cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and bioevaluation of ω-N-amino analogs of B13

Novel omega-N-amino analogs of B13 (Class E) were designed, synthesized and tested as inhibitors of acid ceramidase (ACDase) and potential anticancer agents deprived of unwanted lysosomal destabilization and ACDase proteolytic degradation properties of LCL204 [Szulc, Z. M.; Mayroo, N.; Bai, A.; Bielawski, J.; Liu, X.; Norris, J. S.; Hannun, Y. A.; Bielawska, A. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2008, 16, 1015]. Representative analog LCL464, (1R,2R)-2-N-(12'-N,N-dimethylaminododecanoyl amino)-1-(4''-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propandiol, inhibited ACDase activity in vitro, with a similar potency as B13 but higher than LCL204. LCL464 caused an early inhibition of this enzyme at a cellular level corresponding to decrease of sphingosine and specific increase of C(14)- and C(16)-ceramide. LCL464 did not induce lysosomal destabilization nor degradation of ACDase, showed increased cell death demonstrating inherent anticancer activity in a wide range of different cancer cell lines, and induction of apoptosis via executioner caspases activation. LCL464 represents a novel structural lead as chemotherapeutic agent acting via the inhibition of ACDase.
Partitioning of FSGO charge distributions

Abstract A procedure for analyzing charge distributions of FSGO wavefunctions, by partitioning bonding electrons according to the location of the orbital centers, is proposed. Electron populations are given for singlet states of eighteen diatomic species, and are shown to be in excellent agreement with results obtained from virial partitioning of Hartree-Fock wavefunctions.
Web-based submission, archive, and review of radiotherapy data for clinical quality assurance: A new paradigm

Abstract Purpose To report on the implementation of a web-based system (the Resource Center for Emerging Technologies [RCET] System) that provides immediate access to the patient radiotherapy planning and delivery data for clinical quality assurance (QA) by the experts. Methods and materials An infrastructure of comprehensive tools required for preparation, submission, auto-archiving, web-based review, and retrieval of diagnostic images, treatment planning images, and radiation therapy objects has been developed. These tools represent approximately 1.1 million lines of computer code development in seven languages (V, C++, Visual Basic, Java, ASP, HTML, and SQL) and consist of a secure auto-anonymizing upload and auto-archiving patient database, a web-based secure object archiving network system, a web-based rapid review tool, a web-based upload/download tool, and a personal computer client data application for data object preparation, visualization, and submission, named NetSys. The RCET system enables users to share radiotherapy data in a secure environment. This paradigm of electronic data exchange makes remote peer review very efficient and convenient. Results The RCET system can help the radiation therapy community ensure consistent evaluation of its therapies. It will encourage proactive QA. An example of proactive clinical QA would be to provide atlases of target and critical structure definitions, to serve as class solutions, as well as dose prescription, specification, and reporting examples for guidance to the radiation oncologists in the community. The web-based clinical quality assurance is ideally suited for emerging technologies in radiation therapy that generate complex and voluminous multimodality imaging and planning data. Conclusions The RCET system enables users to share multimodality imaging data, radiation therapy planning, and delivery data on demand. Our design paradigm will allow rapid peer review of radiotherapy data through a simple personal computer–based web browser.
The localization of two putative neurohormones in the central nervous system of Limulus polyphemus

Abstract o 1. The CNS of Limulus polyphemus contains a chromatophorotropic factor (LCF) and a hyperglycemic factor (LHGF) which are active in some crustacean bioassay systems. 2. In adult males and females 87.0 and 92.7%, respectively, of the LCF activity is in the lateral and posterior circumesophageal ring. 3. LCF could be detected in both the sheath and neuropile-cell bodies of the circumesophageal ring, but was present only in the neuropile-cell bodies of the ventral nerve cord. 4. Adult females have 3.2-fold more LCF activity than adult males of comparable size. 5. The highest levels of LHGF activity are found in the anterior and posterior circumesophageal ring.
Promoting Children's Communication: A Kindergarten Teacher's Conception and Practice of Effective Mathematics Instruction.

Communication is certainly not a new notion from the socioconstructivists' point of view, and expert teachers already recognize the importance of language as an essential tool in the dynamic process of teaching mathematics. However, dramatic differences exist in early childhood teachers' personal understandings and practices in mathematics education. Through a qualitative case study, this article explores an experienced kindergarten teacher's conception and practice of effective mathematics instruction in promoting children's communication. Data were collected through classroom observations, semistructured interviews, and classroom documents. The findings reveal that the teacher's conception of the use of communication derives from her own beliefs and teaching experience about how to develop children's mathematical thinking. The constraints of the public school system also challenge the teacher's effective mathematics instruction to engage children in rich communication. From these findings, implications ...
Porosity measurements in natural porous rocks using magnetic resonance imaging

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is presented to measure localized porosity values inside natural porous rocks for the purpose of obtaining frequency distributions of the porosity (porosity distributions). The method is applied to study six different cores, including three Berea sandstone samples, Casper sandstone, Indiana limestone, and San Andres dolomite. An image of the porosity is shown for a transverse and a longitudinal slice in order to show qualitative variations of the porosity within each core sample. The porosity distribution for the entire core has been acquired, and it is shown with a Gaussian fit to the data. In addition, for cores known to have a layered structure, a bimodal distribution is fit to the data, and the fit is used to estimate the value of the porosity for two characteristic types of layers within the core sample.
Crystal structure of the haemopexin-like C-terminal domain of gelatinase A.

