cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clonal splitting in desert shrubs

Axis splitting is a widespread phenomenon in desert shrubs, and has been reported for shrubs from several plant families, both in old- and new-world deserts. It is so common in dwarf shrubs of arid environments as to be a defining characteristic of this growth form. Although anatomists described this phenomenon several decades ago, there has been only one ecological study of one species, Ambrosia dumosa. The anatomical nature of the various splitting mechanisms that have been found suggests axis splitting to be an extreme form of hydraulic segmentation. The adaptive advantage of clonal splitting in desert shrubs has yet to be determined, but it appears to be largely a risk-spreading mechanism that enables independent mortality of integrated hydraulic units (IHUs) or ramets. This should be especially advantageous in heterogeneous, water-limited environments, where soil water occurs in pockets too small to support a large shrub-genet. Clonal splitting may cause an increase in intraclonal competition among ramets, but there are also indications that at least some species possess mechanisms to reduce competition by minimizing root system overlap among ramets. Many desert shrub species that undergo clonal splitting maintain a dense clump growth form, possibly because such a growth form has positive effects on water and nutrient status of the soil and long-term effects on other soil properties.
EMFS: Email-based Personal Cloud Storage

Though a variety of cloud storage services have been offered recently, they have not yet provided users with transparent and cost-effective personal data storage. Services like Google Docs offer easy file access and sharing, but tie storage with internal data formats and specific applications. Meanwhile, services like Drop box offer general-purpose storage. Yet they have not been widely utilized, partly due to their fee-charging nature and long-term service availability concerns. Web-based email services, on the other hand, have been offering growing email storage capacity, reliable service, and powerful search capability, making them appealing as storage resources. In this paper, we examine the efficacy of leveraging web-based email services to build a personal storage cloud. We present EMFS, which aggregates back-end storage by establishing a RAID-like system on top of virtual email disks formed by email accounts. In particular, by replicating data across accounts from different service providers, highly available storage services can be constructed based on already reliable, cloud-based email storage. This paper discusses the design and implementation of EMFS, focusing on unique challenges and opportunities associated with utilizing email services for file transfer and storage, such as email based data organization, metadata format and management, and handling provider-imposed anti-spam usage restrictions. We evaluated EMFS extensively with multiple benchmarks, and compared its performance with NFS, AFS, and a non-free cloud storage service built upon Amazon S3. Our results indicate that while EMFS cannot match the performance of highly optimized distributed file systems with dedicated servers, it performs quite closely to the commercial cloud storage solution.
Dihydrexidine, a full dopamine D1 agonist, reduces MPTP-ioduced parkinsonism in monkeys

Since there are reasons to hypothetize that appropriate occupation of D 1 receptors may be an essential component of efficacious antiparkinsonian therapy (Brewster et al., 1990), we tested dihydrexidine in non-human primates pretreated with the dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-HCl (MPTP), which results in a parkinsonian syndrome in humans and non-human primates
Auto-activation of the rta gene of human herpesvirus-8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.

Rta, mainly encoded by open reading frame 50 (ORF50), is the product of an immediate-early gene of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Rta is a transcriptional activator that is both necessary and sufficient to disrupt viral latency and activate the expression of downstream viral lytic genes. We report that ectopically expressed Rta protein could also activate the rta promoter on a reporter plasmid up to 144-fold, both in latently infected B cells and in uninfected epithelial cells, and that this activation was dose-dependent. Furthermore, by analysing the 5′ untranslated region using ribonuclease protection assays, we demonstrated that transfection of an Rta expression plasmid into latently infected cells activated the expression of rta transcripts from endogenous viral genomes. We propose that auto-activation of the immediate-early gene, rta, is an important strategy for HHV-8 to effectively respond to environmental stimuli and maximally activate the virus lytic cycle.
Education for Sustainability for the K-6 Curriculum: A Unit of Work for Pre-Service Primary Teachers in NSW

Although the need for education for sustainability in pre-service teacher education is well recognised, little has been published to indicate how this might be incorporated into university courses in Australia. This paper describes one attempt to encourage pre-service primary teachers to include education for sustainability in their future work. It includes a discussion about some of the choices made regarding teaching methods and content. The overall purpose of the article is to encourage others to contribute their ideas to the discussion over how best to incorporate education for sustainability in pre-service teacher education in Australia.
Survival and Movement of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Crawlers on Cotton

Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to estimate survival rates of crawler stage Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B (=B. argentifolii Perring & Bellows) on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants to enable more accurate life tables to be constructed for this important insect pest. The survival of crawlers did not differ significantly between still-air and artificial wind treatments in the greenhouse and averaged 90%. Overall, 99.5% of the crawlers settled on the abaxial surface of leaves, and 99.9% settled on the leaf where eggs were oviposited. Out of 4,125 nymphs, only five settled on leaves other than the leaf of origin, and they all moved to leaves lower on the plant. Assuming that these individuals crawled rather than fell, the mean distance moved was at least 200 mm. Using a combination of cohort-based life table studies to measure egg mortality and recruitment studies to measure egg to settled first instar mortality in the field, crawler survival was estimated to average 89.2% over three stu...
Overcharge performance of 3,7-disubstituted N-ethylphenothiazine derivatives in lithium-ion batteries

