cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using currency iconography to measure institutional quality

Abstract The images on a country’s currency are purposefully chosen by the people or government to be representative of that country. Potentially, one could learn a lot about the economic and political climate of a country by simply looking at the pictures on its money. This paper reports indexes measuring the political, religious, and cultural/scientific content as well as the representation of women on currency notes. The analysis suggests that we can look to the iconography in currency as an indication of the quality of the institutions or socio-economic outcomes in that country.
Stenosis Characterization and Identification for Dialysis Vascular Access

Vascular access dysfunction is the leading cause of hospitalization for hemodialysis patients and accounts for the most medical costs in this patient population. Vascular access flow is commonly hindered by blood vessel narrowing (stenosis). Current screening methods involving imaging to detect stenosis are too costly for routine use at the point of care. Noninvasive, real-time screening of patients at risk of vascular access dysfunction could potentially identify high-risk patients and reduce the likelihood of emergency surgical interventions. Bruits (sounds produced by turbulent blood flow near stenoses) can be interpreted by skilled clinical staff using conventional stethoscopes. To improve the sensitivity of detection, digital analysis of blood flow sounds (phonoangiograms or PAGs) is a promising approach for classifying vascular access stenosis using non-invasive auditory recordings. Here, we demonstrate auditory and spectral features of PAGs which estimate both the location and degree of stenosis (DOS). Auditory recordings from nine stenosis phantoms with variable DOS and hemodynamic flow rate were obtained using a digital recording stethoscope and analyzed to extract classification features. Autoregressive modeling and discrete wavelet transforms were used for multi-resolution signal decomposition to produce 14 distinct features, most of which were linearly correlated with DOS. Our initial results suggest that the widely-used auditory spectral centroid is a simple way to calculate features which can estimate both the location and severity of vascular access stenosis.
Rise of India’s ‘Extended Neighbourhood’ Worldview

Worldviews are often understood as ‘foreign policy schools of thought’ or ‘ideational variables affecting the foreign policy outcome’. Though they themselves may not be the contents of foreign policy, they provide a requisite perspective for the policy makers to understand the world and take appropriate foreign policy decisions. In other words, they are ‘lenses through which people see the world and the frameworks within which theories of that world are built’. However, these lenses need not exhibit methodical precision nor be based on principles of international relations. The foreign policy makers do not necessarily have interests or skills to provide a clinical enumeration of their assumptions and actions. That job is left to the strategic community that is trained for that very purpose.
Attributing Blame to Robots: I. The Influence of Robot Autonomy:

Objective:The research examined how humans attribute blame to humans, nonautonomous robots, autonomous robots, or environmental factors for scenarios in which errors occur.Background:When robots an...
The effects of early life adversity on growth, maturation, and steroid hormones in male and female rats

Early life adversity is a risk factor for psychiatric disorders, yet the mechanisms by which adversity increases this risk are still being delineated. Here, we used a limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation in rats that models a low resource environment to examine effects on growth, developmental milestones, and endocrine endpoints. In LBN, dams and pups, from pups' postnatal days 2-9, are exposed to an environment where dams lack proper materials to build a nest. This manipulation is compared to control housing conditions, where rat dams have access to ample nesting materials and enrichment throughout pups' development. We found that the LBN condition altered maternal care, increasing pup-directed behaviors while reducing self-care. This, perhaps compensatory, increase in nursing and attention to pups did not mitigate against changes in metabolism, as LBN reduced weight gain in both sexes and this effect persisted into adulthood. Although adult stress hormone levels in both sexes and vaginal opening and estrous cycle length in females were not disrupted, there was other evidence of endocrine dysregulation. Compared to controls, LBN rats of both sexes had shortened anogenital distances, indicating reduced androgen exposure. LBN males also had higher plasma estradiol levels in adulthood. This combination of results suggests that LBN causes a demasculinizing effect in males that could contribute to lasting changes in the brain and behavior. Importantly, alterations in metabolic and endocrine systems due to early life adversity could be one mechanism by which stress early in life increases risk for later disease.
Programmable Omni-Resonant Planar Cavity

We demonstrate experimentally that omni-resonance can be controlled by introducing the appropriate spatio-temporal spectral correlations into the field using a spatial light modulator. Such'space-time’ fields can be used for resonant spectral notching and bandwidth control.
Partiality and the Art Education Researcher

We move through this world not ever fully knowledgeable of our existence. This is primarily because the experience of existing is embroiled in ecologies of relations (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987), rel...
Evaluation of Wind Turbine-Foundation Degradation

