cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances in developmental prosopagnosia research

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) refers to face recognition deficits in the absence of brain damage. DP affects ∼2% of the population, and it often runs in families. DP studies have made considerable progress in identifying the cognitive and neural characteristics of the disorder. A key challenge is to develop a valid taxonomy of DP that will facilitate many aspects of research.
Racial and ethnic disparities in preterm birth: the role of stressful life events.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine racial-ethnic disparities in stressful life events before and during pregnancy and to assess the relationship between stressful life events and racial-ethnic disparities in preterm birth. Study design Using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of a sample of 33,542 women from 19 states who were delivered of a live-born infant in 2000. Principal component analysis was used to group 13 stressful life events into 4 stress constructs: emotional, financial, partner-related, and traumatic. Racial-ethnic disparities in stressful life events were assessed with the use of bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. The contribution of stressful life events to racial-ethnic disparities in preterm birth was evaluated with the use of stepwise regression model and interaction terms. Results Black women and American Indian/Alaska Native women reported the highest number of stressful life events in the 12 months before delivery. Compared with non-Hispanic white women, black women were 24% more likely to report emotional stressors, 35% more likely to report financial stressors, 163% more likely to report partner-related stressors, and 83% more likely to report traumatic stressors. The addition of stress constructs to the stepwise regression model minimally affected the association between race-ethnicity and preterm birth, and none of the stress constructs were significantly associated with preterm birth. There were no significant interaction effects between race-ethnicity and stress on preterm birth, except for a modest effect between black race and traumatic stressors. Conclusion There are significant racial-ethnic disparities in the experience of stressful life events before and during pregnancy. Stressful life events do not appear to contribute significantly to racial-ethnic disparities in preterm birth.
Electric Field Effects in Semiconductor Spin Transport—A Transfer Matrix Formalism

A transfer matrix method for simulating spin injection into semiconductors in the case of high electric fields has been developed. The nonlinear relationship between electron spin density and electrochemical potential splitting, the effect of electric field on spin diffusion lengths, and spin polarized drift current are accounted for. Using this approach, high magnetoresistance (MR) at high electric fields is predicted. This is due to spin accumulation reaching its extreme values for fermion statistics. This effect opens up a new direction for solving the problem of low MR that semiconductor spintronic devices are facing.
Low Temperature Preparation of Gallium Nitride Thin Films

Gallium nitride thin films were prepared by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition from hexakis(dimethylamido)digallium, Ga2(NMe2)6, and ammonia precursors at substrate temperatures of 100-400 °C with growth rates up to 1000 A/min. The films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and forward recoil spectrometry. The N/Ga ratio varied from 1.05 for films deposited at 400 °C to 1.5 at 100 °C. The hydrogen concentration increased from 10 atom % for films deposited at 400 °C to 24 atom % at 100 °C. Films deposited at 100 °C were amorphous but films deposited at higher temperatures were polycrystalline. Bandgaps of the films varied from 3.8 eV for films deposited at 400 °C to 4.2 eV at 100 °C.
A comparative analysis of family-based and population-based association tests using whole genome sequence data

The revolution in next-generation sequencing has made obtaining both common and rare high-quality sequence variants across the entire genome feasible. Because researchers are now faced with the analytical challenges of handling a massive amount of genetic variant information from sequencing studies, numerous methods have been developed to assess the impact of both common and rare variants on disease traits. In this report, whole genome sequencing data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 was used to compare the power of several methods, considering both family-based and population-based designs, to detect association with variants in the MAP4 gene region and on chromosome 3 with blood pressure. To prioritize variants across the genome for testing, variants were first functionally assessed using prediction algorithms and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) data. Four set-based tests in the family-based association tests (FBAT) framework--FBAT-v, FBAT-lmm, FBAT-m, and FBAT-l--were used to analyze 20 pedigrees, and 2 variance component tests, sequence kernel association test (SKAT) and genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA), were used with 142 unrelated individuals in the sample. Both set-based and variance-component-based tests had high power and an adequate type I error rate. Of the various FBATs, FBAT-l demonstrated superior performance, indicating the potential for it to be used in rare-variant analysis. The updated FBAT package is available at: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/fbat/.
Application of Hybrid Approach Based on Empirical and Physiological Concept for Predicting Pharmacokinetics in Humans -Usefulness of Exponent on Prospective Evaluation of Predictability-

