cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dendritic spread and functional coverage of starburst amacrine cells.

The network of starburst amacrine cells plays a fundamental role in the neural circuitry underlying directional selectivity within the retina. Individual sectors of the starburst dendritic field are directionally selective by virtue of a mutually inhibitory relationship between starburst amacrine cells with overlapping dendrites. These features of the starburst amacrine cell network suggest that starburst cells regulate their dendritic overlap to ensure a uniform coverage of the retinal surface. The present study has compared the dendritic morphology of starburst amacrine cells in two different strains of mice that differ in starburst amacrine cell number. The A/J (A) strain contains about one-quarter fewer starburst amacrine cells than does the C57BL/6J (B6) strain, although the mosaics of starburst amacrine cells in both strains are comparably patterned. Dendritic field size, however, does not compensate for the difference in density, the A strain having a slightly smaller dendritic field relative to the B6 strain, yielding a significantly larger dendritic coverage factor for individual cells in the B6 strain. The area of the distal (output) annulus of the dendritic field occupies a comparable proportion of the overall field area in the two strains, but overlapping annuli establish a finer meshwork of co-fasciculating processes in the B6 strain. These results would suggest that the architecture of the dendritic network, rather than the overall size of the dendritic field, is dependent on the density of starburst amacrine cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 505:539–546, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
3D position-sensitive CdZnTe gamma-ray spectrometers: improved performance with new ASICs

A 3-dimensional position sensitive CdZnTe gamma-ray spectrometer based on VAS3.1/TAT3 ASICs was developed and tested. The 3-D CZT spectrometer employs a 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm x 1 cm3 CdZnTe crystal with 11 by 11 pixelated anodes wire-bonded to the readout electronics. The signals from the anode pixels and the cathode were both read out through the ASICs. The pixel position provides the lateral 2-D coordinates, while the third coordinate can be determined by using depth-sensing techniques. With the help of 3-D position sensitivity, the variation in weighting potential, electron trapping and material non-uniformity can be mitigated to the scale of the position resolution, estimated to be 1.27 mm x 1.27 mm x 0.2 mm. The energies and 3-D coordinates can be reconstructed for multiple interaction events from a single incident gamma ray. The third-generation ASICs - VAS3.1/TAT3 has been developed to improve the electronic noise, uniformity, linearity and stability. Energy resolution of 0.93% FWHM and 1.52% FWHM have been achieved for single-pixel events and two-pixel events, respectively, including ~4.5 keV FWHM electronic noise.
Studying multisite binary and ternary protein interactions by global analysis of isothermal titration calorimetry data in SEDPHAT: Application to adaptor protein complexes in cell signaling

Multisite interactions and the formation of ternary or higher-order protein complexes are ubiquitous features of protein interactions. Cooperativity between different ligands is a hallmark for information transfer, and is frequently critical for the biological function. We describe a new computational platform for the global analysis of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) data for the study of binary and ternary multisite interactions, implemented as part of the public domain multimethod analysis software SEDPHAT. The global analysis of titrations performed in different orientations was explored, and the potential for unraveling cooperativity parameters in multisite interactions was assessed in theory and experiment. To demonstrate the practical potential and limitations of global analyses of ITC titrations for the study of cooperative multiprotein interactions, we have examined the interactions of three proteins that are critical for signal transduction after T-cell activation, LAT, Grb2, and Sos1. We have shown previously that multivalent interactions between these three molecules promote the assembly of large multiprotein complexes important for T-cell receptor activation. By global analysis of the heats of binding observed in sets of ITC injections in different orientations, which allowed us to follow the formation of binary and ternary complexes, we observed negative and positive cooperativity that may be important to control the pathway of assembly and disassembly of adaptor protein particles.
3,3‐Dimethyl‐1‐butynylcopper(I)

[40575-23-3] C6H9Cu (MW 144.70) InChI = 1S/C6H9.Cu/c1-5-6(2,3)4;/h2-4H3; InChIKey = FQTASRHCIPZLDU-UHFFFAOYSA-N (used in preparation of mixed cuprates; acts as weak nucleophile) Alternate Names: t-butylethynylcopper(I); copper(I) t-butylacetylide. Physical Data: orange solid; mp 80–150 °C (dec). Solubility: sol ether, saturated hydrocarbons. Preparative Methods: most conveniently prepared in situ by treatment of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyne with n-Butyllithium, followed by addition of Copper(I) Iodide or the Me2S·CuBr complex (see Copper(I) Bromide).1, 2 3,3-Dimethyl-1-butynylcopper(I) 1 can be isolated as a solid by addition of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyne to a premixed solution of Copper(II) Sulfate and Hydroxylamine hydrochloride in aqueous ammonia. The aqueous layer is decanted and the precipitate is extracted with pentane. After workup, 1 is collected upon concentration of the solvent. Alternatively, 1 has been prepared by photoreduction of Copper(II) Acetylacetonate in the presence of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyne.3 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air and moisture sensitive. Use in a fume hood.
Genomic analysis of the Opi- phenotype.

