cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing PHY906 as a broad- spectrum modulator of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapy

557 PHY906 is a traditional Chinese botanical formulation consisting of 4 different herbs, and it has been used for some 1800 years to treat gastrointestinal ailments, some of which are commonly observed side effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We have previously reported that PHY906 reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicities including body weight loss and mortality, and that it also enhanced the antitumor efficacy of a broad-spectrum of anticancer agents, such as CPT-11, 5-FU, CPT-11/5-FU/LV, VP-16, and L-OddC in in vivo animal models. PHY906 has been co-administrated with either the oral 5-FU prodrug capecitabine or CPT-11 in human hepatocellular xenografts mouse model, and with gemcitabine in mouse pancreatic cancer model. We have shown that PHY906 significantly enhanced the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents studied in both hepatocellular and pancreatic cancer models. Co-administration of PHY906 with either capecitabine or gemcitabine in animal models did not alter the pharmacokinetic profile of capecitabine, gemcitabine, or their respective metabolites. Our biochemical studies revealed that the PHY906 formulation possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities. The potential mechanism(s) of action of PHY906 include (1) enhancement of oral uptake of pharmacologically active agents with inhibition in intestinal CYP3A4; (2) inhibition of NF-κB activity; (3) inhibition of MMP activity; and (4) destruction of the integrity of sinusoids in hepatoma. These pre-clinical in vivo studies have provided rationale for developing PHY906 in the clinical setting. A phase I/IIA double-blind placebo-controlled, dose escalation study of PHY906 was initiated to evaluate the potential effect of PHY906 in modulating CPT-11-induced diarrhea associated with the bolus, weekly schedule of CPT-11/5-FU/LV in advanced colorectal cancer patients. A second phase I/II open-label dose escalation clinical trial has just been opened to patient accrual to evaluate the role of PHY906 in combination with capecitabine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Proceedings of the 11th International Workshop on Data Mining in Bioinformatics

The past two decades have witnessed rapid technological advances in biological data collection and acquisition. These advances in biotechnology enabled interrogation of cellular systems at various levels, leading to generation and collection of large-scale biological data (mostly in public databases) at an exponential rate. The explosion of biological data is leading to a paradigm shift in research methods in life sciences; from hypothesis-driven research to data driven research. In the last decade, sophisticated algorithms for knowledge discovery and data mining have demonstrated great promise in extracting novel biological information from complex, heterogeneous, and very high-dimensional biological datasets. The International Workshop on Data Mining in Bioinformatics (BIOKDD) has successfully established a tradition in providing a platform for the presentation and discussion of advances in data mining techniques that primarily target biological data in the last ten years. This year's BIOKDD continued the tradition of bringing together data mining researchers and life scientists, emphasizing novel problems with various types of biological data, emerging types of biological data (e.g., next generation sequencing, RNA-seq, electronic medical records), integration of heterogenous biological datasets, and emerging applications in the new era of life and medical sciences (e.g., systems biology, genome-wide association studies, translational science, personalized genomics).
Predicting STEM Employability for Disadvantaged Young People

Employability research typically adopts one of two incomplete perspectives, focusing on either individuals’ suitability for work or external labor market opportunities. However, young people seeking jobs and those seeking to help them, such as counselors or program developers, need to consider both the individual and the market perspective. The present research integrates elements of both frameworks to create a quantitative model of one aspect of employability, its interplay with STEM education. That model will use simulation methods to predict the success of programs designed to improve employability through enhanced STEM education. The model’s inputs will be drawn from the empirical research literature, augmented by expert elicitations from community leaders and members to interpret those results for specific their settings. I propose a holistic approach to STEM employability, quantitatively analyzing personal and contextual factors and relationships between them. The project scope is focused on a Pittsburgh neighborhood. However, by assuming a holistic view, it enables applications to other individuals and organizations. Integrating previously isolated fields studying employability, the research reflects interactions between individual characteristics, personal circumstances, and external factors, ultimately contributing to recommendations on labor market policy and community development.
Associations between pre-, post-, and peri-operative variables and health resource use following surgery for head and neck cancer.