3,7-Disubstituted N-ethylphenothiazine derivatives were synthesized as redox shuttle candidates for lithium-ion batteries. Battery cycling results show that three derivatives prevent overcharge.
Input/output stability of systems over finite alphabets

This paper considers systems over finite alphabets, that are discrete-time systems whose input and output signals take their values in finite sets. Three notions of input/output stability are proposed: gain stability, incremental stability and external stability. Sufficient conditions for stability of feedback interconnections of stable systems, in the finite gain and incremental sense, are derived. Simple examples are used to illustrate the practical significance of these notions of stability as performance objectives and as robustness measures.
Revisiting Financial (Accounting) Literacy: A Comparison Of Audit Committee Members And Business Students

While financial literacy is important for an audit committee in discharging its duties there is no authoritative guidance or definition and limited empirical research as to what constitutes financial literacy of audit committees and business students. Coates et al. conducted a study that examined the financial literacy of corporate board members and MBA students at the University of Chicago using an instrument developed by Schipper and Weil. Their findings suggest that both groups lack the appropriate level of financial literacy. This paper extends that research by using the same instrument to examine the financial literacy of undergraduate accounting finance students at a private Midwestern university. Our findings indicate the undergraduate students also lack financial literacy. Caution should be used in interpreting these results since there is no consensus definition of financial literacy within the accounting profession.
Improved power minimization based partially adaptive beamformer design

A technique for designing partially adaptive beamformers by minimization of output interference power was previously derived using a rather complicated approximation. The author presents an alternate derivation which clearly illustrates the nature of the approximation. A block diagram explicitly shows the modified partially adaptive system implied by the design procedure. This interpretation facilitates understanding of the limitations imposed by the approximation and suggests an improved design method. >
Monitoring Beach Morphology Changes Using Small-Format Aerial Photography and Digital Softcopy Photogrammetry

Current methods of monitoring beach morphology changes commonly involve the establishment of Global Positioning System profiles that are surveyed on a regular basis. Although this method produces precise measurements of coastal topography, it is costly in time and effort and may result in large data gaps between profiles. Much of our understanding of coastal dynamics is thus limited by profile spacing and survey frequency. Softcopy photogrammetry is increasingly being used as an alternative to assess shoreline change and study beach morphodynamics. This method of producing three-dimensional topographic models and orthophotographs from digitized aerial photography can aid in filling in the gaps between established profiles. A limiting factor to this technology is the cost of obtaining high-resolution aerial photography. We have developed an aerial mapping system designed to collect data in an efficient and cost-effective way. We use a small-format aerial photography system that can be mounted on a variety of small aircraft on short notice. After a flight, the photographs are scanned, and softcopy photogrammetry software is used to create both DTMs (Digital Terrain Models) and orthophotographs. The DTMs can be compared with existing profiles for accuracy, and volumetric changes can be computed. The orthophotos are used to make precise measurements of the position and morphology of shoreline features. This aerial mapping system is advantageous over previous methods of beach morphology change monitoring because it allows for rapid response to storm events and provides a cost-effective method of establishing a continual monitoring program in erosion hazard areas.
Power Stability of AlGaN/GaN HFETs at 20 W/mm in the Pinched-Off Operation Mode

High power-added efficiency (PAE) (ap74%) and rf-power (20 W/mm) operation of Schottky and insulated-gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) is reported at 2 GHz. In the pinched-off mode of operation, the PAE increases from a value of 55% to 74% when the drain bias is changed from 35 to 60 V. While both the Schottky and the insulated HFETs show high powers and PAE values, only the insulated-gate devices are stable at 20-W/mm output powers during a 60-h continuous wave rf-stress test. Their power drop of less than 0.1 dB is much smaller than the 0.8-dB drop for identical geometry Schottky-gate HFETs. The superior stability of the insulated-gate HFETs is attributed to the low forward gate currents
Association of Carotid Atherosclerosis With Electrocardiographic Myocardial Ischemia and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Patients with carotid atherosclerosis have an increased risk of coronary events and an increased prevalence of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy. However, little is known regarding the association between electrocardiographic abnormalities and carotid atherosclerosis. The relationship of electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia and left ventricular hypertrophy to the presence of carotid atherosclerosis was prospectively studied in 349 asymptomatic subjects who underwent echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography. Myocardial ischemia on the electrocardiogram was defined by the presence of localized T-wave inversions, and electrocardiographic hypertrophy was defined by the product of Cornell voltage and QRS duration. Carotid atherosclerosis was present in 21% (72/349) of subjects and was associated with older age, higher systolic and pulse pressures, and greater left ventricular mass. Both ischemia and hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram were strongly associated with carotid plaque. Carotid atherosclerosis was more than three times more prevalent in subjects with electrocardiographic ischemia (69% [11/16] versus 18% [61/333], P P =.0003) than in subjects without these findings. Logistic regression analysis, including standard risk factors, revealed that both ischemia and hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram remained significant independent predictors of the presence of carotid atherosclerosis, along with age and echocardiographic left ventricular mass. These findings suggest that the associations of ischemia and left ventricular hypertrophy with carotid atherosclerosis may contribute to the increased incidence of coronary events in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
Using The DuPont Decomposing Process To Create A Marketing Model

