cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prime Ideals of Mixed Artin-Tate Motives

We show that for a field k, algebraic over ℚ, and F a field of characteristic zero, the triangular spectra of mixed Tate motives (resp. mixed Artin-Tate motives), denoted by DMT(k)F (resp. DMAT(k)F), are both isomorphic to spec(F). We further compute the Picard groups of DMT(k)F and DMAT(k)ℚ.
An Analysis of Hashing on Parallel and Vector Computers

Parallel hashing is well-known in the folklore of parallel computing, but there has been a remarkable dearth of literature describing it in detail. Because many parallel algorithms such as histogramming, set intersection and dictionary lookup can make use of hashing as a core step, hashing is a fundamental parallel operation. This paper sheds light on the performance that may be achieved using parallel hashing algorithms and should lend credibility to their use.
Evolutionary Body Building: Adaptive Physical Designs for Robots

Creating artificial life forms through evolutionary robotics faces a "chicken and egg" problem: Learning to control a complex body is dominated by problems specific to its sensors and effectors, while building a body that is controllable assumes the pre-existence of a brain.The idea of coevolution of bodies and brains is becoming popular, but little work has been done in evolution of physical structure because of the lack of a general framework for doing it. Evolution of creatures in simulation has usually resulted in virtual entities that are not buildable, while embodied evolution in actual robotics is constrained by the slow pace of real time.The work we present takes a step in addressing the problem of body evolution by applying evolutionary techniques to the design of structures assembled out of elementary components that stick together. Evolution takes place in a simulator that computes forces and stresses and predicts stability of three-dimensional brick structures. The final printout of our program is a schematic assembly, which is then built physically. We demonstrate the functionality of this approach to robot body building with many evolved artifacts.
Is the Serpin Folding Mechanism Conserved? The Folding Pathways of Human Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and Neuroserpin

Inhibitory serpins are unusual because they fold to a kinetically trapped metastable state. In their lowest energy conformation serpins have a large 6 stranded central beta-sheet (sheet A), while in the metastable state this sheet is 5 stranded, and strand 4 is a flexible solvent exposed loop. How serpins avoid folding to their lowest energy conformation is an open question. We have used pulse labeling hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry to probe the folding pathways of two serpins: alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) and neuroserpin. Both proteins fold surprisingly slowly. Upon dilution from 6 M GuHCl, A1AT folds to completion in approximately 50 minutes, while nearly 90 minutes are required for neuroserpin. In A1AT the “B-C barrel” region, comprising much of the hydrophobic core and securing the C terminus of strand 4, folds first while beta-sheet A is among the last regions to fold. Most strikingly, beta strand 5 at the center of sheet A shows a lag phase of nearly 350 seconds before any protection from H/D exchange is seen. Strand 5A forms part of the insertion site for strand 4, and we propose that the separation of folding timescales in different regions of A1AT plays a role in guiding it to its metastable structure. Surprisingly, neuroserpin folds via a different pathway in which the center of beta-sheet A, including strand 5, is the first region to fold, securing the N terminus of strand 4, while the “B-C barrel” folds later. Our results indicate that multiple folding routes can lead serpins to be trapped in their metastable conformation. Apparently, securing either end of strand 4A (also called the reactive center loop) early in the folding process is a requirement for folding to the metastable state.
Brittle strain regime transition in the Afar depression: Implications for fault growth and seafloor spreading

Numerical and analogue models of fault-population evolution suggest that we should see a frequency-size transition from power law to exponential as brittle strain within a region increases. We now observe this transition in continental rift faults in the Afar region, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Furthermore, we observe that this strain transition is accompanied by a plateau in fault density and an increase in the displacement:length ratio of faults with increasing brittle strain. Once faults reach a critical density, stress shadows of nearby faults inhibit fault nucleation and restrict tip propagation. However, pinned faults continue to accommodate extension by accumulating more displacement, thus leading to higher displacement:length ratios in the higher strain regime. This strain regime transition is important to understanding the physics of fault growth and may also be important to rift localization and the development of plate boundaries.
Population differentiation and species formation in the deep sea: the potential role of environmental gradients and depth.

