cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weathering a Macrophage Storm.

In rheumatology circles, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) describes a potentially life-threatening complication of systemic inflammatory disorders, frequently making matters worse for those with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and its adult counterpart, adult-onset Still disease (AOSD). A dysfunctional immune response results in continuous activation and expansion of T lymphocytes and macrophages, leading to an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (a cytokine storm) and resulting in multiorgan dysfunction. Like the related disorder, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), MAS features include high, unremitting fever, hyperferritinemia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and hypofibrinogenemia. Other laboratory abnormalities include elevated liver enzymes, D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase, and triglycerides (TGC). Soluble interleukin 2 receptor α (sCD25) may be elevated, but testing is often not available at an on-site laboratory and therefore is not routinely done at the time of diagnosis1,2,3,4. Histopathology often reveals characteristic increased hemophagocytic activity in the bone marrow (and other tissues), with positive CD163 (histiocyte) staining, although this feature is often not present in initial stages and is neither highly sensitive nor specific for MAS5,6. Most commonly studied as a complication of sJIA, the reported prevalence of MAS is estimated to be about 10%; however, reports suggest subclinical MAS may be present in 30%–40% of patients with sJIA7,8. There are several diagnostic challenges in the early recognition of MAS, particularly in distinguishing it from a flare of sJIA or AOSD. Moreover, there is no single pathognomonic feature of MAS, and many clinical features and laboratory abnormalities overlap with those of systemic inflammatory disorders, making it difficult to distinguish the underlying disease from the life-threatening comorbidity1,2,3,4. Further, until very recently, there were no universal validated criteria to aid in diagnosis. However, patient data–based classification criteria … Address correspondence to Dr. R.Q. Cron, Children’s of Alabama, Division of Rheumatology, 1600 7th Ave. S., CPP #M10, Birmingham, Alabama 35233-1711, USA; E-mail: rcron{at}peds.uab.edu
Innovation: The roles of intellectual capital, knowledge augmentation, and environmental dynamism

Prior work suggests that intellectual capital plays a critical role in organizations’ ability to succeed at innovation, that is, to create new and better products or services efficiently. However, ...
Safety Issues of U. S. Ceramic Process for Excess Plutonium Immobilization

The objective of this paper is to discuss the safety issues associated with the immobilization of excess weapons plutonium in ceramic form in the United States. The U.S. government has recommended a dual-track approach to dispose of excess weapons plutonium. According to this approach, about 33 metric tons of pure Pu will be fabricated into mixed oxide (MOX) fuels which will be burned in commercial nuclear light water reactors; and up to 17 metric tons of impure Pu will be immobilized into ceramic form which will be permanently disposed of in a geologic repository. It should be noted that a portion of the 33 metric tons of pure Pu may also be immobilized into ceramic form depending on the future decision of the U.S. government.
1674a Using wikipedia to build our osh community of practice: an general overview

Introduction The Internet has become the important health information resource for patients, health providers and the general public. Wikipedia a collaboratively written web-based encyclopaedia has become the dominant online reference work. Wikipedia ranks as the eighth most accessed Web site on the internet. Wikipedia is the number one driver (after organic search) of visitors to the NIOSH (USA) web site. This workshop is structured to provide a basic understanding of Wikipedia to familiarise health professionals on how to use Wikipedia to disseminate and track important occupational safety and health information to a large global audience. Methods The curriculum for this workshop is guided by the results of an investigation of how traffic to Wikipedia articles correlated with traffic to the main selected web sites and how page view statistics compared to organic search and other web site drivers. We compared Wikipedia’s occurrence, mean position to other Web sites, and examined which factors influence Web site ranking. In addition, key edit factors, long-tail search results, comparison of edits to premier web pages and other key factors were examined. A key part of this workshop will be the appropriate use of metrics and tracking to guide outcomes and impact. Results By developing and implementing a carefully crafted online strategy Wikipedia edits have become a major source of driving searchers of occupational safety and health information to the NIOSH Web site. Conclusion The rank of a Web site among search engines results depends on factors such as the search engine algorithm and search engine optimizations strategies (SEO), which aim to influence rankings. This workshop is structured to address the important factors that need to be a key part of your Wikipedia editing strategy to optimise algorithm mediation of traffic to your information.
Abstract 2305: Targeting 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase to increase the efficacy of ER and CDK4/6 inhibitors against breast cancer

