cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of oxyanions by spent western oil shale: I. arsenate

The partitioning of arsenate between Paraho indirectly retorted and directly retorted oil shales and a combusted oil shale was examined with batch equilibrium adsorption isotherms. Arsenate adsorption was found to conform to the Freundlich adsorption model, and the combusted oil shale was found to have the greatest affinity for arsenate. The indirectly and directly retorted oil shale samples did not have statistically different affinities for arsenate. The greater adsorption capacity of combusted oil shale for arsenate was attributed to greater surface area and free iron oxide. Arsenate adsorption by combusted oil shale was not reversible. Upon dilution of the solution phase, arsenate did not desorb. Upon dilution of the retorted oil shale solutions, arsenate continued to be removed from solution. An evaluation of metal arsenate stability in the spent oil shale systems indicated that the retorted oil shale solutions were highly supersaturated with respect to magnesium and barium arsenates, whereas the combusted oil shale solutions were not supersaturated. The data were interpreted to indicate that adsorption reactions control arsenate solubility at short reaction times. As reaction times increase, precipitation reactions control soluble arsenate concentrations.
Comparison of the Compaction Characterisitics of Selected Food Powders by Vibration, Tapping and Mechanical Compression

The compaction characteristics of selected powders in tapping could be described by either Sone's model or by a single term exponential equation. The Hausner ratio, i.e., the ratio between tapped and loose density, calculated by using these models was found to be a sensitive and useful indictor of the compaction mechanism in different types of tapping tests. The latter, especially where particle attrition was evident, could produce distinctly different compaction patterns. No correlation was found between these powders, Hausner's ratio, and their compressibility in mechanical compaction.
Neuroscience: strength in numbers.

To store information, the brain modulates synapses, which mediate communication between neurons. A closer look hints that subcellular changes in response to groups of synapses facilitate this process.
Real estate services structure evolution with internet and SWOT analysis

The purpose of this research is to analyse the impact of the internet on the real estate purchase transaction. The research issues we are interested in are: how to specify formally the evolution of real estate transactions? How the structure of the real estate transactions changes? What corporate strategies the online real estate companies bring to the market compared to traditional services? We use the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to describe the purchase transaction in the real estate industry both traditional and using the internet. We concentrate in this paper on activity and sequence diagrams. We discuss the changes relating to the agent role. Then, we map the range of services offered by the real estate websites within the geographical reach to describe the real estate structure change. Lastly, we evaluate corporate strategies for both traditional and online real estate companies using SWOT analysis. This shows the advantages and disadvantages of each case.
Abstract 2341: Curcumin targets a stem-like subpopulation of Lewis lung carcinoma cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Curcumin, an active component of the spice turmeric, can exert cytotoxic effects on cancer cells without harming normal tissues. The objectives of this investigation were to a) determine the effects of different doses and durations of curcumin exposure on Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells; b) characterize any curcumin-resistant LLC subpopulation, which may include cancer stem cells (CSCs); and c) demonstrate whether curcumin's cytotoxic effects are enhanced by visible light. Cultured LLC cells were exposed to 10-60 μM curcumin for 2, 4, 8, 16 and 30 hrs at 37°C. After incubation, the cell density was measured by the absorbance of crystal violet staining. The results confirmed that curcumin eliminates LLC cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. We then chose 60 μM curcumin, which caused the highest cell loss (>99%), to select for a curcumin-surviving subpopulation. A cell line established from the survivors was found to have slower growth rate, expressed lower levels of NFκB and aldehyde dehydrogenase (two CSC markers). Tumors developed when syngeneic mice were injected with either LLC cells or the surviving line, although tumor growth appeared slower for the surviving line. The results indicate that curcumin exerts damaging effects not only on cancer cells but also on CSCs. The efficacy of curcumin is hampered outside the digestive tract because of its low bioavailability. To test enhancement of curcumin effects by light, we exposed LLC cells to curcumin and visible light simultaneously. This combination caused greater damage to LLC cells than curcumin or light alone. Our results support a role for curcumin as an anti-cancer agent, especially when combined with visible light or other radiation sources. 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 2341. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2341
Time-Domain Algorithm for Locating Evolving Faults

Evolving faults are faults beginning in one phase of a distribution circuit and spreading to another phase after a few cycles. This paper develops a time-domain algorithm for estimating the location of such faults. The algorithm is divided into two parts, namely, the single line-to-ground portion of the fault and the line-to-line-to-ground portion of the fault. The arc voltage that exists during faults is taken into consideration while deriving this methodology. For the single line-to-ground portion of the fault, the distance to the fault is estimated in terms of the loop or self-reactance between the monitor and the fault. On the other hand, for the line-to-line-to-ground and line-to-line portion of the fault the distance is estimated in terms of the positive-sequence reactance. The reactance-to-fault estimate is more robust than that of the resistance-to-fault, because it is unaffected by fault resistance. Two evolving fault cases and two line-to-line fault cases are analyzed in detail and the error in the location estimates is found to be below 10% in each case. Ten additional cases are analyzed and linear regression analysis is conducted to demonstrate the accuracy of the fault location estimates.
Glucocorticosteroids Inhibit Leukotriene Production