Ecological speciation probably plays a more prominent role in diversification than previously thought, particularly in marine ecosystems where dispersal potential is great and where few obvious barriers to gene flow exist. This may be especially true in the deep sea where allopatric speciation seems insufficient to account for the rich and largely endemic fauna. Ecologically driven population differentiation and speciation are likely to be most prevalent along environmental gradients, such as those attending changes in depth. We quantified patterns of genetic variation along a depth gradient (1600-3800m) in the western North Atlantic for a protobranch bivalve (Nucula atacellana) to test for population divergence. Multilocus analyses indicated a sharp discontinuity across a narrow depth range, with extremely low gene flow inferred between shallow and deep populations for thousands of generations. Phylogeographical discordance occurred between nuclear and mitochondrial loci as might be expected during the early stages of species formation. Because the geographic distance between divergent populations is small and no obvious dispersal barriers exist in this region, we suggest the divergence might reflect ecologically driven selection mediated by environmental correlates of the depth gradient. As inferred for numerous shallow-water species, environmental gradients that parallel changes in depth may play a key role in the genesis and adaptive radiation of the deep-water fauna.
Learning from Conservation Planning for the U.S. National Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System has nearly completed its first round of unit-level, comprehensive conservation plans (CCPs) and will soon begin required revisions. Laws and policies governing refuge planning emphasize ecological integrity, landscape-scale conservation, and adaptive management. We evaluated 185 CCPs completed during 2005-2011, which cover 324 of 555 national wildlife refuges. We reviewed CCP prescriptions addressing 5 common conservation issues (habitat and game, nongame, imperiled, and invasive species) and 3 specialized topics (landscape-scale conservation, climate change, and environmental quality). Common conservation issues received prescriptions in >90% of CCPs. Specialized topics received more variable treatment. Prescriptions for aquatic connectivity, water quantity, and climate-change impacts increased over the study period. Except for climate change, direct actions were the most common type of management prescription, followed by plans or studies. Most CCPs stated a commitment to adaptive management and prescribed monitoring for common conservation objectives; other aspects of planning for adaptive management were often lacking, despite strong support for adaptive management in the conservation planning literature. To better address refuge-specific threats, we recommend that revised plans explicitly match identified refuge issues with prescriptions, particularly for under-represented concerns such as novel pests and pathogens. We recommend incorporating triggers into monitoring frameworks and specifying actions that will occur when threshold values are reached to improve support for adaptive management. Revised CCPs should better reflect work that refuges already undertake to extend conservation objectives beyond their borders and better engage with regional conservation efforts to continue this work. More thorough landscape-scale threat assessments and explicit prioritization of planned actions would further improve conservation effectiveness. Excellent examples of all recommended practices exist within the CCPs we examined; sharing best planning practices would improve planning efficiency within the refuge system.
Durability of renal artery stents in patients with transrenal abdominal aortic endografts

Objective The management of renal artery stenosis in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms continues to be complex and technically challenging despite advances in endovascular therapy. There is growing concern about the durability of renal artery stents in the setting of transrenal abdominal aortic endografts. This study reports a single-center experience of renal artery stenting with transrenal abdominal aortic endografts for patients with renal artery stenosis. Methods All patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair preceded or followed by renal artery stent placement between January 1999 and December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively gathered endovascular database. Patients were surveyed after renal stent procedures with multidetector computed tomography angiography or duplex sonography. The surveillance data were analyzed for primary patency of the renal artery stent at 6 months, incidence of complications, need for secondary interventions, and changes in creatinine clearance (CrCl). Results Sixty-two renal artery stents were placed in 56 patients (44 men, 12 women) with a mean age of 77.3 years (range, 61 to 94 years). Forty-one were placed before the endograft procedure, eight were placed during the endograft procedure, and 13 were placed postoperatively. There were no major or minor complications related to the renal artery stent procedures. Transrenal aortic endografts were used in 44 of the 56 patients, and 12 had devices with infrarenal fixation. The mean follow-up was 18.5 months (range, 1 to 73 months). The 6-month primary patency, which could be evaluated for 51 renal artery stents, was 97.4% (37/38) in patients with transrenal fixation and 84.6% (11/13) in patients with infrarenal fixation. The overall rate of in-stent restenosis was 8.5% (4/47) in the transrenal fixation group and 20.0% (3/15) in the infrarenal fixation group. The overall occlusion rate was 2.1% (1/47) in the transrenal fixation group and 0% (0/15) in infrarenal fixation group. Five (83.3%) of six patients underwent successful treatment of in-stent restenosis with placement of a new stent in all five cases. CrCl decreased in the total group by 4.2 ± 11.8 mL/min, by 4.7 ± 12.0 mL/min in patients with transrenal fixation, and by 2.2 ± 11.0 mL/min in patients with infrarenal fixation. Conclusion The presence of a transrenal aortic endograft did not affect the outcome of the renal artery revascularization procedure in this cohort. Renal artery stenting in the presence of transrenal abdominal aortic endografts appears to be a safe procedure without adverse effect on renal artery stent patency or renal function.
Computer assisted surgical stapling

Computer assisted surgical stapling is the application of new technology to conventional staplers. The components of the system, their use in open thoracic surgery and a review of the literature to date are presented.
Up-regulation of the Wnt, estrogen receptor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and bone morphogenetic protein pathways in C57BL/6J osteoblasts as opposed to C3H/HeJ osteoblasts in part contributes to the differential anabolic response to fluid shear.

