cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Cold Weather Flow Control and Runoff Treatment BMPs

The effectiveness of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in warm climates has been extensively researched. However, little research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of these BMPs for flow control and pollutant removal during cold weather conditions. Freezing conditions and short growing seasons can adversely affect the pollutant removal efficiency of BMPs by decreasing infiltration through frozen soils, inhibiting biological uptake, and decreasing residence times. In addition, deicers may compete for positively charged soil binding sites, thus increasing metal mobility. The objectives of this study were to determine how well BMPs in cold climates such as eastern Washington control runoff volumes and flow rates, and how efficiently they remove heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn). This will be determined by integrating the following three subcomponents (1) soil metal concentrations within various BMPs, (2) sampling and monitoring of runoff during storm events, and (3) quantifying metal transport as affected by deicing/anti icing agents in soil cores in a laboratory setting. Soil metals distributions within five eastern Washington stormwater treatment BMPs have been quantified by sampling at increasing distances and depths from culvert inlets. Results show a significant decrease in soil metals concentrations with depth in the upper
Room for improvement: Hydroclimatic challenges to poverty-reducing development of the Brahmaputra River basin

Abstract The Brahmaputra river is the largest (by annual discharge) of the three in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) system, and by itself carries more flow than all but 4 rivers in the world. It is the primary water source for over 130 million people, many of whom are mired in chronic poverty. The potential in the Brahmaputra River basin for poverty-reducing development of agriculture and hydropower is great. However, progress in these sectors and others has been hindered by significant natural and anthropogenic challenges. As they attempt to develop their water resources in a manner that reduces water-related vulnerabilities, the people of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Bhutan, Northeast India, and Bangladesh face a number of challenges, including: endemic poverty; floods; droughts; groundwater over-abstraction; political unrest; and the broader development ambitions of the member nations (leading to net import or export of resources from the basin). To those challenges have recently been added climate change and difficult decisions regarding hydropower development. A critical compounding factor in the Brahmaputra basin is the lack of an authoritative, reliable, and comprehensive network of basin-wide information on climate, streamflow, natural hazards, and economic factors, such as agricultural production, prices, and trade. Anthropocentric development in the Brahmaputra basin must balance the goal of immediate poverty reduction with the preservation of the vulnerable, rich natural heritage of the basin, in the interest both of intergenerational human equity, and biocentric egalitarianism. In the space allotted here, we provide a snapshot of the demographic and hydroclimatic characteristics of the basin of greatest concern to water system planners aiming at poverty reduction through sustainable development. We propose that the basin's hydro-climatological, economic, and political complexities are such that a basin-wide water system knowledge platform is needed to organize quantitative thinking on potential water-related investments in the basin.
Time-to-Treatment Failure As the Primary End Point of a First-Line Advanced Gastric Cancer Randomized Trial: How Confused Would You Want Us to Be?

TO THE EDITOR: We read the report by Guimbaud et al 1 with interestandappreciatetheirenormousefforttoconductthistrial.We, however, remain concerned regarding the study design, chosen primary end point, the two regimens investigated, and finally, the conclusions drawn. In general, both regimens performed poorly (the median duration of therapy was only 4 months) compared with previouslyreportedregimensdocetaxel,cisplatin,andfluorouacil;cisplatin andfluorouacil; or S1/cisplatin. 2,3 The overall grade 3 or 4 toxicity rate was unacceptably high (84% for epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil [ECF] and 69% for fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan [FOLFIRI]).Treatment-relatedmortalityofapproximately4%isalso high and not acceptable. Based on these results, one could argue that none of these two regimens should be recommended to our patients with advanced gastric cancer in the first-line setting. Contribution of epirubicin to prolongation of overall survival (OS) has never been documented and similarly, irinotecan never produced prolongation
VLSI implementation for a low power mobile OFDM receiver ASIC

An OFDM receiver ASIC specifically targeting mobile applications has been designed and fabricated. The receiver ASIC incorporates the digital front-end receiver, pre/post-FFT processing units, a 1024-point complex (I)FFT processor, channel estimator and corrector, all digital synchronization loops, and control and configuration interface. In this paper we describe the VLSI implementation and optimization for the ASIC that entails a compact design with low power dissipation. Finite-precision effects are analyzed to minimize the computation requirements for major signal processing blocks. Performance and implementation cost tradeoff on time/frequency synchronization and channel estimation are also analyzed. The final receiver ASIC dissipates only 32 mW while providing a date-rate of 8 Mb/s (uncoded) in highspeed mobile environments, making the chip suitable for packet-based mobile applications.
A comparative study of young ‘Thompson Seedless’ grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) under drip and furrow irrigation. II. Growth, water use efficiency and nitrogen partitioning

