cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low nanogram detection of nucleotides using fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry☆

The effect of trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization on detection limits of mononucleotides in fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) was examined. FAB-MS methods were developed to optimize sensitivity using adenosine 6’-monophosphate as a model compound and then applied to reference standards of two clinically important nucleotides: tricyclic nucleoside-5’-monophosphate (TCNMP) and 5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridineG’-monophosphate (FdUMP). The detection limit for the TMS derivative of TCNMP was 2.5-5 ng/ ~1 and less than 2.5 ng/rl for FdUMP as its TMS derivative. This is greater than two orders of magnitude more sensitive than the FAB-MS analysis of the corresponding free compounds. These low detection limits for the TMS derivatives were obtained using a narrow scan range, signal averaging, detection in the negative ion mode, and 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol as the matrix. Hydrolysis of one or more of the labile TMS groups did occur, with the extent of hydrolysis being greatest in the more protic matrices. @ 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Excess long real rate volatility

Abstract Variance and comovement bounds tests are performed on riskless real interest rates for the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Japan. Each country’s long real rate exhibits excess volatility relative to its fundamental long real rate derived under the rational expectations theory of real term structure. Internationally, each country’s long real rate relative to the USA exhibits excess comovement relative to their corresponding fundamental long real rates. The excess volatility clouds the arbitrage-induced link between long and short real rates. This noise hinders the monetary transmission mechanism and the ability of central bankers to influence long real rates by managing short real rates.
Suppression of the human erythropoietin gene expression by the TR2 orphan receptor, a member of the steroid receptor superfamily.

Abstract A DNA response element, TR2RE-EPO (5′-TCTGACCTCTCGACCTAC-3′) has been identified in the 3′-minimal hypoxia-inducible enhancer of the human erythropoietin gene for the TR2 orphan receptor, an androgen-repressed transcription factor and a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed a specific binding with high affinity (K = 0.14 nM) between the TR2 orphan receptor and the TR2RE-EPO. Our data further indicated that this specific binding is not due to the homo-dimerization of the TR2 orphan receptor. In addition, reporter gene expression using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay demonstrated that the TR2 orphan receptor may suppress the expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activities via the TR2RE-EPO in the hypoxic/normoxic human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Finally, our in situ hybridization data also indicated that the TR2 orphan receptor and the erythropoietin transcripts can be co-expressed in mouse kidney and liver. Together, our data suggest that the human erythropoietin gene could represent the first human target gene regulated directly by the human TR2 orphan receptor.
Maturation of the hippocampal formation and amygdala in Macaca mulatta: A volumetric magnetic resonance imaging study

Malformations of the hippocampal formation and amygdala have been implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders; yet relatively little is known about their normal structural development. The purpose of this study was to characterize the early developmental trajectories of the hippocampus and amygdala in the rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using noninvasive MRI techniques. T1-weighted structural scans of 22 infant and juvenile monkeys (11 male, 11 female) were obtained between 1 week and approximately 2 yrs of age. Ten animals (five males, five females) were scanned multiple times and 12 monkeys (six males, six females) were scanned once between 1 and 4 weeks of age. Both structures exhibited significant age-related changes throughout the first 2 yrs of life that were not explained by overall brain development. The hippocampal formation increased 117.05% in males and 110.86% in females. No sex differences were evident, but the left hemisphere was significantly larger than the right. The amygdala increased 86.49% in males and 72.94% in females with males exhibiting a larger right than left amygdala. For both structures, the most substantial volumetric increases were seen within the first month, but the hippocampal formation appeared to develop more slowly than the amygdala with the rate of hippocampal maturation stabilizing around 11 months and that of amygdala maturation stabilizing around 8 months. Differences in volumetric developmental trajectories of the hippocampal formation and amygdala largely mirror differences in the timing of the functional development of these structures. The current results emphasize the importance of including early postnatal ages when assessing developmental trajectories of neuroanatomical structures and reinforces the utility of nonhuman primates in the assessment of normal developmental patterns.
A fractured mosaic: Encounters with the everyday amongst refugee and asylum seeker women

In his critique of everyday life, Henri Lefebvre called for an understanding of the everyday as a complex, fragmentary and dynamic constellation. Apprehending everyday life in this way complements the calls – from scholars of migration geography in particular – to ground meta-narratives of globalisation and mobility within the physical locales, material objects and social and spatial practices where the daily lives of migrants actually unfold. This paper takes up these issues by drawing on qualitative interview research conducted over an 11-month period with asylum seeker and refugee women living in contemporary Irish society. Drawing on some of Lefebvre's ideas the paper examines how the presence and absence of material objects and textures of the everyday train and emplace participants in local contexts while simultaneously linking them in concrete and abstract ways to global transnationality. In this process, the ‘fractured mosaic’ that marks migrants' social, material and cultural everyday lives becomes crystal clear while illustrating the value of Lefebvre's perspectives for apprehending the intricate sociality and materiality of transnational migration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction Hot Pressing of α′- and β′- SiAlON Ceramics

