cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ammonia–water ice laboratory studies relevant to outer Solar System surfaces

Abstract Although water- and ammonia-ices have been observed or postulated as important components of the icy surfaces of planetary satellites in the outer Solar System, significant gaps exist in our knowledge of the spectra and behavior of such mixtures under astrophysical conditions. To that end, we have completed low-temperature spectroscopic studies (1–20 μm) of water–ammonia mixtures, with an emphasis on features in the near-IR, a region which is accessible to ground-based observations. The influences of composition, formation temperature, thermal- and radiation-processing, and phase (crystalline or amorphous) of the components were examined. Spectra of both pure NH3 and H2O–NH3 icy mixtures with ratios from 0.7 to 57 were measured at temperatures from 10 to 120 K. Conditions for the formation and thermal stability of the ammonia hemihydrate (2NH3⋅H2O) and the ammonia monohydrate (NH3⋅H2O) have been examined. Band positions of NH3 in different H2O-ices and major band positions of the hydrates were measured. We report spectral shifts that depend on concentration and temperature. The radiation-induced amorphization of the hemihydrate was observed and the radiation destruction of NH3 in H2O-ices was measured. Implications of these results for the formation, stability, and detection of ammonia on outer satellite surfaces are discussed.
The "single-assignment" approach to parallel processing

Parallel processing systems---computer systems in which more than one processor is active simultaneously---offer potential advantages over uniprocessor systems in terms of speed, flexibility, reliability, and economies of scale. However, they pose the problem of how multiple processors can be organized to cooperate on a given problem without interference. Various solutions have been proposed to this problem. Some systems require a programmer to assign units of work to the various processors, while other systems perform this assignment automatically; in some systems, the processors are linked closely together, while in others the processors are nearly independent. The system to be described here automatically detects opportunities for parallel processing in programs written in a specific, high-level language. Parallelism is detected on a very low level---even within a single algebraic expression. The system consists of many independent, asynchronous processors, all active at once in processing a single program.
Patient-reported outcomes measurement and management with innovative methodologies and technologies

Successful integration of modern psychometrics and advanced informatics in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measurement and management can potentially maximize the value of health outcomes research and optimize the delivery of quality patient care. Unlike the traditional labor-intensive paper-and-pencil data collection method, item response theory-based computerized adaptive testing methodologies coupled with novel technologies provide an integrated environment to collect, analyze and present ready-to-use PRO data for informed and shared decision-making. This article describes the needs, challenges and solutions for accurate, efficient and cost-effective PRO data acquisition and dissemination means in order to provide critical and timely PRO information necessary to actively support and enhance routine patient care in busy clinical settings.
The limits of HVDC transmission

Abstract Renewable energy is abundant, but not necessarily near the urban centers where it will be used. Therefore, it must be transported; and this transport entails a systemic energy penalty. In this paper simple qualitative calculations are introduced to show (i) that high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) power lines for megameter and greater distances are unlikely to achieve power capacities much beyond 2 GW, although they can be paralleled; (ii) that most sources and sinks of electric power are rather less than 10,000 km apart; (iii) that such long lines can be constructed to have transmission losses ˜ 2%; and (iv) that lines of such low loss in fact meet minimal standards of intergenerational equity.
Is patent foramen ovale closure effective in reducing migraine symptoms? A controlled study

Objectives: We investigated the prevalence of migraine in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO), and the effect of PFO closure on migraine symptoms and medications. Background: Studies have shown an association between migraine and PFO. Data have recently suggested a reduction in migraine symptoms following PFO closure. Most of these studies had no controls. Methods: Subjects were divided into three groups: No PFO (Controls, n = 65), PFO with no intervention (“Open PFO”, n = 63), and PFO treated with percutaneous closure (“Closed PFO”, n = 41). We measured the frequency, severity, and impact of migraine on quality of life employing MIDAS scores. Comparisons were made preceding and 90 days after either transesophageal echocardiography (Controls and “Open PFO”) or PFO closure (“Closed PFO”). We compared the use of abortive medications between the two time points. Results: Migraine, especially with aura, was more prevalent in both PFO groups (P < 0.05). Migraine frequency was reduced by 83% in Closed PFO compared with 0% of Open PFO and 10% of control patients (P < 0.0001). Migraine severity and MIDAS scores were reduced by PFO closure when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.0001, P = 0.035 respectively). Reduction in abortive medications was noted in 71% after closure, 5% of Open PFO, and 10% of Controls (P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this controlled study, migraine, especially with aura, is more frequent in subjects with PFO. PFO closure is associated with a reduction in migraine frequency and severity, as well as an improvement in MIDAS scores. PFO closure was associated with a significant reduction in the use of abortive medications. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Is Immigration Responsible for the Crime Drop? An Assessment of the Influence of Immigration on Changes in Violent Crime Between 1990 and 2000

