cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Strategic Theory of Regime Integration and Separation

States frequently disagree on the importance of cooperation in different issue areas. Under these conditions, when do states prefer to integrate regimes instead of keeping them separated? We develop a strategic theory of regime integration and separation. The theory highlights the nature of spillovers between issues. Positive spillovers exist when cooperation in one issue area aids the pursuit of objectives in another issue area; negative spillovers exist when cooperation in one issue area impedes this pursuit in another issue area. Conventional wisdom suggests that both positive and negative spillovers foster greater integration. We argue that negative spillovers encourage integration while positive spillovers do not. States integrate not to exploit positive spillovers between issues but to mitigate negative spillovers. To test our theory, we examine the degree of integration or separation among environmental regimes.
Correction of severe vertical maxillary excess with anterior open bite and transverse maxillary deficiency.

Abstract Patients requiring correction of large anterior open bites have historically been among the most challenging treatments for orthodontists. Adding to that fundamental challenge for the adult patient in this case was vertical maxillary excess, a severe transverse maxillary deficiency as well as an arch length inadequacy, even though the patient had prior orthodontic treatment. The prior orthodontist had included arch expansion and extracted four first bicuspids, which limited current treatment options. Various treatment modalities that have traditionally been used to correct transverse maxillary deficiency and the accompanying arch length inadequacy include extractions, labial and buccal dental tipping, segmental maxillary osteotomies, and rapid maxillary expansion with or without surgical assistance. Transverse maxillary distraction osteogenesis is a modification (ie, using a latency period and specific rate and rhythm of distraction) of the surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion technique ...
Participation in business associations and performance among family firms

We compare participation in business associations among family firms based on a firm's level of owning family influence. We find that among family firms, owning family influence is negatively related to business association participation. That is, we find that family firms that are highly influenced by their owning families are less likely to participate in business associations than firms that are influenced less by their owning families. This finding is potentially troubling for highly family influenced firms because we also find that business association participation is positively related to firm performance. Implications of these findings are also presented.
Long-term comparison of caesium fountain primary frequency standards

There are currently nine caesium fountain primary frequency standards regularly reporting calibrations of International Atomic Time to the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM). An investigation has been carried out using data from the BIPM publication Circular T to evaluate the frequency differences among these standards and to determine whether these offsets are consistent with the stated uncertainties. The fractional frequency uncertainties of some Cs fountains are now in the range of 4 × 10−16 to 5 × 10−16. The results of this investigation show that the standards agree well with each other. An overall estimate of the caesium frequency is made using the weighted mean of all the fountains.
Model-based enhancement of internal wave images

The measurement of internal-wave signatures using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or real aperture radar (RAR) techniques is an emerging technology that offers a viable means of locating and tracking surface ship wakes by their unique signatures. Under the assumption that the image measured by the radar is dominated by the underlying dynamics of the internal wave, we develop model-based techniques for enhancement based on a recently developed generic dispersive-wave processor. Using images synthesized by a sophisticated propagation model, it is shown that the processor not only offers a unique approach compared to the more traditional image-processing techniques that do not incorporate the propagation model, but is also capable of providing reasonable enhancement of the noisy measurements.
A comparison of manganese oxidation by growing and resting cells of a freshwater bacterial isolate, strain FMn 1.

A bacterial isolate, strain FMn 1, from reservoir sediment oxidized Mn2+ when tested in growing culture and resting-cell suspension. The oxidation was biologically mediated and not the result of autoxidation because at a MnSO4 · H2O concentration of 0.05%. The pH remained below 7.5 for the duration of the experiments. The productions of manganese oxide was qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrated. Teh manganese-oxidizing activity of this organism was found to be inducible.
Recent trends and climatic perspectives of hailstorms frequency and intensity in Tuscany and Central Italy

The damages from climatic extremes have dramatically increased in the last decades in Europe, as likely outcomes of climate change: floods, droughts, heat waves and hailstorms have brought local as well as widespread damages to farmers, industry, infrastructures and society, to insurance and reinsurance companies; in this work we deal with the hailstorm hazard. The NCEP-NCAR Reanalysis (2.5 by 2.5° lat-lon) over the Italian area and the hailstorm reports at several sites are used to identify few forcings for hailstorms; statistical relationships linking forcings and hailstorm frequencies are derived. Such relationships are applied to the same forcings derived from the CGCM2-A2 climate scenario provided by the Canadian Centre for Climate modeling and analysis (CCCma; resolution approximately 3.75 by 3.75° lat-lon), to evaluate the expected changes of the frequency of hailstorms. The time series of the forcings from the NCEP-NCAR Reanalysis and the CCCma climate scenario in the past decades are compared in order to assess the reliability and accuracy of the predictions of the future hailstorm hazard. It is shown that the climate scenario provides a fairly faithful representation of the past trends of the forcings relevant to the hailstorms frequency and that such quantity, hence the hailstorm hazard, is growing and will likely grow in the future over the limited area taken into consideration in this study.
Religious beliefs and quality of life in an American inner-city haemodialysis population.

