cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Re-reading remittances through solidarity: Mexican hometown associations in New York City

Abstract This paper analyzes how Mexican hometown associations in New York City practice solidarity so that they might best meet the needs of the transnational communities that they serve. Commonly formed by immigrants in the United States, hometown associations are organizations which send money collectively to their home countries, supporting public infrastructure and community projects. Scholars have debated both the merits of remittance programs that channel migrant funds as economic development and the agency of immigrant economies in neoliberal development structures. Through primary data collected from interviews in New York City, I review the frustrations that hometown associations have with one such program: Mexico's programa tres por uno para migrantes . Concurrently, I examine how the same hometown associations engage ethical economic practices of collective remittance sending and community service provision in New York City. Drawing on feminist literature on diverse economies, I argue that the solidarity work of hometown associations disrupts the dominant remittance as development discourse. Migrants are not content to participate in tres por uno and through practicing solidarity they distance themselves from this neoliberal policy.
Lipogels for Encapsulation of Hydrophilic Proteins and Hydrophobic Small Molecules.

Lipid-polymer hybrid materials have the potential to exhibit enhanced stability and loading capabilities in comparison to parent liposome or polymer materials. However, complexities lie in formulating and characterizing such complex nanomaterials. Here we describe a lipid-coated polymer gel (lipogel) formulated using a one-pot methodology, where self-assembling liposomes template a UV-curable polymer gel core. Using fluorescently-labeled lipids, protein, and hydrophobic molecules, we have characterized their formation, purification, stability, and encapsulation efficiency via common instrumentation methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and single particle total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. In addition, we confirmed that these dual guest-loaded lipogels are stable in solution for several months. The simplicity of this complete aqueous formation and n...
Interrogating marine virus-host interactions and elemental transfer with BONCAT and nanoSIMS-based methods

While the collective impact of marine viruses has become more apparent over the last decade, a deeper understanding of virus-host dynamics and the role of viruses in nutrient cycling would benefit from direct observations at the single-virus level. We describe two new complementary approaches - stable isotope probing coupled with nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) and fluorescence-based biorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) - for studying the activity and biogeochemical influence of marine viruses. These tools were developed and tested using several ecologically relevant model systems (Emiliania huxleyi/EhV207, Synechococcus sp. WH8101/Syn1, and Escherichia coli/T7). By resolving carbon and nitrogen enrichment in viral particles, we demonstrate the power of nanoSIMS tracer experiments in obtaining quantitative estimates for the total number of viruses produced directly from a particular production pathway (by isotopically labeling host substrates). Additionally, we show through laboratory experiments and a pilot field study that BONCAT can be used to directly quantify viral production (via epifluorescence microscopy) with minor sample manipulation and no dependency on conversion factors. This technique can also be used to detect newly synthesized viral proteins. Together these tools will help fill critical gaps in our understanding of the biogeochemical impact of viruses in the ocean.
Measurement of Physiological Monitor Alarm Accuracy and Clinical Relevance in Intensive Care Units.

Background Alarm fatigue threatens patient safety by delaying or reducing clinician response to alarms, which can lead to missed critical events. Interventions to reduce alarms without jeopardizing patient safety target either inaccurate or clinically irrelevant alarms, so assessment of alarm accuracy and clinical relevance may enhance the rigor of alarm intervention studies done in clinical units. Objectives To (1) examine approaches used to measure accuracy and/or clinical relevance of physiological monitor alarms in intensive care units and (2) compare the proportions of inaccurate and clinically irrelevant alarms. Methods An integrative review was used to systematically search the literature and synthesize resulting articles. Results Twelve studies explicitly measuring alarm accuracy and/or clinical relevance on a clinical unit were identified. In the most rigorous studies, alarms were annotated retrospectively by obtaining alarm data and parameter waveforms rather than being annotated in real time. More than half of arrhythmia alarms in recent studies were inaccurate. However, contextual data were needed to determine alarms' clinical relevance. Proportions of clinically irrelevant alarms were high, but definitions of clinically irrelevant alarms often included inaccurate alarms. Conclusions Future studies testing interventions on clinical units should include alarm accuracy and/or clinical relevance as outcome measures. Arrhythmia alarm accuracy should improve with advances in technology. Clinical interventions should focus on reducing clinically irrelevant alarms, with careful consideration of how clinical relevance is defined and measured.
IoT Metrology

