cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the prospective effects of making a virginity pledge among males across their 4 years of college.

Abstract Objectives: The authors examined prospective associations of making a virginity pledge on sexual behaviors among male college students. Participants: A sample of 795 males was followed for 4 years (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), with response rates ranging from 72% to 82% across the follow-up years. Methods: Males were surveyed at the end of each of their 4 years in college about sexual behavior activities and other risky behaviors. Results: Multivariate regression analyses indicated that males who made private virginity pledges were significantly more likely to remain abstinent across all 4 years of college and have fewer sexual partners at the end of their third and fourth years of college, even after controlling for age, race, high-risk drinking, impulsivity, and religiosity. Making a pledge was not related to condom use. Conclusion: Findings suggest that abstinence-based messages alone are not sufficient yet should be included as part of comprehensive sex education programs.
The Secreted Esterase of Group A Streptococcus Is Important for Invasive Skin Infection and Dissemination in Mice

Virulence factors regulated by the CovRS/CsrRS two-component gene regulatory system contribute to the invasive diseases caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). To determine whether the streptococcal secreted esterase (Sse), an antigen that protects against subcutaneous GAS infection, is one of these virulence factors, we investigated the phenotype of a nonpolar sse deletion mutant strain (Δsse). In addition, we examined the effects of covS mutation on sse expression. As assessed using a mouse model of subcutaneous infection, the virulence of the Δsse strain is attenuated and the overall pathology is reduced. Furthermore, GAS was detected in the blood and spleens from mice subcutaneously infected with the parental strain, whereas mice subcutaneously infected with the Δsse strain had no GAS present in their blood and spleens. The ability of the mutant to survive in the subcutis of mice appeared to be compromised. The growth of the Δsse strain in rich and chemically defined media and nonimmune human blood and sera was slower than that of the wild-type strain. Complementation restored the phenotype of the Δsse strain to that of the wild-type strain. The wild-type, Δsse, and complement strains had no detectable SpeB activity. Expression of Sse is negatively controlled by CovRS. These findings suggest that Sse is a CovRS-regulated virulence factor that is important for the virulence of GAS in subcutaneous infection and plays an important role in severe soft tissue infections and systemic dissemination of GAS from the skin.
Platinum and rhodium complexes in which diphenylphosphino (methylthio) methane acts as a monodentate, chelated or bridging ligand

Reaction of [PtCl2(cod)] with Ph2PCH2SCH3 yields cis-[PtCl2(Ph2PCH2-SCH3)2] which, on treatment with AgBF4, is converted to [PtC](Ph2PCH2SCH3)2]-BF4, in which one of the ligands is chelated. With [Pt(dba)2], cis-[Pt(Cl2(Ph2PCH2-SCH3)2] reacts to give the platinum(I) complex [Pt2Cl2(μ-Ph2PCH2SCH3)2], which contains a platinum-platinum bond. The terminal chlorides may be replaced by iodide, but the complex is cleaved by carbon monoxide. [Rh2(μ-Cl)2(CO)4] reacts with Ph2PCH2SCH3 to produce [Rh2Cl2(CO)2(μ-Ph2PCH2SCH3)2], whereas with Ph2PCH2CH2SCH3 it yields [RhCl(CO)(Ph2PCH2CH2SCH3)]. A ligand exchange reaction occurs between cis-[PtCl2(Ph2SCH3)2] and [Rh2(μ-Cl)2(CO)4] to give cis-[PtCl2(CO)(Ph2PCH2SCH3)] and [Rh2Cl2(CO)2(μ-Ph2PCH2SCH3)2].
Towards a quasi-deterministic single-photon source

A source of single photons allows secure quantum key distribution, in addition, to being a critical resource for linear optics quantum computing. We describe our progress on deterministically creating single photons from spontaneous parametric downconversion, an extension of the Pittman, Jacobs and Franson scheme [Phys. Rev A, v66, 042303 (2002)]. Their idea was to conditionally prepare single photons by measuring one member of a spontaneously emitted photon pair and storing the remaining conditionally prepared photon until a predetermined time, when it would be “deterministically” released from storage. Our approach attempts to improve upon this by recycling the pump pulse in order to decrease the possibility of multiplepair generation, while maintaining a high probability of producing a single pair. Many of the challenges we discuss are central to other quantum information technologies, including the need for low-loss optical storage, switching and detection, and fast feed-forward control.
Practical limits in RSS-based positioning

Received signal strength (RSS) based source localization papers often ignore the practical effects of range limits in the measurements. In many devices, this results in some sensors not reporting beyond some maximum range; and in others, the RSS is still observed but may exhibit a noise floor at large ranges. This paper models these situations and demonstrates their effect on positioning algorithms. Measured data is used to validate the cooperative and non-cooperative RSS limits. The Fisher information, Cramer-Rao lower bound, and maximum likelihood estimation error are used to quantify effects on positioning.
Increased Ordering in the Amorphous SiOx due to Hyperthermal Atomic Oxygen.