The crystal structure of the haemopexin-like C-terminal domain of gelatinase A reveals that it is a four-bladed β-propeller protein. The four blades are arranged around a channel-like opening in which Ca2+ and a Na-Cl+ion pair are bound.
Ecological structure of tropical fish assemblages in wet‐zone streams of Sri Lanka

The introduction of four fish species into a depauperate stream system in central Sri Lanka provided a ‘natural experiment’ that enabled us to determine the ecological structure of wet-zone stream fish assemblages. All the species indigenous to this ‘introduction’ stream system also co-occur naturally with the introduced species in nearby streams. Analyses of habitat use and dietary requirements revealed that most species in the assemblages were segregated on the basis of macrohabitat, microhabitat and food, regardless of origin of the fishes. Macrohabitat and microhabitat utilizations by species were similar in each stream of the ‘introduction’ system despite differences in stream conditions. Thus species distributions, relative to each other in ecological space, were consistent among streams, and with the combined data. High overlaps along the resource axes of velocity, depth, substratum and food were few. A major proportion of the high overlaps was due to associations with introduced species; especially Barbus nigrofasciatus and Barbus cumingii. The other two introduced species, Barbus titteya and Rasbora vaterifloris, were more specialized, and interacted relatively less with indigenous species. The indigenous species, however, exhibited pronounced complementarity along three resource axes representing depth, velocity and food. Rasbora vaterifloris and B. nigrofasciatus grew to larger sizes in one stream which had fewer indigenous species, suggesting competitive release. In this stream, the most common indigenous species was a dietary specialist that fed on diatoms, and B. nigrofasciatus, which fed heavily on diatoms in other streams, switched to feeding more on macrophytes. Overall, the data suggest that these assemblages are predictable, co-evolved systems with competition serving as an important structuring force that reinforces species segregation.
Data Covariances from R-Matrix Analyses of Light Nuclei

Abstract After first reviewing the parametric description of light-element reactions in multichannel systems using R-matrix theory and features of the general LANL R-matrix analysis code EDA, we describe how its chi-square minimization procedure gives parameter covariances. This information is used, together with analytically calculated sensitivity derivatives, to obtain cross section covariances for all reactions included in the analysis by first-order error propagation. Examples are given of the covariances obtained for systems with few resonances ( 5 He) and with many resonances ( 13 C ). We discuss the prevalent problem of this method leading to cross section uncertainty estimates that are unreasonably small for large data sets. The answer to this problem appears to be using parameter confidence intervals in place of standard errors.
A Balance Model for Evaluating Subsets of Multiattributed Items

There are numerous situations in management and elsewhere in which an individual decision maker chooses subsets of multiattributed items. The specification of a measure of goodness for selecting subsets may differ from one situation to the next. In this paper, a model is developed for evaluating subsets where the choice criterion is one of balance among the attributes of items in the subset chosen. A method for determining the parameters of the model from a small number of judgments on subsets using linear programming is discussed. The model is applied to the problem of evaluating subsets of television shows and of choosing the most balanced subset of shows. Several extensions of the model and potential applications are also given.
Intelligent data analysis of intelligent systems

We consider the value of structured priors in the analysis of data sampled from complex adaptive systems. We propose that adaptive dynamics entails basic constraints (memory, information processing) and features (optimization and evolutionary history) that serve to significantly narrow search spaces and candidate parameter values. We suggest that the property of “adaptive self-awareness”, when applicable, further constrains model selection, such that predictive statistical models converge on a systems own internal representation of regularities. Principled model building should therefore begin by identifying a hierarchy of increasingly constrained models based on the adaptive properties of the study system.
Power and Rate Control for Delay-Constrained Cognitive Radios Via Dynamic Programming

In this paper, we investigate the power and rate-control schemes for multiple cognitive radio (CR) links in the same neighborhood, which operate over multiple channels (frequency bands) in the presence of licensed primary radios (PRs) with a delay constraint imposed on data transmission. By further considering a practical delay in spectrum sensing, an efficient algorithm is proposed to maximize the average sum rate of the CR links over a finite time horizon under the constraints on the CR-to-PR interference and the average transmit power for each CR link. In the proposed algorithm, the PR occupancy of each channel is modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC). Based on such a model, a novel power and rate control strategy based on dynamic programming (DP) is derived, which is a function of the delayed spectrum sensing output, the instantaneous channel gains for the CR links, and the remaining power budgets for the CR transmitters. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm leads to a significant performance improvement over three heuristic algorithms discussed in this paper.
Technical Note---Nonlinear Least Squares Estimation of New Product Diffusion Models