In the Internet of Things (IoT), what can we measure? The authors explore how the field of metrology might be applicable to the IoT.
Genetic and environmental contributions to healthcare need and utilization: a twin analysis.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: An exploratory study to examine the genetic and environmental influences on healthcare-seeking behavior for four health conditions (high blood pressure, mental health problems, joint disorders, and hearing problems). DATA SOURCES: Data collected from 3,602 male-male twin pair members of the Vietnam Era Twin (VET) Registry. STUDY DESIGN: Varying models for the relationship between genetic and environmental influences on health condition liability and on treatment use were tested in an attempt to explain the relative contributions of additive genetic, common, and unique environmental effects to health condition and treatment use. DATA COLLECTION: A mail and telephone survey of general health status was administered in 1987 to VET Registry twins. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Variance component estimates under the best-fitting model for the genetic component ranged from 24 percent to 52 percent for the condition status and from 42 percent to 56 percent for treatment-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization models that consider only environmental parameters will leave a large percentage of variability unexplained. Familial patterns have an impact not only on disease susceptibility but also on healthcare utilization, thereby having lifelong implications for social and fiscal constraints placed on the healthcare system. Thus, explanatory models for healthcare utilization behavior should consider the contribution of genetic factors in the decision to seek and use health services.
Putting the Prosecutor on a Clock? Responding to Variance in the Length of Preliminary Examinations

One of the unique challenges that the International Criminal Court's (ICC's) Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) faces is deciding when and where to launch investigations. It is a task that other international prosecutors have not confronted. Their investigative “situations” were selected in advance, leaving those prosecutors free to focus on the myriad other challenges any international justice enterprise faces. The ICC prosecutor's ability to define her own investigative situations (within the limits of jurisdiction) is both a boon and a burden. On the one hand, it accords the OTP the freedom to select the situations it deems most serious and worthy of international attention. Yet this discretion can also generate intense strain for the prosecutor of a still novel and fragile institution.
Efficiency optimization Method of an Ultra-high Speed, Low Torque Permanent Magnet Motor with Multiphase Configuration

In this paper, design and efficiency optimization of a five-phase permanent motor has been done with rated speed of 500,000 rpm and power of 100 watt. With compact design and high power density, ultra-high speed motors can be a potential candidate for automotive applications. However, one of the major issues for ultra-high speed motor performance is higher losses due to the high excitation frequency. Higher losses can degrade overall system performance and increase the temperature of the motor which can lead to magnet demagnetization. Multiphase winding configuration where per phase current is lower than three phase structure can be a feasible solution to increase the efficiency coupled with optimization method concerning design parameters. In this study, design parameters of the motor such as magnet and stator outer length has been selected for efficiency optimization of the motor. Along with the efficiency, weight and current rating of the motor have been considered as constraints. After that, by using multivariate nonlinear regression analysis and fmincon optimization, optimized magnet and stator length of the motor has been calculated. Performances of optimized motor has been compared with those of a benchmark motor and analyzed for performance improvement.
False Alarm Analysis of the AMF Algorithm for Mismatched Training

Adaptive signal detection algorithms in unknown interference are generally formulated under the assumption that training sets are available for the estimation of the test cell interference characteristics. A significant problem occurs in applications such as radar surveillance when the interference covariance matrices of vectors from the training cells and that of the test cell vector are mismatched. False alarm rates may increase beyond acceptable levels and thus overwhelm a receiver if the interference in the test cell is not adequately cancelled. A number of adaptive detection algorithms with the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property have been designed assuming the availability of training data that have the same covariance matrix as the interference in the test cell (although the adaptive coherence estimator algorithm requires the two covariance matrices to be related by a positive multiplicative constant that is not required to be known). The detection threshold in these CFAR detectors can be selected without knowledge of the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix. To the best of our knowledge, an analytical characterization of the performance effects of a receiver using a mismatched training set (perhaps inadvertently) in adaptive detection is currently not available. This paper addresses the problem analytically. An exact analysis of the effects of interference covariance matrix mismatch on the performance of the adaptive matched filter test is carried out. Results provide insights to the specific aspects of covariance matrix mismatch that cause the increase in false alarms when compared to the matched training set case. Analytical results are illustrated with an example and verified independently with simulations. These results are useful in developing CFAR algorithms under conditions of mismatched training.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Considerations in Fulminant Airway Obstruction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the most common form of mechanical cardiopulmonary support used in children. Since its introduction in 1970 by Baffles for use in children with congenital heart disease, over 57,000 children have been placed on ECMO support for life-threatening conditions (ECLS Registry report: international summary, 2017). In pediatric patients with life-threatening obstruction of the central airways, the use of ECMO has emerged as a technique for stabilization until the obstruction can be relieved and ventilation can be established. With the development of rapid deployment ECMO teams, many patients who fail to respond to standard measures of resuscitation can be placed onto ECMO as a means of stabilization. In patients where fulminant airway obstruction is anticipated, the use of ECMO backup which includes an ECMO cannulation team and a primed ECMO circuit can be ready to assist if needed. While ECMO plays a vital role in supporting children with life-threatening conditions, a large number of severe complications continue to occur as a result of ECMO. Clinicians must weigh the significant risks of ECMO when considering its use in patients with airway obstruction.
Individual Vacant House Detection in Very-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images