Abstract Objective We examined associations between pre-, post-, and peri-operative variables and health resource use in head and neck cancer patients. Methods Patients (N = 183) who were seen for a pre-surgical consult between January 2012 and December 2014 completed surveys that assessed medical history, a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of dysphagia, and quality of life (QOL). After surgery, peri-operative (e.g., tracheostomy, feeding tube) and post-operative (e.g., complications) variables were abstracted from patients’ medical records. Results Multivariate regression models using backward elimination showed that pre-surgical University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) Inventory and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) composite scores, documented surgical complications, and having a tracheostomy, were all significant predictors of hospital length of stay, explaining 57% of the total variance (F(5, 160) = 18.71, p Conclusions Assessment of PROMs and QOL in the pre-surgical setting may assist providers in identifying patients at risk for prolonged LOS and increased health resource use after hospital discharge.
Visualising sustainability at the Olympics

Cities are increasingly central to sustainability discourse, as urban lifestyles and infrastructure are framed as solutions to global environmental problems such as climate change. This framing rel...
A Comparison of the Histories of the Development of Incremental and Radical Innovations: A View from Pharma-Biotech: An Abstract

In hi-tech industries such as Pharma-Biotech, firms are becoming more and more specialized in their innovation capabilities such that it is becoming less and less likely that any one firm is able to independently develop a truly innovative new product. The current research will employ qualitative research methods to investigate two questions: (a) Is the path for the development of radically innovative qualitative different from the development of incrementally innovative products in industries with high technological turbulence such as the Pharma-Biotech industry? (b) Are there any systematic differences in the governance structures employed in the management of interfirm relationships in the development of radical innovations and incremental innovations?
Network Optimization for Differentiated QoS Traffic in an SDN Environment for PoP-Data Center Traffic

A major challenge for network providers is to design a network that can cater to differentiated quality-of-service (QoS) for different traffic classes in a cost-effective manner. Traditional differentiated services (“DiffServ”) is for IP networks where differentiation is done in IP packet headers through code points. However, this does not by itself land in architecting a network from a traffic engineering point of view. In an SDN environment, with more control over flows or a collection of flows, differentiated QoS traffic classes can be considered and accordingly a network can be optimized. In this work, we consider network optimization in a software-defined network (SDN) environment where differentiated QoS traffic is provided through different latency bounds. We present a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for this problem. The study shows that our approach can maintain more stringent QoS requirement by reducing the value of maximum allowable latency without a significant increment in bandwidth cost.
Teaching physics with a local positioning system

Recently available local positioning systems (LPS) have the potential to be used for interactive physics laboratory activities and classroom demonstrations. The Pozyx LPS combines multiple sensors with position data for any object that one of the devices is attached to. Devices referred to as “tags” (Fig. 1[a]) are mobile devices that can be tracked, and those referred to as “anchors” are stationary devices that are employed to calculate the tag’s position. At data rates of 30 Hz (2D and 3D tracking) to 200 Hz (1D tracking), the position is measured to an accuracy of about ±10 cm. We have found that this particular LPS works best for physics laboratory setups at distance scales of at least two meters and up to tens of meters.
LIFT: Integrating Stakeholder Voices into Algorithmic Team Formation

Team formation tools assume instructors should configure the criteria for creating teams, precluding students from participating in a process affecting their learning experience. We propose LIFT, a novel learner-centered workflow where students propose, vote for, and weigh the criteria used as inputs to the team formation algorithm. We conducted an experiment (N=289) comparing LIFT to the usual instructor-led process, and interviewed participants to evaluate their perceptions of LIFT and its outcomes. Learners proposed novel criteria not included in existing algorithmic tools, such as organizational style. They avoided criteria like gender and GPA that instructors frequently select, and preferred those promoting efficient collaboration. LIFT led to team outcomes comparable to those achieved by the instructor-led approach, and teams valued having control of the team formation process. We provide instructors and designers with a workflow and evidence supporting giving learners control of the algorithmic process used for grouping them into teams.
Academic Experiences of Indian International Students in US Higher Education

Globalization and prospects for higher education across borders have led to a significant increase in the number of international students. Although international admissions offices do their best to ensure that international students possess the academic competencies necessary to pursue their education abroad, some students may still experience challenges due to cultural, educational, social, and many other differences between their home countries and education abroad. International students come from different countries and various factors influence their academic experiences. Some of these factors are common to all international students but some are unique to their country of origin. This article focuses on the academic experiences of six Indian international students at a southern higher education institution in the U.S. Data was collected through a demographic survey, focus group sessions and follow up interviews. Themes were constructed through a constant comparative method. Findings highlighted critical thinking, academic code of integrity, in-class participation, student-instructor relationship, English Accent, presentation of the learning material, meeting assignment deadlines, living alone, and approach to education as major areas of concern.
Hierarchical Check Based Detection and Diagnosis of Sensor-Actuator Malfunction in Autonomous Systems: A Quadcopter Study

