cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating contribution of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bonding to protein folding.

Publisher Summary This chapter evaluates contribution of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bonding to protein folding. The primary goal of studying hydrophobic mutants is to learn how much stability is gained when a protein buries a nonpolar side chain in folding. The goal of studying hyrogen-bonding mutants is to learn how much stability is gained when a polar group that is hydrogen bonded to water in the unfolded state is dehydrated in protein folding to form an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The interplay between experimental studies of the type described and theoretical studies will eventually lead to a good understanding of the forces that contribute to protein stability. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bonding are thought to be the major forces contributing to the conformational stability of proteins. The techniques most often used to measure the conformational stability of a protein are solvent denaturation curves, which are generally urea or guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHC1), thermal denaturation curves, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The chapter discusses the methods of determining denaturation curves and analyzing the results.
Reading, Writing, and the Regrettable Status of Education Research in Comparative Politics

Apart from some notable exceptions, education is regrettably understudied in comparative politics. This paucity stems from both a dearth of reliable data on schooling and the fact that education raises analytical issues that fall outside the typical domain of political scientists. In light of education's crucial role in everything from citizen attitudes to earnings to economic growth, we recommend that political scientists pay more attention to education. In particular, comparative researchers should shift from an almost exclusive focus on average levels of schooling to explaining the causes and consequences of educational inequality. To that end, we provide a broad comparative framework for analyzing the politics of education. In our formulation, skill-biased technological change and factor endowments condition the extent to which firms demand human capital. The supply of skills is a function of the interests and institutions that link voters and politicians. We conclude by positing theoretical and empir...
From individual differences to dynamic pathways of development.

A fruitful way to build upon French-language research on development of analogical and propositional processes in logical reasoning tasks is to use dynamic systems tools to describe and analyze relevant developmental pathways. Issues to address include (1) the characteristics of developmental transitions, such as hysteresis; (2) the nature of growth processes, such as hierarchical development or predator–prey interactions; and (3) the construction of effective scales for measuring change in logical reasoning.
Reduced Intestinal Tumorigenesis in APCmin Mice Lacking Melanin-Concentrating Hormone

Background Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is an evolutionary conserved hypothalamic neuropeptide that in mammals primarily regulates appetite and energy balance. We have recently identified a novel role for MCH in intestinal inflammation by demonstrating attenuated experimental colitis in MCH deficient mice or wild type mice treated with an anti-MCH antibody. Therefore, targeting MCH has been proposed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Given the link between chronic intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer, in the present study we sought to investigate whether blocking MCH might have effects on intestinal tumorigenesis that are independent of inflammation.
Effects of a leucine and pyridoxine-containing nutraceutical on body weight and composition in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated leucine to modulate energy partitioning between adipose tissue and muscle. Further, leucine exhibits a synergy with B6, resulting in reduced adipocyte lipid storage coupled with increased muscle fat oxidation. Accordingly, a nutraceutical (NuShape™) containing 2.25 g leucine and 30 mg B6 increased fat oxidation by >30 g/day in a 28-day randomized controlled trial. The present study evaluated the long-term efficacy of this combination in modulating body weight and composition. METHODS Two 24-week, placebo-controlled, randomized trials, one with weight maintenance (n = 20) and one hypocaloric (-500 kcal/day; n = 24), were conducted using the nutraceutical Nushape in obese subjects. RESULTS The supplement resulted in fat loss in the maintenance study (-1.12 ± 0.36 and -1.82 ± 0.70 kg at 12 and 24 weeks, P < 0.01 versus placebo) while no change was found in the placebo group. In the hypocaloric study, the supplement group lost up to twice as much weight (6.18 ± 1.02 versus 3.40 ± 0.81 kg at 12 weeks and 8.15 ± 1.33 versus 5.25 ± 1.13 kg at 24 weeks, P < 0.01) and fat (4.96 ± 0.61 versus 2.31 ± 0.53 kg at 12 weeks and 7.00 ± 0.95 versus 4.22 ± 0.74 kg at 24 weeks, P < 0.01) than the placebo group. CONCLUSION This nutraceutical combination results in significant fat loss in the absence of caloric restriction and markedly enhances weight and fat loss by 50%-80% over a 24-week period.
MMSE interference suppression for timing acquisition and demodulation in direct-sequence CDMA systems