The DuPont Model of Business is almost 100 years old. It provides a classic template for the decomposition process that can be used to build integrated systems of performance metrics. The marketing field has never embraced the DuPont Model as completely as accounting and finance because the focus is on the earning being return to the owner’s equity. Earnings flow is not the same as cash flow and marketing managers are more focused on operating profits than net profits. However, the decomposition process that is used to create the DuPont Model can be applied to the process of creating a Marketing Model. The paper reviews the classic decomposition process and uses it to create a new Marketing Model of Profitability.
20. The Policy Conundrum of Financial Market Complexity

The first global financial sector crash eludes conventional assessments of sector risk. Singling out the usual culprits – the housing bubble, executive pay, regulators, rating agencies, risk models, and global imbalances – fails to explain either the unpredictability or the rapidity of the collapse of 2008, which in many ways resembled the avalanche of a sand pile, where at some point of criticality, avalanches occur that bear no relationship to the grain of sand that triggered them. Since appropriate financial regulation is part of the remedy, policymakers should recognize that success will depend on a more refined knowledge of why some initial events may have prompted an avalanche, while others did not.
A novel carbon-11 PET radiotracer for imaging VAChT in the brain

321 Objectives Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) plays an important role in mediating cholinergic transmission, and it is considered a specific biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Compound (-)-TZ6-59 showed high in vitro binding potency and selectivity towards VAChT (Ki-VAChT = 0.78 nM, Ki-σ1 = 990 nM, and Ki- σ2 >10,000 nM). Here, we report the radiosynthesis and in vivo evaluation of (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 to image VAChT. Methods The synthesis of (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 was accomplished by alkylating the Boc protected aniline precursor with [11C]CH3I, followed by the removal of the protective group. Biodistribution studies were performed in male SD rats (300-360 g). Rats were injected with ~300-400 µCi/150 µL of (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 and euthanized at 5, 30 and 60 min post injection; the uptake (%ID/g) in each organ of interest was calculated. Blocking study was performed in rats pretreated with cold TZ4-3-76, a potent VAChT ligand at 2 mg/kg. Dynamic microPET imaging studies were performed in cynomolgus monkeys. Results (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 was synthesized in high chemical (>95%) and radiochemical (>99%) purities, and high specific activity (>0.5 Ci/µmol, EOB) with a yield of 20-25%. Biodistribution studies revealed that (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 is able to cross the rat BBB and specifically accumulate in the VAChT-enriched striatal area; at 60 min, the uptake ratio of striatum vs. cerebellum reached ~5.5-fold. Pretreated with unlabeled TZ4-3-76, striatum uptake of labeled (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 was reduced by ~48%. MicroPET imaging of monkey brains demonstrated that the highest uptake occurs in the striatal area with sufficient contrast ratios vs. reference regions. Conclusions (-)-[11C]TZ6-59 is a promising PET tracer for imaging VAChT in the brain. Further evaluations will be performed prior to seeking IND and RDRC approval for translational clinical validation in human beings. Research Support 1R21NS061025-01A2 & 1R01NS075527-01.
Improving Holm's procedure using pairwise dependencies

