cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating evolution strategies and genetic algorithms with agent-based modeling for flushing a contaminated water distribution system

Water utilities can prepare for water distribution hazards, such as the presence of contaminants in the pipe network and failure of physical components. In contamination events, the complex interactions among managers9 operational decisions, consumers9 water consumption choices, and the hydraulics and contaminant transport in the water distribution system may influence the contaminant plume so that a typical engineering model may not properly predict public health consequences. A complex adaptive system (CAS) approach couples engineering models of a water distribution system with agent-based models of consumers and public officials. Development of threat management strategies, which prescribe a set of actions to mitigate public health consequences, is enabled through a simulation–optimization framework that couples evolutionary algorithms with the CAS model. Evolution strategies and genetic algorithm-based approaches are developed and compared for an illustrative case study to identify a flushing strategy for opening hydrants to minimize the number of exposed consumers and maintain acceptable levels of service in the network.
Sagnac interferometer as a speed-meter-type, quantum-nondemolition gravitational-wave detector

According to quantum measurement theory, ``speed meters''---devices that measure the momentum, or speed, of free test masses---are immune to the standard quantum limit (SQL). It is shown that a Sagnac-interferometer gravitational-wave detector is a speed meter and therefore in principle it can beat the SQL by large amounts over a wide band of frequencies. It is shown, further, that, when one ignores optical losses, a signal-recycled Sagnac interferometer with Fabry-Perot arm cavities has precisely the same performance, for the same circulating light power, as the Michelson speed-meter interferometer recently invented and studied by Purdue and the author. The influence of optical losses is not studied, but it is plausible that they be fairly unimportant for the Sagnac interferometer, as for other speed meters. With squeezed vacuum (squeeze factor ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}2R}=0.1)$ injected into its dark port, the recycled Sagnac interferometer can beat the SQL by a factor $\sqrt{10}\ensuremath{\simeq}3$ over the frequency band $10\mathrm{Hz}\ensuremath{\lesssim}f\ensuremath{\lesssim}150\mathrm{Hz}$ using the same circulating power ${I}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}820$ kW as is to be used by the (quantum limited) second-generation Advanced LIGO interferometers---if other noise sources are made sufficiently small. It is concluded that the Sagnac optical configuration, with signal recycling and squeezed-vacuum injection, is an attractive candidate for third-generation interferometric gravitational-wave detectors (LIGO-III and EURO).
ME-17JAK 1/2 INHIBITION FOLLOWING BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION MITIGATES Cd11b + /GR1+ MEDIATED LOW-GRADE GLIOMA NEOANGIOGENESIS

INTRODUCTION: Low grade gliomas lack neovascularization when compared to their high grade counterparts. Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) are recruited to the tumor site and mediate the angiogenic switch during malignant transformation. This process ultimately supports the exponential growth kinetics displayed by high grade tumors that often exhibit aberrant vasculature. In order to elucidate the functional consequence of impairing BMDCs, in particular myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), we employed JAK 1/2 inhibitors. JAK 1/2 inhibition prior to the angiogenic switch in low grade glial tumors resulted in reduced neo-vascularization (CD31) and cellular proliferation (Ki67+). To conclusively prove impaired MDSC recruitment, we pursued a series of bone marrow transplant studies to demonstrate the effect of interrogated JAK 1/2 signaling on GFP+ BMDCs recruitment to the tumor core and periphery. METHODS: A spontaneous, transgenic PDGF-driven murine glioma model was utilized to recapitulate low-grade to high-grade progression. Tumor bearing animals were lethally irradiated (10Gy) at 2 weeks old and transplanted with age appropriate bone marrow from GFP donor mice. After a 4 week bone marrow reconstitution, the animals were treated with JAK1/2 inhibitors via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Immunofluorescence was used to characterize the impact on GFP+ BMDC recruitment at the tumor site. Flow cytometry was then used to quantify GFP+ BMDCs at the tumor site and periphery (blood and bone marrow). RESULTS: The number of GFP + BMDCs recruited to the tumor core is markedly reduced in post-transplant JAK treated animals. These animals demonstrate a significant survival advantage and exhibit delayed transformation on MRI and histologically, consistent with our previous findings. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence demonstrates impaired Cd11b + /GR1+ mobilization in the bone marrow, peripheral blood and at the tumor core. CONCLUSION: The utility of GFP+ bone marrow transplant model system proves that JAK 1/2 Inhibition plays a direct role in impairment of MDSC infiltration.
The influence of the fear facial expression on prosocial responding

Perceiving distress cues appears to be associated with prosocial responding. This being the case, it was hypothesised that the fear facial expression would elicit prosocial responding in perceivers. In Study 1, participants indicated that fear and sadness expressions would be associated with greater sympathy and willingness to help the expresser than would neutral expressions. In Study 2, participants were primed with fear or neutral expressions before reading vignettes featuring protagonists in mild distress. Fear-primed participants reported more sympathy and desire to help the protagonists than neutral-primed participants. Moreover, participants who recognised fear most accurately, as measured by a standard facial expression recognition task, showed the greatest increases in prosocial responding following fear expression primes. This corroborates the notion, supported by research as disparate as behavioural research on bystander intervention and clinical research on psychopaths, that exposure to and co...
Implications of Shifting Retail Market Shares for Loan Monitoring in a Dominant‐Bank Model

