cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oncolytic myxoma virus synergizes with standard of care for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer which is associated with poor prognosis. A variety of oncolytic viruses have previously shown positive efficacy against GBM, potentially offering new treatment options for patients. One such oncolytic virus is Myxoma virus (MYXV), a rabbit-specific poxvirus that has been shown to be efficacious against a variety of tumor models including GBM. Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of MYXV combined with current treatment regimens for GBM in both established cell lines as well as patient biopsy samples. Materials and methods U118 gliobastoma cell lines were treated under various standard of care combinations (untreated, radiation and chemotherapeutic) prior to infection with MYXV. Infection was then monitored for differences in rate of infection, titer and rate of spread. Cellular death was measured by MTT assay and Caspase-3 colorimetric assay. Patient biopsies were harvested and treated under similar treatment conditions. Results The addition of GBM standard of care to MYXV infection resulted in an increased rate of spread compared to single treatment with either radiation or chemotherapeutic alone. SOC did not alter viral replication or infection rates. Similar effects were seen in ex vivo patient biopsies. Cellular viability was significantly decreased with the combination therapy of SOC and MYXV infection compared to any other treatment outcome. Caspase-3 activity was also significantly increased in samples treated with combination therapy when compared to any other treatment combination. Conclusion Our results show that the combination of MYXV with current SOC results in both increased killing of GBM cells compared to either treatment regime alone as well as increased spread of MYXV infection. These findings lay the foundation for future in vivo studies on combining MYXV with GBM SOC.
Dynamics of topological metastructures: nonlinearities and quasi-periodicity (Conference Presentation)

Topology has recently emerged as a principle governing unique wave transport phenomena through interface or edge modes that are impurity-immune and potentially unidirectional. In mechanics, these phenomena arise by marrying the notion of material and structure, and are expected to lead to functionalities at the mesoscale that are unattainable solely based on the properties of constituents. Beyond the mere notion of a material, these meta-structures draw their unique characteristics from their finite size and the existence of interfaces. The resulting structural assemblies are expected to feature unprecedented performance in terms of stress wave mitigation, wave guiding, acoustic absorption, and vibration isolation. The seminar illustrates investigations on the effects of nonlinearities on topological properties, and the study of quasi-periodic assemblies. Investigation of the effects of nonlinearities on topological properties allows the exploration of the appearance/robustness of edge and localized modes in the presence of nonlinearities. In addition, the study of lattices with quasi-periodic configurations uncover additional unique properties related to vibration localization in one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems. These can be as interesting if not more useful than the interface modes that are found in periodic structures, as the quasi-periodicity framework provides a consistent methodology that leads to vibration confinement in systems that are not ordered, but are described by deterministic property distributions. Beam and plate structures with quasiperiodic arrangements of grounding springs and lumped masses are presented as structural components which support a variety of localized modes and that are suitable for the experimental characterization of the dynamic behavior of these configurations.
Investigation of the effects of ions on short-range non-DLVO forces at the calcite/brine interface and implications for low salinity oil-recovery processes

A primary question investigated in this study is the influence of brine chemistry on the behavior of short-range non-DLVO (e.g., hydration, discrete ion charge effects, and so on) forces at calcite surfaces. Specifically, how do wetting films containing Na+ differ from those containing Mg2+? Force-distance spectroscopy as measured by atomic force microscopy is used to probe short-range non-DLVO forces in various single-salt and multiple-salt electrolyte solutions. Experimental results reveal that, in single-component solutions, a greater concentration of Na+ ions decreases the decay length of short-range repulsion while a greater concentration of Mg2+ ions increases decay length. These results imply that Na+ ions reduce the affinity of calcite surfaces for water whereas Mg2+ ions make calcite more hydrophilic. Importantly, the relationship between the behavior of non-DLVO forces at small separations and concentrations of ions is not monotonic in multiple-component brines. Our observations support the hypothesis that Na+ ions disturb the interfacial water structure of calcite while Mg2+ ions are arranged farther away from the surface. Results obtained here may have implications for the design of so-called low salinity waterfloods where the composition of brines used for crude oil recovery is manipulated to increase oil recovery.
Abstract 4480: Preclinical characterization of potent and selective oral PD-L1 small-molecule antagonists

