cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the use of the capability polar plots program for dynamic positioning systems for marine vessels

As the capability of polar plots becomes better understood, improved dynamic positioning (DP) systems are possible since the control algorithms greatly depend on the accuracy of the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic models. The measurements and estimation of the environmental disturbances have an important role in the optimal design and selection of a DP system for a marine vessel. The main objective of this work is to present a new software program capable of estimating the environmental forces, thrusters capability calculations, and capability polar plots for marine vessels. A flowchart illustrating the logic and data flow of a developed software program, the Capability Polar Plot Program (CPPP), and the estimated results for two case studies for a scientific drilling vessel and a survey vessel are presented. It is obvious from the obtained results that the developed program has a future potential for the estimation of the Capability Polar Plots for marine vessels. Moreover, the developed software program would be considered as a marine tool for the thrusters' selection and their configuration for marine vessels and floating production units for the Oil and Gas industries.
Development of a communication flexibility measure

Communication flexibility has long been recognized as an essential component of communication competence. This article reports the development of a communication flexibility scale and corresponding validity and reliability information. The Communication Flexibility Scale demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability; communication flexibility was positively related to social desirability and communication adaptability, yet was not related to rhetorical sensitivity. Discussion focused on future scale research and conceptual definitions of the constructs.
Flotillin‐1 promotes formation of glutamatergic synapses in hippocampal neurons

Synapse malformation underlies numerous neurodevelopmental illnesses, including autism spectrum disorders. Here we identify the lipid raft protein flotillin-1 as a promoter of glutamatergic synapse formation. We cultured neurons from the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory, and examined them at two weeks in vitro, a time period rich with synapse formation. Double-label immunocytochemistry of native flot-1 with glutamatergic and GABAergic synapse markers showed that flot-1 was preferentially colocalized with the glutamatergic presynaptic marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), compared to the GABAergic presynaptic marker glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65). Triple-label immunocytochemistry of native flot-1, VGLUT1, and NR1, the obligatory subunit of NMDA receptors, indicates that Flot-1 was preferentially localized to synaptic rather than extrasynaptic NR1. Furthermore, electrophysiological results using whole-cell patch clamp showed that Flot-1 increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) but not miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), whereas amplitude and decay kinetics of either type of synaptic current was not affected. Corresponding immunocytochemical data confirmed that the number of glutamatergic synapses increased with flot-1 overexpression. Overall, our anatomical and physiological results show that flot-1 enhances the formation of glutamatergic synapses but not GABAergic synapses, suggesting that the role of flot-1 in neurodevelopmental disorders should be explored.
A method of securing the direct body ballistocardiogram by means of a microscope, giving a record readily calibrated.

We describe a simple method of recording the direct body ballistocardiogram by means of a microscope and a powerful light source. The beam passes through a slit attached to the body, and the image of this moving slit is magnified by the microscope and focused on moving photographic paper. When a static force is applied to the body, the base line of the record is permanently displaced and so the amplitude of the ballistocardiogram can be calibrated. By superimposing a ballistocardiogram obtained by means of the electrocardiogram on the same film, accurate comparisons of the two records and a calibration of the electrical instrument can be obtained.
Depletion of reactants on a catalytic surface during reaction

Abstract The steady state reactions of a mixture of physically adsorbed cis - and trans dichloroethylenes with H 2 on Pt peripherally deposited on alumina pellets were terminated abruptly by flooding the reactor with CCl 4 to permit direct measurement of species on the catalyst at that instant. It was found that products—ethane, vinyl chloride, ethyl chloride, and 1,2-dichloroethane—were present on the catalyst during reaction in quantities proportional to boiling points and in an order opposite to production rates. At constant partial pressure of 485 Torr H 2 and 10.8 Torr C 2 H 2 Cl 2 at 32 °C, the amounts of reactants on the surface decreased from 370 to 122 μmoles/g of catalyst as conversion ranged from 0 to 2.5%. We believe that the observation of depletion of the amounts of reactant on the surface as a function of conversion at constant partial pressure is a consequence of a required surface diffusion process from the inert alumina surface (190 m 2 /g) to the catalyst's active Pt sites (1.34 m 2 /g). Observed adsorption data are a function of the large inert surface rather than the small active site area. Surface diffusion effects are marked when using catalysts with dispersed active sites. Not only activity but also selectivity is affected.
Control of the rat's sniffing behavior by response-independent and dependent schedules of reinforcing brain stimulation

Abstract The rat's sniffing response occurs in continuous bursts, at approximately 5–11 Hz. In the present experiments, the analog signal from a thermocouple probe in the nasal cavity was digitized to provide a discrete logic pulse, defining a sniff, and permitting on-line presentations of reinforcing brain stimulation contingent on momentary sniffing patterns. Schedules of reinforcer presentation included response-independent fixed interval (temporal conditioning), continuous reinforcement (CRF), and differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL 10 sec). Under temporal conditioning, bursts of sniffing were observed immediately after stimulation, and an acceleration in sniffing developed preceding stimulation. Under CRF, operant rate-intensity functions were found to be similar to traditional bar-press data. Under DRL, sniffs were effectively paced by the criterion interval, and interresponse time analyses revealed evidence of temporal discrimination. The behavioral patterns were interpreted in terms of the interplay of operant and respondent functions.
High resolution PET, SPECT and projection imaging in small animals.

Positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography and planar projection imaging of radioactive tracers have long been in use for detecting and diagnosing disease in human subjects. More recently, advanced versions of these same technologies have begun to be used across the breadth of modern biomedical research to study non-invasively small laboratory animals in a myriad of experimental settings. In this report, we describe some of the new instruments and techniques that make these measurements possible and illustrate, with a few examples, the potential power of these methods in modern biomedical research. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Effects of dimethylsulfoxide on the ultrastructure of fixed cells

It has been reported that the use of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent for fixatives enhances preservation of cellular ultrastructure. By contrast, we have shown that DMSO alters the ultrastructural integrity of glutaraldehyde fixed cells. The cell membrane, nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, microtubules and intracytoplasmic organelles are most susceptible to the action of DMSO. We hypothesize that DMSO exerts intracellular alterations via its interaction with remnant interfacial water in fixed cells. DMSO-induced alterations of these and related cellular components may result in the formation of artefactual structures and networks. Thus, it appears that DMSO containing glutaraldehyde neither accelerates fixation nor enhances stabilization of cellular ultrastructure. For these reasons, addition of DMSO to fixatives is not recommended.
Percutaneous biopsy of adrenal tumors

Although adrenal lesions are not common in the routine practice of diagnostic radiology, they are at present being identified more frequently because of the availability of new imaging modalities, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). The incidence of adrenal metastases is surprisingly high in certain types of malignant tumour, such as carcinoma of the breast, lung and melanoma [1–4]. However, in general they are clinically silent because they fail to destroy enough tissue to cause clinical symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
Physicians and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

To the Editor.— I have written about,1and given careful thought to, the issues posed by Gerbert et al2on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected physician. Should physicians be required to disclose to their patients that they are infected with HIV? The law of informed consent requires disclosure of material risks to patients. However, the risk of transmission from physician to patient is so remote that the law ought not to require disclosure. A physician could not realistically continue to practice medicine when patients in the community know of his or her infection. Should infected physicians be restricted in the practice of medicine? There are at least 14 court cases where health care professionals have been excluded from their practices by hospitals or physician partnerships.3Patients cannot be assured a risk-free hospital environment. Provided the risks are remote, and rigorous precautions are used, infected physicians should be
Permeability characteristics of the guinea pig biliary apparatus.

To determine the mechanism and pathway of entry of polar nonelectrolytes into bile, we studied first the permeation of [3H]H2O, [14C]urea, [14C]erythritol, [14C]mannitol, [3H]sucrose, [3H]inulin and [3H]dextran across an isolated, in situ perfused segment of the guinea pig's extrahepatic bile duct. All of these molecules, except [3H]dextran, permeated the bile duct. The diffusive permeability coefficients (cm per sec per 106) ranged from 248 for [3H]H2O to 1.2 for [3H]inulin. On the basis of these results, we formulated two models of solute biliary excretion. In Model I, permeation across both the canaliculus and ductule/duct was assumed to be by simple diffusion. In Model II, solute was assumed to enter the canaliculus by convection and diffusion, and the ductule/duct by diffusion. Reflection coefficients and/or permeability coefficients for the canalicular membrane were then determined by fitting the equations describing these processes to the bile-to-plasma ratios of [14C] erythritol, [14C]mannitol, [3H]sucrose and [3H]inulin observed at different rates of bile flow produced by partially clamping the bile duct cannula and subsequently infusing taurodehydrocholate. Only when convection was included as a mechanism of canalicular permeation (Model II) was excellent fitting observed. In such a case, the reflection coefficients and permeability coefficients for the carbohydrates in question were similar to those reported for other transporting epithelia. Cholestasis produced by taurolithocholate (10 to 40 μmoles per kg, i.v.) was associated with an irreversible increase in both the sieving coefficient and permeability coefficient for [3H]sucrose and [3H]inulin, even when the inhibition of bile flow was fully reversible. The permeability to [14C] erythritol and [14C]mannitol was either not affected or minimally increased. These findings suggest that, in the guinea pig: (i) solutes as large as [3H]inulin enter the biliary tree both at the canaliculus and bile ductule/duct; (ii) [14C]erythritol and [14C]mannitol gain access into the canalicular lumen primarily by convection, whereas [3H]sucrose and [3H]inulin permeate mainly by diffusion; (iii) distal permeation of these carbohydrates is small, and accounts for 1 to 11% of their total biliary entry; (iv) the canalicular membrane permeability to [3H]sucrose and [3H]inulin is not functionally important in bile secretion, and (v) a fraction of canalicular bile flows through the transjunctional shunt pathway.
Redistribution of Cholesterol in Model Lipid Membranes in Response to Alamethicin