This study utilizes a dominant-bank model to investigate whether an increase in retail loan and deposit-market concentration increases the incentives for both dominant and fringe banks to monitor their loans and thereby improve the quality of their loan portfolios. It shows that the effects on banks' incentives to engage in monitoring aimed at eliminating loan default losses in response to increased concentration of retail market shares of loans and deposits depend critically on whether the banks' asset and liability choices are interdependent. When the asset and liability decisions of both dominant and fringe banks are independent, a shift in market shares in favor of the dominant bank generates a straightforward increase in the incentives of all banks to monitor their loans. Under portfolio interdependence, the effects on monitoring outcomes at dominant banks and at banks within the competitive fringe depend on more complicated configurations of parameters. This fact helps explain mixed empirical evidence on the relationships between bank competition and measures of bank risk and soundness.
Mode interaction through amplitudes and phases in a two-mode gyrotron oscillator

An analysis is made of temporal evolution of electromagnetic modes in a two-mode gyrotron oscillator characterized by phase and amplitude interaction through the terms linear in the oscillator power. The problem is solved in the context of amplitudes and phases which vary slowly compared with the period of oscillation. Specific reference is made to competition between TE/sub 11q/ modes in a closed cavity gyrotron. Qualitative features which are found include phase locking, beat frequencies, periodic pulling, and mode excitation. This work has applicability when the frequency separation between the modes is on the order of the frequency bandwidth of each mode, or the modes are equally spaced in frequency. Gyrotrons of this type include those with low-quality-factor modes or degenerate modes. Phase interaction in the case of equally spaced cavity modes is of importance in analyzing mode-locking phenomena. >
Model-based dependency analysis in service delivery process management

Build up well-defined and optimized service process is the key to deliver good service quality and service satisfaction. An effective method of dependency analysis in the service delivery process is the core to construct an optimized process. However, with increasingly complicated services, there is the large amount of the tasks elements with extreme complex dependency in the service process. Under this situation, set up correct relationship among tasks becomes time consuming and error prone. In this paper, we propose a model-based dependency analysis to automatically build up the dependency relationship among tasks in the service delivery process. It addresses the problem in analyzing dependency firstly and our approach is given. Based on the dependency analysis, we also propose several advanced analysis features on the process to guide user to optimize the process via reducing the process cost. Also a tool adopting our approach has been implemented and introduced. Based on the tool, a case study about the test service delivery process is illustrated to show the results.
Validation of Performance-Based Assessments

Using Messick’s (1995, 1996) framework for validity, six aspects of construct validation are outlined to guide the validation of performance-based assessments: content, substantive, structural, gen...
Conditions for self-collimation in three-dimensional photonic crystals

We introduce the theoretical criterion for achieving three-dimensional self-collimation of light in a photonic crystal. Based on this criterion, we numerically demonstrate a body-center-cubic structure that supports wide-angle self-collimation and is directly compatible with the recently developed holographic fabrication technique. We further show that both bends and beam splitters can be introduced into this structure by the use of interfaces.
Pubertal Development and School Transition: Joint Influences on Depressive Symptoms in Middle and Late Adolescents.

The impact of simultaneous changes in biological and social context on the mental health of adolescents was examined by testing the hypothesis that normative developmental transitions can be associated with increased dysphoria if they occur in close temporal proximity. Girls experiencing physical changes associated with middle or later stage pubertal development during the initial high school or college year were predicted to experience more dysphoria than those experiencing these changes during non-transitional times, with negative pubertal attitudes exacerbating the relation. Pubertal status and dysphoria of high school and college students were assessed. Among females experiencing pubertal changes, dysphoria was indeed highest for the 15 and 19 year olds, and lower for the 16, 17, and 18 year olds with females viewing menstrual onset as negative experienced depressive symptoms of moderate clinical severity. This pattern did not emerge for males, or females not experiencing pubertal changes. In contrast...
Thalidomide and its analogues in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignant disorder of mature B-cells that predominantly affects the elderly. The immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) thalidomide and its newer analogs demonstrate increased antitumor activity, and have had a positive impact on the natural history of multiple myeloma. Recent advances in the clinical application of these agents and in our understanding of their mechanism of action, and toxicity have made safer and smarter use of these drugs possible. This review discusses the available information regarding mechanisms of action, toxicity and clinical results on thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide in the therapy of multiple myeloma.
Students Dig Deep in the Mystery Soil Lab: A Playful, Inquiry-Based Soil Laboratory Project

