cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, of changes in cellular metal content resulting from herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection.

Metals and metal-containing compounds are known to play important roles in many biological processes, including metabolic and detoxification pathways and the formation and function of proteins. Like all organisms, viruses are expected to contain different metals. These metals, either by themselves or in the form of metalloproteins, may be involved in the virus’s ability to infect healthy cells and replicate within them. Identification and speciation of metals in control cells and in cells affected by a virus could be helpful in elucidating infection and replication mechanisms; these might, in turn, be vital to the development of more effective treatments. There has, however, been no extensive investigation of the metals specific viruses contain or affect. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in cellular metal content resulting from herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to identify differences between metal concentrations in uninfected and HSV-1-infected mammalian cells. Although it can be assumed that decreases in metal content are a result of cellular response to the virus, increases can be attributed either to cellular response or to the HSV-1 virus itself. Microwave digestion and flow injection methods suitable for small sample volumes were used, and the effects of different virus inactivation procedures were explored. This work is the first step in the identification of metals pertinent to HSV-1 infection and lays the foundation for future studies concentrating on characterization of these metal-associated or containing molecules.
Neighbourhood Diversity, Metropolitan Segregation and Gentrification: What Are the Links in the US?:

An important yet little understood aspect of gentrification is the extent to which it affects spatial relations between various social groups. This study employs two measures of gentrification to d...
Interfacial chemistry of corrosion-induced bond degradation for epoxy/dicyandiamide adhesive bonded to cold-rolled and galvanized steels

The interfacial chemistry of a conventional epoxy/dicyandiamide adhesive formulation applied to cold-rolled and galvanized steels has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In both cases, the interfacial corrosion process appears to be dominated by attack on the metal substrate, and is reminiscent of crevice corrosion phenomena. On cold-rolled steel, analysis of the interfacial bond failure surfaces suggests that the contamination layer initially present on the substrate is not disturbed during bond formation. Bond failure appears to occur between the substrate and the contamination layer; the contamination layer remains largely intact on the interfacial surface of the adhesive after bond failure. On galvanized steel, the locus of failure appears to be at the adhesive-adherend interface, within a layer of zinc corrosion products. The contamination layer appears to have been partially displaced by the adhesive during bonding.
Juror need for cognition and sensitivity to methodological flaws in expert evidence

This study examined whether need for cognition (NC) moderated jurors' sensitivity to methodological flaws in expert evidence. Jurors read a sexual harassment trial summary in which the plaintiff's expert presented a study that varied in ecological validity, general acceptance, and internal validity. High NC jurors found the defendant liable more often and evaluated expert evidence quality more favorably when the expert's study was internally valid vs. missing a control group; low NC jurors did not. Ecological validity and general acceptance did not affect jurors' judgments. Ratings of expert and plaintiff credibility, plaintiff trustworthiness, and expert evidence quality were positively correlated with verdict. Theoretical implications for the scientific reasoning literature and practical implications for trials containing psychological science are discussed.
A randomized trial of the clinical utility of genetic testing for obesity: design and implementation considerations.

Background Obesity rates in the United States have escalated in recent decades and present a major challenge in public health prevention efforts. Currently, testing to identify genetic risk for obesity is readily available through several direct-toconsumer companies. Despite the availability of this type of testing, there is a paucity of evidence as to whether providing people with personal genetic information on obesity risk will facilitate or impede desired behavioral responses. Purpose We describe the key issues in the design and implementation of a randomized controlled trial examining the clinical utility of providing genetic risk information for obesity. Methods Participants are being recruited from the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative, an ongoing, longitudinal research cohort study designed to determine the utility of personal genome information in health management and clinical decision making. The primary focus of the ancillary Obesity Risk Communication Study is to determine whether genetic risk information added value to traditional communication efforts for obesity, which are based on lifestyle risk factors. The trial employs a 2 3 2 factorial design in order to examine the effects of providing genetic risk information for obesity, alone or in combination with lifestyle risk information, on participants’ psychological responses, behavioral intentions, health behaviors, and weight. Results The factorial design generated four experimental arms based on communication of estimated risk to participants: (1) no risk feedback (control), (2) genetic risk only, (3) lifestyle risk only, and (4) both genetic and lifestyle risk (combined). Key issues in study design pertained to the selection of algorithms to estimate lifestyle risk and determination of information to be provided to participants assigned to each experimental arm to achieve a balance between clinical standards and methodological rigor. Following the launch of the trial in September 2011, implementation challenges pertaining to low enrollment and differential attrition became apparent and required immediate attention and modifications to the study protocol. Although monitoring of these efforts is ongoing, initial observations show a doubling of enrollment and reduced attrition. Limitations The trial is evaluating the short-term impact of providing obesity risk information as participants are followed for only 3 months. This study is built upon
Tutoring Learning Disabled Students: A Critical Review:

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions were evaluated. Although all authors favored their use, equivocal results were reported. Particularly weak were substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are discussed, and implications for future research are given.
Large-scale genetic analysis of chloroplast biogenesis in maize.