Background The ability to adapt to the long-term aspects of chronic haemodialysis is multifactorial and poorly understood. Given the many comorbidities of a patient on haemodialysis, religious beliefs may be an important factor in the patient's ability to cope. Methods End-stage renal disease patients in an inner-city American in-center haemodialysis unit were given two surveys to quantify their quality of life (KDQOL) and beliefs (Royal Free Score). The population studied included 97% African Americans. The demographics were collected and recorded. The relationship between religious/spiritual beliefs, demographic variables, and how quality of life (QOL) is viewed was analysed. Results The vast majority of patients considered themselves religious, spiritual or both. KDQOL scores did not correlate with belief in a higher power, but the non-religious group demonstrated a significantly lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine as compared with the religious group. There was a negative correlation with age and physical function as reported by KDQOL and physical health composite. Conclusion As physical function declines, religious and spiritual beliefs are stronger in the haemodialysis population studied. Given the overwhelming prevalence of religious and spiritual beliefs in this population, further study is needed as acknowledging and incorporating these beliefs into patient treatment plans may be warranted.
Role of δ-opioid receptor agonists on infarct size reduction in swine

Opioids are involved in cardiac ischemic preconditioning. Important species differences in cellular signaling mechanisms, antiarrhythmic, and antistunning effects have been described. The role of t...
Reuse issues on the verification of embedded MCU cores

The main issues related to the verification of cores embedded in a microcontroller unit (MCU) are addressed in this paper. Issues such as verification environment design, simulation pattern strategies and reuse, as well as standalone and chip level verification are discussed. An analysis of the verification environment is performed from the perspective of the reuse across the design cycle, focussing on the core standalone and on the chip level verification. A case study analysis is included.
Alternative genetic models for the inheritance of the phenylthiocarbamide taste deficiency

Pedigree segregation analysis was used to examine several one- and two-locus models of the inheritance of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste deficiency that extend the traditional one-locus recessive model by the addition of either another allele or another locus, and in some cases predict two types of nontasters. These models allow nontaster by nontaster matings to produce taster offspring, consistent with our data and several previous studies which use the Harris and Kalmus [Annals of Eugenics 15:24-32, 1949] dilution method. The models fit our data set of 1,152 individuals from 120 families significantly better than the one-locus recessive model. The best fit was obtained with a two-locus model in which one locus controls PTC tasting and the other locus controls a more general taste ability. This model is consistent with research on the physiology of PTC tasting and with results from genetic linkage studies. Further study is suggested to evaluate better the accuracy of the proposed model.
Trajectories of Marital Conflict Across the Life Course Predictors and Interactions With Marital Happiness Trajectories

Using typologies outlined by Gottman and Fitzpatrick as well as institutional and companionate models of marriage, the authors conducted a latent class analysis of marital conflict trajectories using 20 years of data from the Marital Instability Over the Life Course study. Respondents were in one of three groups: high, medium (around the mean), or low conflict. Several factors predicted conflict trajectory group membership; respondents who believed in lifelong marriage and shared decisions equally with their spouse were more likely to report low and less likely to report high conflict. The conflict trajectories were intersected with marital happiness trajectories to examine predictors of high and low quality marriages. A stronger belief in lifelong marriage, shared decision making, and husbands sharing a greater proportion of housework were associated with an increased likelihood of membership in a high happiness, low conflict marriage, and a decreased likelihood of a low marital happiness group.
SR proteins SRp20 and 9G8 contribute to efficient export of herpes simplex virus 1 mRNAs.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm through the export receptor TAP/NFX1. HSV-1 multifunctional protein ICP27 interacts with TAP/NXF1, binds viral RNAs, and is required for efficient viral RNA export. In ICP27 mutant infections, viral RNA export is reduced but not ablated, indicating that other export adaptors can aid in viral RNA export. Export adaptor protein Aly/REF is recruited to viral replication compartments, however, Aly/REF knockdown has little effect on viral RNA export. SR proteins SRp20 and 9G8 interact with TAP/NXF1 and mediate export of some cellular RNAs. We report that siRNA knockdown of SRp20 or 9G8 resulted in about a 10 fold decrease in virus yields and in nuclear accumulation of poly(A+) RNA. In infected cells depleted of SRp20, newly transcribed Bromouridine-labeled RNA also accumulated in the nucleus. We conclude that SRp20 and 9G8 contribute to HSV-1 RNA export.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory: Your eye on the Sun

