cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P464: Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition by Canagliflozin Attenuates Intrarenal Angiotensinogen Augmentation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease where hyperglycemia occurs as a result of the development of insulin resistance. T2DM leads to complications, including renal and cardiovascular injury. Renal proximal tubular angiotensinogen (AGT) is stimulated by hyperglycemia via elevated oxidative stress, and is associated with activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system which contributes to development of high blood pressure and diabetic nephropathy in diabetes mellitus. Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) is mainly expressed in early renal proximal tubules and is responsible for most of the glucose reabsorption by the tubules. This study tested the effects of canagliflozin (CANA), an SGLT2 inhibitor, on intrarenal AGT regulation in T2DM mice. Male New Zealand Obese mice were fed a regular fat diet (RFD, 4% fat) or a high fat diet (HFD, 40% fat) to induce diabetes. When the mice fed with HFD exhibited >350 mg/dl blood glucose levels (week 0), both RFD and HFD fed mice were treated with 10 mg/kg/day CANA or vehicle for 6 weeks by daily oral gavage. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were measured by a tail cuff system and 24-hour urine samples were collected using metabolic cages. Intrarenal AGT mRNA and protein levels were determined by digital PCR and western blot analysis. CANA treatment decreased blood glucose levels in HFD mice, which remained suppressed for duration of the study. SBP in HFD groups were higher than in the RFD and RFD+CANA groups (134.7±3.6, 118.7±10.8 and 108.3±7.6 mmHg) at week 6. The elevated SBP was normalized by CANA (110.0±6.0 mmHg). The HFD group exhibited greater renal cortical AGT mRNA levels than the RFD group (3.7±0.4 vs. 7.4±1.0 copies/reaction). Likewise, intrarenal AGT mRNA expression was lower in CANA treated group (4.5±0.8 copies/reaction). Western blot analysis also showed lower AGT protein levels in CANA treated group (1.02±0.08-fold compared with RFD) than in HFD group (1.49±0.08-fold). In the HFD group, CANA treatment also suppressed elevated urinary 8-isoprostane levels, a marker of renal oxidative stress. These results demonstrate that CANA attenuates intrarenal AGT augmentation that occurs in T2DM, which may mitigate the development of diabetic nephropathy and progression of high blood pressure.
The Disparities of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Outcomes by Insurance Status: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2007-2014.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is the gold standard treatment for complex coronary artery disease. Social determinants of health, including primary payer status, are disproportionately associated with adverse outcomes following surgical operations. We sought to examine associations between insurance status, in particular having Medicaid public insurance, and postoperative outcomes following isolated CABG surgeries. A retrospective review was performed using Florida, California, New York, Maryland, and Kentucky State Inpatient Databases (2007–2014) for isolated CABG patients ≥ 18 years. Multivariate regression for postsurgical inpatient mortality, postsurgical complications, 30- and 90-day readmission rates, total charges, and length of stay yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) reported for outcomes by insurance status. Among 312,018 individuals, patients with Medicaid insurance and those designated as Uninsured incurred increased adjusted ORs of postsurgical inpatient mortality (56 and 64%, respectively) compared to Private Insurance. Additionally, Medicaid had the highest adjusted OR for 30-day readmission (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.45–1.59), 90-day readmission (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.47–1.59), postsurgical complications (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.14) including pulmonary and infectious complications, postoperative length of stay, and total hospital charges (2016 dollars). Medicaid insurance, compared to Private Insurance, is significantly associated with worse outcomes after isolated CABG. Our results demonstrate that Medicaid as a patient’s primary insurance payer is an independent predictor of perioperative risks. Further research may help explain the reasons for the differences in payer groups.
Foreign Support, Miscalculation, and Conflict Escalation: Iraqi Kurdish Self-Determination in Perspective

How does foreign support for separatists influence conflict escalation with the central government? What types of miscalculations over foreign support encourage separatists to take risky gambles an...
Honoring Life After Death: Mapping the Spread of the Pause.

Background:Health care is a high-risk environment for clinicians and patients. The risk of burnout increases with increased patient acuity and workload demands. The Pause is a contemplative interve...
Reflection-aware static regression test selection