The idea that immigration increases crime rates has historically occupied an important role in criminological theory and has been central to the public and political discourses and debates on immigration policy. In contrast to the common sentiment, some scholars have recently questioned whether the increase in immigration between 1990 and 2000 may have actually been responsible for part of the national decrease in crime during the 1990s. The current work evaluates the influence of immigration on crime in urban areas across the United States between 1990 and 2000. Drawing on U.S. Census and Uniform Crime Report data, I first use ordinary least squares regression models to assess the cross-sectional relationship between immigration patterns and rates of homicide and robbery among U.S. cities with populations of at least 50,000. Second, I employ pooled cross-sectional time-series models to determine how changes in immigration influenced changes in homicide and robbery rates between 1990 and 2000. In the ordinary least squares models, immigration is associated with higher levels of homicide and robbery. However, the pooled cross-sectional time-series models suggest that cities with the largest increases in immigration between 1990 and 2000 experienced the largest decreases in homicide and robbery during the same time period. The findings offer insights into the complex relationship between immigration and crime and suggest that growth in immigration may have been responsible for part of the precipitous crime drop of the 1990s.
Score Reliability: A Retrospective Look Back at 12 Years of Reliability Generalization Studies

The present study was conducted to characterize (a) the features of the thousands of primary reports synthesized in 47 reliability generalization (RG) measurement meta-analysis studies and (b) typical methodological practice within the RG literature to date. With respect to the treatment of score reliability in the literature, in an astounding 54.6% of the 12,994 primary reports authors did not even mention reliability! Furthermore, in 15.7% of the primary reports authors did mention score reliability, but merely inducted previously reported values as if they applied to their data. Clearly, the admonitions of Wilkinson and the APA Task Force (1999) have yet to have their desired impacts with respect to reporting reliability estimates for one’s own data.
Phosphatidylserine flipping enhances membrane curvature and negative charge required for vesicular transport

Vesicle-mediated protein transport between organelles of the secretory and endocytic pathways is strongly influenced by the composition and organization of membrane lipids. In budding yeast, protein transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and early endosome (EE) requires Drs2, a phospholipid translocase in the type IV P-type ATPase family. However, downstream effectors of Drs2 and specific phospholipid substrate requirements for protein transport in this pathway are unknown. Here, we show that the Arf GTPase-activating protein (ArfGAP) Gcs1 is a Drs2 effector that requires a variant of the ArfGAP lipid packing sensor (+ALPS) motif for localization to TGN/EE membranes. Drs2 increases membrane curvature and anionic phospholipid composition of the cytosolic leaflet, both of which are sensed by the +ALPS motif. Using mutant forms of Drs2 and the related protein Dnf1, which alter their ability to recognize phosphatidylserine, we show that translocation of this substrate to the cytosolic leaflet is essential for +ALPS binding and vesicular transport between the EE and the TGN.
Communication Power for Individuals with Autism

Visual language and augmentative communication systems for individuals with pervasive developmental disorders and autism are presented as both a legitimate language and an effective strategy. Using...
Comparative molecular moment analysis (CoMMA)

The binding of a drug molecule to its targeted receptor site is dependent upon a number of physical and chemical factors. In many instances, this binding is a consequence of non-bonding as opposed to covalent interactions and is, therefore, determined to a large extent by the complementarity of ligand molecular shape and charge to its targeted receptor site. Molecular shape and charge can be characterized in a number of different ways as attested to by chapters in this volume. Perhaps the most elemental characterization of molecular shape and charge is provided by the moments of the mass (shape) and charge distributions. For those with no prior exposure to the concept of moments of a distribution, such a mass or charge, suitable references might be useful [1,2]. Certain of the lower-order molecular moments — e.g. molecular weight, moments of inertia, net molecular charge and dipole moment — have been used to characterize molecules, and it is perhaps not fully appreciated that these quantities are lower-order terms in a series that extends to infinity. Table 1 lists these commonly used moments and terminology, up to and inclusive of the second order of the molecular mass (shape) and charge. Molecular weight, moments of inertia and dipole moment have been previously used in a number of three-dimensional quantitative structure activity (3D QSAR) studies. Since such lower-order moments had been used to characterize neutral molecules, what captured our interest initially was that quadrupolar moments, the second-order electrostatic analog of the inertial moments, were never mentioned in connection with either discussions of molecular similarity or 3D QSAR procedures. A reason for this became apparent immediately. The comparison of quadrupolar moments between different molecules required the identification of a center — i.e. a center identified in an analogous fashion to the molecular center-of-mass which enables comparison of the moments of inertia of different molecules. Such center had not been identified. The zero’th-order moment of molecular mass is just the molecular weight, which is obviously independent of a location of the origin of multipolar expansion. The inertial or second-order moments do depend upon the choice of origin about which they are cal
A qualitative exploration of emergency contraception users' willingness to select the copper IUD.

