cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cooling Houses for Growing Chickens during Hot Weather

Abstract CHICKENS hatched during the hot summer months usually grow more slowly than do those hatched during cool weather. Heywang (1944), however, reported the results of several experiments in which the growth of young chickens was stimulted during hot weather when they received artificial light and were thus permitted to eat during the cooler, as well as the hotter, part of the day. Other experiments were then conducted during hot weather in which some of the young chickens had access to feed during only the cooler part of the day while others had access to feed during only the hotter part of the day or during only the daylight hours. In these experiments, the detailed results of which will appear in another paper, the chickens that had access to feed during only the cooler part of the day grew faster than the others. It was apparent that the temperature of a . . .
DNA methylation differences between in vitro- and in vivo-conceived children are associated with ART procedures rather than infertility

We, and others, have demonstrated previously that there are differences in DNA methylation and transcript levels of a number of genes in cord blood and placenta between children conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and children conceived in vivo. The source of these differences (the effect of ART versus the underlying infertility) has never been determined in humans. In this study, we have attempted to resolve this issue by comparing placental DNA methylation levels at 37 CpG sites in 16 previously identified candidate genes in independent populations of children conceived in vivo (‘fertile control’ group) with ART children conceived from two groups: either autologous oocytes with infertility in one or both parents (‘infertile ART’ group) or donor oocytes (obtained from young fertile donors) without male infertility (‘donor oocyte ART’ group). Of the 37 CpG sites analyzed, significant differences between the three groups were found in 11 CpGs (29.73 %), using ANOVA. Tukey’s post hoc test on the significant results indicated that seven (63.63 %) of these differences were significant between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. In addition, 20 of the 37 CpGs analyzed had been identified as differentially methylated between ART and fertile control groups in an independent population in a prior study. Of these 20 CpG sites, 9 also showed significant differences in the present population. An additional 9 CpGs were found to be significantly different between the two groups. Of these 18 candidate CpGs, 12 CpGs (in seven candidate genes) also showed significant differences in placental DNA methylation levels between the donor oocyte ART and fertile control groups. These data suggest strongly that the DNA methylation differences observed between ART and in vivo conceptions are associated with some aspect of ART protocols, not simply the underlying infertility.
Interactive effects of global warming and ‘global worming’ on the initial establishment of native and exotic herbaceous plant species

The spread of exotic earthworms (‘worming’) and rising temperatures are expected to alter the biological, chemical and physical properties of many ecosystems, yet little is known about their potential interactive effects. We performed a labora tory microcosm experiment to investigate the effects of earthworms (anecic, endogeic, epigeic, or all three together) and 4°C warming on soil water content, litter turnover and seedling establishment of four native and four exotic herbaceous plant species. Warming and worming exerted independent as well as interactive effects on soil processes and plant dynamics. Warming reduced the water content of the upper soil layer, but only in the presence of earthworms. Litter removal increased in the presence of earthworms, the effect being most pronounced in the presence of anecic earthworms at ambient temperature. Exotic plant species were most influenced by earthworms (lower seedling number but higher biomass), whereas natives were most sensitive to warming (higher seedling number). This differential response resulted in significant interaction effects of earthworms and warming on abundance and richness of native relative to exotic plants as well as related shifts in plant species composition. Structural equation modeling allowed us to address possible mechanisms: direct effects of earthworms primarily affected exotic plants, whereas earthworms and warming indirectly and differentially affected native and exotic plants through changes in soil water content and surface litter. Invasive earthworms and warming are likely to interactively impact abiotic and biotic ecosystem properties. The inva sion of epigeic and anecic species could select for plant species able to germinate on bare soil and tolerate drought, with the latter becoming more important in a warmer world. Thus earthworm invasion may result in simplified plant communities of increased susceptibility to the invasion of exotic plants.
Surface enhancement of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering by colloidal spheres

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering signals may be strongly enhanced when the active molecules are located near the surface of a small silver particle. The theoretical analysis is similar to the electrodynamic mechanism for surface-enhanced Raman scattering, except that there are four instead of two electric fields that stimulate collective electron oscillations within the particle. The general analysis is presented for a sphere of arbitrary size, for arbitrary angle between pump and probe beams, and for arbitrary polarization between pump and probe beams. This is then specialized to the small-particle limit for numerical computation. The peak enhancement for a monolayer of benzene on a silver particle (excitation wavelength 404 nm, Raman shift 992 cm−1) is 1012 when both incident beams are polarized perpendicular to the incident plane and 1021 when these beams are cross polarized. These values are averaged over scattering angle. While the coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy amplitudes depend on scattering angle, only the enhancement factor for one of the cross-polarized components depends on scattering angle. Enhanced signals from a silver organosol (silver dispersed in neat benzene) should be measurable.
Rapid size-specific changes in the drift of Baetis bicaudatus (Ephemeroptera) caused by alterations in fish odour concentration

