cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphological Variability in Interlanguage Grammars: New Evidence From the Acquisition of Gender and Number in Italian Determiner Phrases and Direct Object Pronouns

In this paper, I investigate the phenomenon of morphological variability in the production of Italian determiners, descriptive adjectives, and direct object pronouns by adult English learners of Italian to determine whether morphological errors are the result of computational or representational difficulties. Second language acquisitionists do seem to agree on whether erroneous morphological forms noticeable even in advanced second language grammars due to the absence of the functional apparatus responsible for their feature-checking, a partially developed morphological competence, or even learners‟ performance limitations. Data have shown that the morphological features of Italian Determiner Phrases (DPs) and pronouns are fully acquirable, despite their absence in the grammar of learners‟ native language. Furthermore, adult English speakers‟ precocious familiarity with Italian nominal and pronominal morphology, and the uniform occurrence of erroneous forms in their interlanguage grammars suggest that morphological variability does not stem from the absence of the necessary functional structure, but from a general deficiency in properly “assembling” the morphological features of a particular lexical item, and learners‟ inability to map them with the syntactic information available.
A new and systematic method of modeling PWM DC-DC converters

The principle of energy conservation is used to model pulse width modulation (PWM) DC-DC converters. A novel method of deriving circuit models of multiple switch and/or transformer PWM converters is introduced. The principle of energy conservation is used for including parasitic components in these models. Reflection rules are given which allow model simplifications. The circuit models can be used to derive large-signal and small-signal characteristics as well as to simulate the converter performance. As an example, a procedure of modeling the PWM push-pull converter is presented. >
Predictors of cerebral infarction following transient ischemic attack.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning sign for impending cerebral infarction, mainly within several months following the attack. To determine if any clinical characteristics could prognosticate cerebral infarction following a TIA, we studied and followed 68 consecutive patients who presented with a TIA. We determined the vascular risk factors, frequency, duration, vascular territory involved, and presumed etiology of the attacks. Diagnostic tests and treatment were individualized. Follow-up ranged from 1 day to 36 months (mean, 19 months). Four patients died from non-neurologic causes without having had a stroke. Cerebral infarction occurred in five patients (7%), 6 hours, 1 day, 10 days, 5 months, and 14 months after the presenting TIA. Two clinical characteristics were associated with a significantly increased risk of cerebral infarction: diabetes mellitus (p 1/month at the time of presentation (p = 0.005). Patients presenting with a recent TIA and these risk factors may benefit from more aggressive treatment.
Efficient extraction method to collect sugar from sweet sorghum

Sweet sorghum is a domesticated grass containing a sugar-rich juice that can be readily utilized for ethanol production. Most of the sugar is stored inside the cells of the stalk tissue and can be difficult to release, a necessary step before conventional fermentation. While this crop holds much promise as an arid land sugar source for biofuel production, a number of challenges must be overcome. One lies in the inherent labile nature of the sugars in the stalks leading to a short usable storage time. Also, collection of sugars from the sweet sorghum stalks is usually accomplished by mechanical squeezing, but generally does not collect all of the available sugars. In this paper, we present two methods that address these challenges for utilization of sweet sorghum for biofuel production. The first method demonstrates a means to store sweet sorghum stalks in the field under semi-arid conditions. The second provides an efficient water extraction method that can collect as much of the available sugar as feasible. Operating parameters investigated include temperature, stalk size, and solid–liquid ratio that impact both the rate of sugar release and the maximal amount recovered with a goal of low water use. The most desirable conditions include 30°C, 0.6 ratio of solid to liquid (w/w), which collects 90 % of the available sugar. Variations in extraction methods did not alter the efficiency of the eventual ethanol fermentation. The water extraction method has the potential to be used for sugar extraction from both fresh sweet sorghum stalks and dried ones. When combined with current sugar extraction methods, the overall ethanol production efficiency would increase compared to current field practices.
Formaldehyde Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase

Formaldehyde ferredoxin oxidoreductase (FOR) is a homotetramer where each subunit contains a [4Fe–4S] cluster and a mononuclear tungsten atom coordinated by the dithioline groups of two pterin molecules. It is a member of a family of five closely related tungstoenzymes found in organisms that grow at high temperatures in marine volcanic vents. FOR catalyzes the two-electron oxidation of its aldehyde substrate to the corresponding acid with the concomitant reduction of ferredoxin, its physiological electron acceptor. FOR oxidizes short chain C_1-C_4 aldehydes as substrates but has the highest affinity for C_4-C_6 di- and semialdehydes. The enzyme is proposed to have a role in peptide metabolism.
Conventional and Proteomic Technologies for the Detection of Early Stage Malignancies: Markers for Ovarian Cancer

