cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: an uncommon presentation of a rare disease

Introduction: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is rare in children. The presenting symptoms are usually pain, either local or radicular, followed by progressive bilateral weakness, and sensory loss hours and even days later. In the absence of significant precipitating factors such as severe trauma or previously known coagulopathies the diagnosis is usually delayed, and it is not until the full picture of severe cord compression is developed, that MRI is done and the diagnosis is finally made. Case report: We describe a case of 10-year-old girl who presented with pain and pure brachial plexus radiculopathy as the only clinical manifestations of spinal epidural hematoma. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion can lead to the correct diagnosis even before the development of full cord compression and thus improve the overall prognosis.
Fractionation of Corn Fiber Treated by Soaking in Aqueous Ammonia (SAA) for Isolation of Hemicellulose B and Production of C5 Sugars by Enzyme Hydrolysis

A process was developed to fractionate and isolate the hemicellulose B component of corn fiber generated by corn wet milling. The process consisted of pretreatment by soaking in aqueous ammonia followed by enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis, during which the hemicellulose B was solubilized by cleavage into xylo-oligosaccharides and subsequently recovered by precipitation with ethanol. The pretreatment step resulted in high retention of major sugars and improvement of subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. The recovered hemicellulose B was hydrolyzed by a cocktail of enzymes that consisted of β-glucosidase, pectinase, xylanase, and ferulic acid esterase (FAE). Xylanase alone was ineffective, demonstrating yields of less than 2% of xylose and arabinose. The greatest xylose and arabinose yields, 44% and 53%, respectively, were obtained by the combination of pectinase and FAE. A mass balance accounted for 87% of the initially present glucan, 91% of the xylan, and 90% of the arabinan. The developed process offered a means for production of corn fiber gum as a value-added co-product and C5 sugars, which could be converted to other valuable co-products through fermentation in a corn wet-milling biorefinery.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Mediates the Integrin Signaling Requirement for Growth Factor Activation of Map Kinase

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is a critical regulator of cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Growth factor activation of MAP kinase in NIH 3T3 cells is strongly dependent upon integrin-mediated adhesion, an effect that contributes to the anchorage dependence of normal cell growth. We now show that expression of constructs that constitutively activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) rescued the defect in serum activation of MAP kinase in suspended cells without directly activating MAP kinase. Dominant negative FAK blocked both the rescue of suspended cells by the activated construct and the serum activation of MAP kinase in adherent cells. MAP kinase in FAK−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts was adhesion-insensitive, and reexpression of FAK restored its adhesion dependence. MAP kinase activity in ras-transformed cells is still decreased in suspension, but expression of constructs that constitutively activate FAK enhanced their anchorage-independent growth without increasing adherent growth. V-src, which activates both Ras and FAK, induced MAP kinase activation that was insensitive to loss of adhesion, and that was blocked by a dominant negative FAK. These results demonstrate that FAK mediates the integrin requirement for serum activation of MAP kinase in normal cells, and that bypassing this mechanism contributes to anchorage-independent growth in transformed cells.
SERCA2A GENE TRANSFER INHIBITS PROGRESSIVE LV REMODELING IN POST MI CHRONIC HEART FAILURE

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene transfer of cardiac sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump (SERCA2a) has shown promising results in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. However, the efficacy of this therapy in heart failure of ischemic etiology remains to be validated. An
Collisional Transfer of Excitation Energy in Helium

Recent absolute measurements of many helium excitation functions at low pressure and of the singlet and triplet D functions at several pressures have allowed an extension and upgrading of the multiple-state-transfer process.Atoms excited to an n1P level are converted to a mixed singlet–triplet F state by an atomic collision. Low-lying singlet and triplet D levels are fed by the many F states thus populated.Apparent excitation functions were computed by machine for the 33D, 43D, and 41D states and compared with the experimental excitation functions. The computed curves best match the experimental curves when it is assumed that: (a) the transfer cross section for the nth set of 1P–F states is proportional to n1 or n2, and (b) the 1F3 and 3F3 components of the mixed state are active in the transfer–cascade processes, while the 3F2,4 states are inactive.The energy is primarily transferred through n1P–nF sets of states with n≤15.
The Rhodopseudomonas viridis photosynthetic membrane: arrangement in situ

