cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An elementary theory for the Taylor impact test

Abstract There is a linear relationship between certain normalized lengths in recovered Taylor Impact specimens. This observation seems to have first been made by J. W. House, although G. I. Taylor and A. C. Whiffen both produced graphs involving these same scaled variables. However, no explanation was given for this scaling and it was not used for any specific purpose. In this paper, a theoretical basis for the linearity is established and the slope and intercept are used to determine several important physical parameters. These parameters are then used to determine the state of stress at strain-rates exceeding 104/s. This information is useful because it helps to bridge the strain-rate gap between Split-Hopkinson pressure bar testing and the ultra-high rates achieved with plate impact experiments.
A Research Note Stability of Anthocyanins from Zebrina pendula and Ipomoea tricolor in a Model Beverage

Anthocyanins from two sources with reported high stability, Ipomoea tricolor and Zebrina pendula, were compared with extracts from blackberries containing mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cn-3-G) and a commercial enocyanin. The pigment samples were formulated in a sugar, citrate-phosphate buffer solution for storage at room temperature. Tristimulus color data and pigment retention were measured at periods up to 82 weeks. The Ipomoea pigments were the most stable. Zebrina and Cn-3-G samples were similar followed by enocyanin. Deacylated pigments from both Ipomoea and Zebrina were the least stable indicating that the acyl groups conferred stability.
Convolution and Restriction Estimates for a 3-Surface in R5

We establish convolution and Fourier restriction estimates for a measure on a 3- surface in R5.
Perturbation equation of state of pure fluids

Abstract The statistical thermodynamic perturbation equation of state, originally developed for fluids with Lennard-Jones intermolecular potential energy is improved, and then it is modified for the prediction of real fluid properties. The improved equation of state, when applied to Lennard-Jones fluid, predicts the properties of this fluid consistently better than the original perturbation equation of state. In order to modify the perturbation equation of state for the prediction of real fluid propertes both pair-, and triplet-interaction potential functions are considered in the formulation of this equation of state. For the pair-interaction potential function the Kihara spherical-core function is used, and for the triplet-interaction potential function the Axilord-Teller function is used. Comparisions are made between the calculated and the experimental thermodynamic properties of argon, methane and neopentane in liquid and in vapor states. These comparisions indicate that the perturbation equation of state is very promising in predicting the properties of real fluids in condensed states.
Electro-deposit polyaniline on carbon electrode for voltammetric detection of lipase.

Normally, the pancreatic digestive enzymes are created and carried into the duodenum in an inactive form. During pancreatitis attacks, these enzymes are inhibited from reaching the duodenum, become activated while still in the pancreas, and begin to autodigest and destroy the pancreas. In order to accurately detect lipase within seconds, a square wave technique was explored without immobilizing enzyme and any other biomolecules over the electrode surface. The cyclic voltammetric (CV) technique was used to coat a carbon electrode with a thin layer of polyaniline. This modified electrode proved to be highly sensitive and specific to detect lipase between 0 and 225 IU/L, which is well within the normal physiological range. The consistency and reliability of this technique proved to be a very formidable detector of lipase present in abnormal quantities due to pancreatitis and other pathological disorders. The interference test has been performed to detect the lipase in the presence of amylase 50, 100, and 150 IU/L to understand the interference phenomenon with lipase detection. There is no significant effect of the amylase concentration over lipase detection resulting from using a modified carbon electrode. The response time of the modified carbon electrode is approximately 5 s and the electrode has shown to be stable for 4 weeks at room temperature without special storage condition.
Intensity moments for waves in random media : three-order standard asymptotic calculation

The standard asymptotic approach is applied to a computation of the strong-intensity fluctuation for waves in random media. Under the framework of the path integral and cluster expansion, the first few moments of intensity are formulated to third order and further evaluated numerically for waves that travel through systems of multiple phase screens with a power-law spectrum. Finally, a global formula for all intensity moments 〈IN〉 is presented, where complete expressions for all terms up to third order are given.
Recursive kernels for time-frequency signal representations

Time-frequency distribution kernels which satisfy the desirable time-frequency properties and simultaneously allow recursive implementations of the local autocorrelation and the ambiguity functions are computationally efficient and prove valuable for on-line processing. The authors introduce a class of recursive kernels which apply modified comb filters at different timelags. The generalized Hamming, Blackman, and half-sine kernels are members of this class. These kernels have well known low-pass filter characteristics, lead to computational invariance under the kernel extent, and compete in performance with existing nonrecursive t-f kernels.
Extending tangible interfaces for education: digital montessori-inspired manipulatives