Most of the phospholipid biosynthetic genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are coordinately regulated in response to inositol and choline. Inositol affects the intracellular levels of phosphatidic acid (PA). Opi1p is a repressor of the phospholipid biosynthetic genes and specifically binds PA in the endoplasmic reticulum. In the presence of inositol, PA levels decrease, releasing Opi1p into the nucleus where it represses transcription. The opi1 mutant overproduces and excretes inositol into the growth medium in the absence of inositol and choline (Opi− phenotype). To better understand the mechanism of Opi1p repression, the viable yeast deletion set was screened to identify Opi− mutants. In total, 89 Opi− mutants were identified, of which 7 were previously known to have the Opi− phenotype. The Opi− mutant collection included genes with roles in phospholipid biosynthesis, transcription, protein processing/synthesis, and protein trafficking. Included in this set were all nonessential components of the NuA4 HAT complex and six proteins in the Rpd3p–Sin3p HDAC complex. It has previously been shown that defects in phosphatidylcholine synthesis (cho2 and opi3) yield the Opi− phenotype because of a buildup of PA. However, in this case the Opi− phenotype is conditional because PA can be shuttled through a salvage pathway (Kennedy pathway) by adding choline to the growth medium. Seven new mutants present in the Opi− collection (fun26, kex1, nup84, tps1, mrpl38, mrpl49, and opi10/yol032w) were also suppressed by choline, suggesting that these affect PC synthesis. Regulation in response to inositol is also coordinated with the unfolded protein response (UPR). Consistent with this, several Opi− mutants were found to affect the UPR (yhi9, ede1, and vps74).
Using spatial context in satellite data to infer regional scale evapotranspiration

An estimate of evapotranspiration is developed by relating variations of satellite-derived surface temperature to a vegetation index computed from satellite visible and near-infrared data. The method requires independent estimates of evapotranspiration for a completely vegetated area and for a nonvegetated area, although such areas need not appear in the satellite data. A regional estimate of evapotranspiration is derived despite the lack of precise estimates for individual satellite measurements. The method requires spatial variability in the satellite data: it does not apply in uniform areas. In addition, a property is identified which permits discrimination of cirrus clouds from areas of varying soil moisture. >
Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Survival of Airborne Columbia SK Group Viruses

Three strains of the Columbia SK (Col-SK) group of viruses [Mengo, Maus Elberfeld (ME), and Col-SK viruses] have been studied in the airborne state. All three strains were found to give identical aerosol decay patterns at 16 or 26 C, when held at the same relative humidity (RH). During the first 5 min of aerosol storage time at 16 C, virus inactivation was RH-dependent, with survival maximal at either high (greater than 80%) or low (less than 5%) RH. After 5 min at 16 C, further inactivation, regardless of RH, was insignificant. At 26 C, the effect on survival of RH between 40 and 60% was even more pronounced than at 16 C, and continued after 5 min through 6 hr. Results of this study indicated that the inactivation of airborne Col-SK group viruses was similar to that of other ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, particularly poliovirus. Since members of the Col-SK group are picornaviruses, they may well serve as an aerosol model representative of small, ether-resistant, single-stranded RNA viruses.
Ultrasonic spectrum analysis using frequency‐tracked gated rf pulses

A new method of ultrasonic frequency analysis is introduced which employs frequency‐tracked gated rf drive pulses rather than shock‐excited broadband spikes to generate the ultrasonic waveform. The new technique, a variation of the sampled‐continuous wave technique, eliminates problems associated with finite pulse widths of conventional methods. It is shown to yield correct ultrasonic wave velocity measurements of the sample irrespective of receiver gate width or position provided any portions of two successive echoes are gated simultaneously into the spectrum analyzer. The experimental observations are substantiated by a theoretical model based on the time‐frequency domain formulation of ultrasonic frequency analysis.
Moral Classification and Social Policy

Moral classification is fundamental to social life, and one of the most powerful sources of moral classification in modern society is governmental social policy. This chapter outlines the connections between moral classification and social inequality, discusses the role of the state in creating official classification schemes, and illustrates how social policy both responds to and produces moral categories in society. The chapter concludes by suggesting that future research should devote more attention to the causal influence of moral categories on social policy development.
A social capital model of high growth ventures

We Use social capital theory to explain how human and social capital affect a venture's ability to accumulate financial capital during its growth stages (before an initial public offering) and its ...
Working in industrial agriculture

Book reviewed in this article: The Farm Labor Movement in the Midwest: Social Change and Adaptation among Migrant Farmworkers. W. K. Barger and Ernesto M. Rezo. Plantation Workers: Resistance and Accommodation. Brjj V. Lai, Doug Munro, and Edward D. Beechert, eds.
Technology Adoption and Use Theory Review for Studying Scientists' Continued Use of Cyber-infrastructure

