cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological ascorbate enhances expression of dual oxidase which mediates sustained toxicity via alterations in cellular metabolism

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer related death in the United States that is in critical need of adjuvant therapies to enhance patient survival. One such adjuvant is pharmacological ascorbate treatment (P-AscH-, high-dose, intravenous vitamin C). P-AscH- treatment results in a short-term increased flux of H2O2 that is preferentially cytotoxic to cancer cells vs. normal cells. Treatment with P-AscH- results in sustained increases in oxygen consumption (25-30 attomoles cell-1 sec-1) and reactive oxygen species production (1.5 fold as DCFH-DA oxidation), with no change in glucose metabolism in tumor cells compared to non-tumorigenic pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. These results lead to the hypothesis that there is a sustained effect (> 24 h) of P-AscH- that contributes to cytotoxicity. Seahorse XF96 mito stress test (48 h) demonstrated that P-AscH- results in a significant and sustained increase in non-mitochondrial OCR (~15 attomoles cell-1 sec-1). A potential source of this sustained non-mitochondrial OCR is the NADPH oxidase family of enzymes Dual Oxidase 1 and 2 (DUOX) which are up-regulated after P-AscH-. P-AscH- treatment of PDAC cell lines resulted in a dose (1-10 mM; 4-6 fold) and duration (24-72 h; 5-20 fold) dependent increase in DUOX. Catalase pretreatment reverses the P-AscH--induced increases in DUOX, while DUOX inhibition partially rescues P-AscH- toxicity. Additionally, nutritional ascorbate (100 mm; Ascorbate-2-Phosphate) is unable to mediate an increase in DUOX expression. P-AscH- also induces DUOX protein expression in pancreatic tumor xenografts. These results suggest that P-AscH--induced toxicity may be enhanced by a sustained metabolic shift in tumor cells that is related to the H2O2 produced from P-AscH-. We suggest that P-AscH- results in a feed-forward mechanism of H2O2 generation and induction of metabolic stress via enhanced DUOX expression and OCR.
Clinical Use and Efficacy of Levetiracetam for Absence Epilepsies

Background:Levetiracetam is prescribed for a broad spectrum of seizure types but does not have a specific indication for absence epilepsy. We hypothesized that levetiracetam is commonly prescribed ...
Revisiting the Clinical Phenomenology of “Cerebellar Tremor”: Beyond the Intention Tremor

Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part. It is a central feature of a range of diseases resulting from pathological changes in the cerebellum. Interestingly, in modern times, the terms "cerebellar tremor" and "intention tremor" are often used synonymously and interchangeably. However, "cerebellar tremor" (i.e., tremors of cerebellar origin) do not always present exclusively as intention tremor. In this article, we comprehensively revisit the clinical phenomenology of tremors observed in various diseases that are based in the cerebellum. By this, we mean diseases for which the cerebellum and its various connections are often seen as playing a central and defining role. These include spinocerebellar ataxias, essential tremor, orthostatic tremor, dystonia, acute cerebellitis, cerebellar tumors, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, and cerebellar strokes. The theme of this article is to highlight, through published data available in the current literature, that the clinical phenomenology of tremor of cerebellar origin is heterogeneous, and it extends beyond that of intention tremor to include postural tremors, kinetic tremor, rest tremor, and orthostatic tremor. This heterogeneity is consistent with the seminal work of Gordon Holmes, in which he described a variety of tremors aside from intention tremor in the setting of cerebellar lesions. In the end, it would seem that the notion that intention tremor is the sole signature of cerebellar lesions is an over-simplification and is not correct. Future studies are warranted to identify and further characterize the heterogeneity of tremors arising from the various cerebellar etiologies.
Adoptive immunotherapy for EBV-associated malignancies.