We had studied the effects of hyperthermal (5.1eV) atomic oxygen (AO) on the structural characteristics of the silica layer and Si/SiOx interface formed by the oxidation of Si-single crystal by a variety of microcharacterization techniques. A laser detonation source was used to produce atomic oxygen with 5.1eV kinetic energy. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) demonstrated that the silica layer formed on Si(100) by atomic oxygen is thicker, more homogeneous, and less amorphous, compared to the oxide layer created by molecular oxygen (MO). High spatial resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) study confirmed that the Si/SiOx interface created by atomic oxygen is abrupt containing no suboxides as opposed to the broad interface with transitional states formed by molecular oxygen. SAED technique was used to observe sharper diffraction rings present in the diffraction pattern of Si(100) oxidized by reactive atomic oxygen as opposed to the diffused haloes present in the diffraction pattern of Si(100) oxidized by molecular oxygen. Radial Distribution Function (RDF) analyses were performed on the SAED patterns of Si(100) oxidized in atomic and molecular oxygen, indicating that a more ordered oxide is formed by atomic oxygen. Initial Fluctuation Electron Microscopy (FEM) results confirmed an increased medium range ordering in SiOx formed by atomic oxygen when compared to the non-regular arrangement present in the amorphous oxide formed by the oxidation of Si(100) in molecular oxygen.
Dermatoses from ticks

Abstract Ticks are ectoparasites that cause dermatologic disease directly by their bite and indirectly as vectors of bacterial, rickettsial, protozoal, and viral diseases. In North America, where ticks are the leading cause of vector-borne infection, dermatologists should recognize several tick species. Basic tick biology and identification will be reviewed. Tick bites cause a variety of acute and chronic skin lesions. The tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, tularemia, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, other spotted fevers, ehrlichiosis, Colorado tick fever, and others. The epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases are reviewed with an emphasis on cutaneous manifestations. Finally, the prevention of diseases caused by ticks is reviewed. Learning objectives: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the ticks that cause disease, as well as the etiology, clinical presentation, dermatologic manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases caused by ticks.
Cloning and Functional Identification of a Neuronal Glutamine Transporter

Glutamine is the preferred precursor for the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate, the major excitatory transmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. We have isolated a complementary DNA clone (designated GlnT) encoding a plasma membrane glutamine transporter from glutamatergic neurons in culture, and its properties have been examined using the T7 vaccinia system in fibroblasts. When GlnT is transfected into CV-1 cells, L-glutamine is the preferred substrate. Transport is Na(+)-dependent and inhibited by alpha-methylaminoisobutyric acid, a specific inhibitor of neutral amino acid transport system A. Kinetic analysis of glutamine uptake by GlnT is saturable, with a Michaelis constant (K(m)) of 489 +/- 88 microM at pH 7.4. Glutamine uptake mediated by GlnT is pH-sensitive with a 5-fold greater efficiency of uptake at pH 8.2 than at pH 6.6. Only the maximal velocity of transport increases without a significant change in K(m). The distribution of GlnT mRNA and protein in the central nervous system is widespread and is expressed on neurons that use glutamate as their neurotransmitter. In cultured cerebellar granule cells, GlnT is expressed only on neurons and is absent from astrocytes. GlnT expression increases concomitantly with the morphologic and functional differentiation of these cells in vitro, consistent with its role of supplying glutamatergic neurons with their neurotransmitter precursor. GlnT is the first member of the system A family of neutral amino acid transporters with 11 putative membrane-spanning domains and is a potential target to modulate presynaptic glutamatergic function.
Differential expression and regulation of the human CD8α and CD8β chains

The CD8 glycoprotein is expressed by thymocytes, mature T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and has been implicated in the recognition of monomorphic determinants on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I antigens, and in signal transduction during the course of T-cell activation. Both human and rodent CD8 antigens are comprised of two distinct polypeptide chains, alpha and beta. The majority of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reactive with the human CD8 antigen bind the CD8 alpha chain, while a single mAb, T8/2T8-5H7, has been identified which binds to the CD8 alpha/beta heterodimer. While the two chains of CD8 have been presumed to be coordinately expressed in normal T cells, this is not always the case. Northern blot analysis of a panel of T-cell leukemias and normal cells demonstrate that CD8 alpha and CD8 beta are not invariably co-transcribed and phenotypic analysis of fresh and interleukin 2 (IL-2) expanded peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) confirm that the CD8 alpha and CD8 beta chains are differentially expressed at the cell surface. Four distinct subpopulations of CD8+ cells have been identified based on the expression of CD8 alpha/alpha or CD8 alpha/beta complexes: (1) T-cell receptor (TcR) alpha beta+ T cells which are CD8 alpha+/beta+; (2) TcR alpha beta+ T cells which are CD8 alpha+/beta-; (3) TcR gamma delta+ T cells which are CD8 alpha+/beta- and (4) natural killer (NK) cells which are CD8 alpha+/beta-. We also demonstrate the down-regulation of the CD8 alpha/beta heterodimers from the surface of a CD8+ T-cell clone following treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) while CD8 alpha/alpha homodimers remain on the cell surface. This observation demonstrates that a) a CD8+ T-cell clone can express both CD8 alpha/alpha homodimers and CD8 alpha/beta heterodimers and b) these two complexes do not have identical biological properties. Together, these data suggest that CD8 alpha/alpha and CD8 alpha/beta dimers may not subserve identical functions. The differential contribution of these two CD8 complexes should be considered in models of T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity and T-cell activation.
A /spl Sigma/-Delta synthesizer phase noise optimization for multi-symbol rate digital microwave radio

