cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Visual Analytics Model Applied to Lead Generation Library Design in Drug Discovery

Lead generation library design is an iterative process of selecting compounds that would make ideal drug candidates. We propose a visual analytics model for effective evaluation of various compound selection strategies. This model incorporates a clustering strategy and a set of evaluation metrics for understanding the current state of knowledge to enable decision making and process customization between iterations.
Nanobiosensors: optofluidic, electrical and mechanical approaches to biomolecular detection at the nanoscale

Next generation biosensor platforms will require significant improvements in sensitivity, specificity and parallelity in order to meet the future needs of a variety of fields ranging from in vitro medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical discovery and pathogen detection. Nanobiosensors, which exploit some fundamental nanoscopic effect in order to detect a specific biomolecular interaction, have now been developed to a point where it is possible to determine in what cases their inherent advantages over traditional techniques (such as nucleic acid microarrays) more than offset the added complexity and cost involved constructing and assembling the devices. In this paper we will review the state of the art in nanoscale biosensor technologies, focusing primarily on optofluidic type devices but also covering those which exploit fundamental mechanical and electrical transduction mechanisms. A detailed overview of next generation requirements is presented yielding a series of metrics (namely limit of detection, multiplexibility, measurement limitations, and ease of fabrication/assembly) against which the various technologies are evaluated. Concluding remarks regarding the likely technological impact of some of the promising technologies are also provided.
Soil moisture retrieval over low-vegetation surfaces using time-series radar observations and a lookup table representation of forward scattering

A radar-based time-series algorithm is evaluated for retrieving soil moisture (from the surface down to 5 cm depth) and roughness using two co-polarized (HH and VV) backscatter cross-section measurements (σ0). The retrieval approach inverts a forward model for radar scattering from a bare surface using a pre-computed lookup-table representation of σ0 obtained from Numerical Maxwell Model in 3D simulations. The retrieval process assumes that surface roughness properties are constant during the time series interval, so that only a single rms height estimate is produced for the entire time series. A study using measured data having 6 to 11 time-steps shows an rms error of 0.044 cm3/cm3 for soil moisture with a correlation coefficient of 0.89 between retrieved and in-situ data. Surface rms height estimates are also found accurate to 10 to 30% of in-situ measurements. It is also shown that retrieval performance is not sensitive to errors in knowledge of the surface roughness correlation length for most of the bare surface conditions examined.
K→π and K→0 in 2+1 flavor partially quenched chiral perturbation theory

We calculate results for $K\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $K\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ matrix elements to next-to-leading order in $2+1$ flavor partially quenched chiral perturbation theory. Results are presented for both the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1/2$ and $3/2$ channels, for chiral operators corresponding to current-current, gluonic penguin, and electroweak penguin 4-quark operators. These formulas are useful for studying the chiral behavior of currently available $2+1$ flavor lattice QCD results, from which the low-energy constants of the chiral effective theory can be determined. The low-energy constants of these matrix elements are necessary for an understanding of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1/2$ rule, and for calculations of ${ϵ}^{\ensuremath{'}}/ϵ$ using current lattice QCD simulations.
Spiritual Transformation and Prisoner Rehabilitation in Brazil and the United States

It is not a new idea that the life of even the worst prisoner can be transformed. Clergy and religious practitioners have proclaimed this message as long as prisons have existed. In recent years, however, there has been considerable interest going beyond traditional prison ministry, to establishing faith-based prison programs, dorms, or even entire faith-based prisons. One of the rationales for the emphasis on faith-based prison interventions is the common criticism that traditional prison programs are simply not effective in rehabilitating inmates or helping former prisoners become law-abiding citizens once they are released back into society. There is preliminary empirical evidence that regular participation in volunteer-led Bible studies is associated with reductions in recidivism. If participation in relatively small doses of religious programs can have a measurable and beneficial effect on inmates, what might be the effect of an extended faith-based prison program? Drawing largely from the experience of several faith-based prison programs, a much more intensive religious intervention has been implemented in several prisons in the United States and around the world. This chapter will summarize the preliminary evidence supporting the beneficial impact of a uniquely faith-based approach to offender treatment and aftercare.
10th World Congress of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 14-16, 2015

Originally scheduled for July 2014, this major event had to be rescheduled due to a mayoral decree cancelling all events within a 14-day window surrounding the World Cup. Once November 2015 came, it was as well attended both by faculty and registered participants as one could have wished. The conference hotel, Windsor Atlantica, located on beautiful Copacabana Beach, proved to be a comfortable and convenient hub for preand postmeeting gatherings. Our Second World Congress had been held in Rio in 2000.1 The scientific program covered all the main topics in cosmetic dermatology, as well as those related to general and surgical dermatology. The academic program was led by some of the most notable professors in each area of cosmetic dermatology worldwide. It included a rich variety of main lectures, symposia, free communications, and poster exhibits. As promised, it was a unique opportunity to see the best and most respected professionals from around the world convene in
NT-06PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE-SELECTIVE TARGETING AND ANTICANCER EFFECTS OF SapC-DOPS NANOVESICLES ON BRAIN TUMORS