The recognition of an increased risk of certain malignancies in immunocompromised individuals has led to a growing understanding of the role of the immune system in the surveillance for and prevention of neoplasms. This fact, combined with the limitations and toxicities associated with currently available cytotoxic agents, has provided the impetus to investigate alternative therapeutic approaches. Over the past decade there has been an increased interest in biologic approaches to augment the immune system in its antineoplastic efforts including the use of biologic agents (ie. interferons and interleukins), vaccines, and adoptive immunotherapy. This chapter will discuss aspects of the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immune response against EBV. The clinical role of adoptive immunotherapy in the treatment of EBV-induced malignancies will be presented, as well as the areas of current investigation.
Qualitative analysis of COACH: A community-based behavioral intervention to reduce obesity health disparities within a marginalized community.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of a behavioral intervention to prevent and treat childhood obesity in minority children. Using qualitative methods to augment understanding of intervention success may be one way to gain insight into the types of behavior change strategies that are most effective in childhood obesity interventions. Methods COACH was a randomized controlled trial of 117 Latino parent-child (ages 3–5) pairs in Nashville, TN that resulted in improved child BMI in intervention vs. control families at 1-year follow-up. All participant parents were invited to focus groups after the trial. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated into English. A hierarchical coding scheme was generated, and qualitative analysis done using an inductive/deductive approach. Both theme saturation and consensus between the coders were achieved. Responses were compared between intervention and control groups. Results We conducted seven focus groups with 43 participants. 4 themes emerged from the intervention group: 1) perceived barriers to health behavior change; 2) strategies learned to overcome perceived barriers; 3) behavioral changes made in response to the program; and 4) knowledge, skills, and agency for family health behaviors. 4 themes emerged from the control group: 1) a desire to engage in health behaviors without specific strategies; 2) common set of barriers to health behavior change; 3) engagement in literacy activities, including creative problem-solving strategies; and 4) changes made in response to study visits. Analysis of coded data showed the intervention increased healthy behaviors (e.g., fruit/vegetable consumption) despite barriers (e.g., time, cost, culture, family dynamics). Intervention participants described using specific behavior change strategies promoted by the intervention including: substituting ingredients in culturally-normative recipes; avoiding grocery shopping when hungry; and coping with inability to meet goals with acceptance and problem-solving. Control participants reported little success in achieving healthy changes for their family. Intervention participants described successful health behavior changes that were shared across generations and were maintained after the program. Intervention participants reported increased awareness of their own agency in promoting their health. Conclusions Qualitative evaluation of COACH provides a more detailed understanding of the intervention's quantitative effectiveness: child and adult health behaviors and personal agency were improved.
Coronary Artery Anomalous Origins in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Evaluating the course of coronary arteries in patients with congenital heart disease can have important implications for future surgical interventions. We review examples of patients with congenital heart disease with coronary anomalies that have clinically significant impact (Figs. 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6).
Revisiting a Nahḍa origin story: Majmaʿ al-Tahdhīb and the Protestant community in 1840s Beirut

This article is a comprehensive evaluation of the first learned society of the Nahḍa (Renaissance) in Beirut. I argue that Majmaʿ al-Tahdhīb (the Refinement Council, est. 1846) was not a learned society but an ad hoc seminary formed to train converts for itinerant preaching and to build camaraderie among the nascent Protestant confession. In order to unearth the mission of Majmaʿ al-Tahdhīb and amplify the voices of its members – twelve Syrians and two Americans – this essay reconstructs their biographies and the condition of the Protestant community until 1846. This case study explicates the personal and professional entanglements of these fourteen men in terms of social connections, educational opportunities, economic needs, and religious convictions. It contextualizes the early years of several prominent Nahḍa figures by highlighting the material and spiritual aspects of their lives in 1840s Beirut.
Most noninvasive prenatal screens failing due to inadequate fetal cell free DNA are negative for trisomy when repeated.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to test for an association between the amount of circulating fetal cell-free DNA and trisomy, and whether NIPS failure due to low fetal fraction indicates trisomy risk. METHOD Maternal BMI, maternal age, fetal sex, gestational age, fetal cfDNA fraction, and NIPS results was collected on 2374 pregnancies. Additional clinical information was available for 1180 research consented patients. We investigated associations between fetal fraction and available variables and determined the success rate of repeat NIPS testing. RESULTS Fetal trisomy was marginally associated with decreased fetal fraction (P = .067). However, the proportions of trisomy events were not significantly increased in women who had failed NIPS due to low fetal fraction (<4%) (OR = 1.37 [0.3-7.4]; P = .714). 66% of repeated NIPS after a second blood draw were successful. CONCLUSION Failure to meet the clinical cutoff of 4% fetal fraction established for NIPS accuracy did not suggest increased risk for trisomy in our cohort. Because repeat testing was successful in the majority of cases and most failures were explained by high BMI and low gestational age, a redraw may be an appropriate next step before invasive screening due to concerns for trisomic pregnancies.
Implementation of an Emergency Use Authorization Test During an Impending National Crisis.

The laboratory response to the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic may be termed heroic. From the identification of the novel coronavirus to implementation of routine laboratory testing around the world to the development of potential vaccines, laboratories have played a critical role in the efforts to curtail this pandemic. In this brief report, we review our own effort at a midsized, rural, academic medical center to implement a molecular test for the virus; and we share insights and lessons learned from that process, which might be helpful in similar situations in the future.
Scholarly Evaluation of Curricula and Educational Programs: Using a Systematic Approach to Produce Publishable Scholarship

The goal of designing innovative curricula and programs in medical education is to create interventions that will change the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors of learners in order to prepare them to contribute to the health of patients and communities they serve. Systematic evaluation allows curriculum/program developers to optimize their curriculum/program and ensure that the goals of the curriculum/program are met. While curriculum/program evaluation is distinct from educational research, when approached in a rigorous manner, curriculum/program evaluation can be published as educational scholarship. The goal of our paper is to equip readers with tools to apply a scholarly approach to curriculum/program evaluation to produce findings that will advance the field. We start by defining curricula, educational programs, learner assessment, and evaluation. We then briefly describe examples of best practice models for curriculum/program development that incorporate the critical step of planning for evaluation. Building on published work, we distinguish the use of best practice models and conceptual frameworks to inform curriculum/program development and evaluation. More specifically, we outline steps to plan an evaluation that demonstrates WHAT was effective, describes HOW the curriculum/program contributed to the outcomes achieved, and points to WHY the curriculum/program led to the outcomes observed. We conclude with key considerations for publishing findings of an evaluation, including what to include in each section of a manuscript.
Exceptional points in polaritonic cavities and subthreshold Fabry-Perot lasers