This paper introduces a new framework for thinking about tangible interfaces in education, with specific focus on abstract problem domains.Manipulatives are physical objects specifically designed to foster learning. We offer a new classification of Manipulatives: "Froebel-inspired Manipulatives" (FiMs) and "Montessori-inspired Manipulatives" (MiMs). We argue that FiMs are design materials, fostering modeling of real-world structures, while MiMs foster modeling of more abstract structures. We show that our classification extends to computationally enhanced versions of manipulatives.We present Digital MiMs - computationally enhanced building blocks. We describe two prototypical members of the Digital MiMs class: FlowBlocks and SystemBlocks, physical, modular interactive systems that serve as general-purpose modeling and simulation tools for dynamic behavior. We present findings from qualitative studies, and conclude that digital MiMs are accessible to young children, engaging, and encourage learning of abstract structures of dynamic behavior through an iterative process of hands-on modeling, simulating, and analogizing.
Pulmonary Function in Paralytic and Non-Paralytic Scoliosis before and after Treatment

The results of pulmonary-function studies done on sixty-three patients with paralytic and non-paralytic scoliosis are presented. The results confirm the concept that angular deformities of the spine cause impairment of pulmonary function. The results also demonstrate that the application of the preoperative corrective device further reduces pulmonary function except when the halo apparatus is used as the corrective device. There is no significant improvement of pulmonary function following spine fusion. The importance of blood-gas and diffusion-capacity studies is discussed.
Acetylcholine Biosynthesis in Developing Cholinergic Synapses

In contrast to in vitro conditions synapse formation in situ represents a long term process (16) consisting of consecutive steps of complex structural and biochemical modifications. On a chronological scale, synaptogenesis occurs not only during part of the embryonic phase but also during the period following birth or hatching. Recent studies have shown that in the avian peripheral nervous system the process of synaptic growth may continue throughout adult life (30). In the present study chick ciliary ganglia and their target organ (the iris) provides a useful model for investigating the process of synapse formation and growth (Fig. 1). For a comparison, the development of synapses in sympathetic ganglia (lumbar) was examined in a parallel study (14). The possibility of examining simultaneously cell bodies and terminals in the same group of cells belonging to a small (3000 cells) and well defined cholinergic population, represents a unique feature of this preparation (18). In this model, changes in biochemical parameters related to acetylcholine (ACh) metabolism can be correlated step by step to neurotransmission and morphology (15).
Natural killer cell therapy in children with relapsed leukemia

Background Novel therapies are needed for children with relapsed or refractory leukemia. We therefore tested the safety and feasibility of haploidentical natural killer cell therapy in this patient population.
Phenomenon Development from Practice to Research

One of the most prudent and efficient ways of conquering the task of developing new knowledge, is the utilization of practice to find phenomena. The purpose of this column is to present the construction of a phenomenon to be utilized for future study and explication utilizing this format. New nursing knowledge was developed by constructing a practice situation, identifying a phenomenon of interest, grounding the phenomenon in the focus of the discipline, and defining concepts related to the phenomenon. Through this evolutionary process one is able to identify a phenomenon to focus on, apply it to a particular population, ground it in theory, and lastly develop it into the foundation of future research.
Endothelin mediates pulmonary vascular remodelling in a canine model of chronic embolic pulmonary hypertension

It is well known that endothelin (ET)-1 mediates vascular remodelling in various kinds of clinical and experimental pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ET-1 is associated with the development of pulmonary vascular remodelling in a canine model of chronic embolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension was induced in 10 mongrel dogs by repeated embolization with ceramic beads. In five of the dogs, bosentan, a nonselective ET receptor antagonist, was administered throughout the study. Haemodynamic measurements and plasma ET-1 assays were performed every 2 months. Eight months after initial embolization, computer-assisted morphometry and immunohistochemistry were performed on the lung tissue including that from three control dogs. Pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were increased in all embolized dogs, compared to baseline. In nontreated embolized dogs, plasma ET-1 concentration and pulmonary arterial wall thickness were increased compared to control animals, and ET-1 immunoreactivity was detected in thickened pulmonary arteries. In bosentan treated dogs, pulmonary arterial walls were not significantly thickened. Pulmonary vascular remodelling, associated with elevated plasma endothelin-1 levels and positive endothelin-1 immunoreactivity in lung tissue is attenuated by the endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan. These findings suggest that endothelin mediates pulmonary vascular remodelling in a canine model of chronic embolic pulmonary hypertension.
Scientists unite to improve models coupling atmosphere and hydrology

It was right down to business at a workshop organized by the Global Energy and Water-cycle Experiment Continental-scale International Project (GCIP) in Silver Spring, Md., from May 9 to 10, 1996. More than 40 atmospheric and hydrological scientists from government and academia met to review past progress and guide scientific priorities within NOAA's and NASA's research programs into coupled hydrologic-atmospheric modeling. Given GCIP's dual goals of improving weather and climate prediction for North America at timescales up to interannual, and of providing hydrological interpretation of these predictions, the workshop focused on research that addresses three questions: To what extent is meteorological prediction at daily to seasonal timescales sensitive to hydrologic-atmospheric coupling processes? To what extent can meteorological predictions be hydrologically interpreted? And how can models of relevant hydrologic-atmospheric coupling processes be improved to enhance meteorological and hydrological prediction?
Pediatric Exposure to Laundry Detergent Pods

OBJECTIVE: Laundry detergent pods are a new product in the US marketplace. This study investigates the epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of laundry detergent pod exposures among young children in the United States. METHODS: Using data from the National Poison Data System, exposures to laundry detergent pods among children younger than 6 years of age during 2012–2013 were investigated. RESULTS: There were 17 230 children younger than 6 years exposed to laundry detergent pods in 2012–2013. From March 2012 to April 2013, the monthly number of exposures increased by 645.3%, followed by a 25.1% decrease from April to December 2013. Children younger than 3 years accounted for 73.5% of cases. The major route of exposure was ingestion, accounting for 79.7% of cases. Among exposed children, 4.4% were hospitalized and 7.5% experienced a moderate or major medical outcome. A spectrum of clinical effects from minor to serious was seen with ingestion and ocular exposures. There were 102 patients (0.6%) exposed to a detergent pod via ingestion, aspiration, or a combination of routes, including ingestion, who required tracheal intubation. There was 1 confirmed death. CONCLUSIONS: Laundry detergent pods pose a serious poisoning risk to young children. This nationwide study underscores the need for increased efforts to prevent exposure of young children to these products, which may include improvements in product packaging and labeling, development of a voluntary product safety standard, and public education. Product constituent reformulation is another potential strategy to mitigate the severity of clinical effects of laundry detergent pod exposure.
Electrochemical oxidation of L‐ascorbic acid at the graphite electrode and its monitoring by a thick‐film graphite sensor assembly

The experimental results obtained in this study show that a thick-film graphite sensor assembly (with a Pt counter and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode) can be conveniently fabricated by the photolithographic and screen-print metallization techniques. This sensor has been successfully employed for quantitatively determining L-ascorbic acid concentration in aqueous solutions with reasonably good reproducibility. This sensor provides the possibility of developing a miniature size practical device for detecting ascorbic acid in biochemical processing, such as in food and drug production. The mechanistic aspects of the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid on optical pyrolytic graphite electrodes were further studied with a rotating OPG disk electrode in two different electrolyte solutions. It was found that the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid is more favored in pH = 7 solutions than in pH = 1 solutions although a common 2-electron transfer pathway is applied in both cases.
Using Online Forums to Scaffold Oral Participation in Foreign Language Instruction

According to sociocultural approaches to second language acquisition (SLA), participation in communicative practices in the target language is the goal of language learning and a fundamental part of the acquisition process. One role of language instruction is to provide scaffolding that enables language learners to participate in communicative practices while their competence is still developing. This paper focuses on a particular communicative practice, oral discussions of assigned readings in a second-semester Spanish class at the university level, and explores the use of online forums to scaffold student participation in this communicative practice. Using a combination of qualitative methods, I show how an instructor used forums to prepare her students for class discussions while also increasing and diversifying student participation during those discussions. This outcome problematizes the assumption that only synchronous (e.g., chat) as opposed asynchronous (e.g., forums) modes of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) can be beneficial for oral communication in foreign languages. Furthermore, it indicates that learning outcomes may depend more on the way in which CMC is integrated into instruction than on the specific characteristics of the technologies used.
Analysis of Urban Effects in Oklahoma City using a Dense Surface Observing Network

AbstractMany studies have investigated urban heat island (UHI) intensity for cities around the world, which is normally quantified as the temperature difference between urban location(s) and rural location(s). A few open questions still remain regarding the UHI, such as the spatial distribution of UHI intensity, temporal (including diurnal and seasonal) variation of UHI intensity, and the UHI formation mechanism. A dense network of atmospheric monitoring sites, known as the Oklahoma City (OKC) Micronet (OKCNET), was deployed in 2008 across the OKC metropolitan area. This study analyzes data from OKCNET in 2009 and 2010 to investigate OKC UHI at a subcity spatial scale for the first time. The UHI intensity exhibited large spatial variations over OKC. During both daytime and nighttime, the strongest UHI intensity is mostly confined around the central business district where land surface roughness is the highest in the OKC metropolitan area. These results do not support the roughness warming theory to explai...
High-throughput computational search for strengthening precipitates in alloys

Abstract The search for high-strength alloys and precipitation hardened systems has largely been accomplished through Edisonian trial and error experimentation. Here, we present a novel strategy using high-throughput computational approaches to search for promising precipitate/alloy systems. We perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations of an extremely large space of ∼200,000 potential compounds in search of effective strengthening precipitates for a variety of different alloy matrices, e.g., Fe, Al, Mg, Ni, Co, and Ti. Our search strategy involves screening phases that are likely to produce coherent precipitates (based on small lattice mismatch) and are composed of relatively common alloying elements. When combined with the Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD), we can computationally screen for precipitates that either have a stable two-phase equilibrium with the host matrix, or are likely to precipitate as metastable phases. Our search produces (for the structure types considered) nearly all currently known high-strength precipitates in a variety of fcc, bcc, and hcp matrices, thus giving us confidence in the strategy. In addition, we predict a number of new, currently-unknown precipitate systems that should be explored experimentally as promising high-strength alloy chemistries.
Native mass spectrometry and ion mobility characterize the orange carotenoid protein functional domains.