Abstract The Mystery Soil Lab, a playful, inquiry-based laboratory project, is designed to develop students' skills of inquiry, soil analysis, and synthesis of foundational concepts in soil science and soil ecology. Student groups are given the charge to explore and identify a “Mystery Soil” collected from a unique landscape within a 10-mile radius of our university by determining its soil formation and development history, associated plant community, and official taxonomic designation. Student groups have 4 consecutive weeks to conduct the lab assignment using observation and laboratory techniques. After 4 weeks, students present their findings by describing their process of inquiry, soil analysis results, and the conceptual reasoning behind their hypotheses using key course concepts. This project enhances students' abilities to conduct iterative science using the scientific method, improves foundational knowledge of soil properties and processes, and builds students' skills and confidence for a subseque...
Three-dimensional myocardial activation imaging in a rabbit model

This study evaluated a recently developed three-dimensional (3-D) electrocardiographic imaging (3DECI) approach in a closed-chest rabbit model. First, the performance and sensitivity of parameters of 3DECI were evaluated using a geometrically realistic rabbit heart-torso model. Second, a 3-D intracardiac mapping procedure was evaluated based on the heart-torso rabbit model. Third, comparisons were made among the forward-simulated ventricular activation sequence, the activation sequence derived by the intracardiac mapping, and the 3DECI inverse solution. Finally, the present procedures were tested in vivo in a rabbit, in which the relative error between the measured and imaged activation sequence was 0.20 and the localization error was 5.1 mm. The present simulation and experimental results suggest the merits of the 3DECI imaging approach, and the validity of intracardiac mapping as a tool to evaluate the 3DECI
Parenting Style and Developmental Status Among Children with Nonorganic Failure to Thrive

Examined differences in several developmental indices of competence among 102 low-income, inner-city, predominantly African American children with non-organic failure to thrive (NOFTT) and a comparison group of 67 children with adequate growth matched on age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Parents were categorized into one of three groups (nurturant, authoritarian, and neglecting) based on observations during feeding. Parents of children with NOFTT were less nurturant and more neglecting than parents of comparison children. Associations between parenting style and children's social-cognitive development were similar across groups. Children of nurturant parents consistently demonstrated better social-cognitive development. Results support the importance of considering heterogeneity among high-risk families and the need to examine the relationships linking parenting style and child development.
Investigation of surface Sr segregation in model thin film solid oxide fuel cell perovskite electrodes

While SOFC perovskite oxide cathodes have been the subject of numerous studies, the critical factors governing their kinetic behavior have remained poorly understood. This has been due to a number of factors including the morphological complexity of the electrode and the electrode- electrolyte interface as well as the evolution of the surface chemistry with varying operating conditions. In this work, the surface chemical composition of dense thin film SrTi1−xFexO3-δelectrodes, with considerably simplified and well-defined electrode geometry, was investigated by means of XPS, focusing on surface cation segregation. An appreciable degree of Sr-excess was found at the surface of STF specimens over the wide composition range studied. The detailed nature of the Sr-excess is discussed by means of depth and take-off angle dependent XPS spectra, in combination with chemical and thermal treatments. Furthermore, the degree of surface segregation was successfully controlled by etching the films, and/or preparing intentionally Sr deficient films. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy studies, under circumstances where surface chemistry was controlled, were used to examine and characterize the blocking effect of Sr segregation on the surface oxygen exchange rate.
Sisters, Secretaries, and She-Devils: Gendered Politics and Political Participation in Zambia

Worldwide, women and men participate in politics differently. Men tend to participate more often and through more formal channels, while women participate less often and less formally. Two common explanations of this gender gap — economic modernization and structural inequalities are unable to account for the Zambian case. This study argues that public policy is an often-overlooked factor that can explain patterns of women’s engagement in politics. Public policy influences the relationship between people and their government, and is often highly gendered. While economic modernization and culture also play a significant role in the global gender gap, this research adds to the growing literature demonstrating that a third dynamic factor — public policy — also influences the extent to which women engage in politics.
Nomograms to Predict Recurrence-Free and Overall Survival After Curative Resection of Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