We show that concept of parity-time (PT) symmetry can be expanded to include mixed photon-exciton modes by demonstrating that eigenmodes of active (pumped) strongly coupled cavity polaritons with population inversion exhibit characteristics that are remarkably akin to those of coupled photonic structures with parity-time symmetry. The exceptional point occurs when the Rabi splitting of polariton branches inherent in passive polaritonic systems decreases with increase in pumping, leading to population inversion, and eventually two polaritonic modes merge into a single mode, thus manifesting the frequency pulling effect inherent to all lasers. But, remarkably, this exceptional point occurs below the lasing threshold. Furthermore, unlike most manifestations of PT symmetry in optics, which are observed in the interaction between two analogous photonic modes in waveguides or cavities, in this work the exceptional point is found in interaction between two very dissimilar modes—one photonic and one material excitation (exciton). Aside from fundamentally noteworthy expansion of the concept of PT symmetry to new systems, there is a prospect of using the exceptional point in polaritons for practical applications, such as sensing.
SAGA: Curricula Optimization

This paper presents two approaches using Simulated Annealing and a genetic algorithm to create optimal curricula. The method generates a customized course selection and schedule for individual students enrolled in a large online graduate program in computer science offered by a major public research institution in the United States.
White matter microstructure across brain-based biotypes for psychosis - findings from the bipolar-schizophrenia network for intermediate phenotypes.

Abstract The B-SNIP consortium identified three brain-based Biotypes across the psychosis spectrum, independent of clinical phenomenology. To externally validate the Biotype model, we used free-water fractional volume (FW) and free-water corrected fractional anisotropy (FAT) to compare white matter differences across Biotypes and clinical diagnoses. Diffusion tensor imaging data from 167 individuals were included: 41 healthy controls, 55 schizophrenia probands, 47 schizoaffective disorder probands, and 24 probands with psychotic bipolar disorder. Compared to healthy controls, FAt reductions were observed in the body of corpus callosum (BCC) for schizoaffective disorder (d = 0.91) and schizophrenia (d = 0.64). Grouping by Biotype, Biotype 1 showed FAt reductions in the CC and fornix, with largest effect in the BCC (d = 0.87). Biotype 2 showed significant FAt reductions in the BCC (d = 0.90). Schizoaffective disorder individuals had elevated FW in the CC, fornix and anterior corona radiata (ACR), with largest effect in the BCC (d = 0.79). Biotype 2 showed elevated FW in the CC, fornix and ACR, with largest effect in the BCC (d = 0.94). While significant diagnosis comparisons were observed, overall greater discrimination from healthy controls was observed for lower FAt in Biotype 1 and elevated FW in Biotype 2. However, between-group differences were modest, with one region (cerebral peduncle) showing a between-Biotype effect. No between-group effects were observed for diagnosis groupings.
Prematurity: A Prognostic Factor for Increased Severity of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Studies have suggested preterm birth, defined as gestational age (GA) <37 weeks, is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in later childhood. However, little is known about the characteristics, severity, and degree of intervention of childhood OSA in former preterm infants compared to term infants. This study compares polysomnographic characteristics and surgical interventions in former preterm and term infants presenting with sleep disordered breathing. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study from 2015 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center. METHODS Electronic Medical Records of pediatric patients ages 0 to 18 presenting with sleep disordered breathing were reviewed for gestational age, polysomnographic findings, clinical characteristics, and OSA surgical interventions. Association between gestational age, polysomnographic characteristics, and surgical interventions for OSA were reported. RESULTS A total of 615 patient records were analyzed. Adjusting for covariates, prematurity was associated with a 2.97× higher likelihood of development of severe OSA (aOR (95%CI): 2.97 (1.40-6.32)), increased apneic-hypoxic index (AHI) (mean (SD): 6.5 (9.8) vs. 4.6 (6.4), P < .05), increased end tidal CO2 (50.5 (5.11) vs. 48.5 (5.8), P < .05), decreased REM latency (116 (64.7) vs. 132.4 (69.9), P < .05), and increased number of surgeries for OSA (0.65 (.95) vs. 0.45 (0.69), P < .05) compared to children born at term. Children born with GA < 32 weeks presented at a significantly later age with sleep disordered breathing (7.04 (.80) vs. 5.1 (0.15), P < .05) than children born at term. CONCLUSIONS Prematurity was associated with increased likelihood of severe OSA, increased AHI, as well as increased number of surgical interventions for OSA compared to children born at term. These results suggest an association with preterm birth and increased severity of childhood OSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1909-1914, 2021.
Comparison of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max at Different Sampling Intervals in Collegiate Wrestlers

