cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lift on a sphere near a plane wall in a second-order fluid

Abstract In this paper, we examine the lift on a sphere moving very close to an infinite plane wall in a shear flow of a second-order fluid. The sphere is allowed to both translate and rotate along the plane. We focus on the limit when the sphere touches the wall. We found that due to the normal stress effect, the flow gives rise to a positive elastic lift force on the sphere when the gap between the sphere and the wall is small. For a moving particle driven by shear flow, the ratio of the elastic lift to the buoyant weight of the particle is inversely proportional to the particle radius, such that smaller particles will be easier to suspend, in contrast to the result that the ratio of the inertial lift to the buoyant weight of the particle is proportional to the particle radius, such that the inertial lift does not suspend small particles. Furthermore, the elastic lift force is singular when the minimum gap between the sphere and the wall approaches zero. Consequently, a moving particle in a viscoelastic fluid will always be suspended from a smooth surface.
Diagnosis and treatment of transplant-related lymphoma

Immunodeficiency-related B-cell disorders are seen after organ transplantation and in congenital and acquired immunodeficiency states. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) comprise a histologic spectrum ranging from hyper-plastic appearing lesions to frank non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or multiple myeloma histology. Multiple clones may co-exist, representing a uniquely different mechanism for lymphomagenesis. The incidence varies from 1% in renal recipients to 8% in lung recipients, but can be markedly increased by the use of anti-T-cell therapies, or by T-cell depletion in bone marrow transplantation. Pre-transplant EBV seronegativity increases risk to as high as 30%-50%. More than 90% of tumors are EBV-associated. Mechanisms for viral lymphomagenesis remain incompletely defined; LMP-1 may function as an oncogene and coprecipitates with TRAF, BCL-2 overexpression has also been identified. A possible direct tumorigenic effect has recently been suggested for cyclosporine. PTLD has a highly variable clinical picture, certain patterns are however seen. Reversibility of PTLD with reduction in immunosuppressives has long been recognized. Predicting reversibility has been difficult. The presence or absence of BCL-6 mutations has recently been identified as being of predictive value. Surgical resection can be curative. Cytotoxics, although problematic, can also be curative. Long term remission has been achieved with anti CD21 and CD24 antibodies; efficacy has been reported anecdotally for interferon alpha and for rituximab. In vitro expanded EBV-specific T cells have been effective as treatment and as prophylaxis in the setting of bone marrow transplantation. EBV viral load measured in blood appears to correlate with the emergence of PTLD and may facilitate prophylactic studies. PTLD is a model of immunodeficiency related EBV lymphomagenesis. Pathogenetic, therapeutic, and prophylactic insights gained from the study of PTLD are likely to be applicable to other immunodeficiency states and to EBV-related lymphoid neoplasia in general.
Quantitative hybridization to genomic DNA fractionated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Hybridization to genomic DNA fractionated by CHEF electrophoresis can vary >100-fold if the DNA is acid depurinated prior to Southern blotting. The level of hybridization is high or low depending on whether the molecule being analyzed migrates at a size coincident with or different from the size of the majority of genomic DNA in the sample, respectively. Techniques that avoid acid depurination including in-gel hybridizations and UV irradiation of DNA prior to blotting provide more accurate quantitative results. CHEF analysis of DNA molecules containing repetitive satellite sequences is particularly prone to this effect.
GLP-1 stimulates glucose-derived de novo fatty acid synthesis and chain elongation during cell differentiation and insulin release

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1, 7-36) is capable of restoring normal glucose tolerance in aging, glucose-intolerant Wistar rats and is a potent causal factor in differentiation of human islet duodenal homeobox-1-expressing cells into insulin-releasing β cells. Here we report stable isotope-based dynamic metabolic profiles of rat pancreatic epithelial (ARIP) and human ductal tumor (PANC-1) cells responding to 10 nM GLP-1 treatment in 48 h cultures. Macromolecule synthesis patterns and substrate flow measurements using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) and the stable [1,2-13C2]glucose isotope as the tracer showed that GLP-1 induced a significant 20% and 60% increase in de novo fatty acid palmitate synthesis in ARIP and PANC-1 cells, respectively, and it also induced a significant increase in palmitate chain elongation into stearate utilizing glucose as the primary substrate. Distribution of 13C in other metabolites indicated no changes in the rates of nucleic acid ribose synthesis, glutamate oxidation, or lactate production. Tandem high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap MS analysis of the culture media demonstrated mass insulin secretion by GLP-1-treated tumor cells. Metabolic profile changes in response to GLP-1-induced cell differentiation include selective increases in de novo fatty acid synthesis from glucose and consequent chain elongation, allowing increased membrane formation and greater insulin availability and release.
Lymphocyte-Reactive Autoantibodies in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Persons Facilitate the Deletion of CD8 T Cells by Macrophages