Cell membranes are complex mixtures of lipids, proteins and other molecules that serve as active, semipermeable barriers between cells and their internal organelles and the surrounding medium. Cell membrane molecular and macromolecular compositions are tightly regulated to ensure proper function. Cholesterol is a key component in mammalian cellular membranes, where it serves to maintain membrane fluidity and permeability. Here, the interaction of alamethicin, a 20 amino acid residue peptide that creates transmembrane pores in lipid bilayer membranes in a concentration-dependent manner, with cholesterol (Chol) containing dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) membranes. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data demonstrate that a low concentration of alamethicin (lipid to peptide ratio of 200:1) disrupts the lateral inhomogeneity seen in peptide-free DMPC:Chol vesicles, which is a coexistence of different phases. The resulting laterally heterogeneous bilayers are thinner than the peptide-free Lo phase, and possess a stronger asymmetry in the Chol content of the inner and outer bilayer leaflets. The results point to an alternative to the well-understood cytotoxic membrane permeabilization mechanism of action, specifically that membrane-active peptides are capable of disrupting lipid rafts and other functional structures in cell membranes.
Structures of protonated benzene dimer and intermolecular interaction decomposition via symmetry-adapted perturbation theory

Abstract Intermolecular interactions of the protonated benzene dimer are examined through computed interaction energies of three distinct dimer configurations and the decomposition of the interaction into electrostatic, induction, exchange-repulsion, and dispersion components. Protonated benzene dimer is an effective prototype for the study of positively charged, non-covalent interactions commonly encountered throughout aromatic regions of complex biological systems. Three distinct configurations of the dimer are identified: parallel-displaced, T-shaped, and canted. Equilibrium interaction energies computed with CCSD(T) range from −11.4 to −10.0 kcal mol−1 where the lowest energy structures involve direct interaction of the protonation site with the top face of benzene. All three conformers contain unorthodox, cationic, CH–π hydrogen bonds. Comparison of the parallel-displaced structures of C 6 H 6 – C 6 H 7 + and ( C 6 H 6 ) 2 + reveals that the interaction between benzene and protonated benzene is weaker than the interaction between benzene and benzene radical cation. Symmetry adapted perturbation theory provides evidence that the benzene–benzenium attractive interaction consists primarily of equal contributions from dispersion and electrostatics.
Statistical techniques in activation analysis

Abstract Technical methods involved in activation analysis have received widespread publicity during recent years. Even more recently, various statistical techniques have been employed in conjunction with such technical methods in order to provide a better means of estimating the amounts of various pure chemical elements contained in an unknown mixture. In particular, the method of “least squares” has been employed extensively. However, for the most part, usual least squares applications in activation analysis have utilized the ordinary matrix model Y = Xβ +ρ, under the “error” assumptions (a) zero means, (b) variances proportional to Y and (c) zero covariances. In addition to the fact that assumptions (b) and (c) may lead to erroneous results, previous applications allow only point estimation, with no provision for confidence intervals and tests for model goodness of fit. The present paper is concerned with a feasible iterative estimation procedure which eliminates the necessity for assumptions (b) and (c), and which allows construction of confidence intervals and a test for model goodness of fit. A numerical example of the application of the technique is included. Further, an indication is given of how the technique can be extended to apply in the case of “restricted” least squares (quadratic programming).
Asymmetric Frequency Conversion in Nonlinear Systems Driven by a Biharmonic Pump

A novel mechanism of asymmetric frequency conversion is investigated in nonlinear dispersive devices driven parametrically with a biharmonic pump. When the relative phase between the first and second harmonics combined in a two-tone pump is appropriately tuned, nonreciprocal frequency conversion, either upward or downward, can occur. Full directionality and efficiency of the conversion process is possible, provided that the distribution of pump power over the harmonics is set correctly. While this asymmetric conversion effect is generic, we describe its practical realization in a model system consisting of a current-biased, resistively shunted Josephson junction. Here, the multiharmonic Josephson oscillations, generated internally from the static current bias, provide the pump drive.
Refined correlations between atmospheric and rapid polar motion excitations