C57BL/6J (B6), but not C3H/HeJ (C3H), mice responded to mechanical loading with an increase in bone formation. A 30-min steady fluid shear of 20 dynes/cm2 increased [3H]thymidine incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity and up-regulated the expression of early mechanoresponsive genes (integrin β1 (Igtb1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2)) in B6 but not C3H osteoblasts, indicating that the differential mechanosensitivity was intrinsic to osteoblasts. In-house microarray analysis with 5,500 gene fragments revealed that the expression of 669 genes in B6 osteoblasts and 474 genes in C3H osteoblasts was altered 4 h after the fluid shear. Several genes associated with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, the estrogen receptor (ER), the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways were differentially up-regulated in B6 osteoblasts. In vitro mechanical loading also led to up-regulation of these genes in the bones of B6 but not C3H mice. Pretreatment of B6 osteoblasts with inhibitors of the Wnt pathway (endostatin), the BMP pathway (Noggin), or the ER pathway (ICI182780) blocked the fluid shear-induced proliferation. Inhibition of integrin and Cox-2 activation by echistatin and indomethacin, respectively, each blocked the fluid shear-induced up-regulation of genes associated with these four pathways. In summary, up-regulation of the IGF-I, ER, BMP, and Wnt pathways is involved in mechanotransduction. These four pathways are downstream to the early mechanoresponsive genes, i.e. Igtb1 and Cox-2. In conclusion, differential up-regulation of these anabolic pathways may in part contribute to the good and poor response, respectively, in the B6 and C3H mice to mechanical loading.
The shape of a scatter-broadened image – I. Numerical simulations and physical principles

Etude de l'apparence d'une image elargie par la diffusion d'une radiosource ponctuelle en presence de diffusion intense. Les simulations numeriques sont presentees avec un ecran diffusant 1D et les resultats sont interpretes en utilisant un modele physique de l'optique de la diffusion
An implantable microdevice to perform high-throughput in vivo drug sensitivity testing in tumors

Current anticancer chemotherapy relies on a limited set of in vitro or indirect prognostic markers of tumor response to available drugs. A more accurate analysis of drug sensitivity would involve studying tumor response in vivo. To this end, we have developed an implantable device that can perform drug sensitivity testing of several anticancer agents simultaneously inside the living tumor. The device contained reservoirs that released microdoses of single agents or drug combinations into spatially distinct regions of the tumor. The local drug concentrations were chosen to be representative of concentrations achieved during systemic treatment. Local efficacy and drug concentration profiles were evaluated for each drug or drug combination on the device, and the local efficacy was confirmed to be a predictor of systemic efficacy in vivo for multiple drugs and tumor models. Currently, up to 16 individual drugs or combinations can be assessed independently, without systemic drug exposure, through minimally invasive biopsy of a small region of a single tumor. This assay takes into consideration physiologic effects that contribute to drug response by allowing drugs to interact with the living tumor in its native microenvironment. Because these effects are crucial to predicting drug response, we envision that these devices will help identify optimal drug therapy before systemic treatment is initiated and could improve drug response prediction beyond the biomarkers and in vitro and ex vivo studies used today. These devices may also be used in clinical drug development to safely gather efficacy data on new compounds before pharmacological optimization.
Natural selection with nuclear and cytoplasmic transmission. II. Tests with Drosophila from diverse populations.

Observations of intraspecific variation in organelle DNA have prompted a renewed interest in the evolutionary consequences of cytoplasmically transmitted factors. Attempts to quantify the significance of cytoplasmic effects are frequently limited by the difficulty in partitioning the cause of reciprocal cross differences among a series of possibilities. In the experiment reported here the nuclear genomes of a set of six lines of Drosophila melanogaster from diverse geographic locations were replaced in a series of cytoplasms. The segregation of the SM5 balancer chromsome was scored in a factorial design, and the data allowed a partitioning of variance such that cytoplasmic effects were distinguished from maternal effects and meiotic drive. An attempt was made to avoid the confounding problem of hybrid dysgenesis by performing the entire experiment (including chromosomal extractions) in a P cytotype. Results indicated a significant contribution of cytoplasm to the variance in SM5 segregation. Error variance showed an increasing trend as the experiment proceeded, and additional tests indicated that this was due to an accumulation of chromosomal mutations. These findings are interpreted in light of the population genetic theory that addresses the maintenance of cytoplasmic polymorphism.
The Sounds of Silence Revisited

Research conducted in California near the peak of social activism in the late 1 960s concluded that clergy in general, and the doctrinally orthodox in particular, tended not to address controversial social and political issuesfrom the pulpit. This study, conducted a decade later in North Carolina,found much higher levels of sermonizing on a broad range of social issues. Furthermore, "conservative" clergy are as likely as are "liberal" clergy to address social issues from the pulpit, although some clearly discerniblefoci of interest are apparent between the two groups.
Traveling the Network: A Proposal for Destination Performance Metrics