Hot pressing kinetics of {alpha}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, AlN, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} powder mixtures forming {alpha}{prime}- and {beta}{prime}-SiAlONs have been studied. Densification proceeds in two steps, first by a small shrinkage upon ternary eutectic oxide melting (SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) at 1340 C, followed by a massive particle rearrangement and further shrinkage at higher temperature when nitride dissolution begins. With better wettability, AlN initially traps the oxide melt and delays densification. In addition, the preferential dissolution of AlN at 1450 C enriches the melt composition in Al, triggering transient precipitation of supersaturated {beta}{prime}-SiAlON. Full densification is readily achieved at 1550 C without complete {alpha}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} conversion.
Integrity-Preserving Replica Coordination for Byzantine Fault Tolerant Systems

The use of good random numbers is essential to the integrity of many mission-critical systems. However, when such systems are replicated for Byzantine fault tolerance, a serious issue arises, i.e., how do we preserve the integrity of the systems while ensuring strong replica consistency? Despite the fact that there exists a large body of work on how to render replicas deterministic under the benign fault model, the solutions regarding the random number control are often overly simplistic without regard to the security requirement, and hence, they are not suitable for practical Byzantine fault tolerance. In this paper, we present a novel integrity-preserving replica coordination algorithm for Byzantine fault tolerant systems. The central idea behind this algorithm is that all random numbers to be used by the replicas are collectively determined, based on the contributions made by a quorum of replicas, at least one of which is correct. We have implemented the algorithm in Java and conducted extensive experiments, in both a LAN testbed and an emulated WAN environment. We show that our algorithm is particularly suited for Byzantine fault tolerant systems operating in the LAN environment, or where replicas are connected by high-speed low-latency networks.
α- and β-Stilbenosides as base-pair surrogates in DNA hairpins

The synthesis, structure, and optical spectroscopy of hairpin oligonucleotide conjugates possessing synthetic stilbene C-nucleosides (stilbenosides) are reported. Synthetic methods for selective preparation of both the α- and β-stilbenosides have been developed. Both anomers are effective in stabilizing hairpin structures when used as capping groups at the open end of the hairpin base-pair domain. However, only the β-anomer effectively stabilizes the hairpin structure when located in the interior of the base-pair domain opposite an abasic site. Similar results are obtained for hairpins possessing two stilbenosides, either adjacent to each other or with one intervening base-pair. Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to obtain averaged structures for these conjugates. The calculated structures for the capped hairpins formed with either anomer show effective π-stacking with the adjacent base-pair. The calculated structures for the internal stilbenosides show that the α- and β-anomers form extrahelical and intrahelical structures, respectively. The relative orientations of the two stilbenes in the bis-stilbenosides have been studied using a combination of exciton-coupled circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular modeling.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acetobacter aceti Strain 1023, a Vinegar Factory Isolate.

ABSTRACT The genome sequence of Acetobacter aceti 1023, an acetic acid bacterium adapted to traditional vinegar fermentation, comprises 3.0 Mb (chromosome plus plasmids). A. aceti 1023 is closely related to the cocoa fermenter Acetobacter pasteurianus 386B but possesses many additional insertion sequence elements.
Effect of Fuel Choice on the Aqueous Combustion Synthesis of Lanthanum Ferrite and Lanthanum Manganite

High-surface area, nanocrystalline powders of two closely related peroviskite oxides, LaFeO3 and LaMnO3, were produced by aqueous combustion synthesis using two different fuels. LaMnO3 powders synthesized using glycine fuel had a higher surface area and a smaller crystallite size than when synthesized using ethylene glycol fuel. However, the opposite was observed for LaFeO3 powders, where a higher surface area and a smaller crystallite size was obtained using ethylene glycol. The effect of the fuel type on the powder properties was attributed to the combustion characteristics, such as the rate of temperature increase and maximum measured temperature, and the mode of combustion synthesis. The lower surface area LaFeO3 and LaMnO3 powders had higher rates of temperature increase, which is characteristic of a volume combustion synthesis mode. The high-surface area LaFeO3 powder produced using ethylene glycol fuel, in contrast, had a lower rate of temperature increase, representative of a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis mode. Differential thermal analysis showed that the mode of combustion correlated to the delayed reaction of the iron nitrate oxidizer with the ethylene glycol fuel. For the combustion synthesis of multication complex oxides, each fuel–oxidizer reaction is important for predicting the combustion characteristics and the resulting powder properties.
Stability properties of a receding horizon controller for cooperating UAVs

We consider a setting where multiple vehicles form a networked team cooperating to visit multiple target points associated with rewards. The goal is to maximize the total reward accumulated over a given time interval. We have proposed a receding horizon (RH) control scheme which dynamically determines vehicle trajectories by solving a sequence of optimization problems over a planning horizon and executing them over a shorter action horizon. A key property observed in the operation of this scheme is that the trajectories are stationary, in the sense that they ultimately assign vehicles to target points, even though the controller is not explicitly designed to perform such discrete point assignments. In prior work, conditions under which this property is guaranteed were obtained for the 1-vehicle, N-target point case. In this paper, we extend this analysis to 2-vehicle cases, despite the resulting loss of convexity.
Minimal model analysis of insulin sensitivity and glucose-mediated glucose disposal in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic pancreas allograft recipients.