Our understanding of the tumor microenvironment continues to evolve and allows for the identification of biomarkers that should detect the presence of early stage malignancies. Recent advances in computational analysis and biomedical technologies have come together to elucidate signatures associated with cancer and that are capable of identifying unique tumor-specific proteins. Within the tumor microenvironment, we continue to characterize the proteophysiology of the different steps associated with tumor progression. The urgent need for biomarkers accurately detecting early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer has prompted us, and others, to engage in a search for specific peptide signatures that may discriminate transformed cells from those of the normal ovarian microenvironment. This endeavor also provides new insights into the biology of the disease, which may not only be applicable to detection but may also help to initiate new therapies and optimize patient care.
Biooxidation of coal gasification wastewaters

Fixed-film, fluidized-bed bioreactors have been used successfully to treat dilute synthetic and actual wastewaters for long periods of time.
The Distribution of Larval Fishes of the Charleston Gyre Region off the Southeastern United States in Winter Shaped by Mesoscale, Cyclonic Eddies

Abstract Serial, cyclonic, mesoscale eddies arise just north of the Charleston Bump, a topographical rise on the continental slope and Blake Plateau, and characterize the U.S. outer shelf and upper slope in the region of the Charleston Gyre. This region was transected during the winters of 2000, 2001, and 2002, and hydrographic data and larval fishes were collected. The hydrodynamics of the cyclonic eddies of the Charleston Gyre shape the distribution of larval fishes by mixing larvae from the outer continental shelf and the Gulf Stream and entraining them into the eddy circulation at the peripheral margins, the wrap-around filaments. Over all years and transects (those that intercepted eddies and those that did not), chlorophyll a concentrations, zooplankton displacement volumes, and larval fish concentrations were positively correlated. Chlorophyll a concentrations were highest in filaments that wrapped around eddies, and zooplankton displacement volumes were highest in the continental shelf–Gulf Stream...
Predicting Fever Response of Children with Pneumonia Treated with Antibiotics

In order to study predictors of fever response in children with radiologic pulmonary infiltrates treated with antibiotics, 156 children with pneumonia were evaluated with slide test C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood cultures, acute and convalescent viral and mycoplasma titers, and then followed clinically. Both CRP (+) at a serum dilution of 1:50 and WBC greater than or equal to 15,000 were better predictors of rapid resolution of fever while the patient was receiving antibiotics than were ESR greater than or equal to 30 or temperature greater than or equal to 40 C. WBC greater than or equal to 15,000 was nearly as specific but more sensitive than CRP (+) 1:50 for resolution of fever in either 8, 12 or 24 hours. Positive blood or lung bacterial cultures, but not four-fold or greater viral or mycoplasma titer increases, were also associated with rapid resolution of fever. WBC greater than or equal to 15,000 is useful in predicting rapid fever response in children with pneumonia treated with antibiotics.
Layout conscious approach and bus architecture synthesis for hardware/software codesign of systems on chip optimized for speed

This paper presents a layout-conscious approach for hardware/software codesign of systems-on-chip (SoCs) optimized for latency, including an original algorithm for bus architecture synthesis. Compared to similar work, the method addresses layout related issues that affect system optimization, such as the dependency of task communication speed on interconnect parasitic. The codesign flow executes three consecutive steps: 1) combined partitioning and scheduling: besides partitioning and scheduling, this step also identifies the minimum speed constraints for each data link; 2) IP core placement, bus architecture synthesis, and routing: IP cores are placed using a hierarchical cluster growth algorithm; bus architecture synthesis identifies a set of possible building blocks and then assembles them for minimizing bus length and complexity; poor solutions are pruned using a special table structure and select-eliminated method; and 3) rescheduling for the best bus architecture. This paper offers extensive experiments for the proposed codesign method, including bus architecture synthesis for a network processor and a JPEG SoC.
Postprandial monocyte activation in response to meals with high and low glycemic loads in overweight women

BACKGROUND Recent data show that atherosclerosis is initiated and perpetuated by inflammatory events. Activation of immune cells such as monocytes initiates inflammation, a key step in atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE We hypothesize that a high-glycemic load meal activates inflammatory cells, and that this is mediated by elevated circulating triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins. DESIGN Sixteen women [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25.7-29.6], aged 20-48 y, consumed meals with a high or a low glycemic load in a crossover fashion. Blood samples were collected before and up to 8 h after the meals. Samples were measured for glucose, insulin, triacylglycerols, and circulating cytokines, and expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS At 3.5 h after the test meals, we observed a significant increase in monocytes expressing TNF-alpha with both high-and low-glycemic load meals. Also, expression of IL-1beta in monocytes tended to increase, but the change was not significant. The glycemic load of the meal did not influence circulating cytokines and had only a minimal effect on postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations despite marked postprandial changes in glycemia and circulating insulin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS In the postprandial state, monocytes can be activated by both high-and low-glycemic load meals. The glycemic load of a single meal did not have a significant effect on the degree of activation of the monocytes in women who displayed only a modest increase in circulating triacylglycerols in response to test meals. Future studies should examine the effect of glycemic load in subjects who have a hyperlipemic response to dietary carbohydrate.
An educational digital communications project using FPGAs to implement a BPSK detector