The effect of synthesizer noise on digital radio systems performances, using a variable symbol rate modem, is analyzed. A /spl Sigma/-Delta PLL approach is used to optimize the synthesizer phase noise. In order to establish the contribution of this parameter in such systems, a comparison of integrated phase noise for different symbol rates is given. Experimental results show the advantage of a proposed synthesizer on the integrated phase noise see through the modem.
Object Organization on a Single Broadcast Channel in the Mobile Computing Environment

Advances in computation and communication technologies allow users to access computer networks, using portable computing devices via a wireless connection, while mobile. Furthermore, multidatabases offer practical means of managing information sharing from multiple preexisting heterogeneous databases. By superimposing the mobile computing environment onto the multidatabase system, a new computing environment is attained. In this work, we concentrate on the effects of the mobile-computing environment on query processing in multidatabases. We show how broadcasting, as a possible solution, would respond to current challenges such as bandwidth and storage limitations. Organizing data objects along a single-dimension broadcast channel should follow the semantic links assumed within the multiple-dimension objects‘ structure. Learning from our past experiences in objects organization on conventional storage mediums (disks), we propose schemes for organizing objects along a single broadcast air channel. The proposed schemes are simulated and analyzed.
FS: An In-Kernel Integrity Checker and Intrusion Detection File System

Today, improving the security of computer systems has become an important and difficult problem. Attackers can seriously damage the integrity of systems. Attack detection is complex and time-consuming for system administrators, and it is becoming more so. Current integrity checkers and IDSs operate as user-mode utilities and they primarily perform scheduled checks. Such systems are less effective in detecting attacks that happen between scheduled checks. These user tools can be easily compromised if an attacker breaks into the system with administrator privileges. Moreover, these tools result in significant performance degradation during the checks.Our system, called I3FS, is an on-access integrity checking file system that compares the checksums of files in real-time. It uses cryptographic checksums to detect unauthorized modifications to files and performs necessary actions as configured. I3FS is a stackable file system which can be mounted over any underlying file system (like Ext3 or NFS). I3FS's design improves over the open-source Tripwire system by enhancing the functionality, performance, scalability, and ease of use for administrators. We built a prototype of I3FS in Linux. Our performance evaluation shows an overhead of just 4% for normal user workloads.
WebAnywhere: a screen reader on-the-go

People often use computers other than their own to browse the web, but blind web users are limited in where they access the web because they require specialized, expensive programs for access. WebAnywhere is a web-based, self-voicing browser that enables blind web users to accessthe web from almost any computer that can produce sound. The system runs entirely in standard web browsers and requires no additional software to be installed. The system could serve as a convenient, low-cost solution for both web developers targeting accessible design and end users unable to afford a full screen reader. This demonstration will offer visitors the opportunity to try WebAnywhere and learn more about it.
Synthesizing data structure manipulations from storyboards

We present the Storyboard Programming framework, a new synthesis system designed to help programmers write imperative low-level data-structure manipulations. The goal of this system is to bridge the gap between the "boxes-and-arrows" diagrams that programmers often use to think about data-structure manipulation algorithms and the low-level imperative code that implements them. The system takes as input a set of partial input-output examples, as well as a description of the high-level structure of the desired solution. From this information, it is able to synthesize low-level imperative implementations in a matter of minutes.The framework is based on a new approach for combining constraint-based synthesis and abstract-interpretation-based shape analysis. The approach works by encoding both the synthesis and the abstract interpretation problem as a constraint satisfaction problem whose solution defines the desired low-level implementation. We have used the framework to synthesize several data-structure manipulations involving linked lists and binary search trees, as well as an insertion operation into an And Inverter Graph.
Controlled buckling of semiconductor nanoribbons for stretchable electronics

Control over the composition, shape, spatial location and/or geometrical configuration of semiconductor nanostructures is important for nearly all applications of these materials. Here we report a mechanical strategy for creating certain classes of three-dimensional shapes in nanoribbons that would be difficult to generate in other ways. This approach involves the combined use of lithographically patterned surface chemistry to provide spatial control over adhesion sites, and elastic deformations of a supporting substrate to induce well-controlled local displacements. We show that precisely engineered buckling geometries can be created in nanoribbons of GaAs and Si in this manner and that these configurations can be described quantitatively with analytical models of the mechanics. As one application example, we show that some of these structures provide a route to electronics (and optoelectronics) with extremely high levels of stretchability (up to approximately 100%), compressibility (up to approximately 25%) and bendability (with curvature radius down to approximately 5 mm).
Temperature-Dependent Onset of Yielding in Dislocation-Free Silicon: Evidence of a Brittle-To-Ductile Transition