In this paper, we seek to identify factors that might increase the likelihood of adoption and continued use of cyber-infrastructure by scientists. To do so, we review the main research on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) adoption and use by addressing research problems, theories and models used, findings, and limitations. We focus particularly on the individual user perspective. We categorize previous studies into two groups: Adoption research and post-adoption (continued use) research. In addition, we review studies specifically regarding cyber-infrastructure adoption and use by scientists and other special user groups. We identify the limitations of previous theories, models and research findings appearing in the literature related to our current interest in scientists' adoption and continued use of cyber-infrastructure. We synthesize the previous theories and models used for ICT adoption and use, and then we develop a theoretical framework for studying scientists' adoption and use of cyber-infrastructure. We also proposed a research design based on the research model developed. Implications for researchers and practitioners are provided.
A note on fluxes in six-dimensional string theory backgrounds

Abstract We study the structure of warped compactifications of type IIB string theory to six space–time dimensions. We find that the most general four-manifold describing the internal dimensions is conformal to a Kahler manifold, in contrast with the heterotic case where the four-manifold must be conformally Calabi–Yau.
Dryland Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Influenced by Sheep Grazing in the Wheat–Fallow System

Sheep (Ovis aries) grazing during fallow for weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow systems may influence soil C and N levels and grain yields by returning part of consumed crop residue to the soil through feces and urine. We evaluated the effects of fallow management (sheep grazing [grazing], herbicide application [chemical], and tillage [mechanical]) for weed control and soil water conservation and cropping sequence (continuous spring wheat [CSW], spring wheat-fallow [SW-F], and winter wheat-fallow [WW-F]) on soil organic carbon (SOC), inorganic carbon (SIC), total nitrogen (STN), NH 4 -N, and NO 3 -N levels at the 0- to 120-cm depth and wheat yield. The experiment was conducted in a Blackmore silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Argiustolls) from 2004 to 2008 in southwestern Montana. Annualized wheat grain and biomass yields were greater in CSW than in SW-F and WW-F and greater in 2004 than in other years. From 2004 to 2007, SOC concentration at 0- to 15-cm declined by 2.99 g C kg -1 yr -1 . In 2008, SOC content at 10 to 120 cm was greater in the mechanical or chemical than in the grazing treatment in CSW and SW-F. The STN content at 0 to 5 cm was greater in the chemical and mechanical than in the grazing treatment but at 30 to 60 cm was greater in the grazing than in the chemical treatment in CSW. From 2004 to 2006, NO 3 -N content at 0 to 60 cm was greater in SW-F or WW-F than in CSW. In 2008, NO 3 -N content at 30 to 120 cm was greater in CSW and SW-F than in WW-F and at 60 to 90 cm was greater in the mechanical than in the chemical treatment. The SIC and NH 4 -N contents were largely not influenced by treatments. Continuous tillage, followed by reduced amount of wheat residue returned to the soil from 2004 to 2007 probably reduced soil C and N storage. In contrast, greater amount ofN removed by wheat grain due to continuous cropping probably reduced soil NO 3 -N in CSW. For sustaining wheat yields and maintaining soil C and N levels, reduced tillage with continuous cropping and less intensive sheep grazing that increase the amount of wheat residue returned to the soil could be adopted.
Short estrous cycles in postpartum cows as influenced by level of milk production, suckling, diet, season of calving and interval to first estrus.

Abstract The frequency of short cycles after the first postpartum estrus was determined from data collected in three experiments. Short estrous cycles (SEC) were defined as those less than 17 days long. Cows that were bred at the first estrus postpartum and conceived were included in the non-short cycle count. In Exp. 1, designed to determine the influence of genetic ability for milk production on postpartum traits, 16 of 118 Holstein cows (13.6%) had short estrous cycles. The incidence of SEC was greater in the low milk production group, but the differences were not significant (P>.25). This group had a shorter mean postpartum interval to first estrus (PPI) when compared to the high milk production cows (P 2 26 and 5 28 , respectively (P 1 20 vs 6 34 (P
Numerical Modeling of a Planing Hull Maneuvering in a Regular Wave, Part 1: Dynamic Instability

The surf rescue boat (SRB) of the U.S. Coast Guard is a class of high-speed planing boats. This 9-meter craft is capable of operating at speeds up to Froude number 1.7. However, when it begins to maneuver in incident waves near its maximum speed, dynamic instability occurs immediately. In this instance, the craft trims and rolls to a large heel angle with “plow-In,“ even with small-amplitude incident waves and small course changes. In this study, a fully nonlinear ship motion model named the Digital Self-consistent Ship Experimental Laboratory (DiSSEL) is used as a numerical tool to understand the physics that cause the dynamic instabilities. DiSSEL showed that when SRB reached Froude number 1.698, acceleration resulting from heading change would cause a dynamic force and moment imbalance, resulting in heel and pitch motion instabilities. DiSSEL also showed that if the heading is fixed, and other conditions remain the same, the instability did not occur. Unfortunately, there is no detailed record of the data or numerical simulation of the ship motions in the stable and unstable regions, except for the description of the ship motions by Codega and Lewis (1987). The simulations by DiSSEL agree well with this description.
Partial nonuniform spacing of array elements