The number of peripheral blood CD8 T cells declines in advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection coinciding with the transition from a clinically asymptomatic state of infection to AIDS. Although blood monocytes/macrophages exhibit cytotoxicity for CD4 T cells soon after HIV infection, cytotoxicity against CD8 T cells occurs at the time when HIV infection advances. The cytotoxic reaction is mediated by immunoglobulins that bind to T cells and which can be eluted from them. The immunoglobulins enable macrophages from noninfected persons to destroy healthy T cells in tissue culture. Lymphocyte-reactive autoantibodies (LRAs) occur physiologically as a result of chronic allo- or self-antigen stimulation. Lymphopenic, autoimmune lupus erythematosus patients exhibit LRAs that facilitate the deletion of T cells by macrophages. It is proposed that LRAs represent an immunoregulatory cytotoxic mechanism that is activated after chronic immune stimulation and is engaged by HIV to deplete host lymphocytes.
A Robust Numerical Solution of the Stochastic Collection–Breakup Equation for Warm Rain

Abstract The focus of this paper is on the numerical solution of the stochastic collection equation–stochastic breakup equation (SCE–SBE) describing the evolution of raindrop spectra in warm rain. The drop size distribution (DSD) is discretized using the fixed-pivot scheme proposed by Kumar and Ramkrishna, and new discrete equations for solving collision breakup are presented. The model is evaluated using established coalescence and breakup parameterizations (kernels) available in the literature, and in that regard this paper provides a substantial review of the relevant science. The challenges posed by the need to achieve stable and accurate numerical solutions of the SCE–SBE are examined in detail. In particular, this paper focuses on the impact of varying the shape of the initial DSD on the equilibrium solution of the SCE–SBE for a wide range of rain rates and breakup kernels. The results show that, although there is no dependence of the equilibrium DSD on initial conditions for the same rain rate and ...
Modulation of the antigenic phenotype of human melanoma cells by differentiation-inducing and growth-suppressing agents.

Summary Tumor cells often display alterations in their normal program of cellular differentiation. A promising approach for the treatment of cancer involves the induction of terminal differentiation and a loss of proliferative capacity in cancer cells. In human melanoma cells, the combination of mezerein (MEZ) and fibroblast interferon (IFN-β), results in a rapid and irreversible suppression of cell growth with a concomitant increase in the synthesis of melanin. The induction of terminal differentiation is associated with alterations in the expression of several cellular genes, including fibronectin, ISG-15 and ISG-54, and changes in the expression of specific cell surface antigens, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and HLA Class I antigens. In the HO-1 human melanoma cell line, induction of terminal differentiation by MEZ plus IFN-β results in an induction and/or increased expression of ICAM-1. HLA Class I antigens and HLA Class II antigens. IFN-β and MEZ alone can modulate expression of these antigens to a lower extent than does the combination of compounds. Induction of terminal differentiation and the irreversible suppression of cell growth is not a prerequisite for antigenic modulation in HO-1 cells. This is indicated by the inability of immune interferon (IFN-γ), a strong inducer of ICAM-1, HLA Class I antigens and HLA Class II antigens synthesis, or the combination of IFN-β plus IFN-γ which synergistically but reversibly suppresses HO-1 growth. to induce melanin synthesis or terminal differentiation in HO-1 cells. The inhibitor of protein kinase C, H-7, only marginally alters 72 hr growth suppression induced by MEZ or the interferons, used alone or in combination. In several experiments, H-7 only partially and variably inhibited the enhanced expression of ICAM-1, HLA Class I antigens and HLA Class II antigens in HO-1 cells treated with MEZ. IFN-β or IFN-γ, used alone or in various combinations. This model system will be useful in defining the biochemical, genomic and antigenic changes associated with the chemical induction of terminal differentiation and the loss of proliferative capacity in human melanoma cells.
Characterization of indium tin oxide and al-doped Zinc oxide thin films deposited by confocal RF magnetron sputter deposition

Thin film properties (resistivity, sheet resistance, optical transmissivity, stability testing under RH85/85C conditions and film stress) were measured for indium tin oxide (ITO) and Al-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) (2 wt.% Al doped target) films deposited using a confocal RF magnetron sputtering system. A comparison was made between sample biasing and high temperature conditions with respect to these properties. The sample bias was applied by RF power (0 – 60 W) to the sample. For the high temperature runs, the samples were heated to temperatures of as high as 250 C. ITO was deposited with argon as the process gas; Al-ZnO was deposited with a small amount of hydrogen (from 0 to 1%) added to argon. We find that comparable qualities of films can be obtained by either sample biasing or high temperature processes for ITO and Al-ZnO in terms of sheet resistance and transmission. However, sample biasing resulted in significantly higher compressive stress. The sheet resistance of Al-ZnO was affected by addition of hydrogen. The optimal concentration of hydrogen was 0.33% for sample biasing and 0.5% for high temperature runs under the deposition conditions considered.
A discrete-time hazard model of hitting the wall in recreational marathon runners