Regression test selection (RTS) aims to speed up regression testing by rerunning only tests that are affected by code changes. RTS can be performed using static or dynamic analysis techniques. Our prior study showed that static and dynamic RTS perform similarly for medium-sized Java projects. However, the results of that prior study also showed that static RTS can be unsafe, missing to select tests that dynamic RTS selects, and that reflection was the only cause of unsafety observed among the evaluated projects. In this paper, we investigate five techniques—three purely static techniques and two hybrid static-dynamic techniques—that aim to make static RTS safe with respect to reflection. We implement these reflection-aware (RA) techniques by extending the reflection-unaware (RU) class-level static RTS technique in a tool called STARTS. To evaluate these RA techniques, we compare their end-to-end times with RU, and with RetestAll, which reruns all tests after every code change. We also compare safety and precision of the RA techniques with Ekstazi, a state-of-the-art dynamic RTS technique; precision is a measure of unaffected tests selected. Our evaluation on 1173 versions of 24 open-source Java projects shows negative results. The RA techniques improve the safety of RU but at very high costs. The purely static techniques are safe in our experiments but decrease the precision of RU, with end-to-end time at best 85.8% of RetestAll time, versus 69.1% for RU. One hybrid static-dynamic technique improves the safety of RU but at high cost, with end-to-end time that is 91.2% of RetestAll. The other hybrid static-dynamic technique provides better precision, is safer than RU, and incurs lower end-to-end time—75.8% of RetestAll, but it can still be unsafe in the presence of test-order dependencies. Our study highlights the challenges involved in making static RTS safe with respect to reflection.
Evaluation of crop-growth-stage-based deficit irrigation strategies for cotton production in the Southern High Plains

Abstract Identification of efficient crop-growth-stage-based deficit irrigation strategies for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can play a pivotal role in optimizing the use of available irrigation water in the Southern High Plains (SHP) region, which is facing severe challenges from rapidly declining groundwater levels in the underlying Ogallala Aquifer. The objective of this study was to suggest efficient crop-growth-stage-based deficit irrigation strategies for cotton under nine different climate variability classes using the CROPGRO-Cotton module available in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) Cropping System Model (CSM). Cotton growth stages considered in this study include: i) germination and seedling emergence (GS1), ii) squaring (GS2), iii) flower initiation/ early bloom (GS3), iv) peak bloom (GS4), and v) cutout, late bloom and boll opening stage (GS5). The amount of seasonal irrigation water applied was varied from 120 to 540 mm under eight different irrigation scheduling scenarios with four irrigation application rates of 3, 6, 8 and 9 mm d−1 using the subsurface drip irrigation method. Under each scenario, six growth-stage-based irrigation treatments were adopted, resulting in a total of 48 irrigation strategies. Results indicated that imposing water deficit in the initial (GS1 to GS2) or final (GS5) growth stages had little effect on seed cotton yield. The peak bloom growth stage (GS4) was found to be the most sensitive stage to water stress, and imposing water deficit during this stage resulted in the lowest irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and seed cotton yield under most climate variability classes. Application of higher than 420 mm irrigation did not significantly contribute to an increase in seed cotton yield and resulted in a decline in IWUE. The results from this study are useful for the SHP producers to make appropriate crop-growth-stage-based deficit irrigation management decisions for achieving higher seed cotton yield while conserving precious irrigation water resources from the Ogallala Aquifer.
Short Term Effects of Hurricane Irma and Cyanobacterial Blooms On Ammonium Cycling Along a Freshwater-Estuarine Continuum In South Florida

Lacustrine and coastal systems are vulnerable to the increasing number and intensity of tropical storms driven by climate change. Strong winds associated with tropical storms can mobilize nutrients in sediments and alter nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, leading to amplification of preexisting conditions, such as eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms (cyanoHABs). In 2016, Florida declared a State of Emergency within and downstream of Lake Okeechobee (LO) due to toxic cyanobacterial blooms (primarily Microcystis). The blooms originated in LO, but flood control measures released water from LO to the brackish St. Lucie Estuary (SLE). In September 2017, Hurricane Irma traversed the Florida peninsula with sustained winds exceeding 160 km h-1, generating torrential rains over the watershed. We quantified ammonium (NH4+) regeneration and potential uptake rates, and Microcystis toxin gene (mcyD) abundance in LO and SLE during the massive bloom in July 2016, the bloom in August 2017 (two weeks before Irma), and 10 days after Hurricane Irma landfall. In 2016, cyanoHABs were present in both LO and SLE, and potential NH4+ uptake rates were high in both systems. In 2017, the bloom was constrained to LO, and potential NH4+ uptake rates in LO exceeded those in SLE, and mcyD gene abundance was greater in LO than SLE. Post Hurricane Irma, potential NH4+ uptake rates decreased significantly in LO and SLE, while mcyD gene abundance decreased in LO and increased slightly in SLE. Average NH4+ regeneration rates could support 25–40% of water column potential NH4+ demand in the lake and, when extrapolated to the entire LO water column, exceeded external nitrogen loading. These results emphasize the importance of internal NH4+ recycling for bloom expansion and toxicity in the lake and downstream estuaries. In 2018, the cyanobacterial bloom in the Okeechobee region was one of the largest recorded and is presumed to be driven by the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Large-scale blooms have also been observed in SLE, likely due to LO flushing and decreased salinity post hurricane. Thus, results from this study support predictions that increased frequency and strength of tropical storms will lead to more intense blooms in aquatic systems.
Digital Revolution and the Empowerment of Women in the African Movie Industry: Vistas from Nollywood and Riverwood

