cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
JK226, a novel potential antitumor natural compound from the mushroom albatrellus confluens, inhibits tumor cells growth and induces apoptosis by targeting signal transduction pathways

3076 Over the past several years, the concept of targeted biological therapy for the treatement of cancer had emerged. Numberous molecular targets of mechanism-based anticancer drugs have been identified. Altough some of them are etiologic to cancer, studies into the molecular mechanisms of cancer have revealed that, with a few exceptions, they are not cancer-specific. Besides, cancer cells usually acquire multiple genetic alterations. Parallel and redundant signaling pathways can support survival and growth of cancer cells. One promising therapeutic strategy for treating cancer is to specifically target signal transduction pathways that have a key role in oncogenic transformation and malignant progression. Therefore, an agent capable of affecting multiple targets in signal transduction pathways is considered to have great potential as antitumor agents. JK226 is a natural biologically active substance isolated from the fresh fruiting bodies of the mushroom Albarellus confluen, which has show various pharmacological and microbiological effects with limited or no toxicity. In previous experiments, we had found a novel activity of JK226, namely its ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells by induction of apoptosis. To gain an insight into the moleular events of signal transducion pathways affected by JK226, cDNA expression microarray technology was employed. Twelve genes with a 2- to 5-fold relative expression difference were identified when nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE1 was treated with JK226 as compared with the non-treated group. Interestingly, a strong downregulation of mapkkk3, mapkk1 and mapkk5 were found. It shows the inhibition of members of MAPK signal transduction pathways as a key event mediating activity of JK226 in CNE1 cells. MAPKKK3, MAPKK1 and MAPKK5 are involved in ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway. Further, we found the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after JK226 treatment by western blotting. Activated ERK is able to translocate to the nucleus where it phosphorylates a number of transcription factors regulating gene expression. We then examined the pathway downstream of ERK activation by employing the Mercury Pathway Profiling System (Clontech). The reults show that the transcriptional activation of CREB, NFκB, AP-1, SRF and c-Myc were markedly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner afte JK226 treatment. These findings suggest that JK226 inhibits growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells by probably interfering with multiple targets in ERK1/2 signal transdcution pathway. Therefore, We believe JK226 may have the great poteintial to be developed into a novel anticancer agent with the further eluciation of molecular targets in signal transduction pathways affected by JK226. Key words: antitumor, signal transduction pathway, molecular targets
The Flagellates (Phylum: Sarcomastigophora; Subphylum: Mastigophora)

An efficient means of motility is a decided asset to most living organisms, especially those that reproduce rapidly and must move about efficiently to invade new territory and reduce competition for resources. If the environment is nutritionally limited (oligotrophic), then the pressure toward survival by efficient and sustained locomotion is all the more critical. Both autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms are benefited by efficient locomotion, either to move to regions of appropriate illumination, or to increase the probability of finding external sources of food. Aqueous environments have been efficiently exploited by the flagella-bearing protozoa whose undulating, whiplike organelles provide an efficient and dexterous mode of moving through fluids. Each flagellum or undulipo-dium is a thin cylindrical organelle approximately 150 μm long and 0.2 μm in diameter. The surface membrane surrounding the flagellum is continuous with the cell plasma membrane at the point where the flagellum is attached to the cell. The internal structure (see Figure 10.2) is complex consisting of a central pair of cytoplasmic tubules surrounded by nine doublets. Each doublet consists of a pair of tubules connected along their length. A basal body (kinetosome), usually of somewhat denser refractile properties and staining more intensely than the distal part of the flagellum, anchors it within the cytoplasm. In some species, the basal body also has one or more fine fibrils attached to it that are clearly visible only with the electron microscope.
Translating Biobank Science Into Patient-Centered Language

Introduction: This project used Boot Camp Translation (BCT) to translate the complex medical jargon of biobanking into locally relevant evidence-based messages and materials to support increased knowledge and understanding in the local community. Methods: Biobank BCT was a partnership of 16 community members and 5 academic researchers. The partnership met for 8 months. Results: The partnership developed five main and seven submessages to assist patients and community members in making an informed decision about enrollment in a biobank. Discussion: The resulting messages balance an individual's right to privacy and choice, while encouraging participation for the greater good.
Color, Caste and the Public Sphere: Black journalists who joined television networks from 1994 to 2014

Broadcast network newsrooms are powerful gatekeepers, setting cultural standards and attitudes for America at large via the stories they tell and the images they project. In 1968, the federal Kerne...
Food irradiation and other sanitation procedures.