Abstract Objective Recent literature has begun to describe and identify predictors of hitting the wall among recreational marathon runners. Our purpose was to extend previous findings by exploring the relative probability of when runners of various risk profiles hit the wall and to describe the overall functional form of risk over the course of a marathon. Method Survival methods and discrete-time hazard modeling were used to model self-reported hitting the wall occurrence data among 324 recreational marathon runners from four Eastern Seaboard marathons. Results The combinative effects of male gender, running 20 miles or less in training, and expectancy, showed the greatest probability of hitting the wall at any timepoint of the marathon. The shape of hitting the wall risk appeared to most closely fit a cubic form with a dramatic incline of risk peaking at mile 21 followed by a precipitous decline. Conclusion These findings further clarify under what circumstances recreational marathon runners are most and least likely to hit the wall and contributes to the formation of a conceptual definition of the phenomenon.
Premolded copper leadframe substrate: an enabling technology for advanced unmolded substrate packages

The trend of package miniaturization in the field of electronics is a key driver towards development of novel packages with superior electrical & thermal performances. Several power package designs use the solder bumping technology to improve RDSon & thermal resistance. These include the MOSFET BGA [Granada et al., 2003] and Flip Chip in a Leaded Molded Package [Joshi et al., 2004] (FLMP). Both packages attained low electrical and thermal resistances by providing short and unrestricted routes of the drain, source & gate contacts towards the package external, hence, towards the printed circuit board (PCB). The MOSFET BGA for example have direct source and gate contacts to the PCB through die solder bumps, while drain contacts are maximized through the use of leadframe substrate with peripheral protrusions or solder balls coplanar to the source bumps which are directly soldered to the board. The FLMP on the other hand is designed to have the die backside (drain contact of the MOSFET) soldered directly to the board while the source & gate contacts (leads of the package) are formed coplanar to the die backside. Both MOSFET BGA & FLMP are electrically & thermally versatile relative to its size. A new packaging idea has emerged by combining the best features of these two packages. This new package is called MaxFET. It is an unmolded substrate package, which adopts the FLMP direct soldering concept of die backside to the PCB, hence maximizing the drain connection. Source path of the package to the PCB is shortened by using leadframe substrate and ball attach technology such as that of the MOSFET BGA. The substrate is the main external framework of MaxFET package, thus electrical, thermal, mechanical and size considerations are significant factors in the design. Development of ultra-thin premolded leadframe substrate for MaxFET packaging will be detailed and discussed along with finite element analysis and preliminary reliability testing.
Liposuction Reduction of the Suprapubic Area

. Liposuction reduction of the suprapubic area is simple, safe, and applicable to a large number of individuals with unsightly protuberances in this area.
Lower oxygen saturation alarm limits decrease the severity of retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose To determine whether lowering oxygen saturation alarm limits for infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) reduces its incidence and/or severity. Methods Oximetry alarm limits were lowered to 85% and 93% for all infants with a birth weight 1250 g or less and/or gestational age 28 weeks or less, and maintained until 32 weeks’ postmenstrual age or until oxygen saturations were consistently greater than 93% in room air. The new policy was effective for infants born on or after June 1, 2003. ROP data were prospectively collected, and we compared the rate and severity of ROP in the year after the oximeter alarm policy change to the rates in the immediately preceding 3 years. Results In the year after the oximeter alarm limit policy change, 4 of 72 infants developed prethreshold ROP compared with 44 of 251 infants in the previous 3-year epoch (17.5% vs 5.6%, p = 0.01). Similarly, only 6 of 144 eyes developed prethreshold ROP in the year after the policy change, compared with 84 of 502 in the previous 3 years (16.7% vs 4.2%, p = 0.001). Conclusions A simple change in oximeter alarm parameters in the first weeks of life for infants with a birth weight 1250 g or less may decrease the incidence of prethreshold ROP.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Activity During Sleep Consolidates Cortical Plasticity In Vivo

Ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) in the cat primary visual cortex (V1) is induced during waking by monocular deprivation (MD) and consolidated during subsequent sleep. The mechanisms underlying this process are incompletely understood. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is activated in V1 during sleep after MD, but it is unknown whether ERK activation during sleep is necessary for ODP consolidation. We investigated the role of ERK in sleep-dependent ODP consolidation by inhibiting the ERK-activating enzyme MEK in V1 (via U0126) during post-MD sleep. ODP consolidation was then measured with extracellular microelectrode recordings. Western blot analysis was used to confirm the efficacy of U0126 and to examine proteins downstream of ERK. U0126 abolished ODP consolidation and reduced both phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and levels of the synaptic marker PSD-95. Furthermore, interfering with ERK-mediated translation by inhibiting MAP kinase-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1) with CGP57380 mimicked the effects of U0126. These results demonstrate that ODP consolidation requires sleep-dependent activation of the ERK-Mnk1 pathway.
Property/Morphology Relations in Alkali Silicate Glasses