It has been shown that minimum-mean-squared-error (MMSE) demodulators are effective means of interference suppression in code division multiple-access (CDMA) systems. The MMSE demodulator can be implemented adaptively using an initial training sequence, followed by decision-directed adaptation. This requires that the symbol-level timing of the desired user be known prior to training. We remove this requirement by providing a method for timing acquisition in which the output of the acquisition process is a near-far-resistant demodulator which automatically accounts for the delays and amplitudes of both the desired signal and the interference without explicitly estimating these parameters. The only requirements are a training sequence for the desired user and a finite uncertainty regarding the symbol timing. The latter condition can be realized by using a periodic training sequence even if the absolute timing uncertainty is arbitrarily large.
A ‘Pauperization of Motherhood’? Single Motherhood and Women's Poverty over Time

ABSTRACT While the relationship between single motherhood and poverty generates a great deal of debate, little research explores mothers' poverty over time or the effects of rising single motherhood on women's poverty over time. This paper uses Current Population Survey data to assess the extent to which mothers' relative poverty rates increased throughout the 1970s, '80s and '90s. It goes on to ask how single motherhood affects women's poverty rates over time. Results show that mothers' poverty rates increased from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s, after which time mothers' poverty rates generally no longer in-creased–neither in an absolute sense, nor relative to the poverty rates of others. Regarding causes of women's poverty over time, increases in single motherhood only slightly raised women's poverty rates in the 1990s. Increases in women's employment and educational attainment, however, played an important role in reducing women's poverty rates. The paper concludes by applying these results to de...
Getting a directed hamilton cycle two times faster

Consider the random graph process where we start with an empty graph on n vertices and, at time t, are given an edge et chosen uniformly at random among the edges which have not appeared so far. A classical result in random graph theory asserts that w.h.p. the graph becomes Hamiltonian at time (1/2+o(1))n log n. On the contrary, if all the edges were directed randomly, then the graph would have a directed Hamilton cycle w.h.p. only at time (1+o(1))n log n. In this paper we further study the directed case, and ask whether it is essential to have twice as many edges compared to the undirected case. More precisely, we ask if, at time t, instead of a random direction one is allowed to choose the orientation of et, then whether or not it is possible to make the resulting directed graph Hamiltonian at time earlier than n log n. The main result of our paper answers this question in the strongest possible way, by asserting that one can orient the edges on-line so that w.h.p. the resulting graph has a directed Hamilton cycle exactly at the time at which the underlying graph is Hamiltonian.
Deposition and analysis of Ir-Al coatings for oxidation protection of carbon materials at high temperatures

Abstract The use of Ir-Al coatings to protect carbon materials from oxidation in high-temperature environments has been investigated. A coating process was developed using a three-gun magnetron sputtering system with a single focal-point geometry to deposit Ir-Al coatings up to 5 μm in thickness. By elevating the substrate temperature, uniform, non-porous coatings were achieved on graphite and sapphire substrates. The stability of two Ir-Al phases (IrAl3 and IrAl) in vacuum was studied as a function of annealing temperature. Both phases were found to decompose in vacuum via aluminum vaporization: IrAl3 was converted completely to IrAl at 1200 °C, and IrAl converted completely to iridium at 1400 °C. Evidence of these decompositions was observed using several analytical techniques: Auger electron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
ON GROUPS PRESENTED BY MONADIC REWRITING SYSTEMS WITH GENERATORS OF FINITE ORDER

We prove that the groups presented by finite convergent monadic rewriting systems with generators of finite order are exactly the free products of finitely many finite groups, thereby confirming Gilman's conjecture in a special case. We also prove that the finite cyclic groups of order at least three are the only finite groups admitting a presentation by more than one finite convergent monadic rewriting system (up to relabelling), and these admit presentation by exactly two such rewriting systems.
Coprime Factorizations in Stable Linear Systems

We consider a block-diagonal linear (not necessarily time-invariant) map P with a right-coprime factorization ND-1 (or a left-coprime factorization D?-1N). We show that the individual blocks in P have right-coprime factorizations (left-coprime factorizations, respectively) if and only if the denominator map D (D?) has a special block-triangular structure. We apply this condition to the stable linear feedback system S (P 1 , P 2 ).
Evaluation of Oils and Microbial Pathogens for Control of Lepidopteran Pests of Sweet Corn in New England

Abstract Vegetable and mineral oil, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Berliner were evaluated for control of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Field experiments in Maine and Massachusetts during 1993 and 1994 evaluated oils and pathogens singly or in combinations, using a single application directly to the top of the silk channel, immediately after pollination. Mineral oil alone provided equal (1993) or better (1994) control compared with corn oil. In both years, mineral or corn oil plus B. thuringiensis resulted in 93–98% marketable ears, compared with 48–52% marketable ears in untreated plots. In three factorial experiments with B. bassiana, B. thuringiensis and corn oil, B. bassiana at 5 × 107 conidia per ear provided little or no control while B. thuringiensis and corn oil provided significant though no...
Measurement and Maintenance of Soybean Quality