We developed a hybrid method for predicting plasma concentration-time curves in humans by integrating species differences in in vitro intrinsic clearance (CL(int)) into the Dedrick approach based on the allometry concept. With prediction of clearance (CL) by allometric scaling, taking in vitro CL(int) into consideration improved the accuracy and reduced the average fold error from 2.72 to 1.99. With the hybrid approach of applying the same concept to the Dedrick approach, the predictability of plasma concentration profiles was compared with the results of the conventional Dedrick approach and the physiologically based pharmacokinetic model using 15 compounds with widely ranging physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles. The hybrid approach showed the highest predictability among the examined methods. For CL and the apparent volume of distribution at the steady state (V(ss)), the relationship between the exponent of allometric equation and fold error was also evaluated with the hybrid approach. The relationship appeared to be a horseshoe curve. Six compounds with exponents ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 for both CL and V(ss) [antipyrine, caffeine, epiroprim, propafenone, theophylline, and verapamil] displayed higher predictability. Three compounds with an exponent ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 for CL showed better predictability for CL, and the other four compounds appeared to display similar relationship between the exponent and predictability for V(ss). These findings indicated that the exponent becomes a preliminary index to speculate on predictability. Combination of the hybrid approach and exponent allows us to prospectively draw human plasma concentration-time curves, with the implication of possible prediction accuracy prior to clinical studies.
Energy-Aware Fault Tolerance in Fixed-Priority Real-Time Embedded Systems

We investigate an integrated approach to fault tolerance and dynamic power management in real-time embedded systems. Fault tolerance is achieved via checkpointing and power management is carried out using dynamic voltage scaling (DVS). We present feasibility-of-scheduling tests for checkpointing schemes for a constant processor speed as well as for variable processor speeds. DVS is then carried out on the basis of these feasibility analyses. Experimental results show that compared to fault-oblivious methods, the proposed approach significantly reduces power consumption and guarantees timely task completion in the presence of faults.
Bandits and Kings: Moral Authority and Resistance in Early Colonial India

This paper traces a side story to the well-known tale of the poligar rebel Kattabomman, who was hanged in 1799 for his refusal to accept the authority of the emerging colonial state in south India. Specifically, it draws on the story of seventy-three poligars who survived the brutal Poligar Wars and were transported to Penang in Southeast Asia in 1801, an episode that highlights the workings of the coercive power and moral authority of the new regime in early colonial India. The paper illustrates the variety of forms that resistance to the regime took and the extent to which the colonial state in south Asia strengthened and was strengthened by the rising British Empire across the Indian Ocean. The poligars' lives in exile are reconstructed as a story of their struggle for status and dignity in a settlement where they were initially lumped together with convicts brought there from Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay.
Neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro and after transplantation into eyes of mutant mice with rapid retinal degeneration

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into many specialized cell types, including those of the nervous system. We evaluated the differentiation of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing B5 mouse ES cells in vitro and in vivo after transplantation into the eyes of mice with hereditary retinal degeneration. After neural induction with retinoic acid, the majority of cells in embryoid bodies expressed markers for neural progenitors as well as for immature and mature neurons and glial cells. When induced ES cells were plated in vitro, further differentiation was observed and the majority of cells expressed beta-III Tubulin, a marker for immature neurons. In addition, many plated cells expressed markers for mature neurons or glial cells. Four days after intravitreal transplantation into the eyes of rd1 mice (a model of rapid retinal degeneration), donor cells appeared attached to the vitreal surface of the retina. After 6 weeks in vivo, most transplanted cells remained adherent to the inner retinal surface, and some donor cells had integrated into the retina. Transplanted cells exhibited some properties typical of neurons, including extensive process outgrowth with numerous varicosities and expression of neuronal and synaptic markers. Therefore, after induction B5 ES cells can acquire the morphologies of neural cells and display markers for neuronal and glial cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, when placed in the proper microenvironment ES-derived neural precursors can associate closely with or migrate into nervous tissue where differentiation appears to be determined by cues provided by the local environment, in this case the degenerating neural retina.
Selective antagonism of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors does not block the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine could be prevented by either D1 or D2 selective dopamine receptor antagonists. Male Wistar rats were treated daily for 7 days with either cocaine (15 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle in combination with the D1 dopamine antagonist SCH 23390 (0.3 mg/kg, SC), the D2 dopamine antagonist sulpiride (100 mg/kg, IP), or vehicle. After the daily injections, the rats were tested for locomotor activity in photocell arenas. Twenty-four hours after the last pre-exposure test session, all rats were given a challenge injection of cocaine (15 mg/kg, IP) and tested for activity. Cocaine treatments produced a greater relative increase in locomotor activity with repeated exposure (i.e. sensitization). Moreover, this increase in cocaine-induced locomotor activity was attenuated by both SCH 23390 and sulpiride. In contrast, neither sulpiride nor SCH 23390 blocked the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine. That is, rats pretreated with sulpiride or SCH 23390 and cocaine did not differ from rats pre-exposed only to cocaine when given a cocaine challenge injection. These results suggest that behavioral sensitization to cocaine may develop through either D1 or D2 dopamine receptor stimulation or possibly through stimulation of some non-dopaminergic receptor.
Progesterone treatment inhibits and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment potentiates voltage-gated calcium currents in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons.