We demonstrated that estradiol stimulates the expression and activity of an enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3), that regulates glucose metabolism via allosteric stimulation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase. PFKFB3 expression is increased in breast cancer cells that have metastasized to lymph nodes and the combination of the anti-estrogen, fulvestrant, with a PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK158, synergistically increases apoptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Given that estradiol simultaneously increases the expression of both the regulatory subunit of CDK4/6, cyclin D1, and PFKFB3, we postulated that the combination of palbociclib with PFK158 would yield synergy against breast cancer cells. In new preliminary studies, co-treatment with palbociclib and PFK158 resulted in a marked decrease in cell proliferation in two ER+ breast cancer cell lines that was accompanied by a synergistic decrease in phospho-Retinoblastoma (Rb). Importantly, exposure of ER+ breast cancer cells to palbociclib and PFK158 causes an increase in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death in vitro. Notably, this combination has no effect on cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in normal mammary cells suggesting that this therapeutic strategy may be well tolerated and selective for breast cancer. Citation Format: Yoannis Imbert-Fernandez, Lilibeth Lanceta, Sucheta Telang, Jason Chesney. Targeting 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase to increase the efficacy of ER and CDK4/6 inhibitors against breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2305.
Fundamentals of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Network

Abstract Because of their effectiveness in broad practical applications, LSTM networks have received a wealth of coverage in scientific journals, technical blogs, and implementation guides. However, in most articles, the inference formulas for the LSTM network and its parent, RNN, are stated axiomatically, while the training formulas are omitted altogether. In addition, the technique of “unrolling” an RNN is routinely presented without justification throughout the literature. The goal of this tutorial is to explain the essential RNN and LSTM fundamentals in a single document. Drawing from concepts in Signal Processing, we formally derive the canonical RNN formulation from differential equations. We then propose and prove a precise statement, which yields the RNN unrolling technique. We also review the difficulties with training the standard RNN and address them by transforming the RNN into the “Vanilla LSTM” 1 network through a series of logical arguments. We provide all equations pertaining to the LSTM system together with detailed descriptions of its constituent entities. Albeit unconventional, our choice of notation and the method for presenting the LSTM system emphasizes ease of understanding. As part of the analysis, we identify new opportunities to enrich the LSTM system and incorporate these extensions into the Vanilla LSTM network, producing the most general LSTM variant to date. The target reader has already been exposed to RNNs and LSTM networks through numerous available resources and is open to an alternative pedagogical approach. A Machine Learning practitioner seeking guidance for implementing our new augmented LSTM model in software for experimentation and research will find the insights and derivations in this treatise valuable as well.
Rank jumps in Codimension 2 A-Hypergeometric Systems

The holonomic rank of the A-hypergeometric system H_A(\beta) is shown to depend on the parameter vector \beta when the underlying toric ideal I_A is a non Cohen Macaulay codimension 2 toric ideal. The set of exceptional parameters is usually infinite.
Multi-platform Approach for Microbial Biomarker Identification Using Borrelia burgdorferi as a Model

The identification of microbial biomarkers is critical for the diagnosis of a disease early during infection. However, the identification of reliable biomarkers is often hampered by a low concentration of microbes or biomarkers within host fluids or tissues. We have outlined a multi-platform strategy to assess microbial biomarkers that can be consistently detected in host samples, using Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as an example. Key aspects of the strategy include the selection of a macaque model of human disease, in vivo Microbial Antigen Discovery (InMAD), and proteomic methods that include microbial biomarker enrichment within samples to identify secreted proteins circulating during infection. Using the described strategy, we have identified 6 biomarkers from multiple samples. In addition, the temporal antibody response to select bacterial antigens was mapped. By integrating biomarkers identified from early infection with temporal patterns of expression, the described platform allows for the data driven selection of diagnostic targets.
Association of childhood blood lead levels with firearm violence perpetration and victimization in Milwaukee.

Childhood lead exposure impairs future decision-making and may influence criminal behavior, but its role in future firearm violence is unclear. Using public health, education, and criminal justice datasets linked at the individual level, we studied a population-based cohort of all persons born between June 1, 1986 and December 31, 2003 with a valid blood lead test before age 6 years and stable Milwaukee residency (n = 89,129). We estimated associations with firearm violence perpetration (n = 553) and victimization (n = 983) using logistic regression, adjusting for temporal trends, child sex, race, and neighborhood socioeconomic status. Increasing risks for firearm violence perpetration and victimization were found in each higher category of blood lead compared to the lowest, after adjusting for confounding. For perpetration, risk ratios (RR) for increasing comparisons of mean blood lead in categories of ≥5 < 10, ≥10 < 20, and ≥20 μg/dL compared to persons with mean blood lead < 5 μg/dL, were: RR 2.3 (95% CI 1.6, 3.3), RR 2.5 (95% CI 1.7, 3.9), and RR 2.8 (95% CI 1.8, 4.4). For victimization, the same increasing categoric comparisons were: RR 1.8 (95% CI 1.4, 2.3), RR 2.4 (95% CI 1.8, 3.2), RR 3.3 (95% CI 2.4, 4.5). The proportion of firearm violence attributable to blood lead ≥5 μg/dL was 56% for perpetration and 51% for victimization. In Milwaukee, during a period of high lead exposures, childhood levels may have substantially contributed to adult firearm violence. While we cannot definitively conclude causality, the possibility that over half of firearm violence among this sample might be due to lead exposure suggests the potential importance of lead exposure reduction in firearm violence prevention efforts.
Communication of Visual and Auditory Information and the Coordination of Team Task Performance