Abstract Background Chloroplast biogenesis involves a collaboration between several thousand nuclear genes and ~ 100 genes in the chloroplast. Many of the nuclear genes are of cyanobacterial ancestry and continue to perform their ancestral function. However, many others evolved subsequently and comprise a diverse set of proteins found specifically in photosynthetic eucaryotes. Genetic approaches have been key to the discovery of nuclear genes that participate in chloroplast biogenesis, especially those lacking close homologs outside the plant kingdom. Scope of Review This article summarizes contributions from a genetic resource in maize, the Photosynthetic Mutant Library (PML). The PML collection consists of ~ 2000 non-photosynthetic mutants induced by Mu transposons. We include a summary of mutant phenotypes for 20 previously unstudied maize genes, including genes encoding chloroplast ribosomal proteins, a PPR protein, tRNA synthetases, proteins involved in plastid transcription, a putative ribosome assembly factor, a chaperonin 60 isoform, and a NifU-domain protein required for Photosystem I biogenesis. Major Conclusions Insertions in 94 maize genes have been linked thus far to visible and molecular phenotypes with the PML collection. The spectrum of chloroplast biogenesis genes that have been genetically characterized in maize is discussed in the context of related efforts in other organisms. This comparison shows how distinct organismal attributes facilitate the discovery of different gene classes, and reveals examples of functional divergence between monocot and dicot plants. General Significance These findings elucidate the biology of an organelle whose activities are fundamental to agriculture and the biosphere. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Chloroplast Biogenesis.
Policies/Programs for Reducing Health Inequalities by Tackling Nonmedical Determinants of Health in the United Kingdom†

Objective. To conduct a review of the policies and programs targeting the nonmedical determinants of health inequalities implemented at a national level in the United Kingdom. Methods. Two U.K. Department of Health reports were used to identify policies/programs that were solely targeted toward alleviating the nonmedical causes of health inequalities. A review of gray literature was conducted to obtain detailed information about each policy/program. Results. Several national-level policies and large-scale programs directed toward nonmedical determinants of health, primarily poverty, unemployment, lifecourse, housing and environment, and social exclusion, have been implemented in the United Kingdom. Several of these policies/programs have been shown to successfully improve population health status in national evaluations. Conclusions. In the United States, there is currently an impetus to investigate health disparities and to provide recommendations for future policy action. This review can inform the national debate and provide guidelines to develop policy recommendations.
A Nonredundant Role for IL-21 Receptor Signaling in Plasma Cell Differentiation and Protective Type 2 Immunity against Gastrointestinal Helminth Infection

Pathogen-specific Ab production following infection with the gut-dwelling roundworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus is critical for protective immunity against reinfection. However, the factors required for productive T cell–B cell interactions in the context of a type 2-dominated immune response are not well defined. In the present study, we identify IL-21R signaling as a critical factor in driving pathogen-specific plasma cell differentiation and protective immunity against H. polygyrus in mice. We show that B cells require direct IL-21R signals to differentiate into CD138+ plasma cells. In contrast, IL-21R signaling is dispensable for germinal center formation, isotype class switching, and Th2 and T follicular helper cell differentiation. Our studies demonstrate a selective role for IL-21 in plasma cell differentiation in the context of protective antiparasitic type 2 immunity.
Reconstructing convex sets from support line measurements

Algorithms are proposed for reconstructing convex sets given noisy support line measurements. It is observed that a set of measured support lines may not be consistent with any set in the plane. A theory of consistent support lines which serves as a basis for reconstruction algorithms that take the form of constrained optimization algorithms is developed. The formal statement of the problem and constraints reveals a rich geometry that makes it possible to include prior information about object position and boundary smoothness. The algorithms, which use explicit noise models and prior knowledge, are based on maximum-likelihood and maximum a posteriori estimation principles and are implemented using efficient linear and quadratic programming codes. Experimental results are presented. This research sets the stage for a more general approach to the incorporation of prior information concerning the estimation of object shape. >
Influence of partition parameter on release of drug from adjuvant-containing charged film microcapsules