An investigation of the brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) in silicon has been conducted on essentially dislocation-free silicon test specimens made by photolithography. No pre-cracks or additional dislocation sources were introduced into the samples. Three-point bending tests of the samples reveals a well defined transition from brittle fracture of the specimens to complete yielding near 732°C at a crosshead displacement rate of 0.1 mm/min. Limited plasticity is observed below 732°C but is insufficient to prevent crack propagation suggesting that yielding is not dislocation mobility limited. Instead the transition may be controlled by the nucleation of a sufficient density of dislocations. Further support comes from the results of experiments conducted at temperatures below 732°C in which samples were rapidly pre-loaded within the linearly elastic regime, then immediately retested. This rapid pre-loading results in a lower transition temperature. This would not be expected if dislocation mobility controlled the BDT. Instead, it is believed that the transition only occurs when a sufficient density of dislocations has nucleated within the sample. In these experiments, the pre-loading event may increase the dislocation nucleation rate. The source of the dislocations in these defect free samples is still under investigation.
Performance of Wood Construction in Disaster Areas

Among wood's structural attributes is its inherent fine performance under shock and fatigue loadings. Thus, it is particularly valuable as a construction material in structures that may be subject to wind, earthquake, or blast loading. Surveys of natural disaster areas show that structural failures result from the inability of structures to act as a unit. Buildings that are securely tied together from foundation through roof are capable of withstanding terrific punishment. A real benefit of wood systems is that they can be easily tied together as a rigid structural unit, but are still elastic enough to undergo deformation without permanent structural damage.
Bariatric Left Gastric Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Obesity: A Review of Gut Hormone Involvement in Energy Homeostasis

OBJECTIVE. The global population is becoming more overweight and obese, leading to increases in associated morbidity and mortality rates. Advances in catheter-directed embolotherapy offer the potential for the interventional radiologist to make a contribution to weight loss. Left gastric artery embolization reduces the supply of blood to the gastric fundus and decreases serum levels of ghrelin. Early evidence suggests that this alteration in gut hormone balance leads to changes in energy homeostasis and weight reduction. The pathophysiologic findings and current evidence associated with the use of left gastric artery embolization are reviewed. CONCLUSION. The prevalence of obesity continues to increase at an alarming rate, and, thus far, advances in medical management have been relatively ineffective in slowing this trend. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are effective initially, but most patients regain the weight in the long term. Bariatric surgery is the most effective strategy for ach...
Characterizing oil field salinization using airborne, surface, and borehole geophysics: An example from the Upper Colorado River Basin, Texas

Multidisciplinary investigations of natural and oil field salinization along the upper Colorado River, Texas, present an opportunity to integrate results from a stream-axis airborne geophysical survey, ground and borehole geophysical surveys, and well drilling and sampling. Airborne electromagnetic (EM) induction measurements along 437 km (272 mi) of river and tributary stream axes identified discrete salinized streambed segments, including several near oil fields. Identification of these salinized streambed segments allowed more intensive and invasive investigations to be focused on the most significant near-river sources of salinity. One of these streambed segments lies adjacent to an oil field, where production began in the 1950s before discharge of coproduced brine into surface pits was prohibited in Texas. Monitor wells drilled after the airborne survey verified groundwater salinization in the oil field but did not adequately delineate salinization nor identify specific salinity source areas. Subsequent ground and borehole geophysical surveys complemented airborne EM induction and well data by establishing lateral and vertical salinization bounds in the oil field, discovering possible salinity source areas, and determining optimal locations for additional wells.
Gold(I)-Catalyzed Allenyl Cope Rearrangement: Evolution from Asynchronicity to Trappable Intermediates Assisted by Stereoelectronic Switching.

Pericyclic reactions bypass high-energy reactive intermediates by synchronizing bond formation and bond cleavage. The present work offers two strategies for uncoupling these two processes and converting concerted processes into their “interrupted” versions by combining Au(I) catalysis with electronic and stereoelectronic factors. First, we show how the alignment of the C3–C4 bond with the adjacent π systems can control the reactivity and how the concerted scission of the central σ bond is prevented in the boat conformation. Second, the introduction of a fluorine atom at C3 also interrupts the sigmatropic shift and changes the rate-determining step of the interrupted cascade from the 6-endo-dig nucleophilic attack to the fragmentation of the central C3–C4 bond. Furthermore, this effect strongly depends on the relative orientation of the C–F bond toward the developing cationic center. The equatorial C–F bond has a much greater destabilizing effect on TS2 due to the more efficient through-bond interaction be...
Optoelectronic observation of a 65-fs signal feature