AbstractNew destination metrics are developed which conceptualize the destination as a constellation of four visitor centric value creation networks which represent the processes of marketing and promotion, sales and distribution, experience design, and partnership coordination. Considered individually, the structure of each value creation network can provide valuable insights into destination performance for each value creation process, but when the value creation networks are considered as an integrated system they can be used to conceptualize a strategic network management approach to improving destination competitiveness and performance. The potential sources of data for generating the proposed metrics are discussed, as well as the potential implications for destination marketing.
FLAG epitope positioned in an external loop preserves normal biophysical properties of CFTR

We asked whether inclusion of the FLAG epitope in the fourth extracellular loop of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (M2–901/CFTR), which permits detection of cell surface exp...
Improving wave-equation fidelity of Gaussian beams by solving the complex eikonal equation

Gaussian beams are a well-known high-frequency wavefield approximation. A more accurate representation can be obtained by the complex eikonal equation. We propose a constructive algorithm for solving the complex eikonal equation. By re-writing the complex traveltime as background real and imaginary parts and their respective perturbations, we arrive at an update scheme that aims at solving the complex eikonal equation iteratively. The initial prior may come from the Gaussian beam approximation computed by dynamic ray tracing. Proper boundary conditions can ensure correct update directions. The result embraces complete details of the velocity model and therefore can help enhancing accuracy of Gaussianbeam migration and other related applications.
Cardiac tamponade: 12 pearls in diagnosis and management

Cardiac tamponade shares symptoms and signs such as dyspnea, edema, and low urine output with other, more-common diseases. Consider it when there is chest trauma or when the patient has a chronic medical illness that can involve the pericardium. Successfully treating it can be rewarding for both the patient and the physician.
Abstract 3363: RAGE/S100A7/Stat3-axis enhances breast cancer growth and metastasis via modulating tumor microenvironment

The Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE), a multifunctional, multi-ligand receptor, has been shown to play an important role in inflammation. However, not much is known about its role in breast cancer growth and metastasis. In this report, we observed that RAGE expression is upregulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, primary tumors and lymph-node metastasis samples. RAGE-/- mice show reduced breast cancer growth. Additionally, blocking RAGE with neutralizing-antibody inhibited lung metastasis in an intracardiac mouse model. Further elucidation of RAGE-mediated mechanisms revealed that RAGE binds to S100A7 and mediates S100A7-induced cell migration, Stat3 and NF-ĸB activation. Our results also indicate that S100A7/RAGE axis-modulates invasion/migration through Stat3 dependent MMP9 activation. In addition, RAGE neutralizing antibody and soluble RAGE inhibited breast cancer progression and metastasis in the inducible mS100a7a15 mouse model system. We demonstrated that RAGE/S100A7 enhanced mammary hyperplasia, tumor growth and metastasis through Stat3 activation. Notably, our studies revealed that RAGE/mS100a7a15 modulates the breast tumor microenvironment through recruitment of phospho-Stat3/MMP9-positive tumor-associated macrophages. Our studies suggest that RAGE expression could be used as a novel biomarker for aggressive/invasive breast cancer, especially TNBC. Collectively, these findings suggest that RAGE/S100A7/Stat3-axis has a novel role in linking inflammation to the development of invasive/aggressive breast cancer including TNBC. Citation Format: Mohd W. Nasser, Nissar A. Wani, Janani Ravi, Grace A. Amponsah, Dinesh K. Ahirwar, Catherine A. Powell, Mohamad Elbaz, Helong Zhao, Konstantin Shilo, Ramesh K. Ganju. RAGE/S100A7/Stat3-axis enhances breast cancer growth and metastasis via modulating tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3363. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3363
Study Advances on Short Stature Homeobox-Containing Gene Deficiency

The short stature homeobox-containing(SHOX) gene,located in the short-arm pseudoautosomal region (PAR1) of the sex chromosomes,is one of the recently discovered genes,which is related to short stature.Its encoded protein,as a transcription activator,plays an important role in the regulation of growth.It has now been confirmed that the human SHOX gene mutation can cause Leri-Weill syndrome,Turner syndrome,idiopathic short stature growth and its related characteristic skeletal deformities.This review makes a summary about SHOX gene defects,its clinical phenotype and treatment.
Aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) from young and old human erythrocytes.