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the biology of CNS tumors, the translation of such knowledge to novel and effective therapeutic strategies has been slow. Consequently, both primary (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme) and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors remain among the most intractable and fatal of all cancers. We have shown that nanovesicles consisting of saposin C (SapC) and dioleylphosphatidylserine (DOPS) effectively target and kill brain tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. These actions are a consequence of the affinity of SapC-DOPS for phosphatidylserine (PS), an acidic phospholipid abundantly present in the outer membrane of a variety of tumor cells and tumor-associated vasculature. Here, we characterize SapC-DOPS bioavailability in a human glioblastoma orthotopic mouse model and reveal a time-dependent, tumor-specific extravascular accumulation of fluorescently labeled SapC-DOPS. Glioblastoma targeting by SapC-DOPS is abrogated after in vivo exposure to lactadherin, a protein that binds PS with high affinity. We also demonstrate that SapC-DOPS selectively targets brain metastases-forming cancer cells both in vitro, in co-cultures with human astrocytes, and in mouse models bearing brain metastases derived from human breast or lung cancer. We finally that SapC-DOPS cytotoxic activity against metastatic breast cancer cells in vitro, and prolongs the survival of mice with breast cancer brain metastases. Taken together, these results suggest that surface-exposed PS can be potentially useful as a novel lipid marker for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of central nervous system cancer, and highlights the potential of SapC-DOPS in the diagnosis and treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors.
A Case Study in Active Learning: Teaching Undergraduate Research in an Engineering Classroom Setting

Exposing undergraduate engineering students to research provides an opportunity to assess students’ interest in research. Developing research skills at an undergraduate level promotes increased und...
Some Practical Aspects to Know About

The engineer who wants to avoid disappointments has to be aware of certain machine-learning aspects that, for the sake of clarity, our introduction to the basic techniques had to neglect. To present some of the most important ones is the task for this chapter.
A case-control study on the causes of new HIV infection among heroin addicts attendees at the methadone maintenance treatment clinics

Objective To explore the routes and factors associated with HIV new infection of heroin addicts who had been attending the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program.Methods A 1 ∶ 1 nested case-control study was implemented with the cases (new HIV infections) and controls (HIV negative) selected from the treatment cohort of China MMT clients.Questionnaire was developed to collect information on demographic characters,behaviours on drug use,sexual behaviour,daily dosage of methadone intake,adherence to MMT,and psychological problems.Univariate analysis and multivariate condition logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with HIV infection.Results 108 (54 paired) clients on MMT were recruited,with 76 males and 32 females.Among them,95 were Han Chinese and 13 were minorities,with average time of drug use as 12.1 ± 5.0 years.Among 54 new HIV infections,33 were infected through sharing needles,12 were throuth sexual contact and 9 unidentified.Results from multivariate condition logistic regression indicated that having longer duration of heroin use before on MMT (More than 10 years vs.less than 10 years,OR=20.9,95％CI:1.62-269.34,P=0.02),shared needles in the last 6 months (OR=276.7,95％ CI:5.65-＞999.99,P＜0.01) were risk factors while better adherence (More than 0.5 vs.less than 0.5,OR=0.07,95％CI:0.42-0.87,P=0.04) and living with families (OR=0.002,95％ CI:0.001-0.94,P＜0.01) were protective factors.Conclusion Sharing needles was the main route of HIV new infection among those clients that were on MMT.Factors as having received more support from both family and community,improvement of adherence to MMT,reducing the frequency of injection etc.,could reduce the risk of HIV infection among those MMT clients. Key words: Heroin addicts; Methadone maintenance treatment; HIV
Abstract 4579: The role of carnosol in reducing skin cancer development and progression

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Carnosol is a natural compound extracted from rosemary and sage, which are commonly used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Among all the compounds extracted from Mediterranean herbs, carnosol, first isolated from sage in 1941, has been demonstrated to be beneficial to health for its anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer properties. Because of its structure similarity to sex hormones, research has been done on the effect of carnosol mainly on breast and prostate cancers. However, very little is known on the effect of carnosol on UV-induced skin cancer. In this report, we studied the effect of carnosol on UV-induced skin cancer formation and progression. Our data showed that carnosol could partially reduce UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation and thus protect UV-induced DNA damage in normal skin cells. We also showed that carnosol could inhibit the UVB-induced NF-κB activation. As a result, the normal cell apoptosis induced by UV radiation was partially protected. Moreover, it could also prohibit skin cancer cell progression with or without UV radiation. Therefore, we propose that carnosol could be a potential therapeutic for chemoprevention and treatment of UVB-induced skin cancers. Citation Format: Lingying Tong, Shiyong Wu. The role of carnosol in reducing skin cancer development and progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4579. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4579
Advances in Production of Transparent Silica Aerogels for Window Glazings

