cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood coagulation studies during six day heparinless venoarterial bypass in sheep

Heparinless venoarterial bypass (HL-VAB) was carried out in 16 sheep for 6 days, by means of a closed circuit tubing coated with nonthrombogenic polyurethane-polyvinyl-graphite (PPG) and a roller pump. Nine experiments were completed uneventfully. Seven sheep died during bypass. The causes of death were pneumonia (2), caseous granulomatous lung abscess (3) or abdominal abscess (1), and thromboembolism (1). The last complication was caused by inadvertent trauma to the PPG coating at the time of tubing connection. In the animals in which HL-VAB was uneventful, no significant changes were noted in the hematologic studies including white blood counts, platelet counts, hematocrit, plasma fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, Factors V and VIII, and free plasma hemoglobin levels. Inconsistant changes in the above parameters were noted in the animals which died of complications. In conclusion, prolonged HL-VAB has no adverse effects on blood coagulation mechanism.
Quality of work life and performance – An ad hoc investigation of two key elements in the service profit chain model

Service profit chain is a well‐received model to explain the sustainable competitiveness of many service organizations. The model attributes a service organization’s financial and market performance to its relationships with its customers and employees. According to the service profit chain, internal service quality serves the foundation of the model and it ignites a chain effect leading to an organization’s growth and profitability in the end. The purpose of this study is to provide an ad hoc analysis of two key elements of the service profit chain. Specifically, this research explores the direct linkage between performance in growth and profitability and quality of work life, which is a proxy for internal service quality in the service profit chain model. The performance of companies with a reputation of high quality of work life were contrasted to a control group of S&P 500 companies using COMPUSTAT data.
Myelin—Associated Inhibitory Signaling and Strategies to Overcome Inhibition

Numerous studies in the last two decades have resulted in significant progress in our understanding of the role of inhibitors on axonal regeneration and conditions that influence mature neurons to regrow in an inhibitory environment. These studies have revealed putative therapeutic targets and strategies to interfere in the inhibitory signaling cascade and promote axonal regeneration. Some agents that were successful in animal models are now being tested in human patients. All of these advances have raised hope of a cure for an injury that was once thought to be 'an ailment for which nothing is done' (Quote from Edwin Smith surgical papyrus, 1600BC).
Time course effects of marijuana and ethanol on event-related potentials.

Twelve male college students received orally on different days NIMH marijuana extract calibrated to contain 0.7 mg/kg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 1.0 ml/kg 95% ethanol, and placebo in a double-blind balanced-order design. The contingent negative variation (CNV), auditory evoked potential (EP), heart rate (HR), and subjective measures of intoxication were recorded prior to drug ingestion and at regular intervals for 4.5 h postdrug.
Volcanically influenced calcareous palaeosols from the Miocene Kiahera Formation, Rusinga Island, Kenya

The Miocene Kiahera Formation at its type locality on Rusinga Island in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria consists of a sequence of alluvial sedimentary and pyroclastic strata and calcareous palaeosols. The 80 m thick formation was formed by braidplain aggradation and pyroclastic airfall in response to volcanism from the nearby Kisingiri volcano. Numerous fining-upward sequences approximately 5 m to 15 m thick make up the bulk of the Kiahera Formation. A complete sequence contains sandy and conglomeratic beds at the base which fine upward to sandy siltstones, calcareous palaeosols and airfall tuffs. The fining-upward sequences may have been produced by aggradation during phases of volcanic eruption. During major eruptive episodes, scoriaceous nephelinite detritus flooded the alluvial system to create the lower, coarse-grained beds. As eruptive activity waned, airfall ash and overbank flood deposits accumulated on the landscape forming the upper, fine-grained beds of the sequence. Calcareous soils formed on these highly alkaline ashes between large ash fall events. The calcareous palaeosols are grouped broadly into two main types: tuffaceous clayey Inceptisols with distinct Ck horizons (Chido palaeosols) and sandy Inceptisols consisting of nephelinitic rock fragments and subordinate amounts of tuff (Okoto palaeosols). Both types show only weak to moderate soil development interpreted to be a result of episodic rejuvenation by fresh airfall ash and flood deposits. Comparison of depth of the calcareous subsurface horizon from these palaeosols with those in calcareous modern soils from the Serengeti Plain that also developed on alkaline volcanic ash allow for rainfall estimates of between 550 mm a −1 to 750 mm a −1 for the Kiahera palaeosols. This together with root traces, soil structure, and major element chemistry of the two palaeosol types are evidence of a landscape with sandy, stream-side woodland soils (Okoto palaeosols) and clayey, floodplain grassy woodland soils (Chido palaeosols).
Abstract 312: A mouse model of chronic prostatic inflammation using a human prostate cancer-derived isolate of Propionibacterium acnes.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: A causative role for infectious agents and chronic inflammation in prostate cancer etiology has been difficult to establish in humans. To study this potential link in an in vivo system, we have developed a mouse model of long-term bacteria-induced chronic inflammation of the prostate using a prostatectomy-derived strain of Propionibacterium acnes that may be of particular relevance to prostate cancer. Methods: Prostates of C57BL/6J mice were inoculated, via urethral catheterization, with PBS (control) or a strain of P. acnes (PA2) isolated from human prostatectomy tissues. Animals were assessed at 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 8 weeks post-inoculation via histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: PA2 inoculation resulted in severe acute and chronic inflammation confined to the dorsal lobe of the prostate. Chronic inflammatory infiltrates persisted for at least 8 weeks post-inoculation. Inflammatory lesions were associated with an increase in the Ki-67 proliferative index, and diminished Nkx3.1 and androgen receptor (AR) production. Interestingly, the observed response required live bacteria. Additionally, both IHC and in situ hybridization assays for P. acnes indicated a potential intracellular persistence of P. acnes in prostate epithelial cells. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first mouse model of long-term prostatic inflammation induced by P. acnes, and more generally, any prostatectomy tissue-derived bacterial isolate. This model may serve as a valuable preclinical model of chronic prostatic inflammation that can be used to mechanistically study the link between inflammation and prostate cancer and other prostate disease. Citation Format: Debika Biswal Shinohara, Ajay Vaghasia, Shu-Han Yu, William G. Nelson, Angelo M. De Marzo, Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian, Karen S. Sfanos. A mouse model of chronic prostatic inflammation using a human prostate cancer-derived isolate of Propionibacterium acnes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 312. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-312
A Large-Sample Test of the Hypothesis that one of two Random Variables is Stochastically Larger than the Other