GnRH neurons are central regulators of fertility, and their activity is modulated by steroid feedback. In normal females, GnRH secretion is regulated by estradiol and progesterone (P). Excess androgens present in hyperandrogenemic fertility disorders may disrupt communication of negative feedback signals from P and/or independently stimulate GnRH release. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are important in regulating excitability and hormone release. Estradiol alters VGCCs in a time-of-day-dependent manner. To further elucidate ovarian steroid modulation of GnRH neuron VGCCs, we studied the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and P. Adult mice were ovariectomized (OVX) or OVX and treated with implants containing DHT (OVXD), estradiol (OVXE), estradiol and DHT (OVXED), estradiol and P (OVXEP), or estradiol, DHT, and P (OVXEDP). Macroscopic calcium current (ICa) was recorded in the morning or afternoon 8–12 d after surgery using whole-cell voltage-clamp. ICa was increased in afternoon vs. morning in Gn...
Non-monotonic Lyapunov functions for stability of discrete time nonlinear and switched systems

We relax the monotonicity requirement of Lyapunov?s theorem to enlarge the class of functions that can provide certificates of stability. To this end, we propose two new sufficient conditions for global asymptotic stability that allow the Lyapunov functions to increase locally, but guarantee an average decrease every few steps. Our first condition is non-convex, but allows an intuitive interpretation. The second condition, which includes the first one as a special case, is convex and can be cast as a semidefinite program. We show that when non-monotonic Lyapunov functions exist, one can construct a more complicated function that decreases monotonically. We demonstrate the strength of our methodology over standard Lyapunov theory through examples from three different classes of dynamical systems. First, we consider polynomial dynamics where we utilize techniques from sum-of-squares programming. Second, analysis of piecewise affine systems is performed. Here, connections to the method of piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions are made. Finally, we examine systems with arbitrary switching between a finite set of matrices. It will be shown that tighter bounds on the joint spectral radius can be obtained using our technique.
Los Alamos High-Brightness Accelerator FEL (HIBAF) Facility

The 10-pm Los Alamos free-electron laser (FEL) facility is being upgraded. The conventional electron gun and bunchers have been replaced with a much more compact 6-MeV photoinjector accelerator. By adding existing parts from previous experiments, the primary beam energy will be doubled to 40 MeV. With the existing 1-mS wiggler (Xv, 2.7 cm) and resonator, the facility can produce photons with wavelengths from 3 to 10 im when lasing on the fundamental mode and produce photons in the visible spectrum with short period wigglers or harmonic operation. After installation of a 150° bend, a second wiggler will be added as an amplifier. The installation of laser transport tubes between the accelerator vault and an upstairs laboratory will provide experimenters with a radiation free environment for experiments. At the time of writing (Jan. 1990), the injector plus one additional tank has been installed and tested with beam to an energy of 17 MeV.
The Probe on the Children's English Acquisition

English has become the medium for communication in so many areas, and children are the hope of the future and shoulder the duties to structure the future. Children’s English becomes more important and spreads all over the world, especially in recent years.The children’s English is not perfect and it exists its own disadvantages, so this paper gives four Optimizations and suggestions in teaching children’s English in order to solve the problem. Then it lists several relations to the children’s English study, and these four relations are very important because they are the keys to lead the children’s English to a healthy and developing road. And in the next chapter, it talks about the trends of the children’s English in the future and lists the reasons why these kinds of trends appear.At last, overlook the whole paper and give a conclusion, which show that the children’s English has a great potentiality in the future in China.
Asset Specificity and State Subsidies in Industrialized Countries

Why do national governments in industrialized countries subsidize many of their industries? Borrowing insights from literature on transaction cost economics and international trade, I build a model which tests the hypothesis that under threat of international competition disbursement of state subsidies varies systematically with the degree of asset (factor) specificity employed in a national economy. Asset specificity refers to the cost of moving factors (assets) from one activity to the next. I pool annual data on state subsidies in thirteen OECD countries during the period 1990–93 and regress them on two measures of asset specificity (physical and human capital) in the face of competition from abroad. Physical capital exercises a significant u-shaped effect on total and sectoral subsidies. Human capital has a weak negative effect on horizontal subsidies. The results extend the literature on asset specificity and trade in two ways. First, they provide empirical support in favor of the argument that asset specificity and subsidy protection are related. While theoretical claims concerning asset specificity abound, the literature is generally short of empirical studies. Second, asset specificity helps determine the scope of subsidies.
Firm-Size, Wages, and the Role of Knowledge