Chemical cues from fish can alter the be- haviour of stream invertebrates in experimental tanks but their eAect in natural streams has received little attention. By adding brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) odour to a trout stream in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, we tested whether changes in the concentration of chemical cues from visually feeding predatory fish would alter the drift of mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera). Stream water was piped from stream- side tanks with (odour) and without (control) three brook trout to two locations in the stream 3.5 m up- stream of drift nets at six replicate sites. Five-minute drift samples were collected downstream from odour and control pipes before, during and after the release of water from the tanks into the stream during both the day and night. Almost all drift occurred at night and consisted predominantly of Baetis bicaudatus nymphs. The odour manipulation had no measurable eAect on Baetis drift during the day but statistical power was low. During the night, however, the drift of large (>0.65 mm head capsule width, HCW) Baetis nymphs decreased significantly during the odour addition compared to control drift. In contrast, the drift of small nymphs (£0.65 mm HCW) increased both during and after the odour addition in comparison to control drift. Since the stream contains brook trout (0.04- 0.18 m )2 ), and water from the stream (presumably containing fish odour) altered the behaviour of fishless- stream Baetis nymphs in another experiment, we conclude that the changes in Baetis drift density were a response to an increase in the concentration of fish odour in the stream. Furthermore, we were able to detect the eAect within 5 min. of odour addition, in- dicating that mayfly behavioural response to trout odour was rapid. These results suggest that mayflies can distinguish diAerent concentrations of trout odour in natural streams and that the response is size-specific, according to the relative risk of predation of large and small Baetis.
Soil Compaction and Growth of Woody Plants

Abstract Although soil compaction in the field may benefit or inhibit the growth of plants, the harmful effects are much more common. This paper emphasizes the deleterious effects of predominantly high levels of soil compaction on plant growth and yield. High levels of soil compaction are common in heavily used recreation areas, construction sites, urban areas, timber harvesting sites, fruit orchards, agroforestry systems and tree nurseries. Compaction can occur naturally by settling or slumping of soil or may be induced by tillage tools, heavy machinery, pedestrian traffic, trampling by animals and fire. Compaction typically alters soil structure and hydrology by increasing soil bulk density; breaking down soil aggregates; decreasing soil porosity, aeration and infiltration capacity; and by increasing soil strength, water runoff and soil erosion. Appreciable compaction of soil leads to physiological dysfunctions in plants. Often, but not always, reduced water absorption and leaf water deficits develop. S...
Osmo-Sensitive and Stretch-Activated Calcium-Permeable Channels in Vicia faba Guard Cells Are Regulated by Actin Dynamics

In responses to a number of environmental stimuli, changes of cytoplasmic [Ca2+]cyt in stomatal guard cells play important roles in regulation of stomatal movements. In this study, the osmo-sensitive and stretch-activated (SA) Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane of Vicia faba guard cells are identified, and their regulation by osmotic changes and actin dynamics are characterized. The identified Ca2+ channels were activated under hypotonic conditions at both whole-cell and single-channel levels. The channels were also activated by a stretch force directly applied to the membrane patches. The channel-mediated inward currents observed under hypotonic conditions or in the presence of a stretch force were blocked by the Ca2+ channel inhibitor Gd3+. Disruption of actin filaments activated SA Ca2+ channels, whereas stabilization of actin filaments blocked the channel activation induced by stretch or hypotonic treatment, indicating that actin dynamics may mediate the stretch activation of these channels. In addition, [Ca2+]cyt imaging demonstrated that both the hypotonic treatment and disruption of actin filaments induced significant Ca2+ elevation in guard cell protoplasts, which is consistent with our electrophysiological results. It is concluded that stomatal guard cells may utilize SA Ca2+ channels as osmo sensors, by which swelling of guard cells causes elevation of [Ca2+]cyt and consequently inhibits overswelling of guard cells. This SA Ca2+ channel-mediated negative feedback mechanism may coordinate with previously hypothesized positive feedback mechanisms and regulate stomatal movement in response to environmental changes.
Use of hydrocode modeling to develop advanced MMOD shielding designs