Schmittlein and Mahajan Schmittlein, D. C., V. Mahajan. 1982. Maximum likelihood estimation for an innovation diffusion model of new product acceptance. Marketing Sci.1 Winter 57--78. made an important improvement in the estimation of the Bass Bass, F. M. 1969. A new product growth model for consumer durables. Management Sci.15 January 215--227. diffusion model by appropriately aggregating the continuous time model over the time intervals represented by the data. However, by restricting consideration to only sampling errors and ignoring all other errors such as the effects of excluded marketing variables, their Maximum Likelihood Estimation MLE seriously underestimates the standard errors of the estimated parameters. This note uses an additive error term to model sampling and other errors in the Schmittlein and Mahajan formulation. The proposed Nonlinear Least Squares NLS approach produces valid standard error estimates. The fit and the predictive validity are roughly comparable for the two approaches. Although the empirical applications reported in this paper are in the context of the Bass diffusion model, the NLS approach is also applicable to other diffusion models for which cumulative adoption can be expressed as an explicit function of time.
Modulation and coding for short-duration deterministically time-varying channels

Discusses reliable data transmission from a low-orbit satellite to a geostationary satellite or ground station. In such scenarios, the received signal power increases as the transmitting low-orbit satellite comes into view, and then decreases as it then departs, resulting in a short-duration, time-varying communication link. The goal is to choose a modulation and coding scheme which maximizes the link throughput (in bits per contact) while satisfying a prescribed probability of error requirement. The authors assume M-ary PSK and a constant channel signaling rate R/sub s/, and determine optimal values for M and R/sub s/ using information-theoretic arguments. They then examine the throughput of both fixed rate and variable rate concatenated coding schemes for the channel that results from these optimal values.
Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Use for Ischemic Stroke in the United States: A Doubling of Treatment Rates Over the Course of 5 Years

Background and Purpose—Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In 2004, 1.8% to 2.1% of AIS patients in the United States received rtPA. Given incentives from regulatory agencies and payors to increase rtPA use, we hypothesized that rtPA use in the United States would increase from 2005 to 2009. Methods—AIS cases were defined by exclusion of hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes (430, 431, 432, and 435) from diagnosis-related groups 14, 15, 524, and 559 discharges. Patients receiving thrombolytics were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9th revision code 99.10 (Medicare Provider and Analysis Review and Premier databases) and pharmacy billing records (Premier). Change over time and differences between databases were tested using negative binomial regression. Results—Within Medicare Provider and Analysis Review, thrombolytic use increased fr...
The Release of Cytochrome c from Mitochondria: A Primary Site for Bcl-2 Regulation of Apoptosis

In a cell-free apoptosis system, mitochondria spontaneously released cytochrome c, which activated DEVD-specific caspases, leading to fodrin cleavage and apoptotic nuclear morphology. Bcl-2 acted in situ on mitochondria to prevent the release of cytochrome c and thus caspase activation. During apoptosis in intact cells, cytochrome c translocation was similarly blocked by Bcl-2 but not by a caspase inhibitor, zVAD-fmk. In vitro, exogenous cytochrome c bypassed the inhibitory effect of Bcl-2. Cytochrome c release was unaccompanied by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, Bcl-2 acts to inhibit cytochrome c translocation, thereby blocking caspase activation and the apoptotic process.
Optimal control of a high-volume assemble-to-order system with maximum leadtime quotation and expediting

For an assemble-to-order system with a high volume of prospective customers arriving per unit time, we show how to set nominal component production rates, quote prices and maximum leadtimes for products, and then, dynamically, sequence orders for assembly and expedite components. (Components must be expedited if necessary to fill an order within the maximum leadtime.) We allow for updating of the prices, maximum leadtimes, and nominal component production rates in response to periodic, random shifts in demand and supply conditions. Assuming expediting costs are large, we prove that our proposed policy maximizes infinite-horizon expected discounted profit in the high-volume limit. For a more general assemble-to-order system with arbitrary cost of expediting and the option to salvage excess components, we show how to solve an approximating Brownian control problem and translate its solution into an effective control policy.
Power spectrum of unbalanced NRZ and biphase signals in the presence of data asymmetry

The impact of data unbalance and asymmetry on the power spectral density of nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) and biphase baseband modulations is presented. Previously reported results for this problem assumed an incorrect model for the shape and number of elementary pulse shapes that characterize an arbitrary random data stream and thus led to erroneous computations of these power spectra. This paper provides the correct analytical model and then use it to obtain theoretical power spectrum results that are in full agreement with those obtained from computer simulation.
A general model for clustering binary data