Background The copper T intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective but underutilized method of emergency contraception (EC). This study investigates the factors influencing a woman's decision around which method of EC to select.
An assessment of rates of psychiatric morbidity and functioning in HIV disease

Abstract This study examined demography, rates of psychopathology, and functional impairment in HIV-seropositive women and men in a large, urban, public outpatient infectious disease clinic. Fifty-three percent of the women and 70% of the men met Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R criteria for psychiatric disorders. Current mood disorders were the most frequent diagnoses, followed by psychoactive substance abuse/dependence disorders and psychotic disorders. Seventysix percent of the women and 90% of the men had previous psychiatric histories, including 59% of the women and 55% of the men who had psychiatric histories prior to their knowledge of HIV seroconversion. Depressed subjects reported significant impairment in physical, social, and role functioning. Similarly, impairment in physical functioning was highly correlated with self-reported anxiety symptoms. These data suggest considerable past and current psychiatric comorbidity in HIV-infected individuals seeking medical care, and draw attention to the need for recognition and aggressive psychiatric treatment, particularly for those depressed and anxious patients with impaired functioning.
The Impact of Cultural Values on Employee Resistance to Teams: Toward A Model of Globalized Self-Managing Work Team Effectiveness

As a result of both global competition and company downsizing, multinational firms increasingly are using self-managing work teams (SMWTs) in their foreign affiliates. In this article we identify several cultural values that likely will affect whether employees within those facilities will resist the self-management-related and team-related aspects of SMWTs. Further, we argue that the success of SMWTs is related to the extent to which organizations effectively manage culture-based resistance to SMWTs. We then conclude with theoretical implications and recommendations for managers implementing teams globally.
Radiochemical purification of tin and the half-lives of 121Sn, 123Sn, 125Sn and 125Sb

Abstract A procedure is given for the separation and radiochemical determination of tin isotopes in uranium fission product mixtures at least 2 days old. The half-lives of 121Sn, 123Sn, 125Sn and 125Sb were determined to be 26·85 ± 0·20 hr, 129·0 ± 0·5 days, 9·625 ± 0·025 days and 2·81 ± 0·05 years, respectively.
LEPTIN IS A METABOLIC SIGNAL TO THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Leptin, a newly-discovered hormonal product of the obese (ob) gene, is expressed by adipocytes and thought to play a role in the regulation of food intake and metabolism. We tested the hypothesis that leptin signals metabolic information to the reproductive system by examining its effects on the reproductive system of ob/ob mice, which have a congenital deficiency in leptin and are infertile. We treated pair-fed males and females with leptin (50 microg twice daily, ip) or vehicle (n=10/group) for 14 days, after which the animals were bled and killed. Leptin-treated females had significantly elevated serum levels of LH, increased ovarian and uterine weights, and stimulated aspects of ovarian and uterine histology compared to controls. Leptin-treated males had significantly elevated serum levels of FSH, increased testicular and seminal vesicle weights, greater seminal vesicle epithelial cell height, and elevated sperm counts compared to controls. These results demonstrate that leptin stimulates the reproductive endocrine system in both sexes of ob/ob mice and suggest that leptin may serve as a permissive signal to the reproductive system of normal animals.
The nature of the interface: man and machine

Almost two decades have passed since the first promise of computerized information systems capable of executing the functions of management was enthusiastically voiced [1]. Today a search for even one example of the prophesized total management information system (MIS) proves futile. Fortunately, the overly optimistic rhetoric of the early 1960s has succumbed to more mature deliberations [e.g., 2, 3]. Why, though, has the MIS concept failed to win widespread acceptance?
LONG-TERM PHENOMENOLOGICAL MODEL OF PHOSPHORUS AND OXYGEN FOR STRATIFIED LAKES

Abstract A budget model is developed to predict the long-term response of a lake to changes in its phosphorus loading. This model computes total phosphorus and hypolimnetic oxygen concentrations, taking sediment-water interactions into account. The lake is treated as two segments: the water and a surface sediment layer. A total phosphorus budget for the water accounts for inputs due to external loading and recycle from the sediments. It reflects losses due to flushing and settling. The sediment layer gains total phosphorus by settling and loses total phosphorus by recycle and burial. The recycle from the sediments to the water is dependent on the levels of sediment total phosphorus and hypolimnetic oxygen. Hypolimnetic oxygen concentration is estimated with a semi-empirical model. The model is applied to Shagawa Lake. An analysis is performed to demonstrate how its predictions replicate in-lake changes not possible with simpler phosphorus budget models.
A Novel 2-Aminomuconate Deaminase in the Nitrobenzene Degradation Pathway of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes JS45