SUMMARY Seneta & Chen (2005) tightened the familywise error rate control of Holm’s procedure by sharpening its critical values using pairwise dependencies of the p-values. In this paper we further sharpen these critical values in the case where the distribution functions of the pairwise maxima of null p-values are convex, a property shown to hold in some applications of Holm’s procedure. The newer critical values are uniformly larger, providing tighter familywise error rate control than the approach of Seneta & Chen (2005), significantly so under high pairwise positive dependencies. The critical values can be further improved under exchangeable null p-values. Control of the familywise error rate, the probability of falsely rejecting at least one true null hypothesis, is commonly undertaken when testing multiple hypotheses. Among procedures for controlling this error rate, that of Holm (1979) is one of the most popular. Seneta & Chen (2005) attempted to improve upon Holm’s procedure in situations where pairwise dependencies among the p-values can be quantified. They applied an inequality of Kounias (1968) to obtain an upper bound for the distribution function of the minimum of a set of null p-values which is tighter than that provided by Bonferroni’s inequality, while modifying Holm’s critical values. The modification tightens the familywise error rate control of Holm’s procedure, and can be more powerful than the original step-up procedure of Hochberg (1988), as Seneta & Chen (2005) showed for some multiple testing problems associated with normally distributed test statistics with known correlations. We propose two improved versions of Holm’s step-down procedure for p-values such that the pairwise maxima of the null p-values have known convex distribution functions. The different versions depend on whether the null p-values are exchangeable, and each provides uniformly larger critical values than the method of Seneta & Chen (2005). The convexity of p-values is shown for some commonly used multivariate distributions. Numerical and simulation studies reveal that each of our proposed procedures is a better choice than the method of Seneta & Chen (2005), especially for small-scale multiple testing with high pairwise dependencies among the test statistics.
Abstract 5293:In vitromodeling of tumor-derived endothelial cell derivation

Background: Tumor growth beyond a few millimeters in size requires the development of a neovasculature. In addition to providing a portal for the systemic dissemination of metastatic cells, this allows the tumor bed to overcome the severe hypoxia, acidosis, and nutrient deprivation that otherwise limits tumor growth. Early research presumed the development of genetically and functionally normal tumor vasculature from normal host tissue. Anti-angiogenic agents were thus developed to inhibit tumor blood supply with the hope that the presumed normal tumor vascular endothelial cells (EC9s), would be less inclined to develop drug resistance. Thus far, however, the experience with these agents has been one of only incremental improvement in patient survival. We have previously demonstrated that tumor cells can differentiate, in vivo, into an EC phenotype and form functional tumor vasculature. Formation of these “tumor derived endothelial cells” (TDEC9s) offers a partial explanation for the disappointing clinical results of the angiogenesis inhibitors and suggests a new, complementary, therapeutic target. Objectives: To develop an in vitro system that would recapitulate the tumor cell to EC transition seen in vivo. We hypothesize that manipulation of culture conditions to mimic the tumor microenvironment would result in a switch to an EC phenotype. Design/Methods: A variety of human cancer cell lines (H460 lung cancer, PC3 prostate cancer, OVCAR-8 ovarian cancer) were cultured in 1% O 2 in low glucose DMEM supplemented with EC-specific growth factors. The cells were assayed for EC-specific proteins and transcripts with western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and rtPCR. Functionality was quantified by the uptake of acetylated-LDL and the ability to vascularize tumor xenografts. Results: Human cancer cell lines exposed to hypoxia and EC-specific growth factors increase expression of a variety of EC-specific proteins including von Willebrand9s factor, ESAM, and VE-Cadherin, while down regulating the epithelial specific cytokeratins. Inclusion of a twenty percent minority of these in vitro-derived TDEC9s in a tumor inoculum results in an increase in both tumor growth rate and vascular density. These in vitro-derived TDEC9s are also found within the tumor neo-vasculature. Conclusions: We have developed culture conditions that can, within a span of only five days, induce many of the same phenotypic and functional characteristics of the TDEC9s isolated from tumor xenografts grown for nearly two months. Furthermore, these cells are able to act as functional endothelial cells in vivo. Potential uses for this system include the ability to study the mechanistic underpinnings of the tumor cell to TDEC transition and to identify pharmacologic inhibitors of this transition. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5293. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5293
Genocide, Race, Capitalism: Synopsis of Formation within the Modern World-system

This article reviews and synpsizes race-based slavery and genocide extant across the Americas for a half millennia of colonial capitalist development, and identifies four major phases; conquest, colonization, capitalism, and hegemonic global capitalism. Examples of genocide are presented for each phase, and differences between Catholic driven Latin America conquest and Protestant driven Anglo American genocidal domination are delineated and put into thelongue duree of the modern world-system.
The Physicochemistry of Capped Nanosilver Predicts Its Biological Activity in Rat Brain Endothelial Cells (RBEC4)

The “capping” or coating of nanosilver (nanoAg) extends its potency by limiting its oxidation and aggregation and stabilizing its size and shape. The ability of such coated nanoAg to alter the permeability and activate oxidative stress pathways in rat brain endothelial cells (RBEC4) was examined in the present study. The aggregate size and zeta potential of nanoAg with different sizes (10 and 75 nm) and coatings (PVP and citrate) were measured in cell culture media. Results indicated that both PVP-coated nanoAg were less electronegative than their citrate-coated counterparts over all exposure times, but only the PVP-coated 10 nm particles retained their initial electronegativity over all exposure times. In addition, only the PVP-coated particles retained their initial sizes throughout the 3 h measurement. PVP-coated 10 nm nanoAg selectively altered the permeability of RBEC4 monolayers within a 15 min exposure, although high resolution microscopy indicated that all coated nanoAg distributed throughout the ...
Risk factors for perineal lacerations in teen deliveries.