Importance Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but aggressive endocrine tumor, and the prognostic factors associated with long-term outcomes after surgical resection remain poorly defined. Objectives To define clinicopathological variables associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after curative surgical resection of ACC and to propose nomograms for individual risk prediction. Design, Setting, and Participants Nomograms to predict RFS and OS after surgical resection of ACC were proposed using a multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for ACC at 13 major institutions in the United States between March 17, 1994, and December 22, 2014. The dates of our study analysis were April 15, 2015, to May 12, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomograms to predict RFS and OS were tested using C statistics, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves. Results In total, 148 patients who underwent surgery for ACC were included in the study. The median patient age was 53 years, and 65.5% (97 of 148) of the patients were female. One-third of the patients (35.1% [52 of 148]) had a functional tumor, and the median tumor size was 11.2 cm. Most patients (77.7% [115 of 148]) underwent R0 resection, and 8.8% (13 of 148) of the patients had N1 disease. Using backward stepwise selection of clinically important variables with the Akaike information criterion, the following variables were incorporated in the prediction of RFS: tumor size of at least 12 cm (hazard ratio [HR], 3.00; 95% CI, 1.63-5.70; P P = .01), stage III/IV (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.95-3.39; P = .07), cortisol-secreting tumor (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.27-4.48; P = .01), and capsular invasion (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.02-3.74; P = .04). Factors selected as predicting OS were tumor size of at least 12 cm (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.00-3.17; P = .05), positive nodal status (HR, 5.89; 95% CI, 2.05-16.87; P = .001), and R1 margin (HR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.51-5.30; P = .001). The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomograms revealed good predictive ability as indicated by the C statistics (0.74 for RFS and 0.70 for OS). Conclusions and Relevance Independent predictors of survival and recurrence risk after curative-intent surgery for ACC were selected to create nomograms predicting RFS and OS. The nomograms were able to stratify patients into prognostic groups and performed well on internal validation.
Stratigraphic controls on vertical fracture patterns in Silurian dolomite, northeastern Wisconsin

Vertical opening-mode fractures are mapped on quarry walls to assess the stratigraphic controls on fracture patterns in the relatively undeformed Silurian dolomite of northeastern Wisconsin. Our two-stage study uses maps of vertical fractures to assess the effectiveness of various types of stratigraphic horizons (e.g., organic partings or cycle-bounding mud horizons) in terminating opening-mode fractures. First, the mechanical stratigraphy of the exposures is interpreted from the observed fracture pattern. Both visual inspection and a newly developed quantitative method are employed to identify effective mechanical interfaces. The two methods show similar results, confirming the validity of qualitative visual inspection. The second stage of our study stochastically predicts mechanical stratigraphy and subsequent fracture pattern from empirical relationships between the observed sedimentary stratigraphy and the interpreted mechanical stratigraphy. For example, 63% of cycle-bounding mud horizons within the inner-middle and middle shelf facies associations serve as mechanical interfaces. These empirical percentages are input to a Monte Carlo analysis of 50 stochastic realizations of mechanical stratigraphy. Comparisons of the stochastically predicted and interpreted mechanical stratigraphy yield errors ranging from 13 to 33%. This method yields far better results than assuming that all stratigraphic horizons act as mechanical interfaces. The methodology presented in this article demonstrates an improved prediction of fracture pattern within relatively undeformed strata from both complete characterization of sedimentary stratigraphy and understanding mechanical controls on fracturing.
Peoples of Asian descent in the Americas: theoretical implications of race and politics.

Scholars in the United States who study racial and ethnic politics have to a great extent constructed theoretical models grounded in analyses of the Black-White racial dynamic in its form. The limitations of models structured around racial dualism have created some problems for social scientists concerned with conditions facing Asian-origin communities. We hope to suggest alternative perspectives by examining Asian-origin populations in Latin America and the Caribbean. We seek insights which help us to better understand racial and ethnic politics across national boundaries.
Effects of NaCl, glucose, and aldose reductase inhibitors on cloning efficiency of renal medullary cells

To analyze the effects of sorbitol accumulation on the survival and growth of epithelial cells from rabbit renal inner medulla, cloning efficiency (an index of cell viability) was measured at normal and high glucose and NaCl concentrations and when sorbitol accumulation was prevented by Tolrestat and Sorbinil, which inhibit aldose reductase. With PAP-HT25 cells grown to near confluence, high NaCl increases aldose reductase activity, causing enough rise in cell sorbitol concentration to balance most of the increased osmolality of the high extracellular NaCl. Inhibition of aldose reductase prevents both the increased enzyme activity and sorbitol accumulation in a dose-related manner. Paralleling this, colony-forming efficiency is not affected by the inhibitors at a normal NaCl concentration but is greatly reduced when extracellular NaCl is high. On the other hand, high glucose levels, as occur in diabetes, increase sorbitol content well above the concentration required for osmotic balance and inhibit colony-forming efficiency. Under those conditions, aldose reductase inhibitors lower cell sorbitol and reverse (at 300-350 mosmol/kgH2O) or reduce (at 500-550 mosmol/kgH2O) the decrease in colony-forming efficiency caused by high glucose. Thus sorbitol accumulation is necessary for osmoregulation when induced by high osmolality but is harmful when induced by high glucose.
Micromachined Scalable Fiber-Optic Switch

In this paper we describe a novel switch architecture for single-mode optical fibers based on micromirror arrays. This architecture allows scaling to a large number of fiber ports and can be integrated directly with free-space wavelength multiplexers (gratings). Using tilt-up surface niicromachined polysilicon micromirrors, a 2x2 switch configuration was demonstrated. The measured insertion loss was -4.2 dB and the cross-talk was -50 dB. The mirrors used in the switch design have a maximum optical deflection of 24 degrees and a resonant frequency of 1.9 kHz, leading to a switching time (including settling) of 2 ms. The micromirrors have sufficient resolution to support scaling to 19 channels while maintaining the same low cross-talk.
Effect of various adrenal steroids on internal fluid and electrolyte shifts of fasted adrenalectomized dogs.