Decreased insulin sensitivity and glucose-dependent glucose disposal (glucose effectiveness) have been demonstrated in poorly-controlled Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. We have therefore examined the effects of successful pancreas transplantation that results in long-term physiologic normoglycaemia as measured by insulin sensitivity index and glucose effectiveness in 14 Type 1 diabetic recipients (Group 1) using the Bergman minimal model method. Their results were compared with those of five non-diabetic patients with kidney transplant alone (Group 2) and 10 healthy control subjects (Group 3). Mean plasma glucose levels were indistinguishable in Group 1 when compared to Groups 2 and 3. However, mean basal plasma insulin levels were two-and eight-fold greater in Group 1 (36±6 μU/ml) than in Group 2 (17±7 μU/ml) and Group 3 (4.5±0.6 μU/ml), respectively. Following intravenous glucose (t=0 min) and tolbutamide (t=20), peak incremental insulin levels were significantly (p<0.001) greater in Group 1 vs Groups 2 and 3. Mean insulin sensitivity index was 65% and 50% lower in Group 1 (2.89±0.45) and Group 2 (4.11±1.30), respectively, when compared to GroupS (8.40±1.24×10−1 min−1 (μU/ml)−1. In contrast, glucose effectiveness was similar in the three groups (Group 1, 2.48±0.26; Group 2, 2.05±0.21; and Group 3, 2.10±0.17×10−2·min−1). We conclude that, despite prednisone-induced insulin resistance, normal glucose tolerance is achieved by hyperinsulinaemia and normalisation of glucose-dependent glucose disposal following pancreas-kidney transplantation in Type 1 diabetic patients.
Progressive Planning: A Decision-Support Framework for Collaborative TFM

*† ‡ § ** Progressive Planning (P2), a proposed framework for decision support tools to support en route Traffic Flow Management (TFM) in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), is described. P2 is a collection of modeling, information management, and collaboration capabilities for improving flow problem identification and resolution. The concept is being explored and developed through a series of analyses and human-in-the-loop evaluation activities, described here. P2 capabilities are being proposed as elements of the Federal Aviation Administration’s TFM Modernization initiative, in which an improved set of automation capabilities for TFM in the NAS will be deployed.
Greening backbone networks: reducing energy consumption by shutting off cables in bundled links

In backbone networks, the line cards that drive the links between neighboring routers consume a large amount of energy. Since these networks are typically overprovisioned, selectively shutting down links during periods of low demand seems like a good way to reduce energy consumption. However, removing entire links from the topology often reduces capacity and connectivity too much, and leads to transient disruptions in the routing protocol. In this paper, we exploit the fact that many links in core networks are actually 'bundles' of multiple physical cables and line cards that can be shut down independently. Since identifying the optimal set of cables to shut down is an NP-complete problem, we propose several heuristics based on linear optimization techniques. We evaluate our heuristics on topology and traffic data from the Abilene backbone as well as on two synthetic topologies. The energy savings are significant, our simplest heuristic reduces energy consumption by 79% on Abilene under realistic traffic loads and bundled links consisting of five cables. Our optimization techniques run efficiently using standard optimization tools, such as the AMPL/CPLEX solver, making them a practical approach for network operators to reduce the energy consumption of their backbones.
A Simple Test for the Imminence of a Large Earthquake in Southern California

Large earthquakes are typically preceded by a pattern of irregularly increasing magnitudes of preshocks extending over a period of 10 or more years. The approach of the climax of this growth can be recognized by calculating a characteristic index based on analysis of the largest magnitudes each year. When a pattern of increasing magnitudes occurs over a 10year or longer period accompanied by a steady increase in this index over 4 or more years, including at least a doubling of its value toward the end, a large earthquake typically follows. Five of the six magnitude 6.8 and larger earthquakes in southern California since 1950 could have been anticipated in this fashion. Magnitude 5.9–6.7 earthquakes sometimes but not always exhibit this pattern. Otherwise it rarely occurs. A simple computer program is presented to make this test. The south end of the Imperial Valley seems to be preparing for a big earthquake.
Effect of Variety, Location and Year on Tannin Content of Peanut Seed Coats