The dynamic forces subjected on a wind turbine combined with high fatigue loading may result in a foundation failure and potentially reduce the expected service life of the tower. Foundation failures may include excessive tower movements, tilt of a tower, or even loss of contact with the ground. The state-of-the-art practice for foundation monitoring involves use of sensors such as tiltmeters, inclinometers or strain gauges at wind farms to measure displacements or tilts, which can be expensive, complex, and time consuming. The research presented in this paper, explores the feasibility of a novel, low-cost mechanical displacement indicator to continuously monitor tower movement relative to the foundation base. In addition, finite element models were developed to investigate the long-term performance, and potential degradation of the wind-turbine foundation system. Modeling results when combined with field monitoring work would aid in improving the design practices or available standards to predict the service life of a wind-turbine foundation system.
Object Detection and Pose Estimation from RGB and Depth Data for Real-Time, Adaptive Robotic Grasping

In recent times, object detection and pose estimation have gained significant attention in the context of robotic vision applications. Both the identification of objects of interest as well as the estimation of their pose remain important capabilities in order for robots to provide effective assistance for numerous robotic applications ranging from household tasks to industrial manipulation. This problem is particularly challenging because of the heterogeneity of objects having different and potentially complex shapes, and the difficulties arising due to background clutter and partial occlusions between objects. As the main contribution of this work, we propose a system that performs real-time object detection and pose estimation, for the purpose of dynamic robot grasping. The robot has been pre-trained to perform a small set of canonical grasps from a few fixed poses for each object. When presented with an unknown object in an arbitrary pose, the proposed approach allows the robot to detect the object identity and its actual pose, and then adapt a canonical grasp in order to be used with the new pose. For training, the system defines a canonical grasp by capturing the relative pose of an object with respect to the gripper attached to the robot’s wrist. During testing, once a new pose is detected, a canonical grasp for the object is identified and then dynamically adapted by adjusting the robot arm’s joint angles, so that the gripper can grasp the object in its new pose. We conducted experiments using a humanoid PR2 robot and showed that the proposed framework can detect well-textured objects, and provide accurate pose estimation in the presence of tolerable amounts of out-of-plane rotation. The performance is also illustrated by the robot successfully grasping objects from a wide range of arbitrary poses.
Reliability Analysis of Power-Gas Integrated Energy System Based on Dynamic Simulation

The power-gas integrated energy system lays a foundation for improving energy efficiency, promoting the large-scale utilization of renewable energy, and building a low-carbon sustainable energy system. However, the complex interaction between the power system and the natural gas system has brought about prominent, more diverse, and complex dynamic stability problems. Interference in one system will propagate to another system through coupling devices, which may cause serious disasters such as cascading failures. In order to analyze the transient process of the natural gas system caused by the adjustment of the coupling devices, this paper established a model for the coupling devices and the dynamic process of the natural gas system in the power-gas integrated energy system. By comparing the existing numerical calculation methods, the method of characteristic was selected to solve the hyperbolic partial differential equations, and the mathematical models of different nodes in the natural gas system were established. The accuracy and practicability of the algorithm are verified by 3 cases, and the accuracy of the algorithm is verified by case 1 and case 2 including the power-to-gas(P2G)and gas turbine. Case 3 verified the practicability of the algorithm by analyzing the fluctuation of the natural gas system caused by the adjustment of power-gas coupling links, and the adjustment is caused by the change of new energy generation. The results of this paper can analyze the interaction of coupling equipment and natural gas system, and lay the foundation for the realization of dynamic simulation of the whole integrated energy system.
Incorporating Internal and External Training Load Measurements in Clinical Decision Making After ACL Reconstruction: A Clinical Commentary.

# Background and Purpose Poor outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr), including the relatively high risk of suffering a subsequent ACL injury, suggest the need to optimize rehabilitation and return-to-sport testing. The purpose of this commentary is to introduce clinicians to the concept of monitoring training load during rehabilitation, to review methods of quantifying internal and external loads, and to suggest ways that these technologies can be incorporated into rehabilitation progressions and return-to-sport decisions after anterior ACLr. # Description of Topic with Related Evidence Quantifying and identifying the effects of training load variables, external (distance, impacts, decelerations) and internal (heart rate, heart rate variability) workload, during rehabilitation can indicate both positive (improved physical, physiological, or psychological capacity) or negative (heightened risk for injury or illness) adaptations and allow for the ideal progression of exercise prescription. When used during return-to-sport testing, wearable technology can provide robust measures of movement quality, readiness, and asymmetry not identified during performance-based testing. # Discussion / Relation to Clinical Practice Researchers have reported the actual in-game demands of men and women of various ages and competition levels during multi-directional sport. Wearable technology can provide similar variables during rehabilitation, home exercise programs, and during on-field transition back to sport to ensure patients have met the expected fitness capacity of their sport. Additionally, clinicians can use internal load measures to objectively monitor patient’s physiological responses to rehabilitation progressions and recovery rather than relying on subjective patient-reported data. # Level of Evidence 5
619 The Impact of Global / National Phenomena on Young Burn Survivors and their Families