With the recent advent of hardware description languages (e.g., Verilog or VHDL) and digital implementation for field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), substantial academic digital design projects become practicable. The time and effort to implement significant design projects may be undertaken without sacrificing the broad educational demands placed upon the modern engineering student. In the present paper, the design of an all-digital, binary-phase-shift-keying (BPSK) demodulator is described. The project details the design of the components (e.g., Booth multipliers and pseudorandom noise (PN) generators) and the simulation of the entire system. The entire system was designed using the Verilog hardware description language and implemented on an Altera 10-k FPGA device. This paper verifies that students are capable of accomplishing significant signal processing projects that provide educational benefits. Projects can readily be extended by developing several such projects across a class and then integrating distinct projects into more fully developed systems. The project described in This work is the design and simulation of a BPSK correlation detector.
Plasma waves in the magnetotail of Uranus

Plasma wave phenomena observed during the Voyager 2 passing through the magnetotail of Uranus after its encounter with the planet on January 24, 1986 are described. The location of the wave events, their probable mode of propagation, and their association with various plasma and charged particle observations are presented. It was found that the most remarkable magnetotail plasma waves were inside the distance of about 23 Uranus radii, with an additional event occurring between about 48 and 56 Uranus radii. The frequency of these magnetotail plasma waves was found to be below about 100 Hz, extending down to the 10-Hz lower frequency limit of the receiver. The shape of the spectrum and the location of the wave activity near the boundary layer suggest that these waves may be similar to broadband electrostatic waves observed in similar regions of the earth's magnetotail.
Real-Time Guidance for Hydrant Flushing Using Sensor-Hydrant Decision Trees

AbstractA utility may detect contaminant in a water distribution network through water quality sensor information, which indicates that a biological pathogen or chemical contaminant is present in the network. A utility manager should identify actions that can be taken to protect public health, and flushing a contaminant by opening a set of hydrants can be an effective response action. Hydrants should be selected and timed to flush the contaminant; however, accurately ascertaining the characteristics of the contaminant source may be impossible, which creates difficulties in developing a hydrant flushing strategy. This research develops a decision-making approach that is designed to select hydrant flushing strategies in response to sensor activations and does not require information about the characteristics of the contaminant source. A sensor-hydrant decision tree is introduced to provide a library of rules for opening and closing hydrants based on the order of activated sensors. Sensor-hydrant decision tr...
Low-dose irradiation alters the transcript profiles of human lymphoblastoid cells including genes associated with cytogenetic radioadaptive response.

Coleman, M. A., Yin, E., Peterson, L. E., Nelson, D., Sorensen, K., Tucker, J. D. and Wyrobek, A. J. Low-Dose Irradiation Alters the Transcript Profiles of Human Lymphoblastoid Cells Including Genes Associated with Cytogenetic Radioadaptive Response. Radiat. Res. 164, 369‐382 (2005). Low-dose ionizing radiation alters the gene expression profiles of mammalian cells, yet there is little understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for these changes or of their consequences for genomic stability. We investigated the cytogenetic adaptive response of human lymphoblastoid cell lines exposed to 5 cGy (priming dose) followed by 2 Gy (challenge dose) compared to cells that received a single 2-Gy dose to (a) determine how the priming dose influences subsequent gene transcript expression in reproducibly adapting and non-adapting cell lines, and (b) identify gene transcripts that are associated with reductions in the magnitude of chromosomal damage after the challenge dose. The transcript profiles were evaluated using oligonucleotide arrays and RNA obtained 4 h after the challenge dose. A set of 145 genes (false discovery rate 5 5%) with transcripts that were affected by the 5-cGy priming dose fell into two categories: (a) a set of common genes that were similarly modulated by the 5-cGy priming dose irrespective of whether the cells subsequently adapted or not and (b) genes with differential transcription in accordance with the cell lines that showed either adaptive or non-adaptive outcomes. The common primingdose response genes showed up-regulation for protein synthesis genes and down-regulation of metabolic and signal transduction genes (.10-fold differences). The genes associated with subsequent adaptive and non-adaptive outcomes involved DNA repair, stress response, cell cycle control and apoptosis. Our findings support the importance of TP53-related functions in the control of the low-dose cytogenetic radioadaptive response and suggest that certain low-dose-induced alterations in cellular functions are predictive for the risk of
Purification and identification of very low density lipoprotein toxicity preventing activity.