(1951). A Large-Sample Test of the Hypothesis that one of two Random Variables is Stochastically Larger than the Other. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 46, No. 255, pp. 366-374.
Potentiation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate–Mediated Brain Injury by a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1–Derived Peptide in Perinatal Rodents

ABSTRACT: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-derived peptides augment the neurotoxicity of excitatory amino acid agonists in vivo in postnatal day (PND) 7 rats. Stereotaxic intracerebral injections of the excitatory amino acid agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), alone or coinjected with an HIV-derived recombinant fusion peptide envelope gag (env-gag) were performed in PND-7 rats [group I: 5 nmol NMDA, n = 20; group II: 5 nmol NMDA + low-dose (1 or SO ng) env-gag, n = 27; group III: 5 nmol NMDA + high-dose (100 ng) env-gag, n = 20], and brain injury was evaluated on PND 12. Based on histopathology scoring and measurements of hippocampal cross-sectional areas in the injected and contralateral hemispheres, coinjection of 100 ng of env-gag with 5 nmol of NMDA markedly increased the severity of resulting injury (p < 0.002, comparing histopathology scores; p < 0.003, comparing interhemispheric differences in hippocampal areas). These data suggest that in the developing nervous system HIV neurotoxicity may result, at least in part, from overactivation of excitatory amino acid receptors, and that perinatal rodent models may provide clinically relevant insights about the pathophysiology of HIV-mediated brain injury.
THEORY OF STATIC STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES, CRYSTAL STABILITY, AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS: APPLICATION TO Si AND Ge

We demonstrate that not only the static structural properties but also the crystal stability and pressure-induced phase transformations in solids can be accurately described employing an ab initio pseudopotential method within the local-density-functional formalism. With the use of atomic numbers of constituent elements and a subset of crystal structures as the only input information, the calculated structural properties of Si and Ge are in excellent agreement with experiment.
Selective detection of fluorophore layers in turbid media: the role of fiber-optic probe design

Experimental verification of the ability to alter the sensitivity to fluorophore layers in turbid media by varying illumination-collection geometry is presented. Fiber-optic probes and two-layer, fluorophore-doped, turbid phantoms are used to elucidate the roles of spot size, illumination–collection fiber separation, and probe–sample spacing. Variations in single- and multiple-fiber probe design parameters produce significant changes in the relative sensitivity to sample layers in a manner that agrees with prior computational studies.
Substrate-Dependent C(1s) Shape Resonance in CO Overlayers on Ni(111) and Ni(001)

A large resonance was observed in the C(1s) angle-resolved photoemission cross section of CO overlayers on Ni(111) and Ni(001), with use of synchrotron radiation at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, while none was observed for O(1s). Energy-, angular-, and polarization-dependence measurements showed that the C(1s) resonance, which is peaked at hv=311 eV, is closely related to the shape resonance predicted for the C(1s) level in isolated CO. However, the surface potential introduces strong substrate-dependent deviations from gas-phase theory.
Commentary: Price Volatility, International Market Links, and Their Implications for Regulatory Policies

The crash of October 1987 has produced a flood of interesting econometric studies of its origins, of stock market volatility, and of its international transmission. I am pleased to have been asked to comment on Richard Roll’s clear and insightful review of this literature. Indeed, there is much of the literature that I never would have learned about without Roll’s review.
Comparative assessment of multiple criteria for the in silico prediction of cross-reactivity of proteins to known allergens.

