cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 275: Combining low dose microtubule targeting agents with belinostat potentiates cytotoxic response in HDACi resistant diffuse large b-cell lymphoma

Patients diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma have an overall 60% five-year survival rate. New therapeutic approaches are needed to effectively treat aggressive forms of DLBCL that are refractory to the standard treatment or that relapse within two years of treatment. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are novel therapeutics that are well tolerated in humans and are being extensively evaluated in combination with other therapeutics against hematologic malignancies. Rational selection of companion therapeutics has been difficult due to the cell type-specific mechanisms of HDACi action. In order to address this, we have developed a pre-clinical model system of sensitivity and resistance to HDACi-induced cytotoxicity in DLBCL cell lines that share characteristics with aggressive DLBCL tumors. We previously reported that HDACi resistance is associated with reversible arrest in G1 that involves sustained up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. In the current study we demonstrate that HDACi-sensitive cell lines undergo mitotic arrest prior to anaphase in response to treatment with the approved HDACi, belinostat, consistent with activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). In contrast, HDACi-resistant cell lines are capable of completing mitosis in the presence of belinostat. To force SAC activation in HDACi resistant cell lines, we used low dose microtubule targeting agents (MTA) vincristine and paclitaxel to induce maximal mitotic arrest with minimal cytotoxicity. The combination of these low dose MTAs and belinostat efficiently caused SAC failure, mitotic slippage, and apoptosis in a synergistic manner. A key mechanism associated with resistance to MTAs is their ability to induce aneuploid cell populations that survive and undergo endoreduplication. The addition of belinostat eliminated the accumulation of a vincristine-induced aneuploid population. Pan-caspase inhibition in conjunction with belinostat and vincristine co-treatment resulted in a sustained survival of the aneuploid population. Thus belinostat triggers apoptosis in the aneuploid cells to enhance the cytotoxic effects of vincristine. Our study identifies the use of low dose MTA/HDACi combination as a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL. Citation Format: Aaron P. Havas, Anvi Bhakta, Kameron Rodrigues, Catharine L. Smith. Combining low dose microtubule targeting agents with belinostat potentiates cytotoxic response in HDACi resistant diffuse large b-cell lymphoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 275.
Expression of the type VI intermediate filament proteins CP49 and filensin in the mouse lens epithelium

Purpose The differentiated lens fiber cell assembles a filamentous cytoskeletal structure referred to as the beaded filament (BF). The BF requires CP49 (bfsp2) and filensin (bfsp1) for assembly, both of which are highly divergent members of the large intermediate filament (IF) family of proteins. Thus far, these two proteins have been reported only in the differentiated lens fiber cell. For this reason, both proteins have been considered robust markers of fiber cell differentiation. We report here that both proteins are also expressed in the mouse lens epithelium, but only after 5 weeks of age.
Computing the reliability kernel of a time-variant system: Application to a corroded beam

Abstract Time-variant reliability analysis aims at assessing the probability of failure of a time-variant system within a given time horizon. We illustrate in this paper the computation of the reliability kernel which is the set of initial states for which the probability of failure remains under a threshold within the considered time horizon. This paper supposes that the time-variant system is discrete in time and space with given probabilities of transition between space states. We use a recursive relation for computing the cumulative probability of failure of the system, linking the probability of failure at time t with the probability of being at a given state x (for all possible states) at time t — 1. Applying this relation, it is possible to compute the probability of failure at any starting point in the state space and hence to derive the reliability kernel. The computation of this kernel gives informations about the system which can be further helpful in reliable design. The approach is illustrated on an example of a steel beam under corrosion.
The Relationship of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Differences and Racial Residential Segregation to Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Metropolitan Detroit

This study uses a new approach to assess the impact of different neighborhood characteristics on blood lead levels (BLLs) of black versus white children in metropolitan Detroit. Data were obtained from the Michigan Department of Community Health and the US Bureau of the Census American Community Survey. The Modified Darden-Kamel Composite Socioeconomic Index, bivariate regression, and the index of dissimilarity were used to compute neighborhood BLL unevenness by neighborhood characteristics. Neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic characteristics and high racial residential segregation predicted higher average childhood BLLs. This reveals a social spatial structure that will aid researchers/policymakers in better understanding disparities in childhood BLLs.
Polarization control of light transmission through a multimode fiber with strong polarization mixing

By shaping the incident wavefront, we effectively control the polarization states of light propagating through a multimode fiber with strong polarization and mode mixing. We can either eliminate depolarization and restore the input polarization state, or convert the output fields into a different polarization state.
Local Writing of Exchange Biased Domains in a Heterostructure of Co/Pd Pinned by Magnetoelectric Chromia