Common to all recently demonstrated optoelectronic sources of pulsed terahertz radiation has been the problem of properly characterizing the source with receivers of limited bandwidths. To date, the broadest- bandwidth receiver has used ion-implanted, silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) photoconductive switches.1,2 Here, we report a different type of photoconductive receiver with unprecedented time resolution. This receiver uses a new composite photoconductor [shown in Fig. 1(a)] that consists of an active layer of ion-implanted polysilicon on a 0.7-μm-thick thermal oxide on a silicon substrate.
Influence of Fever Therapy on Blood Levels and Urinary Excretion of Ascorbic Acid

SummaryElevated body temperature decreased the level of ascorbic acid in the blood, and also the excretion in the urine. This decreased excretion in the urine as found in this study and as reported for infectious cases with fever would seem to be due to the increased temperature and not to the invading organism.
Allozyme Variation within Five Species of Aegialia (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Genetic variation within 5 species of Aegialia was examined using allozyme electrophoresis. Thirty-two presumptive loci were used for analysis among and within 14 populations. Percentage of polymorphic loci was large, ranging from 12.1 to 93.9 within these scarab beetles. overall, low heterozygosities were found within this genus, but estimates were within the range found for other Coleoptera and invertebrates. Genetic distances between pairs of populations ranged from 0.012 to 0.653. Estimated gene flow measures (number of migrants per generation) were low. Pairwise regressions of estimated gene flow against pairwise geographic distances for 3 widely separated populations of Aegialia punctata Brown showed a significant relationship, indicating that these populations are isolated-by-distance. However, 7 populations of A. punctata Brown from a single, large sand dune complex showed a nonsignificant isolation-by-distance. Predictions based on dispersal capabilities (flight) were supported by genetic distance measures but only slightly by gene flow estimates. A. punctata is geographically isolated over large geographic distances, but not on smaller, within-dune complex, geographic scales.
Blisters and Erosions in the Neonate

Blisters and erosions in the newborn period may be the primary manifestation of several diseases that include infectious, inherited, or congenital conditions and represent a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians and dermatologists alike. In some cases, the lesions are benign and transient, but they may also be the first presentation of a lifelong skin disease or the manifestation of a serious systemic illness. Early recognition and evaluation is critical for effective treatment of the conditions that are rapidly progressive or fatal without prompt intervention. This review offers an approach to the diagnosis of neonates presenting with blisters or erosions, emphasizing morphologic features and confirmatory diagnostic tests, and touches on basic principles for management.
Tunable Dielectric Properties of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Since discovery of graphene, layered materials have drawn considerable attention because of their possible exfoliation into single and multilayer 2D sheets. Because of strong surface effects, the properties of these materials vary drastically with the number of layers in a sheet. We have performed first-principles density functional based calculations to evaluate the electron energy loss spectrum (EELS) of bulk, monolayer, and bilayer configurations of several transition metal dichalcogenides, which include semiconducting as well as metallic compounds. Our investigation shows that the peaks in the EELS spectra move toward larger wavelengths (red shift) with the decrease in number of layers. The π plasmon peak shifts slightly by 0.5-1.0 eV, while a significant shift of around 5.5-13.0 eV is obtained for π + σ plasmon, when exfoliated from bulk to single-layer. This underscores the importance of the interlayer coupling on the loss spectra and the dielectric properties. Our results are found to be in very good agreement with the recent measurements performed by Coleman et al. (Science2011, 331, 568).
Clustering Patterns of Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) at Two California Central Coast Overwintering Sites

The behavioral ecology of monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.), was studied during the 1988-1989 and 1989-1990 overwintering seasons at two central coastal sites in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., that differ in stand composition. In both seasons, patterns of tree use were similar at both sites; fewer trees supported clustering individuals as the season progressed, even though population levels remained constant. Tree use was not random, and as few as 3% of the available trees accounted for 97% of the clustering. A method of describing the location of clusters on specific trees was developed. Roosting individuals were consistently found on the southern exposures of trees, and cluster locations varied neither diurnally nor seasonally. Microclimate variables such as solar radiation, temperature, and wind were not good predictors of clustering position on trees within sites.
Lactational Performance of Holstein Dairy Cows Fed Two Levels of Full-fat Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles

The lactational performance of 30 healthy multiparous Holstein dairy cows was tested when cows were fed 0, 10, and 20% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) that contained 13.6% fat on a dry matter (DM) basis. Cows fed 10% DDGS on a DM basis experienced a reduction in milk fat percentage of 0.5 percentage points, but did not perform differently in other measures than did cows not fed DDGS. When cows were fed 20% DDGS on a DM basis, every common measure of feed utilization was impacted negatively.
Analysis of sanitary monitoring condition of urban drinking water and secondary water supply in Lanzhou city during 2011