Abstract Toxicity preventing activity (TxPA) is a recently identified substance in serum which counteracts the toxic effect of very low density lipoproteins upon endothelial cells in vitro. In two clinical studies, TxPA was low in individuals with angiographically demonstrable coronary artery disease. An atherogenic index which combines TxPA with lipoprotein cholesterol values classifies individuals with coronary artery disease with an accuracy of greater than 93%. TxPA precipitates with 0.15 M trichloroacetic acid and above 3 M (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . Activity is present in Cohn fractions IV 4 and V and is stabilized by antioxidants. TxPA co-lutes with the albumin peak on gel filtration chromatography and as a subcomponent of albumin on ion-exchange chromatography. Isoelectric focusing resolves albumin into two major peaks with p I values of 4.8 and 5.6. The TxPA is identified as the p I 5.6 albumin peak.
Is birth order associated with adult mortality

The objective of this study was to determine whether birth order is associated with total or cause-specific adult mortality and whether the association differed by sex, was confounded by age, number of siblings, or socioeconomic status, or was mediated by personality, education, or health behaviors. Teachers throughout California identified intellectually gifted children as part of a prospective study begun in the 1920s by Lewis Terman. Information on birth order was available on 1162 subjects (85% of cohort) who have since been followed for over 70 years. Cox proportional hazards models indicated that birth order was not associated with adult all-cause, cardiovascular, or cancer mortality. Among women, middle children were more likely than oldest children to die from causes of death other than cardiovascular disease or cancer, although the numbers in this category were small. This study did not provide evidence that birth order is associated with adult mortality in this highly intelligent, middle-class cohort.
The American Group Tourist as Viewed by British, Israeli, Korean, and Dutch Tour Guides

A sample of 286 tour guides of British, Israeli, Korean, and Dutch nationalities rated 20 behavioral characteristics of American tourists on escorted motor coach tours. The objective of the study was to identify the similarities and differences of perceptions between the four nationalities of the tour guides. The results indicated that for the majority of the behavioral characteristics measured (11/20), there was a similarity of opinions, or a common mental model, among the nationalities of tour guides regarding the behavioral characteristics of American tourists on escorted motor coach tours. In 2 characteristics there was a uniformity of opinions among all four nationalities, and in 9 characteristics, three of the four nationalities had similar opinions.
Design-space exploration of backplane receivers with high-speed ADCs and digital equalization

High-speed backplane receivers based on front-end ADCs with digital equalization facilitate design reuse, portability, and flexibility to reconfigure itself and accommodate different channel environments. However, power and complexity of such receivers can be high and require thorough high-level exploration to optimize design tradeoffs. This paper presents a backplane receiver model consisting of a simple, accurate, experimentallyverified, and parameterized high-speed flash ADC and a configurable digital equalizer for design-space exploration. Simulations demonstrate tradeoffs between ADC and equalizer bit resolution while maintaining constant receiver performance.
Knee and Leg

This chapter deals with injuries of the knee and leg. Various types of fractures and other injuries are presented. MR is discussed where it significantly adds to evaluation of these injuries.
Erythropoietin production in the fetal lamb.

Abstract Five fetal lambs (day 95 to 123 of gestation) received chronic injections of phenylhydrazine by direct introduction into their jugular veins. Erythropoietin (ESF) appeared in the plasma of these fetuses, and the quantities of ESF present were directly related to the intensity of anemia induced by the phenylhydrazine. No ESF was demonstrable at any time in the maternal plasma. Fluctuations in the levels of ESF in fetal plasma, which were characteristic of the response, may be due to variations in the quantities of plasma substrate upon which the renal erythropoietic factor (REF) operates to produce the ESF. The results of this study establish with certainty the ability of a mammalian fetus to produce the ESF in response to a form of hypoxia.
A Cosmochemical View of the Solar System

Cosmochemistry is the study of extraterrestrial materials aimed at understanding the nature of Solar System bodies, including the planets, their natural satellites, and small bodies. An important goal is to increase our understanding of the chemical origin of the Solar System and the processes by which its planets and small bodies have evolved to their present states. Research in cosmochemistry covers an enormous range of disciplines and techniques, including mineralogy, petrology, major and trace element chemistry, isotope compositions, radiometric ages, magnetism, and radiation-exposure effects. These studies provide a wealth of data about the processes of stellar evolution, planetary-system formation, alteration in asteroidal and cometary interiors, and the accretion history of the Earth, including the origin of Earth9s volatile and organic materials.
Aging increases p16INK4a expression in vascular smooth-muscle cells