AbstractRates of release of a series of p-substituted acetanilides from piperazine arabate microcapsules containing the co-encapsulated lipophilic adjuvant acetyl triethyl citrate are inversely proportional to the partition parameter of the substituted acetanilide.
Persistence of Sexual Dysfunction Side Effects after Discontinuation of Antidepressant Medications: Emerging Evidence

Post-market prevalence studies have found that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and Serotonin- Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) sexual side effects occur at dramatically higher rates than initially reported in pre-market trials. Prescribing and practice conventions rest on the untested assumption that individuals who develop sex- ual dysfunction secondary to SSRI and SNRI antidepressant medications return fully to their pre-medication sexual func- tioning baseline shortly after discontinuing treatment. Most individuals probably do return to their previous level of sexual functioning, however recent case reports, consumer-provided Internet-based information, incidental research findings, and empirical evidence of persistent post SSRI sexual benefits in the premature ejaculation literature suggest that for some in- dividuals, SSRI and SNRI-emergent sexual side effects persist indefinitely after discontinuing the medications. The litera- ture poorly captures the full spectrum of SSRI/SNRI sexual side effects, and a lack of systematic follow-up in the sexual side effects research precludes detection of post SSRI/SNRI sexual dysfunction, leaving the formal knowledge base in- adequate and even inaccurate, raising informed consent issues, and leaving clinicians vulnerable to practicing in ways that may be hurtful to patients in spite of their best efforts to inform themselves.
Surgical Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis: A Single Institution Experience from 1995–2005

There are numerous techniques for the surgical management of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis. The four senior authors of this study employ three such techniques: trapeziectomy with hematoma distraction arthroplasty, hemitrapeziectomy with osteochondral allograft, and ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI). This study examines the three commonly utilized procedures at a single institution. This study examines the 10-year experience from 1995–2005 with a minimum 3-month follow-up. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores, pre-and postoperative pinch strength, and operative time were examined. After approval from the institutional review board of our institution was obtained, all patients treated surgically by three of the senior authors were contacted via mail and phone. Each patient was asked to complete and return a DASH questionnaire. Of the 115 patients treated during that period, 60 participated in this study. Each patient’s final postoperative pinch measurement was obtained from occupational therapy and clinic records. This pinch strength was compared to the preoperative pinch and contralateral pinch strength. Lastly, the total operative time for each procedure was obtained from the operative record. The only significant finding in this study was a shorter mean operative time with the trapeziectomy group (76.90 min) and osteochondral allograft group (90.45 min) when compared to the LRTI group (139.00 min; p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). We found no significant difference between groups in terms of DASH score and pinch strength. There was no difference between the techniques in terms of postoperative pinch strength and patient satisfaction measured by DASH scores. The operative times for trapeziectomy and hematoma interposition as well as the osteochondral allograft were significantly shorter than that of the LRTI. This presents further evidence that potentially, “less is more” in the treatment of thumb CMC arthritis. We used a retrospective study design to evaluate potential differences between the three surgical techniques described above, therapeutic, levels III–IV.
Third Stokes parameter emission from a periodic water surface

An experiment in which the third Stokes parameter thermal emission from a periodic water surface was measured is documented. This parameter is shown to be related to the direction of periodicity of the periodic surface and to approach brightnesses of up to 30 K at X-band for the surface used in the experiment. The surface actually analyzed was a "two-layer" periodic surface; the theory of thermal emission from such a surface is derived and the theoretical results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements. These results further the idea of using the third Stokes parameter emission as an indicator of wind direction over the ocean. >
Mean field and mixed mean field iterative decoding of low-density parity-check codes

In this paper, the mean field (MF) and mixed mean field (MMF) algorithms for decoding low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are considered. The MF principle is well established in statistical physics and artificial intelligence. Instead of using a single completely factorized approximated distribution as in the MF approach, the mixed MF algorithm forms a weighted average of several MF distributions as an approximation of the true posterior probability distribution. The MF decoding algorithm for linear block codes is derived and shown to be an approximation of the a posteriori probability (APP) decoding algorithm. The MF approach is then developed in the context of iterative decoding and presented as an approximation of the popular belief propagation decoding method. These results are extended to iterative decoding with the MMF algorithm. Simulation results show that the MF and MMF decoding algorithms yield a good performance-complexity tradeoff, especially when employed for decoding LDPC codes based on finite geometries.
Association between Natriuretic Peptides and Mortality among Patients Admitted with Myocardial Infarction: A Report from the ACTION Registry®–GWTG™