Radiation pasteurization of food can be used as a terminal intervention step in HACCP programs to protect the public from foodborne pathogens that may be very difficult to control by any other method. The appropriate radiation doses and the effects of environmental factors such as temperature, atmosphere, and water activity required to control the following foodborne pathogens have been determined. Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Toxoplasma gondii, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Yersinia enterocolitica are typical of the foodborne microorganisms that can be inactivated by food irradiation. The endospore-forming bacteria are considerably more resistant to ionizing radiation than are the nonspore formers; however, even these will be reduced in numbers by pasteurization doses. Radiation and thermal processing were demonstrated to interact, producing a greater inactivation of salmonellae on poultry meat than would be predicted from the individual processes. Salmonellae did not multiply at significantly greater rates on irradiated meat.
Successful treatment following early recognition of a case of Fournier’s scrotal gangrene after a perianal abscess debridement: a case report

Fournier’s gangrene is an acute surgical emergency characterized by high mortality rates ranging from approximately 13% to 45%. Therefore, aggressive multidisciplinary management is necessary. A 29-year-old Asian man who had undergone surgical debridement at another hospital to treat a perianal abscess 5 days earlier was admitted to our hospital for severe scrotal and perianal pain, swelling, and high fever. A physical examination revealed a perianal abscess. Furthermore, the scrotum was gangrenous and exhibited extensive cellulitis in the perineum and bilateral inguinal area. Crepitations between the skin and fascia were palpable. A diagnosis of Fournier’s gangrene was made. The patient was treated with immediate surgical debridement under general anesthesia. He received broad-spectrum antibiotics, and debridement was repeated until the wound exhibited healthy granulation. Because both testes were severely exposed, they were transpositioned back into the scrotum 1 week after surgery. The patient was discharged on the 11th postoperative day. The mainstay of treatment for Fournier’s gangrene should include fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, intensive care, nutritional support, and early aggressive surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue.
Novel Carbon Nanotube-Based Nanostructures for High-Temperature Gas Sensing

The primary objective of this research is to examine the feasibility of using vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a high temperature sensor material for fossil energy systems where reducing atmospheres are present. In the initial period of research, we fabricated capacitive sensors for hydrogen sensing using vertically aligned MWCNTs. We found that CNT itself is not sensitive to hydrogen. Moreover, with the help of Pd electrodes, hydrogen sensors based on CNTs are very sensitive and fast responsive. However, the Pd-based sensors can not withstand high temperature (T<200 C). In the last year, we successfully fabricated a hydrogen sensor based on an ultra-thin nanoporous titanium oxide (TiO{sub 2}) film supported by an AAO substrate, which can operate at 500 C with hydrogen concentrations in a range from 50 to 500 ppm.
Abstractions for Defining Semi-Regular Grids Orthogonally from Stencils

In various applications including atmospheric and ocean simulation programs, stencil computations occur on grids where sub-domains of the grid are regular (e.g., can be stored in an array) but boundaries between sub-domains connect in an irregular fashion. We call this class of grids semi-regular. Implementations of stencils on semi-regular grids often have grid-structure details tangled with the stencil computation code. This tangling of details requires programmers to have full knowledge of the current grid structure to make changes to the stencil computations and makes changing the grid structure extremely expensive. Existing libraries and tools [1-7] for stencil computations have not focused on this class of grid, focusing instead on purely regular or irregular grids. In this poster we introduce abstractions for the class of semi-regular grids and describe the GridLib library where we have implemented these abstractions. These abstractions enable a separation of grid, algorithm, and parallelization for semi-regular grids.
The concept of spirituality in relation to addiction recovery and general psychiatry.

This chapter is directed at defining the nature of spirituality and its relationship to empirical research and clinical practice. A preliminary understanding of the spiritual experience can be achieved on the basis of diverse theoretical and empirically grounded sources, which will be delineated: namely, physiology, psychology, and cross-cultural sources. Furthermore, the impact of spirituality on mental health and addiction in different cultural and clinical settings is explicated regarding both beneficial and compromising outcomes. Illustrations of its application in addiction and general psychiatry are given: in meditative practices, Alcoholics Anonymous, and treatment programs for addiction singly and comorbid with major mental illness.
Exploration of a Hybrid Analytical Thermal Topology Optimization Method for an Additively Manufactured Heat Sink

While Additive Manufacturing(AM) fabricated parts are finding their parts to more and more applications, some tools for designing for an “additive future” are still in development. Conjugate heat transfer thermal topology optimization remains a subject of research due to the complex nature of evolving geometry and boundary layer heat transfer. This study presents a Hybrid Analytical Thermal Topology Optimization(HATTO) approach, wherein the solid geometry is optimized in discrete fashion with an analytical boundary layer heat transfer profile mapped on the exterior surface. A finite volume model is presented that removes cells at each iteration to reach a specified objective. The HATTO method proved effective at reaching a target of 50% mass reduction of a single fin while maximizing heat rejection at each iteration with a laminar flow streamwise varying heat transfer boundary condition. The resulting geometry morphed into a shape similar but slightly superior to the anticipated shortened fin solution. Although limited to simple topology, it is anticipated that the principle of HATTO can be applied to a variety of different cases, flow solutions and geometries giving thermal designers a simplified method for conjugate heat transfer optimization.
Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction for One-Sided Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation

One-sided ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (UNDE) is extensively used to characterize structures that need to be inspected and maintained from defects and flaws that could affect the performance of power plants, such as nuclear power plants. Most UNDE systems send acoustic pulses into the structure of interest, measure the received waveform, and use an algorithm to reconstruct the quantity of interest. The most widely used algorithm in UNDE systems is the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) because it produces acceptable results in real time. A few regularized inversion techniques with linear models have been proposed which can improve on SAFT, but they tend to make simplifying assumptions that do not address how to obtain reconstructions from large real datasets. In this paper, we propose a model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm designed for scanning UNDE systems. To further reduce some of the artifacts in the results, we enhance the forward model to account for the transmitted beam profile, the occurrence of direct arrival signals, and the correlation between scans from adjacent regions. Next, we combine the forward model with a spatially variant prior model to account for the attenuation of deeper regions. We also present an algorithm to jointly reconstruct measurements from large datasets. Finally, using simulated and extensive experimental data, we show MBIR results and demonstrate how we can improve over SAFT as well as existing regularized inversion techniques.
Utilization of Pap testing among women living with HIV enrolled in primary care in Baltimore, Maryland: A 10-year longitudinal study, 2005–2014

Abstract Frequent Pap testing is recommended among women living with HIV (WLWH) due to their elevated risk for cervical cancer. However, there are few recent longitudinal evaluations of utilization and determinants of Pap testing among WLWH. Medical and pathology records of WLWH seen at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2005 and 2014 were assessed using Prentice, Williams, Peterson models. Of 554 WLWH in care for ≥ 18 months, 79% received Pap testing, however only 11% consistently received Pap testing at the recommended interval. Some women (5%) were consistently under-screened (tested at longer intervals) and 21% did not receive any Pap testing at during follow-up. WLWH with decreased likelihood of screening included older women, injection drug users, whites and those who had lived for longer with HIV. In contrast, only women with a prior abnormal Pap result were more likely to receive Pap testing. CD4 cell count and health insurance were not significant determinants. Although many WLWH in care received Pap testing, some WLWH were unscreened or underscreened. Determinants of Pap testing for WLWH include socio-demographic factors and a prior abnormal result; these present potential targets in an urban HIV care setting for closer monitoring and directed interventions to improve utilization among WLWH.
Catalog of the anomuran and brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura, Brachyura) of the Hawaiian Islands

A total of 68 species of anomuran and 284 living species of brachyuran crabs are listed as reliably occurring in the Hawaiian Islands. These figures include 12 species of brachyurans known to have been introduced, but not four species of anomurans and nine brachyurans whose identifications are questionable and two species of anomurans and 14 brachyurans that appear to have been recorded from the islands in error. Five species of anomurans and one brachyuran so far only known from the Midway Islands are included in the total number of Hawaiian species, but not five species of brachyurans only known from Johnston Atoll that are included only for their biogeographical interest. The Hawaiian crab fauna shows a predominance of wide ranging Indo-West Pacific species (41% of Anomura, 58% of Brachyura), some degree of endemicity (37% of Anomura, 14% of Brachyura), but it is much impoverished in terms of total number of species when compared with the crab fauna of the Indo-Malayan Archipelago, regarded as a center of diversification for many marine taxa. Several taxonomic changes are also made: Trapezia neglecta Castro, 2003, is ascertained to be a junior synonym of T. intermedia Miers, 1886, and a lectotype and a paralectotype are selected for Grapsus oceanicus Hombron & Jacquinot, 1846 (Grapsidae).
A constrained \(\ell \)1 minimization approach for estimating multiple sparse Gaussian or nonparanormal graphical models

Identifying context-specific entity networks from aggregated data is an important task, arising often in bioinformatics and neuroimaging applications. Computationally, this task can be formulated as jointly estimating multiple different, but related, sparse undirected graphical models (UGM) from aggregated samples across several contexts. Previous joint-UGM studies have mostly focused on sparse Gaussian graphical models (sGGMs) and can’t identify context-specific edge patterns directly. We, therefore, propose a novel approach, SIMULE (detecting Shared and Individual parts of MULtiple graphs Explicitly) to learn multi-UGM via a constrained $$\ell $$ 1 minimization. SIMULE automatically infers both specific edge patterns that are unique to each context and shared interactions preserved among all the contexts. Through the $$\ell $$ 1 constrained formulation, this problem is cast as multiple independent subtasks of linear programming that can be solved efficiently in parallel. In addition to Gaussian data, SIMULE can also handle multivariate Nonparanormal data that greatly relaxes the normality assumption that many real-world applications do not follow. We provide a novel theoretical proof showing that SIMULE achieves a consistent result at the rate $$O(\log (Kp)/n_{tot})$$ . On multiple synthetic datasets and two biomedical datasets, SIMULE shows significant improvement over state-of-the-art multi-sGGM and single-UGM baselines (SIMULE implementation and the used datasets @ https://github.com/QData/SIMULE ).
Proceso de cuidado durante la gestación y el puerperio en mujeres de la zona rural de Caldas, Colombia. Una mirada desde lo cotidiano