Alteration of VSMC (vascular smooth-muscle cell) physiology is associated with the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. We hypothesize that aging up-regulates the expression of p16 INK4a in VSMCs, which may increase the susceptibility of blood vessels to vascular occlusive diseases. Aortic VSMCs were obtained from young and aged mice. Cells from aged mice grew more slowly than those from their younger counterparts. Progression of cell cycle in response to serum stimulation was significantly inhibited in those cells with aging, as determined by FACS after propidium iodide staining. A significant up-regulation of p16 INK4a (2.5-fold, P=0.0012) was found in VSMC from aged animals using gene arrays. The up-regulation of this gene was further confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR) and Western-blot experiments. Immunostaining for p16 INK4a confirmed that aortas from aged mice contained more p16 INK4a+ SMA (smooth-muscle cell actin)+ cells than aortas from young animals (26.79+/-2.45 versus 7.06+/-1.44, P=0.00027, n=4). In conclusion, we have shown that aging up-regulates the expression of p16 INK4a in VSMC in both cultures and arteries. The increase in p16 INK4a in the vasculature with aging may modify VSMC's response to post-injury stress and therefore accelerate the development of age-related cardiovascular diseases.
Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect:Comparison of Amplatzer septal occluder and a China-made septal occluder

AIM To compare the efficiency of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect by using Amplatzer septal occluder and a new septal occluder made in China.METHODS Forty-one patients were treated with Amplatzer septal occluder and 76 patients were treated with a China-made septal occluder during the same period.The efficiency,complications and cost of both groups were compared.RESULTS No significant difference was found in comparing the preoperatively clinical indexes,operative and exposure time,hospital days and the rate of complete closure and complication.No significant difference was found in the decrease of left ventricular systolic and diastolic end,as well as C/T.The total cost of the Amplatzer septal occluder group was much higher than that of the China-made septal occluder group.CONCLUSION There is no significant difference in the rate of complete closure and complications between using Amplatzer septal occluder or the China-made septal occluder in treating ventricular septal defect.The China-made septal occluder is safe and effective for transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect.
Intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity in rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer arises in part from the cumulative effects of multiple gene lesions. Recent studies in selected cancer types have revealed significant intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity and highlighted its potential role in disease progression and resistance to therapy. We hypothesized the existence of significant intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity in rectal cancers involving variations in localized somatic mutations and copy number abnormalities. Two or three spatially disparate regions from each of six rectal tumors were dissected and subjected to the next-generation whole-exome DNA sequencing, Oncoscan SNP arrays, and targeted confirmatory sequencing and analysis. The resulting data were integrated to define subclones using SciClone. Mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) scores, mutant allele frequency correlation, and mutation percent concordance were calculated, and copy number analysis including measurement of correlation between samples was performed. Somatic mutations profiles in individual cancers were similar to prior studies, with some variants found in previously reported significantly mutated genes and many patient-specific mutations in each tumor. Significant intra-tumor heterogeneity was identified in the spatially disparate regions of individual cancers. All tumors had some heterogeneity but the degree of heterogeneity was quite variable in the samples studied. We found that 67-97% of exonic somatic mutations were shared among all regions of an individual's tumor. The SciClone computational method identified 2-8 shared and unshared subclones in the spatially disparate areas in each tumor. MATH scores ranged from 7 to 41. Allele frequency correlation scores ranged from R(2)=0.69-0.96. Measurements of correlation between samples for copy number changes varied from R(2)=0.74-0.93. All tumors had some heterogeneity, but the degree was highly variable in the samples studied. The occurrence of significant intra-tumor heterogeneity may allow selected tumors to have a genetic reservoir to draw from in their evolutionary response to therapy and other challenges.
CA-125 levels in human uterine fluid.

Objective To measure uterine fluid CA-125 concentration and to determine if any menstrual cycle phase dependent changes exist in its level. Serum levels are measured for comparison. Design CA-125 levels in uterine fluid were measured during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. In a sequential study, paired uterine fluid and serum samples were obtained once in both midfollicular and midluteal phases of the same menstrual cycle. Results CA-125 in uterine fluid during the follicular phase (n = 14) ranged from 16.4 × 10 3 to 616.5 × 10 3 U/mL, and from 6.2 × 10 3 to 567.3 × 10 3 U/mL in the luteal phase (n = 11). In the paired sequential uterine fluid and serum samples, (1) the means (± SEM) CA-125 in uterine fluid were 81.5 × 10 3 ± 37.9 × 10 3 U/mL and 91.4 × 10 3 ± 56.8 × 10 3 U/mL in the midfollicular and midluteal phases, respectively ( P = 0.75); (2) the CA-125 levels in serum increased in the midluteal phase ( P Conclusions When compared with serum CA-125, uterine fluid contains high concentrations varying over a wide range without fluctuation between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.
The Acrylonitrile Analog, VJ-289 Ablates Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Blast, Progenitor and Stem Cell Populations by Inducing Tubulin Acetylation and Caspase Activation