A multi-physics computations-based methodology for space debris hypervelocity impact (HVI) damage mitigation is presented. Specifically, improved debris mitigation through development of innovative, lightweight structural designs is described. The methodology has been applied to the design of the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) spacecraft to mitigate extreme solar microdust hypervelocity impacts (50–300 km/s) by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). The methodology combines hydrocode computations of the complex, early-time transient material and structural responses with experimental hypervelocity impact data to directly obtain end-state damage predictions for the requisite hypervelocities that are in excess of available test capabilities (∼10 km/s). The computations are validated in the low-velocity regime (<10 km/s) by direct HVI testing and verified in the high-velocity regime (50–300 km/s) by comparisons with bounding energy calculations and extrapolations of Ballistic Limit Equations (BLEs). In addition to hydrocode computations, HVI experimental data and supporting structural/solid mechanics analyses are used to define the eventual damage. In addition to being able to treat realistic hypervelocities and spacecraft materials in layered and Whipple configurations systematically, the methodology provides the margin of safety for any design. Sample lightweight design calculations involving state-of-art and innovative protective materials are presented to demonstrate the methodology and its benefits.
Buried underwater target classification using the new BOSS and canonical correlation decomposition feature extraction

Multi-aspect detection and classification of buried underwater objects using the new Buried Object Scanning Sonar (BOSS) data is the main goal of this project. Canonical coordinate decomposition (CCD) was applied to extract the most coherent features of the buried or bottom objects in two sonar pings with a certain separation. CCD provides an elegant framework for analyzing linear dependence and mutual information between two data channels. These features are then used for subsequent classification. For this study, single-aspect and multi-aspect classification schemes are evaluated, and the results presented in terms of confusion matrices. Additionally, the results of applying both the single and multi-aspect classifiers to the entire test runs are presented to show the real usefulness of the algorithms for buried/bottom mine-hunting.
Historical Aspects of the Reconstruction of Reims Cathedral, 1210-1241

THE cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims ranks among the largest and most imposing monuments of the Middle Ages. In view of the number of studies devoted to this Gothic church, it is astonishing to note that the early history of its construction is still very imperfectly known.' Most students of Reims have been preoccupied by the famous lost labyrinth, which once contained the names of the first architects, their tenures of office, and the parts of the edifice they worked on. But the information now available from the labyrinth, far from clarifying the dates of the work, has obscured them and has in fact given rise to more interpretations than there are authors.2 The way out of the impasse seems obvious: the history of the Gothic construction should be examined exclusively from documents other than the labyrinth; the relative chronology of the monument must also be established and tied to the historical dates, and ultimately the secret of the labyrinth may be disclosed.3 The first of these endeavors forms the subject of the present essay. There are only three precise and indisputable dates for the Gothic work at Reims in the first half of the thirteenth century. On 6 May 1210 the cathedral burned "through carelessness," according to the chronicler Alberic des TroisFontaines.4 A new building was undertaken at once and on 6 May 19211 the first
The Design and Construction of an Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar

A high spectral resolution lidar designed for operation in the NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V research aircraft is described. The operational principles of the instrument are described and examples of data are presented. Special design features required for aircraft operation are described.
Fluoride releasing restorative materials: Effects of pH on mechanical properties and ion release.

Abstract Objectives Secondary caries and restorative fracture are the two main reasons for restoration failures. Fluoride ion (F) release can help inhibit caries. Plaque pH after a sucrose rinse can decrease to a cariogenic pH of 4–4.5. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of solution pH and immersion time on the mechanical properties and F release of restorative materials. Methods Three resin-modified glass ionomers (Viremer, Fuji II LC, Ketac Nano), one compomer (Dyract Flow), and one composite (Heliomolar), were tested. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured before and after 84 d of immersion in solutions of pH 4, 5.5, and 7. F release was measured as a function of pH and immersion time. Results Immersion and material type had significant effects on mechanical properties. Vitremer had a flexural strength (mean ± sd; n = 6) of 99 ± 25 MPa before immersion; it decreased to 32 ± 9 MPa after 84 d of immersion ( p p p > 0.1). In contrast, solution pH had a significant effect on F release. F release at 84 d for Fuji was 609 ± 25 μg/cm 2 at pH 4, much higher than 258 ± 36 μg/cm 2 at pH 5.5, and 188 ± 9 μg/cm 2 at pH 7. Significance The restoratives tested were able to greatly increase the F release at acidic, cariogenic pH, when these ions are most needed to inhibit caries. However, mechanical properties of these F-releasing restoratives degraded significantly in immersion. Efforts are needed to develop F-releasing restoratives with high levels of sustained F release, as well as improved durability of mechanical properties for large stress-bearing restorations.
A 19pJ/pulse UWB transmitter with dual capacitively-coupled digital power amplifiers

A fully integrated pulsed-UWB transmitter that communicates in the 3-to-5 GHz 802.15.4a bands is presented. Enabled by relaxed frequency tolerances of non-coherent communication, the all-digital architecture generates FCC-compliant UWB pulse-bursts using discrete four-level pulse shaping. BPSK-modulation is achieved without the use of a balun through dual capacitively-coupled digital power amplifiers. The transmitter consumes zero static bias power and achieves an energy efficiency of 113-to-19 pJ/pulse at data rates from 100 kbps-to-15.6 Mbps.
Selection Practiced Among Dairy Cows. III. Type Appraisal and Lactation Traits