Introduction 2020 brought numerous challenges for burn survivors and their families This project assessed the impact of two major global / national phenomena, specifically the impact of a) COVID-19 and b) local / community / national actions around racism and policing on child and youth burn survivors and their families Methods Our burn camp program moved to a virtual format for 2020 Campers (ages 8 – 18) and their caregivers / parents completed questionnaires about their year, rating and specifying the personal impacts of these phenomena They rated how their year has been overall and selected "what has helped you get through tough times" 47 campers and 47 caregivers / parents participated Results: Impact of COVID-19 The majority of youth rated the impact of COVID-19 as "somewhat" to "highly" (78%), while the majority of caregivers rated "somewhat" (64%) Campers and caregivers identified the following impacts most often and to similar degrees: Online school/virtual learning, Friends/Social, Sports/Activities, Quarantine, Isolation, Worries, Quality time with family Caregivers also highlighted: Getting creative at home and Uncertainties Impact of local / community / national actions around racism and policing on you and your family The majority of campers and caregivers rated the impact as "Somewhat", "Very Little" or "Not Impacted" (86%), although participants rating higher impact also provided moving personal experiences What has helped you get through tough times this year Over 85% of campers and caregivers / parents rated their year overall as "OK" or "Pretty Good" Campers and caregivers endorsed Family, Friends, Faith, and What I learned recovering from my burn injury as factors helping them get through tough times Conclusions Children, youth, and families who have experienced a burn injury report both negative and positive impacts from the global and national phenomena of COVID-19 and local / community / national actions around racism and policing Not all youth and families are equally impacted Family and friends were the greatest sources of support during tough times One burn survivor family indicated that what they learned recovering from burn injury has helped them through this challenging year – "I have learned to just adapt and change because anything can happen at any point " Most burn survivors and their families indicate the year has been "OK" or "pretty good" Connection through burn camp provided the opportunity to share the impacts, but also the strengths and resiliencies in our burn community
A century of change in Minnesota’s lake plant communities

Abstract Aquatic plant communities are good indicators of lake conditions, and persistent changes to those communities are indicative of environmental change. Our study used historical and recent lake plant surveys to detect changes in Minnesota’s lake plant communities over the last century. We did not find taxa richness estimates useful for change detection and suggest that recent richness values were higher than historical due to increased search effort rather than real change. The primary signal of change was the failure to relocate taxa in lakes where they were historically common. In 55 % of the lakes, surveyors did not relocate at least one taxon that was reported in an historic survey. We found that emergent plant taxa were most likely to have been lost; for lakes where emergents were reported historically, 45% had at least one emergent taxon that was not redetected compared to 30% of lakes where at least one floating-leaf taxon was not redetected and 42% of lakes where at least one submerged taxon was not redetected. Lakes in the southwestern and central ecoregions of the state were most likely to have gross and persistent aquatic plant losses. Eutrophication was the most likely reason for losses, with substantial declines in the probability of presence of many taxa with greater increases in lake phosphorus concentrations. We identified limitations with these datasets and recommend survey method changes to improve future collection of lake plant lists.
Anterior-posterior axis of hippocampal subfields across psychoses: A B-SNIP study

Abstract Background The hippocampus (HP) is affected across psychoses, including schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar type 1 (BDP) and schizoaffective (SAD) disorders. We examined HP subfield volumetric abnormalities along the anterior-posterior (ventral-dorsal) axis of the HP in psychosis probands, defined by traditional (DSM) diagnoses and biologically defined subtypes (biotypes, based on cognition and electrophysiology). We hypothesized that biotypes would be better discriminated by HP longitudinal axis subfields abnormalities than DSM. Methods The sample included 455 probands from the Bipolar Schizophrenia Network for intermediate Phenotypes (BSNIP) dataset (age 35 ± 12.0): 124 unaffected (age 40.4 ± 15.8) and 299 healthy controls (HC; 37 ± 12.0). Probands were: SZ (190), BDP (151), SAD (114). Probands according to B-SNIP defined biotypes were: biotype-1 (BT1; 120), biotype-2 (BT2; 145), biotype-3 (BT3, 190). 3 T MRI scans were processed with FreeSurfer6.0. The anterior (aHP) and posterior (pHP) HP and aHP and pHP subfields were extracted. Cognitive and clinical data were collected. Results All biotypes had smaller aHP subfields compared to HC. BT1 had smaller aHP than both BT2 and BT3. pHP subfields were also smaller in BT1 compared to HC and BT3, while the granule cells layer of the dentate gyrus distinguished BT2 from HC. DSM: aHP subfields were smaller in all DSM types compared to HC and did not differ among DSM categories. A few pHP subfields were affected in SAD and SZ compared to HC and distinguished SAD and SZ from BDP. Probands had smaller aHP compared to unaffected relatives. Conclusions Differences in subfield volumetric abnormalities along the anterior- posterior axis of the HP exist across psychoses. aHP abnormalities differ between psychosis probands and HC but do not discriminate among DSM categories. In contrast, biotypes can be differentiated from HC and from each other according to aHP-pHP subfields volumetric abnormalities. Thus, biotype typology may better reflect underlying neurobiology.
Regret-Optimal Controller for the Full-Information Problem