SummaryShifts of fluid and electrolytes from intra- to extracellular compartments follow i. v. injection of potent glucocorticoids in adrenalectomized dogs deprived of food and water during recovery from insufficiency. Aldosterone and desoxycorticosterone medication failed to improve symptoms, raise the lowered plasma volume or arterial pressure. Internal redistribution of water and electrolytes did not occur but renal retention of Na and Cl was evident. Possible roles for mineralo- and glucocorticoids in regulatory control of salt and water balance are discussed.
Deaths from injury in residents of Cixi city from 2008 to 2010

Objective To investigate the deaths from injury in Cixi city and the health hazards for residents.Methods The data were collected from the disease and injury deaths reporting system and coded per the international classification of diseases.Cases of injury death from 2008 to 2010 were epidemiologically analyzed,and the years of potential life(PYLL) were calculated.Results The injury death rate of residents in Cixi city was 48.14/lakh.The standardized death rate was 56.69/lakh,accounting for 7.40% of total deaths.Injury ranked fourth in all causes of death and second in relation to the PYLL.The top five death causes of fatal injury among the residents were traffic accidents,drowning,falling,other adverse accidents and suicide,accounting for 92.16% of all injury deaths.Conclusion Fatal injury is the major cause of death among the residents in Cixi city.Systematic interference should be performed to control and prevent the injury.
Legal Construction of Trans-boundary EIA Mechanisms in Mekong River Basin:A Procedural Perspective

Lancang-Mekong River is a socially,economically and environmentally important trans-boundary river for China and other five countries in the SouthEast Asia.Based on the realities of the river basin,the paper proposes to construct transboundary environmental impact assessment(TEIA) mechanisms under the international legal framework of sustainable development and suggests that such cooperative mechanisms as ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations,ASEAN-China Free Trade Areas and Mekong River Commission between China and ASEAN countries lay the cooperative foundations for developing TEIA in the river basin.Currently,the feasible aim of TEIA in the river basin is to make the riparian countries accept the ideas of TEIA,develop TEIA mechanisms in a procedural sense and promote a cooperative atmosphere in good faith.In particular,the paper finally discusses the two key issues of developing procedural TEIA in the river basin,i.e.,accessibility to relevant environmental information and promotion of public participation in decision-makings.
Optimized Fitting of the Thermodynamic Data of Iron Oxide Reduction Reactions Based on Lingo

A thermodynamic calculation model for the iron oxide reduction reactions was established based on the most recognized thermodynamic data of the pure substances. According to the model calculation,scattered accurate thermodynamic data of the balance reduction potential and the standard Gibbs free energy of the iron oxide reduction reactions were obtained depending on temperatures. With the mathematical simulation software Lingo 11,sixteen equilibrium G-T formulas of the iron oxide reductions were fitted under the thermodynamic constraint of the Baur-Glaessner diagram. Eight enthalpy change data at 298K for the reactions were also given. Results show that the eutectoid temperatures of the iron oxides reduced by CO and H2are both 576 ℃,and the corresponding equilibrium reduction potentials are 50. 70% and 75. 83%,respectively. The reducibility transition temperature of CO and H2is 819 ℃.
A discrete Na-Ca exchange-dependent Ca compartment in rat ventricular cells: exchange and localization.

Application of a new rapid perfusion (up to 4.8 ml/s) technique to 45Ca-labeled ventricular cells from adult rat heart has defined a discrete intracellular calcium (Ca) compartment with the following characteristics: 1) its exchange is absolutely dependent on operation of the Na-Ca exchanger, i.e., its isotopic content remains constant during washout in the absence of Na and Ca and is released only upon addition of Na and Ca to the perfusate. 2) At an extracellular Ca concentration of 1.0 mM it contains 350 mumol/kg dry wt cells and exchanges with half time of 650 ms. Ca flux from the compartment is 385 mumol.kg dry wt-1.s-1 or 20% of the total nonperfusion limited flux from the cells. 3) Its content is decreased 19% by 10 mM caffeine but not diminished by exposure of the cells to 10(-6) M ryanodine and not accessible to lanthanum (La) displacement. 4) Only limited exchange occurs when only Na or Ca is present and exchange is virtually eliminated by substitution of extracellular Li for extracellular Na. 5) Replacement of Na and Ca to the perfusate after various periods of removal produces no contraction (despite immediate Ca release from the cell). The results define a discrete intracellular Ca compartment which exchanges only via the Na-Ca exchanger. It is not La accessible, not in the ryanodine- or caffeine-sensitive portions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, not in the mitochondria nor at the myofilaments, but may reside at inner sarcolemmal leaflet binding sites.
Treatment of Alzheimer Disease with Phytochemicals Other Than Curcumin

