cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
jsPhyloSVG: A Javascript Library for Visualizing Interactive and Vector-Based Phylogenetic Trees on the Web

Background: Many software packages have been developed to address the need for generating phylogenetic trees intended for print. With an increased use of the web to disseminate scientific literature, there is a need for phylogenetic trees to be viewable across many types of devices and feature some of the interactive elements that are integral to the browsing experience. We propose a novel approach for publishing interactive phylogenetic trees. Methods/Principal Findings: We present a javascript library, jsPhyloSVG, which facilitates constructing interactive phylogenetic trees from raw Newick or phyloXML formats directly within the browser in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format. It is designed to work across all major browsers and renders an alternative format for those browsers that do not support SVG. The library provides tools for building rectangular and circular phylograms with integrated charting. Interactive features may be integrated and made to respond to events such as clicks on any element of the tree, including labels. Conclusions/Significance: jsPhyloSVG is an open-source solution for rendering dynamic phylogenetic trees. It is capable of generating complex and interactive phylogenetic trees across all major browsers without the need for plugins. It is novel in supporting the ability to interpret the tree inference formats directly, exposing the underlying markup to data-mining services. The library source code, extensive documentation and live examples are freely accessible at www.jsphylosvg.com.
Motor unit number estimation in the rat tail using a modified multipoint stimulation technique.

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) of the rodent hindlimb has been used mainly for following the progression of motor neuron disorders. By performing MUNE in the tail, however, progression of axonal neuropathy could also be assessed, as both proximal and distal regions would be available for study. In this investigation, three raters performed a modified multipoint stimulation MUNE technique in the tails of 14 healthy adult rats. The technique was straightforward to perform, with a relatively narrow range of motor unit number estimates of 40 ± 16 (standard deviation) for the proximal tail and 21 ± 11 for the distal tail. Intrarater reliability coefficients were 0.31 (P = 0.033) and 0.32 (P = 0.028) for the proximal and distal tail, respectively. Interrater reliability coefficients were 0.22 (P = 0.086) and 0.44 (P = 0.004). These reliability assessments, along with the relatively low motor unit estimates and narrow range of values, support the idea that rat tail MUNE may have utility in the evaluation of rodent models of neuromuscular disease, including length-dependent neuropathy.
LIBERATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND RURAL NONFORMAL EDUCATION

Nonformal education is compared to formal and informal education and viewed in relation to two explanatory frameworks from Latin America assessing underdevelopment. These frameworks, referred to as dependency-liberation and deprivation-development, also provide direction to nonformal education efforts, which the author argues generally are weak and ineffective as a primary means for promoting micro-level change. Evidence is provided to sustain integrated social change efforts where nonformal education is directed to the areas of social organization, technology, and ideology.
Small RNA and its application in andrology and urology

Small non-coding RNAs such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) exist in almost all kingdoms of organisms and have recently emerged as master regulators of gene expression to affect a diverse range of important biological processes. They exert their functions largely through two related but opposing mechanisms: RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by siRNA, miRNA and piRNA, and RNA activation (RNAa) mediated by small activating RNA (saRNA) and miRNA, leading to silencing and overexpression of target genes respectively. Dysregulation of these mechanisms have been implicated in a variety of human diseases including urological and andrological diseases. Importantly, both mechanisms can be readily harnessed for therapeutic purposes for a variety of diseases by using small RNA molecules as the "ribodrug". In this review, we highlight recent advances in the applications of small RNA as therapeutics for urological cancer, male infertile and erectile dysfunction.
Epidemiological and Mechanistic Studies of Atrial Fibrillation as a Basis for Treatment Strategies

In this issue of Circulation , Benjamin et al1 provide evidence from the Framingham cohort that atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the mortality rate and that this association persists when adjusted for age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, and stroke or transient ischemic attack. The current analysis showed that of the 5209 residents of Framingham who originally enrolled in this population study, 621 developed AF during follow-up. Participants who developed AF were more likely to have hypertension, a smoking habit, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, and stroke or transient ischemic attack at baseline. Echocardiographic left atrial dimension was not available for analysis. The age-adjusted odds ratios for death with AF were 2.4 for men and 3.5 for women. After adjusting for risk factor status at each biennial examination, the odds ratios for death were 1.5 for men and 1.9 for women. Much of the excess death attributable to AF occurred soon after diagnosis of AF, but after the first 30-day mortality experience was excluded, there was still a significant association of AF with death during follow-up. There was no interaction between age and AF for death during follow-up; ie, AF increased the likelihood of dying at all ages. There was a significant interaction between AF and sex with respect to mortality; the presence of AF substantially decreased the survival advantage women usually have over men. The morbidity of patients with AF is well known. The present study documents an independent mortality burden for AF as well. This finding extends previous studies2 3 and motivates the renaissance of research in AF that is currently underway. The high incidence of AF (more than 2 million Americans), particularly in elderly men,2 and the morbidity …
DOPPLER-SHIFT COMPENSATION BY THE MUSTACHED BAT: QUANTITATIVE DATA