Abstract Tannin concentrations in the seed coats of six peanut varieties grown in seven geographical locations for 2 years were determined. Tannin content within variety varied significantly between locations. Levels among varieties at a location were also variable. Tannin concentrations for a specific variety at a specific location in 1975 and 1976 were compared and 60% of the comparisons differed significantly. These data indicate that any resistance to Aspergillus parasiticus colonization associated with peanut seed coat tannin concentration would probably vary somewhat with production location and year.
Forest dynamics following eastern hemlock mortality in the southern Appalachians

Understanding changes in community composition caused by invasive species is critical for predicting effects on ecosystem function, particularly when the invasive threatens a foundation species. Here we focus on dynamics of forest structure, composition and microclimate, and how these interact in southern Appalachian riparian forests following invasion by hemlock woolly adelgid, HWA, Adelges tsugae. We measured and quantified changes in microclimate; canopy mortality; canopy and shrub growth; understory species composition; and the cover and diversity in riparian forests dominated by eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis over a period of seven years. Treatments manipulated hemlock mortality either through invasion (HWA infested stands) or girdling (GDL) hemlock trees. Mortality was rapid, with 50% hemlock tree mortality occurring after six years of invasion, in contrast to more than 50% mortality in two years following girdling. Although 50% of hemlock trees were still alive five years after infestation, leaf area lost was similar to that of girdled trees. As such, overall responses over time (changes in light transmittance, growth, soil moisture) were identical to girdled stands with 100% mortality. Our results showed different growth responses of the canopy species, shrubs and ground layer, with the latter being substantially influenced by presence of the evergreen shrub, rhododendron Rhododendron maximum. Although ground layer richness in the infested and girdled stands increased by threefold, they did not approach levels recorded in hardwood forests without rhododendron. Increased growth of co-occurring canopy trees occurred in the first few years following hemlock decline, with similar responses in both treatments. In contrast, growth of rhododendron continued to increase over time. By the end of the study it had a 2.6-fold higher growth rate than expected, likely taking advantage of increased light available during leaf-off periods of the deciduous species. Increased growth and dominance of rhododendron may be a major determinant of future responses in southern Appalachian ecosystems; however, our results suggest hemlock will be replaced by a mix of Acer, Betula, Fagus and Quercus canopy genera where establishment is not limited by rhododendron.
Mucormycosis; report of a case.

The present report is that of a child with the typical symptomatology of Mucormycosis of the central nervous system. The diagnosis was established during life by biopsy and culture. The organism was identified as Rhizopus arrhizus, a member of the family Mucoraceae. The patient recovered on therapy which consisted of rigid control of the diabetes, desensitization against the fungus and the administration of iodides. The literature on "Mucor9" infections in humans has been reviewed with particular reference to the rare instances of involvement of the nervous system. The typical story is that of a poorly controlled diabetic patient who develops a fulminating orbital or nasal infection and dies in a few days with signs of invasion of the central nervous system. Examination reveals a necrotizing, inflammatory and vascular occlusive process in which broad non-septate hyphae may be seen. Until the present case, diagnosis has not been made during life, the infecting fungus has not been cultured or identified and no patient has survived.
New Insights into the Genetics and Regulation of Expression of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin

The bacterial genus Clostridium includes many gram-positive, anaerobic, sporeforming species, a number of which are responsible for significant human and veterinary diseases (Rood et al. 1997). As their outstanding virulence attribute, these pathogenic Clostridia share the ability to elaborate extremely potent protein toxins (Rood et al. 1997). With the recent development of tools and techniques for analyzing clostridial genetics (Rood et al. 1997), it is now becoming feasible to investigate the genetics and regulation of expression of these clostridial toxins.
Congressional Dysfunction, Public Opinion, and the Battle Over the Keystone XL Pipeline

When President Obama vetoed the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act in March 2015, he signaled the end of a political drama that pitted Congress against the President, Democrats against Republicans, and the promise of jobs against concern for the environment. Like most drama in Washington, it burned bright and hot, but soon was overtaken by other, suddenly more urgent, matters. Although news coverage of the pipeline has waned, the Keystone XL legislation represents the serious and enduring problem of congressional dysfunction. Using the Keystone XL legislation as a point of departure, this article offers insights into the inner workings of Congress, the role of deliberation in lawmaking, and the relationship between public opinion and the legislative process.
Study on the classification of streptococci