2-Aminomuconate, an intermediate in the metabolism of tryptophan in mammals, is also an intermediate in the biodegradation of nitrobenzene by Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes JS45. Strain JS45 hydrolyzes 2-aminomuconate to 4-oxalocrotonic acid, with the release of ammonia, which serves as the nitrogen source for growth of the microorganism. As an initial step in studying the novel deamination mechanism, we report here the purification and some properties of 2-aminomuconate deaminase. The purified enzyme migrates as a single band with a molecular mass of 16.6 kDa in 15% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. The estimated molecular mass of the native enzyme was 100 kDa by gel filtration and 4 to 20% gradient nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting that the enzyme consists of six identical subunits. The enzyme was stable at room temperature and exhibited optimal activity at pH 6.6. The Km for 2-aminomuconate was approximately 67 microM, and the Vmax was 125 micromol x min(-1) x mg(-1). The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme did not show any significant similarity to any sequence in the databases. The purified enzyme converted 2-aminomuconate directly to 4-oxalocrotonate, rather than 2-hydroxymuconate, which suggests that the deamination was carried out via an imine intermediate.
Etiology and Diagnosis of Fungal Postoperative Endophthalmitis

Delayed infections after ocular surgery (especially cataract) are usually due to saprophytic contaminant fungi of relatively low pathogenicity. About 20 different varieties of fungi have been cultured from such eyes. Thus, as far as the eye is concerned, there is no such thing as a harmless, benign fungus. Mycotic postoperative endophthalmitis is a distinct entity with a typical clinical picture, easily diagnosed once learned. Laboratory tests are often positive. Since the visual result is poor even if the eye is saved, prevention and early recognition are our primary concerns. In this regard, a recent episode of 12 infections from contaminated intraocular lens neutralizing solutions as well as other sporadic instances of fungal infection after lens implantation must be noted.
Plasma Catecholamines in Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Plasma catecholamines, as determined by a new improved method, are increased in hypothyroidism and decreased in hyperthyroidism. In addition, plasma catecholamine values are inversely correlated with total thyroxine values in hyperthyroidism.
Primary Colors: A Mixed Blessing for Al Gore

by Helmut Norpoth, SUNY, Stony Brook Having nailed down his party's presidential nomination with an early and decisive victory in the primaries, Al Gore will go on to defeat George W Bush in the general election by a comfortable margin. The Democratic ticket, so the prediction, will take 55% of the major-party popular vote in November, compared to 45% for the Republican one-almost exactly the reverse of what national polls have been showing as late as June of the election year.
Current distribution on a dipole antenna in a warm plasma

A cylindrical dipole antenna having finite dimensions, and surrounded by a homogeneous warm plasma, has been treated as a boundary-value problem. The current on the antenna has been determined and has been found to possess an oscillatory component, the fluctuations of which have approximately the wavelength of the surface wave on a corresponding infinite cylinder immersed in a warm plasma.
Effector T Cells and Ischemia-Induced Systemic Angiogenesis in the Lung

Lymphocytes have been shown to modulate angiogenesis. Our previous work showed that T regulatory (Treg) cell depletion prevented angiogenesis. In the present study, we sought to examine T-cell populations during lung angiogenesis and subsequent angiostasis. In a mouse model of ischemia-induced systemic angiogenesis in the lung, we examined the time course (0-35 d) of neovascularization and T-cell phenotypes within the lung after left pulmonary artery ligation (LPAL). T cells increased and reached a maximum by 10 days after LPAL and then progressively decreased, suggestive of a modulatory role during the early phase of new vessel growth. Because others have shown IFN-γ to be angiostatic in tumor models, we focused on this effector T-cell cytokine to control the magnitude of angiogenesis. Results showed that IFN-γ protein is secreted at low levels after LPAL and that mice required Treg depletion to see the full effect of effector T cells. Using Foxp3(DTR) and diphtheria toxin to deplete T regulatory cells, increased numbers of effector T cells (CD8(+)) and/or increased capacity to secrete the prominent angiostatic cytokine IFN-γ (CD4(+)) were seen. In vitro culture of mouse systemic and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells with IFN-γ showed increased endothelial cell apoptosis. CD8(-/-) mice and IFN-γR(-/-) mice showed enhanced angiogenesis compared with wild-type mice, confirming that, in this model, IFN-γ limits the extent of systemic neovascularization in the lung.
Carbachol-induced down-regulation of high-affinity receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide

When dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas are first incubated with carbachol, the subsequent binding of 125I-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is inhibited during a second incubation. This inhibitory action of carbachol on binding of 125I-VIP depends on time, temperature, and the concentration of carbachol in the first incubation and can be blocked by atropine. First incubating acini with A23187, ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), cholecystokinin octapeptide, bombesin, or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate does not alter binding of 125I-VIP. Adding EGTA to the first incubation medium abolishes the effect of carbachol on binding of 125I-VIP. In control acini or acini first incubated with carbachol, approximately half of the bound 125I-VIP can be stripped by acetic acid. 125I-VIP interacts with two distinct classes of receptors on pancreatic acini. One has a high affinity for VIP (Kd, 1 nM); the other has a low affinity for VIP (Kd, 2 microM). First incubating acini with carbachol decreases the number but not the affinity of high-affinity VIP receptors with no change in the number or affinity of low-affinity VIP receptors. Pancreatic acini possess two classes of muscarinic cholinergic receptors: one has a high affinity (Kd, 4 microM) and the other has a low affinity (Kd, 698 microM) for carbachol. The dose-response curve for carbachol-induced inhibition of binding of 125I-VIP and that for occupation of low-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors by carbachol are similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Estimating Flood Discharges in Reservoir-Regulated River Basins by Integrating Synthetic SWOT Satellite Observations and Hydrologic Modeling

AbstractLakes and reservoirs are widely used for water supply and flood control, especially during large storm events. In hydrologic modeling applications, accounting for the regulated behavior of reservoirs distributed throughout a river system poses a significant challenge, especially during flood events, when detailed reservoir operation rules and strategies are implemented. Building on this problem, this study addresses this question: Can we model reservoir water storage changes and outlet discharges based on satellite measurements of river water surface elevation and inundated areas especially during the flood event? A method is presented and evaluated using synthetic observations as a proxy for measurements from the forthcoming surface water and ocean topography (SWOT) satellite mission. The May 2010 flood event in the Cumberland River Basin is used as a case study. Based on synthetic SWOT observation, time series of water storage changes are generated and evaluated for eight reservoirs. As expected...
Developmental Data and Phylogenetic Systematics: Evolution of the Vertebrate Limb1

Abstract Among the primary contributions of phylogenetic systematics to the synthesis of developmental biology and evolution are phylogenetic hypotheses. Phylogenetic hypotheses are critical in interpreting the patterns of evolution of developmental genes and processes, as are morphological data. Using a robust phylogeny, the evolutionary history of individual morphological or developmental features can be traced and ancestral conditions inferred. Multiple characters (e.g., morphological and developmental) can be mapped together on the phylogeny, and patterns of character association can be quantified and tested for correlation. Using the vertebrate forelimb as an example, I show that by mapping accurate morphological data (homologous skeletal elements of the vertebrate forelimb) onto a phylogeny, an alternative interpretation of Hox gene expression emerges. Teleost fishes and tetrapods may share no homologous skeletal elements in their forelimbs, and thus similarities and differences in Hox patterns duri...
Self-Incrimination and the European Court of Human Rights: Procedural Issues in the Enforcement of the Right to Silence

This article provides an analysis of the procedural aspects of the right to silence falling within Art. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The author examines the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights under the following areas: overview, appearance to answer questions, a demand for documents, false responses, warnings and adverse inferences. The subject is discussed at investigation stage, just prior to and during civil and criminal proceedings. The piece concludes with summaries of the jurisprudence in these varying circumstances.Posted with permission of the European Human Rights Law Review, Thomson/Sweet & Maxwell Ltd.
Predicting Functional Decline and Recovery for Residents in Veterans Affairs Nursing Homes

Purpose of the study This article describes methods and accuracy of predicting change in activities of daily living (ADLs) for nursing home patients following hospitalization. Design and methods Electronic Health Record data for 5,595 residents of Veterans Affairs' (VAs') Community Living Centers (CLCs) aged 70 years and older were analyzed within the VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. Data included diagnoses from 7,106 inpatient records, 21,318 functional status evaluations, and 69,140 inpatient diagnoses. The Barthel Index extracted from CLC's Minimum Data Set was used to assess ADLs loss and recovery. Patients' diagnoses on hospital admission, ADL status prior to hospitalization, age, and gender were used alone or in combination to predict ADL loss/gain following hospitalization. Area under the Receiver-Operator Curve (AUC) was used to report accuracy of predictions in short (14 days) and long-term (15-365 days) follow-up post-hospitalization. Results Admissions fell into 7 distinct patterns of recovery and loss: early recovery 19%, delayed recovery 9%, delayed recovery after temporary decline 9%, early decline 29%, delayed decline 10%, delayed decline after temporary recovery 6%, and no change 18%. Models accurately predicted ADL's 14-day post-hospitalization (AUC for bathing 0.917, bladder 0.842, bowels 0.875, dressing 0.871, eating 0.867, grooming 0.902, toileting 0.882, transfer 0.852, and walking deficits was 0.882). Accuracy declined but remained relatively high when predicting 14-365 days post-hospitalization (AUC ranging from 0.798 to 0.875). Implications Predictive modeling may allow development of more personalized predictions of functional loss and recovery after hospitalization among nursing home patients.
Construction of a fault-tolerant grid of processors for wafer-scale integration

With the advent of wafer-scale integration (WSI), the placement of several “processors” on a single VLSI wafer is becoming a realistic possibility. To avoid the problems of a very low yield inherent in any silicon component of (very) large area, redundant components will be used.
Determining Mechanical Properties of Escherichia Coli by Nanoindentation