The writing of micrometer-scaled exchange bias domains by local, laser heating of a thin-film heterostructure consisting of a perpendicular anisotropic ferromagnetic Co/Pd multilayer and a (0001) oriented film of the magnetoelectric antiferromagnet Cr2O3 (chromia) is reported. Exchange coupling between chromia's boundary magnetization and the ferromagnet leads to perpendicular exchange bias. Focused scanning magneto-optical Kerr measurements are used to measure local hysteresis loops and create a map of the exchange bias distribution as a function of the local boundary magnetization imprinted in the antiferromagnetic pinning layer on field cooling. The robust boundary magnetization of the Cr2O3 fundamentally alters the exchange bias mechanism, enabling the writing of micrometer-scaled regions of oppositely directed exchange bias using a focused laser beam.
Cluster analysis for anomaly detection in accounting

Cluster Analysis is a useful technique for grouping data points such that points within a single group or cluster are similar, while points in different groups are distinctive. Clustering as an unsupervised learning algorithm is a good candidate for fraud and anomaly detection. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of using clustering technology for continuous auditing. Automating fraud filtering can be of great value to preventive continuous audits. In this paper, cluster-based outliers help auditors focus their efforts when evaluating group life insurance claims. Claims with similar characteristics have been grouped together and those clusters with small population have been flagged for further investigations. Some dominant characteristics of those clusters are, for example, having large beneficiary payment, having huge interest amount and having been submitted long time before getting paid. This study examines the application of cluster analysis in accounting domain. The results provide a guideline and evidence for the potential application of this technique in the field of audit.
Organocatalytic Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization of a Cyclic Hemiacetal Ester

We report the bulk cationic ring-opening polymerization of renewably sourced 2-methyl-1,3-dioxan-4-one (MDO) to yield a polyester with hydrolytically and thermally sensitive linkages that facilitate degradation. Neat monomer was successfully polymerized using a variety of protic acids as catalysts. We discovered that, with these catalysts, the cationic polymerization of MDO proceeds via two distinct mechanistic routes, namely, the activated monomer (AM) and active chain-end (ACE) mechanisms. The kinetics of these competing mechanistic avenues were investigated by employing diphenylphosphoric acid (DPP) with or without an alcohol initiator. Without an exogenous initiator, the polymerization propagates via a dioxacarbenium ion that rapidly adds more MDO to produce high-molar-mass poly(2-methyl-1,3-dioxan-4-one) (PMDO). However, we found no clear relationship between [MDO]0/[protic acid]0 and resultant molar mass, suggesting that the ACE mechanism is not well-controlled. This conclusion was further supported...
Measuring Speed of Sound and Thermal Diffusivity in the Diamond-Anvil Cell

Transient grating spectroscopy in the diamond-anvil high-pressure cell permits, in favorable cases, determination of the equation of state and thermal transport properties of fluids at high temperatures and pressures. Measurements of the speed of sound and thermodynamic properties of aqueous Na2SO4to 3.4 GPa at 300°C and the thermal diffusivity of oxygen are reported as examples of the application of this technique.
LII.—Fossil Arthropods in the British Museum.—VII

(1921). LII.—Fossil Arthropods in the British Museum.—VII. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 8, No. 47, pp. 541-545.
Antimetabolites: Historical Perspectives

Antimetabolites are structural analogues of normal metabolites that are required for cell functions and replication. As such and in order to inhibit DNA biosynthesis, they interact with enzymes in 3 different ways: they can substitute for a metabolite; they can compete with a metabolite for occupation of a catalytic site; they can compete with a metabolite that is acting itself as an enzyme.
The Mechanics of Hamilton and Jacobi

The transition from (what is here called) the mechanics of Lagrange, with time as the main parameter, to the mechanics of Hamilton and Jacobi, with energy as the controlling variable, is formally easy to carry out. Its importance becomes apparent when one tries to solve special problems. The test case is the motion of a body where the force decreases as the inverse square of the distance from the origin. It will be treated at the end of this chapter and will be given an appealing geometrical solution.
Perspective and Direction for Future Research on Phytochemicals in Neurological Disorders

Phytochemicals are heterogeneous group of bioactive compounds produced by plants, which are extensively researched by scientists for their health-promoting potentials in humans. Unlike vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals are not required for sustaining cell viability, but they play an important role in protecting tissues and cells from the harmful effects of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation-mediated changes (Farooqui and Farooqui 2010). In addition, phytochemicals also stimulate detoxification enzymes, immune and hormonal response in humans who consume colored edible fruits, plants, vegetables, and herbs. Because plant-based foods are complex mixtures of bioactive compounds, information on the potential health effects of individual phytochemicals is linked to information on the health effects of foods that contain those phytochemicals (Joseph et al. 1999, 2009; Williams and Spencer 2012). Examples of phytochemicals include flavonoids, catechins, resveratrol, ginkgo biloba, and sulfur compounds found in garlic. Plants produce phytochemicals and store them in vulnerable regions (the skin, seeds, and leaves) in order to discourage insects and other organisms from eating and killing the plant (Trewavas and Stewart 2003; Mattson et al. 2007). In addition, phytochemicals also function in chemical defense against environmental stress and contribute to repair wound healing process in the plant.
Medical Authority and Professional Medical Authority: The Nature of Authority in Medicine for Decisions by Lay Persons and Professionals