The organization of photosynthetic membranes in the cytoplasm of the photosynthetic bacterium Rh. viridis has been examined by several techniques for electron microscopy. Thin sections of membrane stacks show that the regular lattice of membrane subunits reported in other studies can be observed in thin section. Tilting of sections in the electron microscope shows that the regular lattices of several membranes overlap in a way that suggests they are in register with each other. This observation can be confirmed by freeze-fracture images in which a regular arrangement of membrane lattices can be observed, each perfectly aligned. Analysis of the spacings of membrane pairs shows that the photosynthetic membranes of Rh. viridis are very closely apposed. The mean diameter of two membranes is 160A, and the average space between two such membranes is only 42A. When a recently developed atomic level model of Rh. viridis reaction center is superimposed against these spacings, each reaction center extends from the surface of its respective membrane far enough to make contact with an apposing membrane. The limited free space between membranes and regular alignment of lattices has a number of implications for how this membrane is organized to carry out the process of energy transfer.
The Life and Times of Economic Nationalism

utors go beyond what has turned out to be an increasingly sterile debate. Situated at the intersection of international relations (IR) and international political economy (IPE), this collection of essays is important and interesting precisely because it attempts to reassert the continuing relevance of nationalism in the contemporary international system. Moreover, it does so by putting this assertion to its toughest test. It scrutinizes the role of nationalism in shaping economic policies, an arena in which its significance is widely considered to be negligible. Scholarship in the field of IPE, although not particularly attentive to the question of nationalism, has acknowledged its existence primarily through the concept of "economic nationalism." Posited as being in opposition to liberalism (and its neoliberal variant), economic nationalism has traditionally been identified with a set of policies that allow or encourage state intervention in the economic realm, including a "doctrine of progressive development" in which all economic activities are subordinated to the state's developmental goals (pp. 5, 26). Consequently, economic nationalism has been treated by most IPE scholars as not just connoting a set of practices that are antithetical to neoliberalism, but also as a concept whose time has well and truly passed into a world in which neoliberalism has run rampant. As the scholars associated with Economic Nationalism in a Globalizing World point out, although superficially plausible, this conventional analysis of economic nationalism runs into a problem at the ontological level. Like much of IR theory, IPE scholarship has tended to conflate the nation and the state, leading to a situation in which "economic nationalism" has generally been a way to discuss statist policies such as protectionism and interventionism. Ironically, what gets left out of discussions of economic nationalism is the subject of "nationalism" itself. It is this problem that Helleiner and Pickel attempt to fix by embarking on a project of reconceptualization. Economic nationalism, argues Pickel in the introduction to the volume, should not be understood merely as doctrine or a specific set of policies. Instead, it should be understood as "typical relationships between national identity and economy" (p. 11). Consequently, according to Helleiner's conclusion, interrogating the meaning and contemporary relevance of economic nationalism "involves examining how national identities and nationalism shape economic policies and
Exciton effects in the index of refraction of multiple quantum wells and superlattices

Theoretical calculations of the index of refraction of multiple quantum wells and superlattices are presented. The model incorporates both the bound and continuum exciton contributions for the gamma region transitions. In addition, the electronic band structure model has both superlattice and bulk alloy properties. The results indicate that large light-hole masses, i.e., of about 0.23, produced by band mixing effects, are required to account for the experimental data. Furthermore, it is shown that superlattice effects rapidly decrease for energies greater than the confining potential barriers. Overall, the theoretical results are in very good agreement with the experimental data and show the importance of including exciton effects in the index of refraction.
Reliance on sources of information for water-saving practices by irrigators in the High Plains of the U.S.A.

Abstract Who do farmers trust? Irrigators in the High Plains are confronted with a wide range of information sources with respect to water-saving practices. From a survey of 709 irrigators in 10 countries the most widely accepted sources are identified, regional variability of information is examined, the role of irrigator characteristics on source selection is determined, and the level of association between adoption and source preference is analyzed. Differences in irrigators' reliance on specific sources are more associated with location than irrigator characteristics. Information sources viewed as important by many irrigators frequently influence adoption decisions less than sources having a wide range of preference among irrigators. Mass media and advisor-oriented sources are much more significantly linked to adoption than inter-personal sources such as friends and neighbors. The three sources that best discriminate adoption behavior are private agricultural consulting firms, university research stations, and trade magazines.
Friction coefficients of spheres having sticky or hairy surfaces

The theoretical equations for friction coefficients of spheres having sticky or hairy surfaces are presented. In the present treatment, the sticky surface is represented by a higher viscosity of fluid in the surface layer and the hairy surface is assumed to have a porous structure. The friction coefficients are given as functions of the thickness of the surface layer, the fluid viscosity in the surface layer and the segmental density of hairy chains.
On The Robustness of Forward Market Efficiency in Consumption-Based Models of Exchange Rates

Euler equation models with consumption risk premia have shown promise of reconciling exchange rate data with the hypothesis of efficiency of the forward exchange rate. We examine the robustness of these models to variation in (1) the period utility function, (2) assumptions about the underlying forward trading mechanism, (3) the measure of consumption in the risk premium and (4) the weighting matrix applied to the model orthogonality conditions. In generalized method of moments estimations using a six-currency sample we find evidence that forward efficiency is robust to perturbations of the first two kinds, but not to the latter two. [F31, G14]
Adolescent age and heart transplantation outcomes in myocarditis or congenital heart disease