Quantitative data for Doppler-shift compensation by Pteronotus parnellii parnellii were obtained with a device which propelled the bats at constant velocities over a distance of 12 m. The bats compensated for Doppler shifts at all velocities tested (0.1-5.0 ms-1). The main findings were (1) that compensation was usually accomplished by a progressive lowering of the approximately 61 kHz second harmonic constant-frequency component of emitted sounds in small frequency steps (93 +/- 72 Hz); (2) that the time needed to reach a steady compensation level averaged 514 +/- 230 ms and the number of pulses required to reach full compensation averaged 10.78 +/- 5.16; (3) that the animals compensated to hold the echo (reference) frequency at a value that was slightly higher than the resting frequency and slightly lower than the cochlear resonance frequency; (4) that reference frequency varied as a function of velocity, the higher the velocity of the animal, the higher was the reference frequency (slope 55 Hz m-1s-2); and (5) that the mean reference frequency was always an undercompensation. The average amount of undercompensation was 15.8%. There was a significant difference (P < or = 0.005) in Doppler-shift compensation data collected at velocities that differed by 0.1 ms-1. A velocity difference of 0.1 ms-1 corresponds to a Doppler-shift difference of about 35 Hz in the approximately 61 kHz signals reaching the ear.
Effect of isoflurane on the β-adrenergic and endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig cerebral microvessels after cardiopulmonary bypass*

We examined the direct vasomotor effect of isoflurane as well as its effect on endothelium-dependent and β-adrenergic vasodilation of cerebral microcirculation following either normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or profoundly hypothermic CPB with circulatory arrest. Pigs were placed on CPB; the systemic temperature was either maintained at 37°C or lowered to 15°C with 60 minutes of circulatory arrest. After 2 hours of CPB, the animals were separated from CPB; 15 minutes later the brain was quickly harvested in cold Krebs solution. Control animals were not instrumented and their brains were similarly harvested. Arteries of ≈100 μm were dissected and changes in diameter monitored by in vitro videomicroscopy. Following preconstriction with the thromboxane analogue U46619 1 μmol/L, percent relaxation to the endothelium-dependent dilator adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 10 −9 to 10 −4 mol/L, the endothelium-independent dilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) 10 −9 to 10 −4 mol/L, or the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol 10 −12 to 10 −4 mol/L was measured either in the presence or absence of isoflurane 2%. Additionally, with or without preconstriction with U46619 1 μmol/L, vessel diameter changes were monitored with increasing concentrations of isoflurane 0–3%. Dose-response curves were compared by two-way analysis of variance. Vasodilation to ADP or isoproterenol, but not SNP, was attenuated after normothermic CPB (N-CPB) or profoundly hypothermic CPB (PH-CPB). Although isoflurane attenuated vasodilation of control vessels to ADP or isoproterenol, isoflurane did not further attenuate vasodilation to ADP or isoproterenol after N-CPB or PH-CPB. The direct vasomotor effect of isoflurane depended on the preexisting tone of the vessels, constricting vessels without preconstriction and dilating them after preconstriction. These findings may have implications on the incidence of neuropsychological dysfunction after CPB and use of isoflurane.
Alpha-power law MOSFET model and its applications to CMOS inverter delay and other formulas

An alpha -power-law MOS model that includes the carrier velocity saturation effect, which becomes prominent in short-channel MOSFETs, is introduced. The model is an extension of Shockley's square-law MOS model in the saturation region. Since the model is simple, it can be used to handle MOSFET circuits analytically and can predict the circuit behavior in the submicrometer region. Using the model, closed-form expressions for the delay, short-circuit power, and transition voltage of CMOS inverters are derived. The delay expression includes input waveform slope effects and parasitic drain/source resistance effects and can be used in simulation and/or optimization CAD tools. It is found that the CMOS inverter delay becomes less sensitive to the input waveform slope and that short-circuit dissipation increases as the carrier velocity saturation effect in short-channel MOSFETs gets more severe. >
My Treatment Approach to Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is evolving rapidly. In 2014, the standard of care and new backbone of HCV treatment is the polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir (SOF). Our treatment approach in patients with HCV genotype 1 is 12 weeks of SOF, peginterferon (PEGINF), and ribavirin (RBV). In patients with cirrhosis or extrahepatic manifestations of HCV who cannot tolerate PEGINF, we use 12 weeks of SOF and simeprevir. The latter is less costly and more effective than SOF and RBV for 24 weeks. Our treatment approach in all patients with genotype 2 is SOF and RBV for 12 weeks. Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 is now the most costly and difficult to cure. Our approach to treatment-naive patients with genotype 3 is SOF and RBV for 24 weeks. In patients who have previously undergone PEGINF and RBV treatment, we use PEGINF, SOF, and RBV for 12 weeks, which is equally if not more effective and less costly than SOF and RBV for 24 weeks. Patients with cirrhosis who cannot tolerate PEGINF should be treated for 24 weeks with SOF and RBV, although the sustained virologic response is suboptimal.
The Hierarchical Fair Competition (HFC) Framework for Sustainable Evolutionary Algorithms