Monoclonal antibodies against PD-L1 or PD-1 have been approved for the treatment of multiple tumor histologies by virtue of their ability to restore T cell effector function, increase T cell proliferation and enhance infiltration of tumor-reactive T cells. A small molecule approach to PD-(L)1 axis blockade may offer distinct benefits over the use of monoclonal antibodies including improved tissue penetration, titratability, absence of immunogenicity, ease of administration, and potential for fixed dose oral-oral therapeutic combinations. We have identified a novel class of small molecule PD-L1 antagonists that are capable of functional PD-(L)1 axis blockade by virtue of their ability to induce PD-L1 internalization. In vitro, select small molecules demonstrate high affinity to human PD-L1, potently disrupt the PD-L1:PD-1 interaction ( Citation Format: Liang-Chuan S. Wang, Holly Koblish, Yue Zhang, Ashwini Kulkarni, Maryanne Covington, Karen Gallagher, Gengjie Yang, Jonathan Rios-Doria, Christina Stevens, Michael Hansbury, Sybil O9Connor, Yan-ou Yang, Sharon Diamond, Krista Burke, Kaijiong Xiao, Jingwei Li, Wenqing Yao, Liangxing Wu, Peggy Scherle, Gregory Hollis, Reid Huber. Preclinical characterization of potent and selective oral PD-L1 small-molecule antagonists [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4480.
Hospitalized Patients With New-Onset Vocal Fold Immobility Warrant Inpatient Injection Laryngoplasty.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of early inpatient bedside injection laryngoplasty (IL) in hospitalized patients with iatrogenic unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods A retrospective review of hospitalized patients with iatrogenic UVFI undergoing IL between September 2013 and June 2017 was performed. Patients had a swallow evaluation by a speech-language pathologist and bedside IL. Evaluated outcomes included swallow scores, return to diet, secondary events/procedures, and hospital length of stay. Outcomes related to etiology of UVFI were also examined. Results The cohort consisted of 90 patients (61% male, 52% after cardiac/cardiothoracic surgery). Seventy-seven percent of all patients who could improve had increased swallow scores after IL. The lowest number (40%) from the subgroup of patients with high vagal injuries as the cause of UVFI obtained improvement in swallow scores, whereas 87% of those in the cardiac surgery group improved. There were more bronchoscopies and reintubations in patients before IL than after IL. Conclusion Hospitalized patients with UVFI are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to dysphagia. We advocate for early swallow evaluation and intervention with IL if there is dysphagia and risk of aspiration. Coordination of care between interdisciplinary teams is paramount to a successful inpatient IL program. Level of evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 131:115-120, 2021.
76 Traumatic brain injury surveillance in three low-middle income countries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) disproportionately affects Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which have higher incidence and poorer outcomes than high-income countries. TBI disproportionately affects the young, who have potential life-long disability from neurological deficits. Gaps in TBI data were identified by the World Health Organization as a priority in global TBI research. We report findings from the NIH-funded project, INITIatE: International Collaboration to increase Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance in Europe, which established prospective TBI registries in eight hospitals in Armenia, Georgia and Moldova. These countries are in transition with improving health infrastructure but with acute care systems that lag behind international standards. A census of hospitals treating TBI patients was established, and the two highest volume hospitals treating adult and pediatric TBI in each country were selected. Prospective TBI registries in these six hospitals collected data from January 1 through June 30, 2019 for patients admitted with a TBI. The average age was 22 years and 66% were male. Falls (46%) were the most frequent mechanism of TBI, followed by road traffic injury (23%), struck by object (19%) and assault (7%). Emergency Department Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) indicated severe injury (GCS 1 – 8) in 5% of patients, moderate injury (GCS 9 – 12) in 11%, and mild injury (GCS 13 – 15) in 84%. Over 74% of patients arrived at the hospital more than one hour after injury and 19% arrived after more than four hours. Moderate and severe TBI was associated with an increased time to definitive care. Discharge status measured by the EQ-5D indicated problems with mobility (9%), self-care (13%), unable to engage in usual activities (25%) pain/discomfort (50%), and anxiety (37%). Future efforts to improve pre-hospital care with a focus on reducing time to definitive care and increased rehabilitation services are priorities for these three LMICs.
Single-pulse (100 ps) extended x-ray absorption fine structure capability at the Dynamic Compression Sector

Determining real-time changes in the local atomistic order is important for a mechanistic understanding of shock wave induced structural and chemical changes. However, the single event and short duration (nanosecond times) nature of shock experiments pose challenges in obtaining Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) measurements—typically used for monitoring local order changes. Here, we report on a new single pulse (∼100 ps duration) transmission geometry EXAFS capability for use in laser shock-compression experiments at the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS), Advanced Photon Source. We used a flat plate of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) as the spectrometer element to energy disperse x rays transmitted through the sample. It provided high efficiency with ∼15% of the x rays incident on the HOPG reaching an x-ray area detector with high quantum efficiency. This combination resulted in a good signal-to-noise ratio (∼103), an energy resolution of ∼10 eV at 10 keV, EXAFS spectra covering 100 s of eV, and a good pulse to pulse reproducibility of our single pulse measurements. Ambient EXAFS spectra for Cu and Au are compared to the reference spectra, validating our measurement system. Comparison of single pulse EXAFS results for ambient and laser shocked Ge(100) shows large changes in the local structure of the short lived state of shocked Ge. The current DCS EXAFS capability can be used to perform single pulse measurements in laser shocked materials from ∼9 keV to 13 keV. These EXAFS developments will be available to all users of the DCS.
A Modular Open Source Health Monitoring Garment