OBJECTIVES : Severe perineal lacerations have been associated with the development of fecal incontinence. This study was designed to identify risk factors for severe perineal lacerations in vaginal delivery in a teen population. METHODS : This was a retrospective database analysis of 534 teen term, singleton, cephalic vaginal deliveries. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a third- or fourth-degree laceration. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using the χ and Student t tests, respectively. RESULTS : Overall, 43 (8.1%) of our patients had third- or fourth-degree lacerations. In a multivariate regression model, the use of insulin in pregnancy, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, and increased infant birth weight all had an increased odds ratio for severe perineal laceration. CONCLUSIONS : Operative vaginal delivery, episiotomy, increased infant birth weight and gestational diabetes requiring insulin for glucose control all appear to increase the risk of severe perineal laceration at the time of vaginal delivery in a teenage population.
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS AND PREDICTORS OF ANTIPLATELET AGENT USE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Recent guidelines reflect better efficacy of the new anti-platelet agents, prasugrel and ticagrelor, over clopidogrel in patients who receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Contemporary trends in utilization of the three medications, however, have not
On Blair's theory of excitation and the role of internal energy sources

It is shown that Blair's theory of excitation is independent of, and consequently valid for, any possible relationship between the threshold and the magnitude of the stimulus. It is pointed out that if a dependence of threshold on stimulus is assumed, the concept of rheobase becomes meaningless. Consequently contrary to Blair's impression, the disagreement between his theory in its original form and the experimental data on the time of incipient excitation with constant stimulus (response time) cannot be explained by assuming a dependence of the threshold on the magnitude of the stimulus. It is shown that a modification of Blair's interpretation, obtained by taking into account effects of internal energy sources released by the stimulus, eliminates the disagreement mentioned above between theory and experiment. The role of such modification in connection with propagation of excitation is discussed.
Unsteady disturbance theory and modeling for centrifugal compressors

We present a model for the instability dynamics of a centrifugal compressor. The working fluid is approximated as incompressible and inviscid. The compressor is modeled as a cylindrical inlet duct of infinitesimal thickness followed by a perpendicular planar outlet duct also of infinitesimal thickness, with the blade rows located at the junction of the two ducts. The flow in the inlet duct only is assumed to be irrotational. For our analysis we use a Fourier series expansion of the periodic dynamical variables along the circumference and solve explicitly for the coefficients. The resulting model is based on the first mode approximation only and incorporates explicitly the nonlinear compressor map. Although based on identical assumptions, our model is significantly more complex than the well-known Moore-Greitzer model describing similar instabilities in axial compressors. The reason is the underlying geometric complexity of a centrifugal compressor. A first implication of our model is that, unlike the case of axial compressors, the vorticity field at the outlet duct plays a significant role in the dynamics of the instabilities developed at the compressor blades. Partial Nomenclature PT = stagnation pressure upstream of compressor Ps = plenum static pressure r = radial coordinate 6 = circumferential coordinate z = axial coordinate t = time u = radial velocity component v = circumferential velocity component w = axial velocity component p = static pressure U = transformed radial velocity component, Eq. (11) V = transformed circumferential velocity component, Eq. (11) P = transformed static pressure, Eq. (11) R; = radius of compressor inlet, also blade inlet radius Re = blade exit radius R* = exit radius from compressor outlet to the plenum pi = fluid density at the inlet (assumed constant) pc = fluid density at the outlet (assumed constant) Q = blade angular velocity bj = thickness of inlet duct be = thickness of outlet duct li = inlet duct length ^L = l°' compressor map function (for blade section only) f = global compressor map function (for entire compressor) y = generic representation of u, U, v, V, p, or P n = subscript for n-th Fourier mode H = n/R (), = denotes a circumferentially averaged (CA) value ()i = denotes a perturbation, measured from a CA value ()s = denotes the Fourier sin n0 amplitude of a variable ()c = denotes the Fourier cos n6 amplitude of a variable All other symbols are auxiliary and defined locally in the text.
Guangxi Longzhou County medical prevention effect analysis of tuberculosis control