Abstract In the absence of added cofactor, the specific aspartate aminotransferase activity ratio, enzyme from young erythrocytes/enzyme from old erythrocytes, is 3.5. Addition of pyridoxal or pyridoxamine phosphate diminishes this ratio to 1.7. Aspartate aminotransferase associated with old erythrocytes thus falls into 3 groups: enzyme which is active, enzyme which is inactive but can be reactivated by addition of pyridoxal or pyridoxamine phosphate, and enzyme that is "lost" (permanently inactive). Comparative studies are presented with aspartate aminotransferase from young, unfractionated, and old erythrocytes. These include the resolution of holoenzyme into apo- and coenzyme and the kinetics of reactivation of apoenzyme with pyridoxal phosphate; the electrophoretic mobility of holo-, apo-, and reactivated enzyme, and the effect of storage, pH, and high salt concentration on the holoenzyme. All our results imply that those parts of aspartate aminotransferase in older erythrocytes which are still active, or can be reactivated by addition of coenzymes, are similar in their properties to the aspartate aminotransferase in young red cells. Possibilities for the fate of the "lost" enzyme are discussed. It should be noted that the differential activity of aspartate aminotransferase in young and old red cells, which has been used as an indicator of red cell age, can be the consequence of cofactor level and/or enzyme protein modification.
Good‐Specific Habit Formation and the Cross‐Section of Expected Returns

I study asset prices in a general equilibrium framework in which agents form habits over individual varieties of goods rather than over an aggregate consumption bundle. Goods are produced by monopolistically competitive firms whose elasticities of demand depend on consumers' habit formation. Firms that produce goods with a high habit level relative to consumption have low demand elasticities, set high prices for their product, have low expected returns on their stock, and have low asset pricing betas and stock return volatilities. I find supportive evidence for these predictions in the data.
Steering colloidal particles over millimeter distances with soluto-inertial beacons.

The last decades have seen the impressive rise of nanotechnology and nanomedicine, and the concomitant integration of nanometer-sized agents (1) and laboratory-on-a-chip devices (2). The imagination can hardly keep up with the variety of nanoparticles that are currently synthesized by scalable technologies, not to speak of the sheer inexhaustible range of properties that can be imparted by grafting complex molecules to their surface. These developments have revolutionized materials design and enabled the formulation of sophisticated therapeutics. There is, however, a limit to the range over which these particles can be steered in solution, and many applications rely on thermal processes that restrict control or reaction speed for the intended purpose, whether it is the formation of a large defect-free crystal or the adsorption of a diluted component to a template. Gravity and centrifugation can induce deposition, but are not very specific in their effect and direction. Electric fields offer more tunability, but have a limited range in aqueous solutions. Mother Nature clearly found a wealth of solutions to operate beyond the micrometer-length scale, to communicate over large distances, and speed-up rare events, and one might wonder if there are simple principles that could be adopted in an artificial setting. In PNAS, Banerjee et al. (3) demonstrate an interaction that extends over hundreds of micrometers, lasts for several minutes, and is highly specific to the type of dissolved particle. The principle relies on a mediating solute that is emitted by a so-called beacon. The beacon creates a gradient in solute concentration that induces polystyrene particles and decane droplets to move in opposite directions. It is tempting to make comparisons with chemotaxis, the ability of bacteria to move toward higher concentrations of nutrients or lower concentrations of toxins. However, the colloidal particles in the experiments by Banerjee et al. (3) migrate without … [↵][1]1Email: johannes_zwanikken{at}uml.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Cucurbitacin I (JSI-124) Has Potent Anti-Myeloma Effects Independent of Its Inhibition of JAK2-Induced STAT3 Activation.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell proliferative disorder that results in considerable morbidity and mortality. JSI-124 is a plant natural product identified previously as Cucurbitacin I, isolated from various plant families such as the Cucurbitaceae and Cruciferae and has been recently described as a specific inhibitor of Janus Kinase-2 (JAK-2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3). Based on the critical role of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in MM we studied the effects of JSI-124 on different MM cells in vitro. Different human myeloma cell lines including MM1.S, IM9, OPM-2, RPMI-8226, ARH77 in addition to the murine 5TGM myeloma cell lines were incubated with increasing concentrations of JSI-124. The impact of JSI-124 on cell proliferation, cell cycle and induction of apoptosis was studied using [3H]-Thymidine incorporation, cell counting, flow cytometry and Annexin/PI staining and caspase 3, 8 and 9 activation. JSI-124 was able to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in several MM cell lines, including MM1.S, IM9, OPM-2, RPMI-8226, ARH77, U266 and 5TGM in a dose- and time-dependent manner. JSI-124 lead to activation of caspase 3, 8 and 9 indicating involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. JSI-124-mediated induction of apoptosis was independent of JAK2/STAT3 inhibition as MM1.S and 5TGM cells, which lack constitutive STAT3 (Tyr705) activation were equally sensitive to JSI-124 compared to U266 cells which show a constitutive STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation. However, JSI-124 treatment was able to abrogate IL-6 and bone marrow stroma (BMSC)-induced STAT3 (Tyr705) activation in MM1.S cells. In addition we were able to observe JSI-124 dependent inhibition of constitutive STAT3 (Ser727) activation in MM cell lines. To further delineate the mechanism underlying its anti-myeloma effects we studied the impact of JSI-124 treatment on NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K pathways. Indeed, JSI-124 treatment resulted in inhibition of p-p65, p-MEK1,2 and p-Akt underscoring the effect of JSI-124 on STAT3-independent signaling. Our results indicate that JSI-124 is a powerful direct inhibitor of myeloma cells blocking constitutive and IL-6/BMSC-dependent STAT3 activation in addition to STAT3 independent signaling pathways. JSI-124 might therefore serve as a potent novel anti-myeloma agent targeting both myeloma cells and its bone marrow microenvironment. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of JSI-124 and identify the STAT3 independent pathways contributing to myeloma cell growth and induction of apoptosis.
Flame speed enhancement of a nitrocellulose monopropellant using graphene microstructures