Abstract Genetically modified crops are becoming important components of a sustainable food supply and must be brought to market efficiently while also safeguarding the public from cross-reactivity of novel proteins to known allergens. Bioinformatic assessments can help to identify proteins warranting further experimental checks for cross-reactivity. This study is a large-scale in silico evaluation of assessment criteria, including searches for: alignments between a query and an allergen having ⩾35% identity over a length ⩾80; any sequence (of some minimum length) found in both a query and an allergen; any alignment between a query and an allergen with an E-value below some threshold. The criteria and an allergen database (AllergenOnline) are used to assess 27,243 Viridiplantae proteins for potential allergenicity. (A protein is classed as a “real allergen” if it exceeds a test-specific level of identity to an AllergenOnline entry; assessment of real allergens in the query set is against a reduced database from which the identifying allergen has been removed.) Each criterion’s ability to minimize false positives without increasing false negative levels of current methods is determined. At best, the data show a reduction in false positives to ∼6% (from ∼10% under current methods) without any increase in false negatives.
Exploring Accounting Fraud in the Subsidiary Environment

This research explores accounting fraud in the subsidiary environment. Utilizing institutional theory, we propose that the subsidiary environment provides an opportune setting and vehicle for individuals to commit accounting fraud. While a growing body of literature exists on accounting fraud, minimal work has focused on the role of the subsidiary in accounting fraud, as reported by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We sample companies for which the SEC has documented accounting fraud in their enforcement releases. We then analyze the related SEC documents to determine to what extent, if any, a subsidiary is involved in the accounting fraud. Our preliminary results provide evidence related to the industries, circumstances and types of accounting fraud that take place in a subsidiary environment. These findings provide auditors, regulators, and designers of management control systems with additional insights as to the factors surrounding fraud when companies operate in a subsidiary environment.
Overview and Management of Cardiac Adverse Events Associated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Background Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may provide an effective therapeutic option in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. However, cardiovascular (CV) events, including hypertension, heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and QT prolongation, have emerged as potential adverse events (AEs) with TKI therapy. Purpose We review what is known about the mechanism of action of CV AEs associated with TKI use and discuss therapeutic interventions that may prevent and manage these events in clinical practice. Methods References for this review were identified through searches of PubMed and Medline databases, and only papers published in English were considered. Search terms included "cardiac," "cardiovascular," "cancer," and "kinase inhibitor." Related links in the databases were reviewed, along with relevant published guidelines. Results Although the link between rising blood pressure (BP) and CV AEs is observed but not proven, good clinical practice supports an aggressive policy on proper long-term BP management. There are insufficient data from randomized controlled clinical trials to show indisputably that aggressive or effective heart failure therapy in patients receiving TKIs will fundamentally change outcomes; however, clinical practice suggests that this is an effective long-term approach. Recognizing that QT prolongation is associated with TKI use facilitates identification of patients at high risk for this CV AE and increases awareness of the need for routine electrocardiograms and electrolyte monitoring for those receiving TKI treatment. Conclusion Regular monitoring, early recognition, and appropriate interventions for CV AEs can help more patients derive the benefit of long-term TKI therapy.
Empirical Bayes Testing for Double Exponential Distributions

This article deals with the problem of testing the hypotheses H 0 : θ ≤ θ0 against H 1 : θ > θ0 for the location parameter θ of a double exponential distribution with probability density f(x | θ) = exp (−|x − θ|)/2 using the empirical Bayes approach. We construct an empirical Bayes test and study its associated asymptotic optimality. Three classes of prior distributions are considered. For priors in each class, the associated rates of convergence of are established. The rates are: O(n −(2m+1)/(2m+2)), O(n −1(ln n)1/s ), and O(n −1), respectively, where m ≥ 1 and s > 0.
Large granular cell tumor of the penis in a 53-year-old man with coexisting prostate cancer

Granular cell tumors are soft tissue neoplasms that rarely involve the male external genitalia. Thus far, only 7 cases of granular cell tumor of the penis have been reported. We report a case of granular cell tumor of the penis in a man undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy for organ-confined adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Development of a Clinical Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Service