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the measurement and maintenance of soybean quality. One of the first approaches to measuring and assuring quality of U.S. soybeans is the testing and reporting of factors, which are included in the U.S. Soybean Grading Standards. The quality factors for the U.S. Standards for Soybeans include: heat-damaged kernels, total-damaged kernels, foreign material, splits, and soybeans of other colors. One of the measurement techniques that is seeing more widespread use because of its speed and ability to non-destructively test samples is Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Soybean quality factors are evolving with changes in breeding, genetic modification, climate, environment, newer technologies for measurement, and with the increased understanding of the chemistry and functionality of soybeans. Other factors driving change are consumers becoming more cognizant of health benefits from soybean-derived products and the need for reduced-trans fat foods. The move toward production of biofuels also impacts Soybean Oil (SBO) usage. Quality can be no higher than it was at harvest; but with increased knowledge of methods for measuring quality and improved technology for identifying high quality, it is highly possible for producers, managers of stored soybeans, and processors to have highly acceptable soybean quality for food, processing, marketing, and industrial uses.
Free-Surface Flow Through Heterogeneous Porous Media

Methods are developed for obtaining finite difference solutions to steady-state, free-surface saturated seepage flows through nonhomogeneous porous media. The formulation considers the total fluid head and the stream function as the independent variables and the coordinates x and y as the dependent variables. In the plane defined by the total fluid head and the stream function free surfaces are straight lines and the region of seepage is rectangular if no surfaces of seepage are present. The variation in permeability of the porous media can be specified by continuous functions. The methods are applied to obtain solutions to problems of seepage from canals through nonhomogeneous porous media to a drained layer at some specified depth. Several representative flownets from these solutions are presented.
MER-101 tablets: A pilot bioavailability study of a novel oral formulation of zoledronic acid

B194 Introduction The purpose of the study was to compare the absorption of two strengths of an investigational oral dosage form of MER-101, a tablet form of zoledronic acid, to the parenteral reference product, commercially-available zoledronic acid intravenous infusion. MER-101 was developed by Merrion Pharmaceuticals using GIPET™ I technology to improve the oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid and thereby enable the development of an oral dosage form. GIPET™ I is based on proprietary penetration enhancers which improve the absorption of such drugs in the small intestine. There is no chemical modification to the active drug. The enhancer system is comprised of food based material which is on the US GRAS list. These are important factors in reducing regulatory requirements and the time to market. GIPET™ technology is equally applicable to small molecules, macromolecules and biologics, and is broadly applicable over a wide range of marketed and emerging products. Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate used in the treatment of bone metastases. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone. The current marketed dosage form of zoledronic acid is a given as an infusion to overcome the limitations of oral dosing of bisphosphonates, including low bioavailability, gastric irritation, and gastric reflux. Experimental Procedures The study was a single-dose, three-way crossover bioequivalence study in 13 postmenopausal female subjects with osteoporosis. There was a washout period of at least 7 days between dosing days. Cumulative urinary excretion of zoledronic acid over a 48-hour period was used as the basis for the pharmacokinetic analysis. Eleven subjects successfully completed all treatment periods of the study and were included in the final analysis. The treatments administered during the clinical trial were: MER-101 10mg and 20mg enteric coated tablets and zoledronic acid injection 1mg, administered as a 15-minute infusion in 100mL of normal saline. The treatments were well tolerated in all cases. Data Summary The MER-101 20mg tablet had a mean 48-hour urinary excretion of zoledronic acid approximately 44% greater than the MER-101 10mg tablet. The MER-101 20mg tablet had a mean zoledronic acid excretion that was similar to the zoledronic acid 1mg Injection (0.514mg and 0.541mg respectively). Conclusions A tablet dosage form of zoledronic acid has been successfully developed which will allow once weekly treatment of patients. The dose administered via a 20mg tablet equals that of a 1mg intravenous infusion. MER-101 was well tolerated and there were no serious adverse events associated with its administration.
THE MYTH OF CHAPARRAL CONVERGENCE

ABSTRACT We examined the concept of vegetation convergence—similar vegetation in similar, but disjunct, environments—using chaparral as it occurs on five continents (chaparral, fynbos, garrigue, kwongan, maquis, mattoral) as a case study. Research on chaparral in the past two decades has generated sufficient information to make a detailed comparison possible. The degree of convergence was found to be superficial; significant differences exist in physiognomy, leaf and life-form spectra, species richness, morphological adaptations to fire, phenology, biomass, and productivity. In addition, ecologically important differences in such abiotic environmental factors as intensity of summer drought, fire frequency and intensity, and soil nutrient status were apparent. Finally, the traditional linkage of chaparral vegetation with mediterranean-type climate does not consistently exist in North America; chaparral ranges beyond the limits of mediterranean climate areas. We need to reexamine not only our ideas about co...
Computational studies of coarsening rates for the Cahn-Hilliard equation with phase-dependent diffusion mobility