The effects of glass composition and thermal history on the glass-transformation range behavior, as indicated by thermal expansion curves, and on chemical durability, as indicated by the acid etch rate, were measured for binary lithium, sodium, and potassium silicate glasses and for the lithinm/sodium and lithiumlpotassium mixed-alkali silicate glasses. The results were used to determine the phase-separation boundaries and the limits of interconnectivity of each phase for all five systems. The results demonstrate the utility of such studies for the characterization of the morphology of glass-forming systems.
Book Review: Abolishing Nuclear Weapons by George Perkovich and James M. Acton

Abolishing Nuclear Weapons, by George Perkovich and James M. Acton. London, International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2008. Adelphi Paper No. 396.
Study on the Internal Audit for Listed Companies Based on Value-added View

As the function of internal audit is being cognizing deeply and changing, the function of internal audit in Chinese listed company governance is gradually being strengthened. Combining with the new definition of internal audit, the enterprise risk management frame and the re-oriented value-added aim of internal audit, the measures such as perfecting the corporate governance structure and implementing many measures about management audit oriented by internal control and risk management were proposed to promote the listed companies to reform the management, evaluate the risk and added values, and fully exert the value-added function.
Consequential Thinking and Self-Reported Delinquency in High-School Youth:

This study examined differences between high- and low-level delinquent youth in their beliefs about the legal, moral, and social consequences of deviant behavior. Male and female high-school studen...
Genre and the New Rhetoric

Genre and the New Rhetoric. Aviva Freedman and Peter Medway. eds. Critical Perspectives on Literacy and Education. London: Taylor & Francis, 1994. 236 pp.
Training conditional random fields using virtual evidence boosting

While conditional random fields (CRFs) have been applied successfully in a variety of domains, their training remains a challenging task. In this paper, we introduce a novel training method for CRFs, called virtual evidence boosting, which simultaneously performs feature selection and parameter estimation. To achieve this, we extend standard boosting to handle virtual evidence, where an observation can be specified as a distribution rather than a single number. This extension allows us to develop a unified framework for learning both local and compatibility features in CRFs. In experiments on synthetic data as well as real activity classification problems, our new training algorithm outperforms other training approaches including maximum likelihood, maximum pseudo-likelihood, and the most recent boosted random fields.
Direct Tissue Analysis by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Application to Kidney Biology

Direct tissue analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) provides in situ molecular analysis of a wide variety of biological molecules including xenobiotics. This technology allows measurement of these species in their native biological environment without the use of target-specific reagents such as antibodies. It can be used to profile discrete cellular regions and obtain region-specific images, providing information on the relative abundance and spatial distribution of proteins, peptides, lipids, and drugs. In this article, we report the sample preparation, MS data acquisition and analysis, and protein identification methodologies used in our laboratory for profiling/imaging MS and how this has been applied to kidney disease and toxicity.
Corticosterone can facilitate as well as inhibit corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.

We have used in situ hybridization to investigate how basal levels of circulating corticosterone modulate CRH gene transcription in the neuroendocrine parvicellular part of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVHmpd) during sustained hypovolemia. In the absence of the stressor, the accumulation rate of the CRH primary transcript exhibited a dose dependency on low maintained levels of plasma corticosterone similar to that previously reported for the mature messenger RNA (mRNA); levels declined as plasma corticosterone increased. In response to hypovolemia, the absence of corticosterone compromised CRH gene transcription mechanisms to mount the activated response seen in intact animals. However, adrenalectomized rats with low doses of corticosterone (insufficient to normalize thymus weights) showed an augmented mRNA response compared with that in intact animals. When replaced corticosterone normalized thymus weights, the magnitude of the mRNA response was reduced to that seen in intact animals. In con...
Passive and adaptive optical equalizer for reconfigurable multiwavelength networks

We describe the concept for a passive device that equalizes the power of a multiwavelength optical signal without spectrally dispersing the signal. The proposed device consists of a Fabry–Perot cavity with a photorefractive medium. It is scalable in the number of wavelengths, adapts to time variations in the optical power, and does not require an external power reference, so it is well suited for equalizing the output of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers in reconfigurable, multiwavelength, optical networks. We give an analysis of the device’s operation and of network behavior.
Variation in use of green flushes following burns among African ungulate species: the importance of body size