One of the limitations of anatomy-based imaging approaches is its relative inability to identify whether specific brain functions may be compromised by the location of brain lesions or contemplated brain surgeries. Of the many techniques available to the surgeon, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become the primary modality of choice because of the ability of MRI to serve as a "one-stop shop" for assessing both anatomy and functionality of the brain. This article discusses the specific requirements for establishing an fMRI program, including specific software and hardware requirements. In addition, the nature of the fMRI CPT codes is discussed.
Perceptions of the Effect of Public Policy on Employment Opportunities for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Researchers have been unable to draw conclusions about labor market conditions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing because surveys of individuals with disabilities do not sufficiently sample these groups. The authors conducted a national survey of vocational rehabilitation counselors and others who provide services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Respondents were asked their views about changes in labor market opportunities, job tenure, and the employment effects of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, state antidiscrimination laws, and increased benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In general, the respondents reported an improvement in labor market opportunities. However, a substantial number agreed that ADA requirements and increased benefits under SSDI and SSI have resulted in a drop in employment, particularly for workers who are deaf and lack postsecondary education.
Multi-output power supply with series voltage compensation capability for Magnetic Resonance Imaging system

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging system, the most powerful device is gradient driver, which is also one of the key components to realize fast imaging with high quality. To meet the requirements of high-end MRI products, the power rating of the gradient driver increase from several hundred-kVA to 1MVA and even higher in the future. Commonly the gradient driver applies full bridge cascade technology and needs a lot isolated DC source with high power capability. To provide solution to this requirement, several technology platforms have been developed. This paper presents one of the most attractive options. In the proposed power supply structure, an AC pre-regulator and a multi-winding transformer are combined together with diode rectifiers to provide multiple isolated DC outputs. The AC pre-regulator compensates the utility voltage variation by injecting voltage to the input line through a series transformer, and that make the multi-winding transformer get a stable input. With this solution, the DC outputs voltage is only determined by the transformer leakage inductance and load current. Compared with high frequency DC-DC conversion methods, this scheme does not need high frequency magnetic devices and capacitors, which are difficult to build and high cost for high power application. The switching devices (IGBTs) in this option can also operate at a much lower frequency (several kHz) to reduce the switching loss, and lower switching frequency also benefit the device selection. Beside that the rectifiers applied at the secondaries of the multi-winding transformer operate at line frequency and that benefits the device selection and cost too. Here in this paper, the control algorithm of the power supply is presented and discussed. Both its self-performance and co-operation with the amplifier are evaluated with Saber simulation. The results indicate the attractiveness of the proposed scheme.
Changes in transferrin during the red cell replacement in amphibia

Abstract Transferrin, a plasma glycoprotein, carries iron from storage sites to immature erythroid cells for hemoglobin synthesis. The replacement of larval red cells by adult red cells, which occurs during metamorphosis in bullfrogs, requires extensive formation of hemoglobin and new red cells. Large changes in red cell iron storage also occur during the red cell replacement. Both the concentration and the level of iron saturation of plasma transferrin were measured during metamorphosis to determine if there were changes in plasma transferrin which coincided with the changes in red cell iron storage and ferritin content. Plasma transferrin concentrations increased from 0.96 to 2.6 mg/ml during the period when red cell storage iron and ferritin decreased. Plasma iron concentrations also increased when the transferrin concentration increased, suggesting that the additional transferrin may be involved in moving iron from the larval red cell stores. At the end of metamorphosis, the plasma iron concentration decreased to premetamorphic levels but the transferrin concentration remained high, resulting in a decrease in saturation to 18% compared to 45% in the larvae. In addition to differences in iron saturation, adult transferrin had different electrophoretic properties from larval transferrin. The results support the hypotheses that during early ontogeny plasma transferrin and red cell iron storage are coordinated to provide iron for the formation of the first generation of adult red cells and that transferrin may participate in the control of red cell ferritin synthesis.
Five Orders-of-Magnitude Enhancement of Two-Photon Absorption for Dyes on Silver Nanoparticle Fractal Clusters

Strong enhancement of the two-photon absorption of organic molecules near silver nanoparticle fractal clusters has been observed and has been exploited to yield composite materials with very strong...
RETURN DYNAMICS AND TRADING STRATEGY IN ALTERNATIVE TRADING SYSTEMS

This article examines intra-day price relationships between electronic and floor (pit) trading markets for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 equity index futures. The two contracts trade in dual open outcry and electronic platforms during non-overlapping trading hours. The results indicate that closing transactions on the electronic market have a systematically negative influence on the opening prices established on the pit. In contrast, pit prices at the end of the regular trading have a positive, but less pronounced impact on the opening prices established in the electronic exchange. Based on this relationship, we document a profitable high-frequency trading strategy that can only be partly explained by macroeconomic news.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase-Dependent Afferent Arteriolar Function in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension

This study was designed to determine the influence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in tubular flow-dependent regulation of afferent arteriolar diameter in hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats that received 60 ng/min angiotensin II (Ang II) subcutaneously for 13 days. Systolic blood pressure of control and Ang II-infused rats averaged 122+/-2 (n=23) and 194+/-2 mm Hg (n=24). Afferent arteriolar responses to the nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (L-SMTC; 0.1 to 10 micromol/L) and the nonselective NOS inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 1 to 100 micromol/L) were assessed in vitro using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. At a perfusion pressure of 160 mm Hg, afferent arteriolar diameters from control and Ang II-infused rats averaged 18.7+/-1.1 microm (n=8) and 18.1+/-1.1 microm (n=9), respectively, and decreased by 19. 9+/-1.5% and 11.8+/-1.1%, respectively, in response to 10 micromol/L L-SMTC. The L-SMTC-induced afferent arteriolar constriction was significantly greater in control than in Ang II-infused rats. In contrast, 100 micromol/L L-NNA constricted afferent arterioles similarly in both control (n=8) and Ang II-infused (n=7) rats. After transection of the loops of Henle to interrupt flow to the macula densa, the vasoconstrictor responses to L-SMTC but not to L-NNA were reversed. Increasing distal volume delivery by addition of 10 mmol/L acetazolamide to the blood perfusate significantly enhanced the afferent arteriolar constrictor responses to 10 micromol/L L-SMTC (34.5+/-4.8%, n=7) in normotensive rats. In contrast, in Ang II-infused rats, acetazolamide treatment did not enhance the responses to L-SMTC (n=8). These results indicate that chronic Ang II infusion reduces the ability of nNOS-derived nitric oxide to counteract the afferent arteriolar response to increased distal tubular flow.
A browser for directed graphs

A general-purpose browser for directed graphs is described. The browser provides operations to examine and edit graphs. An operation is also provided to generate a layout for a graph automatically that minimizes edge crossings. Two layout algorithms were implemented. A hierarchical graph layout algorithm was found to be best for directed graphs. The graph browser also has facilities that allow it to be integrated with other applications (e.g., a program browser or a database design tool). These facilities and our experiences building a program call-graph browser are described.
Computer simulation of the Pioneer 10 Microwave Occultation Experiment

As Pioneer 10 approaches the planet Jupiter, its trajectory will carry it behind the planet, as seen from the earth. The microwave telemetry signal from the spacecraft will then pass through the Jovian atmosphere on its way to the earth, and analysis of the effects of the atmosphere on the signal should yield information on the atmospheric structure. To help define the capabilities of this experiment and to aid the analysis of the real data, we have simulated the occultation experiment on a computer by using model Jovian atmospheres and a predicted trajectory. The results indicate that the useful depth of penetration of the microwave signal will be governed by ammonia absorption rather than superrefractivity. The experiment is apparently far more sensitive to variations in cloud-top temperature than to variations in the hydrogen-helium ratio. Characteristic 'flashes' in the attenuation record of the signal may yield information on the location of the top of the Jovian convective zone.
Adaptive waveband switching in WDM networks

This work proposes an adaptive routing scheme based on ant optimization techniques and novel graph-based waveband assignment algorithm to accommodate and group online lightpath requests while minimizing the blocking and resources usages in WDM networks.
Comparison of Destructive Periodontal Disease in Blue Iris Mink to PCB 126–induced Mandibular and Maxillary Squamous Epithelial Proliferation in Natural Dark Mink

Mink (Mustela vison) exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-like chemicals have been reported to develop mandibular and maxillary squamous cell proliferation that results in the destruction of alveolar bone and eventual tooth loss. This jaw lesion has been reported in wild mink collected from areas contaminated with TCDD-like compounds and is a potential biomarker for exposure to these chemicals. The blue iris strain of domestic mink is prone to develop severe periodontal disease, which results in destruction of bone and tooth loss that is grossly similar to the lesion induced by exposure to TCDD-like chemicals. A histological assessment of jaws from blue iris mink and natural dark mink exposed to 3,3 0 ,4,4 0 ,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) was done to determine whether the oral lesions are similar. The jaw tissue from the blue iris mink had lesions indicative of lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis and osteomyelitis, caused by inflammation entering the dental sulcus, while the jaw tissue from the mink exposed to PCB 126 exhibited squamous epithelial proliferation. Therefore, it was determined that the tooth loss and bone destruction seen in these mink are of different origin despite the similarity of the gross clinical signs.
An enhanced millimeter-wave foliage propagation model

In this paper, the behavior of wave propagation through coniferous forest stands at millimeter-wave frequencies is characterized both theoretically and experimentally. A coherent wave propagation model is used to simulate the propagation through foliage. The coherent model is composed of two components: a forest stand generator that makes use of a stochastic fractal model, and an electromagnetic model that makes use of Foldy's approximation and single scattering. An outdoor measurement system is designed and used for characterizing the channel behavior for a pine tree stand at Ka-band (35 GHz). In this experiment, 84 independent spatial samples of transmitted signal through the pine stand were collected to obtain the path-loss statistics. The comparison between measurement and simulation results showed that single scattering theory overestimates the wave attenuation through foliage. To improve the accuracy of the coherent model, partial multiple scattering occurred among the needles of highly dense leaf clusters must be included for the estimation of the coherent attenuation. Distorted Born approximation is used to macromodel the scattering pattern from needle clusters. This technique has comparable accuracy and requires much less computational resources than a full-wave solution, such as method of moment. By including multiple scattering effects of needle clusters in the simulation model, much better agreement is obtained for both mean and standard deviation of the path-loss.
Constrained Optimization Applied to the Parameter Setting Problem for Analog Circuits