Abstract Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) plays a unique role in protecting many cyanobacteria from light-induced damage. The active form of OCP is directly involved in energy dissipation by binding to the phycobilisome (PBS), the major light-harvesting complex in cyanobacteria. There are two structural modules in OCP, an N-terminal domain (NTD), and a C-terminal domain (CTD), which play different functional roles during the OCP–PBS quenching cycle. Because of the quasi-stable nature of active OCP, structural analysis of active OCP has been lacking compared to its inactive form. In this report, partial proteolysis was used to generate two structural domains, NTD and CTD, from active OCP. We used multiple native mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches to interrogate the structural features of the NTD and the CTD. Collisional activation and ion mobility analysis indicated that the NTD releases its bound carotenoid without forming any intermediates and the CTD is resistant to unfolding upon collisional energy ramping. The unfolding intermediates observed in inactive intact OCP suggest that it is the N-terminal extension and the NTD–CTD loop that lead to the observed unfolding intermediates. These combined approaches extend the knowledge of OCP photo-activation and structural features of OCP functional domains. Combining native MS, ion mobility, and collisional activation promises to be a sensitive new approach for studies of photosynthetic protein-pigment complexes.
Deservingness: Challenging Coloniality in Education and Migration Scholarship

Rhetoric, policy, and debate about immigration and immigrants are saturated with the trope of deservingness. In nation/states built on stratification, deservingness acts as a discourse of racialization, narrating across racially minoritized groups to re-instantiate the benefits for the racially majoritized. In this theoretical essay, I draw from legal case law and educational research and policy to explore the trope of deservingness as a form of racialized legitimacy. I suggest that the ubiquity of deservingness demands a decolonial reckoning with the specifics of how it is deployed relative to differently racialized peoples in a settler society, how they are racially minoritized and majoritized, and fundamentally, how that creates connected yet distinct social locations, rights, and relationships to self, others, the state, and land. Looking within and across how deservingness is leveraged against groups enables deeper comprehension not just of deservingness but of the larger settler structure.
Use of Decision Aids with Minority Patients: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND One potential approach to reducing health disparities among minorities is through the promotion of shared decision making (SDM). The most commonly studied SDM intervention is the decision aid (DA). While DAs have been extensively studied, we know relatively little about their use in minority populations. We conducted a systematic review to characterize the application and effectiveness of DAs in racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities.
RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS QUICKLY: POSTERIOR FASCICULAR VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA STORM SENSITIVE ONLY TO BETA BLOCKERS

Posterior fascicular (PF) ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a subgroup of idiopathic VTs which generally occur in patients without structural heart disease and respond well to drug therapy. We present a rare case of PFVT storm resistant to verapamil and multiple antiarrhythmic medications and only
Dual Role of GM-CSF as a Pro-Inflammatory and a Regulatory Cytokine: Implications for Immune Therapy.

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is generally recognized as an inflammatory cytokine. Its inflammatory activity is primarily due its role as a growth and differentiation factor for granulocyte and macrophage populations. In this capacity, among other clinical applications, it has been used to bolster anti-tumor immune responses. GM-CSF-mediated inflammation has also been implicated in certain types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Thus, agents that can block GM-CSF or its receptor have been used as anti-inflammatory therapies. However, a review of literature reveals that in many situations GM-CSF can act as an anti-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine. We and others have shown that GM-CSF can modulate dendritic cell differentiation to render them “tolerogenic,” which, in turn, can increase regulatory T-cell numbers and function. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory and regulatory effects of GM-CSF appear to depend on the dose and the presence o...
Synthetic Cannabinoid–Related Illnesses and Deaths

Use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in the United States is increasing, as are clusters of cases of serious adverse health effects, including death. Though SC intoxication can be difficult to identify, some steps can be taken to respond more quickly to future outbreaks.
A Place for Regions in the Modern U.S. Survey