Future pervasive autonomous systems such as un-manned land and air vehicles will need to be extremely resilient to failures in sensors, actuators and on-board electronics for the purpose of overall vehicle safety. While detection of failures in sensors and actuators has been addressed in the past, direct application of prior error checking schemes to complex autonomous systems with multiple actuators is difficult. This is due to the large numbers of system state variables involved, the resulting degraded ability to perform accurate error detection and most importantly, loss of the ability to perform accurate error diagnosis. In this research, a hierarchical error checking scheme is presented that allows errors in centralized as well as distributed control of autonomous systems to be detected with high accuracy and low latency while allowing error diagnosis down to individual sensor-actuator subsystems. Checking mechanisms for subsystems as well as centralized control are synthesized so as to ensure coverage of all sensors and actuator errors. The viability of the proposed technique is demonstrated using a quadcopter flight control system. High error coverage and diagnosis down to critical sensor-actuator subsystems is demonstrated.
Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems for Smart Cities

Nowadays, rapid urbanization leads to severe urban challenges, e.g., congestion and energy consumption, related to human mobility. To address them, it is essential to (i) measure and predict human mobility based on data from urban infrastructure, and (ii) intervene and alter human mobility with novel services on urban infrastructure, i.e., a Cyber-Physical System approach. However, both existing mobility models and resultant services are built upon the interaction of residents with single infrastructure (e.g., taxis) or multiple infrastructures from single domains (e.g., transportation), which are limited by their homogeneous nature. Fortunately, cross-domain infrastructures and their data from the latest infrastructure expansion enable us to explore real-time interactions between residents and infrastructures across domains. In this talk, we will introduce some of our recent work under cross-domain interactions.
Societal Responses to Abuse in the Family: Programs to Prevent Future Violence

Methods of identification of perpetrators differ greatly for IPV, child maltreatment, and elder abuse. In some cases of extreme violence or neglect, sexual abuse, or homicide, the offender is sent to jail if found by the courts to have committed the crime. For IPV, the offender is identified when the abused partner calls for police assistance. Arrests can involve both partners if there is mutual fighting. Offenders are expected to participate in a batterer intervention program (BIP). These may not be effective at stopping partner violence. General education programs to help people understand that IPV should not be tolerated may be more effective.
Agent-Based Simulation for Seasonal Guinea Worm Disease in Chad Dogs.

The campaign to eradicate dracunculiasis (Guinea worm [GW] disease) and its causative pathogen Dracunculus medinensis (GW) in Chad is challenged by infections in domestic dogs, which far outnumber the dwindling number of human infections. We present an agent-based simulation that models transmission of GW between a shared water source and a large population of dogs. The simulation incorporates various potential factors driving the infections including external factors and two currently used interventions, namely, tethering and larvicide water treatments. By defining and estimating infectivity parameters and seasonality factors, we test the simulation model on scenarios where seasonal patterns of dog infections could be driven by the parasite's life cycle alone or with environmental factors (e.g., temperature and rainfall) that could also affect human or dog behaviors (e.g., fishing versus farming seasons). We show that the best-fitting model includes external factors in addition to the pathogen's life cycle. From the simulation, we estimate that the basic reproductive number, R0, is approximately 2.0; our results also show that an infected dog can transmit the infection to 3.6 other dogs, on average, during the month of peak infectivity (April). The simulation results shed light on the transmission dynamics of GWs to dogs and lay the groundwork for reducing the number of infections and eventually interrupting transmission of GW.
Patterning Refractive Index on the Surface of a Chip by Direct Nanoimprinting

We demonstrate a means for patterning refractive index on the surface of a chip by directly imprinting porous nanomaterials. This offers a new route toward high index contrast and low-cost chip-scale diffractive, waveguided and meta-optic devices.
Birthweight and Apgar at 5 minutes of life for the prediction of severe neonatal outcomes in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive accuracy of clinical variables available after delivery for severe neonatal outcomes (SNO) in pregnancies complicated by PPROM. This was a sec...
Subsidizing Low- and Middle-Income Adoption of Electric Vehicles: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from California

Little is known about electric vehicle (EV) demand by low- and middle-income households. In this paper, we exploit a policy that provides exogenous variation in large EV subsidies targeted at the mass market in California. Using transaction-level data, we estimate three important policy parameters: the rate of subsidy pass-through, the impact of the subsidy on EV adoption, and the elasticity of demand for EVs among low- and middle-income households. Demand for EVs in our sample is price-elastic (-3.3) and pass-through to buyers is indistinguishable from 100 percent. We use these estimates to calculate that the expected subsidy bill required for California to reach its goal of 1.5 million EVs by 2025 is likely to exceed $12-18 billion.
Antibody structure prediction using interpretable deep learning