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) was launched on February 11, 2010. The instruments on SDO measure the changes in the Sun that cause Space Weather, from power outages, to navigation problems, and satellite drag. EVE measures the Heartbeat of Space Weather, the output of the Sun that causes much of Space Weather. AIA allows us to follow the solar plasma as it speeds along its roller coaster ride and creates that output. The loops and whirls seen in AIA images are caused by plasma moving along magnetic fields. HMI measures those magnetic fields as they erupt through the surface of the Sun. It also measures sound waves rippling across the face of the Sun, allowing us to build ultrasounds of the Sun that peer into and through the Sun.
Measuring Satisfaction with Mammography Results Reporting

Previous studies indicate that experiences of pain, discomfort, and distress undermine women's decisions to undergo repeat screening mammography.1,2 In addition, to the extent that women hear about mammography services through friends and neighbors, a woman's satisfaction with her mammography experience may also affect whether or not her family and friends undergo mammography or attend a selected mammography center. Components of patients' satisfaction with mammography include satisfaction with convenience/acceptability, physical surroundings, staff interpersonal skills, perceived technical competence, and transfer of information.3 Of these, information transfer, and more specifically, the way results are reported to the patient, has been associated with the most dissatisfaction.1 This dissatisfaction, as well as concerns about the reliability and the timeliness with which patients receive mammogram results, are some of the contributing factors that led to the Mammography Quality Standards Act; Final Rule, federal legislation mandating that all mammography centers provide women with clear, written notification of their results and recommendations.4 This report focuses on women's satisfaction with communication of mammography results and follow-up recommendations at one institution, prior to the implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act on April 28, 1999. We summarize the results of a telephone survey of 298 women undergoing screening and diagnostic mammography at an academic breast-imaging center in April 1999. The purposes of the study were 1) to describe satisfaction with communication of results among patients with documented normal and abnormal screening and diagnostic mammogram results; 2) to measure the effect of patient age, mammography results, time it took to receive the results, patient reported anxiety about the results, and satisfaction with components of communication of results (staff and physician time spent communicating, clarity of explanation, comfort level, access, and how well questions were answered) on overall satisfaction with results reporting; and 3) to evaluate patients' understanding of their mammogram results and recommendations by determining the prevalence of inability to recall results and recommendations and rates of discordance between patient-reported results and follow-up recommendations and the results and recommendations documented in radiology reports.
A Construction-Specific approach to Focused Interaction in Flexible Parsing

A flexible parser can deal with input that deviates from its grammar, in addition to input that conforms to it. Ideally, such a parser will correct the deviant input; sometimes, it will be unable to correct it at all; at other times, correction will be possible, but only to within a range of ambiguous possibilities. This paper is concerned with such ambiguous situations, and with making it as easy as possible for the ambiguity to be resolved through consultation with the user of the parser - we presume interactive use. We show the importance of asking the user for clarification in as focused a way as possible. Focused interaction of this kind is facilitated by a construction-specific approach to flexible parsing, with specialized parsing techniques for each type of construction, and specialized ambiguity representations for each type of ambiguity that a particular construction can give rise to. A construction-specific approach also aids in task-specific language development by allowing a language definition that is natural in terms of the task domain to be interpreted directly without compilation into a uniform grammar formalism, thus greatly speeding the testing of changes to the language definition.
Adaptive image halftoning based on wavelet transform

A new adaptive digital halftoning method is presented where the screen function is designed to be adaptive to the local variation of image intensity. Wavelet transform is used to extract the information of this variation by estimating the gradient at each pixel. Our initial experimental results have shown improved visual effect of the halftoned images.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Probing three-dimensional structure of bovine serum albumin by chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry

Serum albumin is the principal transporter of fatty acids that are otherwise insoluble in circulating plasma. While the crystal structure of human serum albumin (HSA) as well as its binding with fatty acids has been characterized, the three dimensional structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA) has not been determined although both albumins share 76% sequence homology. In this study we used mass spectrometry coupled with chemical cross-linking, to probe the tertiary structure of BSA. BSA was modified with lysine specific cross-linkers, bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate (BS3), disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS) or disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), digested with trypsin and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. With O-18 labeling during the digestion, through-space cross-linked peptides were readily identified in mass spectra by a characteristic 8 Da shift. From the cross-linked peptides identified in this study, we found that 12 pairs of lysine residues were separated within 20 A, while 5 pairs were spaced between 20 and 24 A. The spatial distance constraints generated from five K-K pairs in BSA were consistent with the corresponding distance obtained from the crystal structure of HSA, although only six equivalent K-K pairs could be compared. According to our data, the distance between K235 of IIA and K374 of IIB domain in BSA was farther by 7–11 A than that expected from the crystal structure of HSA, suggesting structural differences between BSA and HSA in this region. The distance constraints obtained for lysine residues using various cross-linkers should be valuable in assisting the determination of the 3-D structure of BSA.
New Information in Naturalistic Data Is Also Signalled by Pitch Movement: An Analysis from Monolingual English/Spanish and Bilingual Spanish Speakers