The author describes a method in which all the elements are equally weighted and only the center elements are equally spaced. Elements towards the edge of the array are nonuniformly spaced to produce a low sidelobe array pattern. The spacing of the edge elements is computed using numerical optimization. Two examples demonstrate this concept. >
Mechanism of the Susceptibility of Remodeled Pulmonary Vessels to Drug-Induced Cell Killing

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension remains a devastating disease without a cure. The major complication of this disease is the abnormal growth of vascular cells, resulting in pulmonary vascular remodeling. Thus, agents, which affect the remodeled vessels by killing unwanted cells, should improve treatment strategies. The present study reports that antitumor drugs selectively kill vascular cells in remodeled pulmonary vessels in rat models of pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results After developing pulmonary vascular remodeling in chronic hypoxia or chronic hypoxia/SU-5416 models, rats were injected with antitumor drugs including proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib and MG-132) and daunorubicin. Within 1 to 3 days, these agents reduced the media and intima thickness of remodeled pulmonary vascular walls, but not the thickness of normal pulmonary vessels. These drugs also promoted apoptotic and autophagic death of vascular cells in the remodeled vessels, but not in normal vessels. We provide evidence that the upregulation of annexin A1, leading to GATA4-dependent downregulation of Bcl-xL, is a mechanism for specific apoptotic killing, and for the role of parkin in defining specificity of autophagic killing of remodeled vascular cells. The reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling increased the capacity of vasodilators to reduce pulmonary arterial pressure. Conclusions These results suggest that antitumor drugs can specifically kill cells in remodeled pulmonary vascular walls and may be useful for improving the efficacy of current therapeutic strategies to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Candida albicans Ume6, a Filament-Specific Transcriptional Regulator, Directs Hyphal Growth via a Pathway Involving Hgc1 Cyclin-Related Protein

The ability of Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen, to transition from yeast to hyphae is essential for pathogenicity. While a variety of transcription factors important for filamentation have been identified and characterized, links between transcriptional regulators of C. albicans morphogenesis and molecular mechanisms that drive hyphal growth are not well defined. We have previously observed that constitutive expression of UME6, which encodes a filament-specific transcriptional regulator, is sufficient to direct hyphal growth in the absence of filament-inducing conditions. Here we show that HGC1, encoding a cyclin-related protein necessary for hyphal growth under filament-inducing conditions, is specifically important for agar invasion, hyphal extension, and formation of true septa in response to constitutive UME6 expression under non-filament-inducing conditions. HGC1-dependent inactivation of Rga2, a Cdc42 GTPase activating protein (GAP), also appears to be important for these processes. In response to filament-inducing conditions, HGC1 is induced prior to UME6 although UME6 controls the level and duration of HGC1 expression, which are likely to be important for hyphal extension. Interestingly, an epistasis analysis suggests that UME6 and HGC1 play distinct roles during early filament formation. These findings establish a link between a key regulator of filamentation and a downstream mechanism important for hyphal formation. In addition, this study demonstrates that a strain expressing constitutive high levels of UME6 provides a powerful strategy to specifically dissect downstream mechanisms important for hyphal development in the absence of complex filament-inducing conditions.
On the use of homogenization theory to design optimal piezocomposites for hydrophone applications

We consider an optimal design of composite hydrophones consisting of parallel piezoelectric PZT rods that are embedded in a porous polymer matrix. Given the material properties of the polymer and PZT ceramic, we have optimally designed the piezocomposite to maximize the hydrostatic coupling factor, hydrophone figure of merit, or electromechanical coupling factor, using the methods of homogenization theory. The optimal composite is obtained by using a two-step procedure : (i) first we find the ideal structure of the matrix material by weakening the polymer by an optimal arrangement of pores, and (ii) then we embed the PZT rods in this matrix. The design parameters are the shape, volume fraction, and spatial arrangement of the piezoceramic rods, and the structure of the matrix material. It turns out that the optimal matrix is highly anisotropic and is characterized by negative Poisson’s ratios in certain directions. The optimal composites possess performance characteristics that are significantly higher than those of a piezocomposite with an isotropic polymer matrix. The results can be viewed as theoretical upper bounds on the hydrophone performance. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Purpose and Meaning: A Two-Factor Theory of Existence