The ability to monitor physiological parameters in an individual is paramount for the evaluation of physical health and the detection of health ailments. Wearable technologies are being introduced on a widening scale to address the absence of modular, accessible, and non-invasive health monitoring as compared to medical grade technologies. In this work, an open source wearable garment is presented that is capable of addressing the absence of such a device. The garment is currently capable of recording electrocardiography, photoplethysmography, galvanic skin response, skin temperature, and respiration rate. The garment has a modular and scalable interface to allow for reconfiguration or expansion of sensor modalities at a total component cost of $137. In a small scale study, the garment is able to reveal strong correlation between heart rate and self perceived stress (R = 0.75, p < .001), showing promise in its ability to capture clinically-relevant physiological information. Based on these results, continued effort will be made to compile a wearable array of sensors tailored to monitor parameters of specific clinical interest.
Co-opting regulation bypass repair (CRBR) as a gene correction strategy for monogenic diseases

With the development of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technologies, correction of disease- causing mutations has become possible. However, current gene correction strategies preclude mutation repair in post-mitotic cells of human tissues, and a unique repair strategy must be designed and tested for each and every mutation that may occur in a gene. We have developed a novel gene correction strategy, Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR), which can repair a spectrum of mutations in mitotic or post-mitotic cells and tissues. CRBR utilizes the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway to insert a coding sequence (CDS) and transcription/translation terminators targeted upstream of any CDS mutation and downstream of the transcriptional promoter. CRBR gene repair results in simultaneous co-option of the endogenous regulatory region and bypass of the genetic defect. We demonstrated the potential of CRBR strategy for human gene therapy by rescuing a mouse model of the Wolcott-Rallison syndrome (WRS) with permanent neonatal diabetes caused by either large deletion or nonsense mutation in the PERK (EIF2AK3) gene. Additionally, we expressed a GFP CDS-terminator cassette that was integrated downstream of the human insulin promoter in cadaver pancreatic islets of Langerhans which paves the way for autologous cell-tissue replacement therapy for gene repair in beta cells.
Professional applications of information literacy: Helping researchers learn to evaluate journal quality [slides]

Slides from a presentation discussing the applications of information literacy techniques--particularly lateral reading--in teaching researchers to evaluate journal quality and avoid predatory journals. This presentation was delivered on April 9, 2021 at the North Carolina Serials Conference. Co-presented by Jenny Dale and Anna Craft.
Drawn to the Screen by Who We Are and Who We Aspire to Be: Brand-Self Congruence Differences in Movie Preferences

Established media preference theories implicitly presume that audiences know a media product’s content or effects. Brands can fill this logical gap, with brands that media creators craft around the...
Interfaces and Interoperability After Google v. Oracle

We address an important issue the Supreme Court left unaddressed this spring in its blockbuster Google v. Oracle decision: are computer interfaces copyrightable at all? We argue that they aren’t, and that the Federal Circuit's decision to the contrary is an aberration that should not undermine a quarter century of consensus on the importance of interoperability and open APIs. In our view, denying copyright protection for APIs and encouraging interoperability is important not only for innovation in the software world but for restoring competition to a technology industry dominated by a few incumbent firms.
Variability and reliability of 2-dimensional vs. 3-dimensional glenoid version measurements with 3-dimensional preoperative planning software.

BACKGROUND Preoperative planning for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may change according to the measured degree of glenoid version. Both 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) scans are used to measure glenoid version, with no consensus on which method is more accurate. However, it is generally accepted that 3D measurements are more reliable, yet most 3D reconstruction software currently in clinical use have never been directly compared to 2D. The purpose of this study is to directly compare 2D and 3D glenoid version measurements and determine the differences between the two. METHODS CT scans were performed preoperatively on 315 shoulders undergoing either anatomic or reverse TSA. 2D measurements of glenoid version were obtained manually using the Friedman method, whereas 3D measurements were obtained using the Equinoxe Planning Application (Exactech Inc.) 3D-reconstruction software. Negative version values indicate retroversion, whereas positive values indicate anteversion. Two observers collected the 2D measurements 2 separate times, and intra- and interobserver measurements were calculated. Groups were compared for variability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and for differences in sample means using Student t tests. Additionally, samples were stratified by version value in order to better understand the potential sources of error between measurement techniques. RESULTS For the 2D measurements, intraobserver variability indicated excellent reproducibility for both observer 1 (ICC = 0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.911-0.942) and observer 2 (ICC = 0.964, 95% CI 0.955-0.971). Interobserver variability measurements also indicated excellent reproducibility (ICC = 0.915, 95% CI 0.778-0.956). The overall 2D version measurement average (-4.9° ± 10.3°) was significantly less retroverted than the 3D measurement average (-8.4° ± 9.1°) (P < .001), with 3D measurements yielding a more retroverted value 73% of the time. When stratified on the basis of version value with outliers excluded, there was no significant difference in the distribution of high-error samples within the data. DISCUSSION There was excellent reproducibility between the 2 observers in terms of both intra- and interobserver variability. The 3D measurement techniques were significantly more likely to return a more retroverted measurement, and high-error samples were evenly distributed throughout the data, indicating that there were no discernable trends in the degree of error observed. Shoulder surgeons should be aware that different glenoid version measurement strategies can yield different version measurements, as these can affect preoperative planning and surgeon decision making.
Rethinking Prosecutorial Discretion in Immigration Enforcement