The main goal of this work is to describe and analyze the healthcare process during pregnancy and puerperium in a rural coffee community of Colombia. It is a qualitative-ethnographic study that included observational sessions in domestic and hospital settings and semi-structured and in-depth interviews. 45 women from the community, three health promoters, two chief nurses and two doctors participated in this research. This work revealed that the care of women during pregnancy and postpartum is guided by the cold-hot Andean logic that is imparted from the domestic sphere and mediates the assistance of healthcare promoters, hospital care and, occasionally, the intervention of non-biomedical therapists. Ethnographic analyzes contribute to community approaches in occupational therapy by studying the daily experiences of subjects in specific socio-cultural contexts.
Using Conjoint Experiments to Analyze Election Outcomes: The Central Role of the Average Marginal Component Effect (AMCE)

Political scientists have increasingly deployed conjoint survey experiments to understand multi-dimensional choices in various settings. We demonstrate that the Average Marginal Component Effect (AMCE) constitutes an aggregation of individual-level preferences that translates into a primary quantity of interest to empirical election scholars: the effect of a change in an attribute on a candidate or party's expected vote share. This property holds irrespective of the heterogeneity, strength, or interactivity of voters' preferences and regardless of how votes are aggregated into seats. Overall, our results indicate the AMCE's central role in understanding elections, a conclusion buttressed by a corresponding literature review. We also provide practical advice on interpreting AMCEs. Finally, we propose, formalize, and evaluate the feasibility of using conjoint data to estimate alternative quantities of interest to electoral studies, including the effect of an attribute on the probability of winning.
Acidemia Detected on Venous Blood Gas After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Predicts Likelihood to Survive to Hospital Discharge.

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death worldwide, and prognostication after survival remains challenging. Decisions regarding prognosis can be fraught with error in the immediate postarrest period, with guidelines recommending the use of various tests, including blood gas pH, to determine which interventions to perform. Despite these recommendations, the prognostic utility of blood gas pH remains unclear. Objectives In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to demonstrate the prognostic utility of emergency department blood gas pH after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed, including all adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 79). Primary disease-oriented outcome was venous blood pH after ROSC and survival to hospital discharge. Results In patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, pH Conclusion Both presence and degree of acidemia on initial blood gas after ROSC was associated with a decreased likelihood of survival to hospital discharge. The optimal cutoff for prediction in this cohort of patients was 7.04. Using a higher pH cutoff would result in fewer patients receiving intervention that would otherwise have survived.
ROSFuse: A High-modularity ROS to Firmware Instrumentation Bridge for Robotic Sensors

In this paper we present a modular software protocol for extending a variable dataspace within a microcontroller firmware system (MCU) that allows robotic sensor data to be streamed via the Robot Operating System (ROS) architecture. This protocol copies the data formatting structure inherent to ROS messages and implements a local DN bridge to allow for asynchronous bi-directional data transport over any communication channel. We implement a demonstration of this system on a mobile robot test bed to manage communications between the sensor data acquisition MCU and the primary control computer, and use this test case to measure the efficacy of the protocol through latency and packet loss, and tracking validation by comparison to other measurement systems on the robot.
Extraction and Separation of Chiral Amino Acids for Life Detection on Ocean Worlds Without Using Organic Solvents or Derivatization.

In situ instrumentation that can detect amino acids at parts-per-billion concentration levels and distinguish an enantiomeric excess of either d- or l-amino acids is vital for future robotic life-d...
Approaches for assessing communication in human-autonomy teams

Evaluation of team communication can provide critical insights into team dynamics, cohesion, trust, and performance on joint tasks. Although many communication-based measures have been tested and validated for human teams, this review article extends this research by identifying key approaches specific to human-autonomy teams. It is not possible to identify all approaches for all situations, though the following seem to generalize and support multi-size teams and a variety of military operations. Therefore, this article will outline several key approaches to assessing communication, associated data requirements, example applications, verification of methods through HAT use cases, and lessons learned, where applicable. Some approaches are based on the structure of team communication; others draw from dynamical systems theory to consider perspectives across different timescales; other approaches leverage features of team members’ voices or facial expressions to detect emotional states that can provide windows into other workings of the team; still others consider the content of communication to produce insights. Taken together, these approaches comprise a varied toolkit for deriving critical information about how team interactions affect, and are affected by, coordination, trust, cohesion, and performance outcomes. Future research directions describe four critical areas for further study of communication in human-autonomy teams.
Design Matters: Development and Validation of the Online Course Design Elements (OCDE) Instrument