This paper attempts to elevate the concept of “purpose” to a coequal status with “meanings” in the author's conceptual scheme of existence. It constitutes a revision of the author's previous model of existence in which “purpose-in-life” was subsumed under the more general category of “significance.” The educational significance of the foregoing is discussed in terms of curricula in meanings-oriented education, especially in the study of life-histories.
Sparse Pseudospectral Approximation Method

Multivariate global polynomial approximations – such as polynomial chaos or stochastic collocation methods – are now in widespread use for sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification. The pseudospectral variety of these methods uses a numerical integration rule to approximate the Fourier-type coefficients of a truncated expansion in orthogonal polynomials. For problems in more than two or three dimensions, a sparse grid numerical integration rule offers accuracy with a smaller node set compared to tensor product approximation. However, when using a sparse rule to approximately integrate these coefficients, one often finds unacceptable errors in the coefficients associated with higher degree polynomials. By reexamining Smolyak’s algorithm and exploiting the connections between interpolation and projection in tensor product spaces, we construct a sparse pseudospectral approximation method that accurately reproduces the coefficients for basis functions that naturally correspond to the sparse grid integration rule. The compelling numerical results show that this is the proper way to use sparse grid integration rules for pseudospectral approximation.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Sealing Molars with and without Incipient Dental Caries in a Public Health Program

Objectives: This study undertook a retrospective evaluation of the effect of sealants on the caries experience of initially sound and incipient permanent first molar pit and fissure surfaces. Methods: Records of children with complete five-year records were obtained from a school-based dental sealant program in a fluoridated community. Sealants were placed on 677 tooth surfaces in 96 children; 120 tooth surfaces in 17 children who received baseline examinations were not sealed because of lack of caregiver consent. Tooth surfaces were initially diagnosed as being sound or having incipient lesions, and evaluated for caries status after five years. Results: For initially incipient surfaces the five-year decay rate was 70.8 percent (41 of 380 surfaces) for sealed surfaces and 57.8 percent (29 of 56 surfaces) for nonsealed surfaces with an odds ratio of 8.88 (95% CL4.56, 17.35). Initially sound surfaces hada decay rate of 8.1 percent (24 of297surfaces) for sealed surfaces and 12.5 percent (8 of 64 surfaces) for nonsealed surfaces with an odds ratio of 7.63 (95% Cl=U.63, 4.08). The two odds ratios were significantly different. Conclusions: Initially sound tooth Surfaces were unlikely to become decayed in five years, and did not benefit greatly from the application of sealants. Within the limitations of this study, there were clear efficiencies in sealing incipient, but not sound, surfaces. The targeting of teeth with incipient caries for sealants is therefore recommended. [J Public Health Dent 1995;55(3):148-53]
Risk of postoperative urinary tract infections following midurethral sling operations in women undergoing hysterectomy.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common complication following hysterectomy and mid-urethral sling procedures (MUS). As a MUS is often placed at the time of hysterectomy, we sought to determine if the addition of an MUS procedure significantly increases the risk of UTI in the first 30 days following hysterectomy. This retrospective cohort study utilizes the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data bank for the years 2006–2012. The database collects data on all enrolled patients preoperatively and in the first 30 days postoperatively. The database was searched using procedural codes for various types of hysterectomies and MUS procedures. We assessed the incidence of postoperative UTIs following hysterectomy (HYST) only, MUS only, and hysterectomy combined with MUS (HYST + MUS). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of individual risk factors and models of interaction. The NSQIP cohort included 3,757 in the HYST + MUS group, 9,851 in the MUS-only group, and 57,398 in the HYST-only group. The rates of postoperative UTI, which was the most common postoperative morbidity, were 5.3, 3.4, and 2.5 % respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a persistent significant increase in rates of UTI (p < 0.001) between the MUS + HYST group and the HYST-only group. This significance was not maintained between the MUS-only group and the MUS + HYST group. Data from the NSQIP databank indicate that performing an MUS in combination with hysterectomy nearly doubles the risk of postoperative UTI over a hysterectomy alone.
Results of 20 consecutive patients treated with the Repiphysis expandable prosthesis for primary malignant bone