The control and enhancement of the combustion wave propagation velocities of solid monopropellants are very important for the development of low cost and efficient micro power systems such as microthrusters and thermal-to-electrical energy conversion devices. In this work, the flame speed enhancement of a nitrocellulose (NC) solid monopropellant using highly conductive graphene structures was demonstrated. Two different graphene structures, namely, graphene foam (GF) and graphene nano-pellets (GNPs), were studied. For the GNP-doped NC films, fuel layers 500 ± 30 μm thick were deposited and the doping concentrations were varied from 1% to 5% by mass. For the GF, the fuel loading ratio (%) and the foam density were varied to study their effect on the flame speed propagation behavior. Self-propagating combustion waves were observed, with average flame speed enhancements up to 8 times the bulk value. The flame speed enhancement, for both the GNPs and the GF, showed a parabolic trend as a function of their con...
TEFLON AF-A new polymer for electronics

Teflon PTFE is now available in a soluble form which will make it suitable for use in the electronics industry. The new grade is called Teflon AF, and it is believed that, with a dielectric constant as low as 1.89, it will be ideal as a thin-layer dielectric in microelectronic circuits particularly for high-density packings and integrated circuits where the requirement is for dielectric layers of a few micrometers in thickness. The chemical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties of this material are described and applications are discussed. >
“Stern Champion of the Human Race, of Man as Human”: Alexander F. Chamberlain and Reform in the Age of Imperialism and Jim Crow

This essay examines the broad and understudied contributions of pioneer American anthropologist Alexander Francis Chamberlain (1865–1914), who earned America's first PhD in anthropology at Clark University under the legendary anthropologist Franz Boas. Before his untimely death on the eve of World War I, and Boas's rise as a leading scientific spokesman of antiracism at Columbia University, Chamberlain contributed as significantly as Boas to the fields of linguistic and cultural anthropology, cross-cultural psychology, child development, comparative folklore, and Native American and African American culture, and to the cause of equality and justice for all humans. Chamberlain subscribed to an antiracist cultural evolutionism, frequently and passionately condemning ethnocentrism and insisting on the “generic humanity” of all persons, of all races. Close reading of Chamberlain's work suggests not that Boas's work mattered less, but rather that both men participated in an emerging debate on the nature and meaning of race that informed social policy and shaped academic interests during the Progressive Era.
Using Family Style Dining to Increase Social Interactions in Young Children

During family style dining (FSD), caregivers are encouraged to sit with children at the table to support, promote, and facilitate conversations. FSD is considered a best practice in child care and ...
Preferences Toward Leniency under Mandatory Criminal Sentencing Guidelines: Role-in-the-Offense Adjustments for Federal Drug Trafficking Defendants

This paper tests whether judges and/or prosecutors manipulated mandatory federal sentencing guidelines to shorten prison sentences. It finds that, among drug traffickers convicted under the federal guidelines’ former mandatory sentencing system, those who faced harsher underlying charges were found to have played significantly lower-level roles in their conspiracies. This is consistent with guideline manipulation to help defendants facing longer sentences. Women received significantly larger role-in-the-offense reductions related to harsher underlying charges than men. Effects were insignificant if defendants were eligible for lower-cost alternative methods of sentence reduction, namely substantial assistance departures and safety-valve reductions from mandatory minimum sentences.
Fundamentals of the Structure and Function of the Nervous System

Neurotoxicology concerns itself with the study of adverse effects of endogenous or exogenous agents on the central and peripheral nervous systems. In order to conduct such studies and to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity, there is a need for a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. This article will review basic cellular and neurophysiology, provide details on the major neurotransmitter systems and their receptors, and provide a brief summary on the anatomy and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Stochastic Treatment Regimes

Standard statistical methods to study causality define a set of treatment-specific counterfactual outcomes as the outcomes observed in a hypothetical world in which a given treatment strategy is applied to all individuals. For example, if treatment has two possible values, one may define the causal effect as a comparison between the expectation of the counterfactual outcomes under regimes that assign each treatment level with probability one. Regimes of this type are often referred to as static. Another interesting type of regimes assign an individual’s treatment level as a function of the individual’s measured history. Regimes like this have been called dynamic, since they can vary according to observed pre-treatment characteristics of the individual. Static and dynamic regimes have often been called deterministic, because they are completely determined by variables measured before treatment.
Chronic Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation

The temporomandibular joint is unique in that as a ginglymoarthrodial joint with both rotation and translation, it may be more susceptible to dislocation than other joints. The recognition of acute dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is relatively straightforward often characterized by significant pain, inability to close the jaw, and a perceived malocclusion. Management is relatively simple requiring manual reduction under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Chronic dislocation of the temporomandibular joint presents many additional challenges, making both the diagnosis and management more problematic.
Antigens Associated with Human Solid Tumors

The detection and diagnosis of cancer is dependent upon the ability to discriminate between normal and neoplastic tissues. At present, this determination relies upon the recognition of abnormal morphologic features associated with neoplasia. The utilization of specific biochemical differences between normal and neoplastic tissues in the development of highly sensitive assays might yield definitive methods for the early detection of tumors. Furthermore, specific biochemical differences may be exploited for preventive and/ or curative measures. These concepts, coupled with the recent advances in the field of immunochemical analysis, have made the search for tumor-specific antigens of great interest.
CONSTRUCTION OF FREE AMINO ACIDS AND POLYPEPTIDE END GROUPS

This chapter discusses the construction of free amino acids and polypeptide end groups. To construct a free amino acid, the tetrahedral α-carbon is connected to a tetrahedral nitrogen piece and a carboxyl piece. It is also attached to a hydrogen atom and a specific side chain, depending on the amino acid being built. One should remember to attach the side chain in the L-configuration. The tetrahedral nitrogen and carboxyl pieces are also used at the two termini of a polypeptide chain. The tetrahedral nitrogen depicts the N-terminus and the carboxyl group, the C-terminus.
Ocean Carbon System, Modeling of

Chemical species such as radiocarbon, chlorofluorocarbons, and tritium–3He, often termed chemical tracers, are important tools for ocean carbon cycle research because they can be used to trace circulation pathways, estimate timescales, and determine absolute rates. Large-scale ocean gradients of nutrients, oxygen, and dissolved inorganic carbon reflect a combination of circulation, mixing, and the production, transport, and respiration of organic matter. Chemical tracers provide additional, often independent, information useful in separating these biogeochemical and physical processes. Biogeochemical and tracer observations are often framed in terms of ocean circulation models, ranging from simple, idealized models to full three-dimensional simulations. Model advection and diffusion rates are typically calibrated or evaluated against transient tracer data. Idealized models are straightforward to construct and computationally inexpensive and are thus conducive to hypothesis testing and extensive exploration of parameter space. More complete and sophisticated dynamics can be incorporated into three-dimensional models, which are also more amenable for direct comparisons with field data. Models of both classes are used commonly to examine specific biogeochemical process, quantify the uptake of anthropogenic carbon, and study the carbon cycle responses to climate change. All models have potential drawbacks, however, and part of the art of numerical modeling is deciding on the appropriate model(s) for the particular question at hand.
Stochastic Differential Equations and Hypoelliptic Operators

The first half of the twentieth century saw some remarkable developments in analytic probability theory. Wiener constructed a rigorous mathematical model of Brownian motion. Kolmogorov discovered that the transition probabilities of a diffusion process define a fundamental solution to an associated heat equation. Ito developed a stochastic calculus which made it possible to represent a diffusion with a given (infinitesimal) generator as the solution of a Stochastic Differential Equation. These developments created a link between the fields of Partial Differential Equations and stochastic analysis whereby results in the former area could be used to prove results in the latter.
Influence of 1.5-Tesla intraoperative MR imaging on surgical decision making.

To determine the frequency that high-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences influenced surgical decision making during intraoperative MR-guided surgery. From January 1997 to February 2001, 346 MR-guided procedures were performed using a 1.5-Tesla MR system (NT-ACS, Philips Medical Systems). This system can perform functional MR imaging (fMRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), MR angiography (MRA), and MR venography (MRV) in addition to T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and turbo FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) imaging. FMRI was used to determine areas of brain activation for language, motor function, and memory. DWI was utilized after tumor resection to exclude cerebral ischemia or infarction. MRS was obtained to identify areas of elevated choline that were suspected to correlate with tumor presence. MRA and MRV localized vascular structures adjacent to tumors prior to resection. The intraoperative procedures performed included 140 brain biopsies of which 82 utilized a trajectory guide and prospective stereotaxy. MRS was used in 42 biopsies (30%), of which 29 had turbo spectroscopic imaging (TSI) and 21 had single voxel spectroscopy (SVS). In all biopsy cases, diagnostic tissue was obtained. There were 103 tumor resections of which 18 (17%) had MRS. Functional MRI was used in 17 cases; 3 biopsies (2%) and 14 planned resections (14%). Speech function was localized in 3 cases, memory function in 3, and motor function in 11. In one case where the motor function of the tongue was intimately involved with a low-grade glioma, resection was not attempted. DWI was used in less than 10% of tumor resections. MRA and MRV were performed in 3 (3%) and 2 (2%) of tumor resections, respectively. The imaging capabilities (i.e., fMRI, DWI, MRA, MRV) associated with high-field intraoperative MR influenced surgical decision making primarily for tumor resections. MRS influenced target selection during brain biopsy.
Maturity in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Concept Analysis.