The response of 3-year-old grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cultivar ‘Thompson Seedless’) to furrow and drip irrigation was quantified in terms of water status, growth, and water use efficiency (WUE). Drip irrigation was applied daily according to best estimates of vineyard evapotranspiration while furrow irrigations were applied when 50% of the plant available soilwater content had been depleted. Drip and furrow irrigated vines showed similar water status (midday leaf water potential, Ψ1) and shoot growth patterns throughout the season. Dry weight partitioning was not significantly different between treatments but root mass was somewhat larger for the furrow than drip irrigated vines. Nitrogen concentrations of the fruit and roots were significantly (P < 0.05) less for the drip irrigated vines when compared with the furrow treatment. Similar WUE (kg water kg−1 fresh fruit wt.) were obtained for both treatments indicating that furrow irrigation was as efficient as drip irrigation under the conditions of this study. The data indicate that drip irrigation may increase the potential for control of vine growth by making vines more dependent on irrigation and N fertilization than furrow irrigation.
Can Information and Communication Technologies Make a Difference in the Development of Transition Economies

This article investigates the potential of information and communication technologies (ICT) for faster convergence of seven transition economies from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Russia (CEER) with the EU-15 and the U.S. income level. First, the article argues that ICT accelerated the convergence of the four new EU member states with the EU-15 (the case of technological leapfrogging) but decelerated convergence of Romania, Russia, and, to a lesser extent, Bulgaria and Slovakia (the case of a growing digital divide). This divergence was mainly because of the lower quality of the economic and institutional environment, which inhibited the diffusion of ICT. Second, the article shows that ICT has a large potential to increase long-term growth in transition countries. Third, it argues that the use of ICT has an important role in stimulating productivity growth at the industry level and that it offers considerable potential for faster productivity growth in non-ICT-using, “old economy” industries. Realizing this potential, however, will crucially depend on far-reaching structural reforms, business reorganization, investment in human capital, and well-designed public “push strategy.” These lessons are pertinent not only to transition economies, but also to most advanced developing countries.
Psychiatric comorbidities in women with Celiac Disease

Objective: Although the physical consequences of Celiac Disease are well studied, less is known about co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. This study examines psychiatric risk and comorbidities of women with Celiac Disease, who may be at increased risk for psychiatric symptoms (e.g. depression, and disordered eating behaviours). Methods: Women (N ¼177) with Celiac Disease responded to an extensive web-mediated survey assessing dietary compliance, illness symptoms, psychiatric functioning, and disordered eating. Results: Despite high reported dietary compliance, patients reported marked illness symptoms and impaired quality of life. A substantial minority endorsed symptoms that met criteria for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders: 37% (n ¼65) met the threshold suggesting depression, and 22% (n ¼39) for disorderedeating. Participants whosesymptomsexceeded these clinical thresholds reportedgreater perceived stress and reduced overall mental health, relative to women below the clinical cutoffs. Conclusions: Despite largely adhering to a gluten-free diet, a substantial subset of women with Celiac Disease report clinically relevant symptoms of depression and disordered eating; such symptoms are associated with increased psychosocial distress in other domains. These results suggest potential to improve the patient well-being through attention to psychosocial care, in addition to existing dietary recommendations for individuals with Celiac Disease.
The threshold bootstrap: a new approach to simulation output analysis

The threshold bootstrap (TB) is a promising new method of inference for a single autocorrelated data series, such as the output of a discrete event simulation. The method works by resampling runs of data created when the series crosses a threshold level, such as the series mean. We performed a Monte Carlo evaluation of the TB using three types of data: white noise, first-order autoregressive, and delays in an M/M/1 queue. The results show that the TB produces accurate and tight estimates of the standard deviation of the sample mean and valid confidence intervals.
Rheometric properties of canine vocal fold tissues: Variation with anatomic location

Objective To evaluate the in vitro rheometric properties of the canine vocal fold lamina propria and muscle at phonatory frequencies, and their changes with anatomic location.
Optical properties of crystalline MgF(2) from 115 nm to 400 nm.

The refractive index of MgF/sub 2/ is measured as a function of wavelength from 115 nm to 500 nm using a semicylindrical single crystal sample. (AIP)
Ethanol reverses the direction of long-term synaptic plasticity in the dorsomedial striatum.