The formation and demolition of vacant houses are the most visible sign of city shrinking and revitalization. Timely detection of vacant houses has become an inevitable task to aid the “Smart City”...
Systematic Review of Affective Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Major Depressive Disorder

Pediatric major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating disorder with long-term negative health risks. Understanding the affective neurobiological mechanisms of pediatric MDD may be crucial for refining assessment and identifying intervention targets. To systematically review the literature on affective brain function in pediatric MDD, PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched to identify task-based affective functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies statistically comparing children and adolescents currently diagnosed with MDD to healthy controls. Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria and assessed neural constructs related to positive valence, negative valence, affective cognitive control, and self-related affective processing. The most consistent group differences among depressed compared to healthy youth observed were higher levels of amygdala blood oxygen–level dependent (BOLD) response to negatively valenced stimuli and lower levels of striatal BOLD response to positively valenced stimuli, respectively suggesting heightened negative affective reactivity and blunted reward processing. Findings also implicated extended medial prefrontal and salience network regions, including aberrant function in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), lateral PFC, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); however, the directions of effects were mixed and may be context specific. In all, studies reviewed here underscore affective dysfunction in pediatric MDD and highlight the need to systematically consider neural responsivity in pediatric MDD across contexts.
Communication-efficient view-pooling for distributed multi-view neural networks

Multi-view object detection or the problem of detecting an object using multiple viewpoints, is an important problem in computer vision with varied applications such as distributed smart cameras and collaborative drone swarms. Multi-view object detection algorithms based on deep neural networks (DNNs) achieve high accuracy by view pooling, or aggregating features corresponding to the different views. However, when these algorithms are realized on networks of edge devices, the communication cost incurred by view pooling often dominates the overall latency and energy consumption. In this paper, we propose techniques for communication-efficient view pooling that can be used to improve the efficiency of distributed multi-view object detection and apply them to state-of-the-art multi-view DNNs. First, we propose significance-aware feature selection, which identifies and communicates only those features from each view that are likely to impact the pooled result (and hence, the final output of the DNN). Second, we propose multi-resolution view pooling, which divides views into dominant and non-dominant views, and down-scales the features from non-dominant views using an additional network layer before communicating them for pooling. The dominant and non-dominant views are pooled separately and the results are jointly used to derive the final classification. We implement and evaluate the proposed pooling schemes using a model test-bed of twelve Raspberry Pi 3b+ devices and show that they achieve 9X - 36X reduction in data communicated and 1.8X reduction in inference latency, with no degradation in accuracy.
Erratum to “CASH-RAM: Enabling In-Memory Computations for Edge Inference Using Charge Accumulation and Sharing in Standard 8T-SRAM Arrays”

Machine Learning (ML) workloads being memory- and compute-intensive, consume large amounts of power running on conventional computing systems, restricting their implementations to large-scale data centers. Transferring large amounts of data from the edge devices to the data centers is not only energy expensive, but sometimes undesirable in security-critical applications. Thus, there is a need for building domain-specific hardware primitives for energy-efficient ML processing at the edge. One such approach - in-memory computing , eliminates frequent and unnecessary data-transfers between the memory and the compute units, by directly computing the data where it is stored. However, the analog nature of computations introduces non-idealities, which degrades the overall accuracy of neural networks. In this paper, we propose an in-memory computing primitive for accelerating dot-products within standard 8T-SRAM caches, using charge-sharing. The inherent parasitic capacitance of the bitlines and sourcelines is used for accumulating analog voltages, which can be sensed for an approximate dot product. The charge sharing approach involves a self-compensation technique which reduces the effects of non-idealities, thereby reducing the errors. Our results for ternary weight neural networks show that using the proposed compensation approaches, the accuracy degradation is within 1% and 5% of the baseline accuracy, for the MNIST and CIFAR-10 dataset, respectively, with an energy-delay product improvement of $38\times $ over the standard von-Neumann computing system. We believe that this work can be used in conjunction with existing mitigation techniques, such as re-training approaches, to further enhance system performance.
Improvements to a class of hybrid methods for radiation transport: Nyström reconstruction and defect correction methods