Abstract Therapeutic antibodies make up a rapidly growing segment of the biologics market. However, rational design of antibodies is hindered by reliance on experimental methods for determining antibody structures. In recent years, deep learning methods have driven significant advances in general protein structure prediction. Here, we present DeepAb, a deep learning method for predicting accurate antibody FV structures from sequence. We evaluate DeepAb on two benchmark sets – one balanced for structural diversity and the other composed of clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies – and find that our method consistently outperforms the leading alternatives. Previous deep learning methods have operated as “black boxes” and offered few insights into their predictions. By introducing a directly interpretable attention mechanism, we show that our network attends to physically important residue pairs. For example, in prediction of one CDR H3 residue conformation, the network attends to proximal aromatics and a key hydrogen bonding interaction that constrain the loop conformation. Finally, we present a novel mutant scoring metric derived from network confidence and show that for a particular antibody, all eight of the top-ranked mutations improve binding affinity. These results suggest that this model will be useful for a broad range of antibody prediction and design tasks. Significance Accurate structure models are critical for understanding the properties of potential therapeutic antibodies. Conventional methods for protein structure determination require significant investments of time and resources and may fail. Although greatly improved, methods for general protein structure prediction still cannot consistently provide the accuracy necessary to understand or design antibodies. We present a deep learning method for antibody structure prediction and demonstrate improvement over alternatives on diverse, therapeutically relevant benchmarks. In addition to its improved accuracy, our method reveals interpretable outputs about specific amino acids and residue interactions that should facilitate design of novel therapeutic antibodies.
Optimizing reconstruction parameters for quantitative 124I-PET in the presence of therapeutic doses of 131I.

The goal of this work was to determine the quantitative accuracy and optimal reconstruction parameters for 124I-PET imaging in the presence of therapeutic levels of 131I. In this effort, images were acquired on a GE D710 PET/CT scanner using a NEMA IEC phantom with spheres containing 124I and increasing amounts of 131I activity in the background. At each activity level, two scans were acquired, one with the phantom centered in the field of view (FOV) and one 11.2 cm off-center. Reconstructions used an ordered subset expectation maximization algorithm with up to 100 iterations of 16 subsets, with and without time-of-flight (TOF) information. Results were evaluated visually and by comparing the 124I activity relative to the scan performed in the absence of 131I. 131I within the FOV added to the randoms rate, to dead time, and to pile-up within the detectors. Using our standard clinical reconstruction parameters, the image quality and quantitative accuracy suffered at 131I activities above 1.4 GBq. Convergence rates slowed progressively in the presence of increasing amounts of 131I for both TOF and nonTOF reconstructions. TOF reconstructions converged more quickly than nonTOF but often towards erroneous concentrations. Iterating nonTOF reconstructions to convergence produced quantitatively accurate images except for the off-center phantom at the very highest level of background 131I tested. This study shows that quantitative PET is feasible in the presence of large amounts of 131I. The high randoms fractions resulted in slow reconstruction convergence and negatively impacted TOF corrections and/or the accuracy of TOF information. Therefore, increased iterations and nonTOF reconstructions are recommended.
Hypofractionated Brain Radiosurgery With Hundreds of Isocenters.

Purpose/Objective(s) To report our initial clinical implementation of a hypofractionated brain radiosurgery (hSRS) approach via packing hundreds of isocenters for treatment of a large target with a substantial GTV expansion in order to reduce dose hot spots in eloquent brain. Materials/Methods A high-density isocenter packing (HDIP) technique similar to “onion peeling” was developed for hSRS, where a large target volume of 14.1 cc was sequentially shrunk or “peeled” by a margin of 2 to 4-mm depending on its size. The isocenters were densely packed inside each layer or each “peel” of the target, especially within the GTV-to-PTV margin. Once packed, the isocenter location, shapes and weights of the beams were inversely optimized and manually adjusted to achieve an optimal dose distribution. This technique was clinically implemented on a frameless SRS unit for the purpose of expediting the workflow in treating brain lesions with GTV-to-PTV expansion of at least 5 mm. Results HDIP enabled the target dose to be prescribed to the 80-90% isodose line (normalized to the dose maximum), thus reducing dose hot spots greater than 120% of prescription dose inside the GTV expansion volume comprised mostly of normal brain tissue. Compared to the conventional approach of using only 1/3 to 1/4 as many isocenters, HDIP achieved identical dose coverage (> 98%), dose conformality ( 0.01 min to enable clinical implementation. This strategy negligibly impacted the total treatment time of 20-30 min of a typical HDIP treatment with a dose rate of 2.0 Gy/min of our LGKI unit. Conclusion HDIP is technically feasible and successfully implemented for the first time at our institution, enabling us to expedite the hSRS workflow to care for patients with targets in eloquent brain requiring substantial GTV-to-CTV/PTV margin expansion. Author Disclosure N. Cho: Employee; Thermo Fisher Scientific. D. Raleigh: None. B.P. Ziemer: None. T. Nano: None. P.V. Theodosopoulos: None. P.K. Sneed: None. L. Boreta: None. S.E. Braunstein: Advisory Board; Radiation Oncology Questions, LLC.L. Ma: Patent/License Fees/Copyright; University of California Regents.
Reliability enhancement of electrically conductive adhesives in thermal shock environment [electronics packaging]