Extensive research over the last 10 years has indicated that phytochemicals other than curcumin also target neuroinflammation and oxidative stress related signaling pathways. Consumption of these phytochemicals retards or delays the onset of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in neurological diseases. In addition, these phytochemicals also stimulate the synthesis of adaptive enzymes involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal repair. These phytochemicals also modulate angiogenesis, ionic homeostasis, cerebral blood flow, and redox imbalance through cross-talk signaling networks involved in controlling energy metabolism. Some phytochemicals (grape derived polyphenols green tea-derived catchins, and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds) inhibit neuropathological processes (deposition of Aβ aggregates) in brain regions typically involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
Surgical Management of Phonotraumatic Lesions: Current Techniques

Purpose of Review Recurrent phonotrauma can lead to chronic mucosal damage and the development of benign lesions such as vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts. Traditionally, voice therapy with Speech and Language Pathology has been the mainstay for treatment of these lesions. However, surgical management is frequently employed in those lesions that persist in spite of therapy.
Mechanism of Action of Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase

In 1948 Calvin and his colleagues identified D-3-phosphoglycerate as the first stable radioactive product formed during brief exposure of algae to 14CO2 (1). This observation led to the discovery that the carboxylation of ribulose bisphosphate is the first step in the photosynthetic carbon cycle (2). An important advance that opened the way for definitive enzymatic studies was the finding both by Calvin’s (3) and by Horecker’s (4) groups that cell-free extracts of algae or spinach, respectively, carry out a RuBP-dependent carboxyl ation. It is now well established that the enzyme which catalyzes this reaction, i.e., RuBP carboxylase, is present in most if not all plants and photosynthetic microorganisms.
Cultural capital at its best: factors influencing consumption of American television programmes among young Croatians

ABSTRACTThis study examined factors that influence the consumption of American television programmes among young Croatians, by conducting a paper and pencil survey (N = 487). The results indicate that young Croatians are avid consumers of American dramas and sitcoms, and that a set of cultural capital variables is a significant predictor of the consumption of American TV. Knowledge of English language, of US lifestyle, consumption of American movies and American press all had a significant unique contribution to the model.
Treatment of Anemia in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with Darbepoetin-Alpha (DPO) and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF).

MDS is a clonal stem cell disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and peripheral cytopenias. Anemia is often severe, transfusion dependent and associated with impaired quality of life. Evidence shows that treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) has an overall response rate of 20% and with G-CSF becomes more effective with an erythroid response rate of around 40%. Studies have independently demonstrated a synergistic effect between EPO and G-CSF on the anemia of MDS. DPO, a modified form of EPO with a longer half life has been shown to be effective in correcting anemia in a significant proportion of MDS patients. Synergy between DPO and G-CSF has not been studied. We report the clinical course and changes in the blood counts in a 77 year old male diagnosed with MDS, Refractory Anemia with Excess Blasts Type I (RAEB-I) who received DPO and G-CSF combination treatment. His baseline CBC showed WBC-2.4 ×103/μL, Hb-9.7g/dL, and Plt-106×103/μL. EPO level was 64.4 mU/mL. He was initiated on EPO 20,000 units weekly (QW) which was titrated to 40,000 units QW after one month. His Hb increased to 12 g/dl. For convenience, he was switched from QW EPO injections to DPO 100 μg every two weeks (QOW). This was followed by an initial drop in the Hb to 11g/dL requiring an increase in DPO dose to 200 μg QOW which was followed by stabilization and maintenance of Hb between 10–11 g/dL. After 7 months, Hb dropped to 9 g/dL requiring an increase in DPO to 300 μg QOW. Hb increased to 10 g/dl and remained between 10–10.5 g/dL for 7 months. Hb dropped again to 8.3g/dL. The DPO dose was increased to 300 μg QW, and he was given a course of IV iron for a total of 1 gm. Following transient Hb increase to 9–10g/dL, for few months Hb dropped to 8g/dL and he became transfusion dependent. In addition, he became progressively neutropenic with ANC <500/μL and thrombocytopenic with Plt <50×103/μL. At this point he was initiated on G-CSF 480 μg TIW along with DPO 300 μg QW. One month after the initiation of DPO plus G-CSF his CBC showed WBC 4.0×103/μL, Hb-11.2 g/dL and Plt-92×103/μL. The Plt response was transient and eventually remained stable between 50–60 ×103/μL. He continues to remain transfusion independent after 8 months of combination treatment maintaining Hb between 10–11 g/dL. In addition to having a major erythrocyte and neutrophil response following the initiation of combination treatment of DPO and G-CSF, this patient also had transient Plt response. The course of this patient suggests that the addition of G-CSF to DPO may improve anemia and neutropenia in patients with MDS who do not have a sustained response to DPO alone. In addition it also suggests that in-vivo synergy may exist between DPO and G-CSF for the production of red cells in MDS.
Towards efficient high power mm-wave and terahertz sources in silicon: One decade of progress