We study computationally coarsening rates of the Cahn-Hilliard equation with a smooth double-well potential, and with phase-dependent diffusion mobilities. The latter is a feature of many materials systems and makes accurate numerical simulations challenging. Our numerical simulations confirm earlier theoretical predictions on the coarsening dynamics based on asymptotic analysis. We demonstrate that the numerical solutions are consistent with the physical Gibbs-Thomson effect, even if the mobility is degenerate in one or both phases. For the two-sided degenerate mobility, we report computational results showing that the coarsening rate is on the order of l ~ c t 1 / 4 , independent of the volume fraction of each phase. For the one-sided degenerate mobility, that is non-degenerate in the positive phase but degenerate in the negative phase, we illustrate that the coarsening rate depends on the volume fraction of the positive phase. For large positive volume fractions, the coarsening rate is on the order of l ~ c t 1 / 3 and for small positive volume fractions, the coarsening rate becomes l ~ c t 1 / 4 .
Beneficial effect of subsequent lesion procedures after nonresponse to initial cingulotomy for severe, treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND Anterior cingulotomy (AC) can be an effective therapy for patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who are refractory to traditional medical therapy. For patients who do not respond to AC, the benefit of additional lesion procedures vs continued medical management remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a second lesion procedure is beneficial after unsuccessful initial AC. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the records of 31 patients who were nonresponders to initial AC. Full response was defined as at least a 35% decrease and partial response as a 25% to 34% decrease in Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores. Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale change was compared between patients who underwent additional surgery and those treated nonsurgically. In addition, for patients who underwent additional surgery, we compared the benefit of subcaudate tractotomy with repeat AC (extension of the initial lesion) as the second procedure. RESULTS Nineteen patients underwent a second surgery and 12 patients continued nonsurgical therapy. Fifty-three percent of patients who received additional surgery were full responders and 21% were partial responders at the most recent follow-up compared with 17% full responders and 25% partial responders among those who continued conventional therapy (P = .02). Of the patients who underwent an additional surgery, there were 64% full and 9% partial responders in the subcaudate tractotomy group compared with 38% full and 38% partial responders in the repeat AC group (P = .04). CONCLUSION Second lesion surgery can be a safe and effective therapy for patients who do not respond to initial AC. Subcaudate tractotomy may confer a higher response rate than repeat cingulotomy.
Suggested Reporting Parameters for Investigations of Wastewater from Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction

from Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction Kyle J. Bibby,†,‡ Susan L. Brantley, Danny D. Reible, Karl G. Linden, Paula J. Mouser, Kelvin B. Gregory, Brian R. Ellis, and Radisav D. Vidic*,† †Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States ‡Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 428, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
Operational Pre -Planning for Intensive Science Periods: the New Horizons Jupiter Flyby

The New Horizons spacecraft launched January 19th 2006 on a mission to flyby Pluto in July of 2015. The trajectory of the spacecraft includes a Jupiter Gravity Assist, with Jupiter closest approach on February 28, 2007. Jupiter was observed with the payload instrument suite for a five-month period starting in January of 2007. The Jupiter Encounter Science Team developed an ambitious plan for Jupiter. Most observations were intricate, finely timed, and command-intensive. The command loads for the flyby period were expected to be large, complex, and delicate. The nominal operational command load build process would not be sufficient to support planning the science for the Jupiter flyby, so a pre-planning phase was instituted to develop critical command sequences well in advance of the nominal schedule; this was termed Phase A. The four-month period from October 2006 through January 2007 was allocated to Jupiter Encounter Phase A command load development for the critical science period, identified as the 80 days from January 1 through mid-March, 2007. The work was scheduled to put each of the six command loads through three complete build cycles. The repeated build cycles allowed the science sequencers to check, correct and refine the timing of the observations, the timing between observations, the spacecraft pointing when observing Jupiter and its moons, etc. The four months allocated to Phase A development proved to be insufficient, and observations had to be pulled from the Far Encounter period to free up resources to concentrate on the Near Encounter. The load containing Near Encounter and closest approach stressed the system in several ways: a piece of ground software had to be fixed to manage the large volume of commanding, and the load itself had to be split into 4 parts to fit into the command storage space in the C&DH. The Jupiter Encounter Phase A development effort was arduous, but necessary to carry out the science plan for the Jupiter flyby. The New Horizons Mission Operations team has concluded that the extra time that Phase A provides for developing, reviewing, and updating the command sequences is well worth the resource commitment for ensuring success and reducing risk. The Phase A method is being implemented as a standard practice for the New Horizons Pluto flyby, other critical spacecraft events. The MESSENGER mission operations team has also adopted the Phase A method for the Mercury flybys.
Abstract 2844: Inhibiting androgen receptor and JunD protein interaction to prevent prostate cancer progression