The elimination of lead containing interconnect materials from electronics has gradually become a critical issue in recent years, and electrically conductive adhesives (ECA) have been considered as promising alternative interconnect materials for lead containing solders. However, ECAs are, among others, usually poor in impact capability. This leads to lower reliability performance of ECA/component joints in thermal cycling/shock conditions. The approach of using flexible polymer binders for ECA materials was devised to enhance the thermal cycling/shock reliability while maintaining an acceptable bulk conductivity. The curing behavior, modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion and moisture absorption were measured in the designed ECA formulations. Adhesion to Cu/OSP and tin surfaces was studied through substrate shear tests. Electrical bulk resistivity and contact resistances were monitored on specially prepared test coupons that were exposed to 85/spl deg/C/85%RH atmosphere. Experimental results showed that the rubbery ECA samples could typically give very similar bulk conductivity to that of conventional ECA materials. Some of the formulations exhibited acceptable contact resistance stability under thermal cycling conditions, while the ECA/component joint interfaces kept intact through the thermal cycling tests.
The electrical sensing zone method of particle size distribution determination (the Coulter principle)

The Coulter technique is a method of determining the number and size of particles suspended in an electrolyte by causing them to pass through a small orifice on either side of which is immersed an electrode. The changes in electrical impedance as particles pass through the orifice generate voltage pulses whose amplitudes are proportional to the volumes of the particles. The pulses are amplified, sized and counted and from the derived data the size distribution of the suspended phase may be determined. The technique was originally applied to blood cell counting [1, 2]. Kubitschek [3, 4] introduced modifications which permitted counting of bacterial cells, and pointed out that this principle could be applied to the measurement of cell-volume distributions as well as number counting. Modified instruments were soon developed with which particles could be sized as well as counted.
Terrain classification in SAR images using principal components analysis and neural networks

Terrain classification from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images was performed using various neural network architectures. Several different polarization images were used for the training of the neural networks. A region was selected for each class for training of the classifier. The Karhunen-Loeve transform and parametric modeling were used to extract the salient features of the input in each region and reduce the dimensionality of the feature space. The transformed data were used for training and testing purposes. Simulation results on real SAR images are provided. >
Does Computer Coursework Transfer into Teaching Practice? A Follow-up Study of Teachers in a Computer Course

AbstractCalifornia institutions granting teaching credentials have been required since 1988 to provide credential candidates with “computer education coursework which includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings” (California Education Code). This paper reports a follow-up study of seven teachers enrolled in a course at San Jose State University designed to meet this requirement in order to assess the effect of the course and its content upon their teaching practice. These respondents indicated that they perceived not only that their personal computer skills had increased as a result of the course but that their integration of computers into their instructional practice had been extended by the information they gained.
Characterization of Muskmelon Fruit Peroxidases at Different Developmental Stages

An increase in exocarp peroxidase activity was observed in fruit at 5 to 30 days post pollination (DPP), and decreased at 40 and 50 DPP. Total peroxidase activity of the mesocarp was significantly lower than the exocarp in all developmental stages. Mesocarp peroxidase activity decreased consecutively from outer, to middle and, to inner tissue at every developmental stage. Total activity in the mesocarp peaked at 20 DPP. Native-PAGE of exocarp tissue showed at least two cathodic (basic) peroxidases and two anionic (acidic) peroxidases. The number of isozymes was greatest and bands most intense at 30 DPP. IEF-PAGE of the 5 to 50 DPP fruit exocarp showed at least 8 peroxidase isozymes (pI 4.6 to 9.6). Anion exchange chromatography showed only one peak of anionic peroxidase activity that was not evident until 15 DPP. This peak was greatest at 30 DPP and declined at 40 and 50 DPP. Cationic peroxidase isozymes appeared to be the predominant and most intense isoforms throughout fruit development. The changes in peroxidase activity corresponded to fruit formation and may be associated with susceptibility to fruit rot.
Repairing the Divide

Abstract In this paper, we use responses from a 1998 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) survey to investigate how the concept of community policing and the individual strategies associated with this public safety policy shape African American, Latino, and white perceptions of police officers. Community policing exerted differential effects on Latino, African American, and white perceptions of the police. Despite intentions to improve police-minority relations, community policing most strongly and positively affects whites' perceptions of neighborhood police. Both the public pronouncement and actual tactics of community policing had a greater impact on white perceptions of the police than they did for Latino and African American views toward the police, even though community policing also fulfills its promise to reduce tensions between the police and racial and ethnic minorities. Understanding the differences among African Americans, Latinos, and wh...
Tailoring vectors through DNA shuffling.