Abstract In this paper, two modifications are introduced for improving the accuracy, versatility, and robustness of a class of hybrid methods for radiation transport. In general, such methods are constructed by splitting the radiative flux into collided and uncollided components to which low- and high-resolution angular approximations are applied, respectively. In this work we focus on discrete ordinates discretizations of high and low order. The first modification we introduce changes the way in which the collided component is mapped into the uncollided component at the end of each time step in a simulation. The new mapping is a Nystrom-type reconstruction that is applicable to arbitrary discrete ordinates quadratures, is guaranteed to preserve positivity of the solution provided that all ordinate weights are positive, is significantly more accurate than previous methods, and can be readily extended to other discretizations such as moment methods, finite element methods, and diffusion approximations. The second modification leverages integral deferred correction (IDC) to iteratively correct for the splitting error introduced by the inconsistency in angular discretization between the collided and uncollided components, in addition to improving the accuracy of the low-order temporal error that is treated by traditional IDC methods. Numerical tests in one- and two-dimensional geometries are used to demonstrate the increased accuracy and efficiency of the proposed modifications. It is found that the two techniques combined yield methods with solution accuracy and memory requirements comparable to that of monolithic discrete ordinates methods while reducing runtime by as much as a factor of between two and ten, depending on the problem.
Development and validation of the Uniform Data Set (v3.0) executive function composite score (UDS3-EF)

Author(s): Staffaroni, Adam M; Asken, Breton M; Casaletto, Kaitlin B; Fonseca, Corrina; You, Michelle; Rosen, Howard J; Boxer, Adam L; Elahi, Fanny M; Kornak, John; Mungas, Dan; Kramer, Joel H | Abstract: IntroductionCognitive composite scores offer a means of precisely measuring executive functioning (EF).MethodsWe developed the Uniform Data Set v3.0 EF composite score (UDS3-EF) in 3507 controls from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center dataset using item-response theory and applied nonlinear and linear demographic adjustments. The UDS3-EF was validated with other neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging from independent research cohorts using linear models.ResultsFinal model fit was good-to-excellent: comparative fit indexn=n0.99; root mean squared error of approximationn=n0.057. UDS3-EF scores differed across validation cohorts (controlsngnmild cognitive impairmentngnAlzheimer's disease-dementia ≈ behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia; Pnln0.001). The UDS3-EF correlated most strongly with other EF tests (βsn=n0.50 to 0.85, Psnln0.001) and more with frontal, parietal, and temporal lobe gray matter volumes (βsn=n0.18 to 0.33, Psn≤n0.004) than occipital gray matter (βn=n0.12, Pn=n0.04). The total sample needed to detect a 40% reduction in UDS3-EF change (nn=n286) was ≈40% of the next best measure (F-words; nn=n714).ConclusionsThe UDS3-EF is well suited to quantify EF in research and clinical trials and offers psychometric and practical advantages over its component tests.
Skyrmion Lattice Topological Hall Effect near Room Temperature.

Magnetic skyrmions are stable nanosized spin structures that can be displaced at low electrical current densities. Because of these properties, they have been proposed as building blocks of future electronic devices with unprecedentedly high information density and low energy consumption. The electrical detection of an ordered skyrmion lattice via the Topological Hall Effect (THE) in a bulk crystal, has so far been demonstrated only at cryogenic temperatures in the MnSi family of compounds. Here, we report the observation of a skyrmion lattice Topological Hall Effect near room temperature (276 K) in a mesoscopic lamella carved from a bulk crystal of FeGe. This region coincides with the skyrmion lattice location revealed by neutron scattering. We provide clear evidence of a re-entrant helicoid magnetic phase adjacent to the skyrmion phase, and discuss the large THE amplitude (5 nΩ.cm) in view of the ordinary Hall Effect.
A Multi-Layered Defense Approach to Safeguard Against Ransomware

There has been a significant rise in ransomware attacks over the last few years. Cyber attackers have made use of tried and true ransomware viruses to target the government, health care, and educational institutions. Ransomware variants can be purchased on the dark web by amateurs giving them the same attack tools used by professional cyber attackers without experience or skill. Traditional antivirus and antimalware products have improved, but they alone fall short when it comes to catching and stopping ransomware attacks. Employee training has become one of the most important aspects of being prepared for attempted cyberattacks. However, training alone only goes so far; human error is still the main entry point for malware and ransomware infections. In this paper, we propose a multi-layered defense approach to safeguard against ransomware. We have come to the startling realization that it is not a matter of “if” your organization will be hit with ransomware, but “when” your organization will be hit with ransomware. If an organization is not adequately prepared for an attack or how to respond to an attack, the effects can be costly and devastating. Our approach proposes having innovative antimalware software on the local machines, properly configured firewalls, active DNS/Web filtering, email security, backups, and staff training. With the implementation of this layered defense, the attempt can be caught and stopped at multiple points in the event of an attempted ransomware attack. If the attack were successful, the layered defense provides the option for recovery of affected data without paying a ransom.
COVID-19: A Crisis and a Tragedy—What’s Next?

