cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic parameter estimation in data-rich environments for cell signalling dynamics

Motivation: Computational models of biological signalling networks, based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), have generated many insights into cellular dynamics, but the model-building process typically requires estimating rate parameters based on experimentally observed concentrations. New proteomic methods can measure concentrations for all molecular species in a pathway; this creates a new opportunity to decompose the optimization of rate parameters. Results: In contrast with conventional parameter estimation methods that minimize the disagreement between simulated and observed concentrations, the SPEDRE method fits spline curves through observed concentration points, estimates derivatives and then matches the derivatives to the production and consumption of each species. This reformulation of the problem permits an extreme decomposition of the high-dimensional optimization into a product of low-dimensional factors, each factor enforcing the equality of one ODE at one time slice. Coarsely discretized solutions to the factors can be computed systematically. Then the discrete solutions are combined using loopy belief propagation, and refined using local optimization. SPEDRE has unique asymptotic behaviour with runtime polynomial in the number of molecules and timepoints, but exponential in the degree of the biochemical network. SPEDRE performance is comparatively evaluated on a novel model of Akt activation dynamics including redox-mediated inactivation of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue). Availability and implementation: Web service, software and supplementary information are available at www.LtkLab.org/SPEDRE Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: LisaTK@nus.edu.sg
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by obstruction of pulmonary arterial vasculature by acute or recurrent thromboemboli with subsequent organization, leading to progressive pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Until relatively recently, CTEPH was a diagnosis made primarily at autopsy, but advances made in diagnostic modalities and surgical pulmonary endarterectomy techniques have made this disease treatable and even potentially curable. Although published guidelines are available, in the absence of randomized controlled trials regarding CTEPH there is a lack of standardization, and treatment options have to be individualized.
Characterization of the pilF-pilD pilus-assembly locus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Expression of Type IV pili by the bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae appears to be essential for colonization of the human host. Several N. gonorrhoeae gene products have been recently identified which bear homology to proteins involved in pilus assembly and protein export in other bacterial systems. We report here the isolation and characterization of transposon insertion mutants in N. gonorrhoeae whose phenotypes indicate that the N. gonorrhoeae pilF and pilD gene products are required for gonoccocal pilus biogenesis. Mutants lacking the pilD gene product, a pre-pilin peptidase, were unable to process the pre-pilin subunit into pilin and thus were non-piliated. pilF mutants processed pilin but did not assemble the mature subunit. Both classes of mutants released S-pilin, a soluble, truncated form of the pilin subunit previously correlated with defects in pilus assembly. In addition, mutants containing transposon insertions in pilD or in a downstream gene, orfX, exhibited a severely restricted growth phenotype. Deletion analysis of pilD indicated that the poor growth phenotype observed for the pilD transposon mutants was a result of polar effects of the insertions on orfX expression. orfX encodes a predicted polypeptide of 23 kDa which contains a consensus nucleotide-binding domain and has apparent homologues in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Thermus thermophilus, and the eukaryote Caenorhabditis elegans. Although expression of orfX and pilD appears to be transcriptionally coupled, mutants containing transposon insertions in orfX expressed pili. Unlike either pilF or pilD mutants, orfX mutants were also competent for DNA transformation.
Immunopathological changes after multiple spider bites.

Abstract Utilizing a panel of immune complex assays, antigen-antibody complex formation in a 29-year-old man shortly after a spider bite was documented. The clinical picture and laboratory parameters were consistent with a serum sickness reaction. Immune hyperactivity was evidenced by a detectable autoimmune serological response. This constellation of findings may be a common attendant to arthropod envenomation.
Get Hired! Academic Library Outreach for Student Job Seekers

This article briefly outlines academic library outreach initiatives that engage student job seekers and reports on the Business/SPEA Information Commons’ (Indiana University-Bloomington) HIRE ED research consultation service, developed in February 2012, for undergraduate, business students pursuing internships or full-time employment. Service parameters were informed by faculty and corporate recruiter feedback and student need. Consultations are personalized interactions that provide company and industry information desirable for interview preparation. Marketing and promotion is done in partnership with the Kelley School of Business’ Undergraduate Career Services Office and other entities. HIRE ED has garnered approximately 200 appointments to date, and preliminary assessment indicates that users are extremely satisfied with the overall experience and results.
Safety and Efficacy of the Nonsystemic Chewable Complex Carbohydrate Dietary Supplement PAZ320 on Postprandial Glycemia When Added to Oral Agents or Insulin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplement PAZ320 on postprandial glucose excursion. PAZ320 is derived from glucomannan and acts by blocking carbohydrate ...
THE BEHAVIOR AND MIGRATION OF LONGSHORE BARS