BACKGROUND: Patients with increased blood concentrations of natriuretic peptides (NPs) have poor cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI). The objectives of this analysis were to evaluate the utilization and the prognostic value of NP in a large, real-world MI cohort. METHODS: Data from 41 683 patients with non–ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) and 27 860 patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) at 309 US hospitals were collected as part of the ACTION Registry®–GWTG™ (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get with the Guidelines) (AR-G) between July 2008 and September 2009. RESULTS: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) was measured in 19 528 (47%) of NSTEMI and 9220 (33%) of STEMI patients. Patients in whom NPs were measured were older and had more comorbidities, including prior heart failure or MI. There was a stepwise increase in the risk of in-hospital mortality with increasing BNP quartiles for both NSTEMI (1.3% vs 3.2% vs 5.8% vs 11.1%) and STEMI (1.9% vs 3.9% vs 8.2% vs 17.9%). The addition of BNP to the AR-G clinical model improved the C statistic from 0.796 to 0.807 ( P < 0.001) for NSTEMI and from 0.848 to 0.855 ( P = 0.003) for STEMI. The relationship between NPs and mortality was similar in patients without a history of heart failure or cardiogenic shock on presentation and in patients with preserved left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: NPs are measured in almost 50% of patients in the US admitted with MI and appear to be used in patients with more comorbidities. Higher NP concentrations were strongly and independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the almost 30 000 patients in whom NPs were assessed, including patients without heart failure.
TEM–XRD analysis of PdO particles on TiO2 support for chemochromic detection of hydrogen

Abstract Safety is always a concern in all applications that utilize hydrogen (H 2 ) in one form or another. Hydrogen leaks are invisible and odorless. In addition, blending odorants or additives into hydrogen in a manner similar to natural gas is generally undesirable for certain applications, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells. To facilitate detection of the location of hydrogen leaks, a special nonreversible chemochromic H 2 sensing material that employs titania (TiO 2 ) supported palladium oxide (PdO) pigments encapsulated within a special silicone matrix has been developed at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and field tested at National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Kennedy Space Center. Several batches of PdO hydrogen gas sensing pigments were synthesized using various TiO 2 supports, and their hydrogen detection activity was determined. TEM and particle size distribution analysis showed that smaller particles with a hemispherical, crystalline structure produced faster coloration kinetics when exposed to H 2 gas. However, agglomerated PdO particles on the TiO 2 surface displayed greater color contrast. XRD analysis indicated that the crystalline phase of TiO 2 had no effect on the chemochromic performance of the pigments in a laboratory environment.
Multiple neural network classification scheme for detection of colonic polyps in CT colonography data sets.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives A new classification system for colonic polyp detection, designed to increase sensitivity and reduce the number of false-positive findings with computed tomographic colonography, was developed and tested in this study. Materials and Methods The system involves classification by a committee of neural networks (NNs), each using largely distinct subsets of features selected from a general set. Back-propagation NNs trained with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm were used as primary classifiers (committee members). The set of features included region density, Gaussian and mean curvature and sphericity, lesion size, colon wall thickness, and the means and standard deviations of all of these values. Subsets of variables were initially selected because of their effectiveness according to training and test sample misclassification rates. The final decision for each case is based on the majority vote across the networks and reflects the weighted votes of all networks. The authors also introduce a smoothed cross-validation method designed to improve estimation of the true misclassification rates by reducing bias and variance. Results This committee method reduced the false-positive rate by 36%, a clinically meaningful reduction, and improved sensitivity by an average of 6.9% compared with decisions made by any single NN. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 82.9% and 95.3%, respectively, when sensitivity was estimated by means of smoothed cross-validation. Conclusion The proposed method of using multiple classifiers and majority voting is recommended for classification tasks with large sets of input features, particularly when selected feature subsets may not be equally effective and do not provide satisfactory true- and false-positive rates. This approach reduces variance in estimates of misclassification rates.
A Numerical Study of the Variability and the Separation of the Gulf Stream, Induced by Surface Atmospheric Forcing and Lateral Boundary Flows

Abstract A primitive equation regional model is used to study the effects of surface and lateral forcing on the variability and the climatology of the Gulf Stream system. The model is an eddy-resolving, coastal ocean model that includes thermohaline dynamics and a second-order turbulence closure scheme to provide vertical mixing. The surface forcing consists of wind stroll and beat fluxes obtained from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS). Sensitivity studies am performed by driving the model with different forcing (e.g., annual versus zero surface forcing or monthly versus annual forcing). The model climatology, obtained from a five-year simulation of each case, is then compared to observed climatologies obtained from satellite-derived SST and hydrocast data. The experiments in which surface best flux and wind stress were neglected show less realistic Gulf Stream separation and variability, compared with experiments in which annual or seasonal forcing are used. A similar unrealistic Gulf S...
Simulation Bridge: a framework for multi-processor simulation