Background Adolescents often fare poorly after heart transplantation. However, whether the effect of age varies according to the etiology of heart failure is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that age-related heart transplantation outcomes are different in patients with myocarditis and congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods A retrospective analysis of the United Network of Organ Sharing database was performed for patients with myocarditis ( n = 709) and CHD ( n = 1,631) undergoing heart transplantation from 1987 to 2011. The effect of age on graft survival was assessed. Age was categorized as children (6–12 years), adolescents (13–18 years), younger adults (19–30 years), and older adults (31–50 years). Results For myocarditis, the median graft survival for adolescents was 6.9 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6–9.6), which was significantly lower than other age groups (children: 14.1 [95% CI, 9.8–10.9] years, p = 0.004; younger adults: 11.8 [95% CI, 8.3–15.2] years, p = 0.172; older adults: 12.0 years [95% CI, 10.0–14.3 years], p = 0.033). For CHD, the median graft survival for adolescents was 7.4 years (95% CI, 6.8–8.6), which was not significantly different from other age groups (children: 9.0 [95% CI, 7.9–11.0] years, p = 0.737; younger adults: 11.2 [95% CI, 8.6–13.3] years, p = 0.744; older adults: 11.6 [95% CI, 9.2–15.3] years, p = 0.608). Multivariable analysis showed adolescent age was independently associated with worse graft survival for patients with myocarditis but not for CHD. Conclusions Adolescents with myocarditis have significantly worse graft survival after heart transplantation, but adolescents with CHD have similar outcomes to other patients with CHD. Further study is needed to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
On the absence of global anomalies

Abstract A new technique for the evaluation of anomaly coefficients is introduced and amongst these we demonstrate a surprising set of congruence relations. This enables us to show for example that there are no global gauge anomalies in six dimensions.
Electro-endocrine combination therapy for aggressive breast tumors

Obesity is an epidemic in the US and an established risk factor for breast cancer incidence and morbidity. In obese patients breast cancer is commonly more aggressive and associated with poor prognosis. The goal of our research is to develop safe and efficient novel therapies to treat aggressive breast tumors, like those in obese patients. To enhance drug uptake we intend to develop electro-endocrine therapy, an electrically mediated hormone (endocrine) delivery system. In this study, we optimize parameters for electrical pulses and tamoxifen (anti-hormone drug) dosages in an in vitro model of breast cancer, as these parameters vary for each cell type. For this purpose, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells were used. Results of our experiments show that treatment of electroporation combined with tamoxifen has an enhanced effect on suppressing tumor cell growth compared to tamoxifen treatment alone. The long-term goal is to translate application of this method to clinical practice.
Prion induction involves an ancient system for the sequestration of aggregated proteins and heritable changes in prion fragmentation

When the translation termination factor Sup35 adopts the prion state, [PSI+], the read-through of stop codons increases, uncovering hidden genetic variation and giving rise to new, often beneficial, phenotypes. Evidence suggests that prion induction involves a process of maturation, but this has never been studied in detail. To do so, we used a visually tractable prion model consisting of the Sup35 prion domain fused to GFP (PrD-GFP) and overexpressed it to achieve induction in many cells simultaneously. PrD-GFP first assembled into Rings as previously described. Rings propagated for many generations before the protein transitioned into a Dot structure. Dots transmitted the [PSI+] phenotype through mating and meiosis, but Rings did not. Surprisingly, the underlying amyloid conformation of PrD-GFP was identical in Rings and Dots. However, by electron microscopy, Rings consisted of very long uninterrupted bundles of fibers, whereas Dot fibers were highly fragmented. Both forms were deposited at the IPOD, a biologically ancient compartment for the deposition of irreversibly aggregated proteins that we propose is the site of de novo prion induction. We find that oxidatively damaged proteins are also localized there, helping to explain how proteotoxic stresses increase the rate of prion induction. Curing PrD-GFP prions, by inhibiting Hsp104’s fragmentation activity, reversed the induction process: Dot cells produced Rings before PrD-GFP reverted to the soluble state. Thus, formation of the genetically transmissible prion state is a two-step process that involves an ancient system for the asymmetric inheritance of damaged proteins and heritable changes in the extent of prion fragmentation.
INTEGER QUANTUM HALL EFFECT MODEL : SPATIAL CONFINEMENT, MAGNETIC FLUX OSCILLATION, AND INSTABILITY