The digital revolution has been credited for leveling the playing field for different sectors of society by providing access to information and communication in ways, hitherto, unknown. This study provides a historical-critical-cultural analysis of the expanding role and influence of women in Africa’s film industry, with specific examples from Nigeria’s Nollywood and Kenya’s Riverwood. The chapter looks at the global and local trends shaping gender dynamics in Nollywood and Riverwood. It highlights how changes in technology, culture, and business systems (dis)empower women professionals and practitioners in Africa’s entertainment industry. It underscores success stories while identifying the enduring challenges. Using cultural and critical-feminist perspective, the study illuminates the development potentials that would accrue to all of society from mobilizing and deploying the intellectual and creative powers of both males and females in national and international development.
On Designing Efficient and Reliable Nonvolatile Memory-Based Computing-In-Memory Accelerators

Nonvolatile memory (NVM)-based computing-in-memory (CIM) features nonvolatile storage, in-place computing and reduction in data traffic. However, the development of NVM-based CIM is hampered by immature fabrication processes and inevitable operational faults, making cross-layer optimization extremely important. This work focuses on spiking NVM-based CIM that offers both the superior performance of artificial neural networks and the astonishing power efficiency of spiking neural networks. We introduce techniques to enhance inferencing accuracy by increasing programming accuracy, improve area efficiency by minimizing on-chip buffers, boost power efficiency by lowering peak column sensing currents, and bolster system-level reliability by prediction-based error detection and recovery schemes.
Carotid endarterectomy remains safe in high-risk patients.

Abstract Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a proven intervention for stroke risk reduction in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. High-risk patients are often offered carotid stenting to minimize the risk and optimize the outcomes. As a referral center for high-risk patients, we evaluated and analyzed our experience with high-risk CEA patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who had undergone CEA at a tertiary referral center. The demographics, indications for surgery, physiologic and anatomic risk factors, intraoperative surgical management, perioperative complications, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. The high-risk physiologic factors identified included an ejection fraction Results During a 10-year period, 1347 patients had undergone CEA at the Cleveland Clinic main campus. Of the 1347 patients, 1152 met the criteria for analysis. Propensity score matching found adequate matches for 424 high-risk patients, with 173 patients having at least one physiologic high-risk factor and 293 at least one anatomic high-risk factor. No significant differences were found in the primary composite outcome or any of its components. Overall, the stroke rate for the standard-risk and high-risk patients was 1.9% and 1.4%, respectively. The high-risk patients were significantly more likely to have experienced a cranial nerve injury, although most were temporary. When patients with one or multiple risk factors were analyzed, no significant difference was found in the primary composite outcome or any of its components. Patients with two or more risk factors were significantly more likely to have experienced a cranial nerve injury, with most being temporary. Conclusions In our large series, CEA remained a viable and safe surgical solution for patients with high-risk anatomic and physiologic risk factors, with acceptable stroke, myocardial infarction, and 30-day mortality rates.
Cooperative Learning techniques to bridge gaps in academia and corporate

Abstract One of the major gaps and concerns from the corporates and the engineering academia when it comes to hiring the fresh engineering graduates is the entire aspect of lack of adequate Social Skills. While the engineering academia focuses a lot more on developing the technical skills of their engineering students, and focusing on several pragmatic approaches in adopting learning technologies through labs and simulations, the gap w.r.t. the social and behavioural skills is steadily widening. Being in the corporate world and having dealt with the engineering freshers from colleges, we see there is very little emphasis colleges are giving on developing the social skills of their students and embedding that into their teaching pedagogy. This needs to be addressed immediately since it takes longer duration to prepare these engineering freshers for the real world where they would need to face the real customers from day 1 of their project work. Unless the freshers are ready with the right skills, even the businesses are not willing to put them on real billable projects with the fear that the customer may reject them or they might be risking their projects by not having the right resources on the project.We have seen some colleges giving special trainings to their students right from the 1st and 2nd year of engineering, but as we know, formal trainings are only useful to some extent and are short lived unless this knowledge is put into practice. What is needed is more comprehensive methodology which is embedded into the overall pedagogy of the engineering educators. Cooperative Learning (CL) theory and its associated techniques can help bridge this gap. In this paper, we describe the major factors that influence CL and proposed set of sub-factors, which we believe to address this shortcoming of lack of adequate social skills amongst the engineering students and making them more employable.
RAP, a specialized chaperone, prevents ligand-induced ER retention and degradation of LDL receptor-related endocytic receptors.