Objective To analysis and prevention effect of tuberculosis prevention and control mode of cooperation of Longzhou County medicine, can provide reference for the sustainable development of TB control work. Methods The 2006-2011 years that the implementation of medical defense cooperation, each for 3 years in Longzhou county tuberculosis registration data, combined with tuberculosis prevention and control work monthly, quarterly and annual reports, to the general hospital referral in place, the overall rate of suspected tuberculosis symptoms, treatment rate of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis registration rate and cure index rate for statistical analysis. Results Longzhou County 2006-2011 year comprehensive medical institutions referral of tuberculosis patients and suspected tuberculosis symptoms in place for the average rate of 82.73 %(1 394/1 685); treatment of patients with newly diagnosed rate is 315/10 million(5 172/1 644 314); patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis registration rate is 80.70/10 million(1 327/1 644 314); smear positive patients cure rate was 84.82 %(average 475/560); smear negative patients completed the course of treatment for the average rate of 72.65 %(518/713). Referral overall arrival rate, patients with suspected tuberculosis symptoms, treatment rate of smear positive patients cure rate and smear negative patients completed treatment rate of medicine in 2009 and cooperation mode after 3 years(2009-2011 years)than the implementation of medical defense cooperation 3 years ago(2006-2008), in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis registration rate is the implementation of the medical defense cooperation 3 years ago(2006-2008)better than 3 years after the implementation of the medical defense cooperation(2009-2011). Conclusions Medical prevention tuberculosis prevention and control work mode effectively, improve the quality of TB control work, should continue to consolidate and develop the work mode.
Safety and efficacy of cynergy multiplex laser in the treatment of spider nevus in children

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of cynergy multiplex laser in the treatment of spider nevus.Methods:One hundred forty subjects with spider nevus were divided into cynergy multiplex laser treated group(70 cases)and CO_2 laser treated group(70 cases).The clinical parameters and side effects were evaluated before and after each treatment.The wound healing times and cure rates after single treatment were analyzed.Results:After 1-3 treatments the total effective rates were 100%for both groups.After single treatment the cure rates for cynergy multiplex laser and CO_2 laser treated group were 91.43%and 95.71%,respectively(P0.05).The wound healing times for cynergy multiplex laser and CO_2laser treated group were 5.87 d and 6.28 d,respectively(P 0.05).4 cases showed mild hyperpigmentation and 5 cases had mild hypopigmentation.The pigmentation changes remitted spontaneously in a few months.Atrophic scars were observed in 3cases treated with CO_2 laser.Conclusion;The study suggests that cynergy multiplex laser is safe and effective for the treatment of spider nevus.
Problem Set 7.2 – Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Acid–Base Balance

This chapter presents various problem sets related to fluid and electrolyte balance and acid–base balance, which include the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when the creatinine production in a particular well-muscled individual is 3 g day –1 and his plasma creatinine is 1.5 mg dL –1 ; and the flow and osmolarity of the renal venous blood when the renal blood flow into the kidney is 1200 L min –1 with a concentration of total solutes of 296 mOsM and urinary output is 0.5 mL min –1 of 1150 mOsM.
Copper-Mediated C–N Coupling of Arylsilanes with Nitrogen Nucleophiles

A method for the oxidative coupling of arylsilanes with nitrogen nucleophiles is reported. This method occurs with a broad range of heptamethyltrisiloxylarenes and nitrogen nucleophiles, proceeds with the arylsilane as limiting reagent, and does not require a fluoride activator with electron-poor arylsilanes. The combination of this method with C–H silylation generates arylamines from unactivated arenes with site selectivity controlled by steric effects. This combination of steps gives direct access to many compounds that cannot be accessed via alternative C–H functionalization methods, including direct C–H amination or the combination of C–H borylation and amination.
Mother tongues: the Opt Out movement’s vocal response to patriarchal, neoliberal education reform

This article explores the widespread and growing public backlash against high-stakes standardised testing in the United States, following the parent-led Opt Out movement’s quest to dismantle neolib...
Abstract AS29: PARP inhibitor nano-therapy in ovarian cancer models