The nature of authority in medical decisions is a subject of current controversy. In their analyses of medical authority, Richard Flathman in “Power, Authority, and Rights in the Practice of Medicine” and Stanley Hauerwas in “Authority and the Profession of Medicine” have contributed to advancing the debate. In spite of their apparently diverging analyses and proposed solutions, they share much in common. Both are acutely aware that the authority of the medical professional has seen hard times recently. Both recognize that historical notions of physician authority grounded in technical expertise and skill are not an adequate basis for authority. Both appear compelled to salvage some residual element of legitimate professional medical authority. And both make interesting attempts.
Identifying species by genetic clustering.

Complex artificial life simulations can yield substantially distinct populations of agents corresponding to different adaptations to a common environment or specialized adaptations to different environments. Here we show how a standard clustering algorithm applied to the artificial genomes of such agents can be used to discover and characterize these subpopulations. As gene changes propagate throughout the population, new subpopulations are produced, which show up as new clusters. Cluster centroids allow us to characterize these different subpopulations and identify their distinct adaptation mechanisms. We suggest these subpopulations may reasonably be thought of as species, even if the simulation software allows interbreeding between members of the different subpopulations, and provide evidence of both sympatric and allopatric speciation in the Polyworld artificial life system. Analyzing intraand inter-cluster fecundity differences and offspring production rates suggests that speciation is being promoted by a combination of post-zygotic selection (lower fitness of hybrid offspring) and pre-zygotic selection (assortative mating), which may be fostered by reinforcement (the Wallace effect).
AutomataZoo: A Modern Automata Processing Benchmark Suite

Automata Processing is an important kernel for many application domains, and is challenging to accelerate using general purpose, von Neumann computers. New research into accelerators for automata processing motivated the creation of ANMLZoo, a standardized automata benchmark suite that reflects the many modern use-cases for automata processing. While researchers have adopted ANMLZoo as the de-facto benchmark suite to measure improvements in automata processing, certain drawbacks have emerged after years of use. In this work, we first examine opportunities for improvement over ANMLZoo’s benchmarking methodology. We then propose a new benchmarking methodology that aims to generate benchmarks better suited for modern automata processing research.We then present AutomataZoo, a new automata processing benchmark suite that uses our new benchmarking methodology. AutomataZoo is composed of 24 automata processing benchmarks from well-known domains, as well as from newly published and novel use-cases for automata processing. AutomataZoo benchmarks use open-source tools to generate full automata applications and provide standard, large input stimuli. Where arbitrary choice is involved, we design multiple benchmarks that vary important design parameters in order to help architects evaluate application-level trade-offs affecting performance/power and/or chip capacity. This paper shows the advantages of these new properties by performing previously difficult-to-perform experiments and comparisons.
Radioisotope Therapies: Iodine-131, I-131-MIBG, and Beyond

Radioisotopes play an integral role in the imaging and treatment of certain types of pediatric malignancies, notably differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and high-risk neuroblastoma. This chapter focuses on radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy of pediatric DTC and I-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-mIBG) therapy of high-risk neuroblastoma. The epidemiology of pediatric DTC and the current status of I-131 therapy including the recommendations from the recent pediatric guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) are outlined. The role of diagnostic whole-body I-123 scintigraphy and dosimetry in guiding I-131 therapy is also discussed. Treatment-related considerations including outpatient versus inpatient setting, patient preparation, education, and radiation safety considerations are reviewed. This chapter also includes information on the epidemiology of neuroblastoma, as well as the background and current status of 131I-mIBG therapy in this disease. Logistics of establishing a 131I-mIBG therapy program and the process of safe delivery of 131I-mIBG to high-risk neuroblastoma patients are discussed in detail. Side effects of therapeutic 131I-mIBG are also outlined. Finally, a concise overview of novel radionuclide therapies such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, radionuclide antibody therapy, and palliative bone-seeking radionuclide therapies is presented.
Pyoverdine as a Biorecognition Element to Develop Biosensor for the Detection of Furazolidone

Furazolidone is a nitrofuran drug, which is usually utilized to treat bacterial infections for aquaculture and poultry animals and protect them from death. However, furazolidone has potential genotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects. For example, furazolidone shows strong mutagenic effect on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, which can be used to kill these bacteria.
Polarization enhancement of passive SWIR cloud thermodynamic phase remote sensing