Abstract 2496 Combretastatin A-4, a derivative of combretastatin, a natural product of the South African tree Combretum caffrum, has been reported to have anti-angiogenic and anti-tubulin effects in different cancer cell lines. We synthesized 48 novel combretastatin analogs to assess anti-leukemia activity in a panel of 12 leukemia cell lines. We identified an analog, VJ-289 [(Z)-3-(1H-indol-2-yl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile] with robust anti-leukemic activity. VJ-289 showed a dose-dependent toxicity to most of the leukemic cell lines tested. The average LD50 for the 12 different leukemia cell lines was 132 nM (95% CI, 91.8–170.5). Specifically, MV4-11 cells demonstrated the most sensitivity to VJ-289 (LD50 = 66 nM), whereas THP-1 was the most resistant (LD50 = 227 nM). Furthermore, when the activity of VJ-289 was tested, five out of 14 primary AML samples demonstrated resistance to VJ-289 with an LD50 > 300nM. The average LD50 for the sensitive primary AML samples was 64.06 nM (95% CI, 35.36–92.76; N=9). Most importantly, normal CD34+ cord blood cells were significantly less affected by VJ-289 (LD50 > 500 nM). Furthermore, VJ-289 was capable of eliminating AML progenitor/stem cells as determined by phenotypic analysis in 15 primary AML samples, colonies forming ability (N=6) and xenotransplant assays (N=6). Overall, we observed a 90.3% decrease in colony formation after treatment with 150 nM VJ-289 relative to untreated control. In contrast, VJ-289 had less impact on colony forming ability of normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from cord blood cells (66.1% decrease relative to untreated; p=0.013). To investigate the role of VJ-289 in leukemic cell apoptosis, various cell survival signaling pathways were examined. Western blotting and intracellular staining/flow cytometry data showed that caspases, including caspase 3 and 8, were activated alongside the cleavage of PARP in a dose-dependent manner. Caspase activation was observed as early as 4 h after treatment with 100 nM VJ-289. PI3K/AKT, MAPK and NF-κB were decreased upon VJ-289 treatment. Moreover, the degradation of MCL1 and the cleavage of Bcl2, two anti-apoptotic Bcl2 family members, were decreased by VJ-289 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, the acetylation of α-tubulin, which is critical for microtubule stabilization, and is involved in multiple cellular functions, ranging from cell motility, cell cycle progression or cell differentiation to intracellular trafficking and signaling, was transiently induced by VJ-289 within 2 hours, and was inhibited dramatically after 4 hours. In summary, we have identified a combrestastatin A-4 analog, VJ-289, as a new anti-leukemia agent with the ability to ablate blast, progenitor and stem cell populations via induction of caspase activation and α-tubulin acetylation. Studies are underway to determine what modulates sensitivity to VJ-289 across AML specimens. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Seismicity-permeability coupling in the behavior of gas shales, CO2 storage and deep geothermal energy

Contemporary methods of energy conversions that reduce carbon intensity include sequestering CO2, fuel switching to lower-carbon sources, such as from gas shales, and recovering deep geothermal energy via EGS. In all of these endeavors, either maintaining the low permeability and integrity of caprocks or in controlling the growth of permeability in initially very-low-permeability shales and geothermal reservoirs represent key desires. At short-timescales of relevance, permeability is driven principally by deformations—in turn resulting from changes in total stresses, fluid pressure or thermal and chemical effects. These deformations may be intrinsically stable or unstable, result in aseismic or seismic deformation, with resulting changes in permeability conditioned by the deformational mode. We report experiments and models to represent the respective roles of mineralogy, texture, scale and overpressures on the evolution of friction, stability and permeability in fractured rocks. Models show a transition from high to low residual coefficient of friction for homogenous mixtures of strong and weak aggregates when the proportion of the weak material reaches 25% with a significant transition occurring at 50%. This transition may occur at much lower proportions where the material is structured, such as in a thin layer. For pre-existing fractures, we observe that fracture permeability declines during shearing while the increased sliding velocity reduces the rate of decline. The physics of these observed behaviors are explored via parametric studies and surface measurement of fractures, showing that both permeability and frictional strength are correlated to the fracture asperity evolution that is controlled in-turn by the sliding velocity and fracture material.
The All-Heterosexual World of Children’s Nonfiction: A Critical Content Analysis of LGBTQ Identities in Orbis Pictus Award Books, 1990–2017