Many current Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) suffer from a tendency to converge prematurely or stagnate without progress for complex problems. This may be due to the loss of or failure to discover certain valuable genetic material or the loss of the capability to discover new genetic material before convergence has limited the algorithm's ability to search widely. In this paper, the Hierarchical Fair Competition (HFC) model, including several variants, is proposed as a generic framework for sustainable evolutionary search by transforming the convergent nature of the current EA framework into a non-convergent search process. That is, the structure of HFC does not allow the convergence of the population to the vicinity of any set of optimal or locally optimal solutions. The sustainable search capability of HFC is achieved by ensuring a continuous supply and the incorporation of genetic material in a hierarchical manner, and by culturing and maintaining, but continually renewing, populations of individuals of intermediate fitness levels. HFC employs an assembly-line structure in which subpopulations are hierarchically organized into different fitness levels, reducing the selection pressure within each subpopulation while maintaining the global selection pressure to help ensure the exploitation of the good genetic material found. Three EAs based on the HFC principle are tested - two on the even-10-parity genetic programming benchmark problem and a real-world analog circuit synthesis problem, and another on the HIFF genetic algorithm (GA) benchmark problem. The significant gain in robustness, scalability and efficiency by HFC, with little additional computing effort, and its tolerance of small population sizes, demonstrates its effectiveness on these problems and shows promise of its potential for improving other existing EAs for difficult problems. A paradigm shift from that of most EAs is proposed: rather than trying to escape from local optima or delay convergence at a local optimum, HFC allows the emergence of new optima continually in a bottom-up manner, maintaining low local selection pressure at all fitness levels, while fostering exploitation of high-fitness individuals through promotion to higher levels.
Engineering Technology Education in an Era of Globalization

The world has become a fundamentally different place than it was when most engineering technology (ET) curricula were devised and implemented. Graduates must interact in a global environment, as international corporations are the rule in virtually any sector where ET graduates seek jobs: electronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, energy. Unfortunately, what graduates need to compete in those environments is not yet a significant part of many engineering technology programs. Engineering technology programs in the U.S. must adapt to the globalization of industry, and prepare faculty and students to face these new challenges. After setting the larger stage of engineering technology education in a global environment, specific details relating to Arizona State University, Brigham Young University, and Purdue University's activities towards meeting this challenge are detailed.
Addition of Bases to the 5'-end of Human Telomeric DNA: Influences on Thermal Stability and Energetics of Unfolding

Telomeric DNA has been intensely investigated for its role in chromosome protection, aging, cell death, and disease. In humans the telomeric tandem repeat (TTAGGG)n is found at the ends of chromosomes and provides a novel target for the development of new drugs in the treatment of age related diseases such as cancer. These telomeric sequences show slight sequence variations from species to species; however, each contains repeats of 3 to 4 guanines allowing the G-rich strands to fold into compact and stable nuclease resistant conformations referred to as G-quadruplexes. The focus of this manuscript is to examine the effects of 5'-nucleotides flanking the human telomeric core sequence 5'-AGGG(TTAGGG) 3-3' (h-Tel22). Our studies reveal that the addition of the 5'-flanking nucleotides (5'-T, and 5'-TT) results in significant changes to the thermodynamic stability of the G-quadruplex structure. Our data indicate that the observed changes in stability are associated with changes in the number of bound waters resulting from the addition of 5'-flanking nucleotides to the h-Tel22 sequence as well as possible intermolecular interactions of the 5' overhang with the core structure.
Marching diamonds for unstructured meshes

We present a higher-order approach to the extraction of isosurfaces from unstructured meshes. Existing methods use linear interpolation along each mesh edge to find isosurface intersections. In contrast, our method determines intersections by performing barycentric interpolation over diamonds formed by the tetrahedra incident to each edge. Our method produces smoother, more accurate isosurfaces. Additionally, interpolating over diamonds, rather than linearly interpolating edge endpoints. enables us to identify up to two isosurface intersections per edge. This paper details how our new technique extracts isopoints, and presents a simple connection strategy for forming a triangle mesh isosurface.
Effects of Pathogen Polygalacturonase, Ethylene, and Firmness on Interactions Between Pear Fruits and Botrytis cinerea