We use constrained optimization to select operating parameters for two circuits: a simple 3-transistor square root circuit, and an analog VLSI artificial cochlea. This automated method uses computer controlled measurement and test equipment to choose chip parameters which minimize the difference between the actual circuit's behavior and a specified goal behavior. Choosing the proper circuit parameters is important to compensate for manufacturing deviations or adjust circuit performance within a certain range. As biologically-motivated analog VLSI circuits become increasingly complex, implying more parameters, setting these parameters by hand will become more cumbersome. Thus an automated parameter setting method can be of great value [Fleischer 90]. Automated parameter setting is an integral part of a goal-based engineering design methodology in which circuits are constructed with parameters enabling a wide range of behaviors, and are then "tuned" to the desired behaviors automatically.
Primary afferent excitatory transmission recorded intracellularly in vitro from rat medial vestibular neurons.

Intracellular recordings were made from rat medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons in transverse brain slices containing the root of the vestibular nerve (N. VIII). Electrical stimuli applied to the N. VIII tract evoked an orthodromic excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) that lasted about 50 ms following a 0.5 to 1.5 ms delay between the stimulus artifact and synaptic potential. These orthodromic EPSPs were insensitive to the following antagonists: atropine, hexamethonium, dephenhydramine, and caffeine. Based on these results we conclude that the primary afferent excitatory transmitter is not acetylcholine, histamine, or adenosine, respectively. However, kynurenic acid, a general excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist, blocked the orthodromic EPSP while having no effect on the resting membrane potential, input resistance, or action potential configuration of MVN neurons. Our data suggest that an excitatory amino acid, or amino acid-like substance, is responsible for primary afferent excitatory transmission in the rat medial vestibular nucleus.
A phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of AMG 102 (rilotumumab) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma

This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of AMG 102 (rilotumumab), a fully human monoclonal antibody against hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Patients with histologically confirmed, measurable recurrent GBM or gliosarcoma (World Health Organization grade 4) and ≤3 relapses or prior systemic therapies received AMG 102 (10 or 20 mg/kg) by infusion every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was best confirmed objective response rate (central assessment) per Macdonald criteria. Of the 61 patients who enrolled, 60 received AMG 102. Twenty-nine patients (48%) had previously received bevacizumab. There were no objective responses per central assessment, but 1 patient had an objective response per investigator assessment. Median overall survival (95% CI) in the 10- and 20-mg/kg cohorts was 6.5 months (4.1–9.8) and 5.4 months (3.4–11.4), respectively, and progression-free survival (PFS) per central assessment was 4.1 weeks (4.0–4.1) and 4.3 weeks (4.1–8.1), respectively. PFS was similar among patients who had previously received bevacizumab compared with bevacizumab-naive patients. The most common adverse events were fatigue (38%), headache (33%), and peripheral edema (23%). AMG 102 serum concentrations increased approximately dose-proportionally with 2-fold accumulation at steady state. Plasma total HGF/SF and soluble c-Met concentrations increased 12.05- and 1.12-fold, respectively, from baseline during AMG 102 treatment. AMG 102 monotherapy at doses up to 20 mg/kg was not associated with significant antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent GBM.
Vitamin D Deficiency and the Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer

The hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency increases risk the for clinical prostate cancer has stimulated a large body of epidemiologic research including observational studies of sunlight exposure, serum vitamin D metabolites, and polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor. The many studies on sunlight exposure strongly support a protective role for sunlight exposure. Conversely, the data from serological studies are mixed. Paradoxically, two studies suggest that high vitamin D levels may be associated with increased risk. Our recent demonstration that serum levels of calcium are strongly and positively related to prostate cancer risk may help resolve this discrepancy as high levels of vitamin D may be associated with normal, but relatively high values for serum calcium. These data indicate that elements of the vitamin D endocrine system whose investigation previously has attracted little attention, i.e., serum calcium and parathyroid hormone, are likely to exert important effects on the natural history of prostate cancer.
Making Change: The Significance of the Political Pamphlet in Building a Revolution