Abstract Phenotypic selection among Holstein cows on the deviation of milk yield from the herd-mate average and type appraisal traits was investigated. The largest selection differentials in standard deviation units for the second, third, fourth and fifth, or later lactations were breeding trouble, incidence of mastitis, depth of body and udder attachments, respectively. An average index was constructed such that the efficiency of selection practiced was maximized for the type appraisal traits and yield deviations, simultaneously. The yield deviations had the largest standardized selection differentials for the first lactation among all 12 traits. Efficiencies of selection described by the index were larger than the efficiency of milk yield alone by .08, .22, .48, .28 and .39 for the first through the fifth or later lactations, respectively. The relative weights, independent of the variation of the traits, ranked the milk yield deviations first, second, ninth, sixth, and sixth, for the same series of lactation groups, respectively. The intralactation index indicated that milk yield had a weighting coefficient about twice as large as the second and third ranked traits, depth of body and dairy character.
Blood Flow in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System of Dogs Using a Particle Distribution Method

In this study known activities of 85Sr and 169Yb-labeled microspheres were injected sequentially into the left ventricle of anesthetized dogs. Cardiac output was determined before and after each microsphere injection. Blood flow to brain, brain stem, spinal cord, and sciatic nerve was measured from fractional distribution of the microspheres in the tissue samples. Both blood flow and fractional uptake value tended to be higher for brain and brain stem than for spinal cord or sciatic nerve. Increases in arterial PaCOCO2 were positively correlated with increases in blood flow to both central and peripheral nervous tissue. Initial trapping of the labeled microspheres seems to have little effect on subsequent flow to the tissue capillary bed. It appears that the particle distribution technique may provide a reasonable estimate of blood flow in central and peripheral nervous tissue of dogs.
Group velocity dispersion of CdSSe/ZnS core–shell colloidal quantum dots measured with white light interferometry

Abstract We measure the group velocity dispersion coefficient of CdSSe/ZnS core–shell colloidal quantum dots in liquid suspension in the ∼700–900 nm wavelength range using a white-light Michelson interferometer. Two different sizes of dots are investigated. In both cases, the group velocity dispersion coefficient decreases with increasing wavelength above the absorption edge in the dots. For quantum dots in which the linear absorption spectrum shows clear peaks, the absorption characteristics of the dots can be used to accurately model the wavelength-dependence of the group velocity dispersion coefficient.
Equity Valuation Implications of Purchase Versus Pooling Accounting

This research is motivated by claims that firms using the pooling method of accounting for business combinations enjoy significant share price premiums over firms using the purchase method, despite the absence of cash flow differences between the two methods. Previous research examines the valuation implications of goodwill and goodwill amortization for purchase firms. The author examines whether there are share price differences associated with the two methods or whether investors adjust firms' reported accounting numbers so that they value purchase and pooling firms on an equivalent basis. The results indicate that pooling firms enjoy some price advantage over purchase firms, but the price difference is not associated with accounting differences.
A Clinical Trial of Translation of Evidence Based Interventions to Mobile Tablets and Illness Specific Internet Sites.

This article describes a method to translate an evidence based health care intervention to the mobile environment. This translation assisted patient participants to: avoid life threatening infections; monitor emotions and fatigue; keep involved in healthy activities. The mobile technology also decreased costs by reducing for example travel to visit health care providers. Testing of this translation method and its use by comparison groups of patients adds to the knowledge base for assessing technology for its impact on health outcome measures. The challenges and workflow of designing materials for the mobile format are described. Transitioning clinical trial verified interventions, previously provided in person to patients, onto tablet and internet platforms is an important process that must be evaluated. In this study, our evidence based guide’s intravenous (IV) homeCare interventions (IVhomeCare) were delivered via Apple iPad miniTM tablet audiovisual instruction / discussion sessions and on a website. Each iPad audiovisual session (n = 41), included three to five families, a mental health specialist, and healthcare professionals. Patients and their family caregivers readily learned to use the wireless mobile tablets, and the IVhomeCare interventions, as described here, were successfully translated onto these mobile technology platforms. Using Likert scale responses on a questionnaire (1 = not helpful and 5 = very helpful) participants indicated that they gained problem solving skills for home care through iPad group discussion (M = 4.60, SD = 0.60). The firewall protected videoconferencing in real time with multiple healthcare professionals effectively allowed health history taking and visual inspection of the patient’s IV insertion site for signs of infection. Supportive interactions with peer families on videoconferencing were documented during discussions. Discussion topics included low moods, fatigue, infection worry, how to maintain independence, and need for support from others with their same lifelong IV experiences. The visual family interactions, discussions with professionals, and the iPad internet links were highly rated. Mobile distance care delivery can result in saved time and money for both healthcare professionals and families.
The Effects of Structure on the Formation of Schottky Barriers at Nanoparticle-Oxide Interfaces