Escherichia coli, like other gram-negative bacteria, is protected from the surrounding harsh environment by a cell wall consisting of the peptidoglycan and outer membrane. Whereas the cytoplasmic membrane is the selective barrier, the cell wall provides mechanical strength for the cell. As bacteria navigate various environments, osmotic pressure can change dramatically due to changes in local solute concentration. The peptidoglycan together with the cellular proteins mitigates the osmotic stress that would otherwise cause lysis. The mechanical properties of E. coli cells and its individual layers have been largely indeterminable until the recent development of probe-based measurement tools. Since their invention, scientists have reported significant data measuring elasticity, modulus, and stiffness using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fundamentally, in order to determine these mechanical properties through probe-based techniques, the contact area and load should be well defined. The load can be precisely calculated through the AFM cantilever spring constant. However, the silicon tip contact area can only be estimated, potentially leading to compounding uncertainties. Therefore, we developed a methodology to determine nanomechanical properties of E. coli using a nanoindenter.
Fiber Optic Excitation Modeling

An experimental fiber optic seismic sensor and conventional point seismic sensors were deployed to monitor human generated signals in the US Southwest. Data from the two techniques were compared and the frequency domain results correlated well. Finite element modeling was performed to verify the results of the data collection. A high-performance computing code, PSTOP3D, was compared to desktop modeling performed using COMSOL Multiphysics using real-world parameters collected during the experiment Introduction Traditional telecommunication fiber optic cables can be used as seismic sensors. The geophysical or geologically based signals are collected from the fiber using a recently developed proprietary laser integrator. The signals of interest include people movement, automobiles, dropping, digging, and mechanical tools. These signals are strains to the fiber optic cable where reflections from these strains in the fiber are measured by the laser integrator. The fiber optic cable is divided up into sections of predetermined lengths; these sections are used to localize the signal received by the integrator. The laser integrator produces digital signals in both the time and frequency domains. These integrators can be used with existing or tactically installed fiber optic cable. As with any new sensor it is important to understand the information the sensor produces, this is accomplished by comparing the fiber optic sensor to conventional point sensors.
Genesis of remote conditioning: action at a distance – ‘hypotheses non fingo’?

Remote ischemic preconditioning is the phenomenon whereby brief episodes of ischemia-reperfusion applied in a distant organ or tissue render the myocardium resistant to infarction. The discovery of remote conditioning was not a serendipitous finding, but, rather, was predicted by mathematical modeling. In the current review, we describe how the hypothesis for remote conditioning was formulated and tested, how the paradigm has expanded to encompass a spectrum of remote triggers, and summarize the progress that has been made in elucidating the mechanisms responsible for this intriguing form of cardioprotection.
Application of the Advanced Distillation Curve Method to the Variability of Jet Fuels

In this paper, we report the application of the advanced distillation-curve (ADC) approach to the gas turbine fuels Jet-A, JP-8, and JP-5, in order to obtain information about the variability of th...
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

High-dose myeloablative therapy with autologous or allogeneic stem cell rescue is an effective treatment strategy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), but NHL is much less likely to stay in remission after an autologous transplant than after an allogeneic transplant. The benefit of undergoing an autologous transplant earlier in the course of the disease, especially for patients who present with intermediate or high scores on the International Prognostic Index of risk factors, is still unclear. The addition of immunotherapy, biologic modifiers, and antibody therapy such as rituximab (Rituxan) or radiolabeled antibody to the autologous transplant are approaches undergoing evaluation. Historically, there has been a high regimen-related mortality rate associated with myeloablative allogeneic transplant that has made this approach a less appealing option for therapy. The use of nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplants as treatment for NHL is less well studied and remains to be defined.
X-ray fluorescence at nanoscale resolution for multicomponent layered structures: a solar cell case study

The study of a multilayered and multicomponent system by spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence microscopy poses unique challenges in achieving accurate quantification of elemental distributions. This is particularly true for the quantification of materials with high X-ray attenuation coefficients, depth-dependent composition variations and thickness variations. A widely applicable procedure for use after spectrum fitting and quantification is described. This procedure corrects the elemental distribution from the measured fluorescence signal, taking into account attenuation of the incident beam and generated fluorescence from multiple layers, and accounts for sample thickness variations. Deriving from Beer–Lambert's law, formulae are presented in a general integral form and numerically applicable framework. The procedure is applied using experimental data from a solar cell with a Cu(In,Ga)Se­2 absorber layer, measured at two separate synchrotron beamlines with varied measurement geometries. This example shows the importance of these corrections in real material systems, which can change the interpretation of the measured distributions dramatically.
Abstract 2256: GLI2 inhibition suppresses metastasis of HER2+ breast cancer