Silica aerogels are being investigated at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) because their high transparency and excellent thermal insulating properties make them ideal candidates for window glazing materials. This paper describes recent progress in the two main steps in aerogel production: 1) the hydrolysis and condensation of silicon alkoxide to give alcogel, and 2) the removal of the alcohol from the alcogel to produce aerogel. These efforts are in support of developing a technology base to support the production of aerogels for window material. Much work on silica aerogel uses Si(OCH3)4, a rather toxic starting material. This work explores the use of a less toxic starting material, Si(OC2H5)4. A wide range of process variables was explored with this material by a set of experiments determined by the factorial design method. As a result, aerogels were produced using Si(OC2H5)4 that are equivalent or better in quality but don’t require the use of the toxic compound. We also report on the development of an improved technique for supercritical drying of alcogels at near ambient temperature by substitution of CO2 for alcohol in the alcogel. Experimental studies confirmed the similarity of aerogels produced by the low and high-temperature drying process. These developments significantly enhance the attractiveness of the commercial manufacture of transparent silica aerogels for window glazing material.
Clinical Significance of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant-7 mRNA Detection in Circulating Tumor Cells of Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated With First- and Second-Line Abiraterone and Enzalutamide

Purpose We reported previously that the detection of androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) mRNA in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) correlated with poor outcomes from the use of abiraterone and enzalutamide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Here, we expanded our cohort size to better characterize the prognostic significance of AR-V7 in this setting. Methods We prospectively enrolled 202 patients with CRPC starting abiraterone or enzalutamide and investigated the prognostic value of CTC detection (+ v -) and AR-V7 detection (+ v -) using a CTC-based AR-V7 mRNA assay. We examined ≥ 50% prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses, PSA progression-free survival, clinical and radiologic progression-free survival, and overall survival. We constructed multivariable models adjusting for PSA, Gleason sum, number of prior hormone therapies, prior abiraterone or enzalutamide use, prior taxane use, presence of visceral metastases, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score. We also separately examined the first-line and second-line novel hormonal therapy (NHT) settings. Results Median follow-up times were 15.0, 21.7, and 14.6 months for CTC-, CTC+/AR-V7- and CTC+/AR-V7+ patients, respectively. CTC+/AR-V7+ patients were more likely to have Gleason scores ≥ 8 ( P = .05), metastatic disease at diagnosis ( P = .01), higher PSA ( P < .01), prior abiraterone or enzalutamide use ( P = .03), prior taxane use ( P = .02), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≥ 1 ( P = .01). Outcomes for the overall cohort (and separately for the first-line and second-line NHT cohorts) were best for CTC- patients, intermediate for CTC+/AR-V7- patients, and worse for CTC+/AR-V7+ patients. These correlations remained significant in multivariable models. Conclusion This expanded analysis further characterizes the importance of CTC-based AR-V7 mRNA detection in predicting outcomes in patients with CRPC receiving first- and second-line NHT and, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to suggest that this assay be interpreted using three separate prognostic categories: CTC-, CTC+/AR-V7-, and CTC+/AR-V7+.
Guide to Texas Grasses, Robert B. Shaw. Texas A&M University Press (2012), 1096, US$45. flexibound. ISBN 978-1-60344-186-5

Book Review: Guide to Texas Grasses, Robert B. Shaw. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas, USA (2012).
Kinetics and temperature evolution during the bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate for vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding

Abstract Curing reactions of methyl methacrylate (MMA) comprise an induction time of gradual temperature change over tens of minutes, followed by a sudden temperature rise within tens of seconds because of auto-acceleration known as the Trommsdorff effect. These curing effects were investigated as initial initiator and polymer concentrations were varied. A mathematical model combining the reaction kinetics with heat transfer was developed and verified in its ability to simulate the processing kinetics and temperature evolutions throughout thick MMA-based parts. It was further demonstrated that the processing conditions at specific points within a part during manufacture could be actively controlled via the Trommsdorff effect by locally varying the initial concentration of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) solution. Together, these advancements provide an enhanced ability to design and optimize the manufacture of thick, large-scale PMMA materials by taking advantage of auto-acceleration instead of avoiding it.
Is decreased ultraviolet exposure during childhood the cause of the increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis

There is a recent accumulation of data suggesting that decreased exposure to ultraviolet light in childhood could be a major factor contributing to the increasing rates of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. It would be worthwhile to study the relationship between vigilant sun protective behaviors in children and the incidence of atopic dermatitis.
Novel Patient-Specific 3-Dimensional Printed Fixation Tray for Mandibular Reconstruction With Fibular Free Flaps.