Bulk mechanisms of the integer quantum Hall effect are investigated using a noninteracting electron gas confined to the $(x,y)$ plane and quasiconfined in x by a harmonic-oscillator potential characterized by frequency ${f}_{o}.$ The integer filling factor $\ensuremath{\nu}$ and the Hall field $E(\ensuremath{\nu}),$ valid up to breakdown, are determined in terms of ${f}_{o}$ and externally controlled parameters. For ${f}_{o}=0$ the electron energy dispersion is linear in the phase gradient k, and the Hall resistance ${R}_{H}{=h/(e}^{2}\ensuremath{\nu})$ on the plateaus. When ${f}_{o}\ensuremath{\ne}0,$ nonlinear dispersion causes a decrease in ${R}_{H}$ proportional to ${(f}_{o}{/f}_{c}{)}^{2},$ with ${f}_{c}$ the cyclotron frequency. The plateaus also shift to lower values of ${f}_{c}.$ A formula is given for the plateau structure of the variable gate voltage experiments. Flux oscillations manifested as ${f}_{c}$ radiation are proposed to explain the large variations observed in the Hall potential distribution. A simple charge-transfer relation, involving a few electrons, captures the essential features of this phenomenon.
Regioregularity effect on conformation and opto-electronic properties in single polythiophene chains

We have previously shown that regioregularity (i.e., the percentage of head-to-tail linkages between monomer units in the polymer backbone) is a critical factor which determines the morphology of poly(3- hexylthiophene) (P3HT) even at the single chain level. Here, we examined the excitation wavelength dependence on the fluorescence polarization anisotropy of single regioregular ( rr- ) and regiorandom ( rra- ) P3HT. For both rr- and rra- P3HT chains, the observed anisotropy is higher as the longer wavelength is used to excite single polymer chains. This indicates that chromophores with longer conjugation length are predominantly located in more highly ordered regions of the chain. However, at any excitation wavelength, the difference between rr- and rra- P3HT is observed. Single rr- P3HT chains fold into highly ordered conformation while rra- P3HT chains assume a wide variety of conformations from isotropic to anisotropic. These new results further support that regioregularity is important for P3HT even at the single chain level and give deeper insights of polymer morphology and its effect on optical property.
Quantum spin fluctuations and ellipticity for a triangular-lattice antiferromagnet

The effects of quantum spin fluctuations are investigated for the three-sublattice spin config- urations of a geometrically-frustrated triangular-lattice antiferromagnet in a magnetic field with easy-axis anisotropy. In zero field, the spin amplitudes are most strongly suppressed by quantum fluctuations perpendicular to the anisotropy axis, which at least partially explains the elliptical spirals observed in the multiferroic states of MnWO4, TbMnO3, and CuCrO2. Due to the change in spin angles, quantum fluctuations shift the boundaries between the collinear and non-collinear phases and open a gap between the two types of non-collinear phases.
How do I Treat “Triple-Negative” Disease

Over the recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that triple-negative breast cancer constitutes a separate, albeit heterogeneous, entity arising from distinct oncogenic pathways. Despite its aggressive clinical behavior, triple-negative disease responds favorably to cytotoxic chemotherapy resulting in high response rates. Nonetheless, the relapse rates are high and, in the absence of targeted therapies to significantly alter its natural history, the prognosis can be poor. Most of the trials conducted in the past that led to the formulation of the current guidelines have indiscriminately lumped triple-negative disease with receptor-positive subtypes. Therefore, there are relatively scant data regarding how standard approaches specifically apply for triple-negative disease. By virtue of its chemosensitive nature and high probability of achieving a complete pathologic response, neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage/operable and locally-advanced/inoperable triple-negative disease is highly recommended. The indications for adjuvant chemotherapy are the same as in receptor-positive tumors, although endocrine therapies or agents targeting Her2 signaling have no established role in triple-negative disease. The optimal chemotherapy is not entirely clear; however, by virtue of their efficacy in breast cancer in general, anthracycline-containing regimens are the most widely used. The incorporation of taxanes in the regimen is supported by retrospective analyses. There is scant evidence to recommend any particular agent in the metastatic setting, although the combination of ixabepilone with capecitabine was shown to be active specifically in triple-negative disease. Given the uncertainty in the optimal management of triple-negative disease, the shortcomings of contemporary regimens, and the strong rationale of novel therapies, participation in clinical trials should be strongly considered at any stage of the disease.
Scale effects and crack propagation in non-linear elastic structures

Abstract New scaling laws are proposed for crack propagation in geometrically similar non-linear elastic structures. The stresses to cause cracking in large non-linear elastic structures are even smaller than those in larger linear structures.
The conformational transition associated with the activation of chymotrypsinogen to chymotrypsin