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the highest oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) achieved during a maximal effort graded exercise test (GXT) in 20 NCAA Division I male wrestlers using breath-by-breath (BbB) values to the maximal uptake averaged across different time- and breath-based oxygen consumption sampling intervals (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). Given the need for aerobic fitness and anaerobic power in wrestling, the accurate determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max is imperative if it is to be used to identify current aerobic fitness and consequently guide sport-specific training programs to address weaknesses in this area. Each subject completed a cycle ergometer GXT during which BbB data were collected via indirect calorimetry and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak determined as the highest value. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was considered as the average value of 3-s, 5-s, 10-s, 20-s, and 30-s sampling, and 3-b, 7-b, and 11-b sampling during the GXT. Results show that the BbB V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak was significantly higher than the 5-s, 10-s, 20-s, 30-s, and 11-b (p < 0.05). The 3-b V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was significantly higher than the 20-s and 30-s V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values (p < 0.05). The underestimation of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak for each time-based interval sampling approach compared with BbB V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak is consistent with previous research, but the comparison of BbB data to breath-based interval sampling has not been widely addressed in prior research. The use of a 7-b sampling interval for the determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max may be a promising approach to minimize the systematic errors associated with BbB or less frequent sampling intervals, but future research is needed to further support its application with elite athletic populations such as those in the current study.
Tarifas de agua potable y alcantarillado en mexico en 1990

Ante el reto que representa dotar de mas y mejores servicios de agua potable y alcantarillado a un mayor numero de mexicanos, y de recuperar los atrasos, es de vital importancia establecer una politica tarifaria que refleje la estructura marginal de costos y que propicie el ahorro del agua, que fije que pague mas quien utiliza mas y que permita captar mayor cantidad de recursos financieros para enfrentar los programas de ampliacion de coberturas y rehabilitar la infraestructura hidraulica existente. A fin de establecer con mayor conocimiento de causa las estrategias generales de la nueva politica tarifaria, en este estudio se analiza la informacion proveniente de los documentos oficiales que determinan las tarifas por los servicios de agua potable y alcantarillado para 1990 en 68 ciudades de las 31 entidades federativas y el Distrito Federal, y se contestan diversas preguntas basicas que permiten tener un panorama general. Se concluye que el nivel tarifario en Mexico, en promedio, es adecuado y que el problema radica en la ineficiencia global de los organismos operadores al cobrar unicamente el 51% del agua abastecida. Se finaliza enumerando algunas acciones concretas que deberan acompanar los incrementos tarifarios.
A solution of two-parameter asymptotic expansions for a two-dimensional unsteady boundary layer

A solution procedure based on two-parameter asymptotic expansions, in terms of a Blasius parameter and a dimensionless time, is presented for a two-dimensional, unsteady boundary layer over a flat surface. The Blasius parameter is used to scale the stretching of the boundary-layer length scale, and the dimensionless time represents the unsteadiness caused by the outer flow field. The matching conditions between the outer solutions and inner solutions are obtained according to the matching procedure from which the streamfunction, velocity and pressure are matched all at the same time. Closed-form solutions are obtained until the second-order expansions of the solution. Applications of the solution to example problems are given with comparisons to the results in the literature to show the validity and versatility of the current solution to accommodate a variety of outer flows. The solution is even valid for predicting the time and location when the flow separation first occurs in some applications.
Depressive symptom severity is associated with increased cortical thickness in older adults.

Objective Structural neuroimaging studies in older adults have consistently shown volume reductions in both major and subthreshold depression. Cortical thickness, another measure of brain structure, has not been well studied in this population. We examined cortical thickness in older adults across a range of depressive symptom (DS) severity. Methods Forty-three community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 68.80 ± 7.00 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Based on a priori hypotheses, we examined cortical thickness in regions of interest in the rostral anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal cortex, middle frontal gyrus, and isthmus cingulate using multiple linear regressions with depression questionnaire scores as the independent variable and age, sex, and mean hemispheric thickness as covariates. We also performed an exploratory vertex-wise analysis. Results After correction for multiple comparisons, we found an association between increased DSs and greater cortical thickness in the right isthmus cingulate (F(1, 38) = 8.09, false discovery rate corrected p = 0.028; R2 = 35.78) in the region of interest analysis and in the left precuneus (cluster size = 413, p = 0.00002) in the vertex-wise analysis. Conclusions Older adults with higher DSs also have greater cortical thickness in the isthmus cingulate and precuneus, areas important for emotion regulation and self-referential processing. Additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and potential clinical significance underlying this relationship. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DR-LINK: A System Update for TREC-2