The striatum is a critical structure for the control of voluntary behaviour, and striatal synaptic plasticity has been implicated in instrumental learning. As ethanol consumption can cause impairments in cognition, learning, and action selection, it is important to understand the effects of this drug on striatal function. In this study we examined the effects of ethanol on long-term synaptic plasticity in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a striatal subregion that plays a central role in the acquisition and selection of goal-directed actions. Ethanol was found to impair N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) dosedependently in the DMS, and to promote long-term depression (LTD) at the highest concentration (50 mm) used. These results suggest that ethanol, at a concentration usually associated with mild intoxication, could significantly change experience-dependent modification of corticostriatal circuits underlying the learning of goal-directed instrumental actions.
Crystallization and high-temperature structural stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays

The stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays at elevated temperatures was studied in dry oxygen as well as dry and humid argon environments. The tubes crystallized in the anatase phase at a temperature of about 280 °C irrespective of the ambient. Anatase crystallites formed inside the tube walls and transformed completely to rutile at about 620 °C in dry environments and 570 °C in humid argon. No discernible changes in the dimensions of the tubes were found when the heat treatment was performed in oxygen. However, variations of 10% and 20% in average inner diameter and wall thickness, respectively, were observed when annealing in a dry argon atmosphere at 580 °C for 3 h. Pore shrinkage was even more pronounced in humid argon environments. In all cases the nanotube architecture was found to be stable up to approximately 580 °C, above which oxidation and grain growth in the titanium support disrupted the overlying nanotube array.
Incorporating fabrication cost into topology optimization of discrete structures and lattices

In this article, we propose a method to incorporate fabrication cost in the topology optimization of light and stiff truss structures and periodic lattices. The fabrication cost of a design is estimated by assigning a unit cost to each truss element, meant to approximate the cost of element placement and associated connections. A regularized Heaviside step function is utilized to estimate the number of elements existing in the design domain. This makes the cost function smooth and differentiable, thus enabling the application of gradient-based optimization schemes. We demonstrate the proposed method with classic examples in structural engineering and in the design of a material lattice, illustrating the effect of the fabrication unit cost on the optimal topologies. We also show that the proposed method can be efficiently used to impose an upper bound on the allowed number of elements in the optimal design of a truss system. Importantly, compared to traditional approaches in structural topology optimization, the proposed algorithm reduces the computational time and reduces the dependency on the threshold used for element removal.
Regional gray matter correlates of perceived emotional intelligence

Coping with stressful life events requires a degree of skill in the ability to attend to, comprehend, label, communicate and regulate emotions. Individuals vary in the extent to which these skills are developed, with the term 'alexithymia' often applied in the clinical and personality literature to those individuals most compromised in these skills. Although a frontal lobe model of alexithymia is emerging, it is unclear whether such a model satisfactorily reflects brain-related patterns associated with perceived emotional intelligence at the facet level. To determine whether these trait meta-mood facets (ability to attend to, have clarity of and repair emotions) have unique gray matter volume correlates, a voxel-based morphometry study was conducted in 30 healthy adults using the Trait Meta Mood Scale while co-varying for potentially confounding sociodemographic variables. Poorer Attention to Emotion was associated with lower gray matter volume in clusters distributed primarily throughout the frontal lobe, with peak correlation in the left medial frontal gyrus. Poorer Mood Repair was related to lower gray matter volume in three clusters in frontal and inferior parietal areas, with peak correlation in the left anterior cingulate. No significant volumetric correlations emerged for the Clarity of Emotion facet. We discuss the localization of these areas in the context of cortical circuits known to be involved in processes of self-reflection and cognitive control.
Theory and design of signal-adapted FIR paraunitary filter banks

We study the design of signal-adapted FIR paraunitary filter banks, using energy compaction as the adaptation criterion. We present some important properties that globally optimal solutions to this optimization problem satisfy. In particular, we show that the optimal filters in the first channel of the filter bank are spectral factors of the solution to a linear semi-infinite programming (SIP) problem. The remaining filters are related to the first through a matrix eigenvector decomposition. We discuss uniqueness and sensitivity issues. The SIP problem is solved using a discretization method and a standard simplex algorithm. We also show how regularity constraints may be incorporated into the design problem to obtain globally optimal (in the energy compaction sense) filter banks with specified regularity. We also consider a problem in which the polyphase matrix implementation of the filter bank is constrained to be DCT based. Such constraints may also be incorporated into our optimization algorithm; therefore, we are able to obtain globally optimal filter banks subject to regularity and/or computational complexity constraints. Numerous experiments are presented to illustrate the main features that distinguish adapted and nonadapted filters, as well as the effects of the various constraints. The conjecture that energy compaction and coding gain optimization are equivalent design criteria is shown not to hold for FIR filter banks.
Policy Liberalization and US Merchandise Trade Growth, 1980-2006

This working paper draws on historical and contemporary data on tariffs, non tariff barriers, and transportation costs (for the United States and its major trading partners) to estimate the role of policy liberalization in US merchandise trade growth over the period 1980 to 2006. Both partial equilibrium analysis and computable general equilibrium analysis are used to make the estimates. Both methods indicate that roughly 25 percent of US trade growth since 1980 can be attributed to policy liberalization. Policy liberalization plays a larger role in US export growth (35 to 40 percent) than US import growth (25 percent). According to these estimates, policy liberalization accounts for almost all US merchandise growth in excess of growth that can be explained by expanding GDP in the United States and abroad.
Bang for the buck: improvising and scheduling verification engines for effective resource utilization