We consider the infinite-horizon, discrete-time full-information control problem. Motivated by learning theory, as a criterion for controller design we focus on regret, defined as the difference between the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) cost of a causal controller (that has only access to past and current disturbances) and the LQR cost of a clairvoyant one (that has also access to future disturbances). In the full-information setting, there is a unique optimal non-causal controller that in terms of LQR cost dominates all other controllers, and we focus on the regret compared to this particular controller. Since the regret itself is a function of the disturbances, we consider the worst-case regret over all possible bounded energy disturbances, and propose to find a causal controller that minimizes this worst-case regret. The resulting controller has the interpretation of guaranteeing the smallest possible regret compared to the best non-causal controller that has can see the future, no matter what the disturbances are. We show that the regret-optimal control problem can be reduced to a Nehari extension problem, i.e., to approximate an anticausal operator with a causal one in the operator norm. In the state-space setting we obtain explicit formulas for the optimal regret and for the regret-optimal controller. The regret-optimal controller is the sum of the classical H 2 control law and an n-th order controller (where n is the state dimension of the plant) obtained from the Nehari problem. The controller construction simply requires the solution to the standard LQR Riccati equation, in addition to two Lyapunov equations. Simulations over a range of plants demonstrates that the regret-optimal controller interpolates nicely between the H 2 and the H∞ optimal controllers, and generally has H 2 and H∞ costs that are simultaneously close to their optimal values. The regret-optimal controller thus presents itself as a viable option for control system design.
Market Characteristics in Economy/Budget Lodging

With so many economy/budget lodging brands and rooms added to the market, it is difficult for consumers to identify differences in the services offered. In addition, industry practitioners need to understand what is expected of them by the consumers they serve. The authors review the economy budget lodging in general and empirically examine this issue. This article is available in Hospitality Review: http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol18/iss2/4 by Billy Bai, Richard Ghiselli and Thomas Pearson With so many economy/budget lodg~ng brands and rooms added to the market, if is difficult for consumers to identify differences in the services offered. In addition. industry practitioners need to understand what is expected of them by the consumers they serve. The authors review the economyhudget lodging in general and empirically examine this issue. T he boom in the economyl budget segment of the U.S. hotel industry has been remarkable. Dispersed as they are, economyhudget hotels are located in all regions and markets across the country. Smith Travel Research (STR) indicates that in the first half of the 1990s, there were more than 17,000 hotels with nearly 1.3 million rooms in this lodging group. Moreover, they comprised 56 percent of all properties and 39 percent of total rooms available in the US.' Daily rates and RevPAR (revenue per available room) were estimated to increase as much as
On the quadratic spans of periodic sequences

Random binaxy sequences are required in many applications of modern communi- cation systems and in designing reliable circuits. However, truly random sequences are often associated with extremely high costs, and are therefore infeasible to use. Deter- ministically generated sequences that pass certain statistical tests suggested by random sequences are often used instead and are referred to as pseudorandom sequences. In applications involving, for instance, secure or spread spectrum communications, it is essential that these pseudorandom sequences be unpredictable. This paper addresses the problem of predicting the terms of a pseudorandom sequence from some initial por- tion of the sequence. A good introduction to the issues involved in this area can be found in [7].
Applications of perceived control to cancer: An overview of theory and measurement.

A sense of personal control is associated with a variety of positive outcomes for those who are living with a chronic illness. The authors discuss the background and measurement of perceived control so that the construct can be used more easily in studies of coping with the experience of having cancer. They review four theoretical approaches that explain the role of perceived control and two current theoretical issues: (1) the situations in which control is and is not adaptive and (2) the origins of perceived control. The section on the measurement of perceptions of control reviews some widely used scales and discusses issues of current methodological importance: multidimensionality. primary versus secondary control, and central versus consequence-related control. Finally, the authors present a model for clinical applications of perceived control.
Circulatory changes following prolactin administration