Abstract The multifunctional low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) forms a complex with a receptor-associated protein (RAP) within the secretory pathway. RAP inhibits ligand binding to LRP and is required for normal functional expression of LRP in vivo, suggesting a physiological function as a specialized chaperone. We have used RAP-deficient mice, generated by gene targeting, to investigate the role of RAP in the biosynthesis and biological activity of LRP and other members of the LDL receptor gene family in various organs and in embryonic fibroblasts. Our results demonstrate that RAP is required for the proper folding and export of the receptors from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by preventing the premature binding of co-expressed ligands. Overexpression of apolipoprotein E (apoE), a high affinity ligand for LRP, results in dramatically reduced cellular LRP expression, an effect that is prevented by co-expression of RAP. RAP thus defines a novel class of molecular chaperones that selectively protect endocytic receptors by binding to newly synthesized receptor polypeptides, thereby preventing ligand-induced aggregation and subsequent degradation in the ER.
Compressive Recovery Defense: Defending Neural Networks Against ℓ 2 , ℓ ∞ , and ℓ 0 Norm Attacks

We consider the problem of defending neural networks against adversarial inputs. In particular, we extend the framework introduced in [1] to defend neural networks against l 2 , l ∞ , and l 0 norm attacks. We call this defense framework Compressive Recovery Defense (CRD) as it utilizes recovery algorithms from the theory of compressive sensing. For defending against l 2 -norm and l 0 -norm attacks, we use Basis Pursuit (BP) as the recovery algorithm and for the case of l ∞ -norm attacks, we utilize the Dantzig Selector (DS) with a novel constraint. For each recovery algorithm used, we provide rigorous recovery guarantees that do not depend on the noise generating mechanism and can therefore be utilized by CRD against any l 2 , l ∞ , or l 0 norm attacks. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate that CRD is effective in defending neural networks against state of the art l 2 , l ∞ and l 0 -norm attacks.
Racial Differences in a Detroit, MI, ICU Population of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential influence of racial differences in outcomes of patients infected by coronavirus disease 2019-positive patients who require intensive care in an urban hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Henry Ford Health System Multidisciplinary ICU, a total of 156 beds spread throughout the hospital in Detroit, MI. PATIENTS: We obtained data from the electronic medical record of all adult severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-positive patients managed in the ICU of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, between March 13, 2020, and July 31, 2020. Included patients were divided into two groups: people of color (including Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Arab) and White. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 365 patients were evaluated: 219 were Black (60.0%), 129 were White (35.3%), two were Asian (0.6%), eight were Hispanic/Latino (2.2%), and seven were Arab (1.9%). People of color were younger (62.8 vs 67.1; p = 0.007), with equal distribution of sex. People of color had less coronary artery disease (34 [14.4%] vs 35 [27.1%]; p =0.003) and less self-reported use of regular alcohol consumption (50 [21.2%] vs 12 [9.3%]; p = 0.004) than Whites, with no differences in diabetes (125 [53.0%] vs 66 [51.2%]; p = 0.742), hypertension (188 [79.7%] vs 99 [76.8%]; p = 0.516), congestive heart failure (41 [17.4%] vs 32 [24.8%]; p = 0.090), or chronic kidney disease (123 [54.1%] vs 55 [42.6%]; p = 0.083).There was no difference in ICU length of stay between people of color (18 d [CI, 7-47 d]) and Whites (18 d [CI, 6-48 d]; p = 0. 0.979). Neither frequency (72.5% vs 71.3%; p = ns) nor median time to mechanical ventilation between people of color (9 d [CI, 6-15 d]) and Whites (10 d [CI, 5-16 d]; p = 0.733) was different. Overall, 188 patients (51.5 %) died in the hospital. The 28-day mortality was lower in people of color (107/236; 45.3%) versus Whites (73/129; 56.6%) (adjusted odds ratio 0.60; p = 0.034), and there was an increased median survival time in people of color (20 d) versus Whites (13.5 d; hazard ratio 0.62; p = 0.002). The inhospital mortality was lower in people of color versus White, but the difference was not statistically significant (113 [47.9%] vs 75 [58.1%], respectively; p = 0.061). Finally, there was no significant difference in days of symptoms prior to admission, frequency of presenting symptoms, or frequency or severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019, people of color had a lower 28-day mortality than Whites with no difference in hospital mortality, ICU length of stay, or rates of intubation. These findings are contrary to previously held beliefs surrounding the pandemic.
Stochastic-Galerkin Finite-Difference Time-Domain for Waves in Random Layered Media

The authors introduce a Stochastic Finite-Difference Time Domain solver formulation based on Stochastic Galerkin Method. The solver can calculate the statistics of the wave in time domain, including mean, standard deviation at each time step. The method uses a single simulation of an expanded system, without the need for repeated simulations like Monte Carlo analysis. We demonstrate the method is accurate for computing random total waves in layered media with Gaussian random permittivity and conductivity. We also demonstrate the method for simulating materials with Bernoulli distributed random profiles, which is used to model material that may or may not exist. Results accuracy and computation time compare favorably to Monte Carlo simulations.
Is the Relationship Between Religiosity and Filial Elder-Care Norms Declining? A Comparison Between Two Middle-Aged Generations.