Summary In order to determine if use of green flushes following fire varied among ungulate species, six common species of the Serengeti Ecosystem were censused on burned and in adjacent unburned sites. Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii Gunther), impala (Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein)), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti Brooke) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Thomas) were more abundant in green flush sites compared to unburned controls. No significant difference was found in topi (Damaliscus korrigum (Matschie)) and zebra (Equus burchelli Gray) between burned and unburned sites. Preference (differential use) for burned sites was negatively related to average ungulate body size across species. It is hypothesized that larger species (e.g. topi and zebra) try to maximize their energy and nutrient intake by feeding on both burned sites where there is a low quantity of high-quality forage, and unburned sites where forage quantity is high but forage quality is low. Smaller species (e.g. gazelles and impala) feed exclusively in burned sites (where there is higher quality forage) to fulfil the high metabolic requirements associated with small body-sized animals. Resume Pour determiner si l'utilization de la verdure rase qui repousse apres les feux varie selon les especes d'ongules, on a releve six especes communes de l'ecosysteme du Serengeti dans les endroits brules et dans les zones adjacentes. La gazelle de Thomson (Gazella thomsoni Gunther), l'impala (Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein)), la gazelle de Grant (Gazell granti Brooke) et le gnou (Connochaetes taurinus Thomas) etaient plus abondants aux endroits de repousse qu'a ceux qui n'avaient pas brule. On ne trouvait pas de difference significative pour le topi (Damaliscus korrigum (Matschie)), ni pour le zebre (Equus burchelli Gray), entre les endroits brules ou non. La preference (la difference d'utilisation) pour les sites brules etait inversement lies a la taille corporelle moyenne de l'espece. On emet l'hypothese que les plus grandes especes (par ex. le topi et le zebre) essaient de maximaliser leur prise d'energie et de nutriments en se nourrissant aux endroits brules, ou il y une quantite reduite de fourrage de haute qualite, et aux endroits non brules, ou la quantite de fourrage est plus grande mais de moinsbonne qualite. Les plus petites especes (par ex. les gazelles et l'impala) se nourrissent exclusivement sur les sites brules (ou le fourrage est de meilleure qualite) pour satisfaire les exigences metaboliques elevees associees aux animaux de petite taille.
Simulation studies of the scattering of a solitary wave by a mass impurity in a chain of nonlinear oscillators

Abstract We have simulated large amplitude motion in cyclic one-dimensional lattices of Morse potential oscillators with a mass impurity, and have observed an unexpected persistence of solitary wave behavior for which we are unable to discover a satisfactory explanation. In solitary wave motion as a function of cycle length and of initial energy, the most common feature of the dynamics is an initial energy plateau with regular oscillatory energy exchange between the solitary wave and other excitations of the lattice, followed by rapid decay. Some systems show no decay at all through 1000 impurity interactions, while others show no significant plateau before decaying. For some cycle lengths there are energy bands in which the solitary wave propagates indefinitely long, with small amplitude oscillatory exchange of energy with the lattice. No regularities were found.
Reply to N.-K.V. Cheung et al

The randomized trial reported by Matthay et al1 used event-free survival (EFS) as the primary end point, which has been sustained as significant even in an unplanned later long-term follow-up: 5-year EFS for autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT), 30%; chemotherapy consolidation, 19% (P = .04).1,2 Although overall survival (OS) was not statistically significant, in the analysis of all four randomized arms, 5-year OS for ABMT with isotretinoin was higher than both non-ABMT arms (P = .054; Fig 4B1), even though this was an unplanned analysis for these subgroups.1 As noted by Cheung et al,3 the only two additional randomized trials showed a significant advantage for ABMT over conventional chemotherapy.4,5 It is noteworthy that the Children’s Cancer Group trial used an intensive chemotherapy comparison arm to ABMT with similar hospitalization days, death related to toxicity rate, and second malignancy, and still showed a significant advantage in EFS for the ABMT arm.2
Automated apparatus for long-term testing of electrical brushes

The meaningful evaluation of electrical brushes and the development of novel electrical sliding contacts can require exhaustive testing. An automated testing system has been developed in which a personal computer both controls test parameters for a matched brush pair running on the same rotor according to a preselected program, and stores test data. Specifically controlled are the brush forces, brush polarity, and the current. The voltage drops across each of the two brushes, their wear, and the rotor temperature are monitored. Additionally, traverses, meaning brief periods of ramping the current up and down between preselected limits while measuring the associated voltage drops, can be programmed into the tests. The duration of the various phases in complex testing programs and the intervals between data taking can be varied between seconds and months, but the system is switched off automatically when the voltage across either of the two brushes or the rotor temperature exceeds a preselected value. The accumulated data can be recalled in various graphical representations and program changes can be made at any time without interrupting the test. >
Endometrial Thickness, Uterine, and Ovarian Ultrasonographic Features in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract Objective Our aim was to evaluate uterine and ovarian ultrasonographic features including endometrial thickness (ET) in adolescent females with PCOS, which is limited in this population. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of young females (n = 51) ranging in age from 10 to 18 years with the diagnosis of PCOS. Clinical, biochemical and pelvic sonography data were reviewed. Sonographic data included uterine parameters of ET, length, and volume as well as ovarian volume and follicular morphologic features. Results Data in 51 girls were analyzed. Menstrual periods were reported as irregular in 26/51 (50.9%), amenorrheic in 19/51 (37.2%), regular in 4/51 (7.8%) and metrorrhagia in 2/51 (3.9%). Uterine features revealed that the endometrial stripe was enlarged (>7 mm) in 16/51 (31.4%) of girls, all with homogeneous appearance. The uterine length was lower than normal in 22/51 (43.1%) of girls, normal in 21/51 (41.2%), and higher than normal in 8/51 (15.7%). Uterine volume was normal in 31/51 (60.7%) and higher in 20/51 (39.3%) of girls. Enlarged ovarian volume was found in 22/51 (43%) of patients. Mean ovarian volumes were 16.1 cm 3 and 13.1 cm 3 in bilateral and unilaterally enlarged ovaries, respectively. The morphology of ovarian follicles was studied in a subset of 40 patients. The location of ovarian follicles was peripheral in 81% and mixed in 19%. The number of follicles was also examined in 43 patients. They were few ( 10) in 84% cases. There was the presence of at least one >10 mm cyst in 25% of girls. Conclusion Majority of the adolescents with PCOS demonstrated multiple peripheral ovarian follicles, with large ovarian volumes in some, indicating an important role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of PCOS, even at a younger age. Endometrial thickness, uterine length, ovarian size, and follicular morphology should be carefully examined in cases of adolescent PCOS.
Local measurement of thermal conductivity and diffusivity