SUMMARY In this work we employ Monte Carlo experiments to explore reports by others of a statistically significant correlation between atmospheric angular momentum variations and polar motion on timescales of days to months. Our experiments verify that the correlation between atmospheric and geodetic excitation is statistically diVerent from zero at the 0.997 confidence level, and demonstrate that the correlations improve with more recent recreations of the older data sets. Additional Monte Carlo experiments reveal that, during the previous decade, about 60 per cent of the atmospheric excitation was eVective in exciting rapid polar motion, and nearly 80 per cent of the geodetic excitation was atmospheric in origin on these timescales; with the older data sets, barely 50 per cent of the geodetic excitation could be ascribed to an atmospheric origin. Possible sources of the remaining polar motion excitation are briefly discussed. Our work implies that simply subtracting atmospheric angular momentum from geodetic data may not be the best way to remove the atmospheric contribution. We also present the first correlation results employing atmospheric excitation data corrected for the dynamic response of the oceans to barometric pressure forcing.
Fragmentation in the Field—and the Movement Toward Integration in Communication Science

Two aspects of disciplinary identity are addressed in this essay: (1) Who are we, members of one discipline or a loose confederation of scholars who each have some claim to the word communication; and (2) are we (whoever we are) becoming respectable members of the academic community? The first of these issues is examined in terms of the institutional history of communication. The various forces that contributed to a fragmentation of the discipline are discussed. Evidence that a clear disciplinary identity or “self-concept” is emerging in terms of a social science of communication is presented. This identity differentiates the emerging discipline from its various predecessors, including speech and journalism. While there is less evidence to be brought to bear on the second issue, what evidence there is indicates that respectability (and disciplinary maturity) is increasing, but that there is still much progress to be made.
Visceral primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumors: A clinicopathologic and molecular study

Abstract Ewing sarcoma–primitive neuroectodermal tumor (EWS/PNET) belongs to the group of pediatric small round blue cell tumors; although EWS/PNET is classically a tumor of the soft tissue or bone in children and young adults, individual cases have been described in patients of all ages. A group of chromosomal translocations involving the EWS gene and a member of the Ets transcription factor family of genes has been detected in EWS/PNET, and heterogeneity in the precise breakpoint of the translocation has been shown to generate a group of related fusion transcripts that may have prognostic significance. Within the last decade, the clinicopathologic spectrum of EWS/PNET has been markedly expanded by recognition that the tumor may also have a visceral origin. To determine whether visceral EWS/PNET has the same pattern of genetic alterations and range of fusion transcripts as EWS/PNET of bone and soft tissue, we performed reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction–based testing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from a series of visceral tumors for which the diagnosis of EWS/PNET was well established. Together with additional cases compiled from the literature, EWS-Fli1 (or a related fusion transcript) was present in 18 of 19 visceral EWS/PNET, with a distribution of transcript types not statistically different from EWS/PNET of soft tissue and bone ( P >.05, X 2 test). These results firmly establish the genetic relationship between EWS/PNET of visceral sites, soft tissue, and bone. HUM PATHOL 32:1109-1115. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Evaluation of a University-Community Partnership to Provide Home-Based, Mental Health Services for Children from Families Living in Poverty

A university-community partnership is described that resulted in the development of community-based mental health services for young children from families living in poverty. The purpose of this pilot project was to implement an evidence-based treatment program in the homes of an at-risk population of children with significant emotional and behavior problems that were further complicated by developmental delays. Outcomes for 237 children who participated in the clinic’s treatment program over a 2 year period are presented. Comparisons are included between treatment completers and non-completers and the issues of subject attrition, potential subject selection bias, and the generalizability of the results are addressed. The need for more professionals who are trained to address mental health issues in very young children who live in very challenging conditions are discussed.
Social media fostering social good: a case of election monitoring in Nigeria

The power of crowd-sourced social data can be combined with the precision of formal on-the-ground observations in a way that is of benefit to social causes in civil society. To do this, we are developing technological platforms, human and social processes and the underlying creative abilities to leverage social media and formal observer networks to enhance and promote social causes in developing countries. In our previous work, we highlighted the importance of social media aggregation for election monitoring using our technological platform, Aggie, for elections in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. In this case study, we seek to introduce new insight by sharing our experiences and understanding on leveraging formal observation techniques in validating and reinforcing the veracity of real time aggregated social media generated reports [10]. In this paper, we will treat election monitoring as an instance of civic management.
A mechanism for robust circadian timekeeping via stoichiometric balance