Reflecting on the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, theological ethics examines political dynamics, focuses on those affected, discusses hard ethical choices, comments on religious engagements, c...
Everywhere Differentiable Continuums, Mathematical Spaces, and Axioms: Modeling of Financial Phenomena

Formal theoretical proofs show modeling of stock returns on `everywhere differentiable' continuums always is inappropriate to modeling of rational expectations equilibriums (REE). Simultaneously, modeling of stock returns in discrete time always is robust to modeling of each of REE, or feasibility of deviations from REE. In stated respect, modeling in discrete time results in dichotomous sufficiency conditions for each of conformance with, or deviation of investors' priors from REE. Bane of modeling in continuous time is non-dichotomization of connectedness property of stock prices from evolution of stock prices, a contradiction to the norm that connectedness properties be independent of specific elements that are located in topological spaces. In aggregate, while modeling in continuous time induces positive relations between risk (volatility) and returns, contrary to rational expectations, it is relatively low realizations for volatility that have higher risk of generation of negative returns.
The Sanitary Engineer of the Future

The rapid expansion of technology is creating a widely diverging field far from that of the original civil engineer. The sanitary engineer must expand his knowledge in the newer aspects of technology where they affect the environment of man. The future sanitary engineer will meet these new and varied problems.
Key issues in reporting common cancer specimens: Problems in pathologic staging of colon cancer

Abstract Context.—Standardized pathologic assessment is a quality measure for cancer care. Objective.—Pathologic staging parameters and the clinically important stage-independent pathologic factors that pathologists find most problematic to evaluate in colorectal cancer resection specimens are reviewed. The objective of this review is to provide practical guidance for the practicing surgical pathologist. Data Sources.—Published literature related to the TNM staging system for colorectal cancer of the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer and to stage-independent tissue-based prognostic factor evaluation was included in the review. Study Selection, Data Extraction, and Synthesis.—Published guidelines from authoritative sources and published peer-reviewed data related to colorectal cancer staging and pathologic prognostic factor assessment were included for consideration. The general and site-specific rules of application of the American Joint Committee on Cancer and ...
Variable Drug Response: Genetic Evaluation

The field of pharmacogenomics attempts to evaluate the contribution of genetic variants to drug sensitivity and adverse effects. Over the past decade, the pharmacogenomics field has evolved from using candidate gene approaches to application of genome-wide approaches for the identification of genetic variants associated with drug responses. Understanding the underlying biology of these associations as well as their translation into clinical practice represents a major ongoing and future challenge. Key Concepts: A discussion on pharmacogenomics studies on drug response and adverse drug reactions. History of pharmacogenomics The ethnic component of pharmacogenomics The impact of genetics on drug response The impact of genetics on adverse drug reactions Clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics Keywords: pharmacogenomics; personalised medicine; pharmacoethnicity; drug response; adverse drug reactions
Some Personal Reflections on Multiculturalism

Discusses multiculturalism as one of the many tools that we have to combat the violence that is being doen to our youth by a curriculum that over-emphasizes the European nature of contemporary American history, life, and culture.
Studies on Glutamine Synthetase from Escherichia coli FORMATION OF PYRROLIDONE CARBOXYLATE AND INHIBITION BY METHIONINE SULFOXIMINE

Abstract Both the adenylylated and unadenylylated forms of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase catalyze the formation of pyrrolidone carboxylate from glutamate in the presence of ATP and divalent metal ions (Mg++ or Mn++) and in the absence of ammonia. The unadenylylated enzyme catalyzes this reaction more rapidly with Mg++ than with Mn++, while the adenylylated enzyme catalyzes it more rapidly with Mn++ than with Mg++. The rates of pyrrolidone carboxylate formation catalyzed by the two forms of the E. coli enzyme are about the same or higher, relative to the corresponding rates of glutamine synthesis, than that catalyzed by ovine brain glutamine synthetase. Both forms of the E. coli enzyme are inhibited when incubated with methionine sulfoximine, ATP, and either Mg++ or Mn++; the unadenylylated enzyme, which is inhibited to about the same extent with Mg++ as with Mn++, is inhibited more rapidly than the adenylylated enzyme. l-Glutamate protects the unadenylylated enzyme (with Mg++ or Mn++) and the adenylylated form (only with Mn++) against inhibition by methionine sulfoximine. Only one of the four stereoisomers of methionine sulfoximine (l-methionine-S-sulfoximine) inhibits the enzyme. Inhibition is associated with tight binding to the enzyme of 9.2 to 11 moles of methionine sulfoximine phosphate per mole of enzyme. E. coli glutamine synthetase acts at a significant rate on several glutamate analogs that are also substrates of the brain enzyme. The data are in accord with the view that the major reaction pathway of glutamine synthesis catalyzed by the E. coli enzyme is similar to that of the reaction catalyzed by the brain enzyme, and thus involves formation and utilization of enzyme-bound γ-glutamyl phosphate and a tetrahedral intermediate or transient state whose structure is analogous to that of l-methionine-S-sulfoximine phosphate.
Stimulation of fermentation and yeast-like morphogenesis in Mucor rouxii by phenethyl alcohol.