Segmental mandibular defects secondary to infectious, traumatic, and pathologic conditions can be debilitating because of their impact on function and facial esthetics. Several reconstructive techniques are available, with vascularized flaps commonly used for the reconstruction of large bony or composite segmental defects. The free fibular flap for mandibular reconstruction is well documented and remains a commonly used flap because of its bone length, versatility, distant location from the head and neck region that allows for a 2-team approach, and ability to simultaneously place endosseous implants. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and guided resection and reconstruction of maxillofacial defects have facilitated complex 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The accuracy and fidelity of VSP are dependent on the intraoperative execution of the VSP, with computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling of patient-specific cutting guides and hardware providing a template for its execution. The goal of this report is to describe the authors' experience with the use of a novel 3D printed fixation tray designed from the VSP data. It provides dual functionality by aiding in alignment and stabilization of the fibular segments and concomitantly providing patient-specific anatomic references for indexing of bony and soft tissue components. This tray enables rapid ex vivo configuration of the fibula segment(s) with the reconstruction bar relative to the native mandibular segments and allows the compiled construct to be transferred to the head and neck for insetting as a precisely configured single unit.
Environmental Injustice in the US-Mexico Border Region

Environmental injustice refers to the inequitable social and spatial distribution of environmental risks. Numerous environmental injustices are found along the US-Mexico border as degraded environments and socially marginalized communities coexist. The border region has a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and environmental health hazards that are coupled with higher rates of poverty and lower rates of access to affordable health care. This chapter catalogs and explains environmental injustices in the region at two scales: between the United States and Mexico and within border communities on each side. This chapter concludes by highlighting strategies for successfully achieving environmental justice, including linking local struggles for a safe environment to global discourses of justice and utilizing community health workers within a community-based participatory research frame. Resources for those looking to facilitate environmental justice and recommendations for achieving environmental justice are also provided.
Marine Spatial Planning: Exploring the Role of Planning Practice and Research:

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a tool for managing and improving marine environments. The field is dominated by natural scientists and has not been commonly associated with planning. This researc...
Some aspects of diarrhoea training and treatment unit in infectious diseases hospital, Calcutta

An analysis of hospital admission records and case histories from 1989 to 1993 and interviews with hospital administrators physicians and mothers of hospitalized patients were conducted to examine the benefits of establishing the Diarrhoea Treatment and Training Unit (DTU) in June 1991 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Calcutta India. The case fatality rate of all diarrhea patients fell between 1989 and 1993 from 4.5% to 2.5%. Among patients less than 5 years old it ranged from 12.7% in 1989 to 2.1% in 1992. The proportion of total cases successfully managed by using oral rehydration therapy (ORT) increased from 37% to 78.9% between 1991 and 1993. In 1989-1990 the hospital used 12740 and 14640 units of intravenous (IV) fluids. By 1993 it used only 7200 units of IV fluids. The use of packets of oral rehydration salts increased from 6000 in 1989 to 24000 in 1993 (23000 in 1993). Antibiotic use fell considerably (1989-1993 100-31.5% of cases). The cost of treating each diarrhea patient decreased from Rs.84.50 to Rs.19.10. Before the DTU the hospital did not allow mothers and other family members to stay with children who had diarrhea. Thus young children could not be breast fed. Now mothers stay with the children to administer ORT and to continue breast feeding. DTU staff train mothers in how to administer ORT and to continue it at home to feed during and after diarrhea and to recognize danger signs. These findings show that setting up the DTU reduced the case fatality rate of diarrhea patients and the cost of diarrhea treatment. They indicate the need to establish DTUs in major hospitals and ORT corners in all block primary health centers in the state.
Development, validation and implementation of radio-HPLC methods for the P2X7-receptor-targeted [11C]GSK1482160 radiopharmaceutical.