Clustering is the problem of identifying the distribution of patterns and intrinsic correlations in large data sets by partitioning the data points into similarity classes. This paper studies the problem of clustering binary data. This is the case for market basket datasets where the transactions contain items and for document datasets where the documents contain "bag of words". The contribution of the paper is three-fold. First a general binary data clustering model is presented. The model treats the data and features equally, based on their symmetric association relations, and explicitly describes the data assignments as well as feature assignments. We characterize several variations with different optimization procedures for the general model. Second, we also establish the connections between our clustering model with other existing clustering methods. Third, we also discuss the problem for determining the number of clusters for binary clustering. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed clustering model.
The Use of Floating-Point and Interval Arithmetic in the Computation of Error Bounds

Three forms of interval floating-point arithmetic are defined in terms of absolute precision, relative precision, and combined absolute and relative precision. The absolute-precision form corresponds to the centered form of conventional rounded-interval arithmetic. The three forms are compared on the basis of the number of floating-point operations needed to generate error bounds for inner-product accumulation.
PHH3 immunostaining: a novel prognostic biomarker in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

INTRODUCTION: Histopathologicalgrade (HG) is an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Counting mitotic figures on hemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides is cumbersome. Phospho-Histone H3 (PHH3) has been evaluated as a mitosis-specific marker in melanoma. The aim of this study is to determine whether PHH3 immunostaining is a feasible and more accurate method to evaluate mitotic figures in patients with PNETs.
A Comparison of Asynchronous Online Text-Based Lectures and Synchronous Interactive Web Conferencing Lectures

Online learning environments are more prevalent in teacher education than ever before. In 2009, many instructors are attempting to emulate traditional instructional methods in the online learning environment as much as possible (Shi & Morrow, 2006). Fewer than ten years ago, the use of video-conferencing or instructional television to provide a seemingly traditional classroom for distant learners was common. However, this technology required the student and instructor to attend sessions in designated rooms and therefore lacked flexibility (Rowe, Ellis, & Bao, 2006). Today’s technology has evolved so that a student can access instruction from a desktop computer via web conferencing tools that simulate the traditional classroom experience. The use of audio and video in synchronous learning environments to provide interactive learning experiences for learners who participate in a variety of online classes has increased because of these easy-access web tools (Stephens & Mottet, 2008). Online courses may be separated into two categories, asynchronous and synchronous, depending on the nature of the online tool. Instructors use these types of online tools to create a hybrid course (combination
Virus-Induced Diabetes Mellitus. III. Influence of the Sex and Strain of the Host

Nineteen inbred strains of male mice were infected with encephalomyocarditis virus. Five strains became hyperglycemic and had abnormal values in glucose tolerance tests; three strains remained normoglycemic but had abnormal values in glucose tolerance tests; and the remaining strains showed no abnormalities in blood glucose levels or glucose tolerance tests. Female mice from three of five strains tested also developed hyperglycemia, but in one strain (DBA/2) the hyperglycemia was less severe in females than in males. Castrated DBA/2 males developed less severe hyperglycemia than uncastrated males, even though the degree of damage to beta cells appeared to be similar in the two groups. Host factors apparently influence both the development and expression of virus-induced diabetes mellitus.
750 GeV diphotons: implications for supersymmetric unification

A recent signal of 750 GeV diphotons at the LHC can be explained within the framework of supersymmetric unification by the introduction of vector quarks and leptons with Yukawa couplings to a singlet S that describes the 750 GeV resonance. We study the most general set of theories that allow successful gauge coupling unification, and find that these Yukawa couplings are severely constrained by renormalization group behavior: they are independent of ultraviolet physics and flow to values at the TeV scale that we calculate precisely. As a consequence the vector quarks and leptons must be light; typically in the region of 375 GeV to 700 GeV, and in certain cases up to 1 TeV. The 750 GeV resonance may have a width less than the experimental resolution; alternatively, with the mass splitting between scalar and pseudoscalar components of S arising from one-loop diagrams involving vector fermions, we compute an apparent width of 10s of GeV.
Customized exercise testing.

Almost 50 years ago, Dr. Robert Bruce introduced the multistage treadmill exercise protocol for the testing of patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD) ([1][1]). Bruce's purpose was to standardize the procedure of stress testing as well as to standardize exercise end points and the
Tell It Like It Is: Disclosed Risks and Factor Portfolios

Using new textual analysis techniques to extract a broad set of disclosed risk factors from firms' SEC filings, I examine characteristics of the firms and industries most likely to make each type of disclosure, and investigate the relation between firms' risk disclosures and their stock return volatilities and factor loadings. Finally, I form risk disclosure portfolios and perform a style analysis to examine the disclosed risks associated with commonly used asset pricing risk factors. Disclosed risks about credit markets and constraints explain much of the variation in the Fama-French factors, suggesting small, value firms may be more risky in downturns.
Preliminary Observations on the Preservation of Organic-Walled Algae in Shallow, Freshwater Lakes from South-Central Missouri, USA