Circadian (B24 h) timekeeping is essential for the lives of many organisms. To understand the biochemical mechanisms of this timekeeping, we have developed a detailed mathematical model of the mammalian circadian clock. Our model can accurately predict diverse experimental data including the phenotypes of mutations or knockdown of clock genes as well as the time courses and relative expression of clock transcripts and proteins. Using this model, we show how a universal motif of circadian timekeeping, where repressors tightly bind activators rather than directly binding to DNA, can generate oscillations when activators and repressors are in stoichiometric balance. Furthermore, we find that an additional slow negative feedback loop preserves this stoichiometric balance and maintains timekeeping with a fixed period. The role of this mechanism in generating robust rhythms is validated by analysis of a simple and general model and a previous model of the Drosophila circadian clock. We propose a double-negative feedback loop design for biological clocks whose period needs to be tightly regulated even with large changes in gene dosage.
Structure, mechanical properties, and dynamic fracture in nanophase silicon nitride via parallel molecular dynamics

Million-atom molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study the structure, mechanical properties, and dynamic fracture in nanophase Si3N4. We find that intercluster regions are highly disordered: 50% of Si atoms in intercluster regions are three-fold coordinated. Elastic moduli of nanophase Si3N4 as a function of grain size and porosity are well described by a multiphase model for heterogeneous materials. The study of fracture in the nanophase Si3N4 reveals that the system can sustain an order-of-magnitude larger external load than crystalline Si3N4. This is due to branching and pinning of the crack front by nanoscale microstructures.
Multivariate assessment of factors influencing illicit substance use in twins from female-female pairs

Although familial factors have been shown to influence drug use, abuse, and dependence, little is known about the common and specific factors that influence polysubstance use and misuse. Our objective was to assess whether there are genetic and environmental factors specific to each substance or whether there are factors that predispose an individual to use of illicit substances in general. Twins from female-female pairs from the Virginia Twin Registry were interviewed by phone to assess lifetime nonmedical use of cannabis, sedatives, stimulants, cocaine, opiates, and hallucinogens. Multivariate, biometrical model-fitting was applied to the data using the Mx computer package. In the best-fitting model, use of all classes of drugs was influenced by a single general genetic factor (common to all substances) and a general familial environmental factor. The magnitude of influence of the general genetic factor ranged from 3% of the variance for opiates to 59% of the variance for cannabis. Some differences were seen from the univariate results, indicating some of the parameter estimates were unstable due to small numbers of concordant pairs. However, generalizations could be made. In women, the substances examined share genetic and familial environmental factors which contribute to the vulnerability to use. Degree of influence of the factors differs for the substances examined. However, no specific genetic or familial environmental factors were found to contribute significantly to use of any of the illicit substances.
Sacral Insufficiency Fractures are Common After High-dose Radiation for Sacral Chordomas Treated With or Without Surgery.

Background Surgery with high-dose radiation and high-dose radiation alone for sacral chordomas have shown promising local control rates. However, we have noted frequent sacral insufficiency fractures and perceived this rate to be higher than previously reported.
Inotropic actions of protein kinase C activation by phorbol dibutyrate in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes.

The mechanisms which underlie the inotropic actions of phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), a synthetic compound which can directly activate protein kinase C (PKC), were investigated in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes. Exposure of cells to PDBu (10(-7) M) reduced myocyte contraction amplitude to 46 +/- 3% of control (n = 8; P 0.05). In contrast, delayed rectifier potassium currents (I(K)) were enhanced to 154 +/- 8% of control (n = 7; P < 0.05) by 10(-7) M PDBu. This enhancement of I(K) may contribute to the observed shortening in action potential duration observed following exposure to PDBu under the conditions of our experiments. When the action potential configuration was maintained throughout the experiment by applying a voltage-clamp waveform, 10(-7) M PDBu still reduced contraction amplitude to 57 +/- 3% of control (P < 0.05). Exposure to 10(-7) M PDBu also suppressed spontaneous activity (both spontaneous potential fluctuations induced by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (40 nM), and transient inward currents induced by the cardiac glycoside ouabain (1 microM) under voltage clamp). It therefore appears that the reduction in myocyte contraction amplitude induced by exposure to PDBu may result in part through mechanisms independent of action potential shortening, which may include direct actions of protein kinase C on the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium store and/or on contractile proteins (though action potential shortening would be expected to cause a further decrease as a consequence of reduced calcium loading of the SR). The reduction of spontaneous activity caused by PDBu may also result from changes in the function of the SR store mediated by protein kinase C.
Analyzing actual risk in malaria-deferred donors through selective serologic testing