Simultaneous measurement of local thermal diffusivity and conductivity is demonstrated on a range of ceramic samples. This was accomplished by measuring the temperature field spatial profile of samples excited by an amplitude modulated continuous wave laser beam. A thin gold film is applied to the samples to ensure strong optical absorption and to establish a second boundary condition that introduces an expression containing the substrate thermal conductivity. The diffusivity and conductivity are obtained by comparing the measured phase profile of the temperature field to a continuum based model. A sensitivity analysis is used to identify the optimal film thickness for extracting the both substrate conductivity and diffusivity. Proof of principle studies were conducted on a range of samples having thermal properties that are representatives of current and advanced accident tolerant nuclear fuels. It is shown that by including the Kapitza resistance as an additional fitting parameter, the measured conductivity and diffusivity of all the samples considered agreed closely with the literature values. A distinguishing feature of this technique is that it does not require a priori knowledge of the optical spot size which greatly increases measurement reliability and reproducibility.
Capital Requirements Under Basel III in Latin America: The Cases of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

A number of banks in developed countries argue that the new capital requirements under Basel III are too stringent and that implementing the proposed regulation would require raising large amounts of capital, with adverse consequences on credit and the cost of finance. In contrast, many emerging market economies claim that their systems are adequately capitalized and that they have no problems with implementing the new capital requirements. This paper conducts a detailed calculation of capital held by the banks in four Latin American countries — known as the Andean countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru — and assesses the potential effects of full compliance with the capital requirements under Basel III. The conclusions are positive and show that while capital would decline somewhat in these countries after they make adjustments to comply with the new definition of capital under Basel III, they would still meet the Basel III recommendations on capital requirements. More importantly, these countries would hold Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted-asset ratios significantly above the 8.5 percent requirement under Basel III. That is, not only the quantity, but also the quality of capital is adequate in the countries under study. While encouraging, these results should not be taken as a panacea since the new regulations are only effective if coupled with appropriate risk management and supervision mechanisms to control the build-up of excessive risk-taking by banks. Further research into these areas is needed for a complete assessment of the strength of banks in the Andean countries.
Social and Biological Changes During Adolescence That Precipitate the Onset of Antisocial Behavior

The temporary spike in antisocial behavior that occurs during adolescence has led to the hypothesis that antisocial behavior may be a relatively normative and transient phenomenon of this developmental period. However, data indicate that antisocial behavior with adolescent onset does not arise independent of contextual risk, nor is it independent of adverse adult outcomes. In contrast, age of onset is likely a function of a continuum of risk. Adolescence represents a confluence of changes that can catalyze the onset of antisocial behavior for individuals at risk. These changes include physical and physiological manifestations of puberty, changes in neural function, re-prioritization of social goals, expanding social networks, and changes in family dynamics as parents and adolescents adjust to increasing autonomy needs. Many of these phenomena can be targeted through prevention and intervention programs that can effectively reduce the onset and/or severity of antisocial behavior.
Parent and child asthma illness representations: a systematic review

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this article is to synthesize the current literature on parent and child asthma illness representations and their consequent impact on parent–child asthma shared management.Data sources: This systematic review was conducted in concordance with the PRISMA statement. An electronic search of five computerized databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE) was conducted using the following key words: asthma, illness representation, and child. Due to the limited number of articles identified, the search was broadened to include illness perceptions as well.Study Selections: Studies were included if they were specific to asthma and included parent and/or child asthma illness representations or perception, were published after 2000, and available in English. Fifteen articles were selected for inclusion. All of the articles are descriptive studies that used cross-sectional designs. Seven of the studies used parent and child participants, eight used parents only, and no...
Self-Replicating Twins in Nanowires