In communication, speakers and listeners need ways to highlight certain information and relegate other information to the background. They also need to keep track of what information they (think they) have already communicated to the listener, and of the listeners' (supposed) knowledge of topics and referents. This knowledge and its layout in the utterance is commonly referred to as information structure, i.e., the degree to which propositions and referents are given or new. All languages have 'chosen' different ways to encode such information structure, for instance by modifying the pitch or intensity of the vocal signal or the order of words in a sentence. In this study, we assess whether the use of pitch to signal new information holds in typologically different languages such as English and Spanish by analyzing three population group monolingual California English speakers, bilingual speakers of English and Spanish from California (Chicano Spanish), and monolingual Mexican Spanish speakers from Mexico City. Our study goes beyond previous work in several respects. First, most current work is based on sentences just read or elicited in response to highly standardized and often somewhat artificial stimuli whose generalizability to more naturalistic settings may be questionable. We opted instead to use semidirected interviews whose more naturalistic setting provides data with a higher degree of authenticity. Second, in order to deal with the resulting higher degree of noise in the data as well as the inherent multifactoriality of the data, we are using state-of-the-art statistical methods to explore our data, namely generalized linear mixed-effects modeling, to accommodate speaker- and lexically-specific variability. Despite the noisy data, we find that contour tones including H+L or L+H sequences signal new information, and that items encoding new information also exhibit proportionally longer stressed vowels, than those encoding given information. We also find cross-dialectal variation between monolingual Mexican Spanish speakers on the one hand and monolingual English speakers and Chicanos on the other: Mexican Spanish speakers modify pitch contours less than monolingual English speakers, whereas the English patterns affect even the Spanish pronunciation of early bilinguals. Our findings, therefore, corroborate Gussenhoven's theory (2002) that some aspects of intonation are shared cross-linguistically (longer vowel length & higher pitch for new info), whereas others are encoded language-specifically and vary even across dialects (pitch excursion & the packaging of information structure).
Tolerance to multiple climate stressors: a case study of Douglas‐fir drought and cold hardiness

Drought and freeze events are two of the most common forms of climate extremes which result in tree damage or death, and the frequency and intensity of both stressors may increase with climate change. Few studies have examined natural covariation in stress tolerance traits to cope with multiple stressors among wild plant populations.We assessed the capacity of coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii), an ecologically and economically important species in the northwestern USA, to tolerate both drought and cold stress on 35 populations grown in common gardens. We used principal components analysis to combine drought and cold hardiness trait data into generalized stress hardiness traits to model geographic variation in hardiness as a function of climate across the Douglas-fir range.Drought and cold hardiness converged among populations along winter temperature gradients and diverged along summer precipitation gradients. Populations originating in regions with cold winters had relatively high tolerance to both drought and cold stress, which is likely due to overlapping adaptations for coping with winter desiccation. Populations from regions with dry summers had increased drought hardiness but reduced cold hardiness, suggesting a trade-off in tolerance mechanisms.Our findings highlight the necessity to look beyond bivariate trait-climate relationships and instead consider multiple traits and climate variables to effectively model and manage for the impacts of climate change on widespread species.
Inclusive study of off-mass-shell π +/- p and π +/- π - interactions

We have studied inclusive ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}$ production in ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ interactions at 15 GeV/c in a region where pion exchange has been found to dominate the resonance production. By using ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ production, the off-mass-shell interactions of virtual pions with the target protons have been studied and compared with the same on-shell reactions at comparable energy. No significant differences between on-shell and off-shell reactions have been found in topological-cross-section ratios, inclusive longitudinal- or transverse-momentum distributions, or elastic $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ distributions. The effect of the negative mass squared of the virtual pions has also been studied. Inclusive ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}$ production has been found to be dominated by pion exchange for $|t|\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.4$ (${\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. We have studied the interactions of these off-shell pions with the beam pions as a function of energy. The ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{el}}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}}$ and the average charged-particle multiplicities $〈{n}_{X}〉$ have been examined and compared with those for various hadron-proton reactions. The values of $〈{n}_{X}〉$ have also been studied in terms of a simple model and found to give results consistent with studies at higher energies. We also present longitudinal- and transverse-momentum distributions for produced pions, as well as $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ distributions for $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ elastic scattering.
Ganciclovir-mediated cell killing and bystander effect is enhanced in cells with two copies of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene

Delivery and expression of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene in combination with the prodrug ganciclovir is currently being evaluated for the treatment of many types of cancer. After initial phosphorylation by HSVtk, cellular kinases generate the toxic triphosphate form of ganciclovir (GCV). To further define the role of GCV metabolism in cells expressing HSVtk, two human tumor cell lines, UMSCC29 and T98G, were transduced with HSVtk and screened for insertion of one or two copies of the viral transgene by Southern blot analysis. Both the relative capacities for incorporating labeled GCV and the levels of GCV metabolites were determined for each of the parental cell lines and their derivatives containing either one or two copies of the HSVtk gene. The efficiency of GCV killing and the magnitude of the bystander effect were compared for the single- and double-copy HSVtk cell lines. Consistently, cells that expressed two copies of HSVtk metabolized GCV more efficiently, were more sensitive to GCV, and demonstrated improved bystander killing relative to single-copy HSVtk cells. The implications of these results for future and current therapies employing HSVtk and GCV are discussed.
Systemic Activity of 2-Methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime (UC-21149) in the Cotton Plant with Special Reference to the Boll Weevil

Bioassay of parts of cotton plants that had been sidedressed with 2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) oxime (Union Carbide UC-21149) showed that the greatest amount of toxicant accumulated in older leaves and the least in debracted squares (floral buds). One sidedress application of 4 lb toxicant per acre or 2 sidedress applications of 2 lb per acre effectively controlled Anthonomus grandis Boheman, in field cages; however, 2 applications were more effective. When the same total amounts of UC-21149 were applied as multiple and single sidedressings, the multiple applications resulted in greatest uptake in new plant growth. Both deep placement in the soil close to the cotton plant and irrigation increased the uptake of sidedressed UC-21149, but placement did not affect uptake when the soil was irrigated. Foliar applications of a cottonseed oil feeding stimulant increased the effectiveness of a sidedressing of UC-21149 After soil applications, the S35-labeled sulfoxide of UC-21149 [2 methyl-2-(methylsulfinyl) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) oxime] was the major toxic component of squares. After stem applications 8.6–24.2% of the radiolabeled compound was recovered in the plant above the point of treatment.
Low-Profile and Low-Dispersion Artificial Impedance Surface in the UHF Band Based on Non-Foster Circuit Loading

Conventional artificial impedance surfaces are too thick for practical use at ultrahigh frequencies (UHFs). Thin structures with passive capacitive loading are possible in the UHF band, but only with narrow bandwidth. This paper presents a non-Foster loaded artificial impedance surface to achieve low-profile and wide bandwidth simultaneously in the UHF band. The high resonant frequency associated with a thin structure is reduced by the synthesized non-Foster-type impedance load. For a demonstration, we designed a 5-mm-thick actively loaded surface for obtaining a high-impedance condition supporting slow transverse magnetic (TM) surface waves with a propagation index of 1.5, which corresponds to a 420- $j\Omega $ impedance surface. The non-Foster impedance is synthesized to be equivalent to −2.8 pF $|| \,\, -3.6$ nH. Both the non-Foster impedance and the surface are fabricated and tested with a near-field measurement. The retrieved refractive index shows a constant TM propagation index of 1.5 over a bandwidth of 450–800 MHz, a 56% fractional bandwidth. By varying the biasing voltage of the non-Foster circuit, the impedance can be tuned from 250 to $420~j\Omega $ , while maintaining low dispersion over the same bandwidth.
Initiation of cardiac hypertrophy in response to thyroxine is not limited by age

We examined the role of age in the initiation of thyroxine-induced (T4) cardiac hypertrophy. T4 (0.4 mg/kg sc) was administered to prepubescent (2 mo), young adult (6 mo), and senescent (24 mo) Fischer 344 rats for 4 days. While significant increases in left ventricular (LV) mass and RNA/LV were evident at 4 days in all T4-treated groups, the elevation in RNA/LV occurred earlier (2 days) in the senescent group. A 0.2-mg/kg dose of T4 elevated RNA values within 24 h in senescent, but not in prepubescent, rats. LV norepinephrine levels were measured to determine whether it plays a role in this model of cardiac hypertrophy. When synthesis of this catecholamine was blocked with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, tissue levels fell significantly in all groups, and the decrement was similar in T4-treated and control rats in the two younger groups. We conclude that: 1) the initiation of T4-induced cardiac hypertrophy is not compromised in senescent rats, 2) hearts of senescent rats respond earlier and to a lower dose of T4 than young rats, and 3) the cardiac hypertrophy that occurs in hyperthyroidism is not due to enhanced levels of available cardiac norepinephrine.
Abstract LB-277: Induction chemotherapy induces enrichment of leukemic stem cells in PDX models of acute myeloid leukemia