Abstract Theoretical Principles The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a particularly challenging time for teenagers with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Adolescents with T1DM must manage a treatment regimen which requires a high level of responsibility and self-care. Often the responsibilities of self-care are given to these teens without a clear assessment of their maturity, resulting in poor health outcomes. In order to accurately assess a youth's ability to assume self-management of T1DM, a clear understanding of the concept of maturity is needed. Phenomena Addressed The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical definition of the concept of maturity in the context of adolescents with T1DM and support this definition based on a literature review. This discussion was developed utilizing the Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis. Research Linkages This concept analysis defined maturity in adolescents with T1DM as a multi-dimensional state of development that encompasses the physical, cognitive, psychological, and social dimensions of being. Maturity requires that an individual is capable of functioning with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional autonomy in self-care activities related to TIDM on a consistent basis. This explanation also emphasizes that the process of achieving maturity is gradual and dynamic in nature. Caregivers must understand that physical age alone does not indicate that an adolescent is adequately prepared to assume independent diabetes management. Nurses are in the unique position to assist youth with the transition from dependent diabetes care to independent self-management of the disease; thus, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Just and Speedy: On Civil Discovery Sanctions for Luddite Lawyers

This article presents a theoretical model by which a judge could impose civil sanctions on an attorney - relying in part on Rule 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - for that attorney’s failure to utilize time- and expense-saving technology. Rule 1 now charges all participants in the legal system to ensure the “just, speedy and inexpensive” resolution of disputes. In today’s litigation environment, a lawyer managing a case in discovery needs robust technological competence to meet that charge. However, the legal industry is slow to adopt technology, favoring “tried and true” methods over efficiency. This conflict is evident in data showing clients’ and judges’ frustration with the lack of technological competency among the Bar, especially as it pertains to electronic discovery. Such frustration has led judges to publicly scold luddite attorneys, and has led state bar associations to pass anti-luddite ethical rules. Sanctions for “luddite” attorneys are an extreme, but theoretically possible, amplification of that normative movement. Sanctions leveraging Rule 1 require a close reading of the revised rule, and challenge the notion of Rule 1 as a “guide” to the Rules, but a case can be made for such sanctions based on the Rule’s affirmative charge. The article briefly explores two examples of conduct warranting such sanctions in rare scenarios such as: (1) the failure of an attorney to utilize machine intelligence and concept analytics in the review of information for production and (2) the failure of an attorney to produce documents in accessible electronic format. The article concludes by suggesting that well-publicized sanctions for “luddite” attorneys may break through the traditional barriers that limit innovation in the legal industry.
Comparison of lower limb segment forces during running on artificial turf and natural grass.

Introduction: Artificial turf, soon after being introduced in the 1980s, became associated with an increased injury incidence in football players. While more recent generations of artificial turf h...
Circulating tumor DNA dynamics, serial testing and evolution on treatment in 322 colorectal cancer patients.

3566Background: According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) joint review on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) issued in March 2018, widespread...
The host antiviral ribonuclease L protein supports Zika virus replication factory formation to enhance infectious virus production

The flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) activates ribonuclease L (RNase L) catalytic antiviral function during infection, yet deletion of RNase L decreases ZIKV production, suggesting a proviral role of RNase L. In this study, we reveal that latent RNase L supports ZIKV replication factory (RF) assembly. Deletion of RNase L induced broader cellular distribution of ZIKV dsRNA and NS3 compared with densely concentrated RFs detected in WT cells. An inactive form of RNase L was sufficient to contain ZIKV genome and dsRNA within a smaller area, which increased levels of viral RNA within RFs as well as infectious ZIKV released from the cell. We used a microtubule stabilization drug to demonstrate that RNase L deletion impaired the cytoskeleton rearrangements that are required for proper generation of RFs. During infection with dengue or West Nile Kunjin viruses, RNase L decreased virus production, suggesting that RNase L proviral function is specific to ZIKV.
Beyond Justice: What Makes an Indigenous Justice Organization?.

The data from a longitudinal study of seven indigenous justice service organizations in four colonized countries were analyzed to identify the characteristics that made them "indigenous." Although nine common organizational characteristics emerged, of these, four are essential and specific to indigenous organizations (dependency on indigenous stakeholders, incorporation of indigenous values and practices, indigenous organizational governance, and support for indigenous self-determination) and are framed by a fifth (colonial socio-environmental) that is also constitutive but not specific to indigenous organizations. Through their services, values and operations, indigenous organizations are deeply embedded in the reconstruction of the reality of indigenous/non-indigenous relations.