Course design is critical to online student engagement and retention. This study focused on the development and validation of an online course design elements (OCDE) instrument with 38 Likert-type scale items in five subscales: (a) overview, (b) content presentation, (c) interaction and communication, (d) assessment and evaluation, and (e) learner support. The validation process included implementation with 222 online instructors and instructional designers in higher education. Three models were evaluated which included a one-factor model, five-factor model, and higher-order model. The five-factor and higher-order models aligned with the development of the OCDE. The frequency of use of OCDE items was rated above the mean 4.0 except for two items on collaboration and self-assessment. The overall OCDE score was related to self-reported levels of expertise but not with years of experience. The findings have implications for the use of this instrument with online instructors and instructional designers in the design of online courses.
A Cross-Cultural Approach to Brokeback Mountain

In her article "A Cross-Cultural Approach to Brokeback Mountain" Jono Van Belle draws on insights from film theory and cultural narratology in order to analyse Annie Proulx's short story "Brokeback Mountain" and its filmic adaptation by Ang Lee. Van Belle's analysis is about how culturally different worldviews play a role in the construction of meaning by audience and she links the different narrative levels of semantics, genre typology, and worldviews in the short story and the film to the scholarship of the story. Further, Van Belle argues that worldviews and the problematics of gayness represented in "Brokeback Mountain" and its filmic adaptation would gain insight following in-depth research by comparative analyses between Eastern and Western epistemologies.
Value of the neonatal neurologic examination.

The value of performing a careful neonatal neurologic examination frequently is questioned on the basis of two major contentions. The first is that the usual examination evaluates only function of subcortical structures, and the second, related in large part to the first, is that abnormal neurologic findings are poor indicators of subsequent neurologic abnormality. We consider neither of these contentions to be supported by available data and discuss each briefly below. The usual support raised for the contention that the neonatal neurologic examination evaluates only function of subcortical structures relates to findings with hydranencephalic and anencephalic infants. Such infants often exhibit sleep-wake cycles, blink to light and sound, normal pupillary responses, and reflex extraocular movements.1,2
A new mTOR-dependent, Akt-independent pathway differentiates the migratory behavior of regulatory and conventional T cells (CAM1P.235)

The vitamin A metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces a gut-homing phenotype in activated CD4+ conventional T cells (Tconv) by upregulating the integrin α4β7 and the chemokine receptor CCR9. We report that in contrast to mouse Tconv, only half of regulatory T cells (Treg) upregulate CCR9 when stimulated in presence of ATRA, even though Tconv and Treg express identical levels of receptor (RAR). The bimodal distribution of CCR9+ versus CCR9- Treg subsets is not associated to differences in proliferation, level of FoxP3 expression, or segregation between thymic-derived and induced Treg. Furthermore, exposure to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin suppresses upregulation of both CCR9+ and α4β7 on Treg, an inhibitory effect not evident in Tconv. This suggests that ATRA-induced upregulation of CCR9 and α4β7 on Treg is dependent on activation of an mTOR signaling pathway. This mTOR involvement is independent of Akt activity, since specific inhibition of Akt or its downstream target GSK-3B did not prevent CCR9 expression. Additionally, Rictor-/- Treg (that lack mTORC2) showed unaltered expression of CCR9 compared to WT control, suggesting participation of mTORC1 or another mTOR complex. These findings reveal a novel difference between ATRA signaling and chemokine receptor induction in Treg versus Tconv, and provide a framework via which the migratory behavior of Treg versus Tconv can be differentially influenced for therapeutic purposes.
The Relationship of Selected Strength and Flexibility Variables to the Antero-posterior Posture of College Women

Abstract The sample consisted of 92 undergraduate women who were individually photographed to assess their antero-posterior body alignment. The subjects were given seven tests of strength and five tests of flexibility. The findings show that strength balance in the selected muscle groups is an important variable in antero-posterior posture. An analysis of linearity revealed that some of the variables of this study are linear while others are curvilinear, indicating that exclusive use of linear statistics tends to underestimate the nature of some of the relationships involved in antero-posterior posture. Evidence was obtained that would lend support to treatment procedures utilized in current posture-education programs. The findings further demonstrated the neutralizing effect of the counterforce of one muscle group on another in order to maintain the balance of body segments over the base of support.
Was the Culprit Climate or Culture

Neanderthals and Modern Humans An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective. by Clive Finlayson. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2004. 265 pp. $85, £60. ISBN 0-521-82087-1. The author argues that the disappearance of the Neanderthals was driven by changing climate rather than competitive advantages enjoyed by early modern humans.
Robust critical behavior in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 thin films