Prosecutorial discretion in immigration enforcement stands at a crossroads. It was the centerpiece of Obama’s immigration policy after comprehensive immigration reform failed. Under the Trump Administration, it was declared all but dead, replaced by an ethos of maximum enforcement. Biden has promised a return to the status quo ante, but the record of using prosecutorial discretion to accomplish humanitarian goals in immigration enforcement under Obama was, at best, mixed. Moreover, it is unclear whether Biden can depend on the availability of programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”), Obama’s signature prosecutorial discretion program. Although the Supreme Court struck down the Trump Administration’s attempt to end DACA, it did so without deciding whether the program was lawful. Future legal challenges may leave the executive branch with even fewer options for reforming the immigration system without Congressional action. The Biden Administration will need to rethink how to use prosecutorial discretion to accomplish its immigration policy goals. This Article argues that the experience of the Obama Administration revealed the clear shortcomings of using prosecutorial discretion in lieu of legislative reform to mitigate the harshest consequences of the current immigration system. Though it has, in some circumstances, led to positive individual outcomes, it has failed to provide the kind of systemic relief that was promised, both because of the limitations of prosecutorial discretion in general, and because of special characteristics of the immigration system that make it particularly ill-suited for the widespread use of discretion to accomplish humanitarian goals. Rather than simply reinstating Obama-era discretion policies, future administrations must implement reforms to the immigration system that would allow prosecutorial discretion to work better to advance the stated goal of these policies – injecting some humanity into an otherwise inhumane system.
DoubleStar: Long-Range Attack Towards Depth Estimation based Obstacle Avoidance in Autonomous Systems.

Depth estimation-based obstacle avoidance has been widely adopted by autonomous systems (drones and vehicles) for safety purpose. It normally relies on a stereo camera to automatically detect obstacles and make flying/driving decisions, e.g., stopping several meters ahead of the obstacle in the path or moving away from the detected obstacle. In this paper, we explore new security risks associated with the stereo vision-based depth estimation algorithms used for obstacle avoidance. By exploiting the weaknesses of the stereo matching in depth estimation algorithms and the lens flare effect in optical imaging, we propose DoubleStar, a long-range attack that injects fake obstacle depth by projecting pure light from two complementary light sources. DoubleStar includes two distinctive attack formats: beams attack and orbs attack, which leverage projected light beams and lens flare orbs respectively to cause false depth perception. We successfully attack two commercial stereo cameras designed for autonomous systems (ZED and Intel RealSense). The visualization of fake depth perceived by the stereo cameras illustrates the false stereo matching induced by DoubleStar. We further use Ardupilot to simulate the attack and demonstrate its impact on drones. To validate the attack on real systems, we perform a real-world attack towards a commercial drone equipped with state-of-the-art obstacle avoidance algorithms. Our attack can continuously bring a flying drone to a sudden stop or drift it away across a long distance under various lighting conditions, even bypassing sensor fusion mechanisms. Specifically, our experimental results show that DoubleStar creates fake depth up to 15 meters in distance at night and up to 8 meters during the daytime. To mitigate this newly discovered threat, we provide discussions on potential countermeasures to defend against DoubleStar.
Posttranslational Modifications in PD-L1 Turnover and Function: From Cradle to Grave

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is one of the most classic immune checkpoint molecules. Cancer cells express PD-L1 to inhibit the activity of effector T cells’ cytotoxicity through programmed death 1 (PD-1) engagement in exposure to inflammatory cytokines. PD-L1 expression levels on cancer cells might affect the clinical response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Hence, understanding molecular mechanisms for regulating PD-L1 expression is essential for improving the clinical response rate and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, regulate PD-L1 stability, cellular translocation, and interaction with its receptor. A coordinated positive and negative regulation via PTMs is required to ensure the balance and function of the PD-L1 protein. In this review, we primarily focus on the roles of PTMs in PD-L1 expression, trafficking, and antitumor immune response. We also discuss the implication of PTMs in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
Price-volume relationships and stock returns