The germination of fungal spores into hyphae was inhibited by concentrations of phenethyl alcohol (PEA) from 0.05 to 0.3%. Spores of Mucor formed budding spherical cells instead of filaments. These cells were abundant in cultures of Mucor rouxii at 0.22% PEA, provided that the carbon source was a hexose at 2 to 5%. Morphology was filamentous with xylose, maltose, sucrose, or a mixture of amino acids. Removal of PEA resulted in the conversion of yeast-like cells into hyphae. PEA did not inhibit biosynthesis of cytochromes or oxygen uptake, but it stimulated CO2 and ethyl alcohol production. PEA had no effect on the rate of oxygen uptake, but it inhibited the oxidative-phosphorylation activity of mitochondria. These results suggested that growth inhibition by PEA could result from uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and that, in Mucor, yeast-like morphology and fermentation were linked. Images
Influence of Amylase Assay Technique on Renal Clearance of Amylase-Creatinine Ratio

The influence of amylase assay technique on the renal amylase/creatinine clearance measurement was determined by analysis of serum and urine specimens obtained from 10 normal subjects. CAM/CCr averaged 2.19 ± 0.18% with a saccharogenic technique, 1.52 ± 0.2% with an iodometric technique, and 0.80 -t 0.08% with a chromogenic technique. Each of these values differed significantly (P
Abstract B23: Cysteine (C)-X-C receptor 4 induces oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase-2 in prostate cancer cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the coupled oxidative stress, have long been implicated in the onset and progression of many cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). One of the mechanisms by which ROS contributes to cancer is by acting as a second messenger, relaying signals from the cell surface to important signaling proteins, thereby regulating a variety of cellular processes. We have demonstrated that ROS increased the expression and activity of the chemokine (CXC) receptor, type 4 (CXCR4), which resulted in proliferation, invasion and trans-endothelial migration of PCa cells. Similarly, a study in human hepatoma cells revealed that CXCR4, and its ligand, stromal cell derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α), promoted ROS accumulation; however, the source (s) of ROS following growth factor stimulation have not been investigated. Identifying the sources of ROS that leads to oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment remain areas of intense research. A recent study demonstrated that the increased ROS generation observed in PCa cell lines of varying aggressiveness was largely contributed by the NADPH oxidase family of enzymes. Herein, we observed that SDF-1α promoted ROS accumulation in C4-2 human PCa cells. We also established that NOX, an extramitochondrial ROS-generating system, was the primary source of ROS instead of the mitochondria. Moreover, expression of the isoform, NOX2, was preferentially regulated by CXCR4 at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Finally, NOX2 expression correlated with PCa aggressiveness in microarray datasets. Therefore, we hypothesize that the SDF-1α /CXCR4 signaling axis mediates ROS production in PCa through NADPH-oxidases, resulting in oxidative stress that encourages tumor progression. Results generated from this study will further elucidate the mechanism (s) by which growth factor signaling promotes oxidative stress to enhance tumor development. Understanding the relationship between known cancer promoting elements, such as CXCR4, ROS and NOX, will facilitate the development of more comprehensive therapeutics to enhance current clinical strategies to combat cancer metastasis. Citation Format: Kia J. Jones, Mahandranauth A. Chetram, Danaya A. Bethea, Cimona V. Hinton. Cysteine (C)-X-C receptor 4 induces oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase-2 in prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B23.
Multi-faceted characterization of pharmaceutical powders to discern the influence of surface modification

Abstract The present work is a comprehensive investigation of the flow, packing, and aeratibility behavior and discerning the rank order of several Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), with or without surface modification, as well as excipients with different particle sizes and shapes. Surface modification of the API powders (various size grades of acetaminophen, ascorbic acid and ibuprofen) was conducted in a magnetically assisted impaction coater (MAIC), a well-established material sparing device. Powder characterization was done using various conventional and novel powder characterization techniques to measure properties such as, angle of repose, flow index, aerated, tapped and conditioned bulk densities, Housner ratio, Carr index, flow function coefficient (FFC), cohesivity and aeratibility. The comparative results show that surface modification improves flow, packing and aeratibility of powders with respect to corresponding as received powders, and in many cases, dry coated API powders exhibit properties as good as or better than similar sized excipients. The measured properties from different instruments were plotted through several illustrative phase maps with intent to develop a better visualization of the property improvements via dry coating. It was seen in the phase map of FFC vs. conditioned bulk density that it was easy to visualize a clear change in flow regimes after surface modification. For example, surface modified fine API powders show a shift from highly cohesive region (FFC 10) along with an increase in conditioned bulk density ( 0.5 g/ml). The use of the proposed phase map in developing manufacturing feasibility guidelines is also proposed.
Maximum antichains in the product of chains