The behavior and migration of longshore bars and troughs are investigated over 128 consecutive summer days on the Ventura coast, California. Elevation and sediment data were collected daily at 7.5 m intervals along two 150 m long profiles extending seaward from the berm. Environmental data were also obtained. Two behavioral forms are recognized: stationary bars and troughs that form, persist for several days, and then destruct in situ; and migratory bars and troughs that move landward and diminish to ridges and runnels before welding onto the beach face as low tide terraces. Stationary bars are symmetric or asymmetric in cross-profile and strongly identified with the breaker zone. Migratory bars are mostly asymmetric as net landward sediment flux crosses the bar crest. Controlling mechanisms are complex, different forces producing different bar responses. Plunging breakers can both create and destroy bars. Migratory bars may occur singly or in sets moving landward over several days to a few weeks, migrati...
Sustained Protection for Transparent Electrodes in Touch Panels and Smart Windows: Template Assisted Encapsulation of Fluorinated Silanes in Sol-Gel Silica Films for Sustained Hydrophobic-Oleophobic Functionality

Hydrophobic-oleophobic coatings are often used to provide the transparent electrodes in devices like touch panels and smart windows with protection from fingerprints and other contaminants which may degrade electronic and optical performance. Conventional fluorosilane monolayers or co-condensed films are often surface-enriched with fluorinated moieties due to the thermodynamic drive of these components to migrate to low-surface energy interfaces. Consequently, these conventional coatings may be strongly non-wetting and have low-surface energy when pristine, but upon wear and exposure of the bulk subsurface regions, the films are much less functional. This work explores the use of surfactant templated sol-gel silica films as scaffolds for encapsulating surface-segregating functional organic moieties as a mesoscopically dispersed phase with the goal of imparting sustained functionality. The results show that surfactant template concentration may be used to tune the dispersion of the fluorosilane-rich phase within the silica film in order to allow worn and exposed internal surfaces to maintain much of the original functionality of the pristine top surface.
The N-Terminal Actin-Binding Tandem Calponin-Homology (CH) Domain of Dystrophin Is in a Closed Conformation in Solution and When Bound to F-actin

Deficiency of the vital muscle protein dystrophin triggers Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, but the structure-function relationship of dystrophin is poorly understood. To date, molecular structures of three dystrophin domains have been determined, of which the N-terminal actin-binding domain (N-ABD or ABD1) is of particular interest. This domain is composed of two calponin-homology (CH) domains, which form an important class of ABDs in muscle proteins. A previously determined x-ray structure indicates that the dystrophin N-ABD is a domain-swapped dimer, with each monomer adopting an extended, open conformation in which the two CH domains do not interact. This structure is controversial because it contradicts functional studies and known structures of similar ABDs from other muscle proteins. Here, we investigated the solution conformation of the dystrophin N-ABD using a very simple and elegant technique of pyrene excimer fluorescence. Using the wild-type protein, which contains two cysteines, and the corresponding single-cysteine mutants, we show that the protein is a monomer in solution and is in a closed conformation in which the two CH domains seem to interact, as observed from the excimer fluorescence of pyrene-labeled wild-type protein. Excimer fluorescence was also observed in its actin-bound form, indicating that the dystrophin N-ABD binds to F-actin in a closed conformation. Comparison of the dystrophin N-ABD conformation with other ABDs indicates that the tandem CH domains in general may be monomeric in solution and predominantly occur in closed conformation, whereas their actin-bound conformations may differ.
ANALYSIS OF CORRELATION PROPERTIES IN GEOELECTRICAL DATA

This paper considers four geoelectrical time series, measured in a seismic area of Southern Italy. Lomb Periodogram method, Higuchi analysis, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) and the mean distance spanned within time L are used to discuss the correlation properties of these signals. The values of the scaling exponents from these methods of the geoelectrical data indicate that the long-range correlations are present. Furthermore, it is found that these correlations are all linear.
The Maximum Theoretical Efficiency of Constant Inductance Gradient Electromagnetic Launchers

The maximum theoretical efficiency of constant inductance gradient electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) is analyzed and discussed. The maximum theoretical efficiency is a parameter needed to calculate the EML's efficiency. Constant inductance gradient EMLs include the conventional railgun, the augmented railgun, and the conventional helical launcher. The maximum theoretical efficiency of an EML is dependent on its geometry and the manner, or mode, in which it is powered. In the lossless case, the conventional railgun, the augmented railgun, and the conventional helical launcher are capable of 50% maximum efficiency when operating in constant current (CC) mode. Conventional and augmented railguns can achieve 100% maximum efficiency when operating in zero exit-current mode. While zero exit-current mode promotes high efficiency, this mode can reduce EML lifetime since it requires current levels much higher than those found in CC mode. The high-efficiency helical launcher, presented and analyzed here for the first time, combines 100% maximum theoretical efficiency with the low-current benefits of constant-current mode.
Use of Contract Grading to Improve Grades Among College Freshmen in Introductory Psychology