The nature of the vortex glass phase transition in thin film YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} is investigated by means of a scaling analysis of the {ital I}-{ital V} characteristics near {ital T}{sub {ital g}}{approx_equal}70 K, in an applied field of 50 kOe. Exponents are found with {nu}{approx_equal}1.7 and {ital z}{approx_equal}5.0. By performing the analysis on temperature windows of varying widths about {ital T}{sub {ital g}}, it is possible to determine whether scaling exponents and functions are consistent at different distances from {ital T}{sub {ital g}}. In this way, scaling is found to be robust over a range of at least 17 K, in contrast to some recent analyses. No crossover to vortex glass Gaussian behavior is apparent throughout this range, or beyond it. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Prediction of treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder

Improving the treatment of major depressive disorder will require identification of moderators that predict differential outcomes across treatments at the level of the individual patient, referred to as precision medicine. Currently, there are no biological measures demonstrated to enhance treatment selection accuracy although there are some clinical variables that have prognostic value. Several recent studies comparing treatments with differing mechanisms of action have identified potential moderators that may eventually be used in precision medicine approaches. Genetic combination tests, systemic inflammation, electroencephalography and neuroimaging, in particular, show significant potential for near-term development as clinically meaningful moderators for use in treatment selection. Ultimately, combinations of moderators may provide the greatest level of precision in selecting optimal treatment approaches for individual depressed patients.
Optimal Supply Chain Structure for Distributing Essential Drugs in Low Income Countries: Results from a Randomized Experiment

Despite increased investments in health commodity procurement, the availability of essential medicines at health facilities remains very low in many low and middle income countries. The lack of a well-functioning supply chain for essential medicines is often the cause of this poor availability. Using a randomized experiment conducted in over 400 health facilities and 24 districts in Zambia, this study helps understand the optimal supply chain structure for essential medicines distribution in the public sector in low income countries. It focuses on the availability of 15 essential medicines at the health facility level and compares between a cross-dock based two-tier distribution network and a three-tier network. The study shows that a two-tier “cross-dock” like system out-performs a traditional three-tier drug distribution system due to better information flow and better management accountability even though stock is positioned closer to the health facilities in the three-tier system. Results from the study advance existing knowledge in the area of public sector distribution system design in general and drug distribution systems in developing countries in particular.
Pigeon RIG-I Function in Innate Immunity against H9N2 IAV and IBDV.

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor (PRR), can sense various RNA viruses, including the avian influenza virus (AIV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and trigger the innate immune response. Previous studies have shown that mammalian RIG-I (human and mice) and waterfowl RIG-I (ducks and geese) are essential for type I interferon (IFN) synthesis during AIV infection. Like ducks, pigeons are also susceptible to infection but are ineffective propagators and disseminators of AIVs, i.e., “dead end” hosts for AIVs and even highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Consequently, we sought to identify pigeon RIG-I and investigate its roles in the detection of A/Chicken/Shandong/ZB/2007 (H9N2) (ZB07), Gansu/Tianshui (IBDV TS) and Beijing/CJ/1980 (IBDV CJ-801) strains in chicken DF-1 fibroblasts or human 293T cells. Pigeon mRNA encoding the putative pigeon RIG-I analogs was identified. The exogenous expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-tagged pigeon RIG-I and caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs), strongly induced antiviral gene (IFN-β, Mx, and PKR) mRNA synthesis, decreased viral gene (M gene and VP2) mRNA expression, and reduced the viral titers of ZB07 and IBDV TS/CJ-801 virus strains in chicken DF-1 cells, but not in 293T cells. We also compared the antiviral abilities of RIG-I proteins from waterfowl (duck and goose) and pigeon. Our data indicated that waterfowl RIG-I are more effective in the induction of antiviral genes and the repression of ZB07 and IBDV TS/CJ-801 strain replication than pigeon RIG-I. Furthermore, chicken melanoma differentiation associated gene 5(MDA5)/ mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) silencing combined with RIG-I transfection suggested that pigeon RIG-I can restore the antiviral response in MDA5-silenced DF-1 cells but not in MAVS-silenced DF-1 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that pigeon RIG-I and CARDs have a strong antiviral ability against AIV H9N2 and IBDV in chicken DF-1 cells but not in human 293T cells.
Jitter in high-speed serial and parallel links

Jitter degrades the performance of both high-speed serial and parallel I/O links by limiting the maximum achievable data-rates. We present analytical expressions to evaluate the effect of jitter on the performance of high-speed links. These expressions enable simple calculation of worst-case voltage and timing margins in the presence of jitter. This analysis is also extended to equalized links. Finally, we show that the limited bandwidth of the channel can amplify high frequency jitter and present means to counteract jitter amplification.
Sonic Stress Downregulates STAT3 Activation in Prostate Cancer Cells Through Cytoskeleton Disruption