It is popular among technical analysts to use high trading volume as a positive sele<:lioll or filter criteria. Yellhe findings in the finance literature are no! clear on the predictive validity or even the diroction of the impact of tratling volume on stock returns. One stream of finance research finds that high changes in lrading volume are associmcd with information asymmetry or differences in beliefs between traders, suggesting stock price reversals and return variances are higher with high trading volume. A secoml stream of research finds Ihal high trading volume is attributed to mfomled trading, suggesting stock price reversals and return variances are lower wilh high trading VOllilllC, A third stream of research, modem portfolio theory, rejects the predictive validity of using past infonnalion. In this study, an alternative hypothesis is developed using an intuitive market demand and supply model. supporting the hypothesis that large price reactions coupled with nonnal tmding volume are less likely to be reversed and arc more stable lhan in the case of high trading volume These hypothesizes arc tested empirically and have important implications for investment analysts, and the controversies surrounding the meaning of trading volume,
Dynamic, mechanical integration between nucleus and cell- where physics meets biology

Nuclear motions like rotation, translation and deformation suggest that the nucleus is acted upon by mechanical forces. Molecular linkages with the cytoskeleton are thought to transfer forces to the nuclear surface. We developed an approach to apply reproducible, known mechanical forces to the nucleus in spread adherent cells and quantified the elastic response of the mechanically integrated nucleus-cell. The method is sensitive to molecular perturbations and revealed new insight into the function of the LINC complex. While these experiments revealed elastic behaviors, turnover of the cytoskeleton by assembly/disassembly and binding/unbinding of linkages are expected to dissipate any stored mechanical energy in the nucleus or the cytoskeleton. Experiments investigating nuclear forces over longer time scales demonstrated the mechanical principle that expansive/compressive stresses on the nuclear surface arise from the movement of the cell boundaries to shape and position the nucleus. Such forces can shape the nucleus to conform to cell shapes during cell movements with or without myosin activity.
Methods for Generating Deterministic Fractals and Image Compression

We survey recently developed methods for generating deterministic fractals that have the potential for compression of arbitrary (practical) images. They are the Iterative Function Systems developed by Barnsley, the probabilistic finite generators, and probabilistic mutually recursive systems that generalize both former methods. We briefly introduce the formal notion of an image both as a compact set (of black points) and as a measure on Borel sets (specifying greyness or colors). We describe the above mentioned systems for image generation, some mathematical properties and discuss the problem of image encoding.
Transfer of Immune Complexes from Erythrocyte CR1 to Mouse Macrophages

We are developing a potential therapeutic approach for removing pathogens from the circulation of primates in which the pathogen is bound to the complement receptor (CR1) on E using a bispecific mAb complex, a heteropolymer (HP). We have used mAb this approach to demonstrate that cleared prototype pathogens are localized to, phagocytosed in, and destroyed in the liver. Extension of this work to a clinical setting will require a detailed understanding of the mechanism by which the E-bound immune complex substrates are transferred to fixed tissue macrophages in the liver, the transfer reaction. Therefore, we examined an in vitro system to study this process using bacteriophage φX174 as a model pathogen. E containing φX174 (bound via an anti-CR1/anti-φX174 HP) were incubated with P388D1 murine macrophages, and the two cell types were separated by centrifugation through Ficoll. Both E and macrophages were then probed and analyzed by RIA or flow cytometry. The results indicate that all three components of the E-bound IC (φX174, HP, and CR1) were removed from the E and internalized by the macrophages. We found that transfer requires the Fc portion of IgG, because little transfer of φX174 occurs when it is bound to E CR1 using a HP containing only Fab fragments. These findings, taken in the context of other studies, suggest a general mechanism for the transfer reaction in which Fc receptors facilitate close juxtaposition of the macrophage to the E-bound IC which then allows a macrophage-associated protease to cleave CR1. The released IC are then internalized and processed by the macrophages.
Operations for Esophageal Perforation and Anastomotic Leaks

Although several retrospective studies of esophageal perforations have identified groups of patients who survived with conservative therapy, it must be emphasized that these patients must be carefully selected. When a patient sustains a small perforation of the cervical esophagus following elective esophagoscopy and has minimal symptoms, both local and systemic, nonoperative management by means of antibiotics and intravenous feeding may prove successful. On the other hand, a spontaneous perforation of the thoracic esophagus following a bout of retching in a gourmand with a full stomach should always be treated by prompt operation. Otherwise, a fulminating necrotizing mediastinitis will develop because the chest has been flooded by the powerful digestive ferments of the stomach and duodenum. Nonoperative management is acceptable only in patients who have experienced a contained leak with minimal symptoms and no sign of systemic sepsis. In the thoracic esophagus the presence of fluid or air in the pleural cavity is a contraindication to conservative treatment.
A bayes net approach to argumentation based negotiation

