium latum may absorb enough vitamin B12 to cause deficiency in malnourished individuals. Nematodes in the genus Trichinella are some of the most commonly recognized agents of food-borne parasitic disease. Gnathostomes are species belonging to a geographically widespread genus but are most commonly found as adult worms in carnivorous mammals in Asia. The most widespread protozoan parasite affecting humans is Toxoplasma gondii. To prevent food-borne infection by T. gondii, the hands of people handling meat should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before they go to other tasks.
THE COLLISIONS CUBE MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATOR

A new molecular dynamics simulator, "The Collisions Cube", for use in the classroom is described. The simulator provides a three-dimensional perspective of molecular motion and can be used to illustrate a range of topics including: molecular motion of gases, liquids and solids, pressure, chemical equilibrium, entropy, and activation energy.
Clinical predictors of diagnostic testing utility in the initial evaluation of chronic kidney disease.

AIM No evidence-based approach to the evaluation of CKD has been established. We sought to identify clinical criteria to guide a rational diagnostic approach for the initial evaluation of CKD. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1487 patients presenting for initial evaluation of CKD over 3 years (1/2010-1/2013) to academic nephrology clinics. We utilized the electronic medical record to determine tests ordered, abnormal results and testing that affected diagnosis and/or management. Diagnostic and management yield of testing was defined as the percentage of tests that affected diagnosis and/or management. High yield for a given test was defined as an increased likelihood of the test affecting diagnosis and/or management. RESULTS We identified clinical criteria predictive of high yield for paraprotein-related testing (one of the following: history of monoclonal disease, high risk of CKD progression, hypercalcemia or haemoglobin 500 mg/gm). A prior history of hydronephrosis and renal artery stenosis was predictive of high yield of abnormal renal ultrasound. Higher yield of testing was associated with higher risk progression categories for ANA, SPEP, urine sediment, calcium, PTH, haemoglobin, iron and ferritin. We estimate that initial CKD evaluation costs range from $28 to $109 million/year in US-Medicare expenditure. CONCLUSION Numerous tests without significant clinical utility are obtained in initial CKD evaluation. Identifying criteria that can guide diagnostic testing may lead to a more informed and cost-effective approach to evaluation.
The Beta Heuristic from a Time/Frequency Perspective: A Wavelet Analysis of the Market Risk of the 10 S&P Sectors

We investigate the time-scale relationships between the ten S&P sectors and the market through the use of wavelet analysis, a methodology that has widespread acceptance for investigating multi-horizon properties of time series. Our analysis of the data highlights that variation in the pattern of dependency among sector returns and market returns, even at times of market turmoil, appears differently at different time horizons and frequency intervals. The empirical evidence based on standard betas and scale betas finds that the flow of frequency changes matters for estimates of market betas at medium and higher scales for nine out of ten sectors. There are no significant differences in estimates of scale market betas at high frequency for any of the sectors, or at any scales for the energy sector. We conclude that the importance of frequency components does not remain stable over time and based on the effects of time-varying behavior at different frequencies draw implications for investors regarding the market risk of investing in specific sectors.
Are there detectable differences in quality of care or outcome of depression across primary care providers