We investigated whether religiosity among middle-aged adults in the Baby Boom generation and Generation-X was associated with filial elder-care norms. The sample consisted of 720 Baby Boom and 520 ...
Readmission following urgent transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus urgent balloon aortic valvuloplasty in patients with decompensated heart failure or cardiogenic shock

Background Urgent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a feasible option for aortic stenosis (AS) patients with decompensated heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock (CS) as compared to the more traditional urgent balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Objectives We conducted a retrospective analysis to compare risk and cause of readmission in these two high-risk groups. Methods Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) 2011-2014 was retrospectively analyzed to identify patients with AS having either urgent TAVI or urgent BAV using appropriate ICD-9 codes. Propensity scores were used to match patients with urgent TAVI as compared to patients with urgent BAV. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata 15.1 software. Results We identified a weighted sample of 6,670 patients with urgent BAV and 6,964 patients with urgent TAVI. The all-cause 30- and 90-day readmission was lower in the urgent TAVI group compared to urgent BAV (15.4 vs. 22.5%, (aHR): 0.92 [0.90-0.95] p Conclusion Urgent TAVI appears beneficial in patients with AS and decompensated HF or CS driven by roughly 10 and 25% reductions in overall readmissions at 30 and 90 days, and marked reductions in reintervention, although offset partially by higher risk of readmission due to GI bleeding at 30 days.
New technologies for new astronomy

We’ve come a long way since 1609, from spectacle lenses to mirrors in space, from twitching frog legs to the Event Horizon Telescope observing a black hole. But far more is possible. On the ground, a new generation of optical telescopes is under construction, up to 39 m in diameter. Adaptive optics compensates for the turbulent atmosphere, but could work far better with an orbiting reference beacon in space. Bright chemiluminescent emission lines in the upper atmosphere interfere with observations, but could be blocked by fiber optic filters. Energy-resolving photon counting detectors promise far greater sensitivity. New ways of making mirrors offer far better resolution for space X-ray telescopes. Coronagraphs can suppress starlight enough to reveal exoplanets in direct imaging, or starshades can cast star shadows on telescopes to do the same thing. New generations of far IR detectors with large cryogenic telescopes in space can reveal the cool and cold universe. Radio telescopes on the quiet far side of the Moon can overcome the limits of the ionosphere and intense local interference to see events in the early universe as it heated up again after the Big Bang expansion cooled everything. Neutrino telescopes can see stars being shredded by black holes, and gravitational wave detectors see merging neutron stars and black holes. Atom wave gravimeters can measure the internal structure of planets and asteroids, and sample return missions are already bring back distant bits of the solar system. What will happen next? I don’t know but it will be glorious.
Elucidating the Links Between Mother and Father Alcohol Use Disorder and Adolescent Externalizing Psychopathology: A Test of Transmission Specificity Within Competing Factor Structures and Genetic and Environmental Liabilities.

Parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantiated risk factor for adolescent externalizing psychopathology; however, the level of specificity at which risk from parental AUD is transmitted to adolescent offspring should be interrogated further. The current study modeled competing factor structures of psychopathology in a sample of 502 adolescent twin pairs (Mage = 13.24 years) and tested associations with mother and father AUD. The bifactor model exhibited the best fit to the data when contrasted with correlated factors and general factor models. Paternal AUD predicted the externalizing and internalizing correlated factors, the adolescent P-factor but not the residual externalizing and internalizing factors, and the general factor. No significant associations with maternal AUD were noted. Lastly, the latent factors of adolescent psychopathology were all moderately heritable (h2 = 0.44–0.59) and influenced by the nonshared environment. Shared genetic factors primarily explained externalizing and internalizing covariance. Findings suggest that efforts to mitigate risk in offspring of fathers exhibiting AUD require broader approaches that address the full range of adolescent symptomology.
Enhancing the Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Signaling and Arginine Deprivation in Melanoma

Melanoma as a very aggressive type of cancer is still in urgent need of improved treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) are two of many suggested drugs for treating melanoma. Both have shown anti-tumor activities without harming normal cells. However, resistance to both drugs has also been noted. Studies on the mechanism of action of and resistance to these drugs provide multiple targets that can be utilized to increase the efficacy and overcome the resistance. As a result, combination strategies have been proposed for these drug candidates with various other agents, and achieved enhanced or synergistic anti-tumor effect. The combination of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20 as one example can greatly enhance the cytotoxicity to melanoma cells including those resistant to the single component of this combination. It is found that combination treatment generally can alter the expression of the components of cell signaling in melanoma cells to favor cell death. In this paper, the signaling of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20-induced arginine deprivation including the main mechanism of resistance to these drugs and exemplary combination strategies is discussed. Finally, factors hampering the clinical application of both drugs, current and future development to overcome these hurdles are briefly discussed.
Erosive vulvovaginitis