The focus of this research addresses the behavior of the firm-size wage differential in a dynamic context, by juxtaposing the wage paths generated by cohorts of new firms in different sectors to those of their larger incumbent counterparts. But first, one must ask why this issue is important, beyond contributing a new perspective to the existing literature? The answer to this research question is important from a policy perspective as noted by many other researchers (McPherson 1996; Baldwin 1998; Hamermesh 1997; Audretsch et al. 2001; Brown et al. 1989). That is, envision a development bank or government wanting to establish programs that foster industrial growth. What types of firms should receive funding or lending in such a circumstance? If a developmental agency or government seeks to maximize the return of the marginal dollar lent or spent by the government, where should this dollar be allocated if the decision is between encouraging the formation of new firms or funding existing, established larger firms? In the early 1980s (1981) argued that new and small firms create the majority of jobs in the United States while (1990) asserted that these jobs created by small firms are generally short lived and low paying. For instance, (1990) concede that small firms do create the majority of jobs in a given period and employ 70% of the labor force, but the jobs created by small firms are lower paying and more frequently short-lived. The authors then point out that reports in the later 1980s exaggerate the decline of job security in larger firms because firms, in general, are larger in the manufacturing sector, and layoffs in this sector are usually of greater magnitude. Consequently, they garner more public attention, while we ignore the job loss of the small struggling firm that eventually fails. In fact, as the authors conclude, larger firms are still the source of more stable secure jobs. Thus, in light of these results, and the literature’s well-established finding of premiums in large firm pay, the answer for industrial planners lies in encouraging the development of large firms.17
Tapping Into the App Updating the Experience Sampling Method for the 21st Century

Our understanding of emerging adults is largely based on retrospective self-reports that can be limited by poor recall, current mood, and social desirability. To address these shortcomings, Larson and Csikszentmihalyi pioneered the experience sampling method (ESM) with electronic pagers and paper–pencil surveys. The increasing ubiquity of smartphone ownership allows researchers to take ESM to the next level: developing smartphone applications programmed to alert participants, collect responses, and send data directly to a database for analysis. This article suggests types of research questions relevant to emerging adults that can be pursued using ESM. We also present a case study of the development of an Android app with 68 emerging adults, including the challenges and benefits of using this technology. Despite the challenges, we encourage researchers to consider ESM as an innovative and ecologically valid method for studying within- and between-participant variability on a variety of topics relevant to e...
Partial Chemical Characterization of T Lymphocyte I-Region Associated Antigens

Murine major histocompatibility complex I-region genes encode macrophage and B cell surface molecules of 34.0 (Aα) 26,000 (Aβ), 28,000–29,000 (Ae), and 31,000-34,000 (Eα) daltons (I). Helper T cell factors carrying I-A subregion determinants appear to be dimeric proteins with 15–20,000 and 40–50,000 dalton chains (2). A single 70,000 dalton polypeptide factor was also reported (2). Low molecular weight Ia antigens of T cell origin were described; these were dialyzable serum glycolipids (3). We described four I-region T cell unique determinants (Iat molecules) and produced monoclonal antibodies specific for an I-Ak -encoded Iat structure (4). Cellular I-Ak -encoded T cell molecules are chemically uncharacterized.
Management of airway obstruction in two cases of head and neck teratoma

Abstract Head and neck teratomas can present with life-threatening airway obstruction and feeding problems. If diagnosed antenatally, multidisciplinary planning can be done to secure the airway at the time of delivery. Surgical excision is the definitive treatment. We present two such cases in this article.
The mechanism of the diffusion of electrolytes through the membranes of living cells

When eggs of Fundulus are transferred from sea water directly into a solution of a potassium salt a number of embryos will be poisoned during the first hours so that their hearts stop beating. When the eggs are washed for twenty-four hours in H2O (or any solution of a non-electrolyte) before being put into the same solution of potassium salt they have acquired a remarkable immunity against potassium salts. When eggs are put directly from sea water into an m/8 KC1 solution in one and one-half hours the heart beat stops in two thirds of the eggs; the same effect requires in eggs previously washed for twenty-four hours in H2O four days, i. e., an m/8 KC1 solution poisons the embryos of unwashed eggs sixty times as rapidly as the washed eggs.It can be shown that this difference between the washed and unwashed eggs is due to the fact that the unwashed eggs have some of the salts of the sea water at their surface. If we put washed eggs into m/8 KCl solutions made up in H2O and different concentrations of sea wa...
Mass of /sup 18/C by pion double-charge-exchange reaction