Metastasis of breast cancer is a significant problem majorly in HER2 positive cancer, as there are no therapeutic targets known. Due to inherent complexity of the process, underlying mechanisms of metastasis are largely unknown. We have shown previously that HER2 overexpression enhances the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. The results from our previous studies showed that a 22 fold increase in HER2 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells lead to several orders of magnitude increase in the metastasis of the MDA-MB-231 cells. However, HER2 inhibition alone did not significantly suppress metastasis. Hence we investigated the molecular changes induced by HER2 expression that may promote metastasis of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, we observed an increased expression of GLI2 in the metastatic tumors formed by HER2+ cells in the mice lungs. GLI2 is a transcription factor of sonic hedgehog pathway and aberrant signaling of this pathway has been implicated in several cancers. In addition, GLI2 is overexpressed in breast tumors and associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. GLI2 was therefore silenced using shRNA to study its role in metastasis of MDA-MB-231 high HER2 (HH) breast cancer cells. We achieved about 66% knock down of GLI2 expression using GLI2 shRNA. Our results showed that silencing of GLI2 inhibited the migration of HH cells by more than 60%. Our results also demonstrated over 80% inhibition of the invasion of (HH) cells with silenced GLI2. Furthermore, HH luciferase expressing cells were transfected with GLI2 shRNA or scrambled shRNA and equal numbers of live cells were injected intravenously in athymic nude mice. The trajectory and growth of control and GLI2 silenced MDA-MB-231 HH cells were monitored by non-invasive IVIS imaging system. A drastic reduction of luminescence was observed in the lungs of mice injected with GLI2 silenced HH cells as compared to mice injected with control HH cells, indicating inhibition of metastasis. Taken together our results establish GLI2 as an important target for therapy in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Further mechanistic studies are in progress. [Supported in part by R01 grant CA129038 awarded to S.K.S. by the National Cancer Institute] Citation Format: Parul Gupta, Alok Ranjan, Neel M. Fofaria, Sanjay K. Srivastava. GLI2 inhibition suppresses metastasis of HER2+ breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2256. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2256
Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate-Impregnated Cloth on Surgical Site Infections in Vascular Surgery.

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant burden to patients and health care systems. This retrospective study evaluates the observed rates of SSI after our institution implemented chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated (CHG) cloth as a preoperative antiseptic preparation in elective vascular surgery. Methods Between March 2011 and January 2012, we reviewed 250 patients who underwent elective vascular surgery who used the CHG cloth preoperatively. Their rate of SSIs was compared with 252 control patients who received the CHG shower preoperatively during the preintervention period. Urgent and emergent cases were excluded. The primary outcome measured was SSI within 30 days of index operation. Results There was no baseline difference in mean age, gender distribution, smoking status, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the number of patients with body mass index >40 between the cohorts. There was no difference in the overall rate (5.6% vs. 5.6%, P = 1.00) and type of SSIs between the 2 groups, but the control group trended toward deeper infections (4 deep incisional and 2 organ space vs. none and 1, respectively). The control group also had more dirty or infected wound categories (10 vs. 21.4%, P < 0.01) and more perioperative antibiotic errors and hypothermia (P < 0.02). Conclusions There was no observed difference in SSI rates before and after implementation of the CHG as the preoperative method of skin decontamination in our retrospective case-control cohorts.
Enhancing Clients' Communication Regarding Goals for Using Psychiatric Medications.

Objective:Discordance between psychiatric care providers’ and clients’ goals for medication treatment is prevalent and is a barrier to person-centered care. Power statements—short self-advocacy statements prepared by clients in response to a two-part template—offer a novel approach to help clients clarify and communicate their personal goals for using psychiatric medications. This study described the power statement method and examined a sample of power statements to understand clients’ goals for medication treatment.Methods:More than 17,000 adults with serious mental illness at 69 public mental health clinics had the option to develop power statements by using a Web application located in the clinic waiting areas. A database query determined the percentage of clients who entered power statements into the Web application. The authors examined textual data from a random sample of 300 power statements by using content analysis.Results:Nearly 14,000 (79%) clients developed power statements. Of the 277 statem...
Chemical Imaging of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Copper Using Compressive Hyperspectral Sum Frequency Generation Microscopy

Sum frequency generation microscopy is a label-free optical imaging technique with intrinsic molecular vibrational contrast for surface studies. Recent developments of compressive sensing broad-band hyperspectral SFG microscopy have demonstrated the potential application for imaging monolayer at metal surfaces with micrometer spatial resolution. Here is presented the capability of chemical imaging of spatially patterned monolayers of 1-octadecanethiol (ODT) and 16-methoxy-1-hexadecanethiol (MeOHT) molecules assembled on a copper surface. The spatial distributions of the monolayer with vibrational-spectral contrast are well-demonstrated at different frequency regions through reconstruction of the hypercube using a 3-dimensional total variation regularization algorithm (3DTV). Spatial-chemical distributions of each component are also reconstructed directly from the compressive measurements by endmember unmixing (CEU) scheme. Compared to 3DTV algorithm, the reconstruction from CEU shows spatial distribution ...
Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) phosphorylated protein expression at serines 104/106, 118 and 167 in tissue microarrays (TMAs) of ERα positive invasive ductal breast tumors