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Development of an effective therapy to prevent prostate cancer (PCa) progression to castrate-resistant PCa (CRPCa) remains an unmet medical need, mainly due to a poor understanding of the mechanism of PCa progression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in high amounts in PCa cells. ROS play a major role in the development and progression of PCa. We have published that the activated androgen receptor (AR)-JunD complex induces spermidine/spermine N1-acetyl transferase (SSAT). SSAT is the first, and a regulatory, enzyme in a major polyamine catabolism pathway that leads to an over-production of ROS, specifically in the polyamine-rich PCa cells. A focus of our current research is to identify compounds that specifically target and block steps in this newly discovered ROS production pathway downstream to AR activation. Such compounds have the potential to become new targeted therapeutic agents offering minimal side effects for preventing progression to CRPCa in patients with early stage progressing PCa. Here we present data on drug-like small molecule inhibitors of the AR-JunD interaction that initiates this ROS-generating pathway in PCa. A novel high throughput assay based on Gaussia Luciferase enzyme reconstitution via protein-protein interaction was used to screen NCI Diversity Set and Life Chemicals libraries of drug-like small molecules to identify inhibitors of the AR-JunD interaction. The 27 selected hits were categorized as antiandrogens or non-antiandrogens through the use of a published fluorescence polarization assay. Sixteen non-antiandrogens, acting downstream of AR activation, were chosen for further study. In vitro studies entailed the measurement of the ability of the compounds to inhibit androgen-independent and dependent growth as well as androgen-induced ROS in human PCa cells. The top four compounds exhibited significant inhibition of growth and androgen-induced ROS at concentrations of 5 uM or less. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) studies were performed to determine the ability of the selected compounds to specifically inhibit the AR-JunD co-translocation to the nuclei. Based on the cell culture and ICC data, lead compounds were selected for pharmacokinetics studies to determine oral bioavailability. Detailed pharmacokinetic data of selected top compounds showing their bioavailability after intra venous and oral administration will be presented. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2844. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2844
A Combinatorial Classification of Buchsbaum Simplicial Posets

The family of Buchsbaum simplicial posets over a field K provides an algebraic abstraction of the family of (K-homology) manifold triangulations. In 2008, Novik and Swartz established lower bounds on the face numbers of a Buchsbaum simplicial poset as a function of its dimension and its topological Betti numbers over K. They conjectured that these lower bounds are sufficient to classify face numbers of Buchsbaum simplicial posets with prescribed Betti numbers. We prove this conjecture by using methods from the theory of (pseudo)manifold crystallizations to construct simplicial posets with prescribed face numbers and Betti numbers.
To Think Spatially and Environmentally, Put on Your Geography Sunglasses!

Geography instruction takes many forms, depending on (among other things) the grade level of the students and the position of the course within the institution offering it. Regardless of the age of...
Evaluation Report of the Occupational Health of Natural Diamonds Processing Enterprise Yunan centers for diseases control and prevention

[Objective] To learn the occupational status of the natural diamonds processing enterprise,and provide evidence for the occupational hazards prevention and control,and the protection of laborers' health.[Methods]Occupational pilot study,detection and assessment methods were applied to evaluate the basic information,manufacture process flow,main factors of occupational hazards types and distribution and Occupational protective measures,according to the related laws,statutes and standards.[Results] The main occupational hazards of the natural diamonds enterprise were dusts and noises.[Conclusion] The enterprise's management of occupational health and occupational protective measures,which did not comply with occupational hygiene requirements,needs for rectification
Recognition of the Function and Character of Christianity being Introduced Into China in Modern Times

Since Christianity was introduced into China in modern times, a great number of missionaries have done a lot of beneficial work for the Chinese people, exerting an extensive and far-reaching influence especially on education, medical and health work, science and technology, spreading of advanced political thoughts, change of unhealthy social customs. However, the introduction of Christianity into China in modern times stirs up misunderstanding or even misinterpretation. Generally speaking, the misunderstanding is not beyond the scope of making Christianity demonize, politicize, paganize and be ignorant. Four anti-Christianity reasons, not beyond the scope of such tendencies as obscurantism, nationalism, quintessence, scientism and socialism, are not involved in the whole of facts and the depth of learning. The second element among them, that is, political tendency, is due to the Western colonial invasion and missionary methods; the rest three are a matter of our selfexamination.
Periodic Wavelets from Scratch