The use of behavioral techniques in college teaching has declined during the past three decades. The purpose of this study was to compare a behaviorally based grading approach with a traditional point-based system. A total of 40 college freshmen were randomly assigned to a Traditionally Graded or Contract Graded Introductory Psychology course. Contract graded students were one third as likely to fail or withdraw, 3 times more likely to earn an A grade, and were more likely to perceive a high degree of control over their grade. These findings support use of a contract grading system in the contemporary college classroom.
Acute Cerebral Infarction Caused by Aortic Dissection: Caution in the Thrombolytic Era

To the Editor: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Acute Ischemic Stroke Trial1 has brought treatment of acute ischemic stroke into the thrombolytic era.2 The inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to provide guidelines for the safe treatment of ischemic stroke within the first 3 hours. Case: A 72-year-old woman was noted to drive off the road at 9:45 pm, with her car traveling at approximately 10 miles per hour. When they arrived minutes later, emergency medical services noted that the woman had a left facial droop and left hemiparesis. She arrived at the emergency department 20 minutes later. On initial evaluation, her temperature was 36.1°C, blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg, and pulse 54 and regular. She alerted to voice and could follow simple commands intermittently. She had minimal verbal output, except for perseveration of the word “hello.” Cranial nerve examination was significant for a left upper motor neuron facial droop and right gaze preference. She had a …
Direct access test scheme-design of block and core cells for embedded ASICs

Intel requires the use of a direct-access test scheme in embedded-core or block-based ASIC (application-specific integrated-circuit) designs. This scheme provides for separate testing of individual block or core cells using proven test vectors. The authors discuss the design modifications for block cells with low pin counts, user application blocks, and large cores with high pin counts. The implementation and verification of the direct-access test scheme in a block- or core-based embedded ASIC design are also briefly described. >
Diurnal Variability of Tropical Rainfall Retrieved from Combined GOES and TRMM Satellite Information

Abstract Recent progress in satellite remote-sensing techniques for precipitation estimation, along with more accurate tropical rainfall measurements from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR) instruments, have made it possible to monitor tropical rainfall diurnal patterns and their intensities from satellite information. One year (August 1998–July 1999) of tropical rainfall estimates from the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) system were used to produce monthly means of rainfall diurnal cycles at hourly and 1° × 1° scales over a domain (30°S–30°N, 80°E–10°W) from the Americas across the Pacific Ocean to Australia and eastern Asia. The results demonstrate pronounced diurnal variability of tropical rainfall intensity at synoptic and regional scales. Seasonal signals of diurnal rainfall are presented over the large domain of the tropical Pacific Ocean, especially over the ITCZ and...
Measuring Service Quality For Strategic Planning And Analysis In Service Firms

The following study demonstrates that service quality assessment using importance-performance analysis may be a more useful strategic management tool than the gap measures recommended by the authors of the SERVQUAL scale. An example from the health care industry highlights the utility of the proposed method for purposes of strategic decision making.
In-plane tensile strength and residual stress in thick Al2O3 coatings on aluminum alloy

Three types of strength are important for coating materials; bond (adhesive) strength, cohesive strength and in-plane strength. The distinction between the first two can be made by failure location; if failure occurs at the coating/substrate interface, the corresponding strength value is adhesive; and if it occurs within the ceramic coating, the strength value is cohesive. Between the two, adhesive strength is the most important since coatings often fail by debonding at the interface. In fact, there is a standard test procedure to determine both of these strengths, ASTM C633-79. In-plane strength characterizes the point of coating failure under in-plane applied loads. Since it is not the primary failure parameter, little attention has been given for its measurement. Therefore, work in the area of in-plane properties is limited. However, the knowledge of in-plane strength could be important for weaker coatings, but there is no simple way of measuring it. In this study as attempt was made to determine in-plane tensile strength of thick Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coatings on Al-alloy through straightforward strength of materials approach. The residual stresses, which invariably occur in coatings, affect the in-plant strength. The magnitude of apparent average residual stress in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was determined indirectlymore » by comparing the in-plane strength of coating/substrate system with the intrinsic strength of coating (no substrate).« less
Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) for Fluid Flow Measurements

Abstract Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is used to study the behavior of flow in a rectangular test section. A multiple-particle tracking technique (multi-PEPT) is proposed and tested using a once-through flow system and a preclinical positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. This measurement is then compared to particle image velocimetry (PIV) and high-speed particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) studies of the same test section. Uncertainties in the established flow measurement methods used to validate the PEPT performance are quantified. Mean flow velocity are compared as measured by the three methods. Minor variations are exposed in the data comparisons, and uncertainty exists due to the statistical nature of our PEPT method. Nonetheless, multi-PEPT is shown to be capable as a means of examining characteristics of a complex flow regime.
Nocturnal Noninvasive Ventilation in Children