The surface structure of oxide materials may be the limiting factor in controlling switching properties at interfaces. Here we investigate and correlate the surface structure and electronic properties of BaTiO3 substrates. By using low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy we are able to identify surface reconstructions based on annealing treatments. We then investigate the effect of contact size on the transport properties on oxide surfaces utilizing atomic force microscopy. Our results show the critical importance of controlling surface structure to optimize electronic properties at oxide interfaces.
Compatibility system controlling heterokaryon formation in Streptomyces coelicolor.

SummaryHeretofore, complementary pairs of growth-factor dependent mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor have interacted to yield colonies which grow readily in the absence of added supplements. Recently however certain combinations have been found which did not interact successfully. This failure of nutritionally dependent mutants to form growth-factor independent growth was not the result of allelism, but of a compatibility system controlling heterokaryon formation. The compatibility system was apparently determined by two factors, one of which probably arose by mutation.
Minimizing distortion and internal forces in truss structures by simulated annealing

Inaccuracies in the length of members and the diameters of joints of large space structures may produce unacceptable levels of surface distortion and internal forces. Here, two discrete optimization problems are formulated, one to minimize surface distortion (DSQRMS) and the other to minimize internal forces (FSQRMS). Both of these problems are based on the influence matrices generated by a small-deformation linear analysis. Good solutions are obtained for DSQRMS and FSQRMS through the use of a simulated annealing heuristic.
The Mavrommatis Concessions Cases

The Permanent Court of International Justice, in two of the most exhaustive judgments it has thus far rendered, has recently decided, mainly against the claimant, the bitterly contested case of Mavrommatis (Greece) v. Great Britain (Judgments No. 2 and No. 5). It took two hearings and two decisions to dispose of the case, the first (August 30, 1924) on the question of the court's jurisdiction, asserted by a majority of seven judges to five, and the second (March 6, 1925) on the merits. The majority in favor of the jurisdiction were Judges Loder, Weiss, Nyholm, Altamira, Anzilotti, Huber, and the Greek national judge, Caloyanni. The dissenting judges, each of whom prepared a separate opinion, were Judges Finlay, Moore, de Bustamante, Oda and Pessoa. Under the court's practice, it is not possible to tell which judge or judges wrote the majority opinion; there is some evidence that several judges participated in drafting it. The second judgment practically dismissing the claim on the merits, was nearly unanimous, only Judge Altamira dissenting.
A region speaks: Nordic public diplomacy in historical context

This article provides an over-view of Nordic contributions to the field of public diplomacy, examining the historical appearance of such constituent practices as listening, advocacy, cultural diplomacy, exchange, international broadcasting and an awareness of soft power. The Nordic approach is contrasted with that of the United States. The piece ends with a consideration of the Nordic experience of the so-called New Public Diplomacy approaches including use of on-line media and memes.
Benchmarking the task graph scheduling algorithms

The problem of scheduling a weighted directed acyclic graph (DAG) to a set of homogeneous processors to minimize the completion time has been extensively studied. The NP-completeness of the problem has instigated researchers to propose a myriad of heuristic algorithms. While these algorithms are individually reported to be efficient, it is not clear how effective they are and how well they compare against each other. A comprehensive performance evaluation and comparison of these algorithms entails addressing a number of difficult issues. One of the issues is that a large number of scheduling algorithms are based upon radically different assumptions, making their comparison on a unified basis a rather intricate task. Another issue is that there is no standard set of benchmarks that can be used to evaluate and compare these algorithms. Furthermore, most algorithms are evaluated using small problem sizes, and it is not clear how their performance scales with the problem size. The authors first provide a taxonomy for classifying various algorithms into different categories according to their assumptions and functionalities. They then propose a set of benchmarks which are of diverse structures without being biased towards a particular scheduling technique and still allow variations in important parameters. They have evaluated 15 scheduling algorithms, and compared them using the proposed benchmarks. Based upon the design philosophies and principles behind these algorithms, they interpret the results and discuss why some algorithms perform better than the others.
Why Pumé Foragers Retain a Hunting and Gathering Way of Life