Periodic wavelets can be constructed from most standard wavelets by periodization. In this work we first derive some of their properties and then construct the periodic wavelets directly from their Fourier series without reference to standard wavelets. Several examples are given some of which are not constructable from the usual wavelets on the real line.
Male Newborn With an Enlarged Scrotum and Proximal Penile Shaft

A male newborn presents with an enlarged scrotum (Fig 1). Figure 1. A male newborn with an enlarged scrotum. ### Prenatal and Birth Histories ### Presentation ### Vital Signs ### Physical Examination On admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, the …
Mechanistic Studies of Permeation Enhancers

Effective methodologies are required for the mechanistic studies of chemical permeation enhancers in topical and transdermal drug delivery. Our previous studies have employed a systematic approach (a symmetric and equilibrium configuration) to study the mechanisms of action of chemical permeation enhancers for permeation across the lipoidal pathway of the stratum corneum. With this approach, the permeability coefficients determined for the permeants can be used directly to evaluate the effectiveness of an enhancer, and new insights into the factors affecting the effectiveness of permeation enhancers have been obtained. These factors include the effects of substitution of a carbon–carbon single bond on the hydrocarbon chain of the enhancer with a carbon–carbon double bond, alkyl chain branching of the enhancer, and enhancer aqueous and stratum corneum lipid concentrations upon the apparent and intrinsic potencies of the enhancers. This chapter summarizes the findings in our studies employing this experimental approach and reviews the mechanistic insights obtained for the enhancers.
The Development of Sex-Selective Reproductive Technologies Within Fertility, Inc. and the Anticipation of Lifestyle Sex Selection

This chapter focuses on the development of sex-selective reproductive technologies within the human fertility industry and how two technologies, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and a sperm-sorting technique (MicroSort) became acceptable. The chapter provides an historical overview of the three-stage process by which the technologies developed: first, within agriculture research, where they were prized for producing female livestock; then, within the clinical field of medical reprogenetics to avoid transmission of X-linked disease; and finally, how they were applied to fulfill lifestyle desires related to family composition as signified in “family balancing.”
Cantilever Dynamics: Theoretical Modeling

To provide a measure of flexibility and symmetry regarding the description of tip-sample interactions, a dynamical model is presented for which the cantilever tip and the sample surface are treated as independently damped simple harmonic oscillators passively coupled via the nonlinear tip-sample interaction forces. The sample oscillations are assumed to occur in the coupling from a small element of surface mass (active mass) attached to the remainder of the sample for which the spring constant is the sample stiffness constant. The analytical model reduces to a pair of coupled nonlinear differential equations, the general solutions of which are obtained using a matrix iteration procedure. The general solutions are applied to the quantitative assessment of signal generation and contrast mechanisms in atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM), force modulation microscopy (FMM), ultrasonic force microscopy (UFM), ultrasonic atomic force microscopy (UAFM), amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy (AM-AFM), and scanning near-field ultrasonic holography (SNFUH) including the related heterodyne force atomic force microscopy (HF-AFM) and resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM). In addition to obtaining quantitative expressions for surface contrast mechanisms, contrast mechanisms from subsurface features are accounted in the model for AFAM, FMM, UFM, and SNFUH.
Radiation Therapy for the Head and Neck Patient: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

Radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies has made remarkable advances in treatment technology, resulting in improved clinical and functional outcomes. It is necessary for the radiation oncologist to have a complex understanding of the patient’s tumor and its relationship to the surrounding normal anatomy, in order to safely limit dose to normal tissues. Complications following radiation can be managed with timely intervention, usually on an outpatient basis. This chapter will discuss the technological advances in the field, the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated disease on radiation treatment, efforts to limit dose to critical salivary and swallowing structures, and management of certain radiation-related toxicities.
A potent tetravalent T-cell–engaging bispecific antibody against CD33 in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults and the second most common cancer in children, is still a lethal disease in the majority of patients, but immunologic approaches have improved outcome. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are novel immunotherapeutics that can redirect immune cells against AML. We now report a tetravalent (2+2) humanized BsAb in the immunoglobulin G light chain single chain fragment variable [IgG(L)-scFv] format to engage polyclonal T cells to kill CD33+ AML targets. In vitro, this BsAb demonstrated strong antigen-specific T-cell-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (TDCC) with an 50% effective concentration (EC50) in the femtomolar range that translated into treatment of established human AML IV xenografts in vivo. Importantly, it could redirect intraperitoneally injected T cells to ablate established and rapidly growing extramedullary subcutaneous AML xenografts in vivo. Furthermore, internalization of CD33 upon BsAb binding was identical to that of a bivalent (1+1) heterodimer, both being substantially less than anti-CD33 IgG. In contrast to the heterodimer, the tetravalent IgG-scFv BsAb was >10-fold more efficient in TDCC of AML cells in vitro and in vivo. This BsAb did not react with and did not kill CD38-CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells from cord blood. We conclude that the novel anti-CD33 IgG(L)-scFv BsAb construct reported here is a potential candidate for clinical development.
Hardy Spaces on the Disk