Limb-salvage for primary malignant bone tumors in pediatric patients presents a unique challenge when resection includes an active physis. Early expandable prostheses required open surgical procedures to achieve lengthening. Newer prostheses are capable of achieving expansion without open procedures through the use of an electromagnetic field. This study reports our results with 90 consecutive expansion procedures using the Repiphysis® prosthesis. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 20 patients (22 limbs) who underwent limb-salvage using the Repiphysis® prosthesis from 2003 to 2015. There were 9 males and 11 females with a mean age of 9 years and 9 months (6–16 years). Reconstruction included the distal femur in 11 cases, total femur in four, proximal tibia in three, proximal humerus in three, and total humerus in one. Complications were reviewed and functional scores were recorded using the MSTS/ISOLS system. Five patients had a second prosthesis implanted during the course of the study for a total of 27 prostheses. The mean follow-up was 57 (6–148) months. Four patients have not been expanded: three due to death prior to lengthening, and one patient who has not yet developed a leg length discrepancy. Ninety consecutive expansion procedures were performed in 18 limbs in 16 patients. A mean of 9 (5–20) mm was gained per expansion and 4.8 cm per patient who has undergone expansion to date. Seven patients have reached skeletal maturity and have been converted to an adult endoprosthesis. These patients averaged 8 expansions per patient and a mean of 7.4 (1.8–12.9) cm in length gained. There were 15 complications in 11 patients including one dislocation, one contracture, four cases of aseptic loosening, five structural failures (three expansion mechanism failures and two tibial fractures), three deep infections, and one case of local recurrence. The mean MSTS score was 80 % (37–97 %) and the limb retention rate was 95 %. The results of this study are comparable to previous studies involving non-invasive prostheses. This study hopefully provides additional data for clinicians to consider when faced with limb threatening sarcomas in the immature skeleton.
The Enlightenment: When people are property: the problem of slavery in the Enlightenment

Slavery has existed as the most extreme form of unfree labour in most human societies. It has assumed a myriad of legal, economic and social forms, and still exists today in many countries. Slavery has not only existed in almost all human societies, but has historically also done so without arousing outrage or abhorrence, or undergoing any radical challenge to its existence. Even the Greek philosopher Aristotle had argued that for some men, slavery was natural to their being. In the centuries between Aristotle and the Enlightenment no one argued that the slave's lot was enviable, and many had pleaded for the humane treatment of slaves. But it was not until the eighteenth century that there were more than isolated attacks on the institution of slavery itself. The complex history of the growth of radical opposition to slavery as an institution from around the time of the French thinker Montesquieu's attacks in his 1748 De l'esprit des lois , will be one of the main themes of this chapter. Even so, it was only from the 1770s onwards that compassion for the lot of the slave began to coalesce into organised pressure groups such as the Societe des Amis des Noirs (Society of the Friends of Black People), which attacked the institution of slavery itself. In the young United States of America, this growing feeling was sometimes put into practice. Quakers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts refused to hold slaves. In Pennsylvania gradual emancipation began in 1780, and in Rhode Island and Connecticut in 1784. There were bans on participation in the slave trade in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania in 1788, and in Delaware in 1789.
Abstract A21: Adenosine is a rheostat for radiation therapy-induced immune activation

Background: Administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies has shown clinical benefit in a small percentage of cancer patients. However, most patients are unresponsive to anti-CTLA-4 antibody treatment, due to immunosuppressive mechanisms and/or the absence of sufficient spontaneous anti-tumor T cells that can be activated by CTLA-4 blockade. We have previously shown that radiotherapy (RT) induces immunogenic tumor cell death and priming of anti-tumor T cells making tumors susceptible to anti-CTLA-4 treatment. RT also triggers the release of ATP in the tumor microenvironment, which has proinflammatory effects. However, ATP is rapidly converted into adenosine, a pleiotropic immunosuppressive mediator, by ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 expressed on cancer cells and tumor stromal cells. We hypothesized that adenosine generation in the tumor microenvironment acts as a rheostat modulating RT ability to prime effective anti-tumor immunity. To test this hypothesis we used a mouse tumor model where we have previously characterized two RT regimens that were efficient (8Gy x 3) or inefficient (20 Gy) in inducing anti-tumor immunity in combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Method: BALB/c mice were inoculated s.c. with 1 x 105 TSA cells, a poorly immunogenic breast cancer cell line on day 0. Anti-CD73 mAb TY/23 (200 µg) was administered i.p. every 4 days starting on day 11. RT was given locally to the tumor as a single 20 Gy dose on day 12 or in three doses of 8 Gy each given on day 12, 13 and 14. At day 19, tumors were harvested and infiltrating immune cells were isolated for analysis of DC and T cell phenotype by flow cytometry. In another experiment, mice were randomly assigned (n=5/group) to be treated with: (1) Isotype control mAb (2) TY/23 (3) TY/23 + anti-CTLA-4 mAb 9H10 (4) RT 20 Gy (5) RT 20 Gy + TY/23 (6) RT 20 Gy + 9H10 (6) RT 20 Gy + TY/23+ 9H10. RT was given on day 12 and mAbs were administered i.p. on day 11, 14, 17 and 20 after tumor inoculation. Mice were monitored for tumor growth. Results: In tumors that had received 8GyX3 RT there was a four-fold increase in CD70 expression (MFI 436 ± 72 in 8GyX3 vs. 110 ± 30 in control, p Conclusions: Data indicate that the ability of RT to promote immune activation is dependent on the radiation regimen employed and is regulated by adenosine generation by the ectonucleotidase CD73. Importantly, data suggest that blocking CD73 can improve the ability of RT to synergize with immunotherapy. Citation Format: Erik Wennerberg, Noriko Kawashima, Sandra Demaria. Adenosine is a rheostat for radiation therapy-induced immune activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.
A COMPARISON OF THE MINERALOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTER AND GEOLOGICAL SETTING OF PROTEROZOIC REE-RICH GRANITIC PEGMATITES OF THE NORTH-CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN US