Based on molecular-dynamics simulations validated with quantum-mechanical calculations, we predict that (111) twin planes in a [111]-oriented GaAs nanowire attain attractive interactions mediated by surface strain. This gives rise to a self-replication mechanism that continuously generates a twin superlattice in a nanowire during growth. We demonstrate significant implications of the twin–twin interaction for the electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties of nanowires. These unique properties suggest potential applications such as catalysts for solar fuel production and nanoscale mechanical dampers.
Deletion Mutations Keep Kinase Inhibitors in the Loop

Effective clinical application of conformationally selective kinase inhibitors requires tailoring drug choice to the tumor's activating mutation(s). In this issue of Cancer Cell, Foster et al. (2016) describe how activating deletions in BRAF, EGFR, and HER2 cause primary resistance to common inhibitors, suggesting strategies for improved inhibitor selection.
Assassination in International Politics

The murder of the mighty has a long, if not an honorable, history as a political technique. For reasons not altogether clear, the horror of the act-violence out of time, out of context, the slaughter of the appointed of God or the people, the swift sword out of the dark-has long fascinated the artist and author rather than the scholar. Murder as a means for political gain seems immoral-an act against nature. Yet it has been not only a frequent act, but also a generally catholic one as well, including among its victims those of all creeds and races, from all empires and nations, from every era, not the least our own. Caesar and Lincoln, Canterbury and Marat, Gandhi, Alexander II, Nero and Francis Ferdinand all were common victims. A Prime Minister
A Relation Between Nuclear Size and Composition of its Suspending Media

With respect to the relation between nuclear size and chemical composition of its suspending medium, diameters of the nuclei isolated by the technique of sucrose or glycerol were measured in sucrose or glycerol solution in addition with various concentrations of several cations. Obtained results were summarized as follows.Nuclear sizes were decreased with addition of cations, and on the control of nuclear size, bivalent cations were further effective than univalent. The nuclear size depended only on the concentration of cations, but did not on that of sucrose. Even if the sucrose was substituted with glycerol, similar results were obtained.These facts throw a question whether a concept of ‘isotony of cell’ is equally fitted for isolated nuclei.
Two research perspective of health literacy

As a major public health problem,the health literacy gets high attention from the international community,governments and scholars.With the improvement of living standard,the health consciousness of people strengthens and the health requirement increases.There is positive effect in improving the health literacy level by generalizing the work of health literacy,correctly guiding the public to establish scientific health concept and cultivating the healthy behavior and life style.This paper explores the definition and connotation of health literacy and two research perspective of clinical medicine and public health.
Pathogenetic mechanisms of acute liver failure

Mechanistic investigations into the pathophysiology of acute liver failure after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion revealed that reactive oxygen species are generated intracellularly only after prolonged periods of ischemia. Parenchymal cell injury during ischemia seems to be a prerequisite for a significant intracellular oxidant stress. However, after shorter periods of ischemia without significant ischemic injury, reactive oxygen is formed predominantly in the extracellular (vascular) space with Kupffer cells and later also with neutrophils as the main sources. Both cell types generate a variety of inflammatory and cytotoxic mediators and are involved in a complex, self-aggravating injury mechanism leading to massive liver cell necrosis and a systemic inflammatory reaction, which may also affect other organs. Integrins and cellular adhesion molecules are critical for neutrophil accumulation and formation of reactive oxygen. An important aspect of the pathogenesis is the manifestation of a "priming" effect for enhanced reactive oxygen formation, but not cytokine generation by Kupffer cells and neutrophils. Priming of phagocytes means that even after short periods of hepatic ischemia (20-30 min) with only moderate reperfusion injury, secondary stimuli, e.g. as generated during sepsis, can cause a potentiation of the postischemic oxidant stress and liver injury and may eventually lead to acute liver failure.
Paralytic Strabismus in Children: Etiologic Incidence and Management of the Third, Fourth, and Sixth Nerve Palsies

Abstract The results of a retrospective study of the etiologic incidence of all cases of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies in patients at Wills Eye Hospital and St Christopher's Hospital are reported. A total of 121 patients ranging in age from birth to sixteen were studied. Thirty-two cases of third nerve palsy, eighteen cases of fourth nerve palsy, and sixty-two cases of sixth nerve palsy were identified in this series. Nine additional cases illustrated combinations of multiple nerve involvement. With few exceptions, acquired third nerve palsy in children is an ominous sign whereas the congenital form is generally indicative of developmental anomaly or birth trauma. Acquired sixth nerve palsy in a child is always a matter of concern since it may represent the first sign of a brain-stem glioma. Active force studies may be carried out periodically to assess the speed of recovery and indicate when it is time to initiate a more aggressive role in the surgical management. The surgical results in children with paralytic strabismus that have been carefully evaluated offer a favorable prognosis.
Preliminary analysis of code hunt data set from a contest