Pediatric sleep medicine, including pediatric sleep breathing disorders, has markedly evolved over the past several decades and has been accompanied by major developments in our understanding of such disorders, their diagnosis, and treatment. The resulting consensus in the diagnostic approach has led to improved recognition and subsequent “increase” in the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in children. However, there still remains a lack of consensus in the selection of the optimal management strategy, including noninvasive ventilation (NIV). In this chapter, we present a review of the various indications of NIV in children, an empirically driven proposal on how to implement NIV, and finally an update on advances in NIV and their applications to children.
Senate Judiciary Committe Hearings on Marriage Equality

In these prepared remarks, offered during my testimony before the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee on March 16, 2009, I explain why civil union is not equal legally to marriage. I focus on the "portability" of marriage, the health-care benefits associated with marriage, and the "inherent" inequality of a separate system of civil union. My thesis is that to achieve the Vermont Supreme Court’s dream in Baker v. State of a “common humanity” uniting all Vermonters, the state must allow same-sex couples to marry.
Development of Quinoline-Based Disruptors of Biofilm Formation Against Vibrio cholerae

Biofilm formation is a major cause of bacterial persistence in nosocomial infections, leading to extended treatment times and increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite this, there are cur...
The Scientific Understanding and Applications of Acupuncture

This article, the second on acupuncture, will focus on the current effort to understand the scientific basis of acupuncture. The Chinese were the first to apply scientific and statistical analysis to the study of acupuncture. During the past decade, such studies have been conducted in the United States and Europe, and the results have been published in peer-reviewed Western science and medical journals. This article describes some of these physiologic studies that have been done on acupuncture and their importance to the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of different diseases.
Safety watch: reducing constant observation through nurse empowerment and accountability.

Safety watch (SW), a nurse-driven surveillance program, provides a framework for the appropriate level of patient observation. It empowers nurses to initiate flexible levels of patient safety observation that can be adjusted based on the patient’s need and be discontinued safely at the earliest oppo
Airborne gravity gradient expression of a buried niobium and rare earth element deposit: Elk Creek carbonatite, Nebraska

Summary The Elk Creek carbonatite, a buried intrusion in southeast Nebraska, hosts the largest known niobium deposit in the U.S. and a rare earth element deposit. Airborne gravity gradient (AGG) data are interpreted to study the signature of the complex, using such tools as terrain corrections, matched filtering, lineament mapping, and forward modeling. The carbonatite produces a vertical gravity gradient high, explained by high densities compared to country rocks. An unusually dense carbonatite unit, magnetite beforsite, hosts niobium ore and sources a smaller central gravity gradient high. AGG data indicate the presence of dense rocks below existing boreholes, thought to be a large volume of magnetite beforsite.
Cumulative Effects of Concussion/Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Most investigations examining the effects of sustaining a single concussion show full recovery within 2–14 days. Symptoms are thought to reflect transient neuronal dysfunction rather than cell death. However, there is growing recognition that repeat or repetitive concussions can result in worse outcomes. This is of particular relevance in younger athletes where increased exposure and the interruption of normal brain development associated with injury add to the risk of chronic sequelae. This chapter focuses on the clinical and neuropathological effects of sustaining repeat concussion in pediatric athletes, including a discussion of the neurodegenerative disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), hypothesized to be associated with multiple head injuries.
The Diversity of Ribonuclease P: Protein and RNA Catalysts with Analogous Biological Functions.

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential endonuclease responsible for catalyzing 5’ end maturation in precursor transfer RNAs. Since its discovery in the 1970s, RNase P enzymes have been identified and studied throughout the three domains of life. Interestingly, RNase P is either RNA-based, with a catalytic RNA subunit, or a protein-only (PRORP) enzyme with differential evolutionary distribution. The available structural data, including the active site data, provides insight into catalysis and substrate recognition. The hydrolytic and kinetic mechanisms of the two forms of RNase P enzymes are similar, yet features unique to the RNA-based and PRORP enzymes are consistent with different evolutionary origins. The various RNase P enzymes, in addition to their primary role in tRNA 5’ maturation, catalyze cleavage of a variety of alternative substrates, indicating a diversification of RNase P function in vivo. The review concludes with a discussion of recent advances and interesting research directions in the field.
Effects of Active and Observational Experience on EEG Activity during Early Childhood