Optical rotatory dispersion measurements in the spectral interval 217 to 500 mμ, coupled with circular dichroism spectra in the 215 to 325 mμ region, demonstrate that the enzyme, α-chymotrypsin, and the zymogen, chymotrypsinogen (A), possess different conformations. In the far ultraviolet, a negative Cotton effect (optical rotatory dispersion) and an ellipticity band (circular dichroism) suggest the existence of right-handed α-helical segments in chymotrypsin. The character and intensity of these bands are sufficiently different in chymotrypsinogen to allow the supposition that one consequence of activation may be an increase in helix content. At longer wavelengths, Cotton effects and ellipticity bands are observed which reveal substantial differences between the two forms of the protein in the nature of interactions with neighbors of at least several side chains, including tryptophan and cystine residues. The complex optical rotatory dispersion curves may be analyzed for approximate helical content by several conventional means. As estimated by the coefficient b0 of the Moffitt-Yang equation, and by the absolute value of the rotation at 235 mμ, the helix contents are virtually identical at about 13%. Inspection of the form of the curves in the far ultraviolet reveals, however, that they depart measurably from those expected of simple mixtures of α-helices and random coils as observed in synthetic polyamino acids and proteins of high helix content. The uncertain background rotation, probably arising from optically active side-chain transitions, is less troublesome in the circular dichroism spectrum. The circular dichroism spectrum of chymotrypsin comprises four ellipticity bands, that of chymotrypsinogen three bands, both in the spectral interval 220 to 325 mμ. The negative circular dichroism band centered near 230 mμ in chymotrypsin is not discerned in chymotrypsinogen. Side-chain transitions give rise to ellipticity bands in each protein at 260, 290 and 300 mμ. All three bands are of greater magnitude in chymotrypsin than in chymotrypsinogen. The disulfide chromophore is a possible source of the 260 mμ band, while tryptophan residues are probably responsible for the two bands of longer wavelength. Since the band at 230 mμ. is about 6 mμ. displaced from the characteristic 224 mμ α-helix band, it is reasonable to infer that side-chain transitions overlap the main peptide (helical) transitions in this spectral region. Estimates of helicity from the circular dichroism spectra are thus somewhat hazardous, but the conclusion that the zymogen and the enzyme differ in secondary and tertiary structure appears inescapable. Calculation of the difference in helix content may be tentatively made and indicates that as many as 10 to 15 residues may be incorporated into helical segments on activation.
-alkoxyphenol leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists: effect of a chroman carboxylic acid.

Abstract Several ortho -alkoxyphenols containing a chroman carboxylic acid sidechain have been prepared as antagonists of leukotriene B4 receptors. These antagonists were compared to their parent alkoxyphenols containing the tetrazole acid sidechain. These chroman containing antagonists retained their binding potency for human neutrophil receptors; however, showed enhanced potency against guinea pig receptors in both in vitro and in vivo systems.
Peracetylated Sugar Derivatives Show High Solubility in Liquid and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Acetylated sugars derivatives exhibit high solubility in liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). Peracetylated sorbitol and β-d-galactose are soluble under mild conditions in scCO2, high pressures are required to dissolve peracetylated β-cyclodextrin, and peracetoxyalkyl chains impart CO2-solubility to amides.
Isotope effects in the bimolecular reactions of gaseous ions. Concepts, techniques, and reactions

Foundations of isotope effects are examined in terms of concepts, models, and theories. Leading instrumental methods for bimoleculur reactions are reviewed: the guided ion beum mass spectrometer (GIBMS) and the selected ion flow tube (SIFT). In their most elaborate forms, both methods can select the translational energies of the reacting ions and the temperatures of the neutral molecules. This capability gives extraordinary control over bimolecular ion/molecule reactions. Experiments on simple systems can sometimes identify the effects of particular forms of internal energy. Isotope effects appear in numerous reaction types and behave in several ways as functions of ion translational energy and temperature. For endothermic reactions, they can become very large at low temperatures, a matter of much interest in astrophysics. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The need for speed

One of the key enabling features of coherent Raman scattering (CRS) techniques is the dramatically improved imaging speed over conventional vibrational imaging methods. It is this enhanced imaging acquisition rate that has guided the field of vibrational microscopy into the territory of real-time imaging of live tissues. In this feature article, we review several aspects of fast vibrational imaging and discuss new applications made possible by the improved CRS imaging capabilities. In addition, we reflect on the current limitations of CRS microscopy and look ahead at several new developments towards real-time, hyperspectral vibrational imaging of biological tissues.
S3-R1: the IBM smart surveillance system-release 1

One of the key components of tele-presence systems is automatic awareness of the remote environment. This very same capability of automatic situation awareness is currently being developed and deployed in the context of the next generation smart surveillance systems. Smart surveillance systems use a number of automatic video analysis techniques like object detection, tracking and classification in conjunction with database and web application servers to provide users with the capability of distributed smart surveillance. The IBM smart surveillance system is one of the few advanced surveillance systems which provides not only the capability to automatically monitor a scene but also the capability to manage the surveillance data, perform event based retrieval, receive real time event alerts thru standard web infrastructure and extract long term statistical patterns of activity.
Growth of α-iodic acid crystals from aqueous solution

Abstract A method is described for the growth from aqueous solutions of α-iodic acid, HTO3, crystals several cm on an edge. The effects of temperature, solvent evaporation rate, seed support, and solution stirring are discussed. The crystal morphology was changed by addition of H2SO4 to the growth solution. The crystals were of high purity and showed no visible optical defects.
Targeting Signal Transduction Pathways to Eliminate Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance and Cancer Stem Cells