Determining whether a cloud is composed of spherical water droplets of polyhedral ice crystals (i.e., the thermodynamic phase) from a passive remote sensing instrument is very difficult because of the immense variety of clouds and their highly variable microphysical properties. To improve upon the popular method of radiance ratios, we enhance the classification ability by adding polarimetric sensitivity to an instrument that measures radiance in three short-wave infrared bands. Clouds typically induce a polarization signature on the order of a percent, and so sensitive optics are required for accurate classification. In this paper, we present the combination of spectral and polarimetric sensitivity for cloud thermodynamic phase classification using data from a ground-based, 3-band, short-wave infrared polarimeter and cloud-phase validation from a dual-polarization lidar. We then analyze the classification quality of various methods using surface-fitting techniques to show that the addition of polarimetry is advantageous for cloud classification.
Postnatal development of circulating cholecystokinin and secretin, pancreatic growth, and exocrine function in guinea pigs.

Concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin from neonatal guinea pig plasma were evaluated in relation to pancreatic growt, and secretion from dispersed pancreatic acini. Plasma CCK was low at birth (3.1±0.8 pmol/L) but rose markedly by day 15 (11.0±0.8 pmol/L,p<0.001). Plasma secretin was also low at birth (3.8±0.8 pmol/L) but peaked on day 4 (17.0±1.4 pmol/L,p<0.001) and remained elevated through d 15. Adult nonfasting plasma CCK and secretin levels were 12.3±0.8 and 8.9±1.5 pmol/L, respectively. Pancreatic weight more than doubled during the first week of life, with the greatest increase during the first 4 d (156±4 to 262±10 mg/100g body wt,p<0.001). Body weight increased most dramatically during the second week (126±9 to 190±7 gp<0.001). Amylase secretion from isolated acini stimulated by CCK-8, carbachol, phorbol ester, forskolin, and calcium ionophore (A23187) was present at birth. The percentage of total amylase content secreted in response to CCK, carbamylcholine, and secretin did not change during the first 2 wk of neonatal life, and was independent of surges in circulating CCK and secretin. These results indicate that functional maturity of the guinea pig pancreas for amylase secretion occurs early and is different from the rat, mouse, pig, and human. Since results can readily be compared between animals of different postnatal ages, the neonatal guinea pig is ideally suited for the study of hormonal effects on acinar cell function.
Association of peripheral inflammatory markers with connectivity in large-scale functional brain networks of non-demented older adults.

Abstract Background Systemic inflammation has emerged as a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, but inflammation’s effect on distributed brain networks is unclear. We examined the relationship between peripheral inflammatory markers and subsequent functional connectivity within five large-scale cognitive networks and evaluated the modifying role of cortical amyloid and APOE e4 status. Methods Blood levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-1 and interleukin 6 were assessed in 176 participants (at baseline mean age: 65 (SD 9) years; 63% women; 85% cognitively normal, 15% mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) and were combined to derive an Inflammatory Index. Approximately six years later, participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to quantify functional connectivity; a subset of 137 participants also underwent 11C Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB) PET imaging to assess cortical amyloid burden. Results Using linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, a higher Inflammatory Index was associated with lower connectivity within the Default Mode (β = −0.013; 95% CI: −0.023, −0.003) and the Dorsal Attention Networks (β = −0.017; 95% CI: −0.028, −0.006). The strength of these associations did not vary by amyloid status (positive/negative). However, there was a significant interaction between Inflammatory Index and APOE e4 status, whereby e4-positive participants with a higher Inflammatory Index demonstrated lower connectivity. Inflammatory Index was unrelated to connectivity within other large-scale cognitive networks (Control, Limbic, and Salience/Ventral Attention networks). Conclusion Peripheral pro-inflammatory signaling in older adults without dementia, especially among APOE e4-positive individuals, is associated with altered connectivity within two large-scale cognitive networks.
Excision of Vaginal and Vulvar Cysts

This chapter provides information on the evaluation and management of vaginal and vulvar cysts. Embryology of the urogenital tract is reviewed, and basic anatomy, including histologic features of the vagina and vulva, is described. A differential diagnosis of the various vaginal and vulvar cysts is explored. Evaluation and management for each type of cyst is discussed, and surgical techniques for cyst treatments are detailed.
PESTECH and Nature in Built Space: Analytical Framework