In the fall of 2000, when I began teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a young Hawaiian woman in my introductory U.S. history survey (1865-present) class asked me if there would be much coverage of Hawaii in the course.1 Having recently relocated from the East Coast where I had not worked with any Hawaiian students and had not given much thought to the place of the Pacific Rim in the U.S. survey, I was unprepared for the question, but spent time during the semester thinking about Hawaii's place in the course. The experience illuminated a larger set of complications for teaching the introduction to modern U.S. history. As a British expatriate who for nearly two de cades has taught this course close to fifty times at two large state universities, one private regional university, and two liberal arts colleges, and in three regions?the East, the Midwest, and the West?I have often struggled with the place of place in our efforts to condense nearly a century and a half of national experience into two and a half hours of face time a week for fifteen weeks.
A Research on Synthesizing Technology of Acicular Barium Carbonate

Extra fine powder of acicular barium carbonate is prepared using barium chiloride and carbamide as raw material by using homogeneous precipitation method. The effect of synthesizing anditions on physico chemical characterictics of products is investigated. When the BaCl 2 concentration is 1.0 mol/L, the ratio of BaCl 2∶CO (NH 2) 2∶NaOH is 1∶6∶2.5, the reation time is 6 h, 10～35 μm long, 0.4～1.2 μm diam acicalar barium carbonate can be obtained. The barium carbonate has a good dispersity, a purity of above 99.8%, CaCO 3 content of below 0.03% and a recovery of above 95%.
Renal Reconstruction After Injury

AbstractDuring an 11-year period 1,363 patients presented to our institution with renal trauma. Renal exploration was performed in 127 patients (133 renal units). Most patients had multiple organ injuries, as indicated by a mean blood loss of 4,160ml. and a mean injury severity score of 25.8. Absolute indications for exploration were bleeding and pulsatile perirenal hematoma and relative indications included urinary extravasation, nonviable renal tissue and incomplete staging. Renal surgery was required in 2.4% of the blunt injuries, 45% of the stab wounds and 76% of the gunshot wounds. Salvage was successful in 88.7% of the kidneys explored and total nephrectomy was required in 11.3%. The success rate was based on early vascular control and reconstructive techniques of “renorrhaphy,” partial nephrectomy, vascular repair and coverage with omental pedicle flaps. Complications occurred in 9.9% of the cases but none resulted in renal loss. When indicated, renal exploration after trauma is safe and in a high ...
Latinos, immigrants, and the uninsured.

number of times over the past couple years to a variety of audiences. Typically each audience finds a particular point of interest—one audience may ask questions about the low-income uninsured, while another may be interested in the working uninsured—but in almost every situation, one of the first few questions is how either Latinos or immigrants (or both) affect the uninsured rate in our state. This question is not altogether unanticipated. The issue of immigration, legal and illegal, is particularly topical given the tremendous population growth over the past decade and the current political focus. An often cited statistic is that, on a percentage basis, North Carolina’s Hispanic population was the fastest growing in the country from 1990 to 2000. Congress’s consideration of immigration reform, and the subsequent public demonstrations, has focused national interest on the issue. Based on this widespread attention to immigrants in general, and how they contribute to the uninsured rate in particular, there is a cry for objective evidence. How much of the uninsurance problem can be attributed to Latinos and immigrants? The simple answer, of course, is that there is no simple answer. Like most topics worth considering, there is no definitive answer and data can be used to support conflicting conclusions on the issue. However, when one examines the constellation of statistics on this issue, there is only one defendable conclusion: although Latinos and non-citizens in general are more than three times as likely to be uninsured than non-Latinos and citizens, other factors are more important causes of the problem. Popular media coverage often blurs the definition between Latinos, immigrants, non-citizens, and illegal (or unauthorized) immigrants. Often, it appears, many people consider these groups identical. In North Carolina, however, 32% of non-citizens are not Latino, and 35% of Latinos were born in the United States. Non-citizens include both those who are in this country legally (i.e., with work, student, or other visas), as well as those in the country without documentation. Although much of the consternation on this issue relates directly to undocumented (illegal) immigrants, most of the data sources on the uninsured contain no information on an immigrant’s legal status. Thus, this commentary focuses on ethnicity (Latino or non-Latino) and citizenship (citizen or noncitizen). In addition, I limit my focus specifically to insurance coverage. A broader assessment of the costs and benefits of North Carolina’s immigrant population is well beyond the scope of this analysis.
Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism

The deposition of nitrogen during the perinatal period occurs at a rate greater than that at any other period of life. Although there are few quantitative data in the human, the magnitude of protein synthesis can be appreciated from the following analyses of the nitrogen content of the human fetus: at 6 weeks of age, the total body protein is 0.4 mg; at 20 weeks, the fetus contains 15 g proteinW; at term, the content is 500 g.(16) This increase occurs not only as a result of growth of the fetus, but also because of the change in body composition, which results in a reduction in the water content and an increase in nitrogen.(51) This maturation of body composition does not stop at birth, but continues at a similar rate for the first months of life, then becomes slower and virtually ceases by the age of 4 vears.
Ocular Purine Receptors as Drug Targets in the Eye.