moderately inhibited proliferation (76% 8% vs PBS control). A significant radiosensitizing effect of the GNP-DT construct on clonogenic cell inactivation could be shown in the dose range 4-8 Gy with dosemodifying factors: d Z 4 Gy: 1.25 0.14 (p Z 0.039); d Z 6 Gy: 1.11 0.06; d Z 8 Gy: 1.07 0.04 (p Z 0.032). No significant effects for the other groups were observed. Conclusions: A novel method was developed that dramatically increases the transfer efficiency of small GNP into target cells compared to unmodified GNP. In addition, proof-of-principle experiments confirmed the radiosensitizing effect of the modified GNP, even though a suboptimal photon energy spectrum of 6 MV X-rays was used. Experiments using more efficient kV X-rays are planned. This should allow studies of the radiosensitizing effect of different GNP sizes. Author Disclosure: M. Veldwijk: None. N. Burger: None. A. Kirchner: None. C. Herskind: None. F. Wenz: None.
Predator type, not body condition, influences positioning within whirligig groups

The anti-predator responses of an animal may depend on the species of predator attacking. For example, ground-dwelling monkeys respond with different warning calls in response to attacks from hawks from above vs attacks from leopards at the side. In grouping animals, it has usually been assumed that the best anti-predator behavior against most predators is to move toward the center of a group. However, little work has been done to study positioning of individuals in response to different predators and whether it might be influenced by gender or body condition. An optimality model is developed that gives predictions for how the needs of predator avoidance, drafting, and foraging could lead to one optimal location within the group. We then conducted a laboratory experiment with individually marked whirligig beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae). We exposed them to an aerial (bird) or aquatic (fish) attack and determined changes in their distance to the front of groups at different speeds of water. We found that female whirligigs occupied the front of a group in response to a fish attack in fast water, but the back after an aerial bird attack, while the reverse was true for males. In slow water, different results were found; in response to a bird attack, females were more likely to be found in the front compared with males. Body condition was not correlated to the front/back position of either males or females before or after attacks in our study.
CBF Measured by Xe-CT: Approach to Analysis and Normal Values

Normal reference values and a practical approach to CBF analysis are needed for routine clinical analysis and interpretation of xenon-enhanced computed tomography (CT) CBF studies. We measured CBF in 67 normal individuals with the GE 9800 CT scanner adapted for CBF imaging with stable Xe. CBF values for vascular territories were systematically analyzed using the clustering of contiguous 2-cm circular regions of interest (ROIs) placed within the cortical mantle and basal ganglia. Mixed cortical flows averaged 51 +/- 10ml.100g-1.min-1. High and low flow compartments, sampled by placing 5-mm circular ROIs in regions containing the highest and lowest flow values in each hemisphere, averaged 84 +/- 14 and 20 +/- 5 ml.100 g-1.min-1, respectively. Mixed cortical flow values as well as values within the high flow compartment demonstrated significant decline with age; however, there were no significant age-related changes in the low flow compartment. The clustering of systematically placed cortical and subcortical ROIs has provided a normative data base for Xe-CT CBF and a flexible and uncomplicated method for the analysis of CBF maps generated by Xe-enhanced CT.
“Architectural Robotics”: An interdisciplinary course rethinking the machines we live in

We discuss disciplinary barriers which have traditionally prevented robotics from significantly impacting the built (architectural) environment we inhabit. Specifically, we describe the implementation of, and lessons learned from, a multidisciplinary graduate-level course in Architectural Robotics. The results from class interactions and projects provide insight into novel ways in which robotics expertise can be effectively leveraged in architecture. Conversely, our outcomes suggest ways in which the knowledge and perspective of architects could stimulate significant innovations in robotics.
ANTIBIOTIC-ASSOCIATED RASHES IN CHILDREN: FREQUENCY FOR DIFFERENT ANTIBIOTIC GROUPS. 66

Every patient with a history of a drug allergy should be prominently identified by a red circle pasted on their medical record cover. In order to learn about the frequency of red stickers and specific antibiotic-associated rashes, we completed a review of 5,923 consecutive patient records at a pediatric office. Antibiotics were divided into four groups:a) penicillins, b) sulfonamides, c) cefaclor, and d) others. We defined a definite or probable drug allergic rash as one associated with sulfonamides or cefaclor, or a rash with definite itching, hives, or serum sickness-like reactions. Penicillin/amoxicillin rashes had to have been witnessed and diagnosed as allergic by an M.D. A printed survey about parental recollection of type and duration of rash, associated itching, joint pain, or angioedema was then mailed out to every home where a child had a valid red sticker on the chart.Results: 1,927 patients, typically those who were less than six months old and those who were new to our practice, had no antibiotic prescriptions while they were our patients. Red stickers listing the name of an antibiotic were found on 508 records (8.5% of the total population). Of these, 36 children were mislabeled: they had minor G.I. adverse effects or other non-allergic symptoms attributed to an antibiotic. Antibiotic-associated rashes were most frequently associated with cefaclor=13.5% (71/527 patients who were given that drug), sulfonamides=9% (199/2,212), and penicillin/amoxicillin=8% (274/3,469). No patient had a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or anaphylactic reaction and no patient in our study was hospitalized for a drug rash. Completed surveys have been received and analyzed from 63% of those with red stickers and known addresses. Conclusion: Antibiotic-associated rashes occur in at least 9% of children. On a prescription basis, cefaclor causes more rashes than any other antibiotic. Sulfonamides and amoxicillin account for almost all the rest. Funded by Eli Lilly Co.
Effects of golden shiner (Notemigonuscrysoleucas ) nest association on host pumpkinseeds (Lepomisgibbosus ): evidence for a non-parasitic relationship