Due to lack of visual or auditory perceptual information, many tasks require interpersonal coordination and teaming. Dyadic verbal and/or auditory communication typically results in the two people ...
Understanding and Transfer of Human Skills in Robotics Using Deep Learning and Musculoskeletal Modeling

With the application of deep learning, prosthetic rehabilitation can be carried out in a manner that not only emulates human manipulation skills and performance, but can also work more efficiently. In this study, we introduced computer vision capability for a rehabilitation robot using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The human skill of scooping was studied by dividing it into four motion primitives or sub-tasks. For each primitive, optimum human posture was identified in terms of muscular effort. Human motion skills were analyzed in terms of physiological parameters, including wrist pronation-supination angle, elbow flexion angle, shoulder rotation/abduction/flexion angles, and hand accelerations by three dimensional musculoskeletal modeling. This analysis identified how humans execute the same activity for eight different materials. Optimum human motion for each material was mapped to a robotic arm with six degrees-of-freedom (DOFs), which was equipped with a camera. The success ratio while examining the scooping motion over all trials was found to be 85%. Consequently, the activity can be performed efficiently based on human intuition in a dynamic environment.
Model-Free Global Stabilization of Continuous-Time Linear Systems with Saturating Actuators Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming

This paper addresses the problem of global stabilization of a class of continuous-time linear systems subject to actuator saturation using a model-free approach. We propose a gain-scheduled low gain feedback scheme that prevents saturation from occurring and achieves global stabilization. The parameterized algebraic Riccati equation (ARE) framework is employed to design the low gain feedback control laws. An adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) method is presented to find the solution of the parameterized ARE without requiring the knowledge of the system dynamics. In particular, we present an iterative ADP algorithm that searches for an appropriate value of the low gain parameter and iteratively solves the parameterized ADP Bellman equation. The closed-loop stability and the convergence of the algorithm to the nominal solution of the parameterized ARE are shown. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
PLACEMENT OF A SAPIEN 3 VALVE IN AN EXTREMELY LARGE AORTIC ANNULUS

There is limited experience with implantation of TAVR valves in extremely large aortic annuli. Here we present a case of successful implantation of a 29 mm Sapien 3 valve in an annulus greater than 800 square mm with successful result. Patient is an 87-year-old male with severe aortic stenosis and
Mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5 modulates cellular senescence by regulating mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondria undergo dynamic fusion/fission, biogenesis and mitophagy in response to stimuli or stresses. Disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis could lead to cell senescence, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We show that deletion of mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5 leads to accelerated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) senescence in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PGAM5 is required for mitochondrial fission through dephosphorylating DRP1. PGAM5 deletion leads to increased mitochondrial fusion and decreased mitochondrial turnover. As results, cellular ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are elevated, mTOR and IRF/IFN-β signaling pathways are enhanced, leading to cellular senescence. Overexpression of Drp1 K38A or S637A mutant phenocopies or rescues mTOR activation and senescence in PGAM5-/- cells, respectively. Young but not aging Pgam5-/- mice are resistant to sodium iodate-induced RPE cell death. Our studies establish a link between defective mitochondrial fission, cellular senescence and age-dependent oxidative stress response, which have implications in age-related diseases.
Is Nocturia Associated With Detrusor Underactivity

OBJECTIVES Detrusor underactivity (DU) is diagnosed using urodynamic testing. We hypothesized that nocturia is associated with detrusor underactivity. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent urodynamic testing at our institution between 2016 and 2018. Uroflowmetry and pressure-flow study parameters were compared between women with nocturia (≥2 voids/night) and without nocturia (0-1 void/night). Detrusor underactivity was diagnosed using 3 different criteria: (1) bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) of <90%, (2) bladder contractility index of <100, and (3) a composite of three urodynamic measures (Gammie criteria). RESULTS Of 358 women, 172 (48%) were in the nocturia group and 186 (52%) were in the no nocturia group. On uroflowmetry, median postvoid residual volume was similar (20 mL) in both groups. Median maximum flow rate (15 vs 17 mL/s, P < 0.05) and average flow rate (6 mL/s vs 7 mL/s, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the nocturia group compared with the no nocturia group. During pressure-flow study, a significantly greater proportion of women with nocturia were unable to void around the catheter (30% vs 27%, P < 0.01). The overall rate of DU varied with the criteria used: BVE (54%), bladder contractility index (41%), and Gammie criteria (7%). The rate of DU using the BVE criteria was significantly higher in the nocturia group (63% vs 48%, P < 0.01), but no significant differences were noted using the other criteria. CONCLUSIONS Nocturia is associated with reduced voiding efficiency in women. The diagnosis of DU using urodynamics is challenging.
The effect of plastic additives on Shewanella oneidensis growth and function