The purpose of this study is the classification of streptococci by the appearance of deep colonies in blood agar plates of uniform composition and thickness; and a further classification by the fermentation reactions in inulin, lactose, mannite, raffinose, saccharose and salicin; and last, by a study of the agglutination reactions in serum of immunized animals. Lastly an attempt is made to show the relationship of the serologic groups to the blood agar and sugar reaction groups. Some additional properties have been investigated and the general results noted in their bearing on the main issues. Brown 1 classifies the streptococci, by the growth and action of deep colonies in blood agar, into three main groups: alpha, beta and gamma and a subgroup, alpha prime. Alpha colonies are those which in other classifications are called "viridans" or "green" and which in deep colonies produce a 0.8-1.0 mm. double-convex, oval, or complex colony, surrounded by a small zone of green colored red cells at the end of 48 hours' incubation. The complex colony is not definitely double-convex or oval, but a seeming combination of two such colonies. It appears at first as if there are two colonies lying at right angles to each other, one superimposed on the other. When placed in the icebox for from 24-48 hours, there appears surrounding the area of green coloration a zone of hemolysis, wherein no red cells or color is visible. Further incubation produces a second ring of green formation and a secondary zone of hemolysis occurs if it is placed again in the icebox. There are, then, alternating concentric zones of hemolysis with the first zone of green immediately surrounding the colony. The number of zones possible seems in the main limited to the number of incubations and refrigerations, although the drying of the medium and the lack of available food supply serves as a check on the growth. This description in the main fits all the alpha streptococci. Many of them, however, are apparently limited to smaller
Theory vs. Computation in Some Very Simple Dynamical Systems

(1991). Theory vs. Computation in Some Very Simple Dynamical Systems. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 42-44.
Groundwater loading of nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus from watershed source areas to an Iowa Great Lake

Abstract Groundwater discharge to a lake can be an important component to water and nutrient budgets. In this study, we evaluated groundwater loading of nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 -N) and phosphorus (P) to West Lake Okoboji, Iowa, using a watershed-based approach based on groundwater recharge and land cover class. Our objectives were to assess groundwater level fluctuations and nutrient concentrations under representative land use classes and develop an allocation model for groundwater nutrient loads based on land cover class. Monitoring wells were installed at 21 locations around the lake and sampled during a three-year study period. Groundwater quality varied among the land cover types with average NO 3 -N concentrations the highest beneath cropped fields (8.8 mg l − 1 ) and residential areas (2 mg l − 1 ), and P concentrations ranging between 0.05 and 0.1 mg l − 1 throughout the region. NO 3 -N loads were the highest under cropped fields and this source accounted for approximately 90% of the NO 3 -N, whereas P loads were more evenly distributed among source areas. Groundwater recharge averaged approximately 76 mm year − 1 for vegetated areas and substantially less for urban areas. Based on mass balance, groundwater discharge may account for 80% of the NO 3 -N in the lake compared to 10% of the P. Results are instructive to more effectively target implementation of conservation practices to major nutrient loading areas for reduction of NO 3 -N and P delivered to the lake.
Fundamental studies of energy-and hole/electron- transfer in hydroporphyrin architectures

The long-term objective of the Bocian/Holten/Lindsey research program is to design, synthesize, and characterize tetrapyrrole-based molecular architectures that absorb sunlight, funnel energy, and separate charge with high efficiency and in a manner compatible with current and future solar-energy conversion schemes. The synthetic tetrapyrroles include porphyrins and hydroporphyrins; the latter classes of molecules encompass analogues of the naturally occurring chlorophylls and bacteriochlorophylls (e.g., chlorins, bacteriochlorins, and their derivatives). The attainment of the goals of the research program requires the close interplay of molecular design and synthesis (Lindsey group), static and time-resolved optical spectroscopic measurements (Holten group), and electrochemical, electron paramagnetic resonance, and resonance Raman studies, as well as density functional theory calculations (Bocian Group). The proposed research encompasses four interrelated themes: (1) Determination of the rates of ground-state hole/electron transfer between (hydro)porphyrins in multipigment arrays as a function of array size, distance between components, linker type, site of linker connection, and frontier molecular orbital composition. (2) Examination of excited-state energy transfer among hydroporphyrins in multipigment arrrays, including both pairwise and non-adjacent transfer, with a chief aim to identify the relative contributions of through-space (Forster) and through-bond (Dexter) mechanisms of energy transfer, including the roles of site of linker connection and frontiermore » molecular orbital composition. (3) Elucidation of the role of substituents in tuning the spectral and electronic properties of bacteriochlorins, with a primary aim of learning how to shift the long-wavelength absorption band deeper into the near-infrared region. (4) Continued development of the software package PhotochemCAD for spectral manipulations and calculations through the compilation of a database of spectra for naturally occurring and synthetic hydroporphyrins. The availability of such data should augment efforts in the design of light-harvesting systems where spectral coverage in the red and near-infrared regions is desired. Collectively, the proposed studies will provide fundamental insights into molecular properties, interactions, and processes relevant to the design of molecular architectures for solar-energy conversion. The accomplishment of these goals is only possible through a highly synergistic program that encompasses molecular design, synthesis, and characterization.« less
Dynamic Changes in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia LDH, SF and ESR