Human leukemic stem cells may be one of the leading causes for resistance or treatment failure in acute myeloid leukemia patients. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying chemo-resistance of AML disease, we evaluated the biomarkers and the pharmacological properties of minimal residual disease post induction therapy. The PDX models were established by iv injecting acute myeloid leukemia patient cells in NOD/SCID/Il2rg(-/-) mice (NSG). The disease progression was tracked by the AML counts in peripheral blood and bone marrow via FACS analysis. In the PDX models, daunorubicin/cytarabine (DA) chemotherapy showed early antileukemic efficacy through apoptosis induction and antiproliferation. However, treatment showed minimal survival benefits and all treated leukemic mice relapsed due to the minimal residual disease (MRD). FACS analysis showed that DA therapy induced enrichment of CD34+ and CLL1+/CD117- cells in the MRD of the BM0407 and BM2407 AML PDX models, respectively. Subsequently, we performed self-renewal functional test by in vivo reimplantation of sorted CD34+ and CLL1+/CD117- cells. The limiting delusion analysis showed that the chemo- resistant CD34+ and CLL1+/CD117- cells are much more tumorigenic than their counterpart CD34- and CLL1+/CD117+ cells, respectively. This work provides insights into the mechanism of chemo-resistance and helps identifying new strategies to improve AML therapy. Citation Format: Cathy C. Zhang, Zhengming Yan, Bernadette Pascual, Stephen Huang, Qing Zong, Mark Elliot, Patrick Lappin. Induction chemotherapy induces enrichment of leukemic stem cells in PDX models of acute myeloid leukemia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-277.
Evaluating monetary policy with financial stability objective: rules vs. discretion

ABSTRACTThis article explores whether adding the goal of financial stability to the more traditional goals of output and price stability could improve optimality of monetary policy. A Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model that endogenously incorporates financial frictions is used to derive optimality conditions across rule-based and discretionary monetary policy environments. The results indicate that it is optimal for the Central Bank to keep output below the potential level in the short term so as to dampen the inflationary effects arising from supply and financial shocks. When the economy is exposed to a financial shock, both leverage and credit spread rise significantly, thereby tipping the economy into a financial crisis and raising the probability of macroeconomic risk.
Design, analysis, and theoretical bounds in acoustic and rf sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have many important applications such as monitoring and tracking. Unlike traditional networks, a WSN has its own constraints, such as a limited amount of energy, short communication range, low bandwidth, and limited processing and storage in each sensor node. As a result, it is necessary to introduce new design concepts, create or improve existing protocols, and develop new algorithms in WSNs. This dissertation addresses several important issues in wireless sensor network design and performance analysis. We first investigate the fundamental performance limits of medium access control (MAC) protocols for particular multi-hop, RF-based wireless sensor networks and underwater sensor networks. A key aspect of this study is the modeling of a fair-access criterion that requires sensors to have an equal rate of frame delivery to the base station. Next, we analyze the performance of network service in outdoor environment, such as coverage and network lifework. Due to the characteristics of random deployment in outdoor environment, a distribution-free method is proposed to evaluate these metrics. Finally, we consider the design of a WSN for indoor environment. In this design, reference structure is incorporated into sensor node to enhance sensor awareness.
Using a preamble to increase presence in digital virtual environments

Immersion in a digital virtual environment (DVE) increases the likelihood that individuals will feel present in the DVE and hence respond as they would in a similar physically grounded environment. Previous research utilizing high-fidelity technology has demonstrated that by starting a virtual experience in a virtual replica of the immediate physical environment, presence is increased. The purpose of this study was to determine whether utilizing such a transitional environment to increase presence could be replicated on a significantly less immersive system--a 2D desktop monitor with mouse and keyboard for navigation. Participants began their DVE experience either in a "preamble" DVE made to look like the surrounding physical laboratory space, or in a novel DVE (i.e., a house). Then, they were given verbal instructions to leave their respective environments and told to go up a set of stairs to explore a museum. Afterward, they reported levels of immersion and presence in the latter DVE. Results demonstrated that entering a target DVE via a familiar "preamble" environment increased perceptions of reality judgment of the virtual experience, perceptions of possibility to act, and levels of presence. These results suggest that incorporating a familiar digital preamble environment as a prelude to the target DVE enables DVE designers and enthusiasts to increase presence without having to invest in more expensive hardware, but it could also augment existing immersive technology. Their efficacy may be because they offer a gradual transition into the virtual world, such that the familiarity eases users into the novel experience.
Drought Preparedness Policies and Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Measures in Brazil: An Institutional Change Assessment