Algal palynomorphs can provide key ecological information about aquatic environments, yet the preservation potential for most varieties of algae is poorly understood. Cores from Pine Forest and Bray Area lakes, two man-made lakes in the Rolla area of south–central Missouri, USA, provided an opportunity to relate the algal palynomorphs in the top 9 cm of sediments to the processes that lead to preservation. By comparing algal palynomorphs in the sediments to the algal crop in the water, this study seeks to assess the effects of taphonomy on the assemblage in a palynological sample. The lakes were ecologically monitored four times in one year (late fall, spring, summer, winter) to determine the algal crop, and surficial sediment was sampled in Pine Forest Lake once in early winter. The annual average abundance of algae in the lake water was compared with sediment data, and statistical techniques (Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U-test and Pielou's Equitability index) were used to determine ecological stab...
Thomas-Fermi-Dirac calculations for molecules: II. One-electron energies for F2

The electrostatic potential derived from a solution to the molecular Thomas-Fermi-Dirac equation for F2 is combined with the exchange potential and modified to give the correct behavior far from the nuclei. One-electron energy levels in this potential are calculated and are in qualitative agreement with SCF orbital energies. Similar computations are carried through for F and Ar, which correspond to the separated and united atoms for F2. To compensate for errors in the potential, we subtract from molecular orbital energies the difference of TFD and SCF orbital energies for the separated atoms. Now all the orbital energies are correct to a few electron volts.
The Radiations of Th 231 (UY)

$\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray spectrum studies on a double-lens spectrometer of the electron spectrum of UY revealed a complex spectrum with three beta-components of 302 kev (44 percent), 216 kev (11 percent), and 94 kev (45 percent), and numerous conversion lines assignable to gammas of 22, 59, 63, 85, 122, 167, and 208 kev, each of these except the 122 kev also observed directly as gammas in a scintillation spectrometer. There is also evidence for a 107- and for a 230-kev gamma-ray. The samples were separated carrier-free from isotopically pure ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ (99.86 percent) by solvent extraction. A decay scheme is presented which gives a total disintegration energy of 324 kev.
Long-term maintenance of normal human skin on congenitally athymic (nude) mice.

SummaryCongenitally athymic (nude) mice have been shown to accept for their lifetime full thickness, normal human skin grafts without immunosuppressive therapy. The biological and medical significance of the long-term maintenance of human tissues in nonhuman subjects is discussed.
Total Syntheses and Initial Evaluation of [Ψ[C(═S)NH]Tpg4]vancomycin, [Ψ[C(═NH)NH]Tpg4]vancomycin, [Ψ[CH2NH]Tpg4]vancomycin, and Their (4-Chlorobiphenyl)methyl Derivatives: Synergistic Binding Pocket and Peripheral Modifications for the Glycopeptide Antibiotics

Full details of studies are disclosed on the total syntheses of binding pocket analogues of vancomycin bearing the peripheral l-vancosaminyl-1,2-d-glucosyl disaccharide that contain changes to a key single atom in the residue-4 amide (residue-4 carbonyl O → S, NH, H2) designed to directly address the underlying molecular basis of resistance to vancomycin. Also disclosed are studies piloting the late-stage transformations conducted on the synthetically more accessible C-terminus hydroxymethyl aglycon derivatives and full details of the peripheral chlorobiphenyl functionalization of all of the binding-pocket-modified vancomycin analogues designed for dual d-Ala-d-Ala/d-Ala-d-Lac binding. Their collective assessment indicates that combined binding pocket and chlorobiphenyl peripherally modified analogues exhibit a remarkable spectrum of antimicrobial activity (VSSA, MRSA, and VanA and VanB VRE) and impressive potencies against both vancomycin-sensitive and vancomycin-resistant bacteria (MICs = 0.06–0.005 and...
Coproduct yield comparisons of purple, blue and yellow dent corn for various milling processes

Abstract Anthocyanins can be used as naturally sourced colors in food and cosmetics. Colored corn cultivars like purple corn and blue corn are rich in anthocyanins. Potential utilization of coproducts in corn processing industry makes colored corns economically attractive for anthocyanin extraction. There is lack of information on various processing characteristics of colored corn cultivars. In this study, wet-milling, dry-milling and dry-grind characteristics of purple and blue corn were compared against yellow dent corn using 1 kg lab scale procedures to test whether these can be effectively used in industry. In wet-milling, purple and blue corn starch yields were 63.4 and 61.5% (db) as compared to 70.1% (db) for yellow dent corn. In dry-milling, total endosperm yield was largest for yellow dent corn and minimum for blue corn at 84.9 and 77% (db), respectively. All the corn types had softer endosperm. In dry-grind process, final ethanol concentration was largest for yellow dent corn at 17.2% (v/v) and lowest for blue corn 14.3% (v/v). DDGS yield was highest for purple corn 41.6% (db) and lowest for yellow dent corn 32.9% (db). Purple and blue corn can potentially be used in all the three milling processes with yield differences being offset by health promoting properties of various coproducts recovered. This study will provide a valuable insight about various milling properties of purple and blue corn to the processing industry.
Experimental Study on Economic Benefit of Micropoles