Abstract A radio-analytical RP-HPLC method was developed and validated to support production of the P2X7-receptor-targeted [11C]GSK1482160 radiopharmaceutical. Method validation included characterization of retention times, peak shapes, linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity, limits of detection and quantitation (UV signal), radiochemical stability, as well as analytical method range and robustness. The validated radio-HPLC method is suitable for the definition of [11C]GSK1482160 radiochemical identity, radiochemical purity, as well as molar activity, and is being employed in support of human studies with [11C]GSK1482160.
An Unmet Need Meets an Untapped Resource: Pharmacist-Led Pathways for Hypertension Management for Emergency Department Patients

The purpose of this review is to describe the role of the pharmacist in innovative pathways of care for hypertension (HTN) management for emergency department (ED) patients, particularly in under-resourced communities. Due to intersecting socioeconomic and personal health risk factors, these patients bear a disproportionate share of cardiovascular disease, yet often have limited access to high-quality primary care. Recent meta-analyses demonstrate a clear advantage associated with pharmacist-physician collaborative models over traditional physician-only care in achieving blood pressure control. However, no prior study has evaluated use of pharmacist-led follow-up for ED patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Thus, we developed a pharmacist-driven transitional care clinic (TCC) that utilizes a collaborative practice agreement with ED physicians to improve HTN management for ED patients. We have successfully implemented the TCC in a high-volume urban ED and in a pilot study have shown clinically relevant BP reductions with our collaborative model. The use of pharmacist-led follow-up for HTN management is highly effective. Novel programs such as our TCC, which extend the reach of such a model to ED patients, are promising, and future studies should focus on implementation through larger, multicenter, randomized trials. However, to be most effective, policy advocacy is needed to expand pharmacist prescriptive authority and develop innovative financial models to incentivize this practice.
ToLambda: automatic path to serverless architectures

Serverless architectures are becoming computing standard and best practice. It is inevitable that more and more software systems will embrace the trend. Our tool toLambda provides automatic conversion of Java monolith application code into AWS Lambda Node.js microservices. During the refactoring, we provide assorted useful transformations of the original code and generate all the necessary artifacts to deploy the generated functions to the Cloud. In this paper we will describe the challenges we have faced including parsing, transformation, performance and testing. We will also underline the advantages of serverless compared to other architectures. Our approach will help to migrate systems to serverless microservices easier and faster.
Manipulating the theoretical framing of exposure therapy for eating disorders impacts clinicians’ treatment preferences

Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety and related disorders and its efficacy in the eating disorders is rapidly gaining support. Despite the strong evidence behind exposure therapy, many anxiety disorder providers do not endorse the usage of exposure therapy. Limited research has explored the use of exposure therapy in eating disorder providers, as well as the impact of framing on likelihood to use exposure therapy. The current study (N = 125 eating disorder providers) manipulated the framing of exposure to feared foods (pizza). We framed the treatment as an exposure, behavioral experiment, or acceptance/mindfulness-based intervention. We also tested attitudes towards exposure therapy in eating disorder providers. Participants were more likely to endorse willingness to use a treatment framed as a behavioral experiment over exposure and acceptance-based framing. This effect did not vary by degree type, type of provider, years in practice, experience, or training. We also found that providers with more training, specifically in eating disorder exposure, were more likely to use exposure over acceptance-based framed intervention (and vice versa). Finally, we found that eating disorder providers had a somewhat positive view of exposure therapy. Framing of the intervention impacts likelihood that providers will endorse using specific interventions. Therefore, intervention development and dissemination efforts should consider the language around the description of evidence-based treatments. Furthermore, enhanced training and education specifically with eating disorder exposure therapy may enhance the likelihood of providers utilizing exposure therapy. Level I: experimental study.
Mentoring the person: Building on strengths and managing challenges

Mentoring is not about setting up expectations of perfection, but working with each person to help them succeed. Every person, from undergrad to senior professor, has some skills that come naturally, and some that, …well…, do not. This talk will reflect on the fact that good mentoring involves helping each unique person identify both their “super powers”—as well as their weaknesses. Each person has things that they are good at, that they enjoy, and that speak to their values (their super powers). But knowing how to mitigate weaknesses is equally important, whether it is through recruiting a good collaborator to fill in a gap, working to strengthen a particular skill, or simply forging a path where a particular weakness is not critical. Along some paths, perseverance and an ability to see the big picture may be more critical than programming skills or mathematical wizardry; along others, raw intellectual horsepower and an ability to focus may be key, without relying on having to work closely with others. Without naming names, I will provide some examples of how some of my mentees have succeeded by building on their strengths while managing their personal and professional challenges.Mentoring is not about setting up expectations of perfection, but working with each person to help them succeed. Every person, from undergrad to senior professor, has some skills that come naturally, and some that, …well…, do not. This talk will reflect on the fact that good mentoring involves helping each unique person identify both their “super powers”—as well as their weaknesses. Each person has things that they are good at, that they enjoy, and that speak to their values (their super powers). But knowing how to mitigate weaknesses is equally important, whether it is through recruiting a good collaborator to fill in a gap, working to strengthen a particular skill, or simply forging a path where a particular weakness is not critical. Along some paths, perseverance and an ability to see the big picture may be more critical than programming skills or mathematical wizardry; along others, raw intellectual horsepower and an ability to focus may be key, without relying on having to work closely with others. W...
University Student Mentors: Serving Populations in Transition to College