Multi-processor solutions in the embedded world axe being designed to meet the ever increasing computational demands of the emerging applications. Such architectures comprise two or more processors (often a mix of general purpose and digital signal processors) together with a rich peripheral mix to provide a high performance computational platform. While there are many simulation solutions in the industry available to address the system partitioning issues and also the verification of HW-SW interactions in these complex systems, there are very few solutions targetted towards the SW application developers' needs. The primary concern of the SW application developers is to debug and optimize their code. Hence, cycle accuracy and performance of the simulation solution becomes the key enablers. Desired observability and controllability of the models are additional careabouts. Secondly, application developers are more comfortable at instruction level simulations than they are with RTL or gate level simulation. These specific requirements have a bearing on the choices in the simulation solutions. This paper describes the design of a generic, C based multi-processor instruction set simulator framework in the context of the above parameters. This framework, termed the "simulation bridge", facilitates highly accurate, yet efficient simulation. The SimBridge performs clock correct lock-step simulation of the models in the architecture using a global simulation engine that handles both intra-processor and inter-processor communication in a homogenous fashion. It addresses the multiple key issues of execution control, synchronization, connectivity and communication. The paper concludes with the performance analysis of the SimBridge in an experimental test setup as well as in the Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320C54x-based simulators.
Ultrafast carrier capture and relaxation in InGaAs and InAs self-organized quantum dots

We have used femtosecond differential transmission spectroscopy to directly time-resolve the carrier capture ad intersubband relaxation in In0.4Ga0.6As/GaAs ad InAs/GaAs self-organized quantum dots.
Collegiate female athletes’ body image and clothing behaviors

This study investigated the body image experiences unique to collegiate female athletes in relation to their apparel wear. Female athletes (n = 36) participated in interview sessions, 3D body scanning, and photography of garment fit, and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Through Qualtrics, the MBSRQ was distributed to female college students nationwide, to obtain a larger participant pool (Lean sport athletes (n = 36), non-lean sport athletes (n = 42) and non-athletes (n = 101). Results indicated that both sports groups were most influenced by sport specific body ideals. Correlation of body image and athletic uniforms was more influenced by the fit of the uniform than by the categorization of the sport. Both lean and non-lean sport group participants expressed dissatisfaction in pant fit. 3D body scans revealed similar body proportions and shape between sports groups. MBSRQ results indicated no significant difference between sports groups but higher body image scores in comparison to non-athletes.
Field Parasitism of the Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)

Insect parasitism of the stable fly, Stomoxys caldtrans (L.), was studied at cattle farms for two seasons in central Missouri. Ten species of insect parasites were collected from stable fly puparia: Spalangia nigra Latreille, Spalangia nigroaenea Curtis, Spalangia endius Walker, Spalangia haematobiae Ashmead, at least two species of Muscidifurax (Pteromalidae), at least two species of Trichopria (Diapriidae), Diplazon laetatorius (F.) (Ichneumonidae), and a species of Aleocharinae (Staphylinidae). In addition, mermithid nematodes were collected from adult stable flies. The collection of S. haematobiae, D. laetatorius, and the nematodes constitute new parasitic associations for the stable fly. S. nigra was the dominant parasite of the stable fly during these studies. Rates of parasitism were low when averaged over the season, but occasionally exceeded 50% during July.
Targeting antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family memberswith small molecule inhibitors compliments the activity of the proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib in in vitro models of lymphoproliferative malignancies.