While it is accepted that action experience facilitates action understanding, it is debated whether first-hand motor and visual experience differentially influence this ability. Action understanding relies on relatively broad cortical activity, including that of the neural mirroring and visual attention systems. Infant and adult research has demonstrated that prior motor and visual experience have distinct effects on cortical activity during action perception, though this has yet to be investigated in young children. We used a within-subject design and an at-home training paradigm to manipulate 3- to 6-year-olds' experience with two relatively novel actions. On Days 1-4, children received brief active training with one tool (i.e., motor experience) and observational training with the other tool (i.e., visual experience: video of a demonstrator modeling the action). On Day 5, we measured children's EEG mu/alpha (8-10 Hz) and beta rhythm (16-20 Hz) activity during observation and execution of these actions in the laboratory. Although central-parietal mu and beta rhythm activity did not differ as a function of training condition, desynchronization of the occipital alpha rhythm was greater during perception of the active training task than of the observational training task. Our findings suggest that, during early childhood, action experience may modulate visual attention during subsequent action perception. Further, children exhibited neural mirroring-central-parietal desynchronization during both tool-use action observation and execution-within the mu rhythm, but not the beta rhythm. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the broad cortical activity that supports action perception during this period.
Group Creativity in VMT

Understanding collective creativity is crucial for advancing the general study of human creativity as well as for guiding the design of creativity support tools for small teams and larger collectivities. In this chapter, we present a qualitative case study of collective creativity online derived from an analysis of collaborative interactions of virtual teams of students working in the field of mathematics. We examine group creative activity broadly, ranging from the micro-level co-construction of novel resources for team problem solving to the evolutionary reuse of ideas and solution strategies across teams. Our analysis focuses on describing the relationship between the dynamics of creative work present in a single collaborative episode of an online group and their evolution across time and across collectivities. Our analysis indicates that the synergy between these two types of interactions and the resulting creative engagement of the teams relies on three fundamental processes: (1) indexical referencing, (2) group remembering, and (3) bridging across discontinuities.
3D ADI-FDTD modeling of platform reduction with thin film ferromagnetic material

This work demonstrates the importance that thin-film ferromagnetic materials play in designing high-performance antennas with very low profiles. A custom, three-dimensional alternating direction implicit (ADI) FDTD model is developed, which shows the power radiated into free space from a lossless highly-magnetic thin film is 109 larger than that from a nonmagnetic one, echoing the theory developed by previous works. Furthermore, for conductive ferromagnetic materials such as FeGaB, the authors propose that by cutting the continuous thin film into stripes or by laminating it into multiple layers, the eddy current loss can be suppressed by up to 7 times.
A Novel Selectin Antagonist, GMI-1070, Prevents Vaso-Occlusion in Sickle Cell Mice by Inhibiting Leukocyte Adhesion and Activation.

Previous studies using intravital microscopy in a sickle cell disease (SCD) mouse model (Berkeley) suggest that adherent leukocytes (WBCs) play a key role in vaso-occlusion by capturing circulating erythrocytes (RBCs) in venules. In addition, mice deficient in both P-and E-selectins are protected from vaso-occlusion (VOC) induced by surgical trauma and TNF-α stimulation, suggesting that targeting selectins or their ligands represents a potentially useful strategy. Selectins bind to specific sialylated and fucosylated carbohydrate structures presented by glycoprotein or glycolipid ligands. Here, we tested the effect of novel small glycomimetic selectin inhibitors, GMI-1070 and GMI-1077, on leukocyte behavior and sickle cell VOC. Berkeley SCD mouse bone marrow was transplantated into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 animals to generate age- and gender-matched genetically identical cohorts of SCD mice. Fully engrafted male SCD mice were treated with TNF-α and prepared for intravital microscopy examination of the cremaster muscle 90 min later. GMI-1070, GMI-1077 (both 20 mg/kg) or vehicle (PBS) were administered immediately prior to cytokine stimulation (t=0 min), and an additional dose was given at t=70min. Another group of mice was injected with antibodies against P-and E-selectins (PES, 1 mg/kg) as positive control. Several post-capillary and collecting venules were examined between t= 90min and t= 150min. Antibody blockade of endothelial selectins completely ablated leukocyte rolling, whereas GMI-1070 and GMI-1077 significantly increased the rolling flux fractions (PBS: 5.0±1.2 GMI-1070: 10.6±1.3%%; GMI-1077: 9.9±1.0%; p P-selectin. Since the hallmark of E-selectin-mediated adhesion is the slow leukocyte rolling, we analyzed leukocyte rolling velocities in the various group and indeed found a 2-fold increase in rolling velocities in sickle mice treated with GMI-1070 compared to PBS control (PBS: 21±1 μm/s, GMI-1070: 38±1 μm/s, p<0.001). Consistent with these results, other studies using a parallel plate flow chamber (0.9 dynes/cm2) revealed that GMI-1070 was much more potent (1000-fold difference) in inhibiting the binding of human PMNs to TNF-α-stimulated (to induce E-selectin) endothelial cells (HUVEC) than with IL-4 and histamine stimulated HUVECs (to induce P-selectin). Further, competitive inhibition assays revealed that the IC50 of GMI-1070, relative to the standard glycyrrhizin, was much lower for E-selectin than P-selectin. These studies suggest that E-selectin-mediated adhesion/signaling may play a more important role than previously appreciated in the pathophysiology of SCD, and suggest that GMI-1070 may be beneficial for the treatment of sickle cell vaso-occlusion.
Toolkit for Strategic Library Collaboration