Three micropole group foundations and three bored pile foundations are designed.Uplift tests,compressive tests,and horizontal tests are conducted on those two groups of foundations respectively with comparisons made between the actually-measured bearing capacities of the two different foundations.On this basis,the construction costs of the bored pile foundation and micropile foundation are compared and the economic benefits of the micropile tower foundation are analyzed.The study suggests that the micropile group foundation uses less building materials than the bored pile foundation,and can save as much as 9.4% of the construction cost with certain economic and environmental benefits.
The Separation and Utilization of Nutrients from the Multiplicity of Substances Naturally Present in Foods

Man, like every other animal, lives by consuming other organisms. In Chapter 6 it was pointed out that organisms differ from each other in the details of their chemical composition even though there are chemical similarities among all biological organisms. Thus man, like every other animal, must have mechanisms for separating substances which are usable and which he needs from the multiplicity of substances which are useless or perhaps even harmful. This is even more apparent when we reflect on the specialized functions of specific cells, tissues, and organs which make up the whole dynamic organism. In order for nerve cells, muscle cells, secretory cells, etc., to perform their specific tasks, they must depend on other cells, organs, and organ systems to maintain the proper biological (cellular) environment.
Organophosphonate Functionalized Gd@C82 as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent

A new magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent containing organophosphonate functional groups was synthesized in high yield by a simple synthesis procedure. This molecule exhibits much higher longitudinal water proton relaxivity (37.0 mM−1 s−1) than commercial Omniscan (Gd-DTPA BMA, 5.7 mM−1 s−1) at 0.35 T. Notably, the relaxivity is larger than that of carboxylated Gd@C82 (16.0 mM−1 s−1) under the same conditions, indicating that the functional groups have an important role on the image contrast enhancement. In addition, the introduction of phosphonate substituents may provide bone-targeting MRI contrast agents.
f-Element/crown ether complexes, 11. Preparation and structural characterization of [UO2(OH2)5] [ClO4]2·3(15-crown-5)·CH3CN and [UO2(OH2)5] [ClO4]2·2(18-crown-6)·2 CH3CN·H2O

The reaction of UO2(ClO4)·nH2O with 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 in acetonitrile yielded the title complexes. [UO2(OH2)5] [ClO4]2·3(15-crown-5)·CH3CN crystallizes in the triclinic space groupPT with (at−150°C)a=8.288(6),b=12.874(7),c=24.678(7) A, α=82.62(4), β=76.06(5), γ=81.06(5)°, andDcalc=1.67 g cm−3 forZ=2 formula units. Least-squares refinement using 6248 independent observed reflections [Fo≥5σ(Fo)] led toR=0.111. [UO2(OH2)5] [ClO4]2·2(18-crown-6)·2CH3CN·H2O is orthorhombicP212121 with (at−150 °C)a=12.280(2),b=17.311(7),c=22.056(3) A,Dcalc=1.68 g cm−3,Z=4, andR=0.032 (3777 observed reflections). In each complex the crown ether molecules are hydrogen bonded to the water molecules of the pentagonal bipyramidal [UO2(OH2)5]2+ ions, each crown ether having exclusive use of two hydrogen atoms from one water molecule and one hydrogen from another water molecule. In the 15-crown-5 complex the remaining hydrogen bonding interaction is between one of the water molecules and one of the perchlorate anions. The solvent molecule has a close contact between the methyl group and a perchlorate anion suggesting a weak interaction. There are a total of three U-OH...OClO3 hydrogen bonds to the two perchlorate anions in [UO2(OH2)5] [ClO4]2·(18-crown-6)·2CH3CN ·H2O. The remaining coordinated water hydrogen bond is to the uncoordinated 2H2O molecule, which in turn is hydrogen bonded to a perchlorate oxygen atom and an acetonitrile nitrogen atom. One solvent methyl group interacts with an anion, the other with one of the 18-crown-6 molecules. Unlike the 15-crown-5 structure, the hydrogen bonding in this complex results in a polymeric network with formula units joined by hydrogen bonds from one of the solvent molecules and the uncoordinated water molecule.
Profiles in Leadership: What Does it Mean to Be a Great Leader

This chapter will discuss why leadership matters in healthcare and why it should matter to medical professionals. We will introduce the elements that drive the (increasing) need for competent healthcare leaders. In closing, I will argue that the best people to lead in healthcare are those who are themselves healthcare professionals. This may not be true in every setting, but medical work is different and it is challenging for outsiders to understand what a nurse or physician needs (and doesn’t need) in a leader.
Estimation for the Nonlinear Errors-in-Variables Model