Negotiation is one of the most fundamental and effective mechanism for resolving conflicts between self-interested agents and producing mutually acceptable compromises. Most existing research in negotiation presumes a fixed negotiation context which cannot be changed during the process of negotiation and that the agents have complete and correct knowledge about all aspects of the issues being negotiated. In practice, the issues being negotiated may change and the agents may have incorrect beliefs of relevant issues updated during the negotiation process. Argumentation-based negotiation approaches have therefore been proposed to capture such realistic negotiation contexts. Here we present a novel Bayesian network based argumentation and decision making framework that allows agents to utilize models of the other agents. The agents will generate effective arguments to influence the other agent’s belief and produce more profit.
Abstract 4402: Synergistic cell death in nedd8 and hrb27c mutant cells under an rbf-negative background is dependent on EGFR/MAPK signaling

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The Rb (retinoblastoma) protein is highly functionally conserved between the Drosophila, and deregulation and mutations in the Rb pathway are common events across a wide range of cancers. Here, we identify two novel synthetic lethal interactions between Rb and mutant alleles of Nedd8 and Hrb27c that were identified through an unbiased genetic screen in Drosophila that resulted in apoptosis in both the wing disc pouch and the region of the eye disc posterior to the morphogenetic furrow. However, the molecular mechanisms behind the apoptotic phenotypes in both synthetic lethal double mutants have yet to be elucidated. It is known that wild-type Rb normally sequesters and can prevent the E2F1 transcription factor from promoting transcription of hid, the major pro-apoptotic regulator in imaginal discs. Synthetic lethality is therefore likely to be contingent on EGFR/hid signaling, and I will determine if such is the case through a series of genetic epistasis tests. Interestingly, preliminary evidence also suggests that EGFR/MAPK signaling may be ablated in both mutants of Nedd8 and Hrb27c. However, this observation is completely novel and therefore the molecular mechanisms behind downregulation of MAPK signaling have yet to be elucidated in both these mutants. I will again perform a series of epistasis experiments to determine how Nedd8 and Hrb27c mutations mechanistically affect EGFR/MAPK signaling. This will be achieved first by determining if signaling is downregulated either during EGFR ligand processing or downstream of the EGFR receptor. This will be followed by subsequent experiments to determine which specific element in either pathway is being affected by Nedd8 or Hrb27c ablation. I therefore hypothesize that inhibition of both nedd8 and hrb27c synergistically induce cell death in Rb-negative cells in a process that is dependent on both E2F1 activity and downregulation of MAPK signaling. Many existing treatment regimens fail to take into account the unique biological properties of cancer cells compared to their normal counterparts, thus often resulting in off-target effects and limitations in dosage. This proposal is therefore both novel and significant because the mechanisms behind both the Rb/Hrb27c and Rb/Nedd8 synthetic lethal interactions have yet to be elucidated and characterization of such interactions such as these have the potential to catalyze the development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Robin Zhang, Tianyi Zhang, Zhentao Sheng, Wei Du. Synergistic cell death in nedd8 and hrb27c mutant cells under an rbf-negative background is dependent on EGFR/MAPK signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4402. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4402
Cities and Privatization

Cities across America look for management strategies useful for accomplishing their responsibilities and programs. While some cities include privatization strategies in their management portfolios, others do not, and the underlying reasons are not readily apparent. This study seeks to gain some insight into this disparity through several questions: Why do some cities use more privatization than others? Are privatization levels higher in fiscally healthy or fiscally stressed cities? Where are the cities that use privatization located? This study attributes municipal privatization levels in medium-sized cities, in part, to degree of wealth, fiscal stress, and location. The findings suggest that privatization levels are higher in wealthy, fiscally healthy, suburban cities.
A near-linear time algorithm for constructing a cactus representation of minimum cuts

We present an O(m) (near-linear) time Monte Carlo algorithm for constructing the cactus data structure, a useful representation of all the global minimum edge cuts of an undirected graph. Our algorithm represents a fundamental improvement over the best previous (quadratic time) algorithms: because there can be quadratically many min-cuts, our algorithm must avoid looking at all min-cuts during the construction, but nonetheless builds a data structure representing them all. Our result closes the gap between the (near-linear) time required to find a single min-cut and that for (implicitly) finding all the min-cuts.
3-D computer graphics in modeling pluton emplacement