The theoretical goal underlying the DR-LINK Text Retrieval System is to represent and match documents and queries atr the various linguistic levels at which human language conveys meaning. Accordingly, we have developed a modular system which processes and represent text, at the lexical, syntactic, semantic, and discourse levels of language. In concert, these levels of processing permit DR-LINK to achieve a level of intelligent retrieval beyond more traditional appraoches. In addition, the rich annotations to text produced by DR-LINK are replete with much of the semantics necessary for more precise information extraction tasks
Mixed-signal, 275 /spl deg/C instrumentation amplifier in bulk CMOS

A precision, mixed-signal amplifier uses correlated double sampling, a mixed-signal tracking loop, and constant-gm biasing, and provides both analog and digital outputs. Its integrated g m/C oscillator has a frequency stability of 8 ppm/degC from 25-200 degC. A fully differential opamp has a gain-bandwidth of ~30 MHz and open-loop gain that varies by just 1 dB from 25-200 degC. The overall instrumentation amplifier has selectable voltage gain up to 192 and stable performance to 275 degC
FEELING OUT OF PLACE: MEMORY AND PLACE‐MAKING IN JOSEF HASLINGER'S JÁCHYMOV

Josef Haslinger's Jachymov (2011) is many things at once: the tragic story of the famous Czech ice hockey goalkeeper Bohumil Modrý, unjustly sentenced to brutal manual labour in the uranium mines of the Czech city of Jachymov in 1950, and also an examination of place, a concept used here to engender discussions of memory and its attachment to lived space. Place is represented threefold in Haslinger's novel: by Jachymov and its changing identity over time; by the human body, an entity from which the self is estranged via illness; and by the dream world, an alternative space haunted by ghosts that urge the living to find resolution to their unresolved narratives. Haslinger's own family history on the Austrian-Czech border informs his analysis of place, and he uses the border region, along with familiar and popular Austrian attitudes toward Czech ‘neighbours’, to extend his critique of intentional Austrian ignorance and forgetting, examined at length in his 1987 collection Politik der Gefuhle. Josef Haslingers Jachymov (2011) ist ein facettenreiches Werk: Es beschreibt zum Einen die Tragodie des beruhmten tschechoslowakischen Eishockey-Torwarts Bohumil Modrý, der 1950 zu Unrecht zu harter Arbeit in den Uranbergwerken der tschechoslowakischen Stadt Jachymov verurteilt wurde. Zudem ist Jachymov auch Analyse des Ortes, ein Topos in Haslingers Roman, der Diskussionen zum Thema Erinnerung und deren Verbindung mit dem erlebten Ort hervorruft. Der Topos Ort wird in Jachymov dreifach reprasentiert: durch die Stadt Jachymov und ihre sich im Laufe der Zeit wandelnde Identitat; durch den menschlichen Korper, von dem das psychische Selbst durch Krankheit entfremdet wird; und durch die Welt der Traume, einen alternativen Ort, der von Gespenstern heimgesucht wird, die die Lebenden dazu drangen, Losungen fur ihre unvollendeten Geschichten zu finden. Haslingers eigene Familiengeschichte, die an der osterreichisch-tschechischen Grenze beheimatet ist, beeinflusst seine Analyse des Ortes. Er verwendet die Grenzregion und die Stereotypen bzw. typisch osterreichischen Vorurteile gegenuber den tschechoslowakischen ‘Nachbarn’, um Kritik an der Ignoranz und am absichtlichen osterreichischen Vergessen zu uben, das erstmals in seiner 1987 erschienenen Sammlung Politik der Gefuhle untersucht wurde.
Moral panic about sexual promiscuity: Heterogeneous scales in the identification of one middle-school Latina girl

Abstract Drawing on data from ten years of ethnographic research in a New Latino Diaspora town, this article analyzes how heterogeneous resources become relevant to the social identification of one Latina middle school girl as sexually promiscuous. We describe how the focal girl, her parents, teachers, family members, and peers mobilize resources from several different scales as they position her. Following Latour (2005) and drawing on linguistic anthropological accounts of heterogeneous resources across scales (Agha, 2007; Wortham, 2012), we describe the networks and trajectories across which one identity is produced.
Inter-American Legal Developments

The University of Miami has, from its very beginnings, endeavored to approach inter-American studies from a perspective of mutual learning and understanding. The president of the University, Dr. Henry King Stanford, has said that "the University of Miami since its founding has looked upon its location at the gateway of the Americas as thrusting upon it a special responsibility and a unique opportunity with regard to hemispheric affairs." But, geographical location is only one factor. The presence in the community of over 200,000 Spanish-speaking people has made Miami a truly inter-American city. To meet its unique responsibility, the University has developed a wide range of inter-American programs which have attracted students from every nation in the Western Hemisphere. Today the University of Miami is recognized as a leading institution in the field of hemispheric studies.
Microarray analysis of the effects of elevated cAMP in differentiating osteoblasts (1013.6)

McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is an acquired genetic disorder caused by a mutation in Gs alpha at Arg201 that inhibits GTP hydrolysis, constitutively activating the protein and resulting in elevat...
Spatio-temporal patterns of ptarmigan occupancy relative to shrub cover in the Arctic

Rock and willow ptarmigan are abundant herbivores that require shrub habitats in arctic and alpine areas. Shrub expansion is likely to increase winter habitat availability for ptarmigan, which in turn influence shrub architecture and growth through browsing. Despite their ecological role in the Arctic, the distribution and movement patterns of ptarmigan are not well known, particularly in northern Alaska where shrub expansion is occurring. We used multi-season occupancy models to test whether ptarmigan occupancy varied within and among years, and the degree to which colonization and extinction probabilities were related to shrub cover and latitude. Aerial surveys were conducted from March to May in 2011 and April to May 2012 in a 21,230 km2 area in northeastern Alaska. In areas with at least 30 % shrub cover, the probability of colonization by ptarmigan was >0.90, indicating that moderate to extensive patches of shrubs (typically associated with riparian areas) had a high probability of becoming occupied by ptarmigan. Occupancy increased throughout the spring in both years, providing evidence that ptarmigan migrated from southern wintering areas to breeding areas north of the Brooks Range. Occupancy was higher in the moderate snow year than the high snow year, and this was likely due to higher shrub cover in the moderate snow year. Ptarmigan distribution and migration in the Arctic are linked to expanding shrub communities on a wide geographic scale, and these relationships may be shaping ptarmigan population dynamics, as well as rates and patterns of shrub expansion.
Dual-probe lowloss material extraction technique

A dual-probe rectangular waveguide material-parameter extraction technique capable of accommodating lowloss samples is presented. The technique's ability to easily measure reflection and transmission (R/T) coefficients necessary for simultaneous extraction of permittivity and permeability over all frequencies is discussed. Love's equivalence principle is used to create a system of coupled magnetic field integral equations (MFIEs) for the theoretical R/T coefficients which are subsequently solved using the Method of Moments (MoM). The material parameters are extracted via least squares by minimizing the magnitude of the difference of the theoretical and measured R/T coefficients. It is shown how the signal processing concept of time-domain gating can be utilized to mitigate edge diffraction effects of the finite waveguide flange. Material parameter extraction results, based on a single waveguide mode expansion, for various lossy and lowloss materials are provided to verify the technique.
Malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma arising in an intramuscular lipoma.

Background. A malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH) developed within a peripheral intramuscular lipoma. It was seen as a painful calf mass. At the time of biopsy and enbloc resection, lung metastases were observed. Methods. Radiologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of the neoplasm are described, and the literature pertaining to EH is reviewed. Results. The features of this tumor permitted its classification as a malignant EH. Conclusions. This case illustrates the potential for aggressive behavior in an EH, often considered to be a low-grade malignant neoplasm. Because such tumors can metastasize, they should be removed with wide margins whenever possible. This malignant neoplasm was located within a benign intramuscular lipoma, demonstrating the diagnostic problem that may exist in such a complex lesion.
An event chaining relay ladder logic solver

Abstract Relay ladder logic (RLL) remains a dominant modeling language in programmable logic control (PLC) systems. RLL uses flow over a relay ladder structure as the control model state. Event chaining, a requirement for discrete systems, is applied to ladder solving. An event chaining relay ladder solver, the “Event Sweep”, is described in detail. The Event Sweep maintains a complete ladder flow state, and therefore supports on-line display of ladder logic. Scan times of existing ladder solving methods depend on the size of the ladder model. It is shown how RLL solving can be limited to flow calculation along “hot” flow paths, and to “eligible” networks in which contact switches can influence coil values. The Event Sweep algorithm limits solving to downstream changes in ladder flow caused by the opening and closing of contacts.
Soul as Subject in Aristotle's De Anima

In the largely historical and aporetic first book of the De Anima (DA), Aristotle makes what appear to be some rather disturbing remarks about the soul's status as a subject of mental states. Most notably, in a curious passage which has aroused the interest of commentators, he seems to suggest that there is something wrong with regarding the soul as a subject of mental states:Thus, saying that the soul is angry is the same as if one were to say that the soul builds houses and weaves: for it is perhaps better to say not that the soul pities or learns or thinks, but that the man does [these things] with his soul. (DA 408bll–15)
REV1 mediated mutagenesis in base excision repair deficient mouse fibroblast.