Abstract Agonists and antagonists of various subtypes of G protein coupled adenosine receptors (ARs), P2Y receptors (P2YRs), and ATP-gated P2X receptor ion channels (P2XRs) are under consideration as agents for the treatment of ocular diseases, including glaucoma and dry eye. Numerous nucleoside and nonnucleoside modulators of the receptors are available as research tools and potential therapeutic molecules. Three of the 4 subtypes of ARs have been exploited with clinical candidate molecules for treatment of the eye: A1, A2A, and A3. An A1AR agonist is in clinical trials for glaucoma, A2AAR reduces neuroinflammation, A3AR protects retinal ganglion cells from apoptosis, and both A3AR agonists and antagonists had been reported to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Extracellular concentrations of endogenous nucleotides, including dinucleoside polyphosphates, are increased in pathological states, activating P2Y and P2XRs throughout the eye. P2YR agonists, including P2Y2 and P2Y6, lower IOP. Antagonists of the ...
Heparan sulfate hexasaccharide selectively inhibits cancer stem cells self-renewal by activating p38 MAP kinase

// Nirmita J. Patel 1, 3 , Chetna Sharon 1 , Somesh Baranwal 1, 2 , Rio S. Boothello 1, 2 , Umesh R. Desai 3 , Bhaumik B. Patel 1, 2 1 Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA 2 Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA 3 Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA Correspondence to: Bhaumik B. Patel, email: bhaumik.patel@vcuhealth.org Keywords: cancer stem cells, colorectal cancer, glycosaminoglycans, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase, heparan sulfate Received: June 17, 2016 Accepted: September 05, 2016 Published: September 30, 2016 ABSTRACT Heparan sulfate (HS) plays a role in the majority of essential hallmarks of cancer, yet its ability to modulate self-renewal, especially of cancer stem cells (CSCs), remains unknown. We have discovered that a non-anticoagulant HS hexasaccharide (HS06) sequence, but not other shorter or longer sequences, selectively inhibited CSC self-renewal and induced apoptosis in colorectal, pancreatic, and breast CSCs suggesting a very general phenomenon. HS06 inhibition of CSCs relied upon early and sustained activation of p38α/β mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) but not other MAPKs family members i.e. ERK and JNK. In contrast, polymeric HS induced exactly opposite changes in MAPK activation and failed to inhibit CSCs. In fact, TCF4 signaling, a critical regulator of CSC self-renewal, was inhibited by HS06 in a p38 activation dependent fashion. In conclusion, HS06 selectively inhibits CSCs self-renewal by causing isoform specific activation of p38MAPK to inhibit TCF4 signaling. These observations on chain length-induced specificity carry major mechanistic implications with regard to HS in cancer biology, while also presenting a novel paradigm for developing novel anti-CSC hexasaccharides that prevent cancer relapse. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Heparan sulfate (HS) of specific length, i.e., hexasaccharide (HS06), but not longer or shorter sequences, selectively inhibit cancer stem cells (CSCs) through isoform specific activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These findings will have major implication for developing chemical probes to decipher complex signaling events that govern cancer stem cells. Additionally, there are direct implications for designing glycosaminoglycan based cancer therapies to selectively target CSCs that escape killing by traditional chemotherapy threatening cancer relapse.
Polarization effects in PVB, Tedlar, and in a PVB/Tedlar composite as a function of humidity

Polarization effects in polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Tedlar (T) and in a PVB/T laminated composite have been investigated as a function of humidity by monitoring the time dependence of the current response to a step voltage forcing function. The current response in PVB, particularly at elevated humidities, exhibits an apparent two stage, power law, time dependence which suggests that the current response at all humidity levels could be modeled as the sum of two simultaneously occuring absorption current components I w and I p each characterized by a power law time dependence: The I w absorption current component with its associated I wo and α w kinetic parameters is believed to be governed by the polarization of the PVB dielectric due to the relatively rapid alignment of water molecules in any absorbed water that exists as a second phase in the free volume space of the PVB. The kinetically slower I p absorption current component, characterized by the Ip 0 and α p parameters, is suggested to result from the more gradual polarization of the PVB dielectric due to polar molecules in the polymer primary phase network. The current response characteristics in Tedlar and in PVB/T differ significantly from that observed in PVB, and could not be easily characterized by the water and polymer absorption current component model used to analyze the PVB data.
An Approach to Optimise Therapeutic Vancomycin Dosage in a Haemodialysis Population.