Structures which occur around plutons provide crucial data by which to analyze the deformational history in orogenic belts, and computer modeling is a powerful method by which to study the genesis of these structures. The complex interplay of variables during pluton emplacement dramatically increases the complexity of the simulation. To overcome these difficulties, a combination of computer techniques such as 3-D viewing, rendering, and an interactive graphical user interface was used. These techniques allow simulation of pluton expansion in a crust undergoing tectonic deformation. 3-D viewing was critical for establishing the orientation, distribution and position of, structures around the pluton. The interactive nature of the simulation allowed not only reading of complex input parameters and reliable evaluation of complex output, but also the real-time analysis of progressive deformation. Finally, rendering allowed both the realistic visualization of strain and structures around the pluton, and the creation of a new strain diagram that integrates the analysis of various strain parameters. As a result of the simulation, the strain patterns and structures which were modeled provided useful insights on the processes and structures related to pluton emplacement and tectonic deformation in orogenic belts. In addition this simulation demonstrated that computer graphics techniques can be not only convenient but may be required for the proper visualization and interpretation of complex geological simulations.
Future Directions for Cardiovascular Disease Comparative Effectiveness Research: Report of a Workshop Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) aims to provide decision makers with the evidence needed to evaluate the benefits and harms of alternative clinical management strategies. CER has become a national priority, with considerable new research funding allocated. Cardiovascular disease is a priority area for CER. This workshop report provides an overview of CER methods, with an emphasis on practical clinical trials and observational treatment comparisons. The report also details recommendations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for a new framework for evidence development to foster cardiovascular CER, and specific studies to address 8 clinical issues identified by the Institute of Medicine as high priorities for cardiovascular CER.
Quantitative Analysis of Morphine in Urine by Gas Chromatography-Chemical Ionization-Mass Spectrometry, with [N-C2H3]Morphine as an Internal Standard

A highly sensitive and specific method is described for quantitative determination of morphine in urine. Used in the method is a gas chromatograph and a computerized, quadrupole mass spectrometer operated under chemical ionization conditions. Morphine concentrations as low as 5 ng/ml can be measured by selected ion monitoring, with N -trideuteromethyl morphine as the internal standard. The sensitivity and specificity of the method is illustrated by the detection and quantitation of morphine in urine after ingestion of cough medicine containing codeine.
El pasado y el futuro de la tabla periódica Este fiel símbolo del campo de la química siempre encara el escrutinio y el debate

Adorna las paredes de las salas de conferencia y los laboratorios de todo tipo, desde las universidades hasta la industria. Es uno de los mas poderosos iconos de la ciencia. Captura la esencia de la quimica en un diseno elegante. La tabla periodica proporciona una forma concisa de entender como reaccionan entre si todos los elementos conocidos y se enlazan quimicamente, y ayuda a explicar las propiedades de cada elemento que lo hacen reaccionar de tal manera. Pero el sistema periodico es tan basico, dominante y familiar en el estudio de la quimica que a menudo se da por hecho. Un siglo despues de la muerte del descubridor lider del sistema periodico, el quimico ruso Dimitri Mendeleev, parece el momento de revisar los origenes y el estatus moderno de esta clasificacion quimica, estandar hoy dia. Hubo varios precursores historicos del sistema periodico de Mendeleev, pero tambien hay debates en curso con relacion a la mejor forma de exponer el sistema periodico y sobre si existe realmente la mejor forma de hacerlo.
Performance analysis of algorithmic noise-tolerance techniques

In this paper, we present performance analysis of algorithmic noise-tolerance (ANT) techniques. First, we analyze the predictor and RPR based ANT schemes. Next, we present a hybrid ANT scheme which is resilient to burst errors usually occurring in a high soft-error rate (P/sub cr/) region. For a frequency selective FIR filtering, it is shown that simulation results match well with the analytic bounds while providing about 40 dB improvement in the mean square error over a conventional DSP system at a P/sub cr/ = 10/sup -4/. It is also shown that the proposed hybrid ANT scheme maintains its robustness in noise mitigation even in the high soft-error rate region of up to P/sub cr/ = 10/sup -2/.
A low-cost test approach for embedded RF passive circuits

A new low-cost test approach is proposed for testing embedded RF passive filters (ERPFs) by one-port measurement. By this method, ERPFs testing is possible without a vector network analyzer. This method also enables testing of ERPFs without external test stimulus. In the proposed test approach, a shift in the oscillation frequency of the test-setup is used to detect faults in the filters, but this test approach does not require reconfiguration or conversion of filters into an oscillator as it is done in conventional oscillation-based methods. The core principle of the method is to include an ERPF through a one-port substrate surface probe into an external RF oscillator circuitry, located on the probe card. Such one-port probing causes a change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillator because of the loading from the RF filter, thus enabling low-cost testing of RF filters.
Real-time simulation for a virtual reality-based MIG welding training system