A33 Over-expression of anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family have been observed in more that 80% of B-cell lymphomas and contribute to tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapy. We have recently demonstrated how Carfilzomib (C), the first in a new class of selective proteasome inhibitors, synergizes with AT-101, a small molecule inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X L and Mcl-1 in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The combination of AT-101 and C has also shown to induce significant decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm, p ≤ 0.008) and apoptosis (p ≤ 0.046) compared to the two drugs given alone. ABT-737 is small molecule inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X L and Bcl-w. We investigated the cytotoxicity and proapoptotic activity of ABT-737 alone and in combination with the boronic acid derivative bortezomib (B), approved for multiple myeloma and MCL or carfilzomib in a panel of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines that included MCL (HBL-2), T-cell (H9) and diffuse large B-cell (DLBC, RL and SKI) histologies. Cell Titer-Glo assay followed by luminometric acquisition was used for all cytotoxicity assays, JC-1 dye and yopro-1 plus propidium iodide (PI) followed by FACScalibur acquisition was used to assess the Δψm and apoptosis respectively. Drug:drug interactions in terms of synergism, additivity or antagonism were computed using the Calcusyn software (Biosoft, Cambridge, UK) with a combination index (CI) 1 antagonism. The IC 50 values for ABT-737 alone for 24 hours (h) to 72 h were generally in the low micromolar range across all cell types: 0.03-12.7 µM at 24h, 0.03-9.5 µM at 72h. The combination of ABT-737 with C or B for 24 h showed a statistically significant increase in cytotoxicity compared to the single drugs and control in MCL (HBL-2, p≤0.0001). In a DLBCL model (RL), the combination of ABT-737 + B was significantly superior to combinations with conventional drugs such as doxorubicin or 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (p≤0.004). ABT-737 also induced potent mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptosis when combined with C and B in MCL and DLBCL compared to the two drugs given alone (p≤0.0001). Animal xenograft studies of ABT-737 plus a proteasome inhibitor will be utilized to identify the most effective schedules of administration of these agents in vivo.
Aristotle and the problem of oligarchic harm: Insights for democracy:

This essay identifies ‘oligarchic harm’ as a dire threat confronting contemporary democracies. I provide a formal standard for classifying oligarchs: those who use personal access to concentrated wealth to pursue harmful forms of discretionary influence. I then use Aristotle to think through both the moral and the epistemic dilemmas of oligarchic harm, highlighting Aristotle’s concerns about the difficulties of using wealth as a ‘proxy’ for virtue. While Aristotle’s thought provides great resources for diagnosing oligarchic threats, it proves less useful as a guide to democratic institutional design. Aristotle raises a deep-seated objection to democratic forms of ‘rule by the poor.’ A successful response to oligarchy must move beyond Aristotle’s objection and affirm the demos’ tripartite status as many, free, and poor. I briefly outline the terms of this ‘new’ mixed regime: one that seeks to tame oligarchy through a mixture of aggregative, deliberative, and plebeian institutions.
Newcomer leader–member exchange: the contribution of anticipated organizational support

We surveyed 198 graduating college seniors at four points before and after they began a new job to examine the relationship between anticipated organizational support (AOS) and leader-member exchange (LMX) as mediated by information seeking. We found that AOS, assessed before the first day of work, was associated with subsequent LMX 3 months after work began. Furthermore, information seeking mediated the relationship between AOS and LMX. Moreover, LMX was associated with reduced psychological strain, lessened turnover intentions, and increased extra-role behaviours 6 months following the start of work. These findings indicate that anticipation of future support before the onset of employment influences newcomers' LMX and its consequences. Practitioner points Human resources practitioners and managers can prepare a better transition for newcomers by cultivating a supportive and caring view of the organization before the newcomers start their job. To enhance such anticipated organization support, the organization's positive valuation of the newcomers and concern with their welfare can be emphasized during job interviews with prospective employees and training sessions., Educating supervisors to be responsive to newcomers' requests for information may contribute to their adjustment and help them meet organizational goals and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Frameworks and Models

Two of the foundational pieces of a research project are the theoretical frameworks and models used in them. This chapter explains why frameworks and models are important for researching parental involvement. Strategies for identifying appropriate frameworks and models are shared. Frameworks and models that are well cited and commonly used in parental involvement are explored, as well as some of the underlying assumptions about them. This chapter helps the reader develop the habit of making connections between definitions, research purpose, and frameworks, and models.
Experimental analog implementation of Neural Networks on integrated metal-oxide memristive crossbar arrays

It is a well-established fact that Artificial neural networks have superior performance in many information processing tasks. It is also know that by scaling up the size of the network it is possible to have better performance and richer functionality. However, large neural networks are challenging to implement in software and customized hardware are generally required for their practical implementations. Here, we will discuss our group's recent results on the development of such custom hardware circuits, toward the final achievement of hybrid CMOS/memristor circuits, in particular of CMOL variety. We will focus on the experimental and theoretical results for artificial neural networks based on crossbar-integrated metal oxide memristors. The first part will be dedicated to the realization of the first Single Layer Perceptron classifier, while the second part will deal with some preliminary results toward the implementation of Spiking Neural Networks.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a novel dual-action oral topical formulation against upper respiratory infections