Akagi, A., and Stotz, H. U. 2007. Effects of pathogen polygalacturonase, ethylene, and firmness on interactions between pear fruits and Botrytis cinerea. Plant Dis. 91:1337-1344. The plant hormone ethylene regulates developmental processes as well as responses to abiotic stress and pathogens. Ethylene influences interactions between the gray mold pathogen, Botrytis cinerea, and its hosts. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethylene on gray mold susceptibility of pear fruits. B. cinerea induced ethylene emission from infected pear fruits. As expected, ethylene production and softening of pear fruits were accelerated by propylene and inhibited by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), but these chemical treatments had a relatively small effect on the rate of lesion expansion after wound inoculation with B. cinerea. Cotreatment of pear fruits with 1-MCP and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) delayed the onset of ethylene emission well beyond the onset of lesion expansion. The trace amount of ethylene produced after inhibition with AVG and 1-MCP was at least partially produced via 1aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. Gray mold susceptibility was cultivar-dependent; d’Anjou pears were more susceptible than Bartlett fruits. Storage enhanced the susceptibility of pear fruits. Virulence of the B. cinerea strain B05.10 on pear fruits was dependent on the polygalacturonase gene Bcpg1, but not on the pectin methylesterase gene Bcpme1. Thus, we conclude that, unlike exogenous manipulation of ethylene and associated changes in fruit softening, pectin catabolism plays a major role in gray mold susceptibility of pear.
WATER AND TREE-UNDERSTORY INTERACTIONS: A NATURAL EXPERIMENT IN A SAVANNA WITH OAK WILT

Savanna trees influence water, light, and nutrient availability under their canopies, but the relative importance of these resources to understory plants is not well understood. In a three-year study in a Texas savanna, trees infected with the disease oak wilt were used in a natural experiment to isolate the effects of light and soil resources, particularly water, in oak–understory interactions. Herbaceous biomass and survival of transplanted Prosopis glandulosa (mesquite) seedlings were monitored in plots under healthy and symptomatic Quercus fusiformis (live oak) trees, and in open sites. Shade cloth maintained similar midday light levels in plots under symptomatic and healthy trees. Plant physiological attributes, soil parameters, and woody plant densities were also compared across habitats. Water availability was significantly lower near healthy trees than near symptomatic trees or in the open. Shade-cloth plots under symptomatic trees had over twice the herbaceous biomass of ambient-light plots under...
The quality of education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Abstract The quality of education is an issue in every region undergoing economic change, hence it is a universal issue. Where the quality of education is already low, the need to raise it is more urgent. In the Middle East and North Africa, data on educational quality are scarce. Nevertheless, available data would suggest that the quality of education is low. The cause of the problem, however, is not a scarcity of monetary resources but the inefficiency of managing the resources already allocated. Many of the regulations and traditions for managing educational systems in the Middle East and North Africa have their origin in the era of central economic planning. Changes are suggested in six areas. These include: an end to early vocational tracking; coherence in content between curriculum, examinations, textbooks and classroom teaching; a shift in textbook production away from state monopolies; a professionalized teaching force with higher salaries differentiated by mandatory re-licensing; creative financing and provision of higher education; and a significant improvement in education statistics and indicators of progress.
Reduction of CD8(+) T lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis patients treated with dimethyl fumarate.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of dimethyl fumarate (DMF, Tecfidera) treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) on leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets. Methods: Peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, including CD3 1 ,C D4 1 , and CD8 1 T cells; CD19 1 B cells; and CD56 1 natural killer (NK) cells, were obtained at baseline and monitored at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after initiation of DMF treatment. Results: Total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts diminished after 6 months of DMF therapy. At 12 months, lymphocyte counts had decreased by 50.1% (p , 0.0001) and were below the lower limit of normal (LLN) in one-half of patients. CD3 1 T lymphocyte counts fell by 44.2% (p , 0.0001). Among subsets, CD8 1 T cell counts declined by 54.6% (p , 0.0001), whereas CD4 1 T cell counts decreased by 39.2% (p 5 0.0006). This disproportionate reduction of CD8 1 T cells relative to CD4 1 T cells was significant (p 5 0.007) and was reflected by a 35.5% increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p 5 0.007). A majority of CD8 1 T cell counts, but not CD4 1 T cell counts, were below the LLN even when total lymphocyte counts were greater than 500 cells/mL. CD19 1 B cell counts were reduced by 37.5% (p 5 0.035). Eosinophil levels decreased by 54.1% (p 5 0.006), whereas levels of neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and NK cells were not significantly altered. Conclusion: Subsets of peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocytes are differentially affected by DMF treatment of MS. Reduction of CD8 1 T cells is more pronounced than that of CD4 1 T cells. These findings may have implications for cell-mediated antiviral immunity during DMF
Acid photogeneration from sulfonium salts in solid polymer matrices