1578 It is well known that ERα activity is regulated by phosphorylation and important phosphorylation sites are Serines 104, 106, 118 and 167. Phosphorylation at serine 118 (P-S118-ERα) and serine 167 (P-S167-ERα) can be regulated by both ligand independent as well as ligand dependent factors, leading to speculation that altered phosphorylation of these sites may play a role in resistance to endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Development of novel phospho-specific antibodies have provided powerful tools to measure ERα phosphorylation at S104,6, S118 and S167 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in human breast tumors and determine any associations of ERα phosphorylation with established clinical markers of prognosis and outcome to endocrine therapy. In the largest series of patient samples to date (n=381), P-S118-ERα was significantly associated with a better response to tamoxifen therapy and with markers of good prognosis in 336 primary ERα positive breast biopsies. Patients with P-S118-ERα positive tumors had a longer relapse free survival, compared to those whose tumors were P-S118-ERα negative ( P =0.044). P-S118-ERα was significantly correlated with progesterone receptor (PgR) [ r =0.22, Spearman coefficient, P r =- 0.15, P =0.0064) . Similar to P-S118-ERα, a trend to better clinical outcome was also observed for P-S167-ERα in 381 breast biopsies. In addition, P-S167-ERα was also positively correlated with PgR LBA ( r =0.17, P =0.0006), P-S118-ERα ( r =0.29, P r =- 0.20, P r =0.30, P r =0.14, P =0.025) and inversely with tumor size ( r =- 0.16, P =0.012). However, no significant association to clinical outcome was found. These data demonstrate for the first time the detection of multiple phosphorylated forms of ERα in breast cancer and suggest that profiles of phosphorylated ERα isoforms might be useful in selecting subgroups of breast cancer patients that would benefit from endocrine therapy.
Sliding mode observer for fluid flow

Many phenomena in science and engineering are described using partial differential equations. However, for the systems modeled by PDEs, having access to the states of the system can be challenging due to technical difficulties such as lacking enough sensors in the system. In this paper the problem of estimating the parameters of fluid flow described by distributed parameter systems is considered. Two simplified versions of Navier-Stokes equations, Burgers' and advection equations, are practiced to model the fluid dynamics. Using the principles of sliding mode control theory, the distributed parameter observer is designed in order estimate the parameters of the system having only limited number of measurements available.
Biochemical Analysis of Dimethyl Suberimidate-crosslinked Yeast Nucleosomes

Nucleosomes are the fundamental unit of eukaryotic chromosome packaging, comprised of 147 bp of DNA wrapped around two molecules of each of the core histone proteins H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Nucleosomes are symmetrical, with one axis of symmetry centered on the homodimeric interaction between the C-termini of the H3 molecules. To explore the functional consequences of nucleosome symmetry, we designed an obligate pair of H3 heterodimers, termed H3X and H3Y, allowing us to compare cells with single or double H3 alterations. Our biochemical validation of the heterodimeric X-Y interaction included intra-nucleosomal H3 crosslinking using dimethyl suberimidate (DMS). Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the use of DMS to analyze yeast nucleosomes.
Genetic incompatibility combined with female-lethality is effective and robust in simulations of Aedes aegypti population control

Recent reports of CRISPR/Cas9-based suppression gene drives in insects underscore the challenge of overcoming genetic resistance. Here we present results from agent-based simulation modeling of a novel Field-Amplified Male Sterility System (FAMSS) that outperforms suppression gene drives when challenged with genetic resistance. FAMSS combines a recently described synthetic genetic incompatibility approach with previously demonstrated female-lethality constructs. Our results suggest that FAMSS will be an effective strategy for temporally and spatially self-limited suppression of the disease vectoring mosquito, Aedes aegypti.
Knowledge in the Humanities and Social Sciences

The history of the theory of knowledge confronts us with what appears to be a perpetual “frontier” mentality. No matter how exhaustive or ramified its previous philosophical labors may have been, it seems forever bent on testing the need for still another beginning. That is as true today as it ever was during the period of nearly constant innovation running from Descartes to Kant to Hegel. You have only to think of the startling frequency with which theorists continue to believe themselves to be initiating entirely new beginnings or, finally, to be correcting the hopeless conceptual errors and inadequacies of all past canons. Think, for instance, of Edmund Husserl’s Cartesian Meditations (1960) or W.V. Quine’s “Epistemology Naturalized” (1969); or, more adventurously, Michel Foucault’s Nietzscheanized genealogies (1977) or Paul Churchland’s would-be elimination of the entire “folk” conception of epistemology (1989).