Let P be the poset k1 × ... × k n , which is a product of chains, where n≥1 and k1≥ ... ≥k n ≥2. Let \(M = k_1 - \sum\nolimits_{i = 2}^n {(k_i - 1)} \). P is known to have the Sperner property, which means that its maximum ranks are maximum antichains. Here we prove that its maximum ranks are its only maximum antichains if and only if either n=1 or M≤1. This is a generalization of a classical result, Sperner's Theorem, which is the case k1= ... =k n =2. We also determine the number and location of the maximum ranks of P.
Single-lock: a stable Fabry-Perot based wavelength calibrator

Pushing the RV technique to the precision required to detect Earth-like planets around Solar-type stars requires extreme stability in the wavelength calibrator. We are developing a wavelength calibration technique based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer locked to a stabilized laser. This approach offers advantages over other methods: it produces a broadband, emission comb output from 380-790 nm that is difficult to achieve with a laser frequency comb; by injecting into the science fibers before and after observations, weak signals from velocities in the stellar photosphere that would be masked by iodine reference lines can be now be identified; and by locking the laser to an atomic transition, the spectrum will be stabilized to better than 1 part in 10 e-11, corresponding to a wavelength solution that is known to better than 1 cms -1 .
Psychopharmacology for the violent adolescent.

Psychotropic medications for the violent adolescent can be used safely and effectively as long as a thorough evaluation is conducted beforehand,and appropriate monitoring is attended to for the duration of treatment. Table 1 summarizes several clinical conditions associated with aggressive and violent behaviors, and the recommendations for first-, second-, and third-line pharmacotherapeutic agents to treat them. Language: en
Biochemical profile and outcomes in trauma patients subjected to open cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective observational pilot study.

The predictive factors to regain a heartbeat following emergency department resuscitative thoracotomy (EDT) for trauma are poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to prospectively assess the electrolyte profile, coagulation parameters, and acid-base status from intracardiac blood samples in trauma patients subjected to open cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the presence of established cardiac arrest. All patients who underwent EDT following trauma were considered for inclusion. Prior to the injection of any resuscitative medications, a sample of intracardiac blood from the right ventricle was obtained for analysis. During the study period, a total of 22 patients had intracardiac blood samples obtained and were eligible for analysis. Twelve patients never regained cardiac activity, and 10 patients transiently regained a heartbeat for a mean of 51 ± 69 min, but ultimately died. Some 91 % (20/22) of patients presented with severe acidosis (pH 75 mmHg in 77 % (17/22) of patients. Patients who never regained cardiac activity had a significantly higher lactate level than those with a return of cardiac rhythm (17.1 ± 2.6 vs. 10.6 ± 4.9 mmol/L, p = 0.018). The sodium and potassium levels were higher for those who never regained a rhythm than for those who did regain a pulse (sodium: 155 ± 14 vs. 147 ± 9 mmol/L, p = 0.094; potassium: 6.0 ± 1.1 vs. 4.6 ± 1.0 mmol/L, p = 0.014). Severe hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.5 mmol/L) occurred significantly more often in patients who did not regain a heart beat (p = 0.030). Coagulopathy (INR > 1.2 and/or prothrombin time >15 s and/or platelet count <100,000/μL) was noted in 96 % of patients. Most patients undergoing open CPR have normal blood gas levels. Severe lactic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia are associated with decreased probability for return of cardiac function. Calcium and magnesium levels were not significantly different between the two groups, making the therapeutic role of these electrolytes very questionable.
Cytotoxic Activities, Cellular Uptake, Gene Regulation, and Optical Imaging of Novel Platinum(II) Complexes

A new class of platinum(II) coordination complexes and their dye tagged conjugates has been synthesized from N-substituted diaminocyclohexane ligands. The in vitro anticancer activities of the platinum compounds have been validated against the breast cancer cell-line MCF-7 and the normal cell-line MCF-10A via sulforhodamine B and colony formation assay. The platinum compounds and the corresponding metal-free ligands exhibited higher drug efficiencies than cisplatin and oxaliplatin against MCF-7 cells. Cellular uptake and DNA-bound Pt were demonstrated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The platinum complexes displayed increased cellular accumulation and DNA binding as compared with cisplatin. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was employed to investigate drug effects on mRNA expression in MCF-7 cells. The results indicated that the study compounds are effective in regulating cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and p53 genes; yet, oxaliplatin is less effective in manipulating those genes. The luminescent probe that was integrated into the platinum complexes made it possible to monitor cellular drug distribution using optical imaging. Targeting of tumor cell nuclei by the study compounds was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Taken together, these new platinum(II)-based antitumor agents are different from marketed platinum drugs in several critical aspects and could have potential in cancer therapy.
New structures at high spin in 159Er

Abstract The nucleus 159 Er was studied with the HERA γ-ray spectrometer. Three rotational bands were extended to higher spins, and three new bands were found. It is shown that specific orbitals rather strongly influence the high-spin behavior, some states remaining collective (somewhat triaxial), others evolving towards a non-collective oblate structure. One of the new bands is a higher- K band, similar to those found in heavier nuclei.
Social support, perceptions of attractiveness, weight, and the CPI in socially anxious males and females