The major photoproduct from irradiation of triphenylsulfonium salts is a Bronsted acid. This photochemical process has been used in several polymer film applications where the acid is used for crosslinking of films or other acid catalyzed reactions. Despite the widespread application of these materials, very little is known about the efficiency of acid generation in polymer films or the extent of the catalytic chain. This paper describes the use of a merocyanine dye technique to analyze for acid production in polymer films. The amount of acid produced on irradiation can be determined by this method and the extent of the catalytic chain then be determined.
Analysis of air leakage measurements of US houses

a b s t r a c t Building envelope airtightness is important for residential energy use, occupant health and comfort. We analyzed the air leakage measurements of 134,000 single-family detached homes in US, using normalized leakage (NL) as the metric. Weatherization assistance programs (WAPs) and residential energy efficiency programs contributed most of the data. We performed regression analyses to examine the relationship between NL and various house characteristics. Explanatory variables that are correlated with NL include year built, climate zone, floor area, house height, and whether homes participated in WAPs or if they are energy efficiency rated homes. Foundation type and whether ducts are located outside or inside the conditioned space are also found to be useful parameters for predicting NL. We developed a regression model that explains approximately 68% of the observed variability across US homes. Of these variables considered, year built and climate zone are the two that have the largest influence on NL. The regression model can be used to predict air leakage values for individual homes, and distributions for groups of homes, based on their characteristics. Using RECS 2009 data, the regression model predicts 90% of US houses have NL between 0.22 and 1.95, with a median of 0.67.
Impact of Subsurface Tillage on Weed Dynamics in the Central Great Plains

Maintaining crop residues on the soil surface has changed cropping practices in the Central Great Plains. Where previously winter wheat–fallow was the prevalent rotation, producers now grow warm-season crops in sequence with winter wheat and fallow. Controlling weeds during fallow with herbicides eliminates the need for tillage, thus conserving more crop residues. However, producers are considering subsurface tillage as an option to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. We reviewed the impact of subsurface tillage with the sweep plow on weed dynamics and crop growth compared with no-till systems. Cropping systems studies show that rotations can be designed to reduce weed community density severalfold; tillage lessens this rotational effect by burying weed seeds and prolonging their survival in soil. Crop residues on the soil surface reduce weed seedling establishment in no-till systems, but tillage eliminates this effect. Crops also yield less after tillage compared with no-till in this semiarid climate. Till...
Coupled Rossby Waves in the Indian Ocean on Interannual Timescales

Abstract Gridded fields of TOPEX/Poseidon sea level height (SLH) from 1993 to 1998 and National Centers for Environmental Prediction sea surface temperature (SST) and meridional surface wind (MSW) anomalies from 1970 to 1998 are used to examine coupled Rossby waves in the Indian Ocean from 10°S to 30°S. Time–longitude diagrams of monthly SLH, SST, and MSW anomalies yield significant peak spectral energy density in propagation wavenumber–frequency spectra for westward propagating waves of >2 yr period and >4000 km wavelength. Subsequent low-pass filtering of SLH, SST, and MSW anomalies for these interannual timescales >2 yr finds them propagating westward over the Indian Ocean in fixed phase with one another at speeds significantly less (0.04–0.07 m s−1) than first-mode baroclinic Rossby waves, taking 3 to 4 years to cross the basin. These coupled Rossby waves display weak beta refraction patterns in all three variables. Significant squared coherence between interannual SLH and SST (SST and MSW) anomalies ...
Cost-Effectiveness of a Statewide Campaign to Promote Aspirin Use for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

Background The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2009 recommended increased aspirin use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men ages 45 to 79 years and women ages 55 to 79 years for whom benefit outweighs risk. This study estimated the clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a statewide public and health professional awareness campaign to increase regular aspirin use among the target population in Minnesota to reduce first CVD events. Methods and Results A state‐transition Markov model was developed, adopting a payer perspective and lifetime time horizon. The main outcomes of interest were quality‐adjusted life years, costs, and the number of CVD events averted among those without a prior CVD history. The model was based on real‐world data about campaign effectiveness from representative state‐specific aspirin use and event rates, and estimates from the scholarly literature. Implementation of a campaign was predicted to avert 9874 primary myocardial infarctions in men and 1223 primary ischemic strokes in women in the target population. Increased aspirin use was associated with as many as 7222 more major gastrointestinal bleeding episodes. The cost‐effectiveness analysis indicated cost‐saving results for both the male and female target populations. Conclusions Using current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, a state public and health professional awareness campaign would likely provide clinical benefit and be economically attractive. With clinician adjudication of individual benefit and risk, mechanisms can be made available that would facilitate achievement of aspirin's beneficial impact on lowering risk of primary CVD events, with minimization of adverse outcomes.
Precise voluntary heart control in humans.