Abstract This study was designed to determine the effect of prolactin on blood pressure, blood volume, and response to angiotensin. Ten rats served as controls, 10 received 250 μg of prolactin per day, and 10 received 2.5 mg. of prolactin per day. Prolactin produced a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in blood volume. The animals which received the larger dose (2.5 mg. per day) of prolactin were hyporesponsive to angiotensin. The animals which received the smaller dose of prolactin had a response to angiotensin similar to that of the control animals. Prolactin secretion may produce or modify some of the circulatory changes observed in late pregnancy.
MicroRNA signatures of resveratrol in the ischemic heart

Until the middle of the last decade, few people had heard of microRNAs (miRNAs), 21- to 23-nucleotide conserved RNAs. MicroRNAs represent a new paradigm because they regulate most physiological processes and thus have immense potential for medical advancement. Resveratrol, a red wine-derived polyphenolic compound, has been shown to have significant effects in various disease models, such as cardioprotection in ischemic heart, diabetes, and chemoprevention of cancers. The targets of resveratrol include various pathways and molecules, such as sirtuins, FOXOs, and autophagy. The successful application of resveratrol lies in understanding its mechanisms of action through direct and indirect interactions with pathways, including miRNAs. For example, a unique miRNA footprint is present in the heart treated with resveratrol. Targets of those miRNAs have potential implications for physiological and pathophysiological processes in health and disease.
GLUCOSE CATABOLISM BY BACILLUS POPILLIAE AND BACILLUS LENTIMORBUS

Pepper, Rollin E. (Michigan State University, East Lansing), and Ralph N. Costilow. Glucose catabolism by Bacillus popilliae and Bacillus lentimorbus. J. Bacteriol. 87:303–310. 1964.—Resting cells of Bacillus popilliae and B. lentimorbus catabolize glucose with the production of CO2, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, ethanol, and trace amounts of acetoin and acetaldehyde. The first three products are the major ones, and their ratios may be varied by controlling the availability of oxygen. Practically no lactic acid is produced when oxygen is not limiting, whereas it may comprise up to 80% of the total acid when oxygen is greatly limited. However, no glucose is catabolized by resting cells in the absence of molecular oxygen. Isotope and inhibitor studies and assays for key enzymes of the established metabolic routes all indicate that these organisms utilize both the Embden-Meyerhof and hexosemonophosphate pathways for glucose dissimilation. With a concentrated resting-cell suspension, the extent of participation of the latter route was estimated to be as high as 40% in an atmosphere of pure oxygen, and as low as 2% in air. Acetate was oxidized by only one of the cultures of B. popilliae tested, which is apparently a mutant. Cells of this strain from stationary phase cultures oxidized acetate at pH 7.0 or higher, but not at pH 6.0; however, they oxidized succinate, fumarate, and malate more rapidly at pH 6.0 than at 7.0. The oxidation of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, the presence of condensing enzyme in extracts of cells capable of oxidizing acetate, and the complete inhibition of acetate oxidation by arsenite and partial inhibition by malonate all indicate that terminal oxidation of acetate by this strain of B. popilliae is via the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
High-Resolution Near-IR Spectroscopy of Protostars with Large Telescopes

It is now possible to measure absorption spectra of flat-spectrum and Class I protostars using D ≥ 8m telescopes equipped with sensitive cryogenic IR spectrographs. For the first time ever, our latest high-resolution (R ~ 20,000) Keck NIRSPEC data reveal that Class I protostars are indeed low-mass stars with pre-main-sequence or dwarf-like features. However, Class I and flat-spectrum protostars differ from T Tauri stars in that protostars have much higher IR veilings (r k ≥ 1 − 3+) and they are rotating quickly, v sin i > 20 km s−1. Interestingly, absorption spectra of low-mass protostars show stellar — not disk — absorption features. Our observations should also be able to probe whether protostellar photospheres have different physical structures than T Tauri stars, as predicted by theoretical models which account for accretion effects. There is much work to be done in this field, and the VLT can contribute immensely.
Closed-Form Jensen-Renyi Divergence for Mixture of Gaussians and Applications to Group-Wise Shape Registration

In this paper, we propose a generalized group-wise non-rigid registration strategy for multiple unlabeled point-sets of unequal cardinality, with no bias toward any of the given point-sets. To quantify the divergence between the probability distributions --- specifically Mixture of Gaussians --- estimated from the given point sets, we use a recently developed information-theoretic measure called Jensen-Renyi (JR) divergence. We evaluate a closed-form JR divergence between multiple probabilistic representations for the general case where the mixture models differ in variance and the number of components. We derive the analytic gradient of the divergence measure with respect to the non-rigid registration parameters, and apply it to numerical optimization of the group-wise registration, leading to a computationally efficient and accurate algorithm. We validate our approach on synthetic data, and evaluate it on 3D cardiac shapes.
Policy Pathways for Twenty-First Century Skills

This chapter focuses on the policy environments influencing the adoption of 21st century skills in general and the results and products of the ATC21STM project in terms of its research and assessment strategies in particular (The acronym ATC21STM has been globally trademarked. For purposes of simplicity the acronym is presented throughout the chapter as ATC21S.). It offers a policy analysis for which information was collected from interviews with country project managers, their representatives, other participants in the ATC21S project and the international assessment community, and advisory board members from international organizations and the funding companies, supplemented by published information about national and state education systems.
The cytotoxic effects of regorafenib in combination with protein kinase D inhibition in human colorectal cancer cells.