Rational vector design is pivotal for successful human gene therapy and the application of high-throughput methods may provide a means for the efficient realization of vectors with desired properties. A method involving DNA shuffling represents a powerful new paradigm in this regard.
Biracial Lesbian and Bisexual Women

Abstract Biracial lesbian and bisexual women experience interrelated aspects of multiple identities throughout their lives. This interplay of gender (female), race/ethnicity (biracial), and sexual identity (lesbian and bisexual) offers insight into the complexities of ingroup/outgroup status, multiple community membership, and visible/nonvisible identification. Models of identity development are discussed suggesting a move away from antiquated singularized or dichotomous categories of identity to more inclusive paradigms. The unique issues facing biracial sexual minority women are addressed as well as recommendations to assist mental health providers in their work with female clients with multiple minority statuses.
The Causal Relevance of Content to Computation

Many philosophers worry that the classical computational theory of mind (CTM) engenders epiphenomenalism. Building on Block’s (1990) discussion, I formulate a particularly troubling version of this worry. I then present a novel solution to CTM’s epiphenomenalist conundrum. I develop my solution within an interventionist theory of causal relevance. My solution departs substantially from orthodox versions of CTM. In particular, I reject the widespread picture of digital computation as formal syntactic manipulation.1
Haematological manifestations of human immune deficiency virus infection

Early in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, infected patients presented to medical attention with striking abnormalities in each of the major blood cell lineages. The reasons for these derangements remain complex and multifactorial. HIV infects multipotent haematopoietic progenitor cells and establish latent cellular reservoirs, disturbs the bone marrow microenvironment and also causes immune dysregulation. These events lead to cytokine imbalances and disruption of other factors required for normal haematopoiesis. Activation of the reticulo-endothelial system can also result in increased blood cell destruction. The deleterious effects of medications, including first and second generation anti-retroviral agents, on haematopoiesis were well documented in the early years of HIV care; in the current era of HIV-care, the advent of newer and less toxic anti-retroviral drugs have had a more beneficial impact on haematopoiesis. Due to impaired regulation of the immune system and potential side effects of one or more anti-retroviral agents, there is also an increase in coagulation abnormalities such as thromboembolism, and less frequently, acquired disorders of coagulation including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura and acquired inhibitors of coagulation. In this article we review the epidemiology and aetiology of select non-oncological haematological disorders commonly seen in people living with HIV-acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
A 150 kV, 2.5 ns, 100 Hz Blumlein pulser

A series of modifications made on a Febetron X-ray machine at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to provide a repetitive, fast rise time, high voltage pulser is described. The 10 Hz electron beam machine was modified to produce a pulser capable of generating a 150 kV, 2.5 ns FWHM (full width at half maximum) pulse at a frequency of 100 Hz with less than a 1 ns rise time. A secondary self-breaking output switch was designed to eliminate the prepulse of the pulser output. In addition, 150 kV output cable was added to the pulser to drive an external load. Detailed explanations of each modification are presented. To date, a total of over 80000 shots have been generated by the pulser without any failures of the Marx capacitors or the output switch. >
Sertoli cell secreted growth factor. Cellular origin, paracrine and endocrine regulation of secretion.

: Rat and human Sertoli cells in culture secrete a growth factor, Serfoli cell secreted growth factor (SCSGF). The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate other testicular cell types as additional sources of SCSGF, as well as their paracrine effect, and (2) to study the hormonal regulation of SCSGF secretion using an A431 cell growth assay. The Sertoli cell was the only testicular cell type tested that secreted SCSGF activity in vitro. Peritubular cells enhanced Sertoli cell attachment and SCSGF secretion. Spermatogenic cells had no effect. The secretion of SCSGF was specifically stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. Treatment with agents that increase intracellular cAMP levels and adenosine stimulated the secretion of mitogenic activity into Sertoli cell-conditioned medium by three- to fivefold. This growth factor, secreted by the Sertoli cell and regulated by FSH and testosterone, may play a critical role in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
Conjoint gradient correction to the Hartree-Fock kinetic- and exchange-energy density functionals.