Abstract Haemodialysis patients are at risk of gram-positive bacteraemia and commonly require intravenous vancomycin. Intravenously administered vancomycin is primarily excreted by the kidney and exhibits complex pharmacokinetics in haemodialysis patients; achieving therapeutic levels can be challenging. An audit in our unit showed current practises of vancomycin administration resulted in a high proportion of sub-therapeutic levels. A new protocol was developed with fixed weight-based loading and subsequent dosing guided by pre-dialysis levels, target levels were 10-20mg/L. Its effectiveness was prospectively evaluated between 24th September 2012, and 8th February 2013. During this period 25 patients commenced vancomycin, 15 were included. In total, 112 vancomycin levels were taken, 94 (84%) were therapeutic, this was a significant improvement compared to previous practise (odds ratio 5.4, CI 3.1-9.4, p<0.0001). In conclusion, our study shows this protocol can consistently and reliably achieve therapeutic vancomycin levels.
A compressive sampling approach for brain-machine interfaces based on transcranial Doppler sonography: A case study of resting-state maximal cerebral blood velocity signals

Transcranial Doppler sonography was recently proposed as an approach for brain-machine interfaces. However, monitoring maximal cerebral blood flow velocity signals for extensive time periods can generate large volumes of data for processing. In this paper, a compressive sensing (CS) approach is proposed based on a time-frequency dictionary formed by modulated discrete prolate spheroidal sequences (MDPSS). To test the proposed scheme, we examined maximal cerebral blood flow velocity signals acquired from 20 healthy subjects during a resting state. The results of our analysis clearly depicted that these signals can be accurately reconstructed using only 30% and 50% of original samples. Hence, the proposed MDPSS-based CS approach is a valid tool for diminishing the number of acquired samples during brain-machine operations using transcranial Doppler sonography.
Chemophototherapy with Porphyrin-Phospholipid Liposomes: A Treatment Possibility for Solid Tumors

Liposomes containing small amounts of porphyrin-phospholipid are developed that otherwise have similar composition and pharmacokinetics to FDA-approved liposomal doxorubicin. Laser irradition potently induces tumor ablation via chemophototherapy.
Metabolic and Genetic Causes of Autism

Abstract Most children with an autism diagnosis rarely have an etiology that can be identified as the cause for their behavior. However, there are well-described syndromes that are clearly associated with the development of the autistic phenotype. For children in whom no clear etiology can be found, the term idiopathic or primary autism is applicable. By contrast, those individuals whose autism is clearly a result of genetic or environmental causes are said to have a secondary autism. In this chapter, we provide a table that notes references specific to genomic regions most often associated with the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype, followed by a brief discussion of several of the more well-known genetic causes for ASD.
Reconstruction of three-dimensional free space radiation pattern using non-anechoic measurements factored by the impulse response of the environment

The objective of this paper is to reconstruct the free space radiation pattern from non-anechoic measurements in three-dimension (3D) using the impulse response both in the time and angular domains of the non-anechoic environment. This methodology could reconstruct two-dimension (2D) radiation pattern of antenna under test (AUT) characterized in non-anechoic environment and we extend it to reconstruct 3D radiation pattern. A numerical example is presented to show that the method is applicable for 3D pattern reconstruction.
Feedback passivation of nonlinear switched systems using linear approximations

We present an approach to passivate a class of discrete time switched nonlinear systems under arbitrary switching. Using switched storage functions, we derive a linear matrix inequality condition for strict input passivity of discrete time switched nonlinear systems. When the switched system is non passive, we design a state feedback controller to ensure system passivity under any admissible switching signal. We then apply this technique to increase the loading capacity of a power system with renewable generation.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta Family in the Pathogenesis of Meningiomas.

Background Meningiomas account for 36% of primary brain tumors. The pathogenesis of these tumors is not completely established, hindering development of effective chemotherapy. Numerous studies have identified alterations in several growth factors and receptor kinases that regulate meningioma growth. These may be targets for new therapies. One of these, sometimes overlooked, is the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family of proteins. Its receptors and signaling pathways play a critical role in development or progression of many forms of neoplasia. Methods Evidence suggesting a potential role for TGF-β, bone morphogenetic protein, and their mediators is reviewed. Results TGF-β inhibition of growth in normal leptomeninges may be lost in neoplasia. Moreover, loss of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein signaling components and TGF-β type III receptor likely contribute to the development and/or progression of higher grade meningiomas. Conclusions Accumulating evidence suggests that derangement of TGF-β family signaling contributes to development and progression of meningiomas. The TGF-β family may represent new targets for chemotherapy and could include inhibitors of kinases activated by TGF-β.
Long-term Effects of Early Exposure to Stress, Pain, Opioids and Anaesthetics on Pain Sensitivity and Neurocognition