Brazil has historically coped with drought, a phenomenon that especially impacts the semi-arid lands of the Northeast. To deal with the various impacts of a current multi-year drought (2010-ongoing), the Government of Brazil, led by the Ministry of National Integration, partnered with the World Bank (WB) on a technical assistance program to foster proactive drought policy and management. The program works across sectors (climate/meteorology, water and sanitation, agriculture, environment, and disaster risk management) and levels (local, river-basin, urban, state, regional and federal) in relation to the outcomes and stakeholders it aims to engage and influence, and trough the integration of WB Global Practices and programs.
Focal Arterial Lesion of the Upper Extremity

This chapter discusses the case of a patient with focal arterial lesion of the upper extremity. Recent data have emphasized that significant (≥50%) arterial stenoses are commonly seen in dialysis patients presenting with symptoms of hand ischemia. These lesions can occur anywhere within the arteries of the upper extremities including the proximal arteries and have been demonstrated to cause peripheral ischemia in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Using arteriography, the incidence of arterial stenosis in patients with peripheral ischemia has been reported to range from 62% to 100%. Arteriography is the most important tool in making the diagnosis as well as developing a treatment strategy for hand ischemia.
Characterization of novel organic short wavelength infrared photosensors (Conference Presentation)

Short wavelength infrared (SWIR) sensors are important to applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis and optical communications, but there are only a few organic semiconductors that show optoelectronic response in the SWIR region. Recently we demonstrated a family of novel donor-acceptor polymers with narrow bandgap responsive in the SWIR region, and the bulk heterojunction photodiodes based on these polymers show detectivity up to 1E11 Jones at a wavelength of 1.37 micron, with absorption edge extending out to 1.7 micron. A SWIR photodiode was incorporated into the etalon-array reconstructive spectroscopy system to demonstrate its imaging capabilities. As the initial performance is very promising, we proceed to investigate the stability of the encapsulated devices and to infer the degradation mechanisms. The performance of photodiodes were monitored by IV measurement, external quantum efficiency (EQE) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The IV measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted both in the dark and under illumination, to track over several weeks the change in charge generation and recombination processes under the short circuit and open circuit conditions. The characteristics from band-to-band absorption and from absorption in charge-transfer states were compared to quantify the lifetime and recombination losses of photogenerated carriers in these devices.
Using the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program to increase adolescent human papillomavirus, meningococcal, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis and influenza vaccination.

Abstract Objectives To report the results of an intervention using the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program (4 Pillars™ Program) to increase adolescent vaccinations including human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and influenza vaccines, which remain underutilized in this population. Study design Eleven pediatric and family medicine practices, previously control sites from a randomized controlled cluster trial, with ≥50 adolescent patients participated. The 4 Pillars™ Program was the foundation of the intervention. De-identified demographic, office visit and vaccination data were derived from electronic medical record extractions for patients whose date of birth was 4/1/1997 to 4/1/2004 (ages 11–17 years at baseline). Vaccination rates for HPV, influenza, tetanus-pertussis-diphtheria (Tdap) and meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccines were determined for all eligible patients pre- and post intervention (i.e., vaccination rates on 4/1/2015 and 4/30/2016). Results Among 9473 patients ages 11–17 years at baseline (4/1/2015), mean pre-intervention vaccination rates for HPV initiation and completion, meningococcal, Tdap and influenza vaccines were below national levels. Rates increased significantly post intervention (P Conclusion Clinically and statistically significant improvements in HPV series initiation and completion, and meningococcal and Tdap vaccinations were observed in primary care practices implementing the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program. Clinical Trial Registry Number: NCT02165722.
Tardive dyskinesia: Epidemiology.