// Ning Wei 1,2 , Edward Chu 1,2 , Shao-yu Wu 1,2 , Peter Wipf 2,3 and John C. Schmitz 1,2 1 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 2 Cancer Therapeutics Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Correspondence: Ning Wei, email: // Keywords : protein kinase D, regorafenib, human colorectal cancer, apoptosis, NF-κB Received : August 12, 2014 Accepted : December 02, 2014 Published : December 03, 2014 Abstract Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a major public health problem, and diagnosis of metastatic disease is usually associated with poor prognosis. The multi-kinase inhibitor regorafenib was approved in 2013 in the U.S. for the treatment of mCRC patients who progressed after standard therapies. However, the clinical efficacy of regorafenib is quite limited. One potential strategy to improve mCRC therapy is to combine agents that target key cellular signaling pathways, which may lead to synergistic enhancement of antitumor efficacy and overcome cellular drug resistance. Protein kinase D (PKD), a family of serine/threonine kinases, mediates key signaling pathways implicated in multiple cellular processes. Herein, we evaluated the combination of regorafenib with a PKD inhibitor in several human CRC cells. Using the Chou-Talalay model, the combination index values for this combination treatment demonstrated synergistic effects on inhibition of cell proliferation and clonal formation. This drug combination resulted in induction of apoptosis as determined by flow cytometry, increased PARP cleavage, and decreased activation of the anti-apoptotic protein HSP27. This combination also yielded enhanced inhibition of ERK, AKT, and NF-κB signaling. Taken together, PKD inhibition in combination with regorafenib appears to be a promising strategy for the treatment of mCRC.
Reconstruction of the Lateral Ankle Ligaments with Bone-Patellar Tendon Graft in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability A Preliminary Report

BackgroundUnsatisfactory long-term results have been reported after use of a Brostrom repair for patients with chronic ankle ligament insufficiency.HypothesisRepair or reconstruction of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is essential for normal kinematics of the ankle-hindfoot.Study DesignCase series.MethodsThirteen patients with chronic instability of the ankle were found at operation to have injuries of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, with a lack of healthy ligament margins suitable for suturing. Reconstruction of the ligaments was performed with bone-patellar tendon graft. The score devised by Good et al. was used to assess the patients’ clinical condition before the operation and at final follow-up.ResultsBefore the operation, six patients had a grade 3 clinical condition and seven had a grade 4 condition. At a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, all patients had a grade 1 condition. The average talar tilt of the patients was improved from 18.4° ± 5.5° ...
How Important Is Private Higher Education in Europe? A Regional Analysis in Global Context1

The importance of private higher education (PHE) is increasingly clear globally. But does Europe fit the global generalisation? This question can be assessed with reference to two major considerations: the size of PHE and the degree of private-public difference. The growth of PHE in Europe has been delayed and limited compared to that in most of the world, though still significant. For the 27-member European Union, the PHE share is best put at 12%, with a modestly higher share for Europe more broadly defined. Europe's PHE share is thus less than half that of the global share. The regional share is considerably higher in Eastern than in Western Europe. In terms of distinctiveness, European PHE differs from public higher education in important respects that reflect world patterns. Inter-sectoral differences are decisive in finance. Though less quantifiable, they appear fundamental albeit blurred in some but not all aspects of governance and activities. Blurring in activities, governance, and even finance occurs through changes within both sectors, especially through partial privatisation within the public sector. Still, Europe's private sector is far from simply isomorphic to the public sector. Considering together size and distinctiveness, a reasonable assessment is that PHE has moderate and increased importance in Europe.
Frontotemporal dementia: genetics and genetic counseling dilemmas.