Pegmatites enriched in the rare-earth elements ranging in age from Mesoproterozoic through Neoproterozoic occur along a southwestern trend from Wisconsin through Colorado to Arizona. Four widely geographically spaced pegmatite districts that are temporally associated with two distinct post-orogenic tectonic events are compared and contrasted in this study. The pegmatite districts include the circa 1.5 Ga Wausau syenite complex (WSC), in Wisconsin, the 1.0 Ga South Platte (SP), in Colorado, circa 1.6 Ga Trout Creek Pass (TCP), also in Colorado, and circa 1.5 Ga Mojave (MOJ) district in northwestern Arizona. The extreme enrichment of HREE in minerals such as polycrase-(Y), euxenite-(Y), samarskite-(Y) and xenotime-(Y), the LREE enrichment in monazite-(Ce), allanite-(Ce) and bastnasite-(Ce), the REE enrichment in fluorite (where present), enrichments in high field-strength elements (HFSE) illustrated in chondrite-normalized plots and spider diagrams, as well as the intraplate signatures demonstrated in Pearce discrimination diagrams, indicate an anorogenic character for all the granite–syenite–pegmatite systems. All of the pegmatite districts are REE- and Nb-enriched, but TCP and MOJ are less strongly enriched than SP and WSC. The SP and WSC have the typical anorogenic NYF chemical signature, but TCP and MOJ are strongly depleted in F. These pegmatite-forming melts are all inferred to be crustally derived, with differences resulting from variable source-rock composition, differing degrees of partial melting, and perhaps the extent of rifting. The older TCP pegmatite district and the MOJ pegmatite district formed from melts derived by partial melting of lower crustal rocks with a significant metasedimentary component and are associated with smaller, localized extensional events subsequent to the Mazatzal orogeny, possibly related to back-arc spreading. The SP and WSC pegmatites are related to melts formed by the anatexis of lower crust during larger-scale rifting events. The greater enrichment in incompatible elements of WSC and SP pegmatites suggests that they originated from melts derived from smaller degrees of partial melting than pegmatites of TCP and MOJ, which are less strongly enriched and require larger degrees of partial melting. The F-depletion observed in TCP and MOJ pegmatites suggests a paucity of F-bearing minerals in the source region. More subtle geochemical differences between individual pegmatites appear to relate to the degree of evolution, which differs both within and across the pegmatite districts.
Engaging the nursing workforce: an evidence-based tool kit.

UNLABELLED Hand hygiene is critical to the safety of patients in hospitals today. OBJECTIVE Engaging staff, physicians, patients, and visitors in hand hygiene is important to create a safe environment. The author discusses the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice guideline for improving hand hygiene and application of that guideline in an academic medical center setting. METHOD Establishment of a multidisciplinary team committed to improving organizational performance, development of a practice guideline, organizational assessment, and the implementation of a multimodal intervention plan are all keys to success. CONCLUSION Organizational culture can be changed utilizing an evidence-based, organization-specific approach to hand hygiene.
Nonequilibrium and reactive high-speed flow simulations with a fifth-order WENO scheme

For high-speed flow over blunt bodies, gas temperature increases dramatically. As a result, gas molecules start dissociating, and vibration and electron energy modes are being excited. Gas becomes thermally nonequilibrium and chemically reactive. Effects of vibration and electron energy excitations, translation-vibration energy relaxation, and chemical reactions among different species need to be considered in numerical simulations. In current paper, a CFD solver based on a fifth-order WENO scheme is developed for the simulation of nonequilibrium and reactive high-speed flows, as part of the ADPDIS3D computer code package. The code is implemented based on a two-temperature model. It is assumed that translation and rotation energy modes are in equilibrium at the translation temperature whereas vibration and electron energy modes are in equilibrium at the vibration temperature. The code is validated and applied to numerical simulations of hypersonic nonequilibrium flows.
Study on Introduction of Picea glauca in QingHai

The introduction of Picea glauca for two years in parts area in Qinghai was studied.The result showed that the growth performance of Picea glauca is positive in minority alp and propagate garden in Qinghai,but negative in others area,the major problem are these: the tip seriously dried,the ratio of survive is low,the feasible plant area is small.The reletivity analysis showed that the height growth and the diameter growth are significantly effected by environment factors.The factors order is rainfallslope directionsoil fertilityaltitude.
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements of argon and xenon ion velocities near the sheath boundary in 3 ion species plasmas