In practice, verification engines have to solve many checkers in a very tight time budget, especially, when the system to be analyzed is large, with many coverage criteria. To cope with such a situation, we propose improved and light-weight verification techniques that are built over the state-of-the-art engines such as bounded model checking (BMC), induction, and guided-simulation (directed testing). Specifically, we propose using control state reachability (CSR) information-- obtained from a given software system--to strengthen our induction-based proof engine. We also propose identifying and using lighthouses (or guide-posts)--intermediate control states--to simplify and reduce BMC instances, and to guide a simulation engine. We schedule these engines suitably to maximize the resource utilization. We implemented our techniques in a tool ACE, and integrated it in an industry strength software verification platform F--Soft to provide a robust and precise analysis framework. We show effectiveness of ACE on several industry and public benchmarks in a comparative study.
Quantitative trait loci for maximal exercise capacity phenotypes and their responses to training in the HERITAGE Family Study.

The purpose of this study was to identify regions of the human genome linked to maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2 max) and maximal power output (MPO), and their response to a standardized 20-wk endurance...
REVISITING CREDIT SCORING MODELS IN A BASEL 2 ENVIRONMENT

This paper discusses two of the primary motivating influences on the recentdevelopment/revisions of credit scoring models, i.e., the important implications ofBasel 2 s proposed capital requirements on credit assets and the enormous amountsand rates of defaults and bankruptcies in the US in 2001-2002. Two of the more prominent credit scoring techniques, Z-Score and KMV s EDF models, are reviewed. Finally, both models are assessed with respect to default probabilities in general and in particular to the infamous Enron debacle. In order to be effective, these and other credit risk models should be utilized by firms with a sincere credit risk culture.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Central Sleep Apnea in Infants with Laryngomalacia

ObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of and risk factors for central sleep apnea (CSA) in infants who are diagnosed with laryngomalacia.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingQuaternary care pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsWe performed a chart review in infants with laryngomalacia. All infants had diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) performed from 2003 to 2012. Infants who underwent supraglottoplasty or other upper airway surgery prior to PSG were excluded. CSA was defined as central apnea index ≥ 5. Demographic data, underlying diseases, and PSG data were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsFifty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the date PSG was performed was 3.4 ± 2.7 months. The prevalence of CSA in infants with laryngomalacia was 46.3%. Odds ratio (OR) of CSA was above 2.0 in patients with the following risk factors: underlying neurologic disease, hypotonia, or syndrome (OR = 2.5, P = .13), history of apparent life-threatening events (OR = 2.7, P = .19), premature infant...
Fecampia erythrocephala rediscovered: prevalence and distribution of a parasitoid of the European shore crab, Carcinus maenas

An ecological assessment of Fecampia erythrocephala, reporting its habitat distribution, abundance, host speci¢city, size-speci¢c prevalence, frequency distribution among hosts, eiect on host growth, and its site speci¢city within these hosts is presented. At the Isle of Man and near Plymouth, Fecampia erythrocephala cocoons were generally abundant on the undersides of rocks in the Ascophyllum and Fucus serratus zones. Infected crabs were also most common in these habitats. Both Carcinus maenas and Cancer pagurus were parasitized at similar prevalences, although the former species was relatively much more common in the habitats where the worm cocoons were abundant. Fecampia erythrocephala did not infect crabs larger than 11mm carapace width, and prevalence decreased signi¢cantly with crab size. Prevalences reached 11% in areas where cocoons were abundant. Together with the large size of these worms relative to the size of the host crabs and the observations on worm emergence, these life history features indicate that F. erythrocephala is a parasitoid of young shore crabs. Fecampia erythrocephala cocoon abundance is often high in localized areas and size-prevalence information suggests that worms mature rapidly in these crabs. This suggests that F. erythrocephala is an important contributor to crab mortality and to the ecology of shore crabs at these sites.
Mental Models: An Alternative Evaluation of a Sensemaking Approach to Ethics Instruction

In spite of the wide variety of approaches to ethics training it is still debatable which approach has the highest potential to enhance professionals’ integrity. The current effort assesses a novel curriculum that focuses on metacognitive reasoning strategies researchers use when making sense of day-to-day professional practices that have ethical implications. The evaluated trainings effectiveness was assessed by examining five key sensemaking processes, such as framing, emotion regulation, forecasting, self-reflection, and information integration that experts and novices apply in ethical decision-making. Mental models of trained and untrained graduate students, as well as faculty, working in the field of physical sciences were compared using a think-aloud protocol 6 months following the ethics training. Evaluation and comparison of the mental models of participants provided further validation evidence for sensemaking training. Specifically, it was found that trained students applied metacognitive reasoning strategies learned during training in their ethical decision-making that resulted in complex mental models focused on the objective assessment of the situation. Mental models of faculty and untrained students were externally-driven with a heavy focus on autobiographical processes. The study shows that sensemaking training has a potential to induce shifts in researchers’ mental models by making them more cognitively complex via the use of metacognitive reasoning strategies. Furthermore, field experts may benefit from sensemaking training to improve their ethical decision-making framework in highly complex, novel, and ambiguous situations.
Successes and Challenges of Interprofessional Physiologic Birth and Obstetric Emergency Simulations in a Nurse-Midwifery Education Program