Plastic waste has the potential for significant consequences on various ecosystems; yet, there are gaps in our understanding of the interaction of bacteria with polymer additives. We studied the impact of representative additive molecules to the viability and cell function of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Specifically, we explored the toxicity of three bisphenols (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and tetrabromo bisphenol A (TBBPA)) and two diesters (dibutyl sebacate (DBS) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)) in order to evaluate the generalizability of toxicity based on similar molecular structures. TBBPA caused significant, dose-dependent decreases in viability for acute (4 h) exposures in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. While the other 4 additives showed no significant toxicity upon 4 h exposures, chronic (2 day) anaerobic exposures revealed a significant impact to growth. BPA and BPS cause a significant decrease in growth rates for all exposure doses (8-131 μM) while DBS and DIBP had decreases in growth for the lowest exposure concentrations, though recovered to growth rates similar to the control at the highest concentrations. This highlights that S. oneidensis may have the ability to use the diesters as a carbon source if present in high enough concentrations. Riboflavin secretion was monitored as a marker of cellular health. Most additives stimulated riboflavin secretion as a survival response. Yet, there was no generalizable trend observed for these molecules, indicating the importance of considering the nuances of molecular structure to toxicity responses and the need for further work to understand the consequences of plastic waste in our environment.
Holism: possibilities and problems

Humans seek connection between themselves and other things in the world, and intuit relationships between parts and wholes, such that parts can’t be understood without reference to the whole, or ev...
I am a scientist . . . Ask Me Anything: Examining differences between male and female scientists participating in a Reddit AMA session:

This article investigates interactions between scientists and the online community Reddit. Given that past research on computer-mediated communication between scientists and the public found that m...
Non-Equilibrium Carrier Statistics and Optic Phonon Resonances in Quantum Wires

This paper addresses basic issues on non-equilibrium statistics in quantum wires with emphasis on the non-ergodicity and the absence of thermalization of one-dimensional (1D) electron systems. Major consequences for high temperature 1D transport such as carrier cooling with enhanced mobility, optic phonon resonances and population inversion are discussed in conjunction with recent experimental observations.
Voting with one's feet: a critique of the evidence.

Abstract This study offers an interpretation of the literature on voting with one's feet, that is, moving to that area which best satisfies one's preferences for public goods. The implications of the literature to date are examined. The study also offers ways in which to improve future research efforts. Regional labor market distortions are examined in depth.
A joint power adaptation and spectrum handoff scheme in mobile cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio (CR) technology is regarded as a promising solution by enabling unlicensed users to exploit the licensed spectrum unused by the licensed user in an opportunistic manner. Since in a mobile CR network, if unlicensed users move away from each other, their relative distance changes. Thus, the unlicensed user transmission power needs to be adapted to maintain their communications. In the meantime, since the spectrum availability is location-varying, the unlicensed users may also need to perform spectrum handoffs to avoid harmful interference to PUs caused by the increase of the transmission power. In this paper, in order to address this problem, a joint power adaptation and spectrum handoff scheme is proposed in mobile CR networks. The throughput of the unlicensed user transmission is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm achieves very high throughput when the unlicensed receiver is mobile. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that jointly investigates both the power adaptation and the spectrum handoff in mobile CR ad hoc networks.
Applying basic principles of child passenger safety to improving transportation safety for children who travel while seated in wheelchairs.

In this article, the authors guide readers through the application of basic principles of child passenger safety with a goal of improving transportation safety for the subpopulation of children who travel while seated in wheelchairs. The authors first review the two aspects that characterize the severity and dynamics of most vehicle crashes: the change in speed of the vehicle during the collision event and the deceleration or acceleration during the impact event. Of course, for children who do not use wheelchairs or who can transfer out of their wheelchair into standard child safety seats, there is a high level of crash protection. The authors stress that, for the children who remain seated in wheelchairs for travel, the use of wheelchairs and wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint systems (WTORS) that comply with voluntary industry standards significantly enhances safety. Another section discusses revisions to these industry standard that can improve safety for smaller children who travel seated in wheelchairs. The new standards will apply to children between 18 and 50 lb (13 and 22 kg) and will mandate a five-point, wheelchair-integrated crash-tested harness similar to that used in forward-facing child safety seats. The authors conclude by recommending additional training for parents and caregivers regarding best-practice in wheelchair transportation safety.
Educating the Disenfranchised and Marginalized

Global Education Review is a publication of The School of Education at Mercy College, New York. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License, permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Citation: Wermuth, Mel (2014). Educating the disenfranchised and marginalized.. Global Education Review, 1 (2). 1-2. Educating the Disenfranchised and Marginalized
Stellar Photometry with Small Telescopes