Of centrality in this book is the issue of nature in built space. As a subset of the broader conversation on the natural environment, and a matter of scholarly and professional interest, this issue has a major flaw. It lacks a well-developed analytical framework. Consequently, meaningfully discussing the issue has often proved difficult at best. Cognizant of this, this chapter proposes a framework that promises to facilitate efforts to analyze matters in the environmental policy field. The framework is fashioned after the environmental scanning models (ESMs) that have been employed to evaluate the environment of business organizations. In particular, the framework focuses on the political, economic, social, technological, ecological, cultural and historical (PESTECH) factors of the proximate and remote environments of efforts to promote nature in built space. This chapter paints a vivid picture of the framework, which guides the book’s entire discussion.
Flops and Fibral Geometry of E$_7$-models

An E$_7$-Weierstrass model is conjectured to have eight distinct crepant resolutions whose flop diagram is a Dynkin diagram of type E$_8$. In previous work, we explicitly constructed four distinct resolutions, for which the flop diagram formed a D$_4$ sub-diagram. The goal of this paper is to explore those properties of a resolved E$_7$-model which are not invariant under flops. In particular, we examine the fiber degenerations, identify the fibral divisors up to isomorphism, and study violation of flatness appearing over certain codimension-three loci in the base, where a component of the fiber grows in dimension from a rational curve to a rational surface. For each crepant resolution, we compute the triple intersection polynomial and the linear form induced by the second Chern class, as well as the holomorphic and ordinary Euler characteristics, and the signature of each fibral divisor. We identify the isomorphism classes of the rational surfaces that break the flatness of the fibration. Moreover, we explicitly show that the D$_4$ flops correspond to the crepant resolutions of the orbifold given by $\mathbb{C}^3$ quotiented by the Klein four-group.
Advising physiology students: perceptions from the programs

Academic advising outcomes can be linked to both student success and retention. Yet relatively little is known specifically related to advising in physiology programs. Professional organizations de...
Embroidering the New Science: Seventeenth-Century Florilegia and Botanical Study

An unruly object of seventeenth-century experimental science is the metal needle, an instrument that begins Robert Hooke’s Micrographia (1665) but also was the essential tool used in women’s embroidery work. This article follows traces of the needle through the historical record and florilegia – a genre that bridged botanical and artistic studies – to argue that needlework provided a way of seeing that facilitated the development of empiricism. Using evidence from the works of Isabella Parasole, Elizabeth Isham, and Maria Sibylla Merian, I show how the needle surfaces in scenes of scientific illustration, thereby resituating natural histories and the scientific process of ordering minute organisms.
Impact of Type I Interferons on Susceptibility to Bacterial Pathogens

Interferons (IFNs) are a broad class of cytokines that have multifaceted roles. Type I IFNs have variable effects when it comes to host susceptibility to bacterial infections, that is, the resulting outcomes can be either protective or deleterious. The mechanisms identified to date have been wide and varied between pathogens. In this review, we discuss recent literature that provides new insights into the mechanisms of how type I IFN signaling exerts its effects on the outcome of infection from the host's point of view.
Analyzing the Sources of Skilled Labor Force in the Development of Four Major ICT Clusters: Silicon Valley, Bangalore, Malaysia and Taiwan

Clusters, meaning concentrations of interrelated companies and institutions, contribute to the prosperity of economies all over the world. It is undeniable that the region plays an important role in the cluster formation and development. However what lies at the heart of clusters is “people”. A skilled labor force is crucial for a successful cluster formation and therefore, identifying the sources of skilled labor force in order to enforce the human capital is important. The purpose of this paper is to examine the sources of a skilled labor force in the development of four major information and communication technologies clusters (ICT clusters); namely Silicon Valley, Bangalore, Malaysia and Taiwan. By a cross-cutting analysis of the four clusters, this study aims at identifying whether there are differences in the relevant sources of skilled labor force. The findings from the analysis will serve as lessons for the ongoing development of the Malaysian cluster but also for emerging clusters all over the world. Four clusters were chosen to be studied; namely Silicon Valley, Bangalore ICT cluster, Taiwan ICT cluster and Malaysia MSC. All the four clusters refer to the same industry- the ICT industry- in order for the sources of labor force to be easily comparable. Moreover, the choice of the four clusters was motivated by the difference in their age. The Silicon Valley is an old and successful cluster which served as a prototype for many clusters. Bangalore and Taiwan clusters are mature and successful clusters that have succeeded Silicon Valley. Finally, the Malaysian MSC is a new and still under development cluster. The four clusters are established in different countries of the world in order to identify regional differences, if any. This study contributes to the theory of cluster development by identifying the factors and sources that create a pool of skilled labor market. More specifically, it has been found that for the earlier phases of cluster formation, universities and favorable government policies are crucial for the creation of a skilled labor pool. For the development phase, along with the already mentioned factors, research institutes, collaboration between universities and companies, industry synergies, firm employees and role of expatriates are equally important sources of a skilled labor pool. Besides the theoretical contributions, this study proposes practical contribution in terms of policy implications. Policy recommendations are given for the enhancement of the Malaysian MSC, based on the lessons learned from the older clusters. In particular, the Malaysian government should consider supporting more actively the education system of Malaysia, drive the entrepreneurial activity in the area and give incentives for expatriates to bring in their valuable knowledge and experience. These proposals could also serve as a set of recommendations for emerging clusters all over the world.
Automated proteomic sample preparation: The key component for high throughput and quantitative mass spectrometry analysis

Sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based proteomics has many tedious and time-consuming steps that can introduce analytical errors. In particular, the steps around the proteolytic digestion of protein samples are prone to inconsistency. One route for reliable sample processing is the development and optimization of a workflow utilizing an automated liquid handling workstation. Diligent assessment of the sample type, protocol design, reagents, and incubation conditions can significantly improve the speed and consistency of preparation. When combining robust liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with either discovery or targeted methods, automated sample preparation facilitates increased throughput and reproducible quantitation of biomarker candidates. These improvements in analysis are also essential to process the large patient cohorts necessary to validate a candidate biomarker for potential clinical use. This article reviews the steps in the workflow, optimization strategies, and known applications in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research fields that demonstrate the broad utility for improved automation of sample preparation in the proteomic field.
The determination of fluid flow at the core surface from geomagnetic observations

We examine the problem of using observations of the Earth’s magnetic field to study the kinematics of fluid flow at the surface of the core. In particular, we study two nonlinear inverse problems: the problem of inferring maps of the magnetic field at the core-mantle boundary from observations of the field made at the earth’s surface; and the problem of using maps of the field at the core-mantle boundary to infer the fluid flow in the core immediately beneath the boundary. Both inverse problems are continuous and unstable: adequate regularization conditions must be employed if meaningful solutions are to be obtained. We highlight the inadequacy of the traditional approach to these problems, that of arbitrarily truncating the resulting expansions in terms of spherical harmonic basis functions, in the framework of stochastic inversion, to regularize the solutions based on the requirement that the solutions should be spatially smoothly-varying. We present models of the field at the core-mantle boundary for 1842, 1905, 1969 and 1980. In order to invert these models of the magnetic field for fluid motions the field must satisfy certain necessary conditions. We find some weak evidence that the field violates these conditions, resulting from the effects of electrical diffusion in the core, over the period 1969–1980. We find very simple, but necessarily nonunique, fluid flow solutions for the periods 1842–1905, 1905–1980 and 1966–1980: the effects of diffusion are clearly apparent in the 1905–1980 solution. We investigate a simple explanation for the rapid diffusion observed during the period 1905–1980, and discuss how diffusive effects may be incorporated into the solutions.
Positive semidefinite tensor factorizations of the two-electron integral matrix for low-scaling ab initio electronic structure

Tensor factorization of the 2-electron integral matrix is a well-known technique for reducing the computational scaling of ab initio electronic structure methods toward that of Hartree-Fock and density functional theories. The simplest factorization that maintains the positive semidefinite character of the 2-electron integral matrix is the Cholesky factorization. In this paper, we introduce a family of positive semidefinite factorizations that generalize the Cholesky factorization. Using an implementation of the factorization within the parametric 2-RDM method [D. A. Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 253002 (2008)], we study several inorganic molecules, alkane chains, and potential energy curves and find that this generalized factorization retains the accuracy and size extensivity of the Cholesky factorization, even in the presence of multi-reference correlation. The generalized family of positive semidefinite factorizations has potential applications to low-scaling ab initio electronic structure methods that treat electron correlation with a computational cost approaching that of the Hartree-Fock method or density functional theory.
Using Best Evidence to Reduce the Rate of Surgical Site Infection

Poster Presentation Objective To create a surgical site infection prevention bundle by examining population characteristics, context of care, and prioritization of evidence‐based interventions. Design Quality improvement plan‐do‐study‐act (PDSA) methodology with a small‐scale iterative approach to three cycles of improvement was used to create a surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundle. Sample All women with cesarean births in scheduled day surgery operating suites and labor room operating suites at an academic medical center with 5500 births annually. Methods Care improvement process consisting of a common cause analysis of our readmission cases to determine the characteristics of our population. Next, we examined the literature on SSI prevention and treatment related to these characteristics. Three areas with significant variation from evidence‐based practice were identified: antibiotic prophylaxis, skin preparation, and education. Implementation Strategies To plan cycle one, we assessed antibiotic stewardship of participants. Overall 32% of participants and 31% of readmission participants did not adhere to guidelines To act, a forcing function in our order sets yielded a 100% compliance rate, and none of the participants in the test of change cycle ( N = 20) was readmitted. In the second cycle, we assessed skin preparation and found significant variation in processes. After education and implementation of new interventions, we found 100% compliance. The last cycle focused on patient education. To plan, we called 20 participants to assess their knowledge, what they were taught, and their current wound status. We found that we were teaching patients the signs and symptoms of infection but not prevention. Participants reported variation in care, limited education on wound care, and no education on hand hygiene; 20% reported wound deviation. Interventions applied included focused nursing education on wound care and hand hygiene when caring for infants, including a care package with materials to support the education at home. Reassessment revealed increased knowledge and wound care and no reports of wound deviations. Results SSI rates decreased during 10 months from 2.41% to 0.61% to zero. Days between SSI readmissions increased from 2 days to 68 days at present. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Developing a context and population focused evidence‐based prioritized care bundle can result in improved patient outcomes. Nursing interventions based on knowing the patient can yield sustainable results.
Effect of iodine disinfectant source and water quality parameters on soluble iodine speciation