Pamphlets are among the oldest printed literature where the exchange of controversial ideas occurred and the study of the pamphlet as a primary source provides significant background into the relevant discourse of social and political movements. Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities (2006) records that print capitalism created different languages of power that were very populist and in the 21st century as researchers regularly use pamphlets as a resource the study of pamphlets themselves is very limited. This oversight fails to recognize the pamphlet’s role as democracy in action and in political history. This research examines the biography of the pamphlet and its role in advancing social and racial equality from the age of revolution (1775-1848) in the Atlantic world to the fall of the colonial empires 100 years later. Beginning with two of the most controversial and exchanged pamphlets, credited with expanding the concepts of liberty and freedom on a global scale: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776) and The French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), I then expand the discourse with politically charged works written and widely distributed by continental Africans and members of the Diaspora through 1950. The dissemination of the political pamphlet can be argued to have increased the levels of literacy and political engagement among the lower classes, building an environment for political and social change in a system that traditionally favored the elite and marginalized the common man.
Mutagenicity of Metronidazole: Presence of Several Active Metabolites in Human Urine

Mutagenic activity was found in the urine of 10 patients given therapeutic dosages of metronidazole orally or per vagina. Paper chromatographic separation revealed that mutagenicity in the urine was associated with unmodified metronidazole and at least four of its known urinary metabolites. Activity was also recovered in a region of the chromatogram heretofore not assigned to a metronidazole metabolite.
Contact dermatitis associated with food: retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 2001-2004.

BACKGROUND Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis to food is likely underreported. OBJECTIVES To characterize relevant allergens and irritants associated with food in patients referred to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) for patch testing. METHODS Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the NACDG from 2001 to 2004. RESULTS Of 10,061 patch-tested patients, 109 (1.1%) had a total of 122 reactions associated with food. Approximately two-thirds of patients (66%) were female, and one-third (36%) were atopic. The hands were the most common sites of dermatitis (36.7%). There were 78 currently relevant (definite, probable, or possible) allergic reactions to NACDG standard series allergens with a food source; the most common allergen was nickel (48.7%), followed by Myroxilon pereirae (balsam of Peru) (20.6%) and propylene glycol (6.4%). Twenty allergic reactions to non-NACDG standard allergens and 24 relevant food irritants were also identified. Overall, 21% (25 of 122) of all reactions (irritant and allergic) were occupation related; the majority of these (17 of 25) were relevant irritant reactions. Cooks were the most commonly affected occupational group (40%). CONCLUSIONS In this limited data set, nickel, Myroxilon pereirae, and propylene glycol were the most common allergens identified with a food source. Of food-related occupational disease, irritation was more common than allergy.
Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Diqing from 1997 to 2008

Objective To learn the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Diqing, and to explore effective methods to prevent HIV/AIDS.Method Epidemiological data of HIV/AIDS in Diqing from 1997 to 2008 were analyzed. Results 143 cases of HIV/AIDS patients were reported in Diqing from 1997 to 2008.There were 7cases of death among 143 cases of HIV/AIDS patients. The male/female ratio of HIV/AIDS patients was 1:0.79.The youngest patients was 18 years old and the oldest was 75,patients aged from 20 to 49 accounted for 75%.Most patients were farmers or people without work.Married patients accounted for 44.75%,injection-drug use was the major transmission way.Conclusion The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Diqing increases year by year,and it has been in peak period,comprehensive measures must be taken to prevent HIV/AIDS.
Cross-sectional survey on Department of Disease Control and Prevention in medical institutions of level two or above in Beijing

Objective To understand the current status of disease control and prevention departments in medical institutions of level two and above in Beijing including the management,staff and function.Methods A comprehensive survey was conducted in 144medical institutions in Beijing.Results Out of 117eligible medical institutions surveyed,86.21% had the department of disease control and prevention with an average of 1-3 staff working in the department.Majority(75.06%)were clinical medicine or nursing.Only 23.48% of departments were found to be fully functional.There were significant differences between staff in the departments of institutions of level two and level three in terms of education,major and working experience(χ2=22.421,12.945,7.193,P0.05).Conclusions Departments of disease control and prevention in medical institutions in Beijing are in it′s very beginning and need to be further improved.
PARAPLEGIA SECONDARY TO HYDATID DISEASE. REPORT OF A CASE.

A case of hydatid disease of vertebrae causing paraplegia is presented. In addition, the problems associated with diagnosis of this rare lesion are discussed.
Cost-effectiveness of Two Types of Dysphagia Care in Head and Neck Cancer: A Preliminary Report:

We conducted a prospective, preliminary study to compare the cost-effectiveness of two different instrument-based techniques for diagnosing and managing dysphagia in 30 consecutive hospitalized patients with head and neck cancer. The two techniques are videofluoroscopy via modified barium swallow (MBS) and videoendoscopy via flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST). Medicare was the primary insurer of all patients. Fifteen of these patients had their dysphagia diagnosed and managed by MBS and the other 15 by FEESST. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by determining the average Medicare reimbursement for each procedure. We found that the mean reimbursements were $451.01 (+/- $50.55) for MBS and $321.23 (+/- $3.01) for FEESST. The mean reimbursement for FEESST was significantly lower than that for MBS (p < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney U test). We conclude that FEESST appears to be more cost-effective than MBS for the inpatient management of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer.
CRISPR-dCas9 mediated TET1 targeting for selective DNA demethylation at BRCA1 promoter.