The purpose of this teaching strategy was to utilize problem-based learning in a fashion merchandising/apparel design course by requiring students to mentor under-served high school students in transitioning to college. The premise of the high school program was to motivate underrepresented groups in: 1) using fashion as a catalyst to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields and 2) empowering participants with healthy lifestyle strategies to improve their quality of life during the transitional phase after high school into college. After conducting the program three times, results demonstrated the program met the needs of under-served populations by helping young adults 1) reconfirm interest in STEM, 2) pursing a college degree; and 3) improving knowledge on healthy lifestyle practices. Furthermore, the program immersed university students enrolled in an apparel and textiles course in an active, problem-based learning opportunity. It was a positive learning experience for all involved.
Calculating Signal Controllability using Neural Networks: Improvements to Testability Analysis and Test Point Insertion

This article presents an artificial neural network-based signal probability predictor for VLSI circuits which considers reconvergent fan-outs. Current testability analysis techniques are useful for inserting test points to improve circuit testability, but reconvergent fan-outs in digital circuits creates inaccurate testability analysis. Conventional testability analysis methods like COP do not consider reconvergent fan-outs and can degrade algorithm results (e.g., test point insertion), while more advanced methods increase analysis time significantly. This study shows training and using artificial neural networks to predict signal probabilities increases post-test point insertion fault coverage compared to using COP, especially in circuits with many reconvergent fan-outs.
Paraneoplastic myeloneuropathies: Clinical, oncologic and serologic accompaniments

Objective: To test the hypothesis that myeloneuropathy is a presenting phenotype of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, we retrospectively reviewed clinical, radiological and serological features of 32 patients with concomitant paraneoplastic spinal cord and peripheral nervous system involvements. Methods: Observational study investigating patients with myeloneuropathy and underlying cancer and/or onconeural antibody seropositivity. Results: Among 32 paraneoplastic myeloneuropathy patients, twenty (63%) were women with median age 61 years (range 27-84 years). Twenty-six patients (81%) had classified onconeural antibodies (amphiphysin, n=8; ANNA1 [anti-Hu] n=5; CRMP5 [anti-CV2], n=6; PCA1 [anti-Yo], n=1; PCA2, n=2; KLHL11, n=1; and combinations thereof: ANNA1/CRMP5, n=1; ANNA1/amphiphysin, n=1; ANNA3/CRMP5, n=1). Cancer was confirmed in twenty-five cases (onconeural antibodies, n=19; unclassified antibodies, n=3; no antibodies, n=3). Paraneoplastic myeloneuropathies had asymmetric paresthesias (84%), neuropathic pain (78%), subacute onset (72%) sensory ataxia (69%), bladder dysfunction (69%), and unintentional weight loss >15 pound (63%). Neurological examination demonstrated concomitant distal or asymmetric hyporeflexia and hyperreflexia (81%), impaired vibration and proprioception (69%), Babinski response (68%), and asymmetric weakness (66%). MRI showed longitudinally-extensive (45%), tract-specific spinal-cord T2-hyperintensities (39%) and lumbar nerve root enhancement (38%). Ten of twenty-eight (36%) were unable to ambulate independently at last follow-up (median: 24 months, range 5-133 months). Combined oncologic and immunologic therapy had more favorable modified Rankin scores at post-treatment follow-up compared to those receiving either oncologic or immunologic therapy alone (2 [range 1 to 4] vs 4 [range 2 to 6] p Conclusions: Paraneoplastic etiologies should be considered in the evaluation of subacute myeloneuropathies. Recognition of key characteristics of paraneoplastic myeloneuropathy may facilitate in early tumor diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppressive treatment.
Effect of nanodiamond reinforcement and heat-treatment on microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of cold sprayed aluminum coating

Abstract Nanodiamond (ND) is a superhard nanoparticle reinforcement for metal matrix composites with its superior hardness and wear properties. A homogeneous dispersed ND aluminum metal matrix composite coating was successfully synthesized by the cold spray process in the present study. TEM investigations of the as-sprayed coating corroborate nanodiamond's uniform distribution, an array of dislocations formed within the Al matrix and along the grain boundaries. A coating density of 99% was achieved upon heat-treatment due to the reduced porosity and good inter-splat bonding. Superhard ND reinforcement in the Al metal matrix coating contributed to a ~96% increase in microhardness compared to pure Al coating, which increased to 135% after heat treatment. The coefficient of friction for heat-treated Al–2 wt% ND coating decreased to ~35%, and the wear rate decreased by ~34% compared to the as-sprayed coating. This study demonstrates that a small (2 wt%) amount of ND addition in the Al matrix inhibits grain growth during heat treatment and increases microhardness and tribological properties.
Contracting eastern African C 4 grasslands during the extinction of Paranthropus boisei