We apply the results of Chapter 3 to analytic functions on the unit disk. The theorem of Szego-Solomentsev (Theorem 3.13) permits a very quick derivation of the fundamental representation theorems for the Nevanlinna classes N(D) and N+(D). These results (Theorems 4.11 and 4.14) give the complete multiplicative structure of any function f in N(D) or N+(D). The representations are conveniently expressed in terms of inner and outer functions. The definitions and the structure of inner and outer functions are given in 4.2–4.9.
The effect of interleukin-1 on C-reactive protein expression in Hep3B cells is exerted at the transcriptional level

The combination of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) synergistically induces the human acute-phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP) in Hep3B cells. While previous studies have indicated that IL-6 induces transcription of CRP, the mode of action of IL-1 has not been clearly defined. It has been suggested that the effect of IL-1 might be post-transcriptional, exerted through the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). To evaluate the role of IL-1 in CRP gene expression, we studied the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) on both the endogenous CRP gene and on transfected CRP-CAT constructs in Hep3B cells. In kinetic studies of the endogenous CRP gene, IL-1 beta alone had no effect on CRP mRNA levels, but when added to IL-6, synergistically enhanced both CRP mRNA levels and transcription, as determined by Northern-blot analyses and nuclear run-on studies. IL-6 alone and the combination of [IL-1 beta + IL-6] each induced increases in mRNA levels roughly comparable with observed increases in transcription. These findings indicate that the effect of IL-1 beta on CRP expression is exerted largely at the transcriptional level in this system. This conclusion was confirmed by studies in Hep3B cells transiently transfected with CRP-CAT constructs, each containing 157 bp of the CRP 5'-flanking region but differing in the length of the 5'-UTR from 104 bp to 3 bp. All constructs responded in the same way; IL-6, but not IL-1 beta, induced significant chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression which was synergistically enhanced 2- to 3-fold by IL-1 beta. These results indicate that IL-1 beta stimulates transcriptional events in the presence of IL-6 and that the upstream 157 bases of the CRP promoter contain elements capable of both IL-6 induction and the synergistic effect of IL-1 beta on transcription.
Young Adults With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Present With More Advanced Stage Tumors and Have Shorter Survival Times.

Background & Aims Obesity is increasing in younger populations. Barrett’s esophagus is associated with central obesity, so we investigated the occurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in younger patients and compared them with older patients to determine differences in features at presentation and survival times. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective study of 682 patients with a diagnosis of EAC treated from 2009 through 2012. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare survival times among young (less than 50 years, n = 105), middle age (51–70 years, n = 383), and older age (more than 70 years, n = 194) patients. We collected data on demographic features of patients and information from medical records. Baseline characteristics were compared using χ2 analysis for categorical variables and analysis of variance for continuous variables. Results Higher proportions of patients in the young group presented with stage III EAC (43.8%) or stage IV EAC (33.3%), compared to the middle age group (39.7% with stage III and 21.7% with stage IV; P Conclusion In a retrospective analysis of patients with EAC treated at a single center, we found that a higher proportion of young patients (younger than 50 years) present advanced-stage tumors than middle age patients; young patients also have shorter survival times than middle age patients with EAC. Studies are needed to determine whether this difference is due to a lack of symptoms or endoscopic screening or distinct mechanisms of more aggressive tumors.
Surgical and Medical Applications of Drones: A Comprehensive Review.