Objective.The objective of this work was to determine whether there are detectable differences among primary care physicians in measures of quality of care or clinical outcome for depressed patients during the first 2 months of treatment with antidepressant medication.Methods.We studied 1,599 depres
Abstract 1637: Depletion of tumor stroma with Smoothened inhibition leads to altered epithelial differentiation and paradoxical acceleration of pancreatic tumorigenesis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and is rapidly fatal. PDA is characterized by the presence of abundant stromal proliferation which can be replicated in mouse models. This stromal component is driven by paracrine signals from the neoplastic epithelium. These signals include Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), a secreted ligand of the hedgehog pathway which is overexpressed in PDA epithelium and signals through Smoothened to activate Gli family transcription factors and drive stromal proliferation. We have previously demonstrated that pharmacologic inhibition of Smoothened depletes tumor stroma and facilitates deliver of chemotherapy to the tumor epithelium. This approach led to prolonged survival in a genetically engineered mouse model of PDA (KPC mouse) and led to clinical trials utilizing this approach. Unfortunately, combination therapy with Smoothened inhibition and chemotherapy did not improve survival in subsequent clinical trials. In an effort to explain this discrepancy we initiated therapy of KPC mice with a Smoothened inhibitor alone at 8 weeks of age. We hypothesized that unlike in previous studies that utilized advanced tumors and thus evaluated relatively short treatment effects, this design would allow us to investigate the long term effect of stromal depletion. Surprisingly, prolonged Smoothened inhibition led to an acceleration of pancreatic tumorigenesis and decreased survival to 122 days compared to 155 days in historic controls (p During pancreatic development, SHH and other signals from nearby stromal cells designate the exocrine fate of epithelial progenitor cells, and support exocrine growth. Tumor stromal cells may play a similar pro-differentiation role in pancreatic cancer, resulting in the well- to moderately-differentiated ductal morphology that is typically observed in human PDA. Previous studies have shown that tumors that are poorly differentiated by histologic exam or “quasi-mesenchymal” by gene expression pattern are associated with significantly shorter overall survival. Taken together, these data suggest that the loss of stromal signals following prolonged inhibition of Smoothened may result in de-differentiation of neoplastic epithelial cells and lead to more aggressive tumors. These findings may explain the clinical trial results and may inform future attempts to modulate stromal-epithelial interactions in PDA. Citation Format: Paul E. Oberstein, Dafydd H. Thomas, Carmine F. Palermo, Stephen A. Sastra, Kenneth P. Olive. Depletion of tumor stroma with Smoothened inhibition leads to altered epithelial differentiation and paradoxical acceleration of pancreatic tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1637. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1637
Building the tower of Babel: International Sign, linguistic commensuration, and moral orientation

This article examines International Sign (IS), a mode of signed cross-linguistic communication, in the context of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). I contend that the WFD General Assembly's language policy, which bans interpreters and requires that delegates use IS, formalizes the commonsense deaf notion that what is particular about deaf people is their capacity for connecting across differences, rooted in and materialized through the ability to use sign across language boundaries. While such an ability has been explained primarily in terms of the affordances of the visual-gestural modality, this article foregrounds and theorizes the irreducibly relational dimensions of linguistic commensuration. I argue that communicating in IS relies on and produces mutual moral orientation among signers, and that ultimately, it is the labor involved in using IS that deaf people value and that the WFD General Assembly institutionalizes. (International Sign, sign language, deaf, linguistic commensuration, moral orientation)*
Activation of bovine neutrophils by Brucella spp

Brucellosis is a globally important zoonotic infectious disease caused by gram negative bacteria of the genus Brucella. While many species of Brucella exist, Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, and Brucella suis are the most common pathogens of humans and livestock. The virulence of Brucella is largely influenced by its ability to evade host factors, including phagocytic killing mechanisms, which are critical for the host response to infection. The aim of this study was to characterize the bovine neutrophil response to virulent Brucella spp. Here, we found that virulent strains of smooth B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, and virulent, rough, strains of Brucella canis possess similar abilities to resist killing by resting, or IFN-γ-activated, bovine neutrophils. Bovine neutrophils responded to infection with a time-dependent oxidative burst that varied little between Brucella spp. Inhibition of TAK1, or SYK kinase blunted the oxidative burst of neutrophils in response to Brucella infection. Interestingly, Brucella spp. did not induce robust death of bovine neutrophils. These results indicate that bovine neutrophils respond similarly to virulent Brucella spp. In addition, virulent Brucella spp., including naturally rough strains of B. canis, have a conserved ability to resist killing by bovine neutrophils.
The Marketing Research Principles Course: An Alternative Approach to the Client-Sponsored Project

A number of limitations with the client-sponsored approach in the Marketing Research Principles course are raised and an alternative approach is proposed. It is suggested that marketing departments need to segment those students in the Research Principles course and subsequently provide an additional class for those students who seek careers in marketing research. An example format and discussion of one approach to this additional course is presented.
A prophylactically implanted cardioverter defibrillator reduced all-cause mortality in myocardial infarction.

Source Citation Moss AJ, Zareba W, Hall J, et al., for the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II Investigators. Prophylactic implantation of a defibrillator in patients with myo...
Liquefied Natural Gas Tender Crashworthiness in Train-to-Train Collisions

Research to facilitate industry efforts to safely use natural gas as a locomotive fuel is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. This research is being conducted cooperatively with the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The research results are being shared with the AAR’s Natural Gas Fuel Tender Technical Advisory Group (NGFT TAG), which includes AAR, Member Railroads, and FRA, with support from ARA and Volpe Center. The NGFT TAG is developing industry requirements, including crashworthiness requirements, for revenue-service natural gas fuel tenders.Five accident scenarios have been drafted by the NGFT TAG: a train-to-train collision, a grade-crossing collision, rollover, shell impact, and head impact. Each scenario includes a description of the equipment, the impact conditions, and the prescribed outcome. Conceptually, these tender scenarios parallel the scenarios described in 49 CFR Part 229 Appendix E for locomotive crashworthiness.The focus of the NGFT TAG discussions has expanded to include alternative static requirements. Conceptually, the tender static requirements parallel the requirements for locomotive crashworthiness in AAR S-580. Requirements in S-580 for locomotive structure include static load capacities, material properties, and material thicknesses. For conventionally-designed locomotives, meeting the static requirements of S-580 is accepted as meeting the dynamic requirements of Appendix E. The tender static requirements under development are intended to provide the same level of crashworthiness as the previously proposed dynamic requirements.The primary advantage of static crashworthiness requirements is that compliance can be shown with classical closed-form engineering analyses. A disadvantage is that design features are presumed, such as the inclusion and location of collision posts in a conventional locomotive design. Design features are not presumed in dynamic crashworthiness requirements; however, compliance must be shown with a design-specific validated computer simulation model. So while dynamic requirements allow for a wide range of design approaches, showing compliance often requires extensive effort.This paper focuses on technical information to help support development of alternative static requirements for the train-to-train collision scenario. The goal of the static requirements is to provide the same level of crashworthiness as the dynamic requirements under discussion by the NGFT TAG. Tender features capable of providing the desired level of performance are proposed. These features have been selected such that a tender with these features would be crashworthy-compatible with a wide range of new and existing locomotive structural designs.© 2016 ASME
Surface Chemistry of Semiconducting Quantum Dots: Theoretical Perspectives

ConspectusColloidal quantum dots (QDs) are near-ideal nanomaterials for energy conversion and lighting technologies. However, their photophysics exhibits supreme sensitivity to surface passivation and defects, of which control is problematic. The role of passivating ligands in photodynamics remains questionable and is a focus of ongoing research. The optically forbidden nature of surface-associated states makes direct measurements on them challenging. Therefore, computational modeling is imperative for insights into surface passivation and its impact on light-driven processes in QDs.This Account discusses challenges and recent progress in understanding surface effects on the photophysics of QDs addressed via quantum-chemical calculations. We overview different methods, including the effective mass approximation (EMA), time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), and multiconfiguration approaches, considering their strengths and weaknesses relevant to modeling of QDs with a complicated surface. We foc...
Unsupervised transfer learning via Low-Rank Coding for image clustering

Unsupervised transfer learning has attracted a lot of attention in the big data era, due to its capability of extracting knowledge from large-scale unlabeled samples in multiple data domains. Existing unsupervised transfer learning methods mainly focus on learning a common latent space for source and target domains, while the data representation and subspace structure in target domain are usually ignored. In this paper, we develop an Unsupervised Transfer learning approach based on Low-Rank Coding (UTLRC), in order to take advantages of the high-level structural information in the target domain. A dictionary is shared by samples from source domain and target domain, which contains bases vectors for low-level visual patterns. By utilizing the cross-domain dictionary, UTLRC is able to effectively encode the samples in target domain. In addition, a low-rank constraint is incorporated to model the subspace structure in target domain, and a sparse constraint is introduced in the source domain. We formulate UTLRC as a rank-minimization problem, and design an effective optimization algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to solve it. Existing evidence already indicates the connections between neural mechanisms and sparse coding, the low-rank coding strategy studied in this work would further inspire the understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition. We apply UTLRC to image clustering, and evaluate its performance on several benchmark datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of UTLRC, compared to some representative subspace clustering methods.
A novel trench routing for next-generation high-speed serial buses beyond 10Gbps applications

This work describes an innovative low-loss transmission line routing configuration, which enables improved channel margin in next-generation high-speed serial buses beyond 10Gbps applications. One such example is SuperSpeed Plus USB a.k.a. USB 3.1 Gen2. Ultimately, this novel routing when implemented in either substrate or printed circuit board (PCB) will extend platform length within the interconnect channel loss budget as stipulated by standard development body e.g. USB-IF specifications. This inventive routing provides huge benefit to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in term of platform component removal (e.g. USB 3.1 re-timer that costs ∼$1) for high-speed differential links >10Gbps data transfer rates. These cost-adding repeaters would be indispensable under conventional routing for instance microstrip, stripline and dual-stripline for high-speed applications. The PCB trench routing aims to mitigate the existing and future challenges of next-gen multi-Gbps signaling, of which one of the platform length limitations is PCB interconnect loss. In this work, signaling analysis in 10Gbps USB 3.1 and 32Gbps SerDes applications have shown feasibility of yielding significant eye margin improvements i.e. up-to 30% voltage margin improvements, which also translates into ample board design flexibility with extended platform routing length.
The Architecture of the NBS Factory Automation Research Testbed

Abstract A small batch manufacturing system testbed, currently under construction at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS), is designed to support research in factory automation standards. One of the expressed goals of the NBS Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) project is the specification of the interfaces which must exist between component systems of automated factories. Undoubtedly, factories will eventually be constructed from modules that are offered as "plug conlpatible" products by different systems vendors. These vendors will need a standard factory model or system architecture for planning and implementing external interfaces to their proprietary systems. This paper discusses the AMRF factory architecture in terms of five major groups of subsystems: User Data Interface Devices, Hierarchical Manufacturing Management, Network Communications, Distributed Data Administration, and Shop Floor Hardware. Fundamental concepts and implementation architecture is presented for each group of subsystems
Switching within glaucoma medication class.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the current medical care environment, switching within class is often demanded by cost consideration, medical insurance coverage, or formulary restriction. With many choices of drugs available within a glaucoma medication class, questions exist whether switching within class is beneficial. The purpose of this article is to provide a clinical update on the feasibility of switching among the frequently used drugs within glaucoma medication class. RECENT FINDINGS Although efficacies of medications within a therapeutic class are similar and significant differences are generally not observed in clinical trials, response to medication often varies among individual patients in a clinical practice. Such variation may be secondary to differences in drug-receptor interactions, patient's compliance and tolerability to medical treatment, or bioavailability of the medication in individual ocular condition. In addition, switching within class is often necessary to minimize the systemic or local adverse reactions from the active or inactive ingredients of the medication. SUMMARY In addition to keeping up-to-date with the efficacy and safety profiles of drugs within each glaucoma medication class, clinicians should familiarize themselves with the different formulations available, preservative systems used, generics availability and compatibility, and the local insurance formulary restriction to deliver an effective glaucoma management.