Becke [J. Chem. Phys. 84, 4524 (1986); Phys. Rev. A 38, 3098 (1988)] has shown that the Hartree-Fock exchange energy for atoms (and molecules) can be excellently represented by a formula K=${2}^{1/3}$${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{x}}$F${\mathcal{J}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$ ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{4/3}$(r)[1+\ensuremath{\beta}G(${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$)]dr, where ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{x}}$ is the Dirac constant, \ensuremath{\beta} is a constant, G(x) is a function of the gradient-measuring variable ${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$=\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\nabla}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}^{4/3}$, and the summation is over spin densities ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$. Becke recommends G(${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$)=${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{2}$/[1+0.0253${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$${\mathrm{sinh}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$(${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$)]. It is demonstrated that the kinetic energy can be represented with comparable accuracy by the formula T=${2}^{2/3}$${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{F}}$F ${\mathcal{J}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$ ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{5/3}$(r)[1+\ensuremath{\alpha}G(${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$)]dr, where ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{F}}$ is the Thomas-Fermi constant, \ensuremath{\alpha} is a constant, and G(x) is just the same function that appears in the formula for K. Recommended values, obtained by fitting data on rare-gas atoms, are \ensuremath{\alpha}=4.4188\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$, \ensuremath{\beta}=4.5135\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. The best \ensuremath{\alpha}-to-\ensuremath{\beta} ratio, 0.979, is close to unity, and calculations with \ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{\beta}=4.3952\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ are shown to give remarkably accurate values for both T and K. It is briefly discussed how the above-noted equations for K and T can both result from scaling arguments and a simple assumption about the first-order density matrix.
Muon-induced neutron and pion production in an organic liquid scintillator at a shallow depth.

The production of fast neutrons and pions by inelastic interactions of cosmic-ray muons in an organic liquid scintillator has been investigated. A detector filled with 190 liters of a 0.09% gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator was installed in the Stanford Underground Facility, at an underground depth of approximately 20 meters water equivalent. The detector served as the target material for hadron production. Our measurements find a single-neutron production yield of (4.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ neutrons per muon g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and a double-neutron production yield of (1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ double neutrons per muon g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. We measured a ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ production yield of (3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ pions per muon g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Nearly all the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ produced were accompanied by neutrons. These yields were dependent on the energy threshold of the muon trigger, revealing an enhancement associated with hadronic showers initiated by muons. The production yield due to nonshowering muons was lower: 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ neutrons per muon g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, with a single-to-double neutron multiplicity ratio of roughly 4:1. The nonshowering muon ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ production probability was 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ pions per muon g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, with about half of these nonshowering ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ events accompanied by neutrons.
Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in newborns with visceral heterotaxy

Children with visceral heterotaxy often present with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) associated with univentricular congenital heart disease. We reviewed our experience with the primary surgical management of this lesion under these circumstances. Over a recent 10-year span, 38 patients within the first 3 days of life were admitted to our institution and underwent primary palliation. Twenty-one of them had TAPVD, 18 to a systemic vein. Twelve (67%) of these 18 were seen with obstruction of the anomalous connection and underwent emergency operation. In 7 patients, repair of TAPVD was combined with a systemic-pulmonary artery shunt because of additional obstruction of the pulmonary blood supply, with two deaths. One patient had primary shunting and then repair of TAPVD. Four patients underwent repair of TAPVD alone. Two of them then showed signs of insufficient pulmonary blood flow, received a shunt in a second procedure, and subsequently died. Early mortality in the group with obstructed TAPVD was thus 4 (33%) of 12 patients. Statistical analysis of all 38 patients (univariate analysis, chi 2 testing) showed that neither the presence of TAPVD (p = 0.7) nor TAPVD repair alone (p = 0.8) or with shunting (p = 0.8) was a definite risk factor for early death. The performance of a shunt during the first operation, however, was associated with lower early mortality (p = 0.03). Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage is a common finding in newborns with visceral heterotaxy. Its presence and its subsequent early repair (requiring cardiopulmonary bypass) do not increase the mortality risk. The need of a concomitant shunt in obstructed TAPVD can initially be underestimated.
Oil and stock returns: Frequency domain evidence

Abstract This paper examines the relation between oil price changes and stock returns. By using recently developed frequency domain methods, the study shows that there is significant time variation in the linkage between oil and equities. Oil price shocks with less than 12-month persistency have a negative impact on stock returns, while shocks with persistency between 12 and 36 months are associated with positive stock returns. Hence, the analysis supports the view that not all oil price movements are alike and, and joint rises in oil and stock market can in fact be observed. The implications of the findings for participants in financial markets and policy makers are discussed.
A Wire Spark Chamber Spectrometer with a Capacitor Memory and FET Readout