Background Drones have the ability to gather real time data cost effectively, to deliver payloads and have initiated the rapid evolution of many industrial, commercial, and recreational applications. Unfortunately, there has been a slower expansion in the field of medicine. This article provides a comprehensive review of current and future drone applications in medicine, in hopes of empowering and inspiring more aggressive investigation. Database A literature search was performed by EBSCO (Elton B. Stephens Company) Discovery Service, searching the phrases "drones," "UAV," "unmanned aerial vehicles," "UAS," and "unmanned aerial systems." A second search was used to identify sources that contained "drone" in the subject or title and "medicine" in any of the text, yielding 60,260 results. After screening for irrelevant material, 1296 sources remained applicable. Major themes and number of sources were as follows: 116 public health and medical surveillance, 8 telemedicine, and 78 medical transport systems. Conclusion Drones are used for surveillance of disaster sites and areas with biological hazards, as well as in epidemiology for research and tracking disease spread. Telecommunication drones are being used for diagnosis and treatment, perioperative evaluation, and telementoring in remote areas. Drones have the potential to be reliable medical delivery platforms for microbiological and laboratory samples, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, emergency medical equipment, and patient transport. Government agencies have placed drone use on the national agenda. The next steps include aggressive research initiatives in the areas of safety, industry expansion, increased public awareness, and participation.
Abstract TP111: Outcomes After thrombolysis of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With M2 Occlusion

Introduction: The American Heart Association Stroke Guidelines recommend intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusions involving the internal carotid and proxi...
Revisiting the Stanford prison experiment, again: Examining demand characteristics in the guard orientation

The day before the Stanford prison experiment began, the investigators held an orientation session for the guards in which they communicated expectations for hostile guard behavior, a flippant prisoner mindset, and the possibility of ending the study prematurely. While the study's principal investigator has minimized the influence of this orientation, critics have speculated that it provided a "script" for guard abuse. In the present studies, participants were presented with a hypothetical prison simulation study and randomly assigned as guards to an orientation session that included these expectations (Stanford orientation) or one providing basic study information. Across three studies, participants exposed to the Stanford orientation relative to a control orientation, reported greater expectations for hostile and oppressive behavior on the part of the study's investigator and from others and themselves as guards. The present results provide empirical support for speculation that the language of the guard orientation in the Stanford prison experiment sanctioned abuse among guards.
Systematic Evaluation of a Conversational Voice User Interface for Decision-Making

When making routine and critical purchase decisions, consumers often have a need to process a surplus of information to make the right choice. Today’s technology must be able to assist them in this...
Atlas assimilation: spectrum of associated radiographic abnormalities, clinical presentation, and management in children below 10 years

To analyze the varied presentation and management of atlas assimilation with associated radiographic abnormalities in children in the MRI era Database analysis of 313 children (less than 10 years) Atlas assimilation (AA) was associated with atlantoaxial dislocation in 12, abnormal skull base and Chiari I abnormality in 42, C2-C3 segmentation failure and instability and Chiari I abnormality in 74, and condylar hypoplasia and basilar invagination in 74. Proatlas segmentation failures were 54, atlantoaxial rotary dislocation in 26 with Goldenhar’s syndrome, abnormal C1 atlas posterior arch causing dynamic compression of cord in 31 children. Vascular compromise was documented in 26 children. The study encompassed ages 6 months to 10 years. Cranial nerves commonly affected were glossopharyngeal, vagal, and hypoglossal nerves. Children below 2 years presented with torticollis, failure to thrive, difficulty swallowing, and motor and sensory deficits. Craniovertebral junction instability associated with AA was treated with custom-built craniocervical orthosis below 5 years. Closed reduction of instability or basilar invagination was attempted with neuromuscular blockade under anesthesia and traction above age 5 years. Successful reduction was treated with dorsal foramen magnum and atlas decompression with occiput-C2 dorsal fusion using rib grafts below the age of 5 years and instrumentation after that. Follow-up was 2 to 32 years. Neurological recovery was seen in nearly all patients. Children with atlas assimilation and associated abnormalities may be symptomatic in early childhood. The treatment depends on the age and tailored to the abnormalities present. The long-term results have been successful.
Chapter 1 – Introduction: The Basics of Psychological Learning and Memory Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the basics, theory, and terminology of learning and memory. It describes the fundamental terms used by most psychologists to describe the types and forms of learning and memory. Learning can be categorized into two broad classes: unconscious learning and conscious learning. Memory falls into one of four categories: unconscious learning with conscious recall, unconscious learning subject to conscious recall, conscious learning subject to unconscious recall, and conscious learning subject to conscious recall. The simplest form of learning in existence is habituation. The teleological explanation for habituation is that over time, animals learn to ignore environmental stimuli that carry no unique informational content. Motor learning, skills, and habits are the classic examples of unconsciously learned and unconsciously recalled memories. The advent of new technologies has made it possible to measure distinct biochemical changes, in particular brain regions, in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to environmental stimuli.