The March-April, 2009, issue of ICOSA: Connection & Collaboration addresses the important questions of environmental preservation, energy production and sustainability.1 While daunting challenges mount for reversing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pollution and reclaiming the earth’s endangered spaces, solutions to these problems are found, not surprisingly, in collaboration. Article after article drives home this point. Neal Lurie, in describing the efforts of the American Solar Energy Society to promote greater use of solar energy and other sustainable technologies, emphasizes the importance of understanding the common thread that binds together the individuals and organizations wanting to make a positive difference in energy production and use. He remarks, “Without that common thread it’s easy to lose perspective and slip into tunnel-vision thinking. People often view other organizations exclusively through a competitive lens. This narrow approach can put otherwise good organizations at a competitive disadvantage, precluding the possibility of working with partners. In today’s economy, strategic collaboration is critically important and needs to be a part of the organizational toolkit.”2
NOTAS SOBRE LA TRAMITACIÓN DIGITAL DE LOS PROCEDIMIENTOS JUDICIALES TRAS LA IRRUPCIÓN DE LA LEY 20.886/2015

Para efectos de conseguir una mejor comprension en torno a la tramitacion digital de los procedimientos judiciales que entrara en vigor durante el ano 2016, nos concentramos en la sistematizacion de la ley N° 20.886/2015, que la establece, refiriendonos a los auto acordados Nos 542015 y 37-2016 de la Corte Suprema, solo en cuanto se relacionan con la ley precitada. De esta manera se pretende suplir el vacio que pudiera producirse en aquellos estudiantes de Derecho que en el transito hacia la culminacion de sus estudios, vieron reformado el cuerpo legal que sirvio de base a sus respectivas lecciones de Derecho procesal y hacer frente a la nueva manera en que deberan tramitarse los procedimientos civiles ante los Juzgados de Letras en lo Civil.
Phase-Field Formulation for Ductile Fracture

Phase-field models have been a topic of much research in recent years. Results have shown that these models are able to produce complex crack patterns in both two and three dimensions. A number of extensions from brittle to ductile materials have been proposed and results are promising. To date, however, these extensions have not accurately represented strains after crack initiation or included important aspects of ductile fracture such as stress triaxiality. This work describes a number of contributions to further develop phase-field models for fracture in ductile materials.
Addressing goals of care in the never-competent patient

Background: Addressing goals of care involves an added layer of complexity in never-competent patients. The concept of best interests is used to guide decision-making for these patients; however, t...
Clinical laboratory and imaging evidence for effectiveness of agarose-agarose macrobeads containing stem-like cells derived from a mouse renal adenocarcinoma cell population (RMBs) in treatment-resistant, advanced metastatic colorectal cancer: Evaluation of a biological-systems approach to cancer therapy (U.S. FDA IND-BB 10091; NCT 02046174, NCT 01053013).

Objective The complexity, heterogeneity and capacity of malignant neoplastic cells and tumors for rapid change and evolution suggest that living-cell-based biological-systems approaches to cancer treatment are merited. Testing this hypothesis, the tumor marker, metabolic activity, and overall survival (OS) responses, to the use of one such system, implantable macrobeads [RENCA macrobeads (RMBs)], in phase I and IIa clinical trials in advanced, treatment-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are described here. Methods Forty-eight mCRC patients (30 females; 18 males), who had failed all available, approved treatments, underwent RMB implantation (8 RMB/kg body weight) up to 4 times in phase I and phase IIa open-label trials. Physicals, labs [tumor and inflammation markers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging to measure number/volume and metabolic activity of the tumors were performed pre- and 3-month-post-implantation to evaluate safety and initial efficacy (as defined by biological responses). PET-CT maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) (baseline and d 90; SUVmax ≥2.5), LDH, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and/or cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) response (baseline, d 30 and/or d 60) were assessed and compared to OS. Results Responses after implantation were characterized by an at least 20% decrease in CEA and/or CA 19-9 in 75% of patients. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positive lesions (phase I, 39; 2a, 82) were detected in 37/48 evaluable patients, with 35% stable volume and stable or decreased SUV (10) plus four with necrosis; 10, increased tumor volume, SUV. LDH levels remained stable and low in Responders (R) (d 0-60, 290.4-333.9), but increased steadily in Non-responders (NR) (d 0-60, 382.8-1,278.5) (d 60, P=0.050). Responders to RMBs, indicated by the changes in the above markers, correlated with OS (R mean OS=10.76 months; NR mean OS=4.9 months; P=0.0006). Conclusions The correlations of the tumor marker, tumor volume and SUV changes on PET-CT, and LDH levels themselves, and with OS, support the concept of a biological response to RMB implantation and the validity of the biological-systems approach to mCRC. A phase III clinical trial is planned.
Bearing the Troubles: Northern Ireland and the Microfoundations of Justice