10 Ss showed reliable accuracy in voluntarily producing electrocardiogram R waves within precise time intervals after repetitive stimuli. Ss' ability accurately to vary the timing of the R wave occurrences within the interstimulus interval is evidence that the heartbeats were not driven by the repetitive stimuli but were under the precise voluntary control of Ss.
Antigen Responsive Cells in Unprimed and Antigen-Primed Chickens

Abstract The frequency of antigen responsive cells (ARC) specific for mouse red blood cells (MRBC), as measured with the cell transfer assay, was consistently high in the spleen and blood of MRBC-immunized chickens but negligble in unprimed juvenile birds. Practically all of the adoptive antibody formation in the host embryos could be attributed to the presence of ARC's in the cell suspensions from immunized birds and very little to passively acquired donor plaque-forming cells (PFC). When the spleen and blood cells from unprimed donors were retested in the in vivo immune assay, as found before, the host embryos failed to respond to a single MRBC exposure given at the time of cell transfer. However, substantial splenic PFC formation occurred in response to a second MRBC injection given four days later. In addition to the spleen, the peripheral blood of the unprimed and antigen-primed chicken represents a significant reservoir of immunocyte precursors.
Abstract P1-09-06: Biological Effects of Green Tea Capsule Supplementation in Pre-surgery Breast Cancer Patients

Green tea is rich in antioxidant polyphenols consisting primarily of epicatechins, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). There are suggestive evidence from observational epidemiologic studies that regular green tea consumers may have lower risk of breast cancer development and mortality. Inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis and enhancement of apoptosis are some of the mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the anti-cancer actions of the bioactive extracts of green tea. We conducted a randomized pre-surgical pilot study of green tea capsules in women diagnosed with breast cancer at the Los Angeles County-University Southern California Medical Center. Women in both the green tea and control arms were non-green tea drinkers at baseline (i.e. less than 1 cup of green tea per week at the time of breast cancer diagnosis). Women (n = 17) who participated in the green tea arm took 3 green tea capsules daily (Pro Health Green Tea Mega EGCG, 3 capsules contained ∼ 870 mg EGCG; equivalent to ∼ 8 cups of green tea) between their breast cancer diagnosis until their scheduled surgery date. The average duration of green tea intake was 35 days. Women in the control arm did not drink green tea between diagnosis and surgery date. Participants in the green tea and control groups donated blood and urine specimens at enrollment and before surgery which were tested for urinary tea catechin levels as a measure of compliance. Baseline urinary tea catechin concentrations were low in both green tea and control arms. Tea catechin concentrations remained low for women in the control arm but increased significantly (2–10 folds for different catechins) for women in the green tea arm. The differences in pre-surgery urinary green tea levels were significantly different between these groups of participants We conducted standard immunohistochemical analysis of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded respective markers of cell proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (BAX), and angiogenesis (CD34). Separate analysis was performed on benign and malignant breast cancer tissue. The changes in these three biomarkers pre- and post-treatment in the two groups will be presented. Supported by the WHH Foundation. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-06.
Synthesis of Alkyne-Functionalized Helical Polycarbodiimides and their Ligation to Small Molecules using ‘Click’ and Sonogashira Reactions

New terminal alkyne side chain functionalized polycarbodiimides, have been synthesized and “alkyne” ligation tools—“click” (copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction) and Sonogashira couplings—were utilized to create functional polymers in one step postpolymerization modifications. Polycarbodiimides are interesting synthetic, helical, nanodimensional scaffolds that are capable of presenting a variety of functional groups in highly regular periodic fashion. Herein, we report the synthesis of the first alkyne substituted polycarbodiimides, Poly-1, Poly-2, and Poly-3 and the quantitative coupling of functional azides to the alkyne repeat units of these polymers, as evidenced by IR and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. We are able to couple benzyl azide, carboxylic acid azide, and N-Boc amine azide by “click” and N-Boc-l-phenylalanine by Sonogashira reactions to the alkyne side chain of Poly 1 to provide Poly-1a, -1b, -1c and -1phe, respectively. Poly-1b and Poly-1c provide peptide-coupling sites ...
Berry’s Bringing It to the Table: A Call to Honor Farming and Food

First paragraph: Forty years of Wendell Berry’s essays and excerpts from his fiction are gathered in Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food, providing some interesting historical, critical and thoughtful insights into what has shaped farming and food over these past decades. As a testament to the breadth of ideas that Berry expresses on American agriculture and food, you find chapters with names as varied as “A Defense of the Family Farm,” “The Soil and Health,” “Renewing Husbandry,” and “The Pleasures of Eating.” For those previously unfamiliar with Berry and his writing, this compilation is a perfect introduction to his ongoing conversation with the public on the perils of a agricultural system that is not in balance with its ecosystem and communities. Michael Pollan sums it up well in his introduction: “[Berry’s] now-famous formulation, ‘eating is an agricultural act’ is perhaps Berry’s… signal contribution to the rethinking of food and farming under way today” (p. xiv).
The dose effect ofma-l+ andry+ on xanthine dehydrogenase activity inDrosophila melanogaster