To see how socially anxious people function in a number of domains, Watson and Friend's (1969) Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SAD) was administered to 101 undergraduates along with the California Personality Inventory (CPI) and the Psychosocial Support Inventory (PSI), a measure of social support. Additionally, a perceived attractiveness measure and various measures related to being overweight were taken. SAD scores correlated significantly in a negative direction with 13 of the 18 CPI scales, and those with high SAD scores had poorer social support networks. High SAD scores also were related to the perception of being overweight, but not to perceived physical attractiveness or to actually being overweight. Gender differences showed that females had more intimate social interactions and that socially anxious females relied more on their family for social support than did other people. Overall, the results suggested that the socially anxious person may have deficits in a variety of personal and interpersonal domains.
An ultrastructural analysis of the salivary system of the terrestrial mollusc, Limax maximus.

Abstract The bilateral salivary glands, ducts, and nerves of the giant garden slug Limax maximus control the secretion of saliva and its transport to the buccal mass. Each salivary nerve, which originates at the buccal ganglion, contains over 3000 axon profiles. These axons innervate the musculature of the duct and branch within the gland. The salivary duct is composed of several muscular layers surrounding an epithelial layer which lines the duct lumen. The morphology of the duct epithelium indicates that it may function in ion or water balance. The salivary gland contains four major types of secretory cells. The secretory products are released from vacuoles in the gland cells, and are presumably transported by cilia in the collecting ducts of the gland into the larger muscular ducts.
Ligand-induced movement of lymphocyte membrane macromolecules. Iii. Relationship between the formation and fate of anti-ig-surface ig complexes and cell metabolism.

Spleen lymphocytes were studied for the movement and interiorization of complexes of anti-Ig-surface Ig. The movement of the complex into a small, compact zone of the cell membrane (forming a cap) was inhibited by drugs that inhibited glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, but not by drugs that affected protein synthesis. Dead lymphocytes did not form caps. Freeze-etching techniques revealed that inhibited lymphocytes showed formation of multiple small complexes over the entire cell surface. Inhibitors of glycolysis and of oxidative phosphorylation also inhibited the interiorization and catabolism of radioiodinated anti-Ig. We hypothesize that cross-linking of all the surface Ig triggers the membrane movements that are required to pull the lattice into one zone of the cell.
Pictorial review: cross-sectional imaging of the foot and ankle.

Cross-sectional imaging techniques are becoming increasingly important for the evaluation of foot and ankle disorders. Computed tomography affords superior depiction of osseous anatomy, and is usef...
Computing Travel Time in Time-Distance Helioseismology

In time-distance helioseismology, the position of the peak of the envelope of a cross-correlation function is identified as the travel time of a wave packet between two spatially separated locations on the Sun. When a cross-correlation function is a sum of two or more cross-correlation functions, the following theorem forbids this identification: THEOREM. The envelope of the analytic signal of a sum of two real functions is not equal to the sum of the envelopes of the analytic signals of the individual functions, unless (1) the ratio of the two functions is equal to the ratio of their Hilbert transforms and the sum of the product of the two functions and the product of their Hilbert transforms is nonnegative or (2) the envelopes of the two functions are disjoint. The individual functions should be isolated before the travel times are identified with their envelope peaks. Typically, in time-distance helioseismology, the envelopes are Gaussians and are never disjoint, nor do the cross-correlation functions and their Hilbert transforms automatically satisfy condition 1. This Letter derives the conditions under which condition 1 is satisfied and the conditions under which the envelope of a sum can be approximated to the sum of the individual envelopes so that the errors committed are minimal. These precautionary measures need to be taken while computing travel times from solar oscillations, so that the subsequent theoretical interpretations that derive the internal structure of the Sun can be reliable.
The Use of Elastic Averaging for Fabrication of Micro-Optics in a High Efficiency Photovoltaic System

Elastic averaging is introduced as a methodology for the fabrication and assembly of multi-element, micro-optic arrays. Its performance and use is evaluated in the demonstration of a high efficiency, photovoltaic tracking system.
Thermomechanical analysis of a segmented rigid-rod polyimide film

Abstract Thermomechanical analysis making use of an extension probe has been applied to characterize a series of organo-soluble segmented rigid-rod polyimide thin films. The polyimide discussed in this paper was synthesized from 2,2'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) and 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl (PFMB). The polymerization was performed in refluxing m-cresol via a one-step process in which the poly(amic acids) were not isolated. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 6FDA-PFMB along the film surface direction are studied at different applied tensile stresses. By extrapolation to zero stress, a Tg of 322°C and a CTE of 4.94 × 10−5 °C−1 are obtained.