Introduction: Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitor therapy exploits a synthetic lethality strategy in cancers specifically endowed with inherent damage in DNA repair or transcription pathways. Olaparib is a potent PARP inhibitors that is currently indicated for oral inhibitor therapy in several clinical trials for a variety of cancers. Oral administration of these inhibitors in general results in poor bioavailability and tumor accumulation. Here we report the first novel nanoformulations customized for olaparib (NanoOlaparib), thus enabling a platform which provides a safe vehicle for intravenous delivery specifically targeted to the tumor, thereby increasing the bioavailability while reducing systemic toxicity. Methods: Two nanoparticle (120nm size) formulations NanoOlaparib and NanoOlaparibPt have been successfully formulated and tested in vitro on several cancer cell lines. Dose response curves over a dynamic range of nanoPARPi therapy on several cell lines PA-1, KURAMOCHI, OVSAHO, SKOV3, and 4306, were generated using MTS assay and EC509s were determined using Prism. The synergism due to chemosensitization using cisplatin was studied for both therapies using isobolograms developed from delayed viability assay. Results: In vitro studies Cell viability studies were carried out with NanoOlaparib and NanoOlaparibPt in OvCa cell lines. The highly Pt-sensitive cell line PA-1 is strongly responsive to NanoOlaparib (blue) and NanoOlaparibPt (grey) although it is not known to carry a germline BrCa mutation. The multi-drug resistant cell line SKOV-3 is also more responsive to NanoOlaparib and combination NanoOlaparibPt. In vivo studies A pilot study was carried out in an endometrial OvCa murine model with KRaS-PTEN deletion to test the nanoformulations for biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy. Bioluminescence images (Fig. 2) show tumor suppression of more than a nearly a factor of 3. All formulations were well tolerated. Conclusions: A robust nanoparticle formulation of the PARP inhibitor, Olaparib, has been successfully demonstrated. Both chemo sensitization and radio sensitization were studied in PC3, VCaP cell lines. Combinatorial administration of Nano (Olaparib+Cisplatin) showed greater cell death than Cisplatin alone or Cisplatin+ Olaparib/DMSO. We observed a significant enhancement in the cell killing ability (both immediate and delayed) with NanoOlaparib when compared to olaparib alone. Increased tumor accumulation and therapeutic efficacy were observed in prostate and breast cancer GEM models. These results show that NanoOlaparib amplifies the therapeutic efficacy of PARP inhibition and imply a very promising role for the nano-olaparib formulation in ovarian and other cancers. Citation Format: Shifalika Tangutoori, Paige Baldwin, Jamie Medina, Anders Ohman, Daniela Dinulescu, Srinivas Sridhar. PARP inhibitor nano-therapy in ovarian cancer models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr AS29.
Static Control Needs for Carpets

An extensive subjective test has been carried out to establish static control needs by carpet end use. Results from the test have been analyzed to establish a stochastic relationship between chance of objectionable shock and carpet-static test rating. The relationship, first established under laboratory conditions, was modified to include the effects of key environmental factors such as relative humidity, soiling, and traffic patterns. The effect of each factor on the basic relationship was analyzed separately. The cumulative results show that Antron® III carpets rated ≤3.5 kV by AATCC static propensity test offer shock-free performance in commercial applications. Similar performance in residential areas is achieved with carpets rated ≤4.5 kV.
Statistical thermodynamics of thermal diffusion factors in binary hydrocarbon mixtures – an application*

ABSTRACTThermal diffusion factors play key roles in the analysis of composition variation of the mixture components in hydrocarbon reservoirs and to ensure reliable formation fluid evaluation. This...
Monte Carlo Simulations of the Effect of a Turn Sequence in an Alanine-Based Peptide

Alanine-based peptides are known to form single alpha helical chains. Furthermore, PSDP sequences form turns in the two-helix bundle needle proteins from type III secretion systems. To determine if the PSDP sequence would bias an alanine-based peptide toward a two helix bundle, we have carried out Monte Carlo simulations of an alanine-based peptide with and without a PSDP sequence in the middle of the peptide. Because needle proteins are 40 to 45 residues in length, we used 42 residue peptides in our simulations. The alanine-based peptide consisted of a (AAAAAK)7 sequence which we call AK42, whereas the AK42_PSDP peptide inserted a PSDP sequence centrally by replacing the fourth repeat of (AAAAAK)7 with APSDPK. We carried out Replica Exchange Monte Carlo simulations on the two peptides using the CAMPARI simulation package. A total of 16 temperatures ranging from 280 K to 460 K were used to monitor the globule to coil transition for our two peptide models. Our data show a stabilization of the globule form of AK42_PSDP to higher temperatures when monitoring the radius of gyration (Rg) compared to that of AK42. We will also report on the position of chain reversals using clustering algorithms which allow us to see prominent structures at each temperature and thus the influence of the PSDP sequence on the narrowness of the conformational distribution of the alanine-based peptide.
Improving patient care through implementation of a QOPI-focused interactive patient note template.

197Background: Participation in the ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) has been shown to improve the quality and value of care provided by oncology practices. Our fellows’ oncology practice participates in QOPI. We sought to utilize QOPI metrics in conjunction with the documentation capabilities of our electronic medical record (EMR) to create a quality-focused standardized new patient note template to be used by all practitioners in our oncology clinic, in an effort to improve patient care through improved communication and efficiency. Methods: We examined the results from our most recent QOPI assessment cycle in spring of 2016 and identified areas where our practice met the metric less than 50% of the time. Oral chemotherapy, tobacco cessation, and fertility preservation counseling were identified as target areas. We surveyed the practitioners in the group to establish baseline knowledge of QOPI metrics and desire for a standardized note template. We then developed and implemented a note t...
Diffusion gradient boosting for networked learning

Using duality arguments from optimization theory, this work develops an effective distributed gradient boosting strategy for inference and classification by networked clusters of learners. By sharing local dual variables with their immediate neighbors through a diffusion learning protocol, the clusters are able to match the performance of centralized boosting solutions even when the individual clusters only have access to partial information about the feature space.
Learning About Consequences, Community, Creativity and Courage: Cultivating Compassion in Higher Education Leadership