The Bohm sheath criterion is studied with laser-induced fluorescence in three ion species plasmas using two tunable diode lasers. Krypton is added to a low pressure unmagnetized DC hot filament discharge in a mixture of argon and xenon gas confined by surface multi-dipole magnetic fields. The argon and xenon ion velocity distribution functions are measured at the sheath-presheath boundary near a negatively biased boundary plate. The potential structures of the plasma sheath and presheath are measured by an emissive probe. Results are compared with previous experiments with Ar–Xe plasmas, where the two ion species were observed to reach the sheath edge at nearly the same speed. This speed was the ion sound speed of the system, which is consistent with the generalized Bohm criterion. In such two ion species plasmas, instability enhanced collisional friction was demonstrated [Hershkowitz et al., Phys. Plasmas 18(5), 057102 (2011).] to exist which accounted for the observed results. When three ion species are present, it is demonstrated under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at their individual Bohm velocities. It is also shown that under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at the system sound speed. These observations are also consistent with the presence of the instabilities.
Understanding the Ethics of Competition

The roots of economic thinking, and political issues related to economy, lie in moral thinking, going back to the Greek classics. Frank Knight noted that there was no justification of competition as a motive to be found in the Aristotelian conception of the good as that which is intrinsically worthy of the human as human, or what Plato called the archetypical goodness. Knight explained:
Hypertension-linked mechanical changes of rat gut.

Abstract Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease caused by a persistent increase in arterial blood pressure that has lasting effects on the mechanical properties of affected tissues like myocardium and blood vessels. Our group recently discovered that gut dysbiosis is linked to hypertension in several animal models and humans; however, whether hypertension influences the gut’s mechanical properties remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that hypertension increases fibrosis and thus mechanical properties of the gut. A custom indentation system was used to test colon samples from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). Using force-displacement data, we derived an steady-state modulus metric to quantify mechanical properties of gastrointestinal tissue. We observed that SHR proximal colon has a mean steady-state modulus almost 3 times greater than WKY control rat colon (5.11 ± 1.58 kPa and 18.17 ± 11.45 kPa, respectively). These increases were associated with increase in vascular smooth muscle cells layer and collagen deposition in the intestinal wall in the SHR. Statement of Significance Mechanical characterization of biological materials can provide insight into health and disease of tissue. Recent investigations into a variety of cardiovascular pathologies show coincident changes in the microbiome and pathology of the gut. In this study, we sought to quantify changes in the gut in hypertension through mechanical characterization. Our methods and simple models for characterization, adapted from Hertz indentation models, prove useful to identify a meaningful steady-state modulus metric for small and irregular tissues from laboratory animals. Our data, for the first time, establish a stiffening of the gut wall in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. This observation suggests significant structural and functional changes in the gut correlate with hypertension, and future experiments are warranted to explore the specific causal relationship between dysbiosis, fibrosis, and stiffening in the gut during the development and maintenance of hypertension.
Navigating Evidence-Based Dentistry

Dentistry is a rapidly changing profession that requires lifelong learning. Clinicians must stay current with changing standards of clinical care. Evidence-based practice helps clinicians offer their patients the best available care by keeping up-to-date on the science of their profession. It is important to know where and how to access the evidence efficiently. This chapter gives a short introduction to the basic concepts of evidence-based dentistry and provides tutorials and sources of information for independent learning and evidence-based decision-making.
Influence of corrosion on the mechanical properties of hybrid sandwich structures with CFRP face sheets and aluminum foam core

Abstract Hybrid materials , such as sandwich structures consisting of an aluminum foam core and CFRP face sheets, offer high lightweight design potential. However, conductive pairing of two materials with different electrochemical potential bears the risk of galvanic corrosion inside an electrolytic environment. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, the sandwich structures investigated within this contribution are susceptible to corrosion. Multiple specimen variants with differing foam core layers were exposed to a salt spray environment for up to 240 h. These corroded specimens were mechanically characterized using the flatwise tension test . Their mechanical properties were compared to reference specimens without corrosion. It was found that both open and closed cell sandwich specimens showed significant reductions in both strength and stiffness. Comparisons to alternative sandwich specimens consisting of a Nomex honeycomb core and CFRP face sheets, which underwent the same corrosion procedure, seem to prove that the mechanical degradation was indeed a result of corrosion, as the Nomex specimens did only show a significantly smaller decrease in strength, which probably resulted from material scatter superposed with water absorption. The erosion of the metallic core layer should be quantifiable by the determination of mass reduction. Therefore, a chemical cleaning procedure in order to remove any corrosion products from the specimen surface was applied. However, the procedure either led to a further mass decrease by chemical removal of the aluminum structure, or to mass increase by a chemical reaction of the detergent with the face sheets. Thus, complementary X-ray measurements by μ -CT were carried out. Specimens were scanned before and after corrosion, the respective volumetric densities were compared in order to verify material erosion. However, no significant change in volumetric density could be observed.