The presence of erosive changes in the vulva, vagina, or both areas constitutes a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Often, biopsy is required to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Despite the wide differential diagnosis, therapeutic options often are limited, although new treatment modalities have been recently introduced.
Chapter 24 Communication, correlated equilibria and incentive compatibility

Publisher Summary In principle, anything that a player can do to communicate and coordinate with other players could be described by moves in an extensive-form game, so that planning these communication moves would become part of the player's strategy choice itself. Adding a communication system does not eliminate any of the equilibria of the original game because there are always equilibria of the communication game in which reports and messages are treated as having no meaning and hence are ignored by all players. Such equilibria of the communication game are called “babbling equilibria.” The set of correlated equilibria of a strategic-form game Г has a simple and tractable mathematical structure because it is closed by convex and is characterized by a finite system of linear inequalities. The revelation principle for strategic-form games asserted that any equilibrium of any communication system can be simulated by a communication system in which the only communication is from a central mediator to the players, without any communication from the players to the mediator. The one-way nature of this communication is not surprising, because the players have no private information to tell the mediator about, within the structure of the strategic-form game. However, players in a Bayesian game may have private information about their types, and two-way communication would then allow the players' actions to depend on each other's types as well as on extraneous random variables, such as coin tosses. Thus, in Bayesian games with communication, there may be a need for players to talk as well as to listen in mediated communication systems.
Community Narratives: Tales of Terror and Joy

Inspired by a literary-feminist reading of biblical texts, it is suggested that the mission of community psychology/social science can be understood as a calling to use our tools (research methods, critical analysis and observation, scholarship, social influence) to assist others in the job of turning tales of terror into tales of joy. Such work is the essence of personal and social change. These are not things we can do alone; they require collaboration between us and the people of concern. Applying concepts from narrative theory, including description and critical analysis of community and setting narratives, dominant cultural narratives, and personal stories, we can learn from our own communities and we can use our resources to help make known (perhaps even help to imagine new) tales of joy. Some of these themes are illustrated in three very different contexts: a religious community that has made itself inclusive of gay and lesbian people, a mutual help organization that offers a sense of community and hope for the future to people with a history of serious mental illness, and a public elementary school.
Epidemiology of American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease)

Abstract Trypanosoma cruzi , the cause of American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is a protozoan parasite that is enzootic and endemic in much of the Americas, where it infects a wide variety of wild and domestic mammals as well as many species of triatomine vectors, in addition to humans. Historically, vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi has been the most important mechanism through which humans have become infected with the parasite, but transmission by blood transfusion and congenital transmission also have been important. In many of the endemic countries transmission of T. cruzi has improved markedly in recent years as vector control and donor screening programs have been implemented on a widespread basis. In the United States autochthonous transmission of T. cruzi appears to be extremely rare. Five persons are known to have become infected with T. cruzi through organ transplants here, and prior to the implementation of blood donor screening in 2007 five instances of transmission by transfusion had been reported. Current estimates put the total number of T. cruzi -infected persons living in the United States at 300,000, essentially all of whom are immigrants from the endemic countries. The obstacles that stand in the way of the total elimination of T. cruzi transmission throughout the endemic range are economic and political, and no major technological advances are needed to accomplish this goal.
Abstract W P200: Wake-up Stroke Is Associated With Greater Diastolic Blood Pressure Variability

Background: Wake-up strokes (WUS) account for approximately 20-30% of strokes. Prior studies have failed to consistently identify specific factors associated with WUS. Some authors have suggested a link to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) though the pathophysiology of this association remains unknown. We hypothesized that blood pressure variability (BPV), a common finding in OSA, is greater in WUS versus non-WUS patients. Methods: From a single-center prospective cohort study of ischemic stroke patients admitted between August 2012 and July 2013, we identified WUS vs. non-WUS patients. WUS was defined as stroke symptoms noted first on awakening compared to those that occurred at any other time. BPV was calculated as standard deviation of the mean during the first 24 hours after hospital arrival. We assessed 24-hour BPV, as a continuous measure and in quartiles, in WUS vs. non-WUS patients using univariable and multivariable statistics. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 344 patients (...
Work in progress - development of a multi-disciplinary core engineering experience for first-year students

The School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has initiated a revitalization of its first-year curriculum for all students. The principle vehicle is a multidisciplinary course entitled "Engineering Discovery," which was offered on a pilot basis during the 04-05 AY. The principal goal is to establish at an early point in a student's education the link between math and science from the high school years and the ways that engineers think in their approach to problem solving and design. A brief description of the 04-05 pilot and modifications to be implemented in pilot for the 05-06 AY are presented. Assessment activities will be discussed during the presentation
Cardiac Catheterization in the Dialysis Population in 2012: We Know More, but Much Remains Unknown