Objective To explore the changes and clinical significances of serum lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)、ferrritin(SF) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL).Methods Serum LDH、SF and ESR levels were measured and analyzed in 112 children with ALL before chemotherapy、complete remission and after relapse.Observe the correlations among LDH、SF and ESR.Results Serum LDH、SF and ESR levels of children ALL patients before chemotherapy were significantly higher than those of control group and complete remission group(P 0.01).Otherwise complete remission group had no significant difference than those of control group(P0.05).These changes were occurred in relapse group.LDH、SF and ESR were positively correlated in children ALL.Conclusion Making dynamic analysis of serum LDH、SF and ESR levels maybe considered as important indicators for observing disease process、therapeutic effects and prognosis for children with ALL.
700MW Hydro Generator Stator Technology of the Three Gorges Left Bank Power Station

This article mainly describes that the three gorges left bank power station has imported the detail structure and the key technology for generator's stator frame, core, winding bar, and circuit ring etc. from ALSTOM in Switzerland. Especially the technology of the oblique element on stator frame and insulation technology etc. are highly practicable. The imported technology and experience have practical value on domestic developing for the Bai He Tan 1000MW hydro generator independently.
Study on Incentive Barriers for Knowledge Alliance——A Theoretical Analytical Framework Based on Life Cycle Theory

Incentive barrier is one of the most important factors that restrict knowledge alliances' normal operation and performance improvement.This paper analyses the four periods of the life cycle of knowledge alliance—gestation period,construction period,runtime period and disintegration period,and then lists the content,objectives and characteristics of the four life cycle periods.The incentive barriers are revealed from four dimensions,that is,knowledge characteristics,knowledge subject,knowledge alliance structure and external environment.Based on the previous theoretical analyses,this study builds a theoretical framework of incentive barriers for knowledge alliance,and brings forth four propositions corresponding to the different life-cycle periods.Meanwhile,it suggests several mechanisms to weaken incentive barriers.
Evaluation Research on Regional Distribution of Grid Fault Caused by Natural Disasters

It is difficult to control the safe and stable operation of power grid when disasters occur frequently,thus defensive measures should be taken particularly according to the disaster degree of different regions.This paper proposes 4 evaluation indexes,which are standardized by fuzzy math theory subsequently,weights them in combination with analytic hierarchy process,and assesses the regional disaster degree of power grid using weighted average method to format a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.In the end,the geographical distribution of the grid faults caused by natural disasters is evaluated based on actual data.
Employment Status as an Indicator of Recovery and Function One Year after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Abstract Employment after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an indicator of post-transplantation recovery and function, with economic and social implications. As survival rates for HSCT continue to improve, greater emphasis can be placed on factors affecting the quality of post-transplantation survival, including the ability to resume employment. A sample of recipients of autologous or allogeneic HSCT was accrued (n = 1000) to complete a longitudinal lifestyle survey before transplantation and at 1 year after transplantation. The present study examines associations between employment and patient characteristics, disease variables, illness status, and quality of life among 1-year survivors (n = 702). Participants had a mean age of 55 years (range, 18 to 78) and were predominately male (59.7%), married/partnered (77.1%), and non-Hispanic Caucasian (89.5%); most (79.4%) had received autologous transplantation. Of the 690 participants reporting some form of employment before illness diagnosis, 62.4% had returned to work by 1 year after HSCT. Full-time employment at 1 year after HSCT was significantly associated with remission of illness, improved illness, fewer post-transplantation hospitalizations, less fatigue and pain, higher quality of life, and higher rating of perceived health. Those unemployed because of their health reported the highest rates of fatigue and pain and lowest quality of life, and they were most likely to report poor perceived health. These findings highlight work reintegration as an important outcome and marker of survivors' overall adjustment after transplantation. Identifying factors affecting post-transplantation employment offers opportunities for behavioral interventions to target modifiable risk factors to optimize post-transplantation survivorship, inclusive of increased rates of return to work and decreased rates of associated disability.
Risk Factors and Utility of a Risk-Based Algorithm for Monitoring Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus Infections in Pediatric Recipients after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract Infectious complications, particularly viral infections, remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Only a handful of studies in children have analyzed the risks for and impact of viremia on alloHCT-related outcomes. We conducted a retrospective study of 140 pediatric patients undergoing alloHCT to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus (ADV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia and viral disease after alloHCT. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of viremia on days of hospitalization and develop an algorithm for routine monitoring of viremia. Patients were monitored before alloHCT and then weekly for 180 days after alloHCT. Patients were considered to have viremia if CMV were > 600 copies/mL, EBV were > 1000 copies/mL, or ADV were > 1000 copies/mL on 2 consecutive PCRs. The overall incidences of viremia and viral disease in all patients from day 0 to +180 after alloHCT were 41.4% (n = 58) and 17% (n = 24), respectively. The overall survival for patients with viremia and viral disease was significantly lower compared with those without viremia (58% versus 74.2%, P = .03) and viral disease (48.2% versus 71.2%, P = .024). We identified that pretransplantation CMV risk status, pre-alloHCT viremia, and use of alemtuzumab were associated with the risk of post-alloHCT viremia. The average hospitalization days in patients with CMV risk (P = .011), viremia (P = .024), and viral disease (P = .002) were significantly higher. The algorithm developed from our data can potentially reduce viral PCR testing by 50% and is being studied prospectively at our center. Improved preventative treatment strategies for children at risk of viremia after alloHCT are needed.
An ECOG Phase II Study of Amonafide in Unresectable or Recurrent Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (PB390)