An estimator for the parameters of the nonlinear errors-in-variables model with smaller bias than that of the functional maximum likelihood estimator is presented. The estimator is a least squares estimator with an internal Monte Carlo adjustment for bias.
A compressed sensing algorithm for sparse-view pinhole Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) systems are being developed with multiple cameras and without gantry rotation to provide rapid dynamic acquisitions. However, the resulting data is angularly undersampled, due to the limited number of views. We propose a novel reconstruction algorithm for sparse-view SPECT based on Compressed Sensing (CS) theory. The algorithm models Poisson noise by modifying the Iterative Hard Thresholding algorithm to minimize the Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance by gradient descent. Because the underlying objects of SPECT images are expected to be smooth, a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) using an orthogonal spline wavelet kernel is used as the sparsifying transform. Preliminary feasibility of the algorithm was tested on simulated data of a phantom consisting of two Gaussian distributions. Single-pinhole projection data with Poisson noise were simulated at 128, 60, 15, 10, and 5 views over 360 degrees. Image quality was assessed using the coefficient of variation and the relative contrast between the two objects in the phantom. Overall, the results demonstrate preliminary feasibility of the proposed CS algorithm for sparse-view SPECT imaging.
Abstract 4177: Simultaneous activation of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and cannabinoid receptor 2 results in decreased angiogenesis

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Tumor angiogenesis is a complex process modulated by numerous signaling molecules and pathways that influence cell migration, invasion, survival and tube formation. The expression of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) C-X-C Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been correlated with the increased angiogenic potential of cancer cells. The ligand-specific binding of CXCL12 to CXCR4 increases tumor angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at both mRNA and protein levels. Thus, modulating the CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling axis provides an attractive target for the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression. Recent studies have suggested that in addition to its palliative properties, cannabis may have anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects by acting through the GPCR, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). GPCR heterodimerization has emerged as a means by which new signaling entities can be created with respect to agonist binding. Preliminary co-immunoprecipitation data from our lab indicates that agonist-bound CXCR4 and agonist-bound CB2R interact at the cell membrane and that receptor interaction mitigates the effects of CXCL12-mediated CXCR4 signaling. Here we show that co-stimulation of prostate cancer cells with CXCR4 and CB2R-specific agonists results in decreased VEGF expression in vitro. Furthermore, treatment of human endothelial cells with conditioned medium collected from co-stimulated prostate cancer cells decreased endothelial cell migration in wound healing and invasion assays, and decreased endothelial cell tubulogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that desensitization of CXCR4 signaling through association with CB2R is a novel anti-angiogenic strategy and reinforces the clinical relevance of cannabinoids in cancer treatment. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Kisha A. Scarlett, Brittney Sandifer, Christopher J. Coke, Cimona V. Hinton. Simultaneous activation of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and cannabinoid receptor 2 results in decreased angiogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4177. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4177
Directional preference of the wrist: a preliminary investigation.

AbstractBackground: Directional preference is a phenomenon that occurs in musculoskeletal disorders. It is associated with improved symptomatic and functional outcomes. Research has shown a 90% increase in the identification of directional preference in the peripheral joints between 2006 and 2012. There is currently no research analyzing if predictive variables exist for establishing directional preference.Case Description: This report presents 19 consecutive patients with wrist pain. These patients were evaluated using a mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT)-based assessment. Patients were classified into the mechanical syndromes Derangement, Dysfunction, Postural, and Other. Patients classified with wrist Derangement were assessed for the presence of directional preference. Secondary analysis of predetermined variables was performed for association with directional preference. One case description was included to demonstrate MDT assessment, treatment, and clinical reasoning.Results: Of the 19 patients ...
The Black Child Star

This chapter explores the rise of Jaden Smith, son of actor Will Smith, and his position as a transnational black child star. Olson looks closely at Jaden Smith’s film After Earth and concludes by asking whether American culture is close to accepting the notion of a black child hero in Hollywood cinema.
Adverse Consequences of Unmet Needs for Care in High-Need/High-Cost Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES We explore adverse consequences of unmet needs for care among high-need/high-cost (HNHC) older adults. METHOD Interviews with 4,024 community-dwelling older adults with ADL/IADL/mobility disabilities from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Reports of socio-demographics, disability compensatory strategies, and adverse consequences of unmet needs in the past month were obtained from older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), probable dementia (DEM), and/or near end-of-life (EOL) and compared older adults not meeting these criteria. RESULTS Older adults with MCC (31.6%), DEM (39.6%), and EOL (48.7%) reported significantly more adverse consequences than low-need older adults (21.4%). Persons with MCC and DEM (53.4%), MCC, and EOL (53.2%), and all three (MCC, DEM, EOL, 65.6%) reported the highest levels of adverse consequences. HNHC participants reported more environmental modifications, assistive device, and larger helper networks. HNHC status independently predicted greater adverse consequences after controlling for disability compensatory strategies in multivariate models. DISCUSSION Adverse consequences of unmet needs for care are prevalent among HNHC older adults, especially those with multiple indicators, despite more disability-related compensatory efforts and larger helper networks. Helping caregivers provide better informal care has potential to contain healthcare costs by reducing hospitalization and unplanned readmissions.
Immune Responses in Malaria Transmission