Background Approximately 150,000 US blood donors are deferred annually for travel to malaria-endemic areas. However, the majority do not travel to the high-risk areas of Africa associated with transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) but visit low-risk areas such as Mexico. This study tests for Plasmodium infection among malaria-deferred donors, particularly those visiting Mexico. Study Design and Methods Blood donors deferred for malaria risk (travel, residence, or previous infection) provided blood samples and completed a questionnaire. Plasma was tested for Plasmodium antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (EIA); repeat-reactive (RR) samples were considered positive and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Accepted donors provided background testing data. Results During 2005 to 2011, a total of 5610 malaria-deferred donors were tested by EIA, including 5412 travel deferrals. Overall, 88 (1.6%) were EIA RR; none were PCR positive. Forty-nine (55.7%) RR donors previously had malaria irrespective of deferral category, including 34 deferred for travel. Among 1121 travelers to Mexico, 90% visited Quintana Roo (no or very low risk), but just 2.2% visited Oaxaca/Chiapas (moderate or high risk). Only two Mexican travelers tested RR; both previously had malaria not acquired in Mexico. Conclusions Travel to Mexico represents a large percentage of US donors deferred for malaria risk; however, these donors primarily visit no- or very-low-risk areas. No malaria cases acquired in Mexico were identified thereby supporting previous risk estimates. Consideration should be given to allowing blood donations from US donors who travel to Quintana Roo and other low-risk areas in Mexico. A more effective approach to preventing TTM would be to defer all donors with a history of malaria, even if remote.
Health Care Decision Making by the Elderly: I Get by with a Little Help from My Family

Shared decision making about placement and medical interventions can be empowering to the older person involved, relieve burdens on the older person and family members, and facilitate better surrogate decision making later. Potential dangers of the shared process include coercion, conflicts of interest, and disagreements between family members. New legal concepts, similar to those governing property, could help our legal system better accommodate the realities of shared decision making.
The Platelet as an Inflammatory Cell

The primary hemostatic response involving the platelet-blood vessel wall reaction in mammals resembles, to a significant extent, the basic cellular defense mechanisms of more primitive forms such as invertebrates. Mammalian primary hemostasis appears to have retained a phylogenetic vestige of primitive leukocyte behavior (Salt, 1970). In this evolutionary sense, the platelet might be thought of as a special form of leukocyte. Human platelets contain intracellular granules similar to the classic lysosomes of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (Marcus et al., 1966) and contribute to the inflammatory response accompanying tissue injury by releasing constituents which may alter blood vessel reactivity. Platelets have long been known to contain vasoactive amines which are released upon aggregation. Platelets interact with many types of particulate matter including bacteria and viruses and immune complexes which lead to the release of intracellular constituents, including serotonin (Mustard and Packham, 1970), prostaglandins (Smith and Wallis, 1971), cationic proteins (Packham et al., 1966), and various proteolytic enzymes such as cathepsin A (Nachman and Ferris, 1968), elastase (Robert et al., 1970), and collagenase (Chesney et al., 1974).
Voiced initial consonant perception deficits in older listeners with hearing loss and good and poor word recognition.

Purpose This study examined differences in voiced consonant–vowel (CV) perception in older listeners with normal hearing and in 2 groups of older listeners with matched hearing losses: those with g...
The Face of Humanity Configural Face Processing Influences Ascriptions of Humanness

Across three studies, we test the hypothesis that the perceived “humanness” of a human face can have its roots, in part, in low-level, feature-integration processes typical of normal face perceptio...
Discovery of Antitubulin Agents with Antiangiogenic Activity as Single Entities with Multitarget Chemotherapy Potential

Antiangiogenic agents (AA) are cytostatic, and their utility in cancer chemotherapy lies in their combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Clinical combinations of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) inhibitors with antitubulin agents have been particularly successful. We have discovered a novel, potentially important analogue, that combines potent VEGFR2 inhibitory activity (comparable to that of sunitinib) with potent antitubulin activity (comparable to that of combretastatin A-4 (CA)) in a single molecule, with GI50 values of 10–7 M across the entire NCI 60 tumor cell panel. It potently inhibited tubulin assembly and circumvented the most clinically relevant tumor resistance mechanisms (P-glycoprotein and β-III tubulin expression) to antimicrotubule agents. The compound is freely water-soluble as its HCl salt and afforded excellent antitumor activity in vivo, superior to docetaxel, sunitinib, or Temozolomide, without any toxicity.
TEACHING ABOUT HIV INFECTION AND AIDS IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

Despite differing views on many aspects of the AIDS crisis, there is, with few exceptions (e.g., Podhoretz and Mulloy 1998), general agreement that education, particularly safe sex education, plays the paramoutn role in controlling and combatting the spread of HIV...Even with the early and broad recognition of the importance of education (Bayer 1989), efforts to mobilize educational programs have been both sporadic and limited.
Humor preference and coping with stress.