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease with early symptoms of personality change and/or language disorder. Approximately 40% of individuals with FTD have a family history of dementia; however, in our experience, less than 10% have clear autosomal dominant inheritance. Mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene have been reported in up to 50% of hereditary cases, but are unusual except in families with more than 3 individuals with FTD. The genetics of FTD is complicated by clinical heterogeneity, variable expression, phenocopies, misdiagnoses, and lost family histories. The objective of this paper is to enable physicians to recognize hereditary patterns and genetic concerns of FTD families and to understand genetic counseling strategies. Review Summary: The complexity of FTD genetics and genetic counseling are illustrated using 4 case histories. Case 1 demonstrates the difficulty obtaining a reliable FTD family history. Case 2 illustrates how psychiatric phenocopies can make family linkage studies difficult. The lack of genotype and phenotype correlation and issues of predictive genetic testing within FTD families are the subject of case 3, and case 4 shows how normal aging language difficulties and cognitive changes can be misinterpreted when a family history of dementia is present. Conclusions: Physicians seeing patients with possible FTD should be aware of the risk of a genetic etiology. A 3-generation family history should be obtained with attention to neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioral symptoms. Variable expression and phenocopies are confounding factors when assessing a possible genetic etiology. Referral of the patient and family for genetic counseling is recommended.
THE MORAL STATUS OF STEM CELLS

: What moral status should we attribute to stem cells? To answer this neglected question, we look in this essay at the properties of embryos and other entities that could develop into beings who have uncontested moral status, namely, adult humans. Our analysis indicates that those who grant moral status to embryos should also grant it to stem cells. This has implications that verge on absurdity, since even if we were to try to do what we can to protect these entities, we would face the dilemma that the development of any embryo requires the destruction of other potential beings. We respond to objections, including the claim that the destruction of human embryos is wrong not because of the potential of human embryos but because human embryos are actual beings with a rational nature. We conclude that the more plausible position is to deny moral status to embryos, and thus to stem cells as well.
Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) and rigidity monitoring in neurogenic impotence: Interpretations and limitations

This paper describes the current state of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) testing for men with neurogenic impotence. The paper describes the development of the procedure and offers suggestions regarding interpretations of NPT and rigidity findings. In addition, the paper discusses techniques for assessing the neurogenic causes of impotence as well as other polysomnographic findings. Specific attention is given to somatic nerve function tests, autonomic erectile dysfunction and the investigation of cerebral autonomic and somatic projections. The paper concludes by discussing new avenues of study.
USE OF CHEMICAL COUNTERMEASURES ON ROADSIDE FUEL SPILLS

ABSTRACT As the first and sometimes only line of defense for roadway fuel spills, local responders find themselves in a paradoxical position of having to quickly remove the material while minimizing impacts to the environment. In the past, to facilitate a quick reopening of the roadway, local responders hosed the spilled fuel into a nearby creek or storm drain. Today, in response to the local responders’ need for tools to mitigate these spills without damaging the environment, many products, called chemical countermeasures, were developed. Unfortunately, without the technical expertise to adequately evaluate each product, local responders are misled into using countermeasures that when released into the environment actually increase the toxicity, mobility, and volatility of the material originally spilled. This paper describes an outreach and training program developed to address this problem by EPA Region IVs Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB) in response to a request by several local fire-figh...
Functional characterization of RNase H1 from Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract We have cloned and functionally characterized the RNase H1 gene from D. melanogaster. The longest open reading frame consists of 5 exons that encode a 333 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 37.1 kDa. This is the first demonstration of specific nuclease activity of a cloned RNase gene from a multicellular higher eukaryote. No additional proteins or cofactors are required for this nuclease activity. Comparison of Drosophila RNase H1 amino acid sequence to that of other cellular eukaryotic homologs reveals the presence of three evolutionarily distinct domains. The N- and C-terminal conserved domains are connected by a highly variable domain. The C-terminal domain has high amino acid similarity to bacterial RNase HI and the RNase H domain of retroviral reverse transcriptase, while the N-terminus, of unknown function, is similar to the P6 translational activator of caulimoviruses.
NOTES ON THE PREY AND NESTS OF SOME AUSTRALIAN CRABRONINI (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE)†

Podagritus leptospermi Turner and Rhopalum variitarse Turner are ground-nesting wasps, both studied near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The former is a predator on flies of the family Therevidae, while the latter uses a diversity of very small flies. Williamsita bivittata Turner nests in logs and preys on Calliphoridae, this record being based on museum specimens collected in Victoria.
Current and Experimental Methods of Rapid Microbial Identification

Current techniques in the clinical microbiology laboratory, such as radioimmuno-assays (RIA) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), are examined critically. A conceptually different, still experimental technique, which we believe may alter clinical microbiology testing substantially, is discussed.
Superconductivity and properties of FeTeOx films

Abstract Films of the parent compound FeTe can be made superconducting via the addition of interstitial oxygen. The process is reversible. We have characterized the new superconductors with a variety of experiments. X-ray diffraction shows that the superconductor has the same overall structure but a small lattice constant change compared to pure FeTe. X-ray absorption shows that superconducting FeTeOx has a nominal valence of 3+. DFT calculations show the most likely position for interstitial oxygen and confirm that such oxygen incorporation does not produce a large change in structure.
On Howe's Duality theorem