The dominant trend within stellar photometry in recent years has been an increase in the number of intermediate and narrow-band photometric observations, particularly with small telescopes. Recent examples illustrating the scope and emphasis of such programs are reviewed. It is concluded that with continuing improvement in detector technology and telescope automation, small telescope photometry will grow in importance.
Computer analysis of carotid and brachial pulse waves: Effects of age in normal subjects

Abstract Externally recorded carotid and brachial arterial pulse waves were analyzed with the aid of a digital computer in a series of 228 male subjects free of clinically detectable cardiovascular disease. Alterations in pulse wave contours were found to be significantly correlated with age. In the carotid wave the predominant changes with age involved the relative amplitudes of the incisura and the two systolic maxima; in the brachial pulse the principal alteration with age was a diminution in the amplitude and duration of the dicrotic wave. The degree of correlation of pulse wave changes with age was approximately the same in the brachial and carotid tracings.
Role of Inositol Phosphosphingolipid Phospholipase C1, the Yeast Homolog of Neutral Sphingomyelinases in DNA Damage Response and Diseases

Sphingolipids play a very crucial role in many diseases and are well-known as signaling mediators in many pathways. Sphingolipids are produced during the de novo process in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) from the nonsphingolipid precursor and comprise both structural and bioactive lipids. Ceramide is the central core of the sphingolipid pathway, and its production has been observed following various treatments that can induce several different cellular effects including growth arrest, DNA damage, apoptosis, differentiation, and senescence. Ceramides are generally produced through the sphingomyelin hydrolysis and catalyzed by the enzyme sphingomyelinase (SMase) in mammals. Presently, there are many known SMases and they are categorized into three groups acid SMases (aSMases), alkaline SMases (alk-SMASES), and neutral SMases (nSMases). The yeast homolog of mammalians neutral SMases is inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase C. Yeasts generally have inositol phosphosphingolipids instead of sphingomyelin, which may act as a homolog of mammalian sphingomyelin. In this review, we shall explain the structure and function of inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase C1, its localization inside the cells, mechanisms, and its roles in various cell responses during replication stresses and diseases. This review will also give a new basis for our understanding for the mechanisms and nature of the inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase C1/nSMase.
Alternative splicing in the C-terminus of CaV2.2 controls expression and gating of N-type calcium channels.

N-type CaV2.2 calcium channels localize to presynaptic nerve terminals of nociceptors where they control neurotransmitter release. Nociceptive neurons express a unique set of ion channels and receptors important for optimizing their role in transmission of noxious stimuli. Included among these is a structurally and functionally distinct N-type calcium channel splice isoform, CaV2.2e[37a], expressed in a subset of nociceptors and with limited expression in other parts of the nervous system. CaV2.2[e37a] arises from the mutually exclusive replacement of e37a for e37b in the C-terminus of CaV2.2 mRNA. N-type current densities in nociceptors that express a combination of CaV2.2e[37a] and CaV2.2e[37b] mRNAs are significantly larger compared to cells that express only CaV2.2e[37b]. Here we show that e37a supports increased expression of functional N-type channels and an increase in channel open time as compared to CaV2.2 channels that contain e37b. To understand how e37a affects N-type currents we compared macroscopic and single-channel ionic currents as well as gating currents in tsA201 cells expressing CaV2.2e[37a] and CaV2.2e[37b]. When activated, CaV2.2e[37a] channels remain open for longer and are expressed at higher density than CaV2.2e[37b] channels. These unique features of the CaV2.2e[37a] isoform combine to augment substantially the amount of calcium that enters cells in response to action potentials. Our studies of the e37a/e37b splice site reveal a multifunctional domain in the C-terminus of CaV2.2 that regulates the overall activity of N-type calcium channels in nociceptors.
Amino acid synthesis by glow discharge electrolysis - A possible route for prebiotic synthesis of amino acids

A considerable number of studies on the formation of amino acids under inferred prebiotic conditions using various organic and inorganic compounds have been reported in the past twenty years. In these studies, several elegant analytical methods, developed since the early 1950s, have played a crucial role in amino acid analyses from these complex reaction products. Amino acids were synthesized from gas mixtures by applying various types of energy, such as electric discharge, ultraviolet rays, ionizing radiation, thermal energy, and other sources such as shock waves. Amino acids were also synthesized from chemically reactive compounds such as hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and ammonia. These accumulated results indicate that the formation of amino acids occurs rather easily, in many ways, under various inferred prebiotic conditions.
Mass flowmeter using a multi-sensor chip

We report here a novel mass flowmeter using a multisensor chip that includes a 1-D array of pressure, temperature and shear stress sensors. This shear stress sensor based flowmeter is capable of high sensitivity and wide measurement range. Our study also shows that the mass flowmeter using shear-stress sensors produces better resolution than that from pressure sensors in the laminar flow regime. Extensive tests have been carried out to evaluate the effects of overheat ratio, channel height and gas properties. We also find the V/sup 2//spl prop//spl tau//sup 1/3/ law for conventional hot film sensors does not hold for our micromachined shear stress sensor.
Recent Trends in Designer Drug Abuse