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of amonafide in unresectable or recurrent head and neck cancer and to determine if the degree of toxicity with amonafide correlated with the acetylator phenotype of the patient. Thirty patients were registered on the study and received amonafide, 300 mg/m2, over two hours each day for five consecutive days every 21 days. There was one partial response [39] which lasted four months. The dose limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Acetylator phenotype was determined prior to treatment using HPLC to quantitate caffeine metabolites in urine samples after administration of caffeine. This pharmacokinetic evaluation was performed in 21 patients and revealed that (17/21) 81% of the patients were slow acetylators and 19% of the patients were rapid acetylators. No association was found between acetylator phenotype and toxicity in our patient population. Based on this study, it appears that amonafide given at 300 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days every 21 days is not active in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and that acetylator status does not correlate with toxicity.
Searching for Mani's Picture Book in Textual and Pictorial Sources

This paper is a based on an extensive study of the available textual and visual data on a collection of didactic paintings employed by the Manichaeans throughout the 1400-year history of their religion. Known as Mani's Picture or Picture-Book, these paintings were originally created in mid-third century Mesopotamia with direct involvement from Mani (216-276 CE) and remained preserved by being adapted to a wide variety of artistic and cultural norms as the religion spread across the Asian continent. The evidence on Manichaean didactic art fits well with the pan-Asiatic phenomenon of, what Victor Mair calls in his 1998 monograph, "picture-recitation," or "story-telling with images." Nevertheless, more than any other religion, the Manichaeans made use of images by attributing canonical status to them. This assured their preservation. By situating the Manichaean data in a broader art historical context, this lecture brings together evidence on the same phenomenon by other contemporaneous religious traditions (such as Eastern Christianity, Judaism, and most importantly Buddhism) in third-eighth century West Asia, eighth-twelfth century Central Asia and eighth-seventeenth century East Asia.
TH‐F‐202‐03: Advances in MRI for Radiation Therapy

MRI has excellent soft tissue contrast and can provide both anatomical and physiological information. It is becoming increasingly important in radiation therapy for treatment planning, image-guided radiation therapy, and treatment assessment. It is critically important at this time point to educate and update our medical physicists about MRI to prepare for the upcoming surge of MRI applications in radiation therapy. This session will review important basics of MR physics, pulse sequence designs, and current radiotherapy application, as well as showcase exciting new developments in MRI that can be potentially useful in radiation therapy. Learning Objectives: 1. To learn basics of MR physics and understand the differences between various pulse sequences 2. To review current applications of MRI in radiation therapy.To discuss recent MRI advances for future MRI guided radiation therapy Partly supported by NIH (1R21CA165384).; W. Miller, Research supported in part by Siemens Healthcare; G. Li, My clinical research is in part supported by NIH U54CA137788. I have a collaborative research project with Philips Healthcare.; J. Cai, jing cai
Administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs delays ovulation without affecting the luteal function in rhesus monkeys

Regularly cycling rhesus monkeys received, from days 1 to 6 of the menstrual cycle (1) the potent luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist D-Trp 6 -LH-RH, 20 μ g/day; (2) the potent LH-RH antagonist [N-Ac-D-Trp 1,3 ,D-p-Cl-Phe 2 ,D-Phe 6 -D-Ala 10 ]-LH-RH, 1 mg/day; or (3) vehicle. Whereas control animals showed normal menstrual cycles, as determined by dates of ovulation, length of luteal phases, and hormonal profiles, animals treated with either analog of LH-RH exhibited disruption of the cycles. In animals from both groups, delayed ovulation was observed (LH-RH agonist, 22, 23, 17, 19, and 20 days of the cycle; LH-RH antagonist, 22, 22, 24, and 10 days of the cycle, and one animal remained anovulatory for 65 days). Monkeys treated with either LH-RH analog showed normal luteal phase lengths (15, 15, 16, 14, and 15 days, and 15, 16, 16, and 13 days, respectively) and serum progesterone concentrations. The results of this study suggest that, in the rhesus monkey, the administration of LH-RH analogs during the early follicular phase induces a temporary cessation of folliculogenesis demonstrated by a delay of ovulation, with subsequent normal luteal function.
To Test or Not to Test: Barriers and Solutions to Testing African American College Students for HIV at a Historically Black College/University