Background The mode of action of corticosteroids, important drugs in the treatment of inflammatory disease, is not yet fully understood. Corticosteroids are known to inhibit phospholipase A 2 in unprimed eosinophils and basophils, preventing leukotriene synthesis, but their effect on cells that are already primed is unknown. Objective As inflammatory cells from atopic subjects are often primed in vivo, we studied the effects of two potent corticosteroids on basophil sulfidoleukotriene production in peripheral blood mixed leukocytes (PBML) from in-season and out-of-season atopic individuals. Methods Cells were incubated for 24 hours with mometasone furoate or beclomethasone dipropionate, primed with IL-3, stimulated with calcium ionophore, buffer, allergen or anti-IgE, and leukotriene production was quantified. Results Peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from five of ten donors (in season) produced elevated sulfidoLeukocyteendothelial without a stimulus; cells from seven donors responded to anti-IgE by increased sulfidoLeukocyteendothelial. Neither steroid consistently affected sulfidoleukotriene production in anti-IgE-stimulated cells which were releasing sulfidoLeukocyteendothelial in the absence of a stimulant. In comparison, sulfidoleukotriene production was significantly reduced by 0.01 to 10 nM beclomethasone dipropionate or mometasone furoate when the cells were primed with IL-3 after exposure to the drug and stimulated with calcium ionophore of allergen, but no dose-relationship was apparent. Leukotriene production by PBML in response to anti-IgE was potently inhibited by all concentrations of mometasone furoate (0.01 nM to 1 micromole) with an inhibitory concentration 50 of less than 0.01 nM. Beclomethasone dipropionate inhibited sulfidoleukotriene production in this group (inhibitory concentration 50 6 nM) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Sulfidoleukotriene production and, conceivably, priming may be more effectively inhibited by mometasone furoate than beclomethasone dipropionate.
The effect of chlorophenoxyisobutyrate on plasma composition of cholesteryl esters and on levels of neutral lipids.

Summary The plasma composition of cholesteryl ester fatty acids and levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were determined individually in 13 patients with coronary heart disease. Measurements were made before, during and after treatment with CPIB. In all patients CPIB decreased the proportion of cholesteryl linoleate and increased oleate and palmitoleate. Serum triglyceride levels were reduced in more patients and to a greater extent than cholesterol. The relationship of these findings to those in the recent literature are discussed.
Sensitivity of growth of roots versus leaves to water stress: biophysical analysis and relation to water transport

Water transport is an integral part of the process of growth by cell expansion and accounts for most of the increase in cell volume characterizing growth. Under water deficiency, growth is readily inhibited and growth of roots is favoured over that of leaves. The mechanisms underlying this differential response are examined in terms of Lockhart's equations and water transport. For roots, when water potential (Ψ) is suddenly reduced, osmotic adjustment occurs rapidly to allow partial turgor recovery and re-establishment of Ψ gradient for water uptake, and the loosening ability of the cell wall increases as indicated by a rapid decline in yield-threshold turgor. These adjustments permit roots to resume growth under low Ψ. In contrast, in leaves under reductions in Ψ of similar magnitude, osmotic adjustment occurs slowly and wall loosening ability either does not increase substantially or actually decreases, leading to marked growth inhibition. The growth region of both roots and leaves are hydraulically isolated from the vascular system. This isolation protects the root from low Ψ in the mature xylem and facilitates the continued growth into new moist soil volume. Simulations with a leaky cable model that includes a sink term for growth water uptake show that growth zone Ψ is barely affected by soil water removal through transpiration. On the other hand, hydraulic isolation dictates that Ψ of the leaf growth region would be low and subjected to further reduction by high evaporative demand. Thus, a combination of transport and changes in growth parameters is proposed as the mechanism co-ordinating the growth of the two organs under conditions of soil moisture depletion. The model simulation also showed that roots behave as reversibly leaky cable in water uptake. Some field data on root water extraction and vertical profiles of Ψ in shoots are viewed as manifestations of these basic phenomena. Also discussed is the trade-off between high xylem conductance and strong osmotic adjustment.
What does US$1.1 billion buy? An investment in the future

When Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the inclusion of a substantial investment in comparative effectiveness research (CER) was part of a larger US$21 billion investment in research in response to the influential National Academies of Science 2007 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which called for the sharp expansion of publicly-funded research and development to stave off competition from China and elsewhere [1]. The CER investment was also seen as an important step toward producing findings that would help shift our health care system toward better outcomes and more effective and efficient care – one of the newly elected president’s campaign platforms. 5 years later, a mid-course evaluation of the scope and early impact of these funds provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of federal funding in building new communities of science as well as the challenges inherent in evaluating the impact of investments in research and its critical i nfrastructure. At the time of the passage of ARRA, 54% of Americans believed that CER would improve health care and there was a growing consensus that information from CER was needed to slow the growth in health care costs and improve quality [2–4]. Consistent with the need to disperse funds quickly – after all, the funds were part of an economic stimulus – priorities were established quickly [5,6], solicitations published, and grants and contracts awarded by existing federal agencies. The priorities published by the IOM and the Department of Health and Human Services made clear that investments in data, methods, workforce and dissemination were needed in addition to actual research studies to build this new community of science. Indeed, more than 50% of the total investment was spent on these infrastructure building activities [7]. The final portfolio addressed 65 of the 100 IOM priorities and was also responsive to the reports’ calls for attending to priority population needs, treatment heterogeneity and health di sparities.
The tokamak Monte Carlo fast ion module NUBEAM in the National Transport Code Collaboration library

The NUBEAM module is a comprehensive computational model for Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) in tokamaks. It is used to compute power deposition, driven current, momentum transfer, fueling, and other profiles in tokamak plasmas due to NBI. NUBEAM computes the time-dependent deposition and slowing down of the fast ions produced by NBI, taking into consideration beam geometry and composition, ion-neutral interactions (atomic physics), anomalous diffusion of fast ions, the effects of large scale instabilities, the effect of magnetic ripple, and finite Larmor radius effects. The NUBEAM module can also treat fusion product ions that contribute to alpha heating and ash accumulation, whether or not NBI is present. These physical phenomena are important in simulations of present day tokamaks and projections to future devices such as ITER. The NUBEAM module was extracted from the TRANSP integrated modeling code, using standards of the National Transport Code Collaboration (NTCC), and was submitted to the NTCC module library (http://w3.pppl.gov/NTCC). This paper describes the physical processes computed in the NUBEAM module, together with a summary of the numerical techniques that are used. The structure of the NUBEAM module is described, including its dependence on other NTCC library modules. Finally, a description of the procedure for setting up input data for the NUBEAM module and making use of the output is outlined.
Sternotomy or bilateral thoracoscopy: pain and postoperative complications after lung-volume reduction surgery

OBJECTIVES: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and median sternotomy (MS) are two approaches in lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS). This study focused on the two surgical approaches with regard to postoperative pain. METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized study, pain was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the brief pain inventory (BPI). Incentive spirometry (IS) assessed restriction of the thoracic cage due to pain. Factors associated with treatment complications, medication usage, hospital stay, operating times, and chest-tube duration differences were examined between groups. RESULTS: Of 85 patients undergoing LVRS, 23 patients underwent reduction via MS and 62 patients via bilateral VATS. VAS scores revealed no difference in postoperative pain except for VAS scores on days 6 (PM) and 7 (PM). BPI scores yielded higher scores in the VATS group on postoperative day (POD) 1 in the reactive dimension, but no other overall differences. MS patients receiving tramadol consumed a higher mean amount than VATS patients on POD 5 and POD 6. IS change from baseline to postoperative were similar between groups, and increased pain correlated with decreased IS scores on POD 1. Chest-tube duration, complications, and pain medication were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral VATS and MS offer similar outcomes with regard to postoperative pain and complications. These results suggest that the choice of LVRS operative approach should be dependent on disease presentation, surgeon expertise, and patient preference, not based upon differences in perceived postoperative pain between MS and bilateral VATS.
Adenotonsillectomy improves quality of life in children with sleep-disordered breathing regardless of nocturnal enuresis outcome.

Summary Background Nocturnal enuresis (NE) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have both been associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The following were investigated: (1) whether tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (TA p Conclusions T&A significantly improved HRQoL in all children with SDB and NE, regardless of NE outcomes. These findings support recommendations for T&A in children with SDB with or without NE. Table . Study group (N = 30) Scales Pre-T&A Post-T&A P-Value OSAS-18 total score, mean (SD) 64.60 (25.9) 30.87 (13.8) PSQ total score, mean (SD) 0.55 (0.1) 0.27 (0.1)
An Optical Probe for Noninvasive Molecular Imaging of Orthotopic Brain Tumors Overexpressing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