Background Experimental studies have shown that neonatal exposure to stress, pain, opioids and anaesthetics may cause histologic and morphologic changes in the central nervous system with associated functional and behavioural changes in the long term. An important question is whether this holds true for humans also - and in particular for sick neonates who often are exposed to pain and receive anaesthetics and sedatives. Methods In this narrative review, we evaluate the effects of neonatal exposure to stress, pain, opioids and anaesthetics in infancy and childhood in animals and in preterm born and term born humans on pain sensitivity, brain morphology, cognition and behaviour later in life. Results In animals, neonatal exposure to stress, pain, opioids and early exposure to anaesthetics are associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive problems later in life. Human studies mainly focus on pain sensitivity, cognition and behaviour and find contradictory outcomes. Dramatic long-term effects found in animal studies could not be confirmed in human. Conclusion While studies in animals suggest neurotoxic effects of early exposure to stress, pain, opioids and anaesthetics, these effects seem clinically less relevant in humans. A possible reason is that the latter often receive opioids in the presence of pain and opioids and anaesthetics in balanced therapeutic dosages and with adequate monitoring of physiological parameters, in contrast to animal studies.
Poster: RSSI-Based Pedestrian Localization Using Artificial Neural Networks

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable traffic participants and, therefore, accurate localization and reliable communication between them and vehicles are of utmost importance to ensure their safety. A common method to determine distances between mobile devices is to use radio frequency (RF) based ranging. In this paper, we rely on the commonly used Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as the primary parameter for ranging and pedestrian localization. We use artificial neural networks to improve the performance of pedestrian localization by adding contextual information of the vehicular environment, such as vehicle velocity and direction to address the RF-based ranging challenges (i.e., multipath fading and shadowing). We show that the proposed scheme can improve the reliability and accuracy of RSSI-based ranging.
Unilateral Apraxic Agraphia without Ideomotor Apraxia from a callosal lesion in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease.

Apraxic agraphia can be caused by left hemispheric cerebral lesions in the area that contains the spatial representations of the movements required to write, from a lesion in, or connections to, th...
The Conformation of Adsorbed Polystyrene

The properties of synthetic polymers at the solid-solution interface are relevant to the fields of adhesion, composites, coatings, and flocculation. The description of both the microscopic and macroscopic systems requires the determination of both the conformation and changes in the conformation of the polymer molecule upon interaction with a surface. A number of theoretical and experimental techniques have been employed to characterize adsorbed polystyrene and to test the theoretical models describing the system. These include investigations of: 1) the extension of the adsorbed molecule normal to the surface by ellipsometry and viscosity studies, 2) the distribution of segments of the adsorbed molecule normal to the surface by attenuated total reflection, 3) the fraction of segments of the polymer chain attached to the surface using infrared difference spectroscopy, and 4) the rates of polymer adsorption and desorption using radiotracer techniques. In general, the conformation of adsorbed polystyrene is dependent upon competition among polymer molecules for the available surface sites. At low surface concentration, the adsorbed polymer molecules show a relatively low extension and flat conformation. As the adsorption time continues, or the surface concentration increases, the molecular conformation becomes more extended. Rates of adsorption and desorption provide additional information on the adsorbed molecular conformation. The rate of adsorption is dependent on the molecular weight, solvent, and substrate. For a given molecular weight, the rate of desorption is dependent on the initial adsorbance.
Flash: A GP-GPU Ensemble Learning System for Handling Large Datasets

The Flash system runs ensemble-based Genetic Programming GP symbolic regression on a shared memory desktop. To significantly reduce the high time cost of the extensive model predictions required by symbolic regression, its fitness evaluations are tasked to the desktop's GPU. Successive GP "instances" are run on different data subsets and randomly chosen objective functions. Best models are collected after a fixed number of generations and then fused with an adaptive, output-space method. New instance launches are halted once learning is complete. We demonstrate that Flash's ensemble strategy not only makes GP more robust, but it also provides an informed online means of halting the learning process. Flash enables GP to learn from a dataset composed of 370K exemplars and 90 features, evolving a population of 1000 individuals over 100 generations in as few as 50 seconds.
A Comparative Evaluation of Conjoint Measurement and Goal Programming as Aids in Decision Making for Marine Environmental Protection

This paper compares the use of two MCDM methods — goal programming in an extended form and direct utility assessment via conjoint measurement — for determining solutions to a resource allocation problem confronted by the U. S. Coast Guard’s Marine Environmental Protection Program. The problem is discussed, solutions generated and an analysis is then presented to explain why the goal programming method appears to have been more attractive to Coast Guard decision makers.
Ambroxol Induces Autophagy and Potentiates Rifampin Antimycobacterial Activity.

ABSTRACT Host-directed therapy in tuberculosis is a potential adjunct to antibiotic chemotherapy directed at Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ambroxol, a lead compound, emerged from a screen for autophagy-inducing drugs. At clinically relevant doses, ambroxol induced autophagy in vitro and in vivo and promoted mycobacterial killing in macrophages. Ambroxol also potentiated rifampin activity in a murine tuberculosis model.