Much of our success as a species derives from the ability to adapt hunting and gathering to diverse ecologies and incorporate a wide range of food resources. Throughout their history foragers have been making strategic decisions about whether to incorporate new resources and technologies. This appears to be both the strength and resilience of hunter-gatherer lifeways. Despite recognition that hunting and gathering includes broad-spectrum subsistence options, an assumption is commonly made that the incorporation of domesticates leads to a directional shift toward greater reliance on food production. In this chapter we consider instead how the adoption of some horticultural practices supports the continued viability of, and primary reliance on, hunting and gathering. Although the Pume live in close proximity to and interact with their horticultural relatives, they have not assimilated into their communities or become sedentary and increasingly reliant on horticulture. We explore how a combination of both economic and social factors are critical to their retention of a mobile foraging way of life and helps to explain why hunting and gathering remains a viable, and even desirable subsistence choice in the twenty-first century.
Abstract 3260: Identification of a novel signaling axis that leads to co-induction of two major actin-regulatory proteins with anti-migratory properties in breast cancer cells

Dysregulation of actin-regulatory proteins is a hallmark feature of tumor malignancy. Along this line, recent studies have established causal relationships between downregulation of expression of actin-binding proteins profilin-1 and -2 (Pfn1, Pfn2 - genes located on chromosomes 17 and 3, respectively) and increasing invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Conversely, genetically elevating expression of these Pfn isoforms suppresses aggressiveness of breast cancer cells. Therefore, identification of a common signaling pathway linking to regulation of these two Pfn isoforms may lead to a novel conceptual strategy to suppress metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in Pfn-dependent manner. We found that hyperactivating RhoA, a member of Rho-family GTPases, causes a marked depletion of cellular Pfn1 and Pfn2 expression, suggesting that a pathway downstream of activated RhoA is one of the major signaling axes for regulating Pfn1 and Pfn2 expression. Through overexpression and knockdown experiments, we further identified MKL1 (megakaryoblastic leukemia-1), a transcriptional co-factor that activates serum-response factor (SRF)-mediated gene transcription downstream of activated Rho, to be a major regulator of expression of Pfn isoforms. However, SRF does not appear to play a role in Rho-dependent Pfn regulation and furthermore, Rho-dependent Pfn regulation occurs post-transcriptionally suggesting that a non-canonical MKL1-linked pathway is involved in co-regulation of Pfn isoforms. Finally, MKL1-dependent induction of Pfn isoforms involves STAT1 and this pathway can be activated pharmacologically resulting in inhibition of breast cancer cell motility. In conclusion, we have identified a novel MKL1-STAT1 signaling axis for co-induction of the two major cellular isoforms of Pfn. This study could open up promising pharmacological points of attack in the context of metastatic breast cancer. Citation Format: Marion Joy, Partha Roy. Identification of a novel signaling axis that leads to co-induction of two major actin-regulatory proteins with anti-migratory properties in breast cancer cells. [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 3260. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3260
Exploring the Design Space of AAC Awareness Displays

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are a critical technology for people with disabilities that affect their speech. One challenge with AAC systems is their inability to portray aspects of nonverbal communication that typically accent, complement, regulate, or substitute for verbal speech. In this paper, we explore the design space of awareness displays that can supplement AAC devices, considering their output features and their effects on the perceptions of interlocutors. Through designing prototypes and getting feedback on our designs from people with ALS, their primary caregivers, and other communication partners, we consider (1) the consistent tensions that arose between abstractness and clarity in meaning for these designs and (2) the ways in which these designs can further mark users as "other." Overall, we contribute a generative understanding of designing AAC awareness displays to augment and contextualize communication.
The nucleus: keeping it together by keeping it apart.

It has been postulated that the segregation of nucleus and cytoplasm supported the development of increased organismal complexity. For example, separating transcription and translation allows for mRNA splicing, while the sequestration of genomic DNA supports the innate immune system’s ability to equate cytoplasmic DNA with pathogens. Consistent with the importance of nucleocytoplasmic compartmentalization in a broad array of cellular processes, defects in maintaining discrete nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, either due to loss of nuclear pore complex integrity, disrupted nuclear transport or ruptures of the nuclear envelope, lead to cellular dysfunction, cell death and disease. Here, we discuss recent insights into how loss of compartmentalization can arise as well as the consequences for cellular and organismal homeostasis.
Chromite compositions in nickel sulphide mineralized intrusions of the Kabanga-Musongati-Kapalagulu Alignment, East Africa: Petrologic and exploration significance