Abstract The DNA polymerase β (Pol β) null background renders mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells base excision repair deficient and hyper-mutagenic upon treatment with the monofunctional alkylating agent, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). This effect involves an increase in all types of base substitutions, with a modest predominance of G to A transitions. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the MMS-induced mutagenesis in the Pol β null MEF system is due to a lesion bypass mechanism. We studied the effect of RNAi mediated down-regulation of the lesion bypass factor REV1. The steady-state level of REV1 protein was reduced by more than 95% using stable expression of a siRNA construct in a Pol β null cell line. We found that REV1 expression is required for the MMS-induced mutagenesis phenotype of Pol β null MEF cells. In contrast, cell survival after MMS treatment is not reduced in the absence of REV1.
Accuracy of time-to-pregnancy data from men

Purpose Occupational studies of fertility often rely on male report of time-to-pregnancy (TTP). We investigated the accuracy of male report compared with TTP derived from detailed data collected from female partners. Methods In a study designed to measure effects of prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) on male reproduction, exposed and unexposed men from the Chicago DES cohort were interviewed by phone to assess fertility. The female partner of each male's most recent pregnancy was interviewed separately. The TTP derived from the female data was used as the gold standard. Kappa (κ) statistics were calculated to investigate male factors related to reporting accuracy. Results Of the 202 couples in which both partners reported a TTP, the male report was identical to the female-derived TTP in 36%, and in 75% it differed by no more than 2 months. Seventeen men had a high-school education or less, and their reporting was not as accurate (κ = 0.27) as that for those with higher education (κ = 0.48, 0.51, and 0.55, for some college, college, and > college, respectively). When the index pregnancy was the male's first, his report was very good (κ = 0.72). Income had little association with male reporting accuracy. Conclusion The overall accuracy of male reporting of TTP was reasonably good, and that for first pregnancies was very good.
Equibiaxial extension of a viscoelastic partially extending strand convection model with large relaxation time

A combined numerical and asymptotic study is presented for a viscoelastic fluid, which behaves as a thixotropic yield stress fluid in the limit of large relaxation time. Homogeneous biaxial extension under a prescribed stress is addressed. The constitutive model is a viscoelastic partially extending strand convection model for the microstructure embedded in a Newtonian solvent. There are two important parameters: the ratio of yield stress to stress modulus and the ratio of retardation to relaxation times. The transient change that takes place if a configuration is stressed biaxially is investigated. Distinct asymptotic regimes are identified and governed by fast and slow time scales. Steady flow curves may be monotone or non-monotone, depending on the ratio of yield stress to stress modulus. In either case, a slow evolution of the apparent viscosity is found upon cessation of the applied stress. A regime where steady solutions exhibit extensional thickening in uniaxial extension, but not in biaxial extension, is consistent with prior observations. The von Mises criterion, which relates yield stresses in extension and shear, is retrieved for the special case of immediate yielding at low strain.
Challenges in Transdisciplinary, Integrated Projects: Reflections on the Case of Faculty Members’ Failure to Collaborate

In this article we describe the challenges of transdisciplinary teamwork involving four faculty members from dissimilar epistemological traditions in the process of developing a manuscript on the lessons learned in our teaching collaboration. Our difficulty originated in implicit mental models and assumptions that caused incongruence between our intent to collaborate and the (habituated) relationship structure of the partnership. The dynamics are described through the lens of Tannenbaum and Schmidt’s leadership model and Aristotle’s causality. We suggest that successful collaboration necessitates careful attention to the process of establishing the collaboration, its structure, and the metacognitive capacities to see one’s own thinking, suspend one’s epistemic beliefs, and engage in productive dialogue around conflict.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases reliance on fats as a fuel source independently of diet: Evidence that diminished carbohydrate supply contributes to dioxin lethality

The environmental toxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) causes a wasting syndrome marked by hypophagia, loss of body fat, changes in intermediary metabolism and death. Use of conventional laboratory animals has not resolved whether or not TCDD affects intermediary metabolism independently of hypophagia. We used the chick embryo, which does not require an exogenous food supply for energy, to answer this question. Our results show that TCDD treatment increases dependence on fats as a fuel source independently of changes in food intake and therefore can affect intermediary metabolism independently of hypophagia. Results of experiments using aminocarnitine to inhibit fatty acid oxidation suggest that TCDD treatment impairs carbohydrate production rather than its utilization and that the former effect contributes to TCDD lethality.
Trace‐metal leaf‐pollutants suppress in vitro development of Gnomonia platani1

Trace metals associated with the surfaces of urban tree leaves were tested in vitro with Gnomonia platani. Certain cations, at concentrations approximating the higher levels found in nature, were capable of restricting vegetative growth, suppressing conidial production or reducing spore germination.
Measurement and modeling of dispersive pulse propagation in drawn wire waveguides

An analytical model of dispersive pulse propagation in semi-infinite cylinders due to transient axially symmetric end conditions has been experimentally investigated. Specifically, the dispersive propagation of the first axially symmetric longitudinal mode in thin wire waveguides, which have ends in butt contact with longitudinal piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers, is examined. The method allows for prediction of a propagated waveform given a measured source waveform, together with the material properties of the cylinder. Alternatively, the source waveform can be extracted from measurement of the propagated waveform. The material properties required for implementation of the pulse propagation model are determined using guided wave phase velocity measurements. Hard tempered aluminum 1100 and 304 stainless steel wires, with 127, 305, and 406 micron diam., were examined. In general, the drawn wires were found to behave as transversely isotropic media.
Computer simulation of complex, strongly coupled nanometer-scale systems: Breaking the billion atom barrier☆

The capabilities of polymer science and computational chemistry are reaching a point of convergence. New computer hardware and novel computational methods have created opportunities to investigate new polymeric materials, as well as to model and predict their properties. The recent arrival of massively parallel computers and new algorithms for sharing computational tasks among many processors now bring simulation sizes on the order of 109 atoms to within reasonable time limits and will allow for new studies in emerging fields such as molecular nanotechnology.
Electron-phonon coupling strength and implications for superconductivity in alkali-metal-doped fullerenes.