Abstract We adopt the Langlands classification to the context of real reductive dual pairs and prove that Howe's Duality Correspondence maps hermitian representations to hermitian representations.
Metaphors of virtuality: shaping an emergent reality

Abstract In this paper, we explore the contemporary discourse associated with the new phenomenon of virtual organizing, and identify a number of metaphors used in this discourse to characterize various aspects of virtuality. We believe paying attention to such metaphors is important because in the absence of experiences (direct or vicarious) to guide practice, the images and ideals promoted in the discourse will shape people's views of and actions towards this new way of organizing. As such, metaphors play a powerful role in structuring the reality of virtuality. To understand the kind of reality being imagined and incited, we examine the various metaphors being proposed in the practitioner-directed literature on virtual organizing. We find that this discourse contains a multiplicity of different metaphors, each highlighting and hiding distinct aspects of virtual organizing. We identify five overarching metaphors in this discourse. These metaphors (re)present virtual organizing as a platform , as existing in space , as composed of bits , as operating as a community , and as engaging in a network of relationships. We analyze these metaphors in terms of their assumptions and presumptions about how to organize work, as well as their affordances and challenges. We conclude by considering what the consequences might be for people acting on the basis of such different, and often contradictory, metaphors in practice.
Strategic quality management

Notes that to be effectively implemented, quality management has to be aligned with strategy and properly co‐ordinated. Develops a systems framework entitled congruence management business architecture. Notes that under this architecture an activity is the core entity for change and that every quality or related initiative will change, eliminate or create activities. Considers various quality management mechanisms under this architecture and considers various barriers. Suggests that the congruence management framework can help make quality management more effective.
Condensed protocol for competent cell preparation and transformation of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris has gained widespread acceptance as a system of choice for heterologous protein expression in part because of the simplicity of techniques required for its molecular genetic manipulation (1). Several different procedures are available for introducing DNA into P. pastoris—spheroplast generation (2), electroporation (3), alkali cation (3,4), or polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment (5). Here we describe a condensed protocol for cell preparation and transformation that works reliably with either auxotrophic markers or antibiotic selection. The introduction of exogenous DNA into an organism requires two steps: (i) the preparation of competent cells for DNA uptake and (ii) the transformation of the cells with the DNA. Transformation of P. pastoris by electroporation is a quick procedure. However, preparation of conventional electroporation-competent cells requires hours of work involving several washes, incubations, and centrifugations. In contrast, competent cell preparation for the heat-shock method is short, but transformation requires approximately 2 h (4). The heat-shock procedure gives approximately 100-fold lower transformation efficiency than electroporation with plasmids containing auxotrophic marker genes such as HIS4. Additionally, the selection of zeocin-resistant transformants using the heat-shock transformation protocol does not work reliably. We have modified the preparation of competent cells from the heat-shock procedure (5) and combined it with transformation by electroporation (3) to yield a condensed protocol that works consistently with auxotrophic markers or antibiotic selection. The main modification of the heat-shock procedure is the addition of a step in which P. pastoris cells are incubated in an optimized concentration of dithiothreitol (DTT). The cells prepared by this “hybrid” method are then electroCondensed protocol for competent cell preparation and transformation of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris
Flavonoids activated caspases for apoptosis in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cells but not in human normal astrocytes.

BACKGROUND: Human glioblastoma is a deadly brain cancer that continues to defy all current therapeutic strategies. The authors induced apoptosis in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cells after treatment with apigenin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and genistein, which did not induce apoptosis in human normal astrocytes. METHODS: Induction of apoptosis was examined using Wright staining and ApopTag assay. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase in intracellular free Ca2+ were measured by fluorescent probes. Analysis of mRNA and Western blotting indicated increases in expression and activities of the stress kinases and cysteine proteases for apoptosis. JC-1 showed changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and use of specific inhibitors confirmed activation of kinases and proteases in apoptosis. RESULTS: Treatment of glioblastoma cells with apigenin, (−)-epigallocatechin, EGCG, or genistein triggered ROS production that induced apoptosis with phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activation of the redox-sensitive c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 pathway. Pretreatment of cells with ascorbic acid attenuated ROS production and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Increases in intracellular free Ca2+ and activation of caspase-4 indicated involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in apoptosis. Other events in apoptosis included overexpression of Bax, loss of ΔΨm, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and Smac into the cytosol, down-regulation of baculoviral inhibitor-of-apoptosis repeat-containing proteins, and activation of calpain, caspase-9, and caspase-3. (−)-Epigallocatechin and EGCG also induced caspase-8 activity. Apigenin, (−)-epigallocatechin, EGCG, and genistein did not induce apoptosis in human normal astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Results strongly suggest that flavonoids are potential therapeutic agents for induction of apoptosis in human glioblastoma cells. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.