All promising applications of terahertz (THz) and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) systems, from imaging and spectroscopy to high data-rate communication, necessitate the design of high efficiency signal generators. In addition to the high propagation loss of the signals in these frequency ranges, the lack of activity of the current CMOS/SiGe devices (since the desired frequencies are close to their ƒ max or beyond it) emphasizes on the importance of coming up with new design methods in order to generate high output power signal sources. At UNIC group of Cornell university, we have a long history of designing mm-wave and terahertz signal generators. It started from designing oscillators close to the ƒ max with output power much higher than the state of the art oscillators in CMOS and SiGe technologies. It embarked on a 121 GHz fundamental oscillator with −3.5 dBm output power in a 130 nm CMOS process. To generate higher frequencies, harmonic generators and frequency multipliers have led to oscillators with oscillation frequencies beyond the ƒ max . For instance, a triple-push oscillator is fabricated in 65 nm CMOS process with −7.9 dBm output power at 480 GHz. In the next phase, to cope with the challenges of using varactors for frequency tuning, a novel injection-locked loop of oscillators is designed using these advanced oscillators as the core, which shows a 4.5% of tuning range at 290 GHz and has increased the output power to −2.1 dBm by combining the power of the fourth harmonic of four push-push oscillators. In another attempt, the injection-locked tuning loop is built upon eight voltage controlled oscillators (VCO's). Combining the output power of the second harmonic of the eight core VCO's leads to a maximum output power of 4.1 dBm at 256 GHz and the resulting VCO has a tuning range of 4.3% by employing two varactors, one inside the oscillator block and the other one in the phase shifter. At this point, the maximum DC-to-RF efficiency of all these oscillators were below 1.1% which compels the next challenging step to improve the DC-to-RF efficiency to a reasonable value. In this vital step, using a completely novel idea of shaping and maximizing the unilateral power gain of a two-port network (the measure of its activity), a fundamental oscillator is designed in a 130 nm SiGe process which has improved the DC-to-RF efficiency by a factor of 10 and has increased the output power to more than 4.8 dBm, utilizing only one transistor. This new approach enables the future THz and mm-wave systems to become both efficient and also capable of producing high output power. High tunability and frequencies higher than the ƒ max in addition to much higher output power can be attained by employing previous steps of combining the output powers and tuning through injection-locked loop of oscillators.
Simultaneous Improvement of Tics and Dug-Induced Parkinsonism after Gpi DBS: A Case Report (P01.038)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with medically-refractory Tourette syndrome (TS) treated with adjunctive deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the globus pallidus interna (GPi) who developed acute recurrent symptoms of DIP when her DBS was turned off. BACKGROUND: GPi DBS is commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson9s disease and dystonia, and small case series describe efficacy in the treatment of medically-refractory TS. Dopamine receptor blockers and depletors are often used for tic suppression and/or treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in TS can cause DIP, which can limit their use. DESIGN/METHODS: A 21 year old right hand woman with malignant TS and comorbid obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression had marked reduction of tics with bilateral GPi DBS in combination with tetrabenazine 64.5mg per day and aripiprazole 5mg per day. Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was performed pre-operatively and at 6 months. At 1 year, the patient was intermittently compliant with medications but subsequently rapidly retitrated them. 14 months after implantation DBS was briefly discontinued due to pain overlying the battery, during which time she was noted to have marked DIP. UPDRS was performed with stimulation turned OFF, 10 minutes after stimulation was resumed, and at 1month follow-up ON stimulation. RESULTS: Baseline YGTSS-total was 89 and 42 at 6mos (47% improvement). MDS-UPDRS was 37 in the stimulator OFF condition at 14 months, 6 days after DBS therapy was stopped. With gradual amplitude titration to original settings, parkinsonism quickly resolved, MDS-UPDRS= 12 after 10 minutes. At one month follow-up DIP symptoms had improved further (MDS-UPDRS =3). CONCLUSIONS: Severe DIP in this patient may be secondary to rapid re-titration of anti-dopaminerigic medications. Furthermore, since TS and DIP have differing pathophysiology, this case report supports theories that DBS “normalizes” basal ganglia circuitry and can therefore treat both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic disorders occurring simultaneously. Disclosure: Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez-Shahed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Allergan, Inc, Merz Pharma, Medtronic, Inc., and Lundbeck.
Terrestrial link rain attenuation measurements at 84 GHz

We present 560 m terrestrial link rain attenuation measurements at 84 GHz in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both empirical and theoretical rain attenuation models such as ITU-R, Mie and Rayleigh will be examined with the measurements. This study will contribute to the understanding of signal propagation phenomena and the utilization of the W/V-bands for satellite communication.
Semiconductor Junctions and Diodes