Objective:To understand the sanitary condition of urban drinking water and secondary water supply in Lanzhou city during 2011.Methods: According to "Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water Quality"GB5749-2006,the following indices were included in the monitoring: sensory and physical characteristics,inorganic non-metals,metals,organiccomposite,organics,pesticides,disinfectants,disinfection by-products,microbes and radiations.Every urban drinking water sample was monitored by 68 items.Every secondary water supply sample was monitored by 7 items.Results: In 2011,the pass rate of drinking water supplied by municipal government was 100% and the pass rate of drinking water supplied by private water plant was 50%.The pass rate of secondary water supply was 99.86%.Conclusion: The pass rate of drinking water supplied by municipal government is much higher than that supplied by private water plant.Therefore,we should enhance the supervision of private water plant.The sanitary condition of secondary water supply in Lanzhou city during 2011 is qualified and it meets the national standard.
Protective effect of small intestine's ischemia and hemodilution to myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury in rabbits

Objective To observe the protective effects of preconditioning with small intestine ischemia and normovolemic hemodilution upon myocardial reperfusion injury.Methods 18 Adult New Zealand rabbits were made into heart musle ischemia model.Group Ⅰ:ischemic reperfusion;groupⅡ:preconditioning with small intestine occlusion;group Ⅲ:preconditioning with small intestine occlusion and hemodilution.HR,MAP,CK,CK-MB,LDH,CTnI and myocardial infarct size were monitored.Alteration of myocardium cell was observed under electron microscope.Results(1)MAP and HR was lower than groupⅠwhen arteria intestinales had been deligated(P0.05).(2)The rise of CK,CK-MB,LDH at groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was lower than groupⅠ(P0.05).(3)Infarct size of group Ⅱ and Ⅲ was smaller than group Ⅰ(P0.05).(4)The cell damage to group Ⅱ and Ⅲ was slighter than group Ⅰ(P0.05).Conclusion Preconditioning with small intestine ischemia can reduce reperfusion injury and normovolemic hemodilution does not weaken its protective effects.
TYPES,GENESIS AND VALUES OF GEOLOGICAL HERITAGES IN XINGLONG COUNTY

To establish geological parks and to survey and assess the geological heritages is a new way to protect them.This paper,based on a detailed survey of geological heritages in Xinglong county and a classification,studies the features and genesis of geological heritages such as Wulingshan magma,karst,benthal black chimney.By means of the nearest point index,the spatial distribution of geological heritages has been analyzed,indicating a clustering.This paper assesses the values of geological heritages from scientific research,education,environmental protection and tourism,discusses the existing issues and presents approaches.
Stimulation of superoxide formation by actinomycin D and its N2-substituted spin-labeled derivatives.

The mechanism of action of actinomycin D (AMD) is related to its interactions with DNA and inhibition of RNA synthesis. Recently, it has been shown that AMD stimulates the formation of superoxide when incubated with microsomal proteins. We have prepared N 2-[4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl)]actinomycin D and the related 1,3-diaminopropane analogs, which were found to be more active than AMD in vivo against P-388 leukemia cells in spite of their poor DNA binding properties. We have investigated the stimulation of superoxide formation by these compounds as a possible mechanism of action. These analogs are more effective in stimulating O2 uptake and the formation of O2- than the parent AMD. The better antitumor activities of these analogs may be related to the increased O2 formation in vivo . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to thank Drs. C. F. Chignell and R. P. Mason for their helpful discussions during the preparation of the manuscript.
WE-DE-209-00: Practical Implementation of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Techniques for Breast Radiation Therapy

Breast radiation therapy is associated with some risk of lung toxicity as well as cardiac toxicity for left-sided cases. Radiation doses to the lung and heart can be reduced by using the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique, in which the patient is simulated and treated during the deep inspiration phase of the breathing cycle. During DIBH, the heart is usually displaced posteriorly, inferiorly, and to the right, effectively expanding the distance between the heart and the breast/chest wall. As a result, the distance between the medial treatment field border and heart/lung is increased. Also, in a majority of DIBH patients, the air drawn into the thoracic cavity increases the total lung volume. The DIBH was discussed by an AAPM Task Group 10 years ago in the AAPM TG 76 report. However, DIBH is still not the standard of care in many clinics, which may be partially due to challenges associated with its implementation. Therefore, this seccion will focus primarily on how to clinically implement four different DIBH techniques: (1) Active Breathing Control, (2) Spirometric Motion Management, (3) 3D Surface Image-Guided, and (4) Self-held Breath Control with Respiratory Monitoring and Feedback Guidance. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the physical displacement of the heart and the change in lung volume during DIBH and discuss dosimetric consequences of those changes. 2. Provide an overview of the technical aspects. 3. Describe work flow for patient simulation and treatment. 4. Give an overview of commissioning and routine. 5. Provide practical tips for clinical implementation.
Conclusion and Implications