Abstract Chromite is a ubiquitous accessory mineral in the olivine-pyroxene cumulate bodies that host massive and disseminated nickel sulphide mineralization in intrusions of the Kabanga-Musongati-Kapalagulu Alignment in East Africa. Its composition is related to the conditions of emplacement and petrologic evolution of its host magma in a spectrum of intrusions ranging from classical lopolithic layered intrusions to groups of smaller, discrete sill-like chonoliths. The Kapalagulu lopolithic intrusion, emplaced into polymetamorphosed Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic crust, contains abundant chromite with relatively oxidized compositions, whereas chromites from the highly-mineralized Kabanga chonolith intrusions, emplaced into graphitic and sulphidic schists, are strongly reduced in terms of their Fe 3+ /Fe total ratio. Ni in chromite correlates with Ni in olivine: Ni in both is depleted in the more strongly sulphide-mineralized intrusions. The Musongati intrusion, also emplaced through graphitic schists, but much larger and less-well mineralized in sulphides than Kabanga, has chromites intermediate in character. The compositions of the chromites can be used to determine the petrologic history of the intrusions, and may prove to be a useful exploration tool in such mineralized belts.
Fuzzy logic-based autonomous controller for electric vehicles charging under different conditions in residential distribution systems

Abstract Integrating a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in the distribution system without a communication infrastructure exhibits several issues that need to be handled by electric utilities. Robust autonomous controllers are crucial in this case to manage the charging operation without violating the grid standard limits. This paper proposes a communication-free autonomous charging controller for EVs in distribution systems. The controller is based on fuzzy logic considering both the system voltage profile and the EV’s battery state of charge (SOC). The fuzzy inference system is designed to avoid under voltage issues in the grid, flatten the system loading profile and accomplish fair charging among different EVs connected to the system. An 18-bus distribution system driven by the proposed controller was implemented in a simulation environment. The proposed controller performance was investigated under different distribution system operating conditions such as different loading, different levels of EV penetration, system reconfiguration as well as with distributed generation. In all cases, the controller demonstrated faster and better charging performance without violating the standard voltage limits compared to other research reported in the literature.
Viaggiando nel tempo 1: il tofet di Cartagine

The investigations carried out in the Carthaginian tofet since the early years of last century were troubled by water infiltrations. Currently the levels related to IV century b.C. are impractical due to water. The photos have been taken in the 1960s and 1970s.
Navigating to a Successful Enterprise-Wide PMO Creation

The design and build of a PMO scalable to an Enterprise level should inherently be strategic. This article traces key organizational aspects of PMO design by using a ship building analogy. Specifically, it parallels the historical development of the ship’s command superstructure with advances in creating modern PMOs. This methodology demonstrates the means to assess and deploy capability while simultaneously planning how to position, shape, and ultimately manage strategic growth. This design strategy synchronizes governance, change management and incorporates a maturity model to demonstrate the means of creating sustained PMO value, thereby enhancing its survivability.
Performance of Using Antenna Arrays to Generate and Receive mm-Wave Orbital-Angular-Momentum Beams

Generation and detection of millimeter-wave carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been of growing interest. In this paper, we evaluate patch antenna arrays with different arrangements as OAM generators and receivers by simulation. We compare beam evolution processes and steering performance for circular and ring-antenna-array based OAM links. Mode purity of the generated OAM +1 beam fluctuates between 10% and 99% for ring antenna arrays with 10 cm diameters while it remains >99% for circular antenna arrays. Compared to a ring-antenna-array based link, the circular-antenna- array based link could have an ~10 dB lower power loss at the distance up to 0.5m. We also show that a 5cm diameter circular antenna array could steer an OAM +1 beam up to 80o with a mode purity degradation of <1%, while ring antenna arrays have ~10% mode purity degradation. OAM spectrum analysis shows both the lattice shape and the boundary shape of an antenna array could cause power leakage to harmonic OAM orders. Such power leakages would increase as the designed OAM order or the lattice period d increases, while it would decrease as the array diameter D increases.
Hyperchloremia is independently associated with mortality in critically ill children who ultimately require continuous renal replacement therapy.

The optimal fluid management in critically ill children is currently under investigation with several studies suggesting that hyperchloremia, chloride load, and the use of chloride-rich fluids contribute to worse outcomes. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit patients from 2008 to 2016 requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Patients were excluded if they had end-stage renal disease, a disorder of chloride transport, or concurrent provision of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy. Patients (n = 66) were dichotomized into two groups (peak chloride (Cl) ≥ 110 mmol/L vs. peak Cl < 110 mmol/L prior to CRRT initiation). Hyperchloremia was present in 39 (59%) children. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Fluid overload at CRRT initiation was more common in patients with hyperchloremia (11.5% IQR 3.8–22.4) compared to those without (5.5% IQR 0.9–13.9) (p = 0.04). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with hyperchloremia (n = 26, 67%) compared to those without (n = 8, 29%) (p = 0.006). Patients with hyperchloremia had 10.9 times greater odds of death compared to those without hyperchloremia, after adjusting for percent fluid overload, PRISM III score, time to initiation of CRRT, height, and weight (95% CI 2.4 to 49.5, p = 0.002). Hyperchloremia is common among critically ill children prior to CRRT initiation. In this population, hyperchloremia is independently associated with mortality. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of hyperchloremia on all critically ill children and the impact of chloride load on outcomes.
Using a Common Reading as an IPE strategy