A great deal of important and interesting advanced material is discussed in this book. Some introductory material is included in each chapter to set the stage but there is no space to consider in detail elementary concepts of semiconductors or circuits. Some familiarity is therefore assumed with analog and digital circuits, amplifiers, oscillators, modulators and gates; and with semiconductor concepts of bandgaps, mobilities, density of states, Fermi levels, doping, minority carrier diffusion and lifetime, the simple pn junction model and general ideas about bipolar and field-effect transistors. We begin, therefore, with a list of some standard equations of semiconductors. If the form and notation are not familiar some time should be spent with the introductory semiconductor books that are included in the reference list at the end of the volume.
Introduction to a review series on precision hematology

Precision medicine is the aspiration to optimize therapy to individual patients, maximizing benefit while limiting toxicity. This objective is nothing new in the practice of medicine, but the genomics revolution offers the potential for deeper and more personalized insight into the drivers of
Supporting families through the application of a rural pediatric integrated care model

Rural families are burdened by lost time from work, extensive time spent navigating the system of care, and long wait times. Colocating social care and medical care services in the primary care off...
John Updike and David Foster Wallace: Of Binaries, Sports Writing, and Transcendence

ABSTRACTA comparative analysis of John Updike and David Foster Wallace which directs attention to their efforts in sports writing and memoir. The essay problematizes the binary of Updike and Wallace as polar opposites: the former uncool, traditional, and narcissistic; the latter hip, postmodern, and empathic. After an analysis of Wallace’s denigrating review of Updike’s Toward the End of Time, the essay reveals substantive similarities and differences through a consideration of two sets of paired essays: Updike’s “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu” and Wallace’s “Federer Both Flesh and Not”; Updike’s “A Soft Spring Night in Shillington” and Wallace’s “Derivative Sport in Tornado Alley.” Updike is seen as an observer and storyteller, a writer drawn to celebration of the visual world. In contrast, Wallace is more critic and philosopher than observer, continually struggling to figure things out. With attention to ambition and transcendence, both in sports and writing, the essay posits the two authors less as competitor...
A Central Limit Theorem for an Omnibus Embedding of Multiple Random Dot Product Graphs

Performing statistical inference on collections of graphs is of import to many disciplines. Graph embedding, in which the vertices of a graph are mapped to vectors in a low-dimensional Euclidean space, has gained traction as a basic tool for graph analysis. Here we describe an omnibus embedding in which multiple graphs on the same vertex set are jointly embedded into a single space with a distinct representation for each graph. We prove a central limit theorem for this omnibus embedding and show that simultaneous embedding into a common space allows comparison of graphs without the need to perform pairwise alignments of graph embeddings. Experimental results demonstrate that the omnibus embedding improves upon existing methods. (Please note: per the D3M workshop organizers' request, this is an extended abstract of a paper that has already been posted to arXiv at https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.09355)
Molecular inactivation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365 for enhanced 2,3-butanediol production

Formation of Exopolysaccharides (EPS) during 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) fermentation by Paenibacillus polymyxa decreases 2,3-BD yield, increases medium viscosity and impacts 2,3-BD downstream processing. Therefore, additional purification steps are required to rid the fermentation broth of EPS prior to 2,3-BD purification, which adds to the production cost. To eliminate EPS production during 2,3-BD fermentation, we explored a metabolic engineering strategy to disable the EPS production pathway of P. polymyxa , thereby increasing 2,3-BD yield and productivity. The levansucrase gene which encodes levansucrase, the enzyme responsible for EPS biosynthesis in P. polymyxa , was successfully disrupted. The resulting P. polymyxa levansucrase null mutant showed 34% and 54% increases in growth with 6.4- and 2.4-folds decrease in EPS formation in sucrose and glucose cultures, respectively. The observed decrease in EPS formation by the levansucrase null mutant may account for the 27% and 4% increase in 2,3-BD yield, and 4% and 128% increases in 2,3-BD productivity when grown on sucrose and glucose media, respectively. Genetic stability of the levansucrase null mutant was further evaluated. Interestingly, the levansucrase null mutant remained genetically stable over fifty generations with no observable decrease in growth and 2,3-BD formation with or without antibiotic supplementations. Collectively, our results show that P. polymyxa levansucrase null mutant has potential for improving 2,3-BD yield, and ultimately, the economics of large-scale microbial 2,3-BD production.
Landscape Metaphysics: Narrative Architecture and the Focalisation of the Environment

In this article I situate the concept of “landscape” at the crossroads of narrative theory and ecocriticism. In particular, I argue that landscape description has an ekphrastic status in narrative ...
Why Do Socially Responsible Firms Manage Earnings

We examine the incentives of socially responsible firms, relative to a set of control firms, to engage in earnings management. We measure socially responsible behavior using various proxies of corporate social responsibility, and earnings management using abnormal levels of accruals, cash flows, inventory production, and discretionary expenses. We find that socially responsible firms manage earnings mainly to meet analysts’ earnings forecasts and to reduce financing and tax costs, rather than to opportunistically to increase management’s compensation or equity stakes. Our findings suggest that whether firms view earnings management as socially responsible depends on the manner and reasons for managing earnings.