The first observation of the double-charge-exchange reaction (${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}, {\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) to discrete nuclear states is reported. The mass of $^{18}\mathrm{C}$ has been measured using the reaction $^{18}\mathrm{O}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}, {\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})^{18}\mathrm{C}$ at $T(\ensuremath{\pi})=164$ MeV. The reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}, {\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})^{12}\mathrm{Be}$, with known ${Q}_{0}=\ensuremath{-}25.078(15)$ MeV, was used as the calibration reaction to obtain ${Q}_{0}=\ensuremath{-}25.69(15)$ MeV for the reaction $^{18}\mathrm{O}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}, {\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})^{18}\mathrm{C}(\mathrm{g}.\mathrm{s}.)$. The mass excess of $^{18}\mathrm{C}$ is thus found to be 24.91(15) MeV.
Review of the Tassel-Eared Squirrels of the Subgenus Otosciurus

Geographic variation was studied throughout the range of Sciurus aberti . Sixteen external and cranial measurements were used in the analyses of 244 adults. All morphological data were treated by principal components and cluster analysis and by two bivariate analyses. Color was found to be highly variable within certain populations and was accordingly given low taxonomic value. Sciurus aberti consists of six valid subspecies, including S. a. kaibabensis . A diagnosis is given for each subspecies. Rivers and other areas of low relief act as boundaries separating subspecies.
The pH of Systemic Blood in Normal and Hypertensive Dogs, Determined by Means of a Syringe Type Glass Electrode.∗

This experiment was performed in order to determine whether any pH changes of the systemic blood of dogs accompany the development of hypertension produced by partial constriction of the renal artery.1, 2 Thirteen dogs were used; 4 were hypertensive at the beginning of the experiment; in 4 others hypertension was produced during the period of observation; the remainder served as controls. Over a period of 90 days blood was taken frequently from the saphenous vein directly into a special syringe-type glass electrode. The pH was then measured with a Beckman pH meter.This glass electrode was a modification of the type developed by Maclnnes and Belcher3 with a capacity of 0.5 cc; it was so constructed that a sterile hypodermic needle could be attached to its tip.† The venous pressure was usually sufficient to force the blood through the straight inner tube of the electrode; occasionally slight stasis was necessary. Constant temperature of the electrode was insured by hanging it in a saturated potassium chlori...
Mathematical Investigation of How Oncogenic Ras Mutants Promote Ras Signaling

We have used a mathematical model of the Ras signaling network to link observable biochemical properties with cellular levels of RasGTP. Although there is abundant data characterizing Ras biochemistry, attributing specific changes in biochemical properties to observed phenotypes has been hindered by the scope and complexity of Ras regulation. A mathematical model of the Ras signaling module, therefore, appeared to be of value for this problem. The model described the core architecture shared by pathways that signal through Ras. Mass-action kinetics and ordinary differential equations were used to describe network reactions. Needed parameters were largely available in the published literature and resulted in a model with good agreement to experimental data. Computational analysis of the model resulted in several unanticipated predictions and suggested experiments that subsequently validated some of these predictions.
Abstract 1610: Inhibiting HuR, a RNA-binding protein, for inhibition of pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs

Purpose Epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes importantly to cancer cell metastasis, and formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). An RNA-binding protein, HuR, plays an important role in many solid tumors for promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, anti-apoptosis and drug resistance. However, the role of HuR in cancer cell EMT and CSC has not been elucidated. Here we aim to investigate the role of HuR in pancreatic cancer EMT and CSC, and developing a new HuR inhibitor ST-3 as an inhibitor for pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs. Methods Fluorescence Polarization assay and surface plasmon resonance assay was utilized for St-3, HuR and target mRNA binding. Scratching assay and matrigel invasion assay were used for cell migration and invasion, whereas MTT assay for viability. Tumor spheroid formation assay was used as an indication of CSCs. Western blot and RT-qPCR was used for protein and mRNA expression. Results Knockdown of HuR with siRNA inhibited migration of pancreatic cancer cells MIAPaCa-2, and suppressed the expression of Vimentin, Snail, and increased E-cadherin expression, showing inhibition in EMT. The suppression of Snail is due to accelerated mRNA decay. Overexpression of HuR protected mRNA of Snail from degradation, suggesting that Snail is a direct target of HuR. Knockdown of HuR also decreased pancreatic cancer spheroids formation. St-3 inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines more potently in HuR-high cells MIAPaCa-2 (IC50 ∼2 μM), than in HuR-low cells BxPc-3 and PANC-1 (IC50 6-20 μM). St-3 directly bound to HuR, and inhibited binding of HuR with its target mRNAs. St-3 treatment mimicked the HuR knockdown effects in inhibiting cell migration, EMT, and spheroids formation. Conclusion HuR is an important regulator in pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs. ST-3 as a novel HuR inhibitor inhibited pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs. Further investigation is under way. Citation Format: Ruochen Dong, Kishore Polireddy, Ying Zhang, Qi Chen. Inhibiting HuR, a RNA-binding protein, for inhibition of pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs. [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 1610.
Optimization and application of cooled avalanche photodiodes for spectroscopic fluctuation measurements with ultra-fast charge exchange recombination spectroscopy