Abstract A Common Reading was used as an Interprofessional Education (IPE) strategy to engage students from varied pre-professional undergraduate and graduate professional programs. This IPE activity, combined with an interprofessional panel presentation, provided students and faculty with shared ground on which to model selected Core Competencies of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Successful achievement of student learning outcomes was demonstrated via a post program evaluation by rating achievement of four IPEC Core Competencies using a 5-point Likert Scale. Responses to open-ended questions provided qualitative data to further support the effectiveness of this IPE strategy. The Common Reading was a feasible and effective strategy to meet IPE learning outcomes while overcoming commonly cited logistical barriers.
A phase II study of atezolizumab (Atezo) combined with pertuzumab (P) and high-dose trastuzumab (H) for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in patients with Her2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

TPS1100Background: There is no clear standard of care to address the management of refractory CNS metastases in HER2+ MBC. The ongoing study (NCT03417544) is evaluating the efficacy of the combinat...
The Rheology of Concentrated Suspensions of Non-Colloidal Particles: Variations on a Theme by Albert Einstein — Latest Update

Suspensions of solid particles in liquids are encountered in a variety of natural and industrial processes, including the flow of blood and the transport of slurries in pipelines. Hence, their rheology has attracted a great deal of attention from both the fundamenal and practical points of view. This lecture deals with the dynamics of such suspensions when the size of the particles, typically solid spheres, is beyond the colloidal range and when the particle Reynolds number is vanishingly small so that the creeping flow equations apply on a microscale.
Obinutuzumab (GAZYVA), a Potent Anti-B Cell Agent, in the Treatment of Rituximab-Unresponsive IgM Anti-Myelin-Associated-Glycoprotein (MAG)-Mediated-Neuropathy (P1.450)

Objective: To describe clinical and serological response to Obinutuzumab in two patients with anti-MAG-IgM neuropathy who continued to worsen despite initial treatment with IVIg and multiple courses of Rituximab. Background: Approximately 40% of patients with IgM-anti MAG neuropathy respond to Rituximab, an anti-CD20 B cell-depleting drug. Obinutuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD20 that exerts greater than Rituximab antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis and greater direct B-cell killing. Consequently, Obinutuzumab, approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), might be more effective in refractory anti-MAG neuropathy patients. Design/Methods: Two patients, 69 and 64-years-old, with benign IgMκ demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy and high-titer anti-MAG antibodies, had a progressive disease of 7–12 years duration. One patient never responded to one full-course of Rituximab, while the other had mild early improvement and stabilization but then continued to worsen in spite of repeated Rituximab infusions. At the time Obinutuzumab was introduced, both patients had rather severe disease with bilateral foot drop requiring assistance for ambulation, sensory ataxia, persisting IgMκ spikes, elevated total IgM levels and high anti-MAG titers. Obinutuzumab was administered during a six-month period as per standard CLL protocol. Results: No clinical improvement was observed in both patients leading to drug discontinuation after 6 months. The IgM levels however normalized in both patients (from a mean of 420 mg/dl to Conclusions: Obinutuzumab, administered for a six-month period, did not improve two patients with advanced anti-MAG neuropathy unresponsive to Rituximab, but lowered the IgM level and the anti-MAG antibody titers. Whether Obinutuzumab, a much stronger than Rituximab B cell-depleting agent, will have any role early in the disease remains unclear. Study Supported by: N/A Disclosure: Dr. Rakocevic has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martinez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dalakas has nothing to disclose.
Development of a Variogram Procedure to Identify Spatial Outliers using a Supplemental Digital Elevation Model

Abstract When using a ground water elevation dataset for the development of a ground water model, it is prudent to first evaluate the quality of the data before using it in a ground water model. However, it may not be practical to evaluate every data point when working with large datasets associated with a regional model. To isolate misrepresentative points in a large dataset, a graphical technique has been developed which examines the variance of ground water elevation values from an unconfined aquifer to identify points with high variance. The potential outliers identified using the graphical variogram process are subsequently evaluated by reviewing well borings, well installation records, and available time series of water level measurements to retain or reject outlier status. Supplemental ground elevation data from a digital elevation model is used to create a threshold on the experimental variogram of the ground water elevation data. This process is verified using a developed synthetic ground water dataset, then applied to a case study at the Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation, Missouri. The method showed good results in identifying points that were justified for removal upon inspection of the available records and provides recommendations based on common causes of error. With this method’s reliance on both, an experimental variogram of measured water levels and a binned variogram of ground elevation measures, it naturally fits as a preprocessing step that can be applied prior to kriging.