Malaria transmission depends on the development and survival in humans of mature sexual stage parasites, known as gametocytes which further develop within the mosquito midgut to eventually form sporozoites that are reintroduced to the human host to complete the transmission cycle. This review discusses some recent findings on phagocytic clearance of the gametocytes for novel transmission-blocking strategies towards malaria elimination. Antibodies to gametocytes are present after natural infection, and phagocytosis of immature gametocytes has been shown. There is evidence that the mature live gametocytes evade the phagocytic clearance pathway possibly providing transmission advantage. Dead gametocytes are effectively phagocytosed. Phagocytosis of gametocytes by macrophages can result in decreased gametocyte load in humans while concurrently channel antigens into the antigen presentation pathways and induction of natural transmission-blocking antibodies. Thus, clearing gametocytes as they develop in the human host to block transmission or preventing subsequent development of the parasite in the mosquito should be an important component of malaria elimination strategies.
Abstract 13739: Progression of Mitral Stenosis in Patients With Severe Mitral Annular Calcification and Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) is recognized as a rare cause of mitral stenosis. However, little is known regarding its relationship with chronic kidney’s disease (CKD). We evaluated progression of mean mitral valve (MV) gradients and the right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSP) over time in patients with CKD. Methods: Database for the years 1996 through 2013 was searched for patients with severe MAC. MAC was graded in a semi-quantitative manner. Patients were included if they had severe MAC at their index study, had ≥ 2 studies in the period of ≥ 2 years, and had glomerular filtration rate estimated ≤ 3 months from the index study. Patients with prior MV surgery, rheumatic heart disease, or other MV disease were excluded. CKD was classified by 5 conventional stages. The slope of regression line using all studies of a given patient was used to determine the progression rate. Results: 924 patients (7002 studies) were included. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Study population age was 72 ± 11 years. Follow up time was 4.8 ± 2.8 years. Number of echocardiograms performed per patient was 8 ± 5. Index MV gradient was 3.9 ± 3.2 mmHg with progression rate 0.13 ± 0.86 mmHg / year (p = 0.0001). Index RVSP was 39 ± 15 mmHg with progression rate 0.97 ± 4.49 mmHg / year (p = 0.0001). Progression appeared slower in younger ( Conclusion: While there tended to be faster rate of progression of mitral stenosis in older patients with severe MAC, CKD class was not a differentiating factor. It appears that mitral stenosis in patients with severe MAC progress more in older patients but not necessarily in patients with poor kidney function.
Mentorship for Life Balance Success

Life balance success and the role played by mentors may look slightly different in each phase of one’s academic surgical career starting in premed and medical school and continuing throughout life. Academic success focus shifts from test scores to cognitive and technical skills combined with teaching, research, and leadership potential. Mentors serve not only as advisors, but they also motivate, nurture self-confidence, model behavior, counsel, and introduce mentees to other persons who can assist in both career and personal development. Mentors understand emotional intelligence and encourage healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace as well as with family, partners, and friends. Hopefully, the mentee matures into a mentor for those coming behind as life experiences contribute to knowledge and, hopefully, wisdom to share with the surgeons that one establishes associations with as teacher, coach, leader, colleague, and friend.
Analgesic effects of butorphanol and buprenorphine in conscious African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh)

Objective To evaluate effects of butorphanol tartrate and buprenorphine hydrochloride on withdrawal threshold to a noxious stimulus in conscious African grey parrots. Animals 29 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh). Procedure Birds were fitted with an electrode on the medial metatarsal region of the right leg, placed into a test box, and allowed to acclimate. An electrical stimulus (range, 0.0 to 1.46 mA) was delivered to each bird's foot through an aluminum perch. A withdrawal response was recorded when the bird lifted its foot from the perch or vigorously flinched its wings. Baseline threshold to a noxious electrical stimulus was determined. Birds then were randomly assigned to receive an i.m. injection of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, butorphanol (1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg), and threshold values were determined again. Results Butorphanol significantly increased threshold value, but saline solution or buprenorphine did not significantly change threshold values. Conclusions and clinical relevance Butorphanol had an analgesic effect, significantly increasing the threshold to electrical stimuli in African grey parrots. Buprenorphine at the dosage used did not change the threshold to electrical stimulus. Butorphanol provided an analgesic response in half of the birds tested. Butorphanol would be expected to provide analgesia to African grey parrots in a clinical setting.