A comparison between the electron-phonon coupling strength in graphite intercalation compounds and alkali-metal-doped ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ is considered. It is shown that the curvature of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ leads to a slight reduction in the modulation of the single-site matrix element in comparison with the corresponding value in graphite. Nevertheless, the curvature of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ makes it possible for electrons to couple with the low-frequency radial modes. This coupling causes the value of the dimensionless electron-phonon coupling parameter, \ensuremath{\lambda}, to be reasonably large. The large value of \ensuremath{\lambda} together with a large value of the density of states at the Fermi level, in turn, readily yields a transition temperature of the order of 30 K for alkali-metal-doped ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ compounds.
Ralph Burhoe's Evolutionary Theory of Religion

Ralph Wendell Burhoe's legacy rests on a series of interrelated theories that deal with (1) the emergence of life within physical nature; (2) the symbiosis of genes and cultures in human evolution; (3) the central importance of the brain in this symbiosis; and (4) the function of religion within this evolutionary process to carry the traditions of trans-kin altruism that make human civilization possible. These theories give rise to a number of issues that are of current importance. Burhoe's stature is enhanced when one considers that these theories were first articulated by him in the 1970s, in reliance upon the work of J. Bronowski, Alfred E. Emerson, and Donald T. Campbell.
Political Correlates of Local News Media Use

Despite the crucial role that local news media play in studies of community and community integration, research on local media effects often is overshadowed by a concern with the effects of national media (Friedland & McLeod, 1999). This study examines the political correlates of attention to local news, focusing on evaluations of journalists and news media, political knowledge, and political participation. Analyses of survey data collected from a probability sample in Seattle, WA (N = 456) indicate nuanced relationships between attention to local news and evaluations of journalists and news media. Attention to news on television and in newspapers enhanced perceptions of knowledge, but it was only attention to newspaper local news that promoted political participation. Of particular note is the fact that both positive and negative evaluations led to participation, suggesting that unfavorable views of the press can invigorate democracy.
Practical utility of urinary assay in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: AlzheimAlert.

Urinary assay (Alzheimer’s disease reaction titer [ADRT]) adds significant information in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly for the nonspecialist. Clinical studies of ADRT in series of AD and non-AD patients have found sensitivity of 89–92.3%, specificity of 90–96.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.8–97.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 78.9–91.8%. The added information from the improvements of PPV and NPV are particularly helpful for the nonspecialist in the community. As a laboratory assay that requires a first-morning noncontaminated sample, ADRT is noninvasive, convenient and safe. ADRT is based on reagents derived from human AD brain cDNA. The pathophysiological roles of these genetic fragments and reagents are still under investigation. ADRT should have a positive impact on primary-care AD clinical practice.
Olfactory G proteins: Simple and complex signal transduction

In both vertebrates and invertebrates, olfactory perception is mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors. Recent work, in both mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans, sheds light on the role of specific G proteins in olfactory signal transduction, neuronal morphology and axon guidance.
Valuing fixed price supply contracts

Abstract This article considers the problem of valuing a supply contract that requires the manufacturer to deliver fixed quantities of a product according to a predetermined schedule at fixed prices. Given that the raw material costs fluctuate randomly, the producer has capacity constraints, production costs depend on production rates, and that switching production rates result in additional charges, the problem is to establish an optimal production and inventory policy such that the schedule is met, and the value of the contract to the firm is maximized.
Using mental rotation as a methodology to evaluate shape perception in computer graphics

Understanding the shape of 3D objects is particularly significant in scientific visualization and CAD/CAM applications, however objective measurements of how various rendering techniques affect object perception has not received enough attention. We propose a methodology which uses the Vandenberg and Kuse [1978] mental rotation paradigm as a mechanism for evaluating how well viewers are able to encode and match novel shapes presented in a computer graphics display. The established methodology and body of research on mental rotation provides a basis for its use to probe the influence of rendering on 3D shape perception. Our approach is complementary to techniques that evaluate perception of local shape properties and the adjustment of gauge figures to match local surface orientation [Koenderink et al. 1992]. We demonstrate the methodology with an experiment showing that at least in some circumstances, subjects are more accurate at shape perception with Blinn-style rendering than with Lambertian-style rendering.