The present study was done to determine whether humor preference was related to how well one copes with stressful life events. Ranked preference for sexual humor was related to efficient coping for...
Post-modernism Text Expressing Aesthetics

Postmodernism text starts the new stage of text theory,and it denies and surpasses the text of modernism expressing truth and possesses its exclusive characters.
Does political inclusion of rebel parties promote peace after civil conflict

ABSTRACTDoes the inclusion of rebel parties into the post-conflict political process help contribute to peace after the end of conflict? In this article we examine whether the transformation of rebel groups into political parties actually leads to the development of a durable peace after a civil war. Examining the likelihood of recurrence of civil wars in a country and recurrence of conflict in government–rebel group dyads after a settlement, we find that the inclusion and participation of former rebel parties in national government has an important impact on the likelihood of a durable post-settlement peace. Most importantly, not excluding major rebel parties from access to governing institutions is the most important factor in promoting post-conflict peace.
Current Status of Alpha-Fetoprotein Testing

The alpha-fetoprotein screening test for neural tube defects can provide specific information on the condition of an unborn fetus and can offer reassurance to families at increased risk for these defects. However, additional studies to document safety and effectiveness of this procedure in various settings are needed. Proper implementation of an AFP testing program in the United States has the potential to enhance maternal-fetal well-being.
CHAPTER 57 – Molecular Pathophysiology of Cardiomyopathies

This chapter focuses on the molecular pathophysiology of cardiomyopathies. The human heart responds to physiological (exercise) and pathological (pressure overload) stimuli by a common growth response of hypertrophy, dilatation, or a combination of both. Regardless of the cause, either external, such as increased pressure overload, or internal, such as an inherited defect, the final phenotype is hypertrophy or dilatation. A paradigm of hypertrophy is familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) and that of dilatation is familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM) caused by mutations in sarcomeric and cytoskeletal proteins, respectively. The plasticity of the myocardial response to injury is modulated by programmed activation of a large variety of genes that interact with each other and with environmental factors. Whereas familial HCM and DCM are monogenic disorders, as seen with all genetic disorders, the final phenotype is the consequence of complex interactions between the primary causal mutation and other genes and the immediate environment. The pathological phenotype of HCM comprises myocyte hypertrophy and disarray, increased interstitial collagen content, and thickening of the media of intramural coronary arteries. Although left ventricular hypertrophy is a common response of the heart to an injury, cardiac myocyte disarray is considered as the pathological hallmark of HCM. The clinical manifestation of HCM varies from a benign asymptomatic course to that of severe heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD).
Abstract 3310: Riboflavin targets autofluorescent-positive breast cancer stem cells upon light exposure

Most tumors are hierarchically organized and driven by a population of cells that display stem cell properties. These cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been characterized by in vitro assays such as sphere formation and in vivo by tumor initiation. In addition cell surface markers have been utilized to enrich for CSC populations. More recently a subtype of CSCs have been reported to display autofluorescence (AF), a property mediated by cellular uptake and concentration of riboflavin. In order to characterize the molecular heterogeneity of CSCs, we studied AF positive sorted single cells in different subtypes of breast cancer cell lines and also patient derived xenograft (PDX) breast tumor cells. Exposure of cell lines and PDXs to riboflavin significantly increased the percentage of AF+ cells 3-5 fold. These sorted AF+ cells were enriched for tumorsphere forming capacity in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis revealed partial overlap of AF+ cells with the previously characterized EMT-CSC phenotype CD44+/CD24- cells. We also utilized the microfluidic C1 and BioMark HD instruments to determine the expression patterns of 96 target genes using TaqMan assays in a multiplex RT-qPCR setting at single cell resolution. Single cell gene expression data showed a distinct signature in AF+ cells with high expression levels of MKI67, PCNA, ABCG2, BRCA1, Jag2, EZH2, and MMP9 genes. Since AF is mediated by specific cellular uptake and concentration of riboflavin, and the report that riboflavin is capable of generating cytotoxic free radicals upon light exposure, we determined whether this property could be exploited to selectively target CSCs. The AF+ cells were cultured in the presence and absence of riboflavin, exposed to visible light and analyzed by MTT cytotoxicity assay. Data revealed significant cytotoxicity of riboflavin on AF+ cells that were exposed to visible light. In conclusion, AF+ cells show distinct cancer stem cell features and are sensitive to light-activated riboflavin. These findings will help better understanding of tumor biology to identify new target therapies for treatment of cancer patients. Citation Format: Shamileh Fouladdel, Tahra Luther, Kaitlin Harvey, Rachel Martin-Trevino, Jill Granger, Ebrahim Azizi, Max S. Wicha. Riboflavin targets autofluorescent-positive breast cancer stem cells upon light exposure. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3310.
Taking the local food movement one step further: An exploratory case study of hyper-local restaurants:

The number of restaurateurs owning farms or gardens that supply part of their operations’ fresh produce and other food products has increased considerably over the past few years. This phenomenon, ...
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD)

The value of the MRI in the diagnosis of PMD in a 14-year-old Japanese boy is reported from the Depts of Pediatrics and Radiology, Tokyo Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Tokyo 190-12, Japan.
ITK-SNAP: An interactive tool for semi-automatic segmentation of multi-modality biomedical images

Obtaining quantitative measures from biomedical images often requires segmentation, i.e., finding and outlining the structures of interest. Multi-modality imaging datasets, in which multiple imaging measures are available at each spatial location, are increasingly common, particularly in MRI. In applications where fully automatic segmentation algorithms are unavailable or fail to perform at desired levels of accuracy, semi-automatic segmentation can be a time-saving alternative to manual segmentation, allowing the human expert to guide segmentation, while minimizing the effort expended by the expert on repetitive tasks that can be automated. However, few existing 3D image analysis tools support semi-automatic segmentation of multi-modality imaging data. This paper describes new extensions to the ITK-SNAP interactive image visualization and segmentation tool that support semi-automatic segmentation of multi-modality imaging datasets in a way that utilizes information from all available modalities simultaneously. The approach combines Random Forest classifiers, trained by the user by placing several brushstrokes in the image, with the active contour segmentation algorithm. The new multi-modality semi-automatic segmentation approach is evaluated in the context of high-grade glioblastoma segmentation.
Language and action: creating sensible combinations of ideas

language and action? Both historical (e.g. Descartes, 1992) and contemporary (e.g. Fodor, 1975) philosophers have argued that language is separate from perception and action, that it is a higher faculty, or that it is what separates human from animal. The data, however, present an overwhelming case in favor of an intimate relation between language and action. Much of the data and theory derive from considerations of embodied cognition, and so this chapter begins with a brief overview of that notion. Then, the relation between language and action is considered from the perspectives of neuroscience, cognitive development, and behavioral research. The chapter will conclude with a theoretical rationale for the relation: the mechanism of action planning is the mechanism that allows us to sensibly combine meanings across words and sentences.
Light-chain cardiac amyloidosis: strategies to promote early diagnosis and cardiac response

Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterised by the aggregation of misfolded immunoglobulin light chain (LC), predominantly in the heart and kidneys, causing organ failure. If untreated, the median survival of patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis is 6 months from the onset of heart failure. Protracted time to establish a diagnosis, often lasting >1 year, is a frequent factor in poor treatment outcomes. Cardiologists, to whom patients are often referred, frequently miss the opportunity to diagnose cardiac AL amyloidosis. Nearly all typical cardiac support measures, with the exception of diuretics, are ineffective and may even worsen clinical symptoms, emphasising the need for accurate diagnosis. Patients with severe cardiac involvement face poor outcomes; heart transplantation is rarely an option because of multiorgan involvement, rapid clinical decline and challenges in predicting which patients will respond to treatment of the underlying plasma cell disorder. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with A¢â'¬Eœsource therapiesA¢â'¬â"¢ that limit the production of amyloidogenic LC are associated with better survival and improvement in organ function after a median of 2.4 months following haematological complete response. However, organ recovery is often incomplete because these source therapies do not directly target deposited amyloid. Emerging amyloid-directed therapies may attenuate, and potentially reverse, organ dysfunction by clearing existing amyloid and inhibiting fibril formation of circulating aggregates. Improved recognition of AL amyloidosis by cardiologists allows for earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
Realizing an Aza Paternò–Büchi Reaction

Intramolecular atropselective aza Paterno–Buchi reaction involving atropisomeric enamide and imine functionalities under sensitized irradiation leads to azetidine products in good yield and selectivity (ee >96 %). A mechanistic model based on detailed photophysical and isomerization kinetic studies is provided that shed light into the reactivity of enamides leading to aza Paterno–Buchi reaction.
An Experiment to Introduce Mass Transfer Concepts Using a Commercial Hollow Fiber Blood Oxygenator.

A commercial hollow fiber blood oxygenation laboratory experiment was used to introduce lower level engineering students to mass balances in a two-phase system. Using measured values of concentration and flow rate, students calculated the rate of mass transfer from the gas phase and into the liquid phase, and compared the two values to determine whether the mass balance closed. Students also investigated the effect of the liquid and gas flow rates on the mass transfer rate. Learning outcomes were assessed in a pre-post comparison study. The group that performed the experiment had significantly higher post-test scores and higher average normalized gain than the comparison group; the effect of the intervention (Cohen’s d) was 2.06. Further, the students who performed the experiment demonstrated a better ability to incorporate engineering principles into the design of a heart lung machine in a semester-long project, relative to the comparison group.