Chronic kidney disease is now widely accepted as an independent risk factor for coronary disease and the dialysis population may represent the highest risk subgroup. Among all dialysis patients, a cardiac cause of mortality has been estimated at 40%. In addition, prior studies have demonstrated that when cardiac catheterization is obtained in a consecutive series of asymptomatic diabetic patients on dialysis the rates of coronary disease can approach 50%. However, the ability to define the problem continues to be greater than the ability to treat or prevent it. Coronary revascularization strategies have limitations in the general population which are amplified in the dialysis population. The ability to accurately diagnose an acute coronary syndrome is more difficult, clinical outcomes have a smaller margin of benefit, and technical challenges result in higher complication rates. Recent data demonstrate an inverse relationship between glomerular filtration rate and the risk of presenting with an acute myocardial infarction rather than unstable angina suggesting that patients with CKD may have a unique pathophysiologic profile that is more prone to plaque rupture. However, these "vulnerable" plaques typically are associated with stenoses <50% prior to rupture and are thus poor targets for revascularization and perhaps best treated with medical therapy. Although the benefits of revascularization may continue to outweigh the risks in the context of acute coronary syndromes, preventive strategies would have to overcome the lower margin of benefit and higher complication rates.
Ribosomal protein genes are overexpressed in colorectal cancer : isolation of a cDNA clone encoding the human S3 ribosomal protein

Abstract We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding the human S3 ribosomal protein from a normal human colon cDNA library. The clone was identified as one of many that detected genes whose level of expression was increased in adenocarcinoma of the colon relative to normal colonic mucosa. Increased levels of the S3 transcript were present in the tumors of all eight patients examined. Moreover, the S3 mRNA was also more abundant in 7 of 10 adenomatous polyps, the presumed precursor of carcinoma. Additional studies demonstrated that increased levels of mRNAs encoding several other ribosomal proteins, including S6, S8, S12, L5, and P0, were present in colorectal tumors and polyps. These results suggest that there is increased synthesis of ribosomes in colorectal tumors and that this increase is an early event in colon neoplasia.
Cloning, sequence, and photoregulation of al-1, a carotenoid biosynthetic gene of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Carotenoid biosynthesis is regulated by blue light during growth of Neurospora crassa mycelia. We have cloned the al-1 gene of N. crassa encoding the carotenoid-biosynthetic enzyme phytoene dehydrogenase and present an analysis of its structure and regulation. The gene encodes a 595-residue polypeptide that shows homology to two procaryotic carotenoid dehydrogenases. RNA measurements showed that the level of al-1 mRNA increased over 70-fold in photoinduced mycelia. Transcription run-on studies indicated that the al-1 gene was regulated at the level of initiation of transcription in response to photoinduction. The photoinduced increase of al-1 mRNA levels was not observed in two Neurospora mutants defective in all physiological photoresponses. Analysis of cosmid containing al-1 and of a translocation strain with a breakpoint within al-1 indicated that al-1 transcription proceeds towards the centromere of linkage group I of N. crassa.
Neural systems mediating processing of sound units of language distinguish recovery versus persistence in stuttering

Background Developmental stuttering is a multi-factorial disorder. Measures of neural activity while children processed the phonological (language sound unit) properties of words have revealed neurodevelopmental differences between fluent children and those who stutter. However, there is limited evidence to show whether the neural bases of phonological processing can be used to identify stuttering recovery status. As an initial step, we aimed to determine if differences in neural activity during phonological processing could aid in distinguishing children who had recovered from stuttering and those whose stuttering persisted.
Both Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Mechanisms Regulate Human Telomerase Template RNA Levels

The human telomerase RNA component (hTR) is present in normal somatic cells at lower levels than in cancer-derived cell lines. To understand the mechanisms regulating hTR levels in different cell types, we have compared the steady-state hTR levels in three groups of cells: (i) normal telomerase-negative human diploid cells; (ii) normal cells transfected with the human telomerase catalytic subunit, hTERT; and (iii) cells immortalized in vitro and cancer cells expressing their own endogenous hTERT. To account for the differences in steady-state hTR levels observed in these cell types, we compared the transcription rate and half-life of hTR in a subset of these cells. The half-life of hTR in telomerase-negative cells is about 5 days and is increased 1.6-fold in the presence of hTERT. The transcription rate of hTR is essentially unchanged in cells expressing exogenous hTERT, and the increased steady-state hTR level appears to be due to the increased half-life. However, the transcription rate of hTR is greatly increased in cells expressing endogenous hTERT, suggesting some overlap in transcriptional regulatory control. We conclude that the higher hTR level in cells expressing an endogenous telomerase can be a result of both increased transcription and a longer half-life and that the longer half-life might be partially a result of protection or stabilization by the telomerase catalytic subunit. The 4-week half-life of hTR in H1299 tumor cells is the longest half-life yet reported for any RNA.
Carrier Transport and Recombination In A-SI:H P-I-N Solar Cells in Dark and Under Illumination