We have developed a near-infrared (NIR) probe that targets cells overexpressing the EGF receptor (EGFR) for imaging glioblastoma brain tumors in live subjects. A peptide specific for the EGFR was modified with various lengths of monodiscrete polyethylene glycol (PEG) units and a NIR Cy5.5 fluorescence dye. The lead compound, compound 2, with one unit of PEG displayed good binding (8.9 μmol/L) and cellular uptake in glioblastoma cells overexpressing EGFR in vitro. The in vivo studies have shown that the probe was able to selectively label glioblastoma-derived orthotopic brain tumors. In vivo image analyses of peptide binding to the tumors using fluorescence-mediated molecular tomography revealed that the compound could distinguish between tumors expressing different levels of EGFR. The data presented here represent the first demonstration of differential quantitation of tumors expressing EGFR in live animals by a targeted NIR fluorescence probe using a molecular imaging device.
A Chloroacetamidine-based Inactivator of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1: Design, Synthesis, and in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the post-translational methylation of arginine residues. PRMT1 is the predominant mammalian isozyme, and is responsible for generating the majority of the asymmetrically dimethylated arginine found in vivo. The dysregulation of this enzyme has been implicated in heart disease and cancer; thus, its inhibition would be useful in the treatment of these diseases. Herein, we describe the most potent PRMT1 inhibitor described to date. This compound, denoted C21, is a chloroacetamidine-containing peptide that is able to irreversibly bind and inactivate the enzyme selectively. We have also shown that the coactivator activity of PRMT1 is selectively inhibited by the compound in cellulo.
A Multi-Method Process Evaluation for a Skin Cancer Prevention Diffusion Trial

This article describes process evaluation methods for the Pool Cool diffusion trial across 4 years. Pool Cool is a skin cancer prevention program that was found to improve behaviors and environments for sun protection at swimming pools in a randomized efficacy trial, which was followed by a national diffusion trial. The process evaluation focus shifted from measuring program satisfaction to assessing widespread program implementation, barriers and facilitators to implementation, and program maintenance and sustainability. Data collection methods include training surveys, database tracking, field coordinator activity logs, e-mails, surveys of parents, lifeguards and pool managers, and process evaluation interviews and site visits. The data revealed high levels of implementation of major program components when disseminated in the diffusion trial, including sun safety lessons, sun safety signs, and sunscreen use. This article describes program features and participant factors that facilitated local implementation, maintenance and sustainability across dispersed pools such as linkage agents, a packaged program, and adaptations of program elements.
Longitudinal association between medication adherence and lung health in people with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Background This study examined the relationship of medication adherence to frequency of pulmonary exacerbation and rate of decline in FEV 1 % predicted (FEV 1 ). Methods 95 CF patients aged 6years or older and prescribed a pulmonary medication, were enrolled in a longitudinal retrospective review of medication adherence and health outcomes (the occurrence and frequency of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatments and FEV 1 ) over 12-months. Pharmacy refill records were used to calculate a medication possession ratio (MPR). Results Composite MPR predicted the occurrence of at least one pulmonary exacerbation requiring a course of IV antibiotics (IRR=2.34, p=0.05), but not the frequency of exacerbations, after controlling for gender, baseline FEV 1, and regimen complexity. Composite MPR predicted baseline FEV 1 (estimate=29.81, p=.007), but not decline in FEV 1 . Conclusions These results demonstrate a significant relation between medication adherence and IV antibiotics in CF patients, highlighting the importance of addressing adherence during clinic visits to improve health outcomes.
Short-term plasticity in children's speech motor systems.

Speech production is a highly skilled behavior that requires rapid and coordinated movements of the orofacial articulators. Previous studies of speech development have shown that children have more variable articulatory movements compared to adults, and cross-sectional studies have revealed that a gradual transition to more stable movement patterns occurs with age. The focus of the present investigation is on the potential role of short-term changes in speech motor performance related to practice. Thus we developed a paradigm to examine the influences of phonological complexity and practice on children (9 and 10-year-olds) and adults' production of novel nonwords. Using two indices that reflect the degree of trial-to-trial consistency of articulatory movements, we analyzed the first and last five productions of the novel nonwords. Both children and adults accurately produced the novel nonwords; however, children showed a practice effect; their last five trials were more consistently produced than their first five trials. Adults did not show this practice effect. This study provides new evidence that children show short-term changes in their speech coordinative patterns with practice. In addition, the present findings support the contribution of neuromotor noise or background, inherent variability to speech motor development. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 48: 660-674, 2006.
Global Bifurcation Points and the Transversality Condition

In this paper we use a well known and well studied power system example to illustrate a new global bifurcation phenomenon. The bifurcation occurs when the transversality condition is violated.
Celikalim (WAY-120491) Increases K+ Outward Flux in Dog and Human Airway Smooth Muscle