Young African Americans are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The purpose was to identify reasons that African American college students at a historically Black college/university (HBCU) identified as barriers to HIV testing, and how these barriers can be removed. Fifty-seven heterosexual-identified undergraduate students (ages 18-25) attending an HBCU in the southeastern US participated in a mixed method study. Latent content analytic techniques were used to code the transcripts for themes and categories, and representative quotations were used in the findings. Quantitative data indicates high levels of perceived knowledge about HIV transmission, low perception of risk and concern of contracting HIV, yet continued sexual risk behavior. Qualitative data indicates three main themes used to avoid testing and three themes to encourage testing. Students were forthcoming in discussing the themes around avoidance of HIV testing (being scared to know, preferring not to know, and lack of discussion about HIV) and encouraging testing (group testing, increasing basic knowledge, and showing the reality of HIV). It is important for college healthcare professionals, researchers, and officials to identify appropriate ways to encourage HIV testing, and promote testing as part of overall health.
Michael Faraday Discovers Electromagnetic Induction but Fails to Unify Electromagnetism and Gravitation: It Is Usually Productive to Simplify and Consolidate Your Hypotheses

Despite being born to an impoverished family, Michael Faraday’s energy and love for scientific research enabled him to become the outstanding experimentalist of the nineteenth century. This chapter describes his major discoveries relating to electromagnetic induction. By thoughtful and playful variations on Oersted’s discovery of the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire, Faraday invented the electric motor. Searching for a complementary effect to Oersted’s, Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction and demonstrated the first transformer. A deep intuitive grasp of the nature of magnetism led him to generalize the idea of a force field that has become central to modern physics.
A Reconfigurable Fixed-Point Architecture for Adaptive Beamforming

We present a fixed-point architecture for adaptivebeamforming that optimizes resource consumption by utilizing a Look-Up-Table (LUT) approach suitable for FPGA designs. Thehardware design is fully customized and allows the user to switchto different beam patterns and adapt hardware resources torequirements on accuracy. Experimental results are veryencouraging as they show the design to be highly resilient to theeffects of input quantization and the use of fixed-point arithmetic. We report results in terms of resource usage, execution time, andaccuracy for various design parameters.
Modeling and predistortion for digital transmitters based on delta-sigma and pulse-width modulation

Digital transmitters based on delta-sigma modulation (DSM) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) are very active research areas because of their potential for achieving better integrated, lower cost, and higher efficiency communication devices. To achieve the best output power and efficiency, it is critical to have accurate models of the nonlinear behaviors in these transmitters and the ability to apply nonlinearity compensation. Previous research efforts have been mostly focused on behavior modeling of this type of transmitters using bit sequences from the DSM/PWM. The resulting models have high complexity and computation cost. In this paper, we start from the passband Volterra model and derive a new baseband Volterra model for this type of transmitters. The effectiveness of the new model is demonstrated in simulations and in linearizing of a 45nm CMOS digital transmitter. For a 10 MHz LTE signal, DPD based on the new model achieved around 5 dB adjacent channel power ratio improvement, while DPD based on conventional models showed improvement less than 1 dB.
Generalized Additive Modeling in SAS

This chapter provides a description of how to use PROC GAM for generating generalized additive models (GAMs) for univariate continuous and dichotomous outcomes as well as how to evaluate and compare GAMs with likelihood cross-validation (LCV) scores. Comparison of GAMS to adaptive fractional polynomial models on the basis of LCV scores is also covered. Example code is provided for generating models for predicting the univariate continuous outcome death rate per 100,000 in terms of available predictors as also addressed in Chaps. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 16 as well as models for predicting the univariate dichotomous outcome a high mercury level in fish over 1.0 ppm versus a lower level in terms of available predictors as also addressed in Chaps. 8, 9 and 16.
Drawing as a Relational Event: Making Meaning Through Talk, Collaboration, and Image Production

Contemporary understandings of child art suggest that the drawings of children are best understood as cultural productions that are influenced by the intentions and circumstances that surround children’s work. Whereas the artifacts of children’s drawing activity may provide insight into children’s interests and personal experiences, it is within the act of drawing itself whereby children come to make meaning of their everyday worlds. In this chapter, I propose a relational view of children’s drawing in which meaning emerges in the in-between spaces of talk, gesture, mark-making, and artifact. In doing so, I bring forth the idea of children’s drawing as an embodied experience in which thought, talk, activity, and objects are intra-connected. Focusing my discussion within early childhood education, I conclude with thoughts regarding children’s capacity to construct meaningful experiences and advocate for the inclusion of children’s voluntary drawing activity as part of a comprehensive early childhood program.