The stereotypical image of dictators with Swiss bank accounts that contain large amounts of embezzled money is perhaps not farfetched. After all, media accounts are still inundated with stories of how autocrats like Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, Mobutu Sese Soko in Zaire, Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt embezzled hundreds of millions – some allege billions – of dollars in office. Likewise, in the case of China's single-party dictatorship, Minxin Pei recently warned that “China's economic boom has dazzled investors and captivated the world. But beyond the new high-rises and churning factories lie rampant corruption.” The conventional reputation of dictators as “roving bandits” (Olson 1993) who engage in rampant corruption has led policy analysts and academics to primarily focus on explaining why levels of corruption are extremely high in authoritarian regimes. But allegations of pervasive corruption in authoritarian states mask the fact that the level of corruption varies significantly across autocracies. They also ignore complex domestic politics associated with the issue of corruption in autocracies and the fact that many if not all dictators enact anti-corruption measures. This book does not subscribe to the oversimplified image of dictators as corrupt “bandits.” Instead it addresses questions about the conditions under which dictators enact anti-corruption measures and the consequent variation in the degree of corruption across autocracies. We derived a set of causal arguments and testable hypotheses to answer these questions in our book. Our analysis in the previous chapters raises the following questions: What are the main theoretical and empirical contributions that emerge from our causal story and empirical findings? What are the broad substantive implications of the insights presented here? What political impact will corruption in autocracies have in the near future? We address these questions in this concluding chapter. The chapter begins with a summary of our theoretical arguments and empirical results. This is followed by a discussion of the book's main theoretical and empirical contributions. We then discuss some implications of our findings and the various ways in which the research presented in this book can be extended. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the link between corruption in autocracies and the prospects for democratization in these states.
What is Information Technology's Role in Cybersecurity?

This panel will discuss and debate what role(s) the information technology discipline should have in cybersecurity. Diverse viewpoints will be considered including current and potential ACM curricular recommendations, current and potential ABET and NSA accreditation criteria, the emerging cybersecurity discipline(s), consideration of government frameworks, the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to cybersecurity, and what aspects of cybersecurity should be under information technology's purview.
Bovine annulus fibrosus cell lines isolated from intervertebral discs

The adult bovine (Bos taurus) intervertebral disc is primarily comprised of two major tissue types: The outer annulus fibrosus (AF) and the central nucleus pulposus (NP). We isolated several primary cell lineages of passage (P) 0 cells from the AF tissue omitting typically used enzymatic tissue digestion protocols. The cells grow past p10 without signs of senescence in DMEM + 10% FCS on 0.1% gelatin coated/uncoated surfaces of standard cell culture plates and survive freeze-thawing. Preliminary analysis of the AF derived cells for expression of the two structural genes Col1a1 and Col2a1 was performed by PISH recapitulating the expression observed in vivo.
Clinical Assessment of Urethral Sphincter Function

Measurements of urethral pressures, such as maximum urethral pressure, are widely believed to have relevance in the management of urinary incontinence despite evidence to the contrary. In this study maximum urethral pressure and the abdominal pressure required to cause stress incontinence were measured in 125 women with stress incontinence. In women the abdominal pressure required to cause stress incontinence was unrelated to maximum urethral pressure. These findings indicate that maximum urethral pressure has little relationship to urethral resistance to abdominal pressure. In the 9 children with myelodysplasia we compared the detrusor pressure with the abdominal pressure required to induce urethral leakage. These values also were quite different, indicating that as far as the urethra is concerned abdominal pressure and detrusor pressure are not equivalent forces.
Transdifferentiation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-secreting mesenchymal stem cells significantly enhance BDNF secretion and Schwann cell marker proteins.

The use of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a rapidly growing area of research targeting delivery of therapeutic factors for neuro-repair. Cells can be programmed to hypersecrete various growth/trophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) to promote regenerative neurite outgrowth. In addition to genetic modifications, MSCs can be subjected to transdifferentiation protocols to generate neural cell types to physically and biologically support nerve regeneration. In this study, we have taken a novel approach by combining these two unique strategies and evaluated the impact of transdifferentiating genetically modified MSCs into a Schwann cell-like phenotype. After 8 days in transdifferentiation media, approximately 30-50% of transdifferentiated BDNF-secreting cells immunolabeled for Schwann cell markers such as S100β, S100, and p75NTR. An enhancement was observed 20 days after inducing transdifferentiation with minimal decreases in expression levels. BDNF production was quantified by ELISA, and its biological activity tested via the PC12-TrkB cell assay. Importantly, the bioactivity of secreted BDNF was verified by the increased neurite outgrowth of PC12-TrkB cells. These findings demonstrate that not only is BDNF actively secreted by the transdifferentiated BDNF-MSCs, but also that it has the capacity to promote neurite sprouting and regeneration. Given the fact that BDNF production remained stable for over 20 days, we believe that these cells have the capacity to produce sustainable, effective, BDNF concentrations over prolonged time periods and should be tested within an in vivo system for future experiments.
Permanent Deployment of the Solitaire FR™ Device in the Basilar Artery in an Acute Stroke Scenario.