The Ultra-Fast Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (UF-CHERS) diagnostic is a highly specialized spectroscopic instrument with 2 spatial channels consisting of 8 spectral channels each and a resolution of ∼0.25 nm deployed at DIII-D to measure turbulent ion temperature fluctuations. Charge exchange emissions are obtained between 528 and 530 nm with 1 μs time resolution to study plasma instabilities. A primary challenge of extracting fluctuation measurements from raw UF-CHERS signals is photon and electronic noise. In order to reduce dark current, the Avalanche Photodiode (APD) detectors are thermo-electrically cooled. State-of-the-art components are used for the signal amplifiers and conditioners to minimize electronic noise. Due to the low incident photon power (≤1 nW), APDs with a gain of up to 300 are used to optimize the signal to noise ratio. Maximizing the APDs' gain while minimizing the excess noise factor (ENF) is essential since the total noise of the diagnostic sets a floor for the minimum level of detectable broadband fluctuations. The APDs' gain should be high enough that photon noise dominates electronic noise, but not excessive so that the ENF overwhelms plasma fluctuations. A new generation of cooled APDs and optimized preamplifiers exhibits significantly enhanced signal-to-noise compared to a previous generation. Experiments at DIII-D have allowed for characterization and optimization of the ENF vs. gain. A gain of ∼100 at 1700 V is found to be near optimal for most plasma conditions. Ion temperature and toroidal velocity fluctuations due to the edge harmonic oscillation in quiescent H-mode plasmas are presented to demonstrate UF-CHERS' capabilities.
Exploring Divergent Patterns in Racial Identity Profiles Between Caribbean Black American and African American Adolescents: The Links to Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Concerns

Using cluster analyses, this study explored the relations among racial identity, perceived discrimination, and psychological concerns among 189 Caribbean Black American and African American adolescents. Findings showed that for all participants, less mature racial identity profiles were significantly related to perceived discrimination and psychological concerns. However, nuances in racial identity profiles between Caribbean Black American and African American participants suggest subtle ethnic group differences in racial identity development. Implications for practitioners and research are discussed. Usando analisis cluster, este estudio exploro las relaciones entre identidad racial, discriminacion percibida y preocupaciones psicologicas en 189 adolescentes afroamericanos y americanos negros caribenos. Los hallazgos mostraron que, para todos los participantes, los perfiles de identidad racial menos maduros estaban significativamente relacionados con una discriminacion percibida y preocupaciones psicologicas. Sin embargo, los matices de los perfiles de identidad racial entre los participantes afroamericanos y americanos negros caribenos sugieren unas diferencias sutiles entre ambos grupos etnicos en el desarrollo de la identidad racial. Se discuten las implicaciones para practicantes e investigadores.
The topological trigger system for the VERITAS upgrade

VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) is an array of four IACTs (Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes) located south of Tucson, Arizona, USA. VERITAS observes the Northern Hemisphere sky in VHE (E>100 GeV) gamma rays. A major upgrade of the VERITAS trigger electronics and cameras is currently underway. The upgrade aims to increase the sensitivity and lower the energy threshold of the instrument. The energy threshold can potentially be lowered by more stringent timing discrimination of accidental triggers due to night sky background (NSB). The new VERITAS FPGA-based pattern trigger has been in operation since Novemeber 2011 and provides more stringent timing discrimination by narrowing the required coincidence gate to as low as 3ns. Technical details and operational status of the new VERITAS pattern trigger will be detailed in this work.
Survey For Clostridium botulinum In Nine Selected Canneries

Nine canneries and eight labeling operations, located across the United States, were surveyed for mesophilic anaerobic spores including Clostridium botulinum . Particular attention was given to processing and cooling water, surfaces of processing equipment, and post-processing can handling operations. Of the 571 samples that were cultured, about 33% yielded viable spores of mesophilic anaerobic bacteria. None, however, contained C. botulinum .
The Y chromosome contributes to sex-specific aging in Drosophila