This article describes childbirth simulation design and implementation within the nurse-midwifery education program at the University of California, San Francisco. Nurse-midwife and obstetrician faculty coordinators were supported by faculty from multiple professions and specialties in curriculum review and simulation development and implementation. The primary goal of the resulting technology-enhanced simulations of normal physiologic birth and obstetric emergencies was to assist learners' development of interprofessional competencies related to communication, teamwork, and patient-centered care. Trainees included nurse-midwifery students; residents in obstetrics, pediatrics, and family medicine; medical students; and advanced practice nursing students in pediatrics. The diversity of participant types and learning levels provided benefits and presented challenges to effective scenario-based simulation design among numerous other theoretical and logistical considerations. This project revealed practical solutions informed by emerging health sciences and education research literature, faculty experience, and formal course evaluations by learners. Best practices in simulation development and implementation were incorporated, including curriculum revision grounded in needs assessment, case- and event-based clinical scenarios, optimization of fidelity, and ample time for participant debriefing. Adequate preparation and attention to detail increased the immersive experience and benefits of simulation. Suggestions for fidelity enhancement are provided with examples of simulation scenarios, a timeline for preparations, and discussion topics to facilitate meaningful learning by maternity and newborn care providers and trainees in clinical and academic settings. Pre- and postsimulation measurements of knowledge, skills, and attitudes are ongoing and not reported. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
Relationship Between Multiple Joint Movements Using Fitts Law

Fitts Law predicts the time required to move to an object given the distance to the object's center and its size. Over the years, Fitts law has been tested on various body parts/joints such as the elbow, wrist, fingers and even tongues. In this paper, we extend Fitts law to model movement by multiple joints. To accomplish this, we first establish a relationship between the performances of different joints, using the concept of atomic movement. We define the atomic movement as the movement of the fastest joint from amongst the joints under consideration. We propose that every other joint movement is a multiple of this atomic movement.
Copper(I) Ethylene Complexes Supported by 1,3,5-Triazapentadienyl Ligands with Electron-Withdrawing Groups

The fluorinated 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligands [N{(C3F7)C(2-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]−, [N{(C3F7)C(4-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]−, [N{(C3F7)C(2-(CF3)C6H4)N}2]−, and [N{(C3F7)C(2-F,6-(CF3)C6H3)N}2]− have been used as supporting ligands in copper(I) ethylene chemistry. [N{(C3F7)C(2-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]Cu(C2H4) (7), [N{(C3F7)C(4-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]Cu(C2H4) (8), [N{(C3F7)C(2-(CF3)C6H4)N}2]Cu(C2H4) (9), and [N{(C3F7)C(2-F,6-(CF3)C6H3)N}2]Cu(C2H4) (10) are easily isolable, thermally stable solids and display their ethylene proton and carbon resonances in the δ 3.68–3.48 and 85.2–87.6 ppm regions, respectively. X-ray crystal structures reveal that 7–10 feature trigonal-planar copper sites and κ2-bonded, U-shaped triazapentadienyl ligands. The Cu(I) carbonyl adducts [N{(C3F7)C(2-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]Cu(CO)(NCCH3) (16) and [N{(C3F7)C(4-(NO2)C6H4)N}2]Cu(CO)(NCCH3) (17) have also been synthesized, and they have pseudotetrahedral copper sites. The CO stretching frequencies of the compounds 16 and 17 and ethylene 13C NMR chemical shift data of 7–10 suggest t...
Investigating acoustic diversity of fish aggregations in coral reef ecosystems from multifrequency fishery sonar surveys

Abstract Remote species classification using fisheries acoustic techniques in coral reef ecosystems remains one of the greatest hurdles in developing informative metrics and indicators required for ecosystem management. We reviewed long-term marine ecosystem acoustic surveys that have been carried out in the US Caribbean covering various coral reef habitat types and evaluated metrics that may be helpful in classifying multifrequency acoustic signatures of fish aggregations to taxonomic groups. We found that the energetic properties across frequencies, in particular the mean and the maximum volume backscattering coefficient, provided the majority of the discriminating power in separating schools and aggregations into distinct groups. To a lesser extent, school shape and geometry helped isolate a distinctive group of reef fishes based on shoaling behaviour. Schools and aggregations were clustered into five distinct groups. The use of underwater video surveys from a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) conducted in the proximity of the acoustic observations allowed us to associate the clusters with broad categories of species groups such as large predators, including fishery important species to small forage fishes. The remote classification methods described here are an important step toward improving marine ecosystem acoustics for the study and management of coral reef fish communities.
Analysis of polymorphism of mTOR gene in children with leukemia