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and affects nearly 1 in 7 women. We have demonstrated that targeting the CaM-K, Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathways may be a novel approach to treat drug resistant breast cancer and eliminate cancer stem cells. Common chemotherapeutic drugs, such as doxorubicin, induce the CaM-K pathway which in turn, leads to activation of anti-apoptotic pathways such as Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. Some drug resistant breast cancers exhibited increased expression of CaM-KIV. CaM-K inhibitors synergized with doxorubicin to induce the death of all drug resistant breast cancers examined. Since CaM-Ks are known to result in activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways, we investigated the roles that these pathways exert in breast cancer drug resistance. CaM-K inhibitors suppressed ERK activation in response to doxorubicin in both drug sensitive and resistant cells. CaM-K inhibitors also suppressed ERK activation in response to FBS in the drug resistant cells suggesting dependence on the CaM-K pathway for proliferation. Both the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways are involved in breast cancer drug resistance as they were detected at elevated, activated levels in the drug resistant cells and introduction of constitutively activated forms of Raf-1 and Akt-1 resulted in drug resistance. Drug resistant CICs were often hypersensitive to MEK and mTOR inhibitors, implicating important roles of these pathways in drug resistance. In summary, targeting these pathways may enhance therapy of drug resistant breast cancer and eliminate CICs. Breast cancer therapy is often limited by the occurrence of drug resistance which may be due to the re-emergence of CICs. The studies outlined in this proposal may identify a potentially novel role for CaM-Ks in drug resistance and metastasis and may lead to improved approaches to treat breast tumors by eliminating CICs. Our proposed studies are highly innovative as we will determine the involvement of the CaM-K pathway in breast cancer drug resistance, metastasis and CIC formation. Similar approaches have not been previously performed. Our studies may result in the discovery of novel methods to treat breast cancer by targeting the CaM-K pathway in combination with currently used and approved chemotherapeutic regimens to eliminate CICs which may be responsible for both drug resistance and metastasis.
Mechanical and electromagnetic properties of northern Gulf of Mexico sediments with and without THF hydrates

Using an oedometer cell instrumented to measure the evolution of electromagnetic properties, small strain stiffness, and temperature, we conducted consolidation tests on sediments recovered during drilling in the northern Gulf of Mexico at the Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon sites as part of the 2005 Chevron Joint Industry Project on Methane Hydrates. The tested specimens include both unremolded specimens (as recovered from the original core liner) and remolded sediments both without gas hydrate and with pore fluid exchanged to attain 100% synthetic (tetrahydrofuran) hydrate saturation at any stage of loading. Test results demonstrate the extent to which the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing marine sediments are governed by the vertical effective stress, stress history, porosity, hydrate saturation, fabric, ionic concentration of the pore fluid, and temperature. We also show how permittivity and electrical conductivity data can be used to estimate the evolution of hydrate volume fraction during formation. The gradual evolution of geophysical properties during hydrate formation probably reflects the slow increase in ionic concentration in the pore fluid due to ion exclusion in closed systems and the gradual decrease in average pore size in which the hydrate forms. During hydrate formation, the increase in S-wave velocity is delayed with respect to the decrease in permittivity, consistent with hydrate formation on mineral surfaces and subsequent crystal growth toward the pore space. No significant decementation/debonding occurred in 100% THF hydrate-saturated sediments during unloading, hence the probability of sampling hydrate-bearing sediments without disturbing the original sediment fabric is greatest for samples in which the gas hydrate is primarily responsible for maintaining the sediment fabric and for which the time between core retrieval and restoration of in situ effective stress in the laboratory is minimized. In evaluating the impact of core retrieval on specimen properties, it is also important to consider how far removed hydrate-bearing samples are from hydrate stability conditions.
Conal Septal Morphometrics Can Identify Higher Risk Neonates with Tetralogy of Fallot

Background Some neonates with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) have rapid progression of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, requiring early repair irrespective of Doppler gradient as measured in the neonatal period. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that infundibular morphology in neonates with TOF is associated with the occurrence of hypercyanotic spells and need for neonatal surgery. Methods Fifty patients with TOF undergoing surgical repair from 2003 to 2009 were studied. Neonatal echocardiograms were retrospectively analyzed to measure conal septal angle (the angle between the conal septum and the horizontal plane passing through the center of the aortic valve in the parasternal short-axis view, with a larger angle denoting more anterocephalad deviation of conal septum), conal septal thickness and length, the degree of aortic dextroposition, and sizes and Z scores of the pulmonary annulus and the main and branch pulmonary arteries. Outcomes included the occurrence of hypercyanotic spells and the need for neonatal surgery. Results The median age at first echocardiogram was 2 days (range, 0–12 days). The median age at surgery was 94 days (range, 5–282 days); hypercyanotic spells occurred in 17 patients (34%), and nine (18%) underwent neonatal repair. The presence of a wider conal septal angle was significantly associated with the occurrence of hypercyanotic spells (59 ± 21° vs 48 ± 13°, P = .023) and the need for neonatal surgery (67 ± 13° vs 48 ± 16°, P = .004). The positive and negative predictive values of hypercyanotic spells for conal septal angles ≥60° were 64% and 78%, respectively. Importantly, Doppler right ventricular outflow tract gradient at initial echocardiography, degree of aortic dextroposition, and pulmonary or aortic valve size were not associated with these outcomes. Conclusions A wider conal septal angle is associated with the occurrence of hypercyanotic spells and the need for neonatal surgery.
A high performance microphone array system for hearing aid applications