Investigations of iodine species distribution of various aqueous solutions of iodine disinfectants and water from equilibrated suspensions of triodide and pentaiodide resins were done at the University of Colorado for the Center for Space Environmental Health during 1992 and 1993. Direct measurements of three individual iodine species: I(-), I2 and I3(-), were made. In addition three measures of total titratable iodine species were used. It has been found that I2 and I3(-) solutions produce a significant fraction of the non-disinfecting species iodine I(-), ranging from 50 to 80% of added iodine, respectively, at pH values of approximately 5. Correspondingly, I2 solutions produce more than twice the concentration of disinfecting iodine species per mass iodine dose than I3(-) solutions. Both I(-) and I2 species were found in aqeuous extracts of pentaiodide resin, although no soluble species were detected with triiodide resin.
Nutritional requirements of human leukemic cells. Cystine requirements of diploid cell lines and their heteroploid variants.

Abstract Cultures of human leukemic cells derived from the peripheral blood buffy coats of pediatric patients in whom the presenting lymphoma had progressed to acute lymphoblastic leukemia were studied with respect to their l -cystine requirements in both the diploid and, following serial passage in intact newborn Syrian hamsters, the heteroploid state. With one exception, all of these cultures exhibited an absolute requirement for l -cystine which was independent of state of ploidy and cell population density. The classical methionine-cystine pathway appears to be defective or lacking in these cells, and unlike other kinds of cells, the development of heteroploidy did not effectively de-repress the metabolic pathways concerned with the biosynthesis of cystine. The one exception was the CCRF-SB culture which utilized l -cystathionine for growth, in contrast to the inability of the other cultures so examined to utilize this precursor of l -cystine; including the CCRF-H-SB-2 cells which were derived directly in intact newborn Syrian hamsters by implantation of the same peripheral blood buffy coat specimen from which the CCRF-SB cells were isolated in culture. Unlike the CCRF-H-SB-2 cells (and the others considered herein), the CCRF-SB cells do not implant in intact newborn Syrian hamsters. Whether the difference in their ability to utilize l -cystathionine relates to the fundamental biological distinction suggested by the differences in their heterotransplantability, or merely reflects the divergent development of different stem lines of leukemic cells is unclear at the present time.
Gross Motor Skill Learning

The acquisition of motor skill, sometimes referred to as motor learning, has been the object of a great deal of experimental work. By far the most popular apparatus for such study has been the pursuit rotor or rotary pursuit test. Keywords: learning; motor learning; skill acquisition
An efficient and exact approach for detecting trends with binary endpoints.

Lloyd (Aust. Nz. J. Stat., 50, 329–345, 2008) developed an exact testing approach to control for nuisance parameters, which was shown to be advantageous in testing for differences between two population proportions. We utilized this approach to obtain unconditional tests for trends in 2 × K contingency tables. We compare the unconditional procedure with other unconditional and conditional approaches based on the well-known Cochran–Armitage test statistic. We give an example to illustrate the approach, and provide a comparison between the methods with regards to type I error and power. The proposed procedure is preferable because it is less conservative and has superior power properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy of odd-neutron Mo and Ru isotopes

Abstract Levels of Mo and Ru isotopes, excited by the reactions 94 Zr(α, 3n) 95 Mo, 96 Zr(α, 3n) 97 Mo, 92 Mo(α, n) 95 Ru, 94 Mo(α, n) 97 Ru, 98 Mo(α, 3n) 99 Ru, and 100 Mo(α, 3n) 101 Ru, have been studied by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques (γ-singles spectra, beam-γ delay, γγ coincidence, and γ-ray angular distributions). A new isomer, t 1 2 = 8 ns , is found in 95 Ru. Much of the new information concerns high-spin states. In 95 Mo, number of these states are predicted by calculations for the configuration (πp 1 2 ) 2 (πg 9 2 ) 2 (v d 5 2 ) 3 , and most of the others can be accounted for qualitatively by inclusion of other neutron orbitals, primarily g 7 2 and h 11 2 for the high-spin states. Similar shell-model structures are inferred for some levels in 97, 99, 101 Ru. In 101 Ru and 99 Ru we observed also sequences of high-spin, odd-parity states which can be characterized as phonon bands coupled to an 112 − particle state.
Understanding How Families Use Magnifiers During Nature Center Walks