Objective To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphism(rs2295080) in m TOR gene with the susceptibility to acute leukemia(AL) in Chinese children. Methods A case-control study was performed by recruitment of 180 children with AL and 296 healthy children as controls. The genotype of this SNP was detected using PCR-RFLP. The data were analyzed by SPSS19.0. Results There was a significant difference in genotypes in three groups(ALL, AML and control)(P=0.026). And the SNP was associated with AL, with G allele being higher in AL group than that in controls(OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.050-1.901, P=0.022). In ALL group, G allele was also higher than that in healthy group(OR=1.456, 95%CI: 1.052-2.015, P=0.023). However, no significant association was observed in AML patients(P=0.302). In addition, ALL patients with GG genotype were associated with disease severity compared with patients with TT or GT genotype(OR=2.044, 95%CI: 0.569-7.341). Conclusion The rs2295080 was associated with ALL, with G allele being a risk factor.
Expression of survivin in children with acute leukemia

Objective:To explore the expression of survivin in bone marrow cells from children with leukemia. Methods:The expression of survivin were detected in 54 children with leukemia and 36 control subjects by RT-PCR. The relationship between the early treatment response and survivin expression was analyzed in all leukemia children. Results:In control sample survivin was not detected,and survivin was detected in 41 leukemia patients. Its positive rate was 79.53%,and expression of survivin in leukemia was significant higher than that of control. Early complete remission rate in survivin positive children with leukemia was significantly lower than that in survivin negative ones. Conclusion:The detection of survivin expression in leukemia might provide a tool for diagnosis,prognosis and MRD of leukemia.
The role of deep processes controls on variation of compositions of adakitic rocks.

There are many geochemical similarities and significant dissimilarities among Adakite, early Archaean TTG suites and Yanshanian intermediate-acid magamtic rocks (" adakitic rocks" or potassic adakite) in eastern China. Simple geochemical parameters, such as silica content, Mg# and K2O content, show that TTG and "adakitic rocks" from eastern China are distinct from adakite, suggesting that they experienced different deep processes. Comparing with slab-melting generated adakite, the early Archaean TTG suites have higher SiO2 and lower Mg# and, potassic adakite from eastern China show lower Mg# and higher K2O. The higher-Mg# adakites imply that the ocean slab melting generated pristine adakite melts interacted with the mantle wedge. There is little convincing evidence for a direct mantle component in TTG, implying that accommodate TTG production through melting of hydrous basaltic material at the base of thickened crust, without modern-style subduction processes. The potassic adakite from eastern China may predominately experienced partial melting of underplated basaltic rocks (lower Mg# potassic adakite) , or delimitation-melting of lower crust and interacted with mantle peridotite ( higher Mg# potassic adakite), and followed assimilation and contamination of crustal intermediate-acid rocks. Potassic adakite might be generated from a basaltic underplated layer that was metasomated by small melt fractions from asthenosphere mantle. Adakitic magmatism is then an accompanying product of Yanshannian lithosphere thinning and magmatism, which may be related to a upwelling of mantle plume.
Community and social participation among adults with mobility impairments: A mixed methods study

Abstract Background Community and social participation is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by personal and environmental factors and is linked to a good quality of life and well-being. Individuals with mobility impairments are at risk of experiencing limitations in participating in community activities due to a wide range of factors. Objective To understand community participation as defined by adults with mobility impairments and to examine relationships among factors that influence community participation. Methods A mixed-methods study design was used. In-depth interviews of 13 adults with mobility impairments were conducted and themes related to community participation were identified. Data from the Americans' Changing Lives Survey were used to construct variables that mimic the themes from the qualitative phase and structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among those variables including community participation. Results Individuals with mobility impairments identified health and function, neighborhood factors and self-efficacy as possible factors influencing participation in community activities. Findings from the SEM suggest a strong causal pathway between health and function and community and social participation. Neighborhood factors and health and function had a significant impact on self-efficacy, and a possible indirect effect through self-efficacy on community and social participation. Conclusions Our study provides new empirical evidence that health and function have a significant impact on community and social participation. Our quantitative findings did not support the direct influence of neighborhood factors in community and social participation, yet these factors may have an indirect role by influencing the self-efficacy of individuals with mobility impairments.
Using Structural and Dynamic NMR Analyses to Dissect the Pathologic Function of a Novel Chemokine