The implementation of post-conflict transitional justice in Northern Ireland has been an extremely contentious part of the tenuous peace. Indeed, issues of accountability and culpability frequently trouble countries in times of transition and post-conflict reconstruction. Following more than thirty years of civil war, Northern Ireland now struggles with how to remember, reconcile and recover from the violence. Yet parties to the conflict fail to agree on the simple dichotomy of who are the victims and who were the perpetrators. Through an analysis of 40 in-depth interviews conducted with ordinary people who suffered violence, this paper examines the variations in violence experienced during the Troubles and how this variation is affecting justice claims in the post-conflict period. The future of peace in Northern Ireland has yet to be determined, but it is certain that issues of justice and accountability will be central in the healing and political reconstruction of the country.
Sound Production and Reception in Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

The rapidly increasing pressure of human activity in coastal and pelagic marine environments has led to concern regarding the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals. Recent studies dealing with acoustic communication and behavioral responses to sound along with investigations of auditory anatomy, acoustic sensitivity, and noise impacts have established a knowledge base that has proven vital to regulators charged with determining safe sound exposure limits for some cetaceans and pinnipeds (Southall et al. 2007). Comparable data are presently unavailable for sea otters (Enhydra lutris), which have been largely ignored in the context of this issue. To date, only one study has addressed the bioacoustics of Enhydra lutris from the standpoint of sound production and communication (McShane et al. 1995), and there have been no formal anatomical, physiological, or behavioral studies of sound reception in this species. Due to the lack of available data, decision makers must use less than optimal, indirect evidence to evaluate the potential effects of anthropogenic noise on Enhydra lutris. This information comprises mainly unpublished technical reports describing observed behavioral reactions to various noise sources; most of these studies are not systematic and none of them consider auditory sensitivity to airborne or waterborne sound sources (Richardson 1995). To begin addressing the critical data gaps that exist concerning the bioacoustics of Enhydra lutris, we used a twofold approach to systematically evaluate captive individuals of this species as both sound emitters and sound receivers. We opted to begin these studies in air because these amphibious marine mammals spend a majority of their time at the water’s surface where they carry out many important life functions, including those related to communication.
How Important Are Letters of Recommendation? A Survey of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program Directors.

Purpose Letters of recommendation are currently part of the application process for residencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, the value placed on the information contained in such letters by program directors is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine what role letters of recommendation play in the decision-making process. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was sent to 122 current and former program directors asking them to rate the importance they gave to letters of recommendation compared with other application attributes through a visual analog scale that ranged from 0 (“not important”) to 100 (“very important”). Respondents also specified the format in which they would prefer recommendations be sent and, if they preferred letters, to state why. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics (counts and percentages). The average perceived importance of applicant attributes and components of recommendations was compared using random-effects models to adjust for multiple responses from the same respondent. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey adjustment. Results Of the 122 questionnaires sent, 14 were not deliverable. Forty-one of the 108 remaining program directors answered, for a response rate of 38%. Only 10% of respondents indicated that they do not consider letters of recommendation. However, they rated class rank, comprehensive basic science score, and leadership qualities more important than letters of recommendation. They preferred letters of recommendation from a faculty member rather than from a dean or non-oral surgeon and favored letters over a standard recommendation form, which they believed provided information not found in supporting documents. Conclusions Despite some deficiencies found with letters of recommendation, and the varying importance given to the information they contain, program directors still find that they provide some useful information.
Continuum Computing - on a New Performance Trajectory beyond Exascale