This paper describes a real-time welding simulation method for use in a desktop virtual reality simulated Metal Inert Gas welding training system. The simulation defines the shape of the weld bead, the depth of penetration, and the temperature distribution in the workpiece, based on inputs from the motion-tracking system that tracks the position of the welding gun as a function of time. A finite difference method is used to calculate the temperature distribution, including the width of the weld bead and the depth of penetration. The shape of the weld bead is then calculated at each time step by assuming a semi-spherical volume, based on the width of the weld bead, the welding speed, and the wire feed rate. The real-time performance of the system is examined, and results from the real-time simulation are compared to physical tests and are found to have very good correlation for welding speeds up to 1,000 mm/min.
Effect of Acid-Phosphate Vs Neutral-Phosphate on Urine Acidity, Acid-Base Balance and Mineral Homeostasis in Children with Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets (XLH)

Effect of Acid-Phosphate Vs Neutral-Phosphate on Urine Acidity, Acid-Base Balance and Mineral Homeostasis in Children with Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets (XLH)
To Be or Not to Be "Eaten": Lu Xun's Dilemma of Political Engagement

Few intellectual generations in modern China were as bedeviled as the May Fourth generation, confronted as it was with the task of demolishing the moribund Chinese culture, while burdened with the mission of national salvation. Contrary to accepted opinion as well as the conviction of the May Fourth generation itself, the former was not necessarily a logical means to further the achievement of the latter. If it had been so, tensions generated by disparate demands would have been reduced to a minmum. Actually, in the eyes of the May Fourth iconoclasts, one of the accursed aspects of Chinese culture was its blighting effect on individuality (gexing). And behind their call for the "emancipation of self' (gexingjiefang), the historian may discern a wish to be "far from the madding crowd." Thus, later on, when the May Fourth intellectuals began to stake their hope of national salvation on the mass movements led by the Chinese Communist Party, they all had to undergo a process of self-convincing, to the effect that the redemption of self would come through the collectivist channel. Not all of them, however, were equally successful in this act of overcoming self. Of particular interest is Lu Xun, whose radicalism can be classified as "liberal" or "Marxist" only by straining the parameters of these rubrics. Unlike the ideologues of both camps, Lu Xun was less optimistic about the darker shades of the human psyche, which made it more difficult for him to reconcile himself with the "masses" as well as with his own self.
The similarity class of a matrix

If A is an n × n matrix over an infinite field F, k is a positive integer, and R is an arbitrary n × k matrix R1R2 over the field F, where R2 is a nonsingular k × k matrix, we give a necessary and sufficient condition which guarantees that the similarity class of A contains [R, S] for some n × (n − k) matrix S over the field F. This result extends a result of Barria and Halmos.
Three-Dimensional Acceleration Measurement Using Videogrammetry Tracking Data

In order to evaluate the feasibility of multi-point, non-contact, acceleration measurement, a high-speed, precision videogrammetry system has been assembled from commercially-available components and software. Consisting of three synchronized 640 × 480 pixel monochrome progressive scan CCD cameras each operated at 200 frames per second, this system has the capability to provide surface-wide position-versus-time data that are filtered and twice-differentiated to yield the desired acceleration tracking at multiple points on a moving body. The oscillating motion of targets mounted on the shaft of a modal shaker were tracked, and the accelerations calculated using the videogrammetry data were compared directly to conventional accelerometer measurements taken concurrently. Although differentiation is an inherently noisy operation, the results indicate that simple mathematical filters based on the well-known Savitzky and Golay algorithms, implemented using spreadsheet software, remove a significant component of the noise, resulting in videogrammetry-based acceleration measurements that are comparable to those obtained using the accelerometers.
Food, feeding and absorption efficiencies of the sand dollar, Mellita quinquiesperforata (Leske)

The sand dollar, Melitta quinquiesperforata , is a ciliary-mucoid feeder, selective for Mellita absorbed primarily lipid from the silt-clay; absorption efficiency of all biochemical components was highest in May and June (67 and 61%) and lowest in December and January (negative values). M. quinquiesperforata fed almost continuously with rate of feeding being higher in small animals and at warmer, summer water temperatures. There was significantly more food in the gut at night than in the day.
O2S2: enhanced object-based virtualized storage

Object based storage devices (OSDs) elevate the level of abstraction presented to clients, thereby permitting them to offer methods for managing, sharing, and securing information that go beyond those offered by block-based stores. The Object-Oriented Storage System (O2S2) architecture presented and evaluated in this paper provides object-based storage in a virtualized environment. This service provides a virtual object-based storage device (vOSD) to virtual machines. The use of vOSDs permits the service provider, i.e., the vOSD storage domain, to offer to guest virtual machines new methods for resource management and consolidation Methods demonstrated in this paper include improved support for access control and for heterogeneity of storage devices. A prototype PVFS-based O2S2 implementation demonstrates that its enhanced services can be provided at low cost, enabled in part by the efficient utilization of otherwise idle storage domain resources.