Chemokines are small, secreted proteins that bind G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to orchestrate cellular chemotaxis in the immune system and beyond. While the ∼50 members of the chemokine family share a remarkably conserved tertiary structure, they still manage to coordinate diverse, non-redundant physiologic and pathologic functions in the human body. It is therefore assumed that more subtle nuances in the structure and dynamics of each chemokine-receptor pair are the key determinants of their biologic function. Here we present the molecular structure of CCL28, an especially intriguing chemokine recently identified to play a major role in asthma pathogenesis, solved by solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The structure reveals that while CCL28 adopts the conserved chemokine tertiary fold, it has a particularly curious structural feature not seen in other chemokines. An intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of ∼30 residues extends from the globular core of the chemokine, part of which is tethered by a non-conserved disulfide bond. Dynamic NMR experiments including backbone 1H-15N heteronuclear NOE measurements, heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) titrations, and pulsed field gradient (PFG) diffusion measurements collectively indicate the disordered, dynamic nature of the C-terminal extension. Combined with mutational and in vitro functional studies, our findings suggest that the unique structural and dynamic features of CCL28 may be key determinants of its pathologic function.
Effects of glutamine supplementation of an amino acid-based purified diet on intestinal mucosal integrity in cats with methotrexate-induced enteritis.

Objective To determine effects of glutamine-supplemented and glutamine-free amino acid-based purified diets, compared with a dry expanded diet, on intestinal structure and function in a model that used cats with methotrexate-induced enteritis. Animals 18 adult specific-pathogen-free cats. Procedure 12 cats were given intragastric feedings of an amino acid-based purified diet supplemented with glutamine (7% [wt:wt]) or an isonitrogenous amount of glycine and alanine; 6 cats consumed a dry expanded diet. After 21 days, cats received methotrexate (MTX; 11 mg/kg of body weight, IV). Intestinal permeability testing was performed immediately before and 66 hours after MTX administration. Celiotomy was performed 72 hours after MTX administration for aseptic removal of mesenteric lymph nodes, collection of full-thickness intestinal biopsy specimens, determination of intestinal cellular proliferation, and collection of aortic and portal venous blood samples for determination of arteriovenous amino acid concentrations across the intestine. Results Administration of MTX was associated with severe enterotoxicosis manifested as diarrhea (8/12 cats), vomiting (12/12), and positive results for bacterial culture of mesenteric lymph nodes (12/12) in cats receiving the purified diets, independent of glutamine supplementation. Diet did not affect villus tip length and villus surface area in the small intestine or cellular proliferation. Administration of MTX was associated with significantly increased intestinal permeability, which was not attenuated by glutamine supplementation. Conclusions Feeding of a glutamine-supplemented amino acid-based purified diet was unable to preserve intestinal function in cats with MTX-induced enteritis. Clinical relevance Intestinal morphologic alterations correlate poorly with intestinal function as measured by means of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability.
Chapter 18 – Transgenerational Epigenetics of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

Abstract The microbiome may play a role in vulnerability to toxicant-induced epigenetic alterations. One of the most significant categories of toxicants known, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are among those environmental factors most closely associated with the inheritance of epigenetic marks and associated phenotypes. EDCs constitute a wide array of different, naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals, including environmental chemicals, drugs, contaminants and primary constituents of foodstuffs, and chemicals found in many home-use products. Any chemical shown to disrupt endocrine homeostasis can be classified as an EDC. This chapter describes the evidence for the capacity of EDC exposure to produce epigenetic alterations that can be transmitted to future generations not coincidentally exposed to the EDC (transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic mark and/or phenotype). The importance of multigenerational epigenetic inheritance following EDC exposure, where cells associated with succeeding generations that were coincidentally-exposed to EDCs, is also discussed. The chapter concludes that multigenerational epigenetics is a critical component of the fetal basis of adult disease paradigm. Data on the inheritance of transgenerational epigenetic phenotypes in mammals, including humans, suggest the process is likely to occur. But with the degradation of epigenetic marks in transmission to the first fully unexposed generation and the lack of observed transmission of phenotypes in some studies, determination of the real biological and clinical significance of this process for humans will require additional research. Finally, the importance of beginning to include multi- and transgenerational epigenetics into human and wildlife risk assessment is discussed
Force and Torque

This chapter focuses on the prediction of electromagnetic force and torque. An energy‐based approach to the calculation of force and torque is set forth. If we can derive an expression for the amount of energy stored, the calculation of the force or torque will be straightforward. The chapter considers the energy stored by an electromechanical device. It focuses on evaluating the equation for the energy in the coupling field when the system flux linkage equations are of the form wherein current is a function of flux linkage and position. The field energy represents energy stored in a lossless and therefore conservative field. The chapter also considers the more common case where flux linkage is expressed as a function of current and position. It discusses the co‐energy, which is closely related to the field energy.
Robust consensus control with guaranteed rate of convergence using second-order Hurwitz polynomials