Designer drugs are compounds that are chemically synthesized and intended to mimic existing illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Although designer drugs have recently become a major focus for both the medical and law enforcement communities, their inception dates back nearly a century to the appearance of various morphine esters following the first international ban on opium. A recent feature in Science highlights an alarming trend in modern designer drug abuse (1). Over the past few years the appearance of new synthetic designer drugs has grown exponentially and the current list is staggering. “Bath salts” are one class of designer drug structurally related to the molecule cathinone. Cathinone is naturally found in the khat plant and has been used by people for hundreds of years for its mild stimulant properties. Structural permutations of the cathinone molecule result in compounds …
Some behavioral effects of maternal hypervitaminosis A in rats.

Gravid Fischet rats were given 100,000, 40,000, 25,000, or 10,000 IU/kg/day vitamin A palmitate (VA) orally on days 8–10 of gestation. The largest dosage produced high prenatal and postnatal mortality rates and marked growth retardation and abnormal gait in the few survivors. The three lower dosages produced no increased mortality, no weight reduction, nor any visible abnormalities in the offspring. The off spring were tested at 70–72 days of age in an open field. Those exposed to 100,000 IU VA showed hypoactivity compared with saline and nontreated controls. At 73–77 days of age the offspring were tested in a Y-maze avoidance task. All experimental groups showed decreased avoidance and discrimination acquisition, which was most pronounced in the 100,000 IU group.
"Reversion" of DNA polymerase-deficient Escherichia coli.

When a DNA polymerase-deficient strain of E. coli (pol A- mutant; amber nonsense) was exposed to methyl methanesulfonate or to nitrosomethylurethan, drug-resistant mutants which had recovered the pol A+ character were isolated. On the other hand, exposure of pol A- bacteria to nalidixic acid or to streptozotocin resulted in the recovery of mutants with specific resistance only to nalidixic acid or streptozotocin. These mutants retained the pol A- character.
Induction of metallothionein mRNA and protein in murine astrocyte cultures

Astrocytes are known to express metallothionein (MT) and were studied in culture to determine whether MT could be directly induced and which isoforms are induced. Primary astrocyte cultures were established from neonatal CF-1 mice. Both concentration-response and time-course analyses for MT induction at the protein level were determined. At the mRNA level, induction of MT-I, -II, and -III was examined 6 hr following the addition of the inducing agents. Dexamethasone (Dex), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), or zinc (Zn) increased (three- to fourfold) MT protein in the astrocytes, whereas methyl mercury, lead, and interleukin-1 and -6 were ineffective. Cadmium was the most potent inducer, but was not more effective than Hg or Zn in inducing MT protein. All effective inducers increased MT protein by 24 hr. After 48 hr, Hg caused cell death, but all other effective inducers increased the MT protein examined over the 5 days. Cadmium induction of MT protein reached a peak at 96 hr, whereas the other effective inducers stimulated maximal MT protein at 24-48 hr. The effects of Dex, Cd, and Zn, on MT-I, -II, and -III mRNAs were also examined. Cadmium, Zn, and Dex stimulated increases in both MT-I and MT-II mRNA, with Dex producing the greatest effect (2.0- and 3.5-fold for MT-I and -II mRNA, respectively). Metallothionein-III mRNA was relatively unresponsive to induction. Therefore, Cd, Zn, and Dex induced MT-I and -II mRNA but not MT-III mRNA in astrocytes. These results demonstrate that MT-I and -II are directly induced in mouse astrocyte primary cultures.
Direct demonstration of the monomerization of thymine-containing dimers in U.V.-irradiated DNA by yeast photoreactivating enzyme and light.

— Ultraviolet-irradiated E. coli DNA (3H-thymine-labelled) was mixed with un-irradiated E. coli DNA (14C-thymine-labelled) and exposed to light in the presence of purified yeast photoreactivating enzyme. As the 3H-thymine-containing cyclobutane dimers disappeared during the photoreactivation, there was a stoichiometric increase of monomeric 3H-thymine as determined from the 3H/14C ratio in thymine. This is the first direct demonstration that thymine-containing dimers in u.v.-irradiated DNA are monomerized by yeast photoreactivating enzyme in the presence of light.
Old cinder cone or young composite volcano?: The nature of Cerro Negro, Nicaragua