The end of Moore's Law is a cliche that none the less is a hard barrier to future scaling of high performance computing systems. A factor of about 4x in device density is all that is left of this form of improved throughput with a 5x gain required just to get to the milestone of exascale. The remaining sources of performance improvement are better delivered efficiency of more than 10x and alternative architectures to make better use of chip real estate. This paper will discuss the set of principles guiding a potential future of non-von Neumann architectures as adopted by the experimental class of Continuum Computer Architecture (CCA). It is being explored by the Semantic Memory Architecture Research Team (SMART) at Indiana University. CCA comprises a homogeneous aggregation of cellular components (function cells) which are orders of magnitude smaller than lightweight cores and individually is unable to accomplish a computation but in combination can do so with extreme cost efficiency and unprecedented scalability. It will be seen that a path exists based on such unconventional methods like neuromorphic computing or dataflow that not only will meet the likely exascale milestone in the same time with much better power, cost, and size but also will set a new performance trajectory leading to Zetaflops capability before 2030.
A stroke of faith: a stroke survivor’s story of a second chance at living a life of significance

“I woke to the realization that everything was still the same and yet everything had changed” (p 111). In A Stroke of Faith: A Stroke Survivor’s Story of a Second Chance at Living a Life of Signifi...
Long-Term Effects of Parenting and Adolescent Self-Competence for the Development of Optimism and Neuroticism

Optimism and neuroticism have strong public health significance; however, their developmental precursors have rarely been identified. This study examined adolescents’ self-competence and their parents’ parenting practices as developmental origins of optimism and neuroticism in a moderated mediation model. Data were collected when European American adolescents (N = 290, 47% girls) were 14, 18, and 23 years old. Multiple-group path analyses with the nested data revealed that 14-year psychological control and lax behavioral control of both parents predicted lower levels of 18-year adolescence self-competence, which in turn predicted decreased 23-year optimism and increased neuroticism. However, the positive effects of warmth on 18-year optimism were stronger in the context of high maternal and paternal authoritativeness, and the positive effects of warmth on adolescent self-competence was attenuated by maternal authoritarianism. This study identified nuanced effects of parenting on adolescents’ competence and personality, which point to important intervention targets to promote positive youth development.
Computer-Based Quality Improvement for Management of Functionally Monocular Patients.

Abstract Implementing computer-based decision support can improve physician compliance for prescription of impact-resistant lenses (IRLs) in functionally monocular patients. One of the compliance-limiting factors remains performing a refraction for qualifying patients. There are an estimated 2.4 million eye injuries in the US annually, approximately 90% of which can be prevented by the use of protective eyewear.1 The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Patterns for Amblyopia recommends that individuals with unilateral vision impairment with vision of 20/50 in the amblyopic eye should wear protective eyewear full time, even if they do not require optical correction.2 At Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) the preferred practice is to recommend protective eyewear for all functionally monocular individuals (best-corrected vision of 20/50 with qualifying diagnoses and > 2 lines of interocular difference in visual acuity [Table 1 and 2 at www.aaojournal.org ]). We embarked on large-scale quality improvement (QI) initiative for all providers at the DMEI/University for Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology over a seven-year period.
Cognitive and Affective Responses to Mass-media Based Genetic Risk Information in a Socio-demographically Diverse Sample of Smokers

Many individuals receive information about genomics from the mass media. When media reports are about conditions that are considered behavioral, such as smoking, they may negatively affect some hea...
Er:YAG laser vs. sharp debridement in management of chronic wounds: Effects on pain and bacterial load

Chronic wounds affect roughly 6.5 million patients in the US annually. Current standard of therapy entails weekly sharp debridement. However, the sharp technique is associated with significant pain, while having minimal impact on the bioburden. Our study proposes the Er:YAG laser as an alternative method of debridement that may decrease procedural pain, reduce bioburden, and potentially improve overall healing. This pilot study was performed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial, containing two groups: (1) one group underwent single laser debridement session first, followed by single sharp debridement session one week later; and (2) the other group underwent single sharp debridement session first, followed by single laser debridement session one week later. Variables analyzed included pain during debridement, pre- and post-debridement wound sizes, pre- and post-debridement bacterial loads and patient preference. Twenty-two patients were enrolled (12 patients in Group 1, plus 10 patients in Group 2). The mean pain score for patients undergoing laser debridement was 3.0 ± 1.7 vs. 4.8 ± 2.6 for those undergoing sharp debridement (p = 0.003). The mean percent change in wound size 1-week post-laser debridement was -20.8% ± 80.1%, as compared with -36.7% ± 54.3% 1-week post-sharp debridement (p = 0.6). The percentage of patients who had a bacterial load in the low/negative category increased from 27.3% to 59.1% immediately after laser debridement (p = 0.04), vs. 54.5% to 68.2% immediately after sharp debridement (p = 0.38). Moreover, there was a sustained decrease in bacterial load 1-week post-laser debridement, as compared with no sustained decrease 1-week post-sharp debridement (p < 0.02). Overall, 52.9% of patients preferred laser debridement vs. 35.3% for sharp debridement. We believe that Er:YAG laser serves as a promising technology in chronic wounds, functioning as a potentially superior alternative to sharp debridement, the current standard of therapy.