Current prevention options for upper respiratory infections (URIs) are not optimal. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ARMS-I™ (currently marketed as Halo™) in the prevention of URIs. ARMS-I is patented novel formulation for the prevention and treatment of influenza, comprising a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent (cetylpyridinium chloride, CPC) and components (glycerin and xanthan gum) that form a barrier on the host mucosa, thus preventing viral contact and invasion. Healthy adults (18–45 years of age) were randomized into ARMS-I or placebo group (50 subjects each). The drug was sprayed intra-orally (3× daily) for 75 days. The primary objectives were to establish whether ARMS-I decreased the frequency, severity or duration of URIs. Secondary objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, rate of virus detection, acceptability and adherence; effect on URI-associated absenteeism and medical visits; and effect of prior influenza vaccination on study outcomes. Of the 94 individuals who completed the study (placebo: n = 44, ARMS-I: n = 50), six presented with confirmed URI (placebo: 4, ARMS-I: 2), representing a 55% relative reduction, albeit this was statistically not significant). Influenza, coronavirus or rhinovirus were detected in three participants; all in the placebo group. Moreover, frequency of post-treatment exit visits was reduced by 55% in ARMS-I compared to the placebo group (N = 4 and 2, respectively). Fever was reported only in the placebo group. ARMS-I significantly reduced the frequency and severity of cough and sore throat, and duration of cough (P ≤ .019 for all comparisons). ARMS-I was safe, well tolerated, had high acceptability and high adherence to medication use. Medical visits occurred only in the placebo group while absenteeism did not differ between the two arms. Prior influenza vaccination had no effect on study outcome. This randomized proof-of-concept clinical trial demonstrated that ARMS-I tended to provide protection against URIs in the enrolled study participants, while reducing severity and duration of cough and sore throat. A clinical trial with a larger number of study participants is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02644135 (retrospectively registered).
Audiovisual speech perception: A new approach and implications for clinical populations

This selected overview of audiovisual (AV) speech perception examines the influence of visible articulatory information on what is heard. Thought to be a cross-cultural phenomenon that emerges early in typical language development, variables that influence AV speech perception include properties of the visual and the auditory signal, attentional demands, and individual differences. A brief review of the existing neurobiological evidence on how visual information influences heard speech indicates potential loci, timing, and facilitatory effects of AV over auditory only speech. The current literature on AV speech in certain clinical populations (individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder, or hearing loss) reveals differences in processing that may inform interventions. Finally, a new method of assessing AV speech that does not require obvious cross-category mismatch or auditory noise was presented as a novel approach for investigators.
Multi-Scale Predictability of High-Impact Weather in the Battlespace Environment

Objectives of our study include: i) examination of the predictability of regional-scale weather phenomenon that have a high impact on military missions, ii) exploration of new methods to initialize ensembles for global and mesoscale atmospheric models, and iii) diagnosis of mohourdel error and uncertainty, and inclusion in ensemble design. For the global ensembles, the ensemble transform initial perturbation method is superior to the current operational method, and work is underway to determine the exact configuration that will be transitioned to operations. On the mesoscale, we have developed and tested a new mesoscale ensemble forecast system using the atmospheric portion of the coupled ocean/atmosphere mesoscale prediction system (COAMPS)reg that is targeted for operational implementation as part of the joint ensemble forecast system. We also have performed ultra high-resolution simulations of airflow over complex terrain to explore aviation turbulence hazards.
Abstract IA07: Defining, Optimizing, and Altering the Specificities of CRISPR-Cas Nucleases

RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas nucleases are now widely used for research and are also being rapidly developed as novel therapeutics for various human diseases. In this talk, I will discuss methods developed by our group that enable unbiased, genome-wide assessment of off-target cleavage specificities of CRISPR-Cas nucleases in human cells. I will also summarize our efforts to use protein engineering to create CRISPR-Cas nuclease variants that robustly show substantially reduced off-target effects and/or altered DNA recognition specificities. Taken together, our results have yielded reagents, methods, and insights that will be important for research applications and potential clinical translation of these programmable nucleases. Citation Format: J. Keith Joung. Defining, Optimizing, and Altering the Specificities of CRISPR-Cas Nucleases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Opportunities and Challenges of Exploiting Synthetic Lethality in Cancer; Jan 4-7, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2017;16(10 Suppl):Abstract nr IA07.
The association between discrimination and PTSD in African Americans: exploring the role of gender