// Samrat Roy Choudhury 1 , Yi Cui 1 , Katarzyna Lubecka 2 , Barbara Stefanska 2,3 , Joseph Irudayaraj 1,3 1 Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Bindley Bioscience Centre, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA 2 Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA 3 Purdue Centre for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Correspondence to: Barbara Stefanska, email: bstefanska@purdue.edu Joseph Irudayaraj, email: josephi@purdue.edu Keywords: CRISPR-dCas9, TET1, BRCA1, DNA demethylation, gene activation Received: March 10, 2016 Accepted: May 30, 2016 Published: June 23, 2016 ABSTRACT DNA hypermethylation at the promoter of tumour-suppressor genes is tightly correlated with their transcriptional repression and recognized as the hallmark of majority of cancers. Epigenetic silencing of tumour suppressor genes impairs their cellular functions and activates a cascade of events driving cell transformation and cancer progression. Here, we examine site-specific and spatiotemporal alteration in DNA methylation at a target region in BRCA1 gene promoter, a model tumour suppressor gene. We have developed a programmable CRISPR-Cas9 based demethylase tool containing the deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) fused to the catalytic domain (CD) of Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) dioxygenase1 (TET1CD). The fusion protein selectively demethylates targeted regions within BRCA1 promoter as directed by the designed single-guide RNAs (sgRNA), leading to the transcriptional up-regulation of the gene. We also noticed the increment in 5-hydroxymethylation content (5-hmC) at the target DNA site undergoing the most profound demethylation. It confirms the catalytic activity of TET1 in TET1-dCas9 fusion proteins-mediated demethylation at these target sequences. The modular design of the fusion constructs presented here allows for the selective substitution of other chromatin or DNA modifying enzymes and for loci-specific targeting to uncover epigenetic regulatory pathways at gene promoters and other selected genomic regions.
SU-G-201-10: Experimental Determination of Modified TG-43 Dosimetry Parameters for the Xoft Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy Source

Purpose: The establishment of an air kerma rate standard at NIST for the Xoft Axxent® electronic brachytherapy source (Axxent® source) motivated the establishment of a modified TG-43 dosimetry formalism. This work measures the modified dosimetry parameters for the Axxent® source in the absence of a treatment applicator for implementation in Xoft's treatment planning system. Methods: The dose-rate conversion coefficient (DRCC), radial dose function (RDF) values, and polar anisotropy (PA) were measured using TLD-100 microcubes with NIST-calibrated sources. The DRCC and RDF measurements were performed in liquid water using an annulus of Virtual Water™ designed to align the TLDs at the height of the anode at fixed radii from the source. The PA was measured at several distances from the source in a PMMA phantom. MCNP-determined absorbed dose energy dependence correction factors were used to convert from dose to TLD to dose to liquid water for the DRCC, RDF, and PA measurements. The intrinsic energy dependence correction factor from the work of Pike was used. The AKR was determined using a NIST-calibrated HDR1000 Plus well-type ionization chamber. Results: The DRCC was determined to be 8.6 (cGy/hr)/(µGy/min). The radial dose values were determined to be 1.00 (1cm), 0.60 (2cm), 0.42 (3cm), and 0.32 (4cm), with agreement ranging from (5.7% to 10.9%) from the work of Hiatt et al. 2015 and agreement from (2.8% to 6.8%) with internal MCNP simulations. Conclusion: This work presents a complete dataset of modified TG-43 dosimetry parameters for the Axxent® source in the absence of an applicator. Prior to this study a DRCC had not been measured for the Axxent® source. This data will be used for calculating dose distributions for patients receiving treatment with the Axxent® source in Xoft's breast balloon and vaginal applicators, and for intraoperative radiotherapy. Sources and partial funding for this work were provided by Xoft Inc. (a subsidiary of iCAD). This work was also supported by the Radiological Sciences T32 Training Grant through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Physics department (5T32CA009206-37).
Incorporating Research into Teaching Geosciences: The Masters Student Perspective

A Masters student in the geosciences shares her perspectives and views based on personal experience and the experiences of student peers about the incorporation of research into teaching. Including research publications like journal articles, and research projects in which students can participate, into the structure of courses, has positive impacts on student engagement and on learning outcomes. Reported learning outcomes attained as a result of incorporating research into teaching ranged from learning the techniques of scientific inquiry and gaining a better grasp and better knowledge of the subject matter to exploring the role of researcher as a potential career. Research articles included in their courses forge a link between what students learn and how such learning is obtained through conducting research. The article also considers instances where lecturers do not incorporate research into teaching and what students think about why this might not be done. The standard status quo of teaching practice in the geosciences and the challenges that the research-teaching nexus pose to it are considered as well as how these challenges can and have been addressed.