Abstract The term tardive syndrome (TS) encompasses a few different phenomenologic conditions, some of which occur in isolation and others in association with each other. This, along with the unusual confound for a drug side effect, in which increased use of the drug improves the problem, and the need for most patients to continue taking the offending drug, makes understanding the epidemiology difficult and unreliable. While the change from the “first generation” to the “second generation” of antipsychotic drugs is generally believed to have reduced the incidence of TS, prospective research studies have not supported that contention. Published reports have found point prevalences of 13% with second generation antipsychotics and 32% with first, yet others have found no differences. One study found increasing rates of TS with a 68% prevalence by 25 years, while another found a decreased prevalence over time, due presumably to masking effects of the antipsychotic drugs. Regardless of the possible differences, it is clear that TS remains a significant and common problem associated with almost all antipsychotic drugs. There have also been scattered reports of TS caused by drugs not known to inhibit dopamine receptors. These are reviewed and were found to be often of dubious reliability.
Paceless life? A meta-analysis of the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis

The pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis predicts that individual differences in behavior should integrate with morphological, physiological, and life-history traits along a slow to fast pace-of-life continuum. For example, individuals with a “slow” pace-of-life are expected to exhibit a slower growth rate, delayed reproduction, longer lifespans, have stronger immune responses, and are expected to avoid risky situations relative to “fast” individuals. If supported, this hypothesis would help resolve ecological and evolutionary questions regarding the origin and maintenance of phenotypic variation. Support for the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis has, however, been mixed. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 42 articles and 179 estimates testing the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis as it applies to the integration of behaviors with physiological or life-history traits. We found little overall support for the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis with the mean support estimated as r = 0.06. Support for the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis was significantly higher in invertebrates (r = 0.23) than vertebrates (r = 0.02) and significantly higher when based on phenotypic (r = 0.10) versus genetic correlations (r = − 0.09). We also found that females exhibited correlations between behavior and life-history and physiology that were opposite the predictions of the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis (r = − 0.16) and that these correlations significantly differed from those observed in males (r = 0.01) or males and females pooled (r = 0.12). It was also the case that there was little support for the hypothesis when life-history and physiological traits were independently analyzed (behavior × life-history: r = 0.12; behavior × physiology: r = 0.04). Exploratory post hoc analyses revealed that correlations of behavior with growth rate and hormone levels were more likely to show support for the predictions of the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis. The lack of overall support found in our analyses suggests that general assertions regarding phenotypic integration due to “pace-of-life” should be re-evaluated. The pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis has been proposed as an overall organizational framework for the integration of behavioral, life-history, and physiological traits. This hypothesis provides potentially profound insights into how and why phenotypic traits might covary and why phenotypic variation may be maintained within populations. Over the last 7 years, this organizational framework has been intensively investigated as it pertains to relationships between behavior and other traits. Here, we conducted an overall analysis of whether the hypothesis was supported. Despite considerable research investment across behavioral ecology, we did not find that available data supported the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis. This suggests that either the hypothesis has been inappropriately tested or is not generally applicable.
Characterizing junction profiles in Ge photodetectors using scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) and electron holography

Scanning Capacitance Microscopy (SCM) and dual lens electron holography have been used to investigate poor responsivity in germanium p-i-n photodetectors by measuring the carrier profiles and electric potential, respectively. For one case study, SCM results revealed two significant observations in a poor responsivity photodetector: (1) a shifting junction position across the intrinsic region at different cross sectional planes of the diode, (2) the intrinsic region is lowly doped and exhibits a "folded" junction geometry, namely, the intrinsic region consists of p-type carriers along the edges while n-type dominates the central portion. On the other hand, Holography results revealed a narrow intrinsic region than designed and an insignificant difference in width between good and poor responsivity photodetectors.
Energy-secure swarm power management

This paper presents a visionary proposal for a distributed (or decentralized) power/thermal control mechanism that applies the bio-inspired artificial intelligence paradigm of swarm intelligence. The target use case is a future many-core processor. Preliminary results based on a swarm simulator are presented. The paper then addresses the challenge of making such power control systems secure against energy attacks — i.e. maliciously launched virus programs that are designed to disrupt the power control mechanism and cause performance shortfalls or even physical damage from over-heating.
Principles of Nuclear Cardiology Imaging

Nuclear cardiology imaging is solidly based on many branches of science and engineering, including nuclear, optical, and mathematical physics; electrical and mechanical engineering; chemistry; and biology. This chapter uses principles from these scientific fields to provide an understanding of both the signals used and the imaging system that captures these signals. These principles have been simplified to fit the scope of this atlas.
A Statistical Review of the Sandgren-Ragsdell Comparative Study

A statistical analysis of the solution times of the algorithms in the Sandgren-Ragsdell study is conducted. An analysis of variance is performed to demonstrate that there is statistical evidence that selected codes are superior to others on the basis of their relative solution times. A logarithmic transformation is used to produce a seminormal distribution of the solution times with a variance assumed to be equal for all of the algorithms. A paired comparison is then conducted on the differences in the mean logarithmic solution times for each of the algorithms over the entire test problem set. The selected confidence level for all comparisons was fixed at 95%. The factors contributing to the success of this analysis are discussed as well as the additional data which would be required to conduct this type of analysis in general.