Background Scarce reports exist of permanent deployment of Solitaire FR™ devices for arterial steno-occlusive disease as it is primarily indicated for temporary deployment for thrombectomy in large-vessel, anterior-circulation ischemic strokes. Even more scarce are reports describing permanent deployment of the Solitaire device for posterior circulation strokes. Summary We present 2 cases where the Solitaire device was electrolytically detached to re-establish flow in an occluded or stenotic basilar artery in acutely symptomatic patients. In both cases, a 4 × 15 mm Solitaire device was positioned across the stenotic or occluded portion of the basilar artery and electrolytically detached to maintain vessel patency. Both cases had good clinical outcomes with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 1 (from 24) on 90-day follow-up and an NIHSS score of 2 (from 7) on 30-day follow-up. Key Messages Permanent deployment of the Solitaire device may potentially be a safe and effective means of maintaining vessel patency in an occluded or stenotic basilar artery.
A Typology of Nonfinancial Conflict in Population Health Research.

The article discusses the typology of conflict of interests in population health research, including conflict of interests and cognitive bias in journals' publishing of research articles and conflict in epidemiological research. It comments on the differences between financial and nonfinancial conflict of interests in public health research. The impact that social networks have on conflict of interests is discussed.
Use of Standard Guidelines for Department of Medicine Summary Letters

ABSTRACTPhenomenon: Fourth-year medical students obtain Department of Medicine (DOM) letters (“Chair” letters) to support their residency applications. Writing and interpreting DOM letters are challenging. There is heterogeneity in the letters that makes it difficult to both write and read these letters. Approach: The purpose of this study is to determine the value of new guidelines developed by a task force of clerkship directors and program directors in internal medicine and assess the implementation of these guidelines. The Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine performed a cross-sectional survey of internal medicine clerkship directors at U.S. and Canadian medical schools in 2014. In addition, the primary author's institution reviewed 1,347 DOM letters between 2012 and 2014 to assess the implementation of these guidelines. Findings: The survey response rate was 78%. DOM letter writers reported the guidelines were better, easier to implement, and more compatible with the purpose of DOM letters than p...
Epitaxy-Free Direct Bandgap GeSn Materials and Devices for Facile 3D Photonic Integration

We present direct bandgap GeSn crystallized on dielectric layers at 4000/cm at λ=2100-2350 nm, and a photoconductive responsivity of ∼10 mA/W @1V at λ=2180 nm.
Facile isolation of α-ribazole from vitamin B12 hydrolysates using boronate affinity chromatography.

Abstract Alpha-ribazole (α-R) is a unique riboside found in the nucleotide loop of coenzyme B12 (CoB12). α-R is not an intermediate of the de novo biosynthetic pathway of coenzyme B12, but some bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes have evolved a two-protein system (transporter, kinase) that scavenges α-R from the environment and converts it to the pathway intermediate α-RP. Since α-R is not commercially available, one must either synthesize α-R, or isolate it from hydrolysates of vitamin B12 (cyano-B12, CNB12), so the function of the above-mentioned proteins can be studied. Here we report a facile protocol for the isolation of α-R from CNB12 hydrolysates. CNB12 dissolved in NaOH (5 M) was heated to 85 °C for 75 min, then cooled to 4 °C for 30 min. The solution was neutralized with HCl (5 M), and the hydrolysate was diluted with an equal volume of ammonium acetate (0.3 M, pH 8.8). Alkaline phosphatase was added and the mixture was incubated at 37 °C for 16 h. After incubation, the sample was loaded onto a boronate affinity resin column, washed with ammonium sulfate (0.3 M, pH 8.8), water (to remove residual corrinoids) and finally with formic acid (0.1 M) to release (α-R). Formic acid was removed by lyophilization, and the final yield of α-R was 85% from the theoretically recoverable amount. Methods for quantifying the concentration of α-R are reported.
A polymeric nanocomposite interlayer as ion-transport-regulator for trapping polysulfides and stabilizing lithium metal

Abstract Inserting an interlayer between cathode and separator represents a feasible approach for potentially addressing two severe issues in lithium-sulfur batteries: diffusion of polysulfides and growth of lithium dendrites. Thus far, there is a lack of cost-effective strategies to fabricate and characterize the interlayers, as well as a comprehensive understanding of their roles. Herein, we design, fabricate, characterize and gain understanding of an advanced battery interlayer capable of addressing the above two critical issues simultaneously. This porous-structured interlayer with a design of integrating polysulfide-blocking function, good mechanical properties and good adhesion to separator is fabricated by coating a functional porous polymeric nanocomposite on the separator. These functions/properties are realized via a rational combination of two polymers (a “functional” polymer of ultra-high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) and a “structural” polymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride)) with conductive fillers. The synergistic effect from the two polymers and the resulting porous structure make the interlayer an excellent ion-transport-regulator, which can benefit trapping the dissolved polysulfides, and more importantly, improve the stability of the lithium metal anode. Further, through comprehensive characterizations on the interlayer, the structure-property-performance relationships for the multifunctional interlayer are established, which favors the development of advanced energy storage devices pursuing controllable and express ion-transport between two electrodes.