Abstract Summary: The ability of the potassium channel opener celikalim (WAY-120491) to increase potassium conductance in airway smooth muscle cells was investigated. The rate of 86 Rb + efflux was measured from dog trachealis muscle strips and human trachealis smooth muscle cells in culture. Whole-cell currents were recorded from dog trachealis smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated using the nystatin-perforated patch technique. Celikalim (1-10 μM) enhanced the rate of 86 Rb + efflux from dog airway smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. At 1 μM, the rate of 86 Rb + efflux was enhanced by 25% in human airway smooth muscle cells. In current recordings, celikalim (1 μM) elicited a glyburide-sensitive outward current, increasing the steady-state current from 367±20 pA to 688±172 pA at +20 mV (n=5). At -60 mV, a voltage closer to the resting potential, the holding current was increased by only +26±15 pA (n=5). This smaller increase was sufficient to hyperpolarize the membrane by 8 mV. These results indicate that celikalim is a potent potassium channel opener in dog and human airway smooth muscles. The present data support the hypothesis that an increase in resting K + conductance by potassium channel openers may account for their relaxing effect in airway smooth muscles.
Ontogenetic sequence reconstruction and sequence polymorphism in extinct taxa: an example using early tetrapods (Tetrapoda: Lepospondyli)

Ontogenetic sequence reconstruction is challenging particularly for extinct taxa because of when, where, and how fossils preserve. Different methods of reconstruction exist, but the effects of preservational bias, the applicability of size-independent methods, and the prevalence of sequence polymorphism (intraspecific variation) remain unexplored for paleontological data. Here I compare five different methods of ontogenetic sequence reconstruction and their effects on the detection of sequence polymorphism, using a large collection of the extinct vertebrates Microbrachis pelikani and Hyloplesion longicostatum. The postcranial ossification sequences presented here for those taxa are the first examples known for extinct lepospondyls. Sequences were reconstructed according to skull length, trunk length, increasing number of ontogenetic events, majority-rule consensus, and Ontogenetic Sequence Analysis (OSA). Results generally were in agreement, demonstrating that paleontological data may be used to robustly reconstruct developmental patterns. When reconstructing sequences based on fossils, size-based methods and OSA are more objective and less dependent on preservational bias than other techniques. Apart from the other methods, OSA also allows for statistical analysis of observed and predicted polymorphism. However, OSA requires a large sample size to yield meaningful results, and size-based methods are justified in paleontological studies when sample size is limited by poor preservation. Different methods of reconstruction detected different patterns of sequence polymorphism, although across all methods the magnitude of sequence variation for M. pelikani and H. longicostatum (1.3−3.4%) was within the lower range of values reported for extant vertebrates. Compared with other extinct and extant tetrapods, all sequence reconstruction methods consistently showed that M. pelikani and H. longicostatum exhibit advanced ossification of the pubis and delayed ossification of the scapula. However, the postcranial ossification sequences of these two taxa largely are congruent with those of other tetrapods, suggesting an underlying conservative ancestral pattern that evolved early in tetrapod history.
Telomere regions in Drosophila share complex DNA sequences with pericentric heterochromatin

Abstract A 12 kb fragment of Drosophila melanogaster DNA cloned in a lambdaphage, λT-A, is shown by in situ hybridization to contain sequences homologous to DNA at the extreme ends of each of the polytene chromosomes and to the pericentric sequences present in the beta heterochromatin. This pattern of hybridization is seen for each of the four D. melanogaster stocks that have been studied. Most of the sequence in λT-A shows no detectable homology to DNA within the banded chromosome arms. (The only exception is what appears to be a short mobile element inserted in λT-A. This portion of λT-A hybridizes with internal arm sites that vary from stock to stock). Analysis of restriction fragments of genomic DNA indicates that the sequences in λT-A are homologous to complex sets of repeated sequences that differ from stock to stock in D. melanogaster. Some, but not all, of the members of these sets are underreplicated during polytenization in D. melanogaster. The sequences in λT-A are also homologous to complex sets of repeated sequences in the genomes of other Drosophila species belonging to the melanogaster species group. Pericentric and telomeric localization is conserved in these related species, although analysis of DNA fragments shows marked changes in sequence organization on a finer scale. The constancy of the localization of λT-A-homologous sequences to telomeric and pericentric regions suggests that these sequences serve a function in those regions.
The gateway system: uniform Web based access to remote resources

Exploiting our experience developing the WebFlow system, we designed the Gateway system to provide seamless and secure access to computational resources at ASC MSRC. The Gateway follows our commodity components strategy, and it is implemented as a modern three-tier system. Tier 1 is a high-level front-end for visual programming, steering, run-time data analysis and visualization, built on top of the Web and OO commodity standards. Distributed object-based, scalable, and reusable Web server and Object broker middleware forms Tier 2. Back-end services comprise Tier 3. In particular, access to high performance computational resources is provided by implementing the emerging standard for metacomputing API.
Pooled analysis of the association of PTGS2 rs5275 polymorphism and NSAID use with invasive ovarian carcinoma risk.