ABSTRACTThis paper considers homogeneous networks of general, linear time-invariant, second-order systems. We consider linear feedback controllers and require that the directed graph associated with the network contains a spanning tree and systems are stabilisable. We show that consensus with a guaranteed rate of convergence can always be achieved using linear state feedback. To achieve this, we provide a new and simple derivation of the conditions for a second-order polynomial with complex coefficients to be Hurwitz. We apply this result to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve consensus with networks whose graph Laplacian matrix may have complex eigenvalues. Based on the conditions found, methods to compute feedback gains are proposed. We show that gains can be chosen such that consensus is achieved robustly over a variety of communication structures and system dynamics. We also consider the use of static output feedback.
Abstract B16: Lymphatics in triple-negative breast cancer: Contribution to chemotherapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancers and is associated with a poorer prognosis and higher rate of distant recurrence compared to receptor positive breast cancer. Due to an absence of effective targeted therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard of care for TNBC patients. However, the aggressive nature of these tumors makes preventing progression to metastatic disease a priority in therapeutic strategy. Inhibition of lymphatic activation represents an attractive approach to reduce peritumoral lymphatic vessel recruitment and attenuate cancer cell invasion to lymph nodes and subsequent metastasis to distant sites. However, little is currently known regarding the role of lymphatics in TNBC and how common therapeutic strategies can influence lymphatic reactivity. We hypothesized that inhibiting lymphatic activation in combination with standard of care chemotherapy will enhance therapeutic response in TNBC. Methods: Our lab has developed a novel 3D tissue-engineered tri-culture system that recapitulates the tumor-lymphatic interface within the breast tumor microenvironment. It consists of a porous tissue culture insert on which we seed human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to form a monolayer on the underside. Atop the insert, we place Collagen I gel with human mammary fibroblasts and human breast cancer cells labeled with fluorescent Cell Tracker dye. After gelation, flow is applied via a pressure head and the system equilibrates overnight (16-18h). Drugs are applied via flow and then flushed from the system with basal media. After 48h from first application, gels are removed, dissociated, and analyzed via flow cytometry for death [Live/Dead and apoptosis (Caspase 3/7)], while the inserts are analyzed via microscopy for invaded cancer cells. Animal experiments were performed according to guidelines set forth by the UVA Animal Care and Use Committee. Twenty female Balb/c mice were implanted with 250,000 4T1 cells and treated with either anti-VEGFR3 antibody or IgG control and docetaxel (n=5 per group) or saline control once tumors were palpable. Tumors were dissected and dissociated once they reached 150 mm 3 , and analyzed via flow cytometry for stromal cell populations. Lungs were analyzed for metastases by cryosectioning and HE 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr B16.
The Tax War on Poverty

In recent years, the war on poverty has moved in large part into the tax code. Scholarship has started to note that the tax laws, which once exacerbated the problem of poverty, have become increasingly powerful tools that the federal government uses to fight against it. Yet questions remain about how this new tax war on poverty works, how it is different from the decades of non-tax anti-poverty policy and how it could improve. To answer these questions, this Article looks comprehensively at the provisions that make up the new tax war on poverty. First, this Article examines each major piece of the tax war on poverty. The Article looks at its mechanics of each, its political history and its effectiveness at addressing poverty. Second, this Article analyzes the tax war on poverty as a whole, identifying commonalities across its different provisions and highlighting its distinctive features. Third, this Article proposes ways that the tax war on poverty could be more effective. In particular, this Article examines how tax lawmakers and tax lawyers could approach this task. In so doing, this Article conceptualizes tax law as the new poverty law and proposes a growing role for public-interest tax lawyers.
Band bowing and the direct-to-indirect crossover in random BAlN alloys

Boron-containing nitride alloys such as BAlN are being explored as novel members of the nitride family of materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Using hybrid density functional calculations we determine structural properties, band gaps, and band-gap bowing of random wurtzite BAlN alloys. The fundamental band gap of BN is indirect while AlN is a direct-band-gap semiconductor. This leads to a crossover in the band gap from direct to indirect at $28%$ boron. We find that the direct band gap experiences extreme bowing, leading to a fundamental gap that changes very little up to 17% boron incorporation.
Anne J. Cruz y María Cristina Quintero, "Beyond Spain’s Borders" / Elizabeth Marie Cruz Petersen, "Women’s Somatic Training in Early Modern Spanish Theater"

Resena de Anne J. Cruz y Maria Cristina Quintero, Beyond Spain’s Borders: Women Players in Early Modern National Theaters , Routledge, Londres / Nueva York, 2017, 220 pp. ISBN: 9781138217997. / Elizabeth Marie Cruz Petersen, Women’s Somatic Training in Early Modern Spanish Theater , Routledge, Londres / Nueva York, 2017, 158 pp. ISBN: 9781472479846.