Despite increased attention toward children’s nonfiction and informational texts in recent decades, there is still little research that investigates the ways in which various cultural identities are depicted in nonfiction children’s books. Focusing specifically on the 143 winners and honor recipients of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Literature for Children (1990–2017), this article reports the findings of a critical content analysis of depictions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identified people in award-winning nonfiction youth literature. The authors look across this set of texts as a literary construction of the world, making explicit where and how LGBTQ people are visible in these award-winning books for young readers. By analyzing specific depictions of queer-identified people, the authors argue the creators of these books rely upon heteronormative constructions, queer erasure, and compulsory heterosexuality to minimize (and even eliminate) queerness.
Theophylline withdrawal had an unfavorable effect in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Source Citation Kirsten DK, Wegner RE, Jorres RA, Magnussen H. Effects of theophylline withdrawal in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest. 1993 Oct;104:1101-7.
Phylogeny—The Tree of Life

One of the most amazing aspects of evolutionary theory is that of common descent—that all life forms are actually related in a genetic and phylogenetic sense. In short, all life forms are “cousins” to a greater or lesser extent. This being the case, biologists strive to decipher the exact nature of these relationships such that a tree of life can be constructed that will show the evolutionary descent and relationships of all forms of life on Earth—all lines of descent. Great progress has been made in this regard, and more will certainly occur in the future. Many sources of evidence are used in this work, but comparative genomics has become the prime and ultimate source of information useful in deciphering these relationships.
Cloud MapReduce for particle filter-based data assimilation for wildfire spread simulation

MapReduce is a domain-independent programming model for processing data in a highly parallel fashion. With MapReduce, parallel computing can be automatically carried out in large-scale commodity machines. This paper presents a method that utilizes the parallel and distributed processing capability of Hadoop MapReduce for particle filter-based data assimilation in wildfire spread simulation. We parallelize the sampling and weight computation steps of the particle filtering algorithm based on the MapReduce programming model. Experiment results show that our approach significantly increases the performance of particle filter-based data assimilation.
William H. Burnham

William H. Burnham was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire. He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard in 1882 and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins in 1888. Subsequently, he taught at Clark University until his retirement in 1926. Burnham is best remembered for his work on human memory, especially his superb history of memory, of which the conclusion is included here.
Organization of Total Materials Management

A primary contributor to a successful enterprise is an effective materials management organization. Managements that are poorly organized will not achieve their objectives and generally will operate below optimal profit levels.
Lewis White Beck: A Brief Farewell

I regret that I was not able to be present at the meeting of the North American Kant Society honoring the memory of Lewis White Beck. As I suspect is the case for many of Lewis’s former students, I recall him with complex emotions. Respect—for his great learning and philosophical ability—is a given. The remaining emotions, at least in my case, can perhaps best be described as “anxious affection”—“affection” because of the generous support that Lewis gave to me at every stage of my career—opening doors for me that others might have left closed; “anxious” because of my feeling that I was always being judged by him and might not be living up to the standards he had set for me.
Analysis of Dermatologic Procedures Billed Independently by Non-Physician Practitioners in the United States

Abstract Background Non-physician practitioners (NPPS), including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are expanding their scope of practice outside of primary care and performing more procedures in dermatology. Objective To understand the scope and geographic pattern of practice by NPs and PAs in dermatology in the US. Methods Cross-sectional retrospective cohort analysis of dermatology practices in the 2014 Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master File, which reflects Part B carrier and durable medical equipment fee-for-service claims in the US. Results Over 4 million procedures were billed independently by NPs and PAs, which accounts for 11.51% of all. Injection, simple repair, and biopsy were the most commonly billed by non-physician practitioners, but complex procedures were also increasingly billed independently by NPs and PAs. Proportions of their claims are higher in the East Coast, Midwest, and Mountain states. Limitations Data is at the state level, limited to Medicare beneficiaries, and doesn’t include billing incident-to physicians. Conclusions This study demonstrated the increasing scope of practice of NPs and PAs in dermatology, despite limited training and lack of uniform regulations. To ensure quality and safety of care, it is prudent to set benchmarks for proper supervision and utilization of procedures in dermatology.
Electricity market reform