Inflammation is postulated to play an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) is responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins in response to inflammation. In a pooled analysis of two population-based studies, the Hawaii Ovarian Cancer Case–Control Study and the New England Case–Control Study, including 1,025 women with invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1,687 cancer-free controls, the association of ovarian cancer risk with the PTGS2 rs5275 polymorphism and the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were examined. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. In the pooled analysis, the CC genotype was associated with a reduced risk of nonserous ovarian carcinoma (OR = 0.66; CI: 0.44–0.98). In addition, the lowest risk was observed among carriers of the CC genotype who were users of only nonaspirin NSAIDs (OR = 0.43; CI:0.20–0.93) in all women combined. The association of PTGS2 rs5275 with nonserous ovarian carcinoma and possible effect modification by NSAID use needs further validation, preferably in prospective studies.
An integration resolution algorithm for mining multiple branches in version control systems

The high cost of software maintenance necessitates methods to improve the efficiency of the maintenance process. Such methods typically need a vast amount of knowledge about a system, which is often mined from software repositories. Collecting this data becomes a challenge if the system was developed using multiple code branches. In this paper we present an integration resolution algorithm that facilitates data collection across multiple code branches. The algorithm tracks code integrations across different branches and associates code changes in the main development branch with corresponding changes in other branches. We provide evidence for the practical relevance of this algorithm during the development of the Windows Vista Service Pack 2.
The compounding parameter in second language acquisition

This article presents an experimental study investigating the compounding parameter in the L2 Spanish interlanguage of English and French NSs in light of the Subset Principle and its predictions for the process of L2 development. The compounding parameter (Snyder, 1995, 2001) argues that languages permit complex predicate constructions like verb particles, resultatives, and double objects if and only if they can productively form N-N compounds. English exhibits the plus value of the parameter, allowing N-N compounds and the related constructions, whereas in Spanish and French these compounds and constructions are ungrammatical. Because English also allows periphrastic constructions of the same meaning, which are the only option in French and Spanish, English represents the superset parameter value to the Spanish and French subset value. At issue is whether L2 learners are able to acquire the subset value of the compounding parameter based on the naturalistic input they receive. In this case, the learning task involves realizing that some L1 constructions are unavailable in the L2. Results indicate that the learners initially transfer the L1 (superset) value and do not start with the subset value of the parameter. Findings also inform the debate on whether negative evidence can engage UG-related acquisition. Ten of the 26 advanced subjects were able to successfully reset the whole parameter based on negative data for only two of the four constructions in the cluster. This fact suggests that it is not impossible for negative evidence to be utilized in grammar reorganization.
Quantitative assessment of single-cell RNA-sequencing methods

Interest in single-cell whole-transcriptome analysis is growing rapidly, especially for profiling rare or heterogeneous populations of cells. We compared commercially available single-cell RNA amplification methods with both microliter and nanoliter volumes, using sequence from bulk total RNA and multiplexed quantitative PCR as benchmarks to systematically evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of various single-cell RNA-seq approaches. We show that single-cell RNA-seq can be used to perform accurate quantitative transcriptome measurement in individual cells with a relatively small number of sequencing reads and that sequencing large numbers of single cells can recapitulate bulk transcriptome complexity.
Trust in God, Forgiveness by God, and Death Anxiety:

Research on religion and death anxiety has produced many contradictory findings. These conflicting findings arise, in part, from inadequacies in the measurement of religion as well as problems with the way the data have been analyzed. The purpose of the current study is to develop and empirically evaluate a conceptual model that contains the following core hypotheses: (a) People who go to church more often will receive more spiritual support from fellow church members (spiritual support is assistance provided by coreligionists for the explicit purpose of increasing the religious beliefs and practices of the recipient). (b) Individuals who receive more spiritual support will be more likely to trust God. (c) Those who trust God more deeply will be more likely to feel forgiven by Him. (d) People who feel forgiven by God will experience less death anxiety. Findings from a recent nationwide survey provide support for each hypothesis.
Studying Online Activism: The Effects of Sampling Design on Findings