Two loci,ma-l+ andry+, necessary for xanthine dehydrogenase activity inDrosophila melanogaster have been studied for dosage effects utilizing deficiencies and duplications induced for this purpose. Comparisons of one, two and three doses ofma-l+ in the female or one and two doses in the male indicate that there is no increase in specific enzyme activity with dose. On the other hand, comparisons of one, two and three doses ofry+ in the male and female reveal an increase in enzyme activity that is roughly proportional to dose. Since dosage ofry+ is limiting, whereas that ofma-l+ is not, the final concentration of xanthine dehydrogenase is shown to depend on the number of doses ofry+.
Selecting the Correct Model for Project Evaluation: Comment on Impact of Sustainable Soil Management Practices on Household Food Security In Ramechhap District, Nepal

Conservation practices such as sustainable soil management (SSM) and no-tillage may increase production and productivity, which may help reduce food insecurity in household levels. Koirala et al. (2014) showed that the SSM practices have a high positive impact on food security and income in Ramechhap, Nepal. However, the impact of the SSM practices on food security and income were highly overestimated. Further, they did not explain how the impact of other factors on household food security and income are held constant to evaluate the impact of the SSM practices. This paper argues that the estimate of the impact of SSM practices on food security by Koirala et al. (2014) is highly upward biased due to the same unobserved factors affecting participation on the SSM practices and food security. This study shows an alternative method: an endogenous treatment effects model, which correctly estimates the impact of the SSM practices on food security. In addition, some issues that may affect food security and income measures associating with data collection are discussed. Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-3, issue-2: 81-86
Novel Drugs of Abuse: Cannabinoids, Stimulants, and Hallucinogens

Abstract A paradigm shift in the illicit drug market has occurred in the 21st century with a dramatic increase in the number of novel psychoactive drugs available. These novel drugs of abuse include: synthetic cannabinoids; synthetic cathinones; novel phenethylamines, piperazines, and tryptamines; and Salvia divinorum. This chapter provides an overview of these compounds, with emphasis on providing basic information on the history, pharmacology, epidemiology, and behavioral effects. Similarities and differences of substances in each category with regard to molecular structure and physiological, subjective, and behavioral effects are highlighted. We also present safety concerns associated with use of these drugs, and describe how attempts to regulate the legal status of novel drugs may promote an ever-growing number and variety of psychoactive drugs available for nonmedical use.
Analysis of SOXX tracking error

The purpose of this study is to add to the existing knowledge in the field of ETF performance by examining the performance of a relatively new equity ETF-SOXX - the iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund relative to the performance of the oldest and most popular ETF, the Spider. Our study examines the periods of and around the Great Recession. When tracking error is examined in absolute terms the SOXX tracking errors are ten times and four times higher in the Before and During periods than the Spider tracking errors. In the After period the SOXX tracking error becomes negative, which suggests destruction of value in general and relative to the larger ETF. However, when we examine the temporal behaviour of these two ETFs, tracking errors, we document some similarities. We document that for both SOXX and Spider ETFs the simple AR(1) model specification best fits the behaviour of the tracking error for all three periods and that the AR(1) coefficients are similar.
The Emulation Research of Partial Discharge Detection for the Cross Bonding Cable System

The main reason for defects in HV XLPE cable system is the condition of the joints due to improper on-site assembly.Therefore PD measurement has to concentrate on the cable accessories.Long HV cable systems are usually designed as cross bonding systems to minimize shield losses and to limit voltage rise at the cable ends,so there is a cross-talk of all three phases in the cross bonded cable system.A PD pulse is able to leave its fault related phase and can be also verified in the other two phases.According to this situation,we design a kind of capacitive sensor using on the cable joints.We master the rules of PD propagation in the cross bonding XLPE insulated cable system by ATP,which is the basic for the on-site detection in the future.
Family, genetic, and imaging studies of early-onset depression.

Although major depressive disorder is recognized as a common, impairing, and frequently recurrent illness by the mental health community, it is not generally recognized that depression represents a significant fraction of the burden of disease on a worldwide basis. This article reviews what is currently known about the familial/genetic nature of early-onset depression and the relationship of early-onset depression to adult depression. In particular, it is argued that studies of heritability of regional brain volumes are pertinent to studies of the genetics of early-onset depression.
Stochastic Reduced-Order Electromagnetic Macromodels in FDTD

To enable an efficient stochastic-based design optimization methodology for multiscale structures of electrical devices, circuits, and systems, we propose the infusion of stochastic modeling with the electromagnetic macromodel in the method of finite-difference time domain (FDTD). We enhance the computational efficiency of the stochastic macromodel by applying the model order reduction techniques to produce the stochastic reduced-order macromodel. In addition, we provide a methodology and algorithms for the efficient generation and application of the stochastic reduced-order macromodel in the FDTD grid. The proposed methodology quantifies the impact of uncertainty in the electromagnetic system response that is manifested as random material and structural variations, through modeling and simulation. We demonstrate the proposed methodology by applying it to the computation of the stochastic transient electromagnetic fields in a 3-D bandgap structure comprising a rectangular waveguide, which contains an array of dielectric posts that exhibit uncertainty.
On averaging and input optimization of high-frequency mechanical control systems:

This paper presents the optimization of input amplitudes for mechanical control-affine systems with high-frequency, high-amplitude inputs. The problem consists of determining the input waveform sha...
Environmental Health Problems of Rural Populations

The Natural Environment is often cited as one of the major advantages of rural over urban life, and many a migrant to the city has yearned for the sight of green fields, the smell of fresh-cut hay, the sound of a clear running brook, or simply a deep breath of clear country air.... By and large, rural residents have been little more beneficent in their relations with nature than the denizens of our concrete and asphalt jungles. Indeed, profligate waste and destructiveness have marked the exploitation of our land and other natural resources since the earliest white settlements in America. [1]
Mechanism analysis and control measures of wind turbine generators tripping caused by HVDC contingencies

As long as the appearance and continual commission of the wind-thermal-bundled (WTB) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, in order to ensure security and stability, it is necessary to carry out further study on the reactive power/voltage interaction among wind turbine generators (WTG), thermal generators (TG) and HVDCs. Firstly, the mechanism and corresponding measures of WTG overvoltage tripping caused by HVDC blocking are analyzed. Then, the mechanism and corresponding measures of WTG overvoltage tripping caused by HVDC commutation failure are analyzed. Finally, the mutual restriction between WTG and HVDC and the support of the TG are discussed. The results are verified by the planning Northwest China WTB HVDC transmission case system.
Estimating Nonorganic Hearing Thresholds Using Binaural Auditory Stimuli.

Purpose Minimum contralateral interference levels (MCILs) are used to estimate true hearing thresholds in individuals with unilateral nonorganic hearing loss. In this study, we determined MCILs and...
Relationship between Employee Readiness for Organizational Change and Employee Performance

Managing organizations effectively is a main challenge in the change management domain because of massive human involvement. Thus, managers are eager to know how to encourage and effectively prepare employees for change situation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between employee readiness for organizational change and employee performance. The objectives were to investigate employee readiness for organizational change and identify the impact of employee performance in the Divisional Secretariat in Kaluwanchikudy, Batticaloa District where various change reforms has been introduced recently. This empirical study proceeded by a systematic review of literature that led to the development of a conceptual model. The data was collected from a sample of 100 employees by using a survey questionnaire.
Surgical management of the chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the thoracic spine

Abstract Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the spine share several key features that make them distinct from other malignant primary bone tumors. They manifest more indolent behavior characterized by slow but persistent local progression. They are best addressed with aggressive surgical resection, ideally with margins, as radiation and chemotherapy display little efficacy in their treatment. Chordomas can occur anywhere along the axial skeleton and skull base, with relatively equal predilection for skull base, mobile spine, or sacrum. Spinal chondrosarcomas constitute 10% of all chondrosarcomas, with most occurring in the thoracic spine. For both chordoma and chondrosarcoma, en bloc resection should be pursued if technically feasible as it reduces the risk of local recurrence compared to intralesional resection. In cases of suspected spinal chordoma or chondrosarcoma, a computed tomographic–guided core biopsy is recommended to establish the diagnosis, which will allow for subsequent careful interdisciplinary surgical planning. The Enneking and the Weinstein/Boriani/Biagini surgical staging systems can help determine if a patient is a candidate for a wide en bloc resection.
Incidence, Predictors, and Significance of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A 15-Year Institutional Experience

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and associated mortality of pre-implantation, early, and late ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients receiving continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CFLVADs). Background VAs are common both pre- and post-implantation of left ventricular assist devices. Limited data exist on their prognostic impact in contemporary CFLVADs. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent CFLVAD implantation between 2000 and 2015 with 2 years of follow-up. All VAs, defined as ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia lasting >30 s, or a ventricular rhythm requiring defibrillation, were analyzed. VAs occurring within 30 days of implantation were defined as early. Recorded outcomes included death and receipt of cardiac transplant. Results A total of 517 patients were included for analysis. Early VAs were associated with a significant reduction in survival (hazard ratio: 1.83; 95% confidence interval: 1.28 to 2.61; p = 0.001) compared with patients with late or no VAs. Pre-implantation variables independently predictive of early VAs included prior cardiac surgery (odds ratio: 1.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 3.32; p = 0.023) and pre-CFLVAD ventricular tachycardia storm (odds ratio: 3.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.49 to 6.69; p = 0.003). The incidence of early VAs from 2000 to 2007 was as high as 47%, whereas the highest incidence from 2008 to 2015 was Conclusions VAs within 30 days after CFLVAD implantation are associated with an increased risk for death. Predictors of early VAs include prior cardiac surgery and pre-CFLVAD ventricular tachycardia storm. Temporal trends have shown a decrease in VA from 2000 to 2015. Strategies to reduce arrhythmia burden shortly after CFLVAD implantation warrant further investigation.