cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiographic evaluation for suspected cerebrospