cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ULTRAFAST SPECTROSCOPY OF SHOCK WAVES IN MOLECULAR MATERIALS

▪ Abstract Recent progress in combining the techniques of time-resolved molecular spectroscopy with shock compression science is reviewed. Shock wave spectroscopy probes the response of molecules to high-speed, large-amplitude mechanical transients and is an important way of studying physical chemical phenomena that involve large-amplitude displacements. A brief discussion of the continuum model for shock compression and a molecular model for the shock front is presented. Methods for generating and detecting shock effects are reviewed. Several applications of shock spectroscopy are reviewed, including high explosives, the nanoshock technique that uses ultrafast lasers, and shock compression of biological molecules.
Do Hybrid Lecture Formats Influence Laboratory Performance in Large, Pre-Professional Biology Courses?

Introductory biology courses for pre-professional majors at large universities are usually high-enrollment lectures with associated labs that complement the lecture, but are independently taught and administered. Although web-based instructional formats have become popular alternatives to traditional lectures, it is unknown how these formats affect laboratory performance. To test for effects of hybrid formats on laboratory performance, we conducted a teaching experiment. Students taking an introductory biology course enrolled in either a traditional format lecture or a hybrid (part lecture, part online) lecture. We used laboratory scores and performance on common final exam questions to assess laboratory and lecture performance, respectively. Overall, laboratory performance did not differ between students in the hybrid vs. the traditional lecture, but we did observe a significant interaction between minority status and course format. Minority students in the hybrid lecture scored higher in laboratory relative to nonminority classmates. Minorities in hybrid formats may have benefited more from general characteristics of online homework (e.g., learned more actively, improved general problem-solving skills like those used in laboratory). Or, minorities may have benefited because online components may have created a more balanced social atmosphere or helped offset negative effects of lower computer and internet availability in some minority groups. Hybrid course designs and online instructional components may help narrow performance gaps between minorities and nonminorities. We caution, however, that minority students in the hybrid lecture performed worse than classmates on common lecture exam questions (despite laboratory improvement). Hybrid course designs should be implemented cautiously until more research is completed.
Different profiles of main and accessory olfactory bulb mitral/tufted cell projections revealed in mice using an anterograde tracer and a whole-mount, flattened cortex preparation

A whole-mount, flattened cortex preparation was developed to compare profiles of axonal projections from main olfactory bulb (MOB) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) mitral and tufted (M/T) cells. After injections of the anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, mapping of labeled axons using a Neurolucida system showed that M/T cells in the AOB sent axons primarily to the medial and posterior lateral cortical amygdala, with minimal branching into the piriform cortex. By contrast, M/T cells in the MOB displayed a network of collaterals that branched off the primary axon at several levels of the lateral olfactory tract (LOT). Collaterals emerging from the LOT into the anterior piriform cortex were often observed crossing into the posterior piriform cortex. M/T cells in the dorsal MOB extended fewer collaterals from the primary axon in the rostral LOT than did M/T cells from the anterior or ventral MOB. MOB M/T cells that projected to the medial amygdala did not do so exclusively, also sending collaterals to the anterior cortical amygdala as well as to olfactory cortical regions. This arrangement may be related to the ability of social experience to modify the response of mice to volatile pheromones detected by the main olfactory system.
Radiation therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer brain metastases: clinical outcomes and predictors of survival.

Brain metastases (BM) and leptomeningeal disease (LMD) are uncommon in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We investigate the outcomes of modern radiation therapy (RT) as a primary treatment modality in patients with EOC BM and LMD. We evaluated 60 patients with EOC treated at our institution from 1996 to 2010 who developed BM. All information was obtained from chart review. At EOC diagnosis, median age was 56.1 years and 88% of patients were stage III-IV. At time of BM diagnosis, 46.7% of patients had 1 BM, 16.7% had two to three, 26.7% had four or more, and 10% had LMD. Median follow-up after BM was 9.3 months (range, 0.3-82.3). All patients received RT, and 37% had surgical resection. LMD occurred in the primary or recurrent setting in 12 patients (20%), 9 of whom received RT. Median overall survival (OS) after BM was 9.7 months for all patients (95% CI 5.9–13.5), and 16.1 months (95% CI 3.8-28.3) in patients with one BM. On multivariate analysis, Karnofsky performance status less than 70 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.86, p = 0.018), four or more BM (HR 3.18, p = 0.05), LMD (HR 8.22, p = 0.013), and uncontrolled primary tumor (HR 2.84, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with inferior OS. Use of surgery was not significant (p = 0.31). Median central nervous system freedom from progression (CNS-FFP) in 47 patients with follow-up was 18.5 months (95% CI, 9.3–27.9). Only four or more BM (HR 2.56, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with poorer CNS-FFP. Based on our results, RT appears to be an effective treatment modality for brain metastases from EOC and should be routinely offered. Karnofsky performance status less than 70, four or more BM, LMD, and uncontrolled primary tumor predict for worse survival after RT for EOC BM. Whether RT is superior to surgery or chemotherapy for EOC BM remains to be seen in a larger cohort.
Alternative medicine or alternatives to medicine? A physician's perspective.

Regina R. is a 12-year-old girl with recently diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes. Before discharging her from the hospital, her family physician and consulting diabetes specialist try to instruct the girl and her parents in the appropriate program of treatment, including diet, insulin, and regular self-monitoring. However, the parents become upset when they learn what is involved in insulin treatment and inform the family physician they plan to employ the services of an alternative healing clinic that promises to cure their daughter with a combination of herbal potions, macrobiotics, aroma therapy, therapeutic touch, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and guided imagery.
Transparent (cut-through) bridging of CSMA/CD networks: performance analysis and implementation

The increasing popularity of local area networks (LANs) and the limitations of a single LAN (on its geographical coverage, information-carrying capacity, and number of stations) have triggered tremendous interest in the study and implementation of interconnected LANs. The authors address the problem of interconnecting the widely deployed CSMA/CD LANs (or LAN segments) via a transparent bridge. A transparent bridge is so called because it "learns" about the network structure and organization during its operation, i.e., it learns about the location of the network stations relative to the bridge in order to do the forwarding of frames selectively; also, the stations need not be aware of the presence of the bridge. The authors make two important contributions. First, they present an approximate analytical model of a transparent CSMA/CD bridge which can be either of the normal store-and-forward type or of the novel cut-through variety (introduced by Kwok and Mukherjee). Using the analytical model, which is also verified via simulation, the performance of the cut-through bridge is compared with (and found to be superior than) that of the normal bridge. Secondly they present the design of a cut-through bridge which can be easily implemented using off-the-shelf components. >
Should Gleason score 7 prostate cancer be considered a unique grade category

Objectives. To evaluate pathologic characteristics and biochemical survival rate differences between patients with Gleason score 6 or less, 7, and 8 or more prostate cancer. Methods. A total of 652 patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between March 1991 and December 1995 were selected for this study. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormonal therapy or radiotherapy were excluded. Clinical and pathologic data were obtained from our prostate cancer data base. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, pathologic stage, and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed between the three Gleason score groups. Results. The overall mean pretreatment serum PSA level was 12.9 ng/mL, being 8.4, 13.4, and 23 ng/mL for Gleason score 6 or less, 7, and 8 or more prostate cancers, respectively (P = 0.0001). Of patients with specimen Gleason score 6 or less, 7, and 8 or more, pathologic organ-confined disease was present in 69.4%, 43.1%, and 9.2%, respectively (P = 0.001). Extraprostatic extension was present in 30.6%, 56.9%, and 90.8% (P = 0.0001); positive surgical margins, considered independently from the other pathologic findings, were present in 31%, 47.6%, and 67.8% of patients with Gleason score 6 or less, 7, and 8 or more, respectively (P = 0.0001). DFS was 34.5% for patients with Gleason score 8 or more, 75% for Gleason score 7, and 91.2% for Gleason score 6 or less prostate cancers, at a median follow-up of 34.2 months (P = 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, after adjusting for serum PSA level (10 or less or more than 10 ng/mL) and pathologic stage, Gleason score (6 or less, 7, 8 or more) remained a statistically significant predictor of DFS (P = 0.0001). Conclusions. Patients with Gleason score 7 prostate cancer should be considered a specific prognostic category. We believe that this distinction is critical to obtain more reliable results from prostate cancer analyses about prognosis of patients treated with curative intent.
Correlation impedance in transistors at high injection

Abstract It is shown that the correlation impedance Rcor of a p+-n-p transistor at high injection and low frequencies is given as R cor = 2( μ p μ n )( k T q I Ep ) , which is small for silicon transistors. For n+-p-n transistors under the same conditions R cor = 2( μ n μ p )( k T q I EP ) , which is large for silicon transistors. This strong asymmetry between p+-n-p and n+-p-n silicon transistors should be measurable.
Abnormal renal scans and decreased early resolution of low grade vesicoureteral reflux.

Purpose: Limited studies suggest a relationship between scarring on renal scan and failure to resolve vesicoureteral reflux. We evaluated the impact of abnormal renal scans on early vesicoureteral reflux resolution.Materials and Methods: The medical records and renal scans were reviewed of children diagnosed with primary reflux between 1988 and 2004. We defined an abnormal renal scan as renal scarring or relative renal function 40% or less. Reflux resolution was noted 1 and 2 years after diagnosis.Results: Renal scan data were available on 161 children with vesicoureteral reflux, including 127 girls and 34 boys. Relative renal function was 15% or less in 7 children, 16% to 35% in 14, 36% to 40% in 18 and greater than 40% in 122. Of the 161 patients 79 (43%) had an abnormal renal scan, including 37% with grades 1 to 3 reflux. The rate of 2-year reflux resolution in the abnormal and normal renal scan groups was 13% vs 53%. Of children with grades II and III reflux those with an abnormal renal scan were less...
Lack of WRN Results in Extensive Deletion at Nonhomologous Joining Ends

Loss of WRN causes the genomic instability progeroid syndrome, Werner syndrome. WRN encodes a multifunctional nuclear protein with 3'-->5' exonuclease and 3'-->5' helicase activities. Linear plasmids with noncompatible ends introduced to Werner syndrome cells underwent extensive deletions at nonhomologous joining ends, particularly at the 3' protruding single-stranded end. This extensive deletion phenotype was complemented by wild-type WRN. These results suggest that WRN can out-compete other exonucleases that participate in double-strand break repair or stabilize the broken DNA end.
Conceptual Robustness in Simultaneous Engineering: An Extension of Taguchi's Parameter Design

Simultaneous engineering processes involve multifunctional teams; team members simultaneously make decisions about many parts of the product-production system and aspects of the product life cycle. This paper argues that such simultaneous distributed decisions should be based on communications about sets of possibilities rather than single solutions. By extending Taguchi's parameter design concepts, we develop a robust and distributed decision-making procedure based on such communications. The procedure shows how a member of a design team can make appropriate decisions based on incomplete information from the other members of the team. More specifically, it (1) treats variations among the designs considered by other members of the design team asconceptual noise; (2) shows how to incorporate such noises into decisions that are robust against these variations; (3) describes a method for using the same data to provide preference information back to the other team members; and (4) provides a procedure for determining whether to release theconceptually robust design or to wait for further decisions by others. The method is demonstrated by part of a distributed design process for a rotary CNC milling machine. While Taguchi's approach is used as a starting point because it is widely known, these results can be generalized to use other robust decision techniques.
Two-dimensional electron transport in semiconductor layers. I. Phonon scattering

Abstract The basic theory of lattice scattering for electrons in a semiconductor heterolayer, and resulting transport properties in two dimensions parallel to the layer plane, are investigated, specifically for polar semiconductors such as gallium arsenide. Because of polar coupling of the electron states in this system to the lattice modes, the scattering functions are more complicated than is found for the ordinary Bloch states in homogeneous semiconductors. This is true of acoustic modes, as well as optical modes, in that piezoelectric coupling may not be neglected. The ohmic mobility at moderately low temperatures is calculated, and displayed for 150 K. It is a strongly increasing function of the layer thickness. An approximation scheme for higher temperatures is developed. More generally, and particularly for hot electrons, computer calculation of transport properties is necessary. Use of pretabulated and stored functions may be required for this. Monte Carlo simulation will require special procedures, because of the large range of values of the scattering rates and to accommodate the infinities in piezoelectric-coupled scattering. These are developed here.
Developmental exposure to the pesticide dieldrin alters the dopamine system and increases neurotoxicity in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease

Exposure to pesticides has been suggested to increase the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the mechanisms responsible for this association are not clear. Here, we report that perinatal exposure of mice during gestation and lactation to low levels of dieldrin (0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg every 3 days) alters dopaminergic neurochemistry in their offspring and exacerbates MPTP toxicity. At 12 wk of age, protein and mRNA levels of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) were increased by perinatal dieldrin exposure in a dose-related manner. We then administered MPTP (2 x 10 mg/kg s.c) at 12 wk of age and observed a greater reduction of striatal dopamine in dieldrin-exposed offspring, which was associated with a greater DAT:VMAT2 ratio. Additionally, dieldrin exposure during development potentiated the increase in GFAP and alpha-synuclein levels induced by MPTP, indicating increased neurotoxicity. In all cases there were greater effects observed in the male offspring than the female, similar to that observed in human cases of PD. These data suggest that developmental exposure to dieldrin leads to persistent alterations of the developing dopaminergic system and that these alterations induce a "silent" state of dopamine dysfunction, thereby rendering dopamine neurons more vulnerable later in life.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome During Regorafenib Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review of Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Associated With Multikinase Inhibitors

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a rare complication of angiogenesis inhibitors. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-directed therapies, including the novel vascular endothelial growth factor multikinase inhibitor regorafenib, are used in metastatic colorectal cancer. A 46-year-old man presented with seizures, agitation, altered mental status, and hypertension 4 days after starting regorafenib. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain suggested RPLS. After discontinuation of regorafenib and the management of hypertension, no further seizure activity occurred and his mental status improved. Antineoplastic agents, including the new oral angiogenesis inhibitors, sunitinib, sorafenib, and pazopanib, have been linked to RPLS. The literature review indicates our case is the first published report of RPLS during regorafenib treatment.
HOT PLASMA FROM SOLAR ACTIVE REGION CORES: A TEST OF AC AND DC CORONAL HEATING MODELS?

Direct current (DC) models of solar coronal heating invoke magnetic reconnection to convert magnetic free energy into heat, whereas alternating current (AC) models invoke wave dissipation. In both cases the energy is supplied by photospheric footpoint motions. For a given footpoint velocity amplitude, DC models predict lower average heating rates but greater temperature variability when compared to AC models. Therefore, evidence of hot plasma (T > 5 MK) in the cores of active regions could be one of the ways for current observations to distinguish between AC and DC models. We have analyzed data from the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly for 12 quiescent active region cores, all of which were observed in the XRT Be_thick channel. We did Differential Emission Measure (DEM) analysis and achieved good fits for each data set. We then artificially truncated the hot plasma of the DEM model at 5 MK and examined the resulting fits to the data. For some regions in our sample, the XRT intensities continued to be well-matched by the DEM predictions, even without the hot plasma. This truncation, however, resulted in unacceptable fits for the other regions. This result indicates that the hot plasma is present in these regions, even if the precise DEM distribution cannot be determined with the data available. We conclude that reconnection may be heating the hot plasma component of these active regions.
Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter and 5-HT2A receptor binding after chronic hypercorticosteronemia, (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane administration or neurotoxin-induced depletion of central nervous system 5-HT in the rat.

There is considerable evidence that the number of platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter binding sites, as measured by [3H]imipramine binding, are significantly decreased, and platelet 5-HT2 receptor density is increased, in drug-free patients with major depression. To investigate whether these changes in the platelet 5-HT transporter or 5-HT2 receptor sites resulted from known or hypothesized biochemical changes observed in major depression, we examined, in the rat, whether a chronic hyperglucocorticoid state, or decreases or increases in central nervous system 5-HT neurotransmission, altered binding of the selective ligands [3H]citalopram and [125I] (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane to platelet and brain 5-HT transporters and 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. Chronic (6 weeks) hypercorticosteronemia did not alter either brain or platelet 5-HT transporter or 5-HT2A receptor binding. Similarly, 8-week administration of the 5-HT2A/5-HT2C agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane, at a dose which down-regulates brain 5-HT2A/2C receptors, did not alter brain or platelet 5-HT transporters or platelet 5-HT2A receptors. Additionally, para-chloroamphetamine-(11 weeks) or fenfluramine-induced chronic (1.5-10 weeks) depletion of central nervous system 5-HT did not alter platelet 5-HT transporter or 5-HT2A receptor binding. Finally, there was no correlation between the number of 5-HT transporters in brain and platelets in any of the control or treatment groups. These findings suggest that the observed changes in platelet 5-HT transporter and 5-HT2A receptor binding in depressed patients are more apt to be of genetic origin (i.e., trait-dependent) rather than an epiphenomenon of hypercortisolemia or altered central nervous system 5-HT status.
Structure and dynamics of perovskite hydrides A Mg H 3 ( A = Na , K, Rb) in relation to the corresponding fluorides: A first-principles study

We report density functional studies of the structure and dynamics of $\mathrm{Na}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}$, $\mathrm{K}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}$, and $\mathrm{Rb}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ in the cubic perovskite structure as well as the corresponding fluorides and the alloy $(\mathrm{Na},\mathrm{Li})\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}$. The hydrides are ionic materials with structural properties very similar to fluorides. However, even though the structures of the hydrides and fluorides are very similar, we find that the dynamics can be quite different. We ascribe these differences to breathing of the hydride ion. This is also reflected in a reduced tendency toward Li off-centering in $(\mathrm{Na},\mathrm{Li})\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}$.
The Empirical Presuppositions of Metaphysical Explanations in Economics

L'A. etudie le role des considerations metaphysiques en economie a la lumiere des presuppositions empiriques de l'explication economique. L'A. examine la reference particuliere aux principes metaphysiques individualistes dans le cadre de la theorie economique neoclassique
Business Associationalism, the Legitimation of Enterprise, and the Emergence of a Business Elite in Nineteenth-Century Brazil

Operating in an economy that was still primarily export-import based and in a cultural environment suspicious of all business interests, members of Brazil's nineteenth-century business elite laced many obstacles to legitimizing their activities. Ironically, erforts to win acceptance tended to fragment business groups and eventually opened the way for a new industrial bourgeoisie at the expense of the overseas traders.
Colloquium 4 Proclus on Evil

This paper considers the problem of evil as it has been discussed and formulated by Plotinus and polemically taken over by Proclus. Contrary to Plotinus, Proclus does not consider matter as evil. Rather, evil in its elusive indefinite nature has to be characterized by the redefined concepts of privation, subcontrary and parypostasis. In its inescapable deficiency, evil, then, is the privation and subcontrary of the good that exists parypostatically, that is, as elusively present in its absence as the misplacement of being and the displacement of the good.
Measurement in Learning Games Evolution: Review of Methodologies Used in Determining Effectiveness of Math Snacks Games and Animations

This article captures the evolution of research goals and methodologies used to assess the effectiveness and impact of a set of mathematical educational games and animations for middle-school aged students. The researchers initially proposed using a mixed model research design of formative and summative measures, such as user-testing, observations, interviews, and standardized test scores. Over the course of the 5 years, researchers expanded on these qualitative and quantitative methods by adding additional research methods based on additional potential opportunities for formative testing, additional potentials areas of impact, and refining research methodologies. Based on the findings from these methods, the researchers offer recommendations for approaches to evaluating educational game design and animation that support student learning. The authors review the methodologies used (observations, focus groups and panel discussions, pre- and post-tests, self-report surveys and embedded data); environments in which the methods were used (Learning Games Lab Think Tanks, classrooms, summer camps, annual advisory reviews); and three studies (one pilot and two final studies). The researchers close with recommendations for design and evaluation strategies of game- and animation-based learning.
Recharging Family Medicine: A Perspective from the Keystone IV Conference

A historic perspective of family medicine's development, the work of Gayle Stephens, and prior Keystone conferences constitute an important backdrop for the fourth Keystone Conference. Decisions made in the past constrain what can be done now, but they may also offer opportunities for family medicine. A major challenge for Keystone IV was to discern what is a constraint and what is an opportunity-in particular when it comes to the role of the personal physician. This article provides reflections based on decades of observation and study and confirms that knowing something and doing something are not the same.
Studies on a Physiological Model for the Hunman Renal Fanconi Syndrome

The human renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is unique among the many nephrotoxic disorders because of its association with a wide variety of inherited metabolic disorders as well as with numerous exogenous substances (1,2). This broad spectrum of known aetiologies lends credence to the concept that the renal tubular dysfunction of the FS represents the result of a common, underlying effect of a number of different agents on the kidney. Accordingly, investigators have utilized several animal models for the FS in efforts to elucidate the biochemical mechanism(s) implicit in this disorder. The most thoroughly-studied of these models is that generated by treatment of the rat with maleic acid, both in vivo (3, 4) and in vitro (58). To date, the specific biochemical action by which maleate affects transport of sugars, amino acids and various other endogenous materials remains elusive, although many intracellular and membrane transport phenomena have been demonstrated (5–10). However, the most significant disadvantage inherent in all studies using this compound is the fact that maleate is not an endogenously produced substance in mammals. Therefore, until very recently, no model system was available with which to study the FS associated with genetic disease in man.
SRAM Mega Cell Design for Digital Applications

The primary objective of this chapter is to present the application of silicon nanowire technology on a first large-scale digital mega cell design: an SRAM. The detailed steps of generating accurate BSIMSOI SPICE models from vertically-grown SNTs with undoped bodies and dual work function metal gates were already discussed in Chapter 3. This chapter uses the SNT device models in the design and analysis of a 16 × 16 SRAM block and reports the circuit simulation results and electrical data.
Characterization of Aspergillus section Nigri species populations in vineyard soil using droplet digital PCR.

Identification of populations of Aspergillus section Nigri species in environmental samples using traditional methods is laborious and impractical for large numbers of samples. We developed species-specific primers and probes for quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to improve sample throughput and simultaneously detect multiple species in each sample. The ddPCR method was used to distinguish Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus welwitschiae, Aspergillus tubingensis and Aspergillus carbonarius in mixed samples of total DNA. Relative abundance of each species measured by ddPCR agreed with input ratios of template DNAs. Soil samples were collected at six time points over two growing seasons from two raisin vineyards in Fresno County, California. Aspergillus section Nigri strains were detected in these soils in the range of 102–105 CFU g−1. Relative abundance of each species varied widely among samples, but in 52 of 60 samples, A. niger was the most abundant species, ranging from 38 to 88% of the total population. In combination with total plate counts, this ddPCR method provides a high-throughput method for describing population dynamics of important potential mycotoxin-producing species in environmental samples. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first study to demonstrate the utility of ddPCR as a means to quantify species of Aspergillus section Nigri in soil. This method eliminates the need for isolation and sequence identification of individual fungal isolates, and allows for greater throughput in measuring relative population sizes of important (i.e. mycotoxigenic) Aspergillus species within a population of morphologically indistinguishable species.
A Comprehensive Review on Water Quality Parameters Estimation Using Remote Sensing Techniques.

Remotely sensed data can reinforce the abilities of water resources researchers and decision makers to monitor waterbodies more effectively. Remote sensing techniques have been widely used to measure the qualitative parameters of waterbodies (i.e., suspended sediments, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), chlorophyll-a, and pollutants). A large number of different sensors on board various satellites and other platforms, such as airplanes, are currently used to measure the amount of radiation at different wavelengths reflected from the water’s surface. In this review paper, various properties (spectral, spatial and temporal, etc.) of the more commonly employed spaceborne and airborne sensors are tabulated to be used as a sensor selection guide. Furthermore, this paper investigates the commonly used approaches and sensors employed in evaluating and quantifying the eleven water quality parameters. The parameters include: chlorophyll-a (chl-a), colored dissolved organic matters (CDOM), Secchi disk depth (SDD), turbidity, total suspended sediments (TSS), water temperature (WT), total phosphorus (TP), sea surface salinity (SSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Multi-Cell Cooperative Transmission

A cellular wireless communication system consisting of multiple transmitters and multiple receivers is studied in terms of system capacity. Assuming that the transmitters in the multi-cell system are connected to a centralized controller which has access to channel state information, the transmissions from the multiple transmitters can be cooperatively optimized such that the sum capacity is maximized. Analytical results on channel capacity are obtained under a per-antenna power constraint using optimization theory for different system configurations and levels of network/terminal complexities.
Abstract 4238: Lung cancer stem cell targets sensitizing tumor cells to chemo therapy and radiation therapy by exploiting synthetic lethal relationships in an RNAi high-throughput screen

Platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for locally advanced lung cancer. However patient outcomes remain dismal and overall survival at 5 years is only 15%. The resistance mechanisms for concurrent chemoradiation therapy are poorly studied. Cancer stem cells have been proposed to be the driver for many cancers including lung cancer and may be also responsible for therapy resistance. We sought therefore to identify therapy resistance pathways in lung cancer by using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to therapeutic challenge. To identify novel genes that modulate the response to platinum chemotherapy and radiation therapy we have performed a genome-wide RNAi high-throughput screen via a shRNA viral library containing approx. 60,000 individual shRNAs on a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (PC9). After two weeks of cisplatin and/or radiation treatment of PC9 cells with shRNA and controls, depleted versus enriched shRNAs were identified through library sequencing. We hypothesized that depleted shRNAs in the treated versus control cells might represent genes whose function is crucial for resistance to therapy-induced cell death. From the cisplatin and radiation screen, analysis of out of top 100 potential hits (depleted shRNAs) interestingly showed several cancer stem cells markers including Sox, Lrg6, and members of the Hedgehog signaling pathway Patched and Bmi1. We further determined the effects of Bmi1 on therapy resistance with survival assays by treating PC9 cells with Bmi1 inhibitor PTC-09. MTT cell survival and colonogenic assays was performed by treating PC9 cells with PTC-09 in triplicate and then treated with increasing dosage of cisplatin (0.1, 1 and 10 μM) or X-ray radiation (2, 4 and 6 Gy). Significantly decreased cell survival was observed in PTC-09 treated PC9 cells treated with cisplatin or radiation compared to control and cisplatin or radiation alone treated cells. Further colonogenic assay of PC9 cells treated with 2Gy+1 um cisplatin and increasing dosage of PTC-09 showed significant decrease in the ability of cells to form colonies compared to control. By performing an unbiased genome wide for therapeutic resistance, we have successfully identified and validated a target in the cancer stem cell pathways. We are further evaluating effect of Bmi1 using CRISPR-Cas9 knock out model. Citation Format: Kunal R. Chaudhary, Haiying Cheng, Balaz Halmos, Jose M. Silva, K.S. Clifford Chao, Tom K. Hei, Simon Cheng. Lung cancer stem cell targets sensitizing tumor cells to chemo therapy and radiation therapy by exploiting synthetic lethal relationships in an RNAi high-throughput screen. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4238. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4238
Large B-cell lymphoma variant of Richter transformation originates in pseudoproliferation centers of small lymphocytic lymphoma.

![Figure][1] Cervical lymph node (LN) dissection for squamous cell carcinoma was performed on a 69-year-old man in whom chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was diagnosed in 2004. Fluorescence in situ hybridization determined that the CLL had an ATM deletion. Prior to surgery, the patient
Compressive Neuropathy of the Ulnar Nerve: A Perspective on History and Current Controversies

The untoward effects resulting from compression of the ulnar nerve have been recognized for almost 2 centuries. Initial treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome focused on complete transection of the nerve at the level of the elbow, resulting in initial alleviation of pain but significant functional morbidity. A number of subsequent techniques have been described including in situ decompression, subcutaneous transposition, submuscular transposition, and most recently, endoscopic release. This manuscript focuses on the historical aspects of each of these treatments and our current understanding of their efficacy.
Proteins move! Protein dynamics and long-range allostery in cell signaling.

Abstract An emerging point of view in protein chemistry is that proteins are not the static objects that are displayed in textbooks but are instead dynamic actors. Protein dynamics plays a fundamental role in many diseases, and spans a large hierarchy of timescales, from picoseconds to milliseconds or even longer. Nanoscale protein domain motion on length scales comparable to protein dimensions is key to understanding how signals are relayed through multiple protein–protein interactions. A canonical example is how the scaffolding proteins NHERF1 and ezrin work in coordination to assemble crucial membrane complexes. As membrane–cytoskeleton scaffolding proteins, these provide excellent prototypes for understanding how regulatory signals are relayed through protein–protein interactions between the membrane and the cytoskeleton. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the structure and dynamics of the interaction. We describe recent novel applications of neutron spin echo spectroscopy to reveal the dynamic propagation of allosteric signals by nanoscale protein motion, and present a guide to the future study of dynamics and its application to the cure of disease.
Pre-professional students’ explicit syntax knowledge: Preliminary analysis:

Existing research concludes that educators have varying levels of language knowledge. Educators’ varying levels of language knowledge may be related to the type of content knowledge they received w...
Developing an abiotic capsule-based self-healing system for cementitious materials: The state of knowledge

Abstract Since the intrinsic (autogenous) self-healing ability of cementitious materials is only effective for small cracks under some particular conditions, it is often necessary to add an external self-healing (autonomous healing) system to extend the service life of such materials. In this work, the performance of different abiotic healing agents, influences and requirements of encapsulation techniques, and characterization and testing methods of healing efficiency are reviewed. The objective is to examine the state of knowledge relevant to developing an abiotic capsule-based system for cementitious materials. The principle of selecting healing agents is based on the service conditions and the objective of self-healing. All the influences of admixing capsules on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete should be taken into consideration. A series of reliable and reproducible standard testing methods need to be developed to unify the parameters in evaluating the healing efficiency. While there is not one self-healing solution that is applicable under all conditions, the general methodology of developing an abiotic, capsule-based self-healing system is proposed.
PPE-ARX: Area- and power-efficient VLIW programmable processing element for IoT crypto-systems

In this paper, we propose a novel programmable processing element (PPE) for various cryptographic systems that can be used in IoT applications. The design enables the programmability, thus supporting a wide range of bit-widths (such as 16, 32, and 64). It employs a very long instruction word (VLIW) architecture with an instruction set and memory hierarchy specialized for crypto-processing. Both FPGA and ASIC implementations demonstrate that the design utilizes a very tiny area and consumes very low power. For example, it takes only 227 slices for FPGA implementations to include 512-byte instruction and coefficient memory along with the computational unit by achieving a maximum clock frequency of 250 MHz. For ASIC implementation (in 28/32nm technology), the design takes only 0.15mm2 of silicon area and consumes only 34.5μW of total power while achieving a maximum frequency of 952MHz. To evaluate the effectiveness of the design in a larger system, we implement Blue Midnight Wish (BMW) hash function with the PPE. Compared to the previous BMW-512 implementation which stores the intermediate coefficients of the BMW-512 in 2048 bytes, the proposed design just uses 512 bytes. Meanwhile, we reduce the instruction memory size from 4864 bytes to 1792 bytes.
Frequency components analysis of an induction machine under different fault conditions

The frequency components of an induction machine due to different types of internal faults and their combinations are studied in this paper. Instead of taking a look at the current and control signals directly, this paper studies the impact caused by the basic inner structure on the inductances and their frequency components. Modified winding function and equivalent air-gap length are computed such that the combinations of internal faults can be accommodated. Static and dynamic eccentricity reshape the air-gap in a direct manner, while saturation brings third order harmonics, which instead can be equivalently considered as the effect caused by the fluctuation of air-gap length. Thus eccentricity faults and saturation have combined impacts on the equivalent air-gap length. Modified winding function accounting for all space harmonics simplifies the computation of inductances, and is also adequate for the case with rotor asymmetry. By extracting frequency components, different internal fault features are revealed. ANSYS/Maxwell is employed to simulate different cases to verify the theoretical analysis.
Pulmonary artery aneurysms: diagnosis & endovascular therapy

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) and pseudoaneurysms are rare entities in the spectrum of pulmonary arterial diseases. The etiology of these aneurysms is varied and patients present with nonspecific symptoms which make their diagnosis both difficult and less often considered. In this review, we will discuss the clinical manifestations, etiologies, methods of detection, imaging features, and the current role of endovascular treatment in the management of PAAs.
Nicotine Alters Estrogen Receptor-Beta-Regulated Inflammasome Activity and Exacerbates Ischemic Brain Damage in Female Rats.

Smoking is a preventable risk factor for stroke and smoking-derived nicotine exacerbates post-ischemic damage via inhibition of estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) signaling in the brain of female rats. ER-β regulates inflammasome activation in the brain. Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic nicotine exposure activates the inflammasome in the brain, thus exacerbating ischemic brain damage in female rats. To test this hypothesis, adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (6–7 months old) were exposed to nicotine (4.5 mg/kg/day) or saline for 16 days. Subsequently, brain tissue was collected for immunoblot analysis. In addition, another set of rats underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO; 90 min) with or without nicotine exposure. One month after tMCAO, histopathological analysis revealed a significant increase in infarct volume in the nicotine-treated group (64.24 ± 7.3 mm3; mean ± SEM; n = 6) compared to the saline-treated group (37.12 ± 7.37 mm3; n = 7, p < 0.05). Immunoblot analysis indicated that nicotine increased cortical protein levels of caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β by 88% (p < 0.05), 48% (p < 0.05) and 149% (p < 0.05), respectively, when compared to the saline-treated group. Next, using an in vitro model of ischemia in organotypic slice cultures, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of nicotine-induced inflammasome activation improves post-ischemic neuronal survival. Accordingly, slices were exposed to nicotine (100 ng/mL; 14–16 days) or saline, followed by treatment with the inflammasome inhibitor isoliquiritigenin (ILG; 24 h) prior to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD; 45 min). Quantification of neuronal death demonstrated that inflammasome inhibition significantly decreased nicotine-induced ischemic neuronal death. Overall, this study shows that chronic nicotine exposure exacerbates ischemic brain damage via activation of the inflammasome in the brain of female rats.
Long-Term Morbidity: Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Depression in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common heterogeneous syndrome associated with morbidity involving multiple organ systems. Women with PCOS are at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as reflected by increased traditional cardiovascular risk markers and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, including increased carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), coronary artery calcification, and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, there is evidence to suggest an increased risk of endometrial cancer in patients with PCOS. Finally, several studies suggest that women with PCOS are at an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Frequent screening of all women with PCOS for associated comorbidities needs to be urgently implemented as early detection and timely intervention can reduce the overall health burden associated with this common disorder.
Switching and Traffic Grooming in WDM Networks

We consider the role of switching in minimizing the number of electronic ports (e.g., SONET ADMs) in an optical network that carries sub-wavelength traffic. Providing nodes with the ability to switch traffic between wavelengths, such as through the use of SONET cross-connects, can reduce the required number of electronic ports. We show that only small switches distributed among the nodes in the ring are needed for significant reductions in the number of ports. We characterize a class of network architectures that use both the minimal amount ADMs and the minimal amount of switching. We also give an algorithm for designing a topology that is efficient in both the required number of electronic ports and the amount of switching used.
Analyzing the relationship and development of proficiency, derivational knowledge, and vocabulary size in Spanish L2 learners

One dimension of knowing a word is recognizing its structure. Previous research, mostly on L2 English, has revealed a close link between derivational knowledge (DK) and vocabulary size. Nevertheless, the degree of the relationship as well as the effect of the learner’s L1 vary among these studies. The present study analyzes the development of DK in L1 English learners of L2 Spanish (n = 209) taking university level courses from second to seventh semester at a US institution. The measurements explore the complex nature of DK – i.e., relational, syntactic and distributional knowledge – in both receptive and productive mode. Results showed that proficiency rather than vocabulary size, i.e., knowledge of monomorphemic words, contributes to DK. While a full receptive knowledge of some suffixes can be acquired relatively early, this is not the case for productive knowledge. This study also provides some tools to measure DK without resorting to metalanguage.
Faculty perspectives on the use of standardized versus non-standardized oral examinations to assess medical students.

Objectives To determine if faculty perceive standardized oral examinations to be more objective and useful than the non-standardized format in assessing third-year medical students' learning on the obstetrics and gynecology rotation. Methods Obstetrics and gynecology faculty at three teaching hospitals were sampled to complete a survey retrospectively comparing the standardized oral examination (SOE) and non-standardized or traditional oral examinations (TOE). A Likert scale (0-5) was used to assess satisfaction, objectivity, and usefulness of SOE and TOE. Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to compare median Likert scale scores for each survey item. A Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the perceived level of objectivity and SOE characteristics. For qualitative measures, content analysis was applied. Results Sixty-six percent (n=25) of eligible faculty completed the survey. Faculty perceived the standardized oral examination as significantly more objective compared with the non-standardized (z=-3.15, p=0.002). Faculty also found SOE to be more useful in assessing overall clerkship performance (z=-2.0, p<0.05). All of the survey participants were willing to administer the standardized examination again. Faculty reported strengths of the SOE to be uniformity, fairness, and ease of use. Major weaknesses reported included inflexibility and decreased ability to assess students' higher order reasoning skills. Conclusions Faculty found standardized oral examinations to be more objective in assessing third-year medical students' clinical competency when compared with a non-standardized approach. This finding can be meaningfully applied to medical education programs internationally.