Many believe that compassionate leadership is for the foolish and the weak. This chapter illustrates how compassion can lead to empowered choices that foster awareness of consequences, cultivation of creativity in the workplace and courage for enacting change. Such choices are associated with optimized workplace well-being and performance. Testimonials from higher education leaders who practice compassion in their workplace will be shared. In addition, the neuroscience that undergirds these practices will be highlighted along with ways that compassion training might be cultivated and measured in the workplace. The findings shared in this chapter illustrate that compassionate leadership is not associated with perceptions of weak leaders or disrespectful environments. Challenges to practicing compassion in higher education will be highlighted.
Elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase in AL amyloidosis reflects tissue damage and is an adverse prognostic marker in patients not eligible for stem cell transplantation

Summary The significance of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in light chain (AL) amyloidosis has not been previously explored. We studied 1019 newly diagnosed patients and correlated the elevation of LDH above the upper limit of normal (ULN) with disease characteristics and outcome. Four hundred and nine patients had an LDH above ULN, representing 40% of the study population. Patients with an elevated LDH were older, were less likely to be male and had more extensive organ involvement compared to patients with a normal LDH. Patients with high LDH had greater cardiac and renal dysfunction. Elevated LDH was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival and for death within 6 months of diagnosis, but this was restricted to patients not eligible for stem cell transplant. Serum LDH may act as a marker for organ damage and should be explored as a potential marker for tissue healing and organ recovery.
Implementations of CVD diamond on gan device layers: Optical characterization of wafer-scale stress uniformity

The use of CVD diamond films for electronic thermal management is quickly being realized as a viable application in high-power and high-temperature electronics, owing to the exceptional thermal properties of diamond and the recent advances in diamond CVD growth technology. In this study, a thick (~100 μm) CVD diamond film was grown on a 75-mm wafer consisting of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device layers. By removing the original growth substrate and transition nitride layers, the CVD diamond can be deposited on the back side of the wafer and used as a heat-spreading substrate in close proximity to the active region of the device layers. Ultraviolet (UV) and visible micro-Raman spectroscopy, as well as UV photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the stress distributions within the (~1 μm-thick) GaN active layer across the entire wafer. The shallow optical penetration depth of the UV excitation allows for measurements to be accomplished within the first ~100 nm of the material; measuring from both sides of the wafer yields separate stress information for the top and bottom regions of the GaN. Examinations of the stress profile across the wafer reveal an average tensile stress of ~ 0.86 GPa from the top side of the GaN layer (near the AlGaN/GaN interface) and a lower tensile stress of ~0.23 GPa from the bottom side (near the GaN/Diamond interface), resulting in a significant stress gradient along the growth direction of the material which is otherwise unexpected for a uniform layer. Factors influencing the stress and stress gradient will be presented and discussed, supported by results from finite element simulations of thermal growth stresses and electron microscopy of the device layers and interfaces.
Nilsson parameter set in the A≊120–140 region

New Nilsson (\ensuremath{\kappa},\ensuremath{\mu}) parameter sets for the proton N=4, 5, and 6 harmonic oscillator shells are deduced for the A\ensuremath{\approxeq}120--140 mass region by fitting a potential-energy-surface calculation, using the Nilsson-Strutinsky method, to 28 experimental bandhead energies. The results from both the standard and the fitted Nilsson (\ensuremath{\kappa},\ensuremath{\mu}) parameter sets are compared with experimental bandhead energies. The fitted (\ensuremath{\kappa},\ensuremath{\mu}) parameter sets achieve a significant improvement in the bandhead energies over this region. In addition, calculated single-particle levels using both the Woods-Saxon and the Nilsson potentials are compared.
Biologic Principles of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

During the past 25 years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become accepted as routine treatment for many patients with hematologic malignancies.
INVITED: Reducing Time and Effort in IC Implementation: A Roadmap of Challenges and Solutions

To reduce time and effort in IC implementation, fundamental challenges must be solved. First, the need for (expensive) humans must be removed wherever possible. Humans are skilled at predicting downstream flow failures, evaluating key early decisions such as RTL floorplanning, and deciding tool/flow options to apply to a given design. Achieving human-quality prediction, evaluation and decision-making will require new machine learning-centric models of both tools and designs. Second, to reduce design schedule, focus must return to the long-held dream of single-pass design. Future design tools and flows that never require iteration (i.e., that never fail, but without undue conservatism) demand new paradigms and core algorithms for parallel, cloud-based design automation. Third, learning-based models of tools and flows must continually improve with additional design experiences. Therefore, the EDA and design ecosystem must develop new infrastructure for ML model development and sharing.
Problem Set 3.1 – Membrane Potential, Action Potential, and Nerve Conduction

Publisher Summary This chapter presents various problem sets related to membrane potential, action potential, and nerve conduction in cells.