This analysis uses a sociocultural learning theory and parent–child interaction framework to understand families’ interactions with one type of scientific tool, the magnifier, during nature walks offered by a nature center. Families were video recorded to observe how they organized their activities where they used magnifiers to explore in the outdoors. Findings include that families used magnifiers for scientific inquiry as well as for playful exploration. Using the concept of guided facilitation where families develop roles to support their joint endeavor, three roles to support family thinking were found to be: (a) tool suggester, (b) teacher, and (c) exploration ender. Some families struggled to use magnifiers and often, parents and older siblings provided support for younger children in using magnifying lenses. Implications to informal science learning theory are drawn and suggestions for future family learning research are offered: (a) inclusion of sociocultural and situated perspectives as theories to study informal learning in outdoor spaces, (b) further study on the role of siblings in family interactions, (c) design-based research is needed to encourage family role-taking when engaging in science practices, and (d) new conceptualizations on how to design informal programs that support science learning while leaving space for visitors’ personal agendas and interests that can guide the families’ activities.
Seismic Interferometry of a Soil-Structure Interaction Model with Coupled Horizontal and Rocking Response

This article presents a system identification analysis of a soil-structure interaction model with coupled horizontal and rocking response based on a combination of Fourier analysis, wave travel-time analysis, and a relationship between fixed-base, rigid-body, and system frequencies. The study provides insight into the coupling of the structural and soil vibrations useful for interpretation of seismic recordings in structures. The structural model captures one-dimensional shear-wave propagation in the structure. The analysis shows that the system functions with respect to foundation horizontal motion are those of the coupled soil-structure system, which differs from conclusions of earlier studies based on a model without foundation rocking. The energy of the system vibrational response is concentrated around the frequencies of vibration of the system, which depend on the properties of the structure, soil, and foundation. The analysis shows that the structural fundamental fixed-base (uncoupled) frequency f 1 is related to the wave travel time τ (from the base to the top) by f 1=1/(4 τ ) and that accurate measurement of τ , unaffected by soil-structure interaction, can be obtained from impulse response functions, provided that the data are sufficiently broadband. This is an important result for structural health monitoring because it shows that structural parameters unaffected by soil-structure interaction ( τ , as well as f 1 for structures deforming primarily in shear) can be estimated from seismic monitoring data with minimum instrumentation (two horizontal sensors, one at the base and one at the top). This extends the usability of old strong-motion data in buildings, most of which have not been extensively instrumented, and lessons that can be learned for development and validation of structural health monitoring methodologies. The presented results correspond to a model of the north–south response of the Millikan Library in Pasadena, California, which has become a classical case study for soil-structure interaction.
Wholism in the family: Implications for the church from a Jungian perspective

The article examines the influence of the over emphasis upon selfactualization, hedonism and individualism in the American family today. The result has been the submergence of the wholistic function of the family which not only includes self-actualization and individuation, but also intimacy, self-surrender, and commitment. In this context, the article emphasizes a wholistic approach to families within the church and draws upon Jungian psychology for its direction.
Parent- and Self-Ratings of Executive Functions in Adolescents and Young Adults With Spina Bifida

This study examined the agreement and consistency of parent- and self-report of executive functioning (EF) (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions; BRIEF) in an adolescent cohort of youth with myelomeningocele and shunted hydrocephalus (MMH). A total of 30 youth participants with MMH and their parents were recruited during adolescence (age 11–18, mean age 14), and a smaller sample (n = 13) was re-evaluated during young adulthood (age 18–26, mean age 22). Parent- and self-report T-scores were moderately correlated during adolescence (General Executive Composite, GEC, r = .504, p = .007) and adulthood (GEC, r = .571, p = .041). Compared to adolescent self-ratings, parent-ratings suggested higher levels of overall executive dysfunction and problems with metacognitive abilities during adolescence. Preliminary results from a small follow up sample, however, suggest that self- and parent-report of executive functioning may become more comparable during young adulthood. These preliminary data also sugg...
Algebraic Constructions of Nonbinary Quasi-Cyclic LDPC Codes

This paper presents three algebraic methods for constructing nonbinary quasi-cyclic (QC)-LDPC codes. Three classes of efficiently encodable QC-LDPC codes over nonbinary finite fields are constructed. Experimental results show that constructed codes decoded with iterative decoding perform well over the AWGN channel and they achieve significant coding gains over Reed-Solomon (RS) codes of the same lengths and rates decoded with algebraic decoding