*† Social movement scholars are increasingly interested in Internet activism but have struggled to find robust methods for identifying cases, particularly representative samples of online protest content, given that no population list exists. This article reviews early approaches to this problem, focusing on three recent case sampling designs that attempt to address this problem. The first approach purposively samples from an organizationally based sampling frame. The second approach randomly samples from a SMO-based sampling frame. The third approach mimics user routines to identify populations of “reachable” websites on a given topic, which are then randomly sampled. For each approach, I examine the sampling frame and sampling method to understand how cases were selected, outline the assumptions built into the overall sampling design, and discuss an exemplary research project employing each design. Comparisons of findings from these exemplar studies indicate that sampling designs are extremely consequential. I close by recommending best practices. Information communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly playing an important role in protest and broader social movements. It is critical, therefore, that scholars design and execute rigorous research programs to investigate how ICTs are used by protesters and organizers and how that usage affects social movements substantively and theoretically. This kind of investtigation often quickly turns to studying protest-relevant material that can be found online in search of both descriptive and causal insights. For instance, descriptive questions such as the percentage of protest-related websites that support offline protests and/or offer online avenues for protest participation are important issues, as are the relationships between organizational sponsorship and kinds of activities offered. The standard resolution to the need for population estimates is to identify an excellent sampling frame and then randomly sample from it. Unfortunately, it has proven quite difficult to identify population lists of online protest content or actions that can serve as good sampling frames, which has substantially complicated case selection and made understanding the contours of protest content online much more difficult. In the face of such a daunting methodological dilemma, a variety of approaches to case selection have been pursued. For instance, case studies where cases were selected because of their notoriety, popularity, success, or the importance of the offline organizations sponsoring selected websites have been common (e.g., Bennett and Fielding 1999; Martinez-Torres 2001) because they side-step the need for sampling. Nonetheless, a number of scholars have tried to move beyond single case studies to look at sets of websites, or what one could think of loosely as various types of samples. This article
Abacus-tournament models for Hall-Littlewood polynomials

In 2010, the first author introduced a combinatorial model for Schur polynomials based on labeled abaci. We generalize this construction to give analogous models for the Hall-Littlewood symmetric polynomials P λ , Q λ , and R λ using objects called abacus-tournaments. We introduce various cancellation mechanisms on abacus-tournaments to obtain simpler combinatorial formulas and explain why these polynomials are divisible by certain products of t -factorials. These tools are then applied to give bijective proofs of several identities involving Hall-Littlewood polynomials, including the Pieri rule that expands the product P µ e k into a linear combination of Hall-Littlewood polynomials.
Using Approximate Bayesian Computation to Assess the Reliability of Nanocomponents of a Nanosystem

Nanosystems have great potential in practical applications such as: sensors, circuits, solar panels, super strong materials, protective coatings, and drug delivery. Much research is devoted to designing and fabricating these nanosystems. However, the question of reliability is often overlooked during the design process. Specifically, the ability to analyze the reliability of the nanocomponents is lost. In this paper, we introduce the use of Approximate Bayesian Computation to assess nanocomponent reliability. Data on the lifetime of the nanocomponents is not required with this approach; instead data on the lifetime of the nanosystem is utilized. The proposed statistical and computational algorithms result in a more comprehensible understanding of the nanosystem in order to improve the overall reliability.
Surveillance an Disinfection Quality Data in Nurseries and Kindergartens Institutions,Meixian District,Meizhou City,2011-2013

Objective To understand the disinfection quality of the kindergartens in Meixian district,Meizhou city,and find the existing problems,so as to improve the disinfection efficacy. Methods On-the-spot sampling investigation method was used to monitor the disinfection quality in nurseries and kindergartens institutions in Meixian district. Results During 2011-2013,1 942 samples of nurseries and kindergartens institutions in the district were collected.The total average qualified rate was 65.91%.The qualified rate from 2011 to 2013was 44.37%,81.39%and 85.13%(P0.01),and that of indoor air,staff hands,surfaces of objects and toys was 63.03%,57.93%,69.39% and 74.29% respectively.The qualified rate of nurseries and kindergartens institutions in urban area was 80.11%and that of kindergartens in rural area was 46.12%. Conclusion The disinfection quality of kindergartens in Meixian district increases year by year,but the overall level is relatively low,especially the nurseries and kindergartens institutions in rural area.So more attention should be paid to rural nurseries and kindergartens institutions.
Evaluation of the effect of TB control in Jiangxi, 2001-2010

Objective To evaluate the effect of the 10 years TB control program from 2001 to 2010 in Jiangxi province. Methods According to the final evaluation plan of national TB program(2001-2010), we collected the evaluation forms and annul and quarterly surveillance data in 11 prefectures and 99 counties in Jiangxi from 2001-2010, and Epidata was used for data input and Excel was used for the data analysis. Results During the 10 years, the number of full-time professionals in TB control were increased from 503 to 752 in Jiangxi. The provincial expenses for the prevention and control of tuberculosis were increased from998000 yuan(RMB) in 2001 to 30583800 yuan(RMB) in 2010. DOTS coverage rate reached 100%. 285748 active TB patients(150701 smear positive TB patients, with 132116 new smear positive TB patients) were found. The completion of new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis task rate was 112.04%(detection rate was 78.43%). 285748 active TB patients(150701 smear positive TB patients, with 132116 new smear positive TB patients) were treated. Most new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were cured, with the cure rate reaching 94.18%(124427/132116). Conclusion During 10 years of TB control work, we achieved 100%DOTS coverage rate. New smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were with a high detection rate( 70%) and a high cure rate( 85%). Full-time professionals and expenses for TB control work increased significantly, and we have got remarkable results in TB control work.
Cauda equina compression in breast cancer--incidence and treatment outcome.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence and treatment outcome of compression of the cauda equina by metastatic disease in patients with breast cancer. METHODS A retrospective study of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at a single institution during a 16-year period was undertaken. RESULTS Of the 1,283 patients studied, 15 (1.2%) developed cauda equina syndrome from metastatic disease. The median survival was eight months; ten (67%) survived for at least six months. Among the evaluable patients, pain was completely relieved in eight of ten women; complete resolution of neurologic deficits was observed in five of nine patients. CONCLUSION Metastatic breast cancer compression of the cauda equina and long-term survival of patients are infrequent occurrences. Beneficial responses can be mediated by radiotherapy.
Dynamically Adaptive Parsons Problems