The extinction of the Paranthropus boisei estimated to just before 1 Ma occurred when C4 grasslands dominated landscapes of the Eastern African Rift System (EARS). P. boisei has been characterized as an herbivorous C4 specialist, and paradoxically, its demise coincided with habitats favorable to its dietary ecology. Here we report new pedogenic carbonate stable carbon (δ13CPC) and oxygen (δ18OPC) values (nodules = 53, analyses = 95) from an under-sampled interval (1.4–0.7 Ma) in the Turkana Basin (Kenya), one of the most fossiliferous locales of P. boisei. We combined our new results with published δ13CPC values from the EARS dated to 3–0 Ma, conducted time-series analysis of woody cover (ƒWC), and compared the EARS ƒWC trends to regional and global paleo-environmental and -climatic datasets. Our results demonstrate that the long-term rise of C4 grasslands was punctuated by a transient but significant increase in C3 vegetation and warmer temperatures, coincident with the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (1.3–0.7 Ma) and implicating a short-term rise in pCO2. The contraction of C4 grasslands escalated dietary competition amongst the abundant C4-feeders, likely influencing P. boisei’s demise.
Blood Cholesterol Decreases as Parkinson's Disease Develops and Progresses.

BACKGROUND Literature shows an inverse association of circulating cholesterol level with the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD); this finding has important ramifications, but its interpretation has been debated. OBJECTIVE To longitudinally examine how blood total cholesterol changes during the development of PD. METHODS In the Health, Aging and Body Composition study (n = 3,053, 73.6±2.9 years), blood total cholesterol was measured at clinic visit years 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11. We first examined baseline cholesterol in relation to PD risk, adjusting for potential confounders and competing risk of death. Then, by contrasting the observed with expected cholesterol levels, we examined the trajectory of changes in total cholesterol before and after disease diagnosis. RESULTS Compared to the lowest tertile of baseline total cholesterol, the cumulative incidence ratio of PD and 95% confidence interval was 0.41 (0.20, 0.86) for the second tertile, and 0.69 (0.35, 1.35) for the third tertile. In the analysis that examined change of total cholesterol level before and after PD diagnosis, we found that its level began to decrease in the prodromal stage of PD and became statistically lower than the expected values ∼4 years before disease diagnosis (observed-expected difference, -6.68 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: -13.14, -0.22)). The decreasing trend persisted thereafter; by year-6 post-diagnosis, the difference increased to -13.59 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: -22.12, -5.06), although the linear trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION Circulating total cholesterol began to decrease in the prodromal stage of PD, which may in part explain its reported inverse association with PD.
Comparative Effects of Energy-Related Saline Wastewaters and Sodium Chloride on Hatching, Survival, and Fitness-Associated Traits of Two Amphibian Species.

Increased salinity (sodium chloride; NaCl) is a prevalent and persistent contaminant that negatively affects freshwater ecosystems. Although most studies focus on effects of salinity from roads salts (primarily NaCl), high-salinity wastewaters from energy extraction (wastewaters) could be more harmful because they contain NaCl and other toxic components. Many amphibians are sensitive to salinity and their eggs are thought to be the most sensitive life history stage. However, there are few investigations with salinity that include eggs and larvae sequentially in long-term exposures. We investigated the relative effects of wastewaters from a large energy reserve, the Williston Basin (USA), and NaCl on northern leopard (Rana pipiens) and boreal chorus (Pseudacris maculata) frogs. We exposed eggs and tracked responses through larval stages (for 24 days). Wastewaters and NaCl caused similar reductions in hatching and larval survival, growth, development, and activity while also increasing deformities. Chorus frog eggs and larvae were more sensitive to salinity than leopard frogs, suggesting species-specific responses. Contrary to previous studies, eggs of both species were less sensitive to salinity than larvae. Our ecologically relevant exposures suggest that accumulating effects can reduce survival relative to starting experiments with unexposed larvae. Alternatively, egg casings of some species may provide some protection against salinity. Notably, effects of wastewaters on amphibians were predominantly due to NaCl rather than other components. Therefore, findings from studies with other sources of increased salinity (e.g., road salts) could guide management of wastewater-contaminated ecosystems, and vice versa, to mitigate effects of salinization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Substance Abuse Counselors with and without a Personal History of Chemical Dependency: A Review of the Literature

Abstract The author reviews existing research on differences between substance abuse counselors that do and do not have a personal history of chemical addiction. Following extensive database searches, 16 studies were found that addressed the issue of differences based on counselor recovery status. Conclusions are made based on the literature review and the author calls for a shift in research agendas to begin exploring differences in the counseling process of recovering and non-recovering substance abuse counselors.
Effector triggered immunity.