Heterochromatin suppresses repetitive DNA, and a loss of heterochromatin has been observed in aged cells of several species, including humans and Drosophila. Males often contain substantially more heterochromatic DNA than females, due to the presence of a large, repeat-rich Y chromosome, and male flies generally have shorter average life spans than females. Here we show that repetitive DNA becomes de-repressed more rapidly in old male flies relative to females, and repeats on the Y chromosome are disproportionally mis-expressed during aging. This is associated with a loss of heterochromatin at repetitive elements during aging in male flies, and a general loss of repressive chromatin in aged males away from pericentromeric regions and the Y. By generating flies with different sex chromosome karyotypes (XXY females; X0 and XYY males), we show that repeat de-repression and average lifespan is directly correlated with the number of Y chromosomes. Thus, sex-specific chromatin differences contribute to sex-specific aging in flies.
Exploiting Information Extraction Annotations for Document Retrieval in Distillation Tasks

Information distillation aims to extract relevant pieces of information related to a given query from massive, possibly multilingual, audio and textual document sources. In this paper, we present our approach for using information extraction annotations to augment document retrieval for distillation. We take advantage of the fact that some of the distillation queries can be associated with annotation elements introduced for the NIST Automatic Content Extraction (ACE) task. We experimentally show that using the ACE events to constrain the document set returned by an information retrieval engine significantly improves the precision at various recall rates for two different query templates. Index Terms: information distillation, information retrieval, information extraction, document retrieval
Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome. Surgical carpal tunnel release usually offers excellent clinical outcomes. However, in 3–19% of patients, recurrent carpal tunnel symptoms occur. This challenging subset of patients often experiences poor results even after revision surgery, with 40% of patients reporting unfavorable results and 95% with persistent symptoms. In this chapter, we explore the common etiologies of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome and offer clinical assessment strategies for management. Surgical options for revision carpal tunnel surgery including revision transverse carpal ligament release, neurolysis, and interposition grafting are reviewed.
Repressive Robots and the Radical Possibilities of Emancipated Automation

In July of 2016, a gunman opened fire on an otherwise peaceful protest in Dallas, Texas, targeting uniformed police officers. The suspect was eventually killed, not by police gunfire, but by a bomb-wielding robot. In orthodox Marxism, automation has represented both a threat to the employment and livelihood of the worker, and the potential to free human beings from drudgery. What does it mean now that lethal robots are in the arsenal of what the Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser called “the Repressive State Apparatus”? We argue, drawing on the respective ideas of Althusser and Erich Fromm, that a dialectical resistance to this development may require humanized robots, robots imparted with the best aspects of humanity, those aspects we ourselves seem unable to embrace sufficiently.
The radiologic and pathologic diagnosis of biphasic pulmonary blastoma

Pulmonary blastomas are rare malignancies, representing 0.25% to 0.5% of all primary lung neoplasms with often aggressive progression and poor prognosis. Clinical management of pulmonary blastomas depends on histologic subtype, staging, and presentation, and may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Biphasic pulmonary blastoma is a subtype of pulmonary blastoma that exhibits biphasic histology, with both epithelial and mesenchymal malignant elements. We report a case of biphasic pulmonary blastoma in a 33-year-old female with 1 pack per day history of smoking for approximately 16 years, who presented with left-sided pleuritic chest pain on deep inspiration without otherwise significant pat medical history. Imaging evaluation using chest radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging identified a heterogenous, well-circumscribed, left lower lobe mass with extensive necrosis and hemorrhage. No lymphadenopathy or distant metastasis was detected through imaging evaluation. Surgical resection of the tumor followed by histopathological analysis confirmed a biphasic pulmonary blastoma.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cells form a monolayer lining the entire vascular system and are the target of a wide variety of blood-borne substances which regulate vascular tone (reviewed by Vanhoutte, 1987). The endothelium also mediates changes in vessel tone that occur in response to mechanical forces produced by blood flowing under pressure. Both the vasodilation that occurs in response to an increase in blood flow (Rubanyi et al., 1986; Cooke et al., 1990) and the vasoconstriction that occurs in response to an increase in vascular pressure (Katusic et al., 1987; Fischeil et al., 1989) are abolished by removing the endothelium. The cellular mechanisms underlying endothelium-dependent responses to mechanical forces, however, are poorly understood.
A review of acute ischemic stroke triage protocol evidence: a context for discussion

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is now the standard of care for eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). However, there remains uncertainty in how hospital systems can most efficiently route patients with suspected ELVO for EVT treatment. Given the relative geographic distribution of centers with and without endovascular capabilities, the value of prehospital triage directly to centers with the ability to provide EVT remains debated. While there are no randomized trial data available to date, there is substantial evidence in the literature that may offer guidance on the subject. In this review we examine the available data in the context of improving the existing AIS triage systems and discuss how prehospital triage directly to endovascular-capable centers may confer clinical benefits for patients with suspected ELVO.
Diffusion of water in glass fiber reinforced polymer composites at different temperatures

This study examines the effects of temperature and fiber and matrix diffusivities on the diffusion of fluid in glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer thin plates ...
Gabepentinoids and Benzodiazepines in Medicare Part D.