Background: Research has demonstrated the adverse impact that discrimination has on physical and mental health. However, few studies have examined the association between discrimination and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is evidence that African Americans experience higher rates of PTSD and are more likely to develop PTSD following trauma exposure than Whites, and discrimination may be one reason for this disparity. Purpose: To examine the association between discrimination and PTSD among a cross-sectional sample largely comprising African American women, controlling for other psychosocial stressors (psychological distress, neighborhood safety, crime). Methods: A sample of 806 participants was recruited from two low-income predominantly African American neighborhoods. Participants completed self-report measures of PTSD symptoms, perceived discrimination, perceived safety, and psychological distress. Information on neighborhood crime was obtained through data requested from the city. Multivariate linear regression models were estimated to assess adjusted relationships between PTSD symptoms and discrimination. Results: Discrimination was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms with a small effect size, controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. This association remained consistent after controlling for psychological distress, perceived safety, and total neighborhood crime. There was no evidence of a gender by discrimination interaction. Participants who experienced any discrimination were significantly more likely to screen positive for PTSD. Conclusions: Discrimination may contribute to the disparate rates of PTSD experienced by African Americans. PTSD is associated with a range of negative consequences, including poorer physical health, mental health, and quality of life. These results suggest the importance of finding ways to promote resilience in this at-risk population.
Impact of Thrombotic Microangiopathy on Renal Outcomes and Survival after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Abstract Transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We characterized the incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcomes associated with TA-TMA by performing a comprehensive review of all adult patients (n = 1990) undergoing allogeneic HSCT at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital between 2005 and 2013. Using the City of Hope criteria, we identified 258 patients (13%) with "definite" TMA and 508 patients (26%) with "probable" TMA. Mismatched donor transplantation (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 2.75; P = .007), sirolimus-containing graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis (sHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.34; P
Relationships Between Yield Monitor Data and Airborne Multidate Multispectral Digital Imagery for Grain Sorghum

Remote sensing imagery taken during a growing season not only provides spatial and temporal information about crop growth conditions, but also is indicative of crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between yield monitor data and airborne multidate multispectral digital imagery and to identify optimal time periods for image acquisition. Color-infrared (CIR) digital images were acquired from three grain sorghum fields on five different dates during the 1998 growing season. Yield data were also collected from these fields using a yield monitor. The images and the yield data were georeferenced to a common coordinate system. Four vegetation indices (two band ratios and two normalized differences) were derived from the green, red, and near-infrared (NIR) band images. The image data for the three bands and the four vegetation indices were aggregated to generate reduced-resolution images with a cell size equivalent to the combine's effective cutting width. Correlation analyses showed that grain yield was significantly related to the digital image data for each of the three bands and the four vegetation indices. Multiple regression analyses were also performed to relate grain yield to the three bands and to the three bands plus the four indices for each of the five dates. Images taken around peak vegetative development produced the best relationships with yield and explained approximately 63, 82, and 85% of yield variability for fields 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Yield maps generated from the image data using the regression equations agreed well with those from the yield monitor data. These results demonstrated that airborne digital imagery can be a very useful tool for determining yield patterns before harvest for precision agriculture.
Factoring Disjunction Out of Deontic Modal Puzzles

Ross’s puzzle (Ross, 1941) and the paradox of Free Choice Permission (Kamp, 1973), puzzles involving disjunction under deontic operators, have received wide discussion in recent work in natural language semantics. First, I contrast two opposed modal views—call them the “box-diamond” theory and EU theory—that form two poles of the contemporary debate. The opposition between them is underwritten by distinct, well-developed conceptions of what it is for an action to be good. I present an axiomatization of obligation and permissibility—of ‘ought’ and ‘may’—that is neutral between the two theories. Adding in the interpretation of ‘or’ as Boolean union, we get the received dialectic in the literature between the two theories on explaining Ross and FCP. Factoring out this assumption, we get a picture of how far apart the two theories are as theories of value, with no questions begged about the semantics of sentential disjunction.
T-groups (training groups) in psychiatric residency programs: facts and possible implications.

The authors studied T-groups offered in psychiatric residency programs in the United States in 1992. A 32-item questionnaire was sent to the residency training directors of 297 psychiatric programs...
Telemade: A Testing Framework for Learning-Based Malware Detection Systems

Learning-based malware detectors may be erroneous due to two inherent limitations. First, there is a lack of differentiability: selected features may not reflect essential differences between malware and benign apps. Second, there is a lack of comprehensiveness: the machine learning (ML) models are usually based on prior knowledge of existing malware (i.e., training dataset) so malware can evolve to evade the detection. There is a strong need for an automated framework to help security analysts to detect errors in learning-based malware detection systems. Existing techniques to generate adversarial samples for learning-based systems (that take images as inputs) employ feature mutations based on feature vectors. Such techniques are infeasible to generate adversarial samples (e.g., evasive malware) for malware detection system because the synthesized mutations may break the inherent constraints posed by code structures of the malware, causing either crashes or malfunctioning of malicious payloads. To address the challenge, we propose Telemade, a testing framework for learning-based malware detectors.