Microphone array technology has been proposed for various audio, teleconference, and hearing aid applications. By forming a focused beam toward the desired speech source, attenuating background noises and rejecting discrete spatial interferers, a microphone array can enhance the SNR/SIR in a noisy environment with significant improvement in speech intelligibility. An array can also perform real time source-localization or direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in various applications. We present a high performance prototype PC-based microphone array system for hearing aid applications. Algorithms for maximum energy criterion array weight design needed in the speech processing mode as well as modified broadband near-field MUSIC schemes in the search mode are discussed. Then a PC-based microphone array system using a TMS320C40 DSP is described. Preliminary study of equalizing non-uniform response microphones is also discussed. Finally, some array performance results in free-space and reverberant room conditions are presented.
Synchronous and antecedent nonthyroidal malignancies in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background There is a known association between the development of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) after a primary nonthyroidal cancer (NTC). However, the prevalence of synchronous or antecedent NTCs in patients with PTC is undetermined, as are the clinicopathologic characteristics of PTC in these patients. Study Design A review was performed of our prospectively maintained PTC database between January 1995 and December 2010. Information collected included patient and tumor characteristics, medical history, PTC presentation, and treatment modality. Results Four hundred and thirty-three adult patients underwent thyroid resection and had PTC on final pathology. Sixty-seven cases of synchronous or antecedent NTCs were observed in 60 patients (13.9%). The most commonly associated antecedent NTCs were breast (n = 11), prostate (n = 8), and melanoma (n = 5), whereas renal cell carcinoma (n = 3) and melanoma (n = 3) were the synchronous NTCs most observed. Compared with patients without an NTC, those with an NTC were older (56.4 ± 15.5 years vs 44.9 ± 14.2 years; p Conclusions The prevalence of synchronous or antecedent NTCs in patients surgically treated for PTC is 13.9%. These patients present with PTC tumor characteristics similar to those without additional NTCs, and should therefore be managed equivalently. In addition, surgeons should be aware of the frequency of synchronous PTC with these types of tumors and consider evaluation of the neck at the time of NTC diagnosis.
Global Information Technology Management

Globalization is the perception of the world as one big market place. The notion of the boundariless world is expected to produce dramatic changes in key markets, major competitors, and Information Technology products. As a result, organizations are encouraged to rise above the national boundaries and change their orientation to global corporations. Further, the increased spending in Global Information Technology, which is anticipated to grow several folds within the next five years, is adding fuel to this shift. Events such as economic integration of Europe, merging of the companies across national borders, stock exchanges, outsourcing of Information Technology services to the third world countries, and the use of World Wide Web are forcing companies to re-evaluate their Global Information Technology management and to develop Global Information Strategy so as to get the most out of their business in the world economy. As the scope of Global Information Technology spans the global market, it is going to present mangers with a host of thorny issues. This paper suggests the key issues to be used as a guide for the Global Information Technology Managers to be successful in this fast changing technology oriented market, and also recommends Global Managers Evaluation Wheel which can be used for the appraisal of managers, subordinates, peer managers, on-site supervisors and clients working in the global Information Technology environment.
Transamidination of [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid to 14C-glycine and decarboxylation to 14CO2 in white spruce shoot primordia entering winter dormancy

Feeding [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid to shoot primordia, O2 uptake was inhibited and major products were 14C-glycine, 14CO2 and 14C-serine. The direct decarboxylation of [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid to 14CO2 and N-methylguanidine, the methylation of [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid to 14C-creatine, and the lytic cleavage to urea and 14C-glycine were all ruled out. Enzymatic transamidinations of [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid with amino acid acceptors occurred as arginine-rich storage proteins were being turned over and new proteins synthesized containing 14C-glycine and 14C-serine. The products of transamidination were recycled as substrates until 14C-glycine was metabolized in different directions and transported to mitochondria and peroxisomes. 14C-Glycine was decarboxylated by a glycine decarboxylase multienzyme complex resulting in a net carbon loss and a sharp decline in total protein rich in arginine N. Under these conditions, unlabelled arginine and ornithine contributed as substrates for reversible transamidination reactions. Peroxisomes and mitochondria are hypothesized as providing arginine-derived nitric oxide to maintain redox homeostasis in response to the stresses imposed by [1-14C]-guanidinoacetic acid and to protect against the inhibitory activity of sulfhydryls on transamidinase activity. The destruction of a respiratory inhibitor by transamidination may comprise a mechanism associated with the awakening from of dormancy and the mobilization of storage protein reserves in conifers.
Polybius and the Date of the Battle of Panormus