Determining whether a volcano is a cinder cone or a composite volcano is important because its classification categorizes the magmatic system and associated volcanic hazards. The criteria of age and size of the volcano that are usually used for this assessment are inadequate for active, young volcanoes. Other criteria on which that determination can be based are magma production rates, cone morphology, and eruption style. Cerro Negro is an active, young, small basaltic volcano in northwestern Nicaragua that is similar to both cinder cones and composite volcanoes in many ways. It has had at least 22 historically documented eruptions since it first appeared in 1850; the most recent occurred in late 1995. The magma production rate for Cerro Negro (∼1.6 km 3 /k.y.) is of the same magnitude as those of a variety of composite volcanoes and an order of magnitude higher than the production rate for the Paricutin cinder cone region of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. Structurally, Cerro Negro9s cone, is a composite of scoria and lavas cut by dikes around a dense volcanic core. Cerro Negro9s shape has been more like a composite volcano than a cinder cone, except when infrequent sub-Plinian eruptions have altered the cone to make it look like a cinder cone. Comparisons of Cerro Negro to well-known, historically active cinder cones and young composite volcanoes show that it is best described as a young composite volcano. The future hazards posed by Cerro Negro are, therefore, not those associated with cinder cone eruptions, but the potentially more dangerous ones of composite volcanoes.
1.4.3 Challenges in the Development of Systems Engineering as a Profession

This paper explores a fundamental and important question: is Systems Engineering a profession? It is fundamental because of the current existential crisis in the discipline and it is important because it helps in defining our role in the context of the greater technical community. By observing systems engineering through the theoretical lens of the professionalization literature rooted in sociology, we propose five key challenges to systems engineering as a profession. Firstly, defining the problem space, secondly, understanding the state of the body of knowledge, thirdly, the impact of lifecycle perspective, fourthly, the falsification of systems engineering theories and lastly, the question of standard of proof for systems engineering. The need for our thesis is motivated by understanding the current body of knowledge and proposing a direction that will enable the profession to overcome key challenges.
Prediction of Melting Points for Ionic Liquids

Melting points are important for the specific application of ionic liquids. Although many different ionic liquids are possible, melting points are known only for relatively few. Derivation of melting point QSPRs (Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships) for ionic liquids would therefore greatly aid in the molecular design of new compounds. A new class of ionic liquids, based on 1-substituted-4-amino-1,2,4-triazolium bromide, nitrate, and nitrocyanamide salts were recently synthesized and their melting points measured. After optimizing the molecular geometries of the cations of the ionic liquids using ab initio quantum chemical methods, we derived melting-point QSPRs from molecular orbital and electrostatic descriptors. Good correlations with the experimental data were found. The correlation coefficients for three-parameter melting-point QSPRs exceed 0.8. Although some of the descriptors that appear in our QSPRs were designed to describe chemical reactions, we infer that they serve in this study to quantify interactions between the cation and anion or between the cations.
A review of semi-analytical solutions for flame impingement heat transfer

Twelve experimental flame impingement heating studies are reviewed. The targets were cylinders, flat plates and hemi-nosed cylinders. Forced convection (laminar and turbulent) and thermochemical heat release, have been the most important heat transfer processes. Several semi-analytic solutions have been developed, for the heat flux to the forward stagnation point of a body of revolution. These were originally developed for aerospace applications, such as rocket re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. These solutions, and many variations, have been used to simulate flame impingement heat transfer. The results of sample calculations are compared to some of the experimental measurements.
ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIAS AND LYMPHOMAS OF CHILDHOOD WITH T CELL ORIGIN: CLINICAL FEATURES AND PROGNOSIS

Lymphoblasts from peripheral blood, bone marrow, or tumors of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma were studied using surface markers of thymus-dependent (T) and thymus-independent (B) lymphocytes. Ten of 15 children with ALL had significant numbers of lymphoblasts with markers of T lymphocytes, i.e., receptors for sheep erythrocytes and/or Human T Lymphocyte Antigen (HTLA). Lymphoblasts carried HTLA more frequently than sheep erythrocyte receptors, suggesting that childhood lymphoblastic leukemias represent T cells in varying stages of differentiation. Lymphoblasts from one of the ten also carried a B surface marker, i.e., receptors for a modified complement component. None of the patients had lymphoblasts with B cell markers alone (i.e., surface immunoglobulin or receptors for modified complement components). A lymphoma with apparent subcutaneous origin and subsequent peripheralization was also studied and found to involve T cells. Thymic enlargement was seen in two cases in which ALL and lymphomas involved T cells and in no cases not involving T cells. Patients with ALL involving T cells generally had higher initial peripheral leukocyte counts and a shorter initial remission after therapy than did those where ALL did not involve T cells.
The adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.