I have read with interest the observational study regarding risks of adverse outcomes associated with gapapentin and pregabalin use.[1][1] The authors adeptly analyzed data in the US Renal Data System database, including Medicare Part D prescription drug events ( i.e. , claims), and identified
Healing-Informed Social Justice Mathematics: Promoting Students’ Sociopolitical Consciousness and Well-Being in Mathematics Class:

Using an ecological approach to trauma-informed care and radical healing, this case study explores how one Title I public middle school mathematics classroom offered students opportunities to engag...
Variation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Targeted Biopsy Outcomes in Asian American Men: A Multicenter Study

Purpose:Asian American men have distinctly different prostate cancer epidemiology than other men. To our knowledge the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy for ele...
The Rules of the Game and Post-Disaster Rebuilding and Recovery

A substantial literature exists on the role of government post disaster. Within the United States, literature on government response and recovery (most notably, the Federal Emergency Management Agency) tends to emphasize the ability of federal government to respond to large-scale crises as well as a wide range of crises. However, little of the research on government post-disaster response and recovery has focused on the government’s role in maintaining the rules of the game. This chapter argues that government can and should (1) ensure that rules are known in advance (so that individuals on the ground can plan accordingly), (2) protect private property (and therefore encourage investment and rebuilding), and (3) allow local actors (including entrepreneurs) to step in as soon as possible.
Environmental justice: Disproportionate impacts of transportation on vulnerable communities

Abstract The environmental justice movement has developed to address inequalities in the distribution of environmental hazards and benefits. Transportation and resulting pollution have a disproportionate impact on communities that are low-income, minority, or immigrant. As a result, these communities also bear the burden of excess adverse health effects. Measurement of linkages may be difficult due to correlations between potential causal factors, including air pollution and lower socioeconomic status, but care should be taken to conduct sound studies of associations. Local context is key to understanding how disparities can change over time as populations move and adapt to the built environment. Solutions exist that can reduce inequalities and should be promoted.
A Tug-of-War Over Methionine

Nutrient acquisition and metabolism are integral components of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation programs. In a recent study in Nature, Bian et al. (2020) revealed that cancer cells outcompete T cells for methionine uptake, resulting in diminished SAM production, attenuated H3K79 dimethylation, decreased STAT5 expression, and impaired T cell immunity to cancer.
Modeling spatial variations of urban growth patterns in Chinese cities: The case of Nanjing

Revealing spatially varying relationships between urban growth patterns and underlying determinants is important for better understanding local dimensions of urban development. Through a case study of Nanjing, China, we employ both global and local logistic regressions to model the probability of urban land expansion against a set of spatial variables. We found that compared with other fast growing coastal cities, Nanjing remains a relatively compact city. The orthodox logistic regression found the significance of proximity, neighborhood conditions, and urban agglomeration in urban land change. The logistic GWR significantly improves the global logistic regression model in terms of better model goodness-of-fit and lower level of spatial autocorrelation of residuals. More importantly, the local estimates of parameters of spatial variables enable us to investigate spatial variations of the influences of spatial variables on urban growth. We have found distinctive local patterns and effects of urban growth in Nanjing, shaped by local urban spatial and institutional structures. A probability surface of urban growth, which is generated from raster calculations among the parameter and variable surfaces, provides a clear scenario of urban growth patterns and can be useful for decision making. This study also shows the importance of policy studies and fieldwork in the interpretation of results generated from statistical and GIS modeling.
Internal entrapment and fearlessness about death as precipitants of suicidal thoughts and planning in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Background The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) has been extensively studied but explanatory mechanisms remain inconclusive. Entrapment is one variable that evinces a mechanistic relationship with PTSD and STB. The current study examined the indirect effect of PTSD screen on suicide ideation (SI), planning, and likelihood of future suicide attempt through internal (IE) and external entrapment (EE), moderated by levels of fearlessness about death (FAD). Method The cross-sectional sample consisted of military service members and civilians recruited from primary care clinics across the United States (N = 2690). Results Moderated mediation models indicated an indirect relationship between a positive PTSD screen, past-month SI, and past-month suicide planning through IE but not EE at low, moderate, and high levels of FAD. These relationships were replicated for the association between positive PTSD screen and concurrent self-rated likelihood of a future suicide attempt through both IE and EE at moderate and high levels of FAD. Conclusions Phenomenological implications are discussed, including IE as a mechanism of action in the PTSD/SI pathway and FAD as necessary to potentiate suicidal planning for those experiencing IE.