The battle of Panormus, in which L. Caecilius Metellus (cos. 251) decisively defeated the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal, was one of the major victories of the First Punic War. The year in which it took place, however, has long been matter for dispute, reasons being found for placing it in 251 or 250. There is now, it is true, a general preference for 250, so that there may seem to be little need to traverse this ground yet again. But there is also Polybius' reputation to consider. Whichever dating scholars prefer, they invariably maintain that Polybius' account of the years 253–250 (1. 39. 7–41. 4) is more or less disfigured by confusion, contradiction, and inaccuracy; on either view he is accused, expressly or by implication, of making remarks which point to the wrong year.
Nursing in Switzerland Struggling To Maintain Quality and Ideals

After an edited transcript of an interview with a nurse leader, Teodora Duarte, RN; MA, on nursing in Switzerland, the author further discusses the challenges and opportunities facing nursing in that country from a global perspective. Also discussed are some of the advantages and problems of international nursing, in particular nurses who migrate to work in other countries or commute across national borders.
Why We Think We Can't Dance: Theory of Mind and Children's Desire to Perform

Theory of mind (ToM) allows children to achieve success in the social world by understanding others' minds. A study with 3- to 12-year-olds, however, demonstrates that gains in ToM are linked to decreases in children's desire to engage in performative behaviors associated with health and well-being, such as singing and dancing. One hundred and fifty-nine middle-class children from diverse backgrounds in a Northeastern U.S. metropolitan area completed the study in 2011. The development of ToM is associated with decreases in self-esteem, which in turn predicts decreases in children's willingness to perform. This shift away from performance begins at age 4 (when ToM begins to develop), years before children enter puberty.
Extent of Alabama's Terrestrial Nature Reserve System in Representing Ecosystem Diversity: A Coarse-Filter Gap Analysis

Exponential human population growth has resulted in overexploitation of resources, the introduction of alien invasive species, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and the subsequent global endangerment and extinction of many species. Globally, governmental, and nongovernmental programs, use nature reserves (NRs) to mitigate against the decline of biological diversity by protecting habitats and their inhabitants from fragmentation and other negative anthropogenic impacts. However, numerous studies conducted at multiple spatial and temporal scales have revealed that existing NRs do not effectively represent biodiversity, or are experiencing declines in biodiversity because of anthropogenic encroachment around NRs. Our study examined the spatial distribution and characteristics of the NR system in Alabama using coarse-filter gap analysis. We compiled a dataset of private and public NRs in Alabama, and analyzed the extent and effectiveness of Alabama's NR system in representing ecosystem diversity. We found that NRs occupied approximately 840,000 ha (6.2%) of land area in Alabama. Public NRs covered 6.0% of Alabama land area, and private NRs covered 0.2% of the land area. We found a latitudinal shift in NR parcels from majority private NR parcel presence in northeast Alabama to majority public parcel ownership in southwest Alabama. The statewide mean NR parcel area was 2149.47 ha; the mean public NR area was 4789 ha; the mean private NR area was 151 ha; and the mean distance (isolation) between NRs was 4.5 km. We hypothesize the distribution of parcel property types throughout Alabama was related to socioeconomic status, race, and metropolitan areas throughout the state. Our results may be used to improve conservation planning in Alabama, and our approach used as a model to assess NR systems in other states or regions.
Thrombophilia testing in children: a 7 year experience.

Background Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children is reported to be increasing. We examined thrombophilia testing results in children with VTE that presented in inpatient and outpatient settings to explore patterns of thrombophilia testing. Procedure Patients/Methods: Children, ages 0–20 years with VTE seen at our institution from Jan 2005 to Apr 2012 were studied retrospectively. All patients with VTE confirmed by imaging were eligible and the presence of significant risk factors was evaluated. Thrombophilia was diagnosed if >1 tests confirmed: persistently low protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and antithrombin (AT) following VTE resolution, persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) positivity >12 weeks from first test, factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin mutation (PTm) hetero- or homozygosity, elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) levels with 4G/5G or 4G/4G polymorphisms, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms with elevated fasting homocysteine levels. Results Three hundred ninety-two patients met inclusion criteria. At least one test was ordered in 157/239 inpatients. All 153 outpatients had >1 test ordered. Thrombophilia rate differences between inpatients and outpatients did not reach statistical significance except for PC deficiency, which was significantly higher in outpatients. Of inpatients, central venous line (CVL) was significantly associated with not having tests done (P < 0.0022). Conclusions This study of pediatric VTE demonstrated a low thrombophilia rate in both inpatient and outpatient populations. The role of testing in other pediatric patients should be further explored. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:523–527. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.