About 15–20% of patients with early stage breast cancer present with tumors that have overexpression or amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene. Before 2005, these individuals had an increased risk of recurrence and death, but since then their outcomes have substantially improved with the adoption in most countries of adjuvant trastuzumab as a standard component of therapy for HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer. Consequently, access to high-quality and accurate HER2 testing methods is critical to accurately determine HER2 status, guide treatment decisions, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. In 2012, the humanized monoclonal anti-HER antibody trastuzumab was the only approved HER2-targeted therapy in the adjuvant setting. Data from the first generation of trials combining it with various chemotherapy regimens showed significant improvements in disease-free and overall survival (DFS/OS). Based on results from five randomized clinical trials, a trastuzumab-containing regimen for up to 1 year is now considered standard for all patients with HER2-positive tumors larger than 1 cm in size who would have fulfilled eligibility to those studies, and this recommendation is sometimes extended to patients with stage I tumors greater than 0.5 cm (T1b). Second generation adjuvant studies with other HER2-targeted agents like lapatinib and pertuzumab are ongoing, and newer drugs like T-DM1 and neratinib are being actively tested in the metastatic setting.
On Co-ordinated Biological Research

IF researches dealing with the relation of organisms to the environment are to approach in precision and completeness those dealing with matter and its physical attributes, it is essential that problems like that outlined below should be attacked by a team of workers, working simultaneously and in co-operation. Biological work of this kind may be accurate, valuable, and interesting, and yet fail in completeness for lack of contemporary data, as a review of recent work would readily show.
Intraocular Ia expression in vivo induced in the absence of immune T cells

The expression of Ia antigen on the ciliary body, retinal pigment epithelium, and retinal vascular endothelium was investigated using two models of ocular inflammation. Active systemic immunization with bovine serum albumin with subsequent ocular challenge resulted in increased Ia expression in the ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium. This was compared with passive transfer of hyperimmune serum to bovine serum albumin followed by ocular challenge when Ia expression was found to occur only in the ciliary body. An intraocular T-cell infiltrate occurred only in the actively immunized animals and was not present after passive transfer, suggesting that the Ia induction in this latter situation occurred in the absence of T cells.
Elevated matrix metalloproteinases and collagen fragmentation in photodamaged human skin: impact of altered extracellular matrix microenvironment on dermal fibroblast function.

Exposure of the human skin to acute solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces several members of the matrix metalloproteinase family (MMPs), which degrade collagen fibrils and other components of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) (Fisher et al., 1996; Yaar and Gilchrest, 2007). Elevation of MMPs due to chronic sun exposure can promote accumulation of dermal ECM fragmentation, which contributes to impaired skin function and aged appearance of chronically sun-exposed skin (Fisher et al., 1997). Histological and ultrastructural studies have revealed that major alterations in dermal extracellular matrix, most notably the accumulation of amorphous elastin-containing material in the upper dermis, and disorganized collagen fibrils, which constitute the bulk (90% dry weight) of skin connective tissue.
Optoelectronic integration of quantum well intersubband photodetectors for two-dimensional array fabrication

We propose and demonstrate the integration of a quantum well intersubband photodetector (QWIP) and a light emitting diode (LED) for making large two-dimensional focal plane arrays for thermal imaging applications. We combine the newly developed long wavelength infrared QWIP technology with the well-established near infrared LED technology both based on GaAs and related epitaxially grown alloys, such as AlGaAs and InGaAs.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stress-induced obesity and the emotional nervous system.

Stress and emotional brain networks foster eating behaviors that can lead to obesity. The neural networks underlying the complex interactions among stressors, body, brain and food intake are now better understood. Stressors, by activating a neural stress–response network, bias cognition toward increased emotional activity and degraded executive function. This causes formed habits to be used rather than a cognitive appraisal of responses. Stress also induces secretion of glucocorticoids, which increases motivation for food, and insulin, which promotes food intake and obesity. Pleasurable feeding then reduces activity in the stress–response network, reinforcing the feeding habit. These effects of stressors emphasize the importance of teaching mental reappraisal techniques to restore responses from habitual to thoughtful, thus battling stress-induced obesity.
Monoaminergic mediation of masculine and feminine copulatory behavior in female rats.

Abstract Ovariectomized rats treated with testosterone propionate (TP; 100 μg/kg × 6 days) and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; 100 mg/kg × 3 days), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, showed more masculine copulatory behavior (including the ejaculatory pattern) than did females receiving either TP or pCPA alone. The facilitatory effect of pCPA on the masculine copulatory behavior in females was not potentiated by pargyline (50 or 100 mg/kg), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; instead, pargyline antagonized the effect of pCPA. Apomorphine (100 μg/kg), a dopamine receptor stimulant, did not increase masculine copulatory behavior in TP treated females. A dopaminergic facilitatory effect was therefore not demonstrated. These results suggest a serotonin-mediated inhibition of masculine copulatory behavior in female rats. When feminine copulatory behavior was tested, females receiving TP plus pCPA plus pargyline, TP plus pargyline, or TP plus apomorphine displayed lordosis in response to mounting by male rats. Lordosis did not occur after administration of TP, pCPA, or pargyline, individually or in any other combination. The responses in pargyline groups are consistent with the hypothesis of a noradrenergic facilitatory system for lordotic behavior. The responses in the apomorphine group are discussed in terms of a possible role for low level dopaminergic stimulation in facilitating lordosis.