Abstract Many power sector reforms and new market mechanism designs have been under intense discussion again because of the emerging smart grid technologies plus some innovative information technology (IT) business models and an Internet-inspired commercial paradigm. However, most research on the electricity market still focuses on the wholesale market, particularly the bidding process and financial transmission rights. The development of the retail electricity market seldom borrows much experience from such bulk power transactions, though. Instead, it prefers to follow principles, such as multioptions, peer-to-peer, sharing economy friendliness, negotiability, and so on, which are utilized successfully in the customer-centric IT industry. The key to open innovation in the power sector has been believed to be the development of consumer-centric business models and well-designed demand side management programs suitable for next-generation electric grid: energy internet. Besides various kinds of electricity market mechanism designs within future energy internet, transactive energy is also believed as an important concept of an efficient and flexible platform for future energy transactions. The principles provided by transactive energy will enable better electricity market reform in parallel with the development of energy internet.
FURTHERING REGIONAL ENERGY SECURITY INSTEAD OF NATIONAL APPROACHES

Abstract This paper argues that furthering energy security should move beyond a national approach and consequently consider a regional one. The case study considers Mercosur and UNASUR, covering the period between 2015-2050. The methodology is based on energy modeling and scenarization using the Open Source Energy Modelling System – South America Model Base (OSeMOSYS-SAMBA), a model of planning for the expansion of long-term energy systems. The modeling exercise supports the argument that greater electricity integration in Mercosur (and in South America as a whole) promotes a reduction in the need to increase installed capacity, as well as lower geographic and socio-environmental impacts. Keyword: Energy Security; Energy Integration; Mercosur; UNASUR. JEL Codes: C6, N76, O13, Q4
Barriers to Ensuring Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs

High and rising prescription drug costs have become a preoccupying policy problem in the United States. Notwithstanding broad, bipartisan interest in finding effective policy solutions, several aspects of the drug affordability problem make it an uncommonly difficult one to solve. This article reviews the moral, market, and political factors contributing to the difficulty. Among the moral problems is lack of agreement about how to weigh the fundamental tradeoff involved in regulating drug prices-affordability versus incentives for innovation-and about what constitutes a fair price. Market-related factors include the lack of price transparency and a myriad of perverse incentives in the system through which prescription drugs are supplied to patients. Finally, current policy choices are constrained by past political compromises, and an atmosphere of scandal focusing on egregious instances of price gouging has made rational deliberation about fixes to deeper problems in the system difficult.
Simulations of Core Collapse Supernovae In One and Two Dimemsions Using Multigroup Neutrino Transport

In one dimension, we present results from comparisons of stationary state multigroup flux-limited diffusion and Boltzmann neutrino transport, focusing on quantities central to the postbounce shock reheating. In two dimensions, we present results from simulations that couple one-dimensional multigroup flux-limited diffusion to two-dimensional PPM hydrodynamics.
Critical creative pedagogies: a decolonial and indigenous approach using visual arts and creative writing

The following paper argues for a critical creative paedagogy as a means of meaningfully engaging with Indigenous and decolonial philosophies. We showcase our critical frameworks and pathways for teaching a decolonial and Indigenous university course where philosophy and arts meet to engage with complex colonial, racial and epistemological questions. We first frame our theoretical and philosophical stance within critical postcolonial, Indigenous and decolonial studies. We then describe an epistemological critique within western philosophical discourse that will gesture towards a decolonial pathway to arts and discuss our creative teaching approach grounded in decolonial and Indigenous theories. Lastly, we reach to a critical and decolonial space where ‘southern’ philosophies can be ‘heard’ in their fullest complexity. We contend that creative writing and visual arts grounded in critical decolonial and Indigenous theories provide a space in which a decolonised knowledge seems possible.
Hospital Care at Home: Better, Cheaper, Faster?

Levine and colleagues' clinical trial found that at-home care resulted in less health care use and more benefits, including less sedentary time, fewer readmissions within 30 days, and 38% lower mea...
Co-editor’s introduction: Humanizing pedagogy, research and learning

Drawing on humanizing pedagogy (Franquiz & Salazar, 2004; Salazar, 2013) and on humanizing research methods (Paris & Winn, 2013), bi(multi)lingual and bi(multi)literacy scholars agree that children...
Perspectives on Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Earlier Use for Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Study of US Patients.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being used earlier than was previously the case in the disease progression in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To explore preferences about the timing of DBS, we asked PD patients with DBS whether they would have preferred the implantation procedure to have occurred earlier after diagnosis. Methods: Twenty Michigan-based patients were interviewed about both their experiences with DBS as well as their attitudes regarding the possible earlier use of DBS. We used a structured interview, with both closed and open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Results: We found that the majority of our participants (72%) had high overall satisfaction with DBS in addressing motor symptoms (mean of 7.5/10) and quality of life (mean of 8.25/10). Participants were mixed about whether they would have undergone DBS earlier than they did, with five participants being unsure and the remaining nearly equally divided between yes and no. Conclusion: Patient attitudes on the early use of DBS were mixed. Our results suggest that while patients were grateful for improvements experienced with DBS, they would not necessarily have endorsed its implementation earlier in their disease progression. Larger studies are needed to further examine our findings.