Code Hunt (https://www.codehunt.com/) from Microsoft Research is a web-based serious gaming platform being popularly used for various programming contests. In this paper, we demonstrate preliminary statistical analysis of a Code Hunt data set that contains the programs written by students (only) worldwide during a contest over 48 hours. There are 259 users, 24 puzzles (organized into 4 sectors), and about 13,000 programs submitted by these users. Our analysis results can help improve the creation of puzzles in a future contest.
Abstract 2459: KIR3DL1 and HLA-B subtype combinations predict the efficacy of 3F8 monoclonal antibody therapy for neuroblastoma

Background: Treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (3F8) recruits Natural Killer (NK) cells for antibody-dependent-cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK reactivity is triggered when the signals for activation outweigh inhibition; principal among the inhibitory ligands for NK cells are HLA, detected by inhibitory killer Ig-like receptors (KIR). Among receptor-ligand partnerships, KIR3DL1 and HLA-B exhibit the greatest diversity. Variation in KIR3DL1 surface expression (null, low or high) and dimorphism at HLA-Bw4 amino-acid sequence 80 (isoleucine v. threonine) are associated with varied strengths of interaction. We hypothesized that KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 partnerships could influence the outcome of 3F8 treatment by varying the strength of inhibitory signaling. Methods: KIR3DL1 and HLA-B subtype combinations were assessed in a cohort of 245 patients with high-risk NB treated with 3F8 by medium-resolution PCR. Patients were grouped based on strength of interaction expected from KIR3DL1 subtype/HLA-Bw4: Strong-interactors (3DL1-high+Bw4-80I; 3DL1-low+Bw4-80T); weak-interactors (3DL1-high+Bw4-80T; 3DL1-low+Bw4-80I); and the non-interactors, where no KIR3DL1/Bw4 interaction is expected (3DL1-null or KIR3DS1 + any HLA-Bw4; Bw6/Bw6 + any 3DL1) were compared for their influences on overall and progression-free survival. Results: The frequency of KIR3DL1/HLA-B partnerships were: strong-interactors 25.3%, weak-interactors 22.4%, and non-interactors 52.2%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) for strong-interactors, weak-interactors, and non-interactors was 28.6% [95% CI:19.3-42.2%], 34.1% [95% CI:23.5-49.4%] and 52.2% [95% CI:44.1-61.7%], respectively (p = 0.005). The 5-year overall survival (OS) for strong-interactors, weak-interactors, and non-interactors was 49.2% [95% CI: 38.3-63.2%], 44.8% [95% CI:33.3-60.3%] and 63.1% [95% CI:55.2-72.2%] (p = 0.013). When controlling for age, lactate dehydrogenase, and disease status at time of treatment the benefit of non-interacting subtypes was maintained for PFS (HR 0.41, [95% CI: 0.27-0.62], p = Conclusions: In patients with NB treated with 3F8, non-interacting subtypes are predictive of improved progression-free and overall survival. Comparatively, patients whose KIR3DL1 and HLA-B allele subtypes predict for strong and weak interaction exhibit high and intermediate risk for disease progression. Collectively, our findings support KIR3DL1 and HLA-B subtype analysis for prognostication and indicate disinhibition of NK cells as a therapeutic target. Citation Format: Christopher J. Forlenza, Jeanette E. Boudreau, Junting Zheng, Glenn Heller, Nai-Kong V. Cheung, Katharine C. Hsu. KIR3DL1 and HLA-B subtype combinations predict the efficacy of 3F8 monoclonal antibody therapy for neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2459. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2459
Effect of nonreactive kaolinite on 4-chloronitrobenzene reduction by Fe(II) in goethite–kaolinite heterogeneous suspensions

The kinetics of model contaminant 4-chloronitrobenzene (4-ClNB) reduction by Fe(II) in aqueous suspensions containing either or both goethite (α-FeOOH) nanoparticles and kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) were quantified to elucidate the effects of nonreactive clay minerals on the attenuation of nitroaromatic groundwater contaminants by iron oxide nanoparticles. Increasing the amount of kaolinite in the presence of goethite decreased the reduction rate of 4-ClNB and competitive Fe(II) adsorption on kaolinite occurred. Cryogenic transmission and scanning electron microscopy (cryo-TEM and cryo-SEM) images did not reveal significant loss of accessible reactive surface area as a result of heteroaggregation. Sequential-spike batch reactors revealed that in the presence of kaolinite, 4-ClNB reduction rate decreased by more than a factor of three with extended reaction as a result of kaolinite dissolution and subsequent incorporation of Al and Si in goethite or on the goethite surface. The reactive sites residing on the {110} faces were comparatively more reactive in the presence of a large loading of kaolinite, resulting in shorter and wider goethite particles after reaction. These results elucidate the mechanisms by which nonreactive clays affect the reactions of Fe(II)/iron oxides in groundwater systems and indicate that nonreactive clays are not passive components.
Community Colleges, Human Capital, and Economic Growth in Developing Countries

This chapter argues that increasing human capital through a combination of university and community college education promotes greater economic growth in developing countries.