A 20-plane wire chamber spectrometer utilizing capacitors as memory elements and suitable for operation in a magnetic field is described. The (parallel) wire planes are separated by 1 cm. The active areas of the chambers range in size from 120 × 120 cm2 to 200 × 240 cm2. The wire separation is 1 mm. Each readout wire is connected to a separate capacitor resulting in a 30 K-bit memory for the total system. Using FET's as gates, the capacitors are read out in 32 bit words. These words are formatted into data sets of 18 bits/spark and transferred to a PDP-9 computer. Digital processing of data is briefly described, including the computer interface and test procedures. Advantages of this system are discussed together with some performance characteristics.
Prostaglandin synthesis by squamous carcinoma cells of head and neck, and its inhibition by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and amounts of prostaglandins (PGs) produced by squamous carcinoma cells (SCC) and the sensitivity of these cells to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. SCC of four lines of the tongue and one line of facial epidermis of humans were incubated in phosphate buffer solution with 14C-arachidonic acid (AA). Radioactive metabolites in aqueous methanol were chromatographed on Sep-Pack C18 cartridges, separated and quantitated by means of TLC, autoradiography, and liquid scintillation counting. The results showed that cyclooxygenase products, PGs, were the major products formed by all cell lines, and PGE2 was predominant among the PGs detected. Two radioactive bands corresponding to PGF2 alpha and three unseparated standards of PGA2, 15-keto-PGE2, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 were detected in lesser amounts. Very small amounts of the lipoxygenase products 12- and 15-HETE were found. The concentrations of indomethacin, ibuprofen and aspirin required to inhibit 50% of PGE2 synthesis (IC50) by SCC lines were .008-.080, .080-6.4 and 32-88 microM, respectively.
Complementarity of ENDOR and ESEEM (Electroni Spin Echo Envelope Modulation): ENDOR detection of near-neighbor 39K and 31P for the AsO44- center in KH2AsO4 and KH2PO4

Abstract The literature value for the ratio of the ENDOR-measured 133Cs hyperfine coupling (42 MHz) for the AsO44- center in CsH2AsO4 and that (0.8 MHz) for 39K in KH2AsO4 as measured via ESEEM (electron spin echo envelope modulation) differs by nearly an order of magnitude from that expected from standard theories of hyperfine interaction. Our new ENDOR measurements on KH2AsO4 reveal a hyperfine splitting of ≈4 MHz for 39K, which was not detected in the ESEEM measurements. We assign this coupling to the nearest 39K nucleus, and thereby remove the discrepancy between theory and experiment. ENDOR measurements on the AsO44- center in KH2PO4 confirm the KH2AsO4 data and also reveal a temperature dependent coupling of about 1.3 MHz for 31P. These results constitute a striking confirmation of the complementary nature of ESEEM and ENDOR and indicate the utility of ENDOR for investigating the mechanism of ferroelectricity of these compounds.
Consumers' Imperium: The Global Production of American Domesticity, 1865–1920 – By Kristin L. Hoganson

Admirers of the author's first book, Fighting for American Manhood (Yale, 1998), will not be disappointed with this one. In Consumers' Imperium, Kristin L. Hoganson again puts forward an original a...
Suspended Micro-Ring Resonator for Enhanced Biomolecule Detection Sensitivity

Silicon micro-ring biosensors demonstrate great potential for high sensitivity and multiplexed lab-on-chip systems. In this work, we characterize the sensing performance of suspended TM-mode silicon micro-ring resonators, 5 μm in radius, and demonstrate an enhanced sensitivity to molecular binding on the ring after suspension. In the TM-mode, the overall field intensity exists primarily outside of the waveguide core, with high electric field intensities present near the top and bottom surfaces. In traditional micro-ring resonators, only the top surface of the ring is available for surface analyte attachment, while the electric field intensity near the bottom surface dissipates by leaking into the underlying silicon dioxide substrate. In our approach, we suspend the TM-micro ring resonators in order to increase the surface area for binding events and increase the light-matter interaction with analytes. The suspended rings demonstrate excellent mechanical stability to multiple rinsing, soaking and nitrogen drying steps during the sensing procedure. We show that the resonance shift achieved by the suspended micro-rings after attachment of small chemical molecules and DNA is at least twice that of micro-rings supported by the silicon dioxide substrate.
Fetal methotrexate and misoprostol exposure: the past revisited.

Background Fetal aminopterin/methotrexate syndrome was described nearly 50 years ago when these agents were first used as abortifacients. Physicians essentially stopped using these agents when the associated anomalies were recognized. Over the last several years the use of methotrexate with or without misoprostol for management of ectopic pregnancy and medical terminations of pregnancy has increased. Methods A 23-year-old female sought a termination at eight weeks gestation. She was given methotrexate followed by misoprostol. Results The medical termination was unsuccessful. The patient elected to continue the pregnancy secondary to financial considerations. She presented at 39 weeks without intervening prenatal care. She was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. At delivery the infant was hypotonic and growth restricted with multiple anomalies. Conclusions Physicians are increasingly using methotrexate with or without misoprostol for treatment of ectopic pregnancies and medical terminations. Clinicians need to be aware of the characteristic teratologic effects of these two agents. Teratology 66:73–76, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.