Parsons problems are code segments that must be placed in the correct order with the correct indention. Research on Parsons problems suggests that they might be a more effective and efficient learning approach than writing equivalent code, especially for time-strapped secondary teachers. I am exploring this hypothesis with empirical experiments, observations, and log file analyses. Our research team also plans to modify the open-source js-parsons software to allow Parsons problems to be dynamically adaptive, which means that the difficulty of the problem will change based on the user's past performance. I plan to compare dynamically adaptive Parsons problems to the current non-adaptive Parsons problems to determine which learners prefer and to see if solving dynamically adaptive Parsons problems leads to more efficient and effective learning than solving non-adaptive Parsons problems.
Quantile regression to characterize solanezumab effects in Alzheimer's disease trials.

Abstract Introduction In two solanezumab trials for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, 27% of patients had biomarker confirmation of amyloid status. Of these, approximately 25% of mild patients and approximately 10% of moderate patients were amyloid negative and, as a group, did not exhibit clinical progression typical of AD. This post-hoc analysis describes a statistical surrogate for amyloid status. Methods Quantile regression was used to examine solanezumab treatment effects at fixed percentiles of varying degrees of clinical progression, with lowest percentiles (minimal progression atypical of AD) and higher percentiles acting as surrogates for amyloid negativity or positivity, respectively. Results In mild patients, solanezumab treatment effect was greater in higher percentiles of progression and less in lowest percentiles (AD-atypical). In moderate patients, solanezumab did not show effects across most percentiles. Discussion Results are compatible with design of the ongoing solanezumab EXPEDITION 3 trial that limits patients to those with mild AD dementia and evidence of amyloid pathology.
Synergistic Activity of Combinations of JAK2 Kinase Inhibitor with PI3K/mTOR, MEK or PIM Kinase Inhibitor Against Human Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Cells Expressing JAK2V617F

Abstract 798 The mutant JAK2-V617F tyrosine kinase (TK) is present in the majority of patients with BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). JAK2-V617F activates downstream signaling through the STAT, RAS/MAPK and PI3/AKT pathways, conferring proliferative and survival advantages in the MPN hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). We have previously reported that pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors e.g. panobinostat (PS) (Novartis Pharmaceuticals), depleted mRNA expression of JAK2-V617F, and disrupted the chaperone association of with hsp90 with JAK2-V617F, thereby promoting the degradation of JAK2-V617F by the proteasome. This led to attenuation of the levels and downstream transcriptional activity of STAT3 and STAT5, resulting in growth arrest and apoptosis of MPN HPCs. Additionally, co-treatment with PS and a JAK2 kinase inhibitor, TG101209, further depleted JAK/STAT signaling and synergistically induced apoptosis of JAK2-V617F expressing HEL92.1.7 and Ba/F3-JAK2V617F cells, as well as exerted greater lethality against primary CD34+CD38-Lin- MPN versus normal CD34+ HPCs. In the present studies, we determined the cytotoxic effects of inhibiting JAK2-STAT3/5 in conjunction with pharmacologic targeting of the collateral, pro-growth and pro-survival signaling through PI3K/AKT, RAF-MEK or PIM1 kinases in MPN cells. For this, the cytotoxic effects of co-treatment with TG101209 and the MEK inhibitor (AZD6244, AstraZenaca), dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (BEZ235, Novartis) or the PIM1 kinase inhibitor (SGI-1776, SuperGen) were evaluated in HEL92.1.7, Ba/F3-JAK2V617 and primary human MPN cells. Treatment with BEZ235 dose-dependently attenuated the levels of p-JAK2, p-STAT5, p-STAT3, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2 and p-4EBP1. Co-treatment with BEZ235 and TG101209 was synergistically lethal against the cultured MPN and primary CD34+ MF-MPN cells (combination indices Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.