A study has been carried out on the forward bias dark current and the short circuit current -open circuit voltage characteristics of a-Si:H p-i-n solar cells over wide range of illumination intensities. Results are presented with superposition of these characteristics over extended current voltage regimes. This and the observed separation between these characteristics are consistent with the arguments presented based on first principle arguments. The conclusions drawn about the role of photo-generated carrier lifetimes, the densities of defects and the potential barriers in the i-layers adjacent to the n and p contacts are confirmed by numerical simulations. The key role of these potential barriers to the split in the characteristics offer new insight into both why the lack of superposition has been observed and the erroneous conclusions drawn about carrier transport for a-Si:H solar cells in the dark and under illumination.
Determination of the Optimal Location of Ripcord Handles in Parachutes

The purpose of this research was to determine a location for the ripcord handle in parachutes, most compatible with human capabilities. Seven different locations were tested for the ripcord handle. Maximum voluntary forces were measured with the subjects pulling the ripcord handle using their right, left, and both hands at all seven locations. A comparison of single-handed versus both-handed pulls was made. Results indicated that with the handle located at the left or right thigh the subjects were able to exert more force than any other locations. Also the use of two hands yielded the largest force.
The simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor

Abstract The simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor (SCMCR) is a device for carrying out chemical reaction and separation simultaneously in a fixed bed. It mimics the behavior of a countercurrent moving bed, in which a stream of solids flows countercurrent to an inert fluid and past a stationary reactant inlet, by periodically changing feed locations sequentially along a fixed bed. True countercurrent motion is thus replaced by a periodic motion, while overcoming the problems of solids handling and attrition inherent in moving bed operations, as well as avoiding the flow channeling that would be attendant with scaleup to large column diameters. The present investigations seek to determine to what extent the moving bed reactor advantages of high product purity and favorable equilibrium shifts are retained in SCMCR operations. Two configurations of the SCMCR, a single fixed bed having a series of inlets and outlets along its length, and a series of columns with an inlet or outlet between each, are considered. Model calculations predict that both configurations give high purity product streams and nearly unit conversions of the equilibrium limited reaction.
Proton fluxes along low-acceleration trajectories through the van allen belt

Proton fluxes along low acceleration trajectories through van allen belt - radiation hazard for manned interplanetary space flights
The ‘lost year’ of the sea turtle

The extent to which the vagaries of the history of biology have influenced subsequent developments is often surprising. In particular, the early dichotomies between individual fields of enquiry have sometimes led to the disregard of important biological phenomena. The development of biological oceanography over the last 100 years provides an interesting example.
Digest: Communities for a Better Environment v. South Coast Air Quality Management District

Issues 1. Whether a governmental agency may use the maximum emissions allowed under a pre-existing government issued permit as the baseline in determining if an Environmental Impact Report is required to be produced. 2. Whether the use of the actual environmental conditions as a baseline during the examination of a proposed project’s environmental impact will deprive the permit holder of his or her vested rights. 3. Whether subsequent review of the approved proposed project will violate the permit’s statute of limitations. 4. Whether an exception should be made for a company’s proposed project if that proposed project consists of using equipment already installed and subject to government permits. 5. Whether a government agency must use a specific formula in its calculation of the baseline.
Universal Systolic Architecture For Morphological And Convolutional Image Filters

Systolic arrays are employed in a number of computational settings where a simple computation is repeated a large number of times and where the algorithm exhibits a high degree of concurrency. The present paper demonstrates the relationship between a universal algebraic paradigm appearing in image algebra and a corresponding universal systolic scheme that can be employed upon algorithms that fit the paradigm.
Pososhkov’s narrow path

The paper presents Ivan Pososhkov (1652–1726). He was a Russian merchant, an entrepreneur, and a landowner. His major work was titled The Book on Poverty and Wealth (1724, published in 1842). The author’s aim is to show Pososhkov’s thought about the schismatics, Protestants, particularly, the Lutherans, and the clergy. One of the parts is dedicated to Pososhkov’s vision of the place of piety in the personal life. All these parts show Pososhkov as a self-appointed teacher whose intention was the defense of traditional Orthodox faith of the official Orthodox Church.
Demonstration of the spreading factor in the cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract The demonstration of the spreading capacity or factor following the intradermal injection of macerated cercariae of S. mansoni in rabbits supports earlier evidence that hyaluronidase may be an important part of an enzyme-complex secreted by trematode cercariae.