Pathogenic bacteria produce virulence factors called effectors, which are important components of the infection process. Effectors aid in pathogenesis by facilitating bacterial attachment, pathogen entry into or exit from the host cell, immunoevasion, and immunosuppression. Effectors also have the ability to subvert host cellular processes, such as hijacking cytoskeletal machinery or blocking protein translation. However, host cells possess an evolutionarily conserved innate immune response that can sense the pathogen through the activity of its effectors and mount a robust immune response. This “effector triggered immunity” (ETI) was first discovered in plants but recent evidence suggest that the process is also well conserved in metazoans. We will discuss salient points of the mechanism of ETI in metazoans from recent studies done in mammalian cells and invertebrate model hosts.
SEPARATION OF THE TOXIN OF BACILLUS CEREUS INTO TWO COMPONENTS AND NONIDENTITY OF THE TOXIN WITH PHOSPHOLIPASE

Molnar, Dorothy M. (U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.). Separation of the toxin of Bacillus cereus into two components and nonidentity of the toxin with phospholipase. J. Bacteriol. 84:147-153. 1962-Bacillus cereus produced toxin in a Casamino acids medium without added serum or other protein. The toxin was separated into two components by adsorption on columns of calcium phosphate gel followed by elution with phosphate buffer (pH 7.5). The component eluted first has been called factor I and the component eluted later factor II. When tested alone each component was relatively nontoxic, but when combined they formed a toxic mixture as evidenced by skin reactions in guinea pigs and tests for lethal effects in mice. The phospholipase activity, determined by the egg-yolk reaction, was found in the fraction containing factor I. However, using columns of alumina-C(gamma) gel the phospholipase activity was found in the fraction containing factor II. This suggests that the phospholipase is not the same chemical entity as either factor I or II. The following are further evidence for the non-identity of the toxin and phospholipase: (i) differential precipitation of the two activities by (NH(4))(2)SO(4); (ii) differential neutralization by various antisera; and (iii) differential inhibition with ethanol.
Exploring the synergy of humans and machines in extreme video retrieval

We introduce an interface for efficient video search that exploits the human ability to quickly scan visual content, after automatic retrieval has arrange the images in expected order of relevance. While extreme video retrieval is taxing to the human, it is also extremely effective. Two variants of extreme retrieval are demonstrated, 1) RSVP which automatically pages through images with user-control of the paging speed, while the user marks relevant shots and 2) MBRP where the user manually controls paging and adjusts the number of images per page, depending on the density of relevant shots.
IRRADIATION EFFECTS AT CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURE ON TENSILE PROPERTIES OF TITANIUM AND TITANIUM-BASE ALLOYS.

Irradiation effects on tensile behavior of titanium alloys and titanium at cryogenic temperatures
Rectifying and Schottky characteristics of a-SixGe1−xOy with metal contacts1

Metal–semiconductor contacts are a vital part of semiconductor devices as they can form a Schottky barrier or an Ohmic contact. The nature of the contact plays an important role in determining the ...
Forgetting of recently acquired or recently reactivated memories

Abstract Four experiments compared the rates of forgetting following acquisition of a conditioned aversion and following a reactivation treatment given long after conditioning had been completed. The “reactivation treatment” consisted of a single presentation of the unconditioned stimulus, a procedure known to reinstate, following substantial forgetting, the behavior seen immediately after conditioning. It was first determined that the decrement in performance 1, 3, or 7 days later tended to be more rapid just after original conditioning than following a reactivation treatment given 27 days after conditioning. Subsequent experiments confirmed that the forgetting seen 3 or 7 days after original conditioning was in fact greater than forgetting 3 or 7 days after the reactivation treatment that had followed conditioning by 27 days; also, tests permitted rejection of the hypothesis that this effect could be attributed to nonassociative (systemic) consequences of the conditioning situation. Finally, tests indicated that retention 24 hr after a reactivation treatment was significantly better if the reactivation treatment followed conditioning by 27 days than if it were given just 3 min or 24 hr after conditioning. The central observation emerging from this study, that forgetting is more rapid following original learning than following a temporally remote reactivation treatment, was discussed in terms of potential interactions between the age (or accessibility) of a memory and processes that might be instigated by a reactivation treatment.
Mitral prosthetic inflow mimicking severe aortic regurgitation.

We describe two patients in whom mitral valve prosthetic inflow mimicked severe aortic regurgitation. Repeat transthoracic echocardiography using multiple transducer angulations and a narrow color Doppler sector angle in one patient and a color Doppler M-Mode study in the second patient proved useful in excluding the presence of severe aortic regurgitation. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, January 2004)
Passive damping of the forced precession motion of a two-body satellite

Two-body satellite of axisymmetric rigid bodies interconnected by lossy universal joint, calculating transient oscillation damping of forced precession under external torque