The reproductive success of male parental pumpkinseeds, Lepomisgibbosus, was studied in relation to the use of their nests by spawning golden shiners, Notemigonuscrysoleucas. The brood size of pumpkinseeds with and without golden shiner's young was compared in a field population. Mean egg and larval numbers of pumpkinseeds did not differ between broods with and without shiners, suggesting that shiners had no net effect on the fitness of host pumpkinseeds. In the laboratory, however, hatching success of pumpkinseed embryos was significantly lower with shiners than without. This difference was attributable to fungal infection. Against this fitness loss, the presence of shiner larvae reduced predation on pumpkinseed larvae in laboratory experiments. Thus, two counteracting mechanisms are proposed to account for no observed net effect on the host: (1) increased fungal infection on pumpkinseed embryos and (2) decreased predation on pumpkinseed young.
Bone health issues in breast cancer survivors: a Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) study

Purpose Breast cancer treatments (chemotherapy and hormone therapy) can cause a rapid loss in bone mineral density, leading to osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Fortunately, preventative measures (vitamin D, exercise, etc.) can delay bone loss if employed early enough. This study compares the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related discussions with physicians among female breast cancer survivors and females with no cancer history to determine if breast cancer patients are being correctly advised on their high risk of bone loss.
Material selection: An important parameter in the design of high-speed linkages

Abstract Numerous studies in the literature have demonstrated that members of high-speed linkages should be designed with high strength-to-weight ratios and high stiffness-to-weight ratios. By satisfying these criteria, the designer is able to minimize the troublesome elastodynamic phenomena associated with demonstrates the advantages of using ultra high strength fiber-reinforced composites in this design field by simulating the dynamic responses of flexible four bar linkages manufactured in three different materials (steel, aluminum and a graphite-epoxy laminate). The mechanisms are analyzed using a displacement finite element model and the equations of motion are solved by numerical integration.
Dihydro- and tetrahydrofuran ring-opening reactions directed towards the synthesis of CP-263,114

Abstract An intramolecular 3+4 cycloaddition between vinylcarbenoids and furans followed by tetrahydrofuran ring-opening represents a direct approach for construction of the core of CP-263,114.
Utility of Peak Inspiratory Flow in Managing Subglottic Stenosis

Objectives:To identify the utility of peak inspiratory flow (PIF) in the assessment and management of subglottic stenosis through correlation of clinical presentation with PIF.Study Design:Case report.Methods:Review of the clinical course of a 31-year-old woman with the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Repeated PIF measurements at clinic visits were obtained over a 30-month follow-up.Results:Twenty-seven PIF measurements were obtained at 31 otolaryngology clinic visits. Correlations were identified between low PIF measurements with the clinical symptom shortness of breath (2.04 ± 0.38 L/s, n = 10), clinically recorded stridor at rest (1.64 ± 0.41 L/s, n = 3), and urgent operative intervention (1.60 ± 0.23 L/s, n = 5). Correlations were identified between high PIF measurement with patient report of normal breathing (3.07 ± 0.35 L/s, n = 16) and clinical observation of absence of stridor at rest (2.81 ± 0.32 L/s, n = 23). There was a statistically significant difference in the patient’s PIF va...
Molecular Interactions of Surfactants in Mixed Monolayers at the Air/Aqueous Solution Interface and in Mixed Micelles in Aqueous Media: The Regular Solution Approach

Experimental area/molecule data (Aexpt) at the air/aqueous solution interface after mixing, ideal mixing area/molecule data (Aideal), based upon area/molecule data at that interface before mixing, and regular solution theory have been used to explain the values of surfactant molecular interaction (β) parameters observed in mixed monolayers and mixed micelles. The value of the β parameter reflects the difference in surfactant−surfactant interactions before and after mixing. In ionic−nonionic surfactant mixtures, when surfactant−surfactant interactions are weak, reduction in electrostatic self-repulsion interaction energy of the ionic surfactant, due to the dilution effect upon mixing, is suggested as a major contributor to the negative β values observed for mixed monolayers and mixed micelles. Steric effects appear when surfactant molecular structure varies in the size of the headgroups and in the branching of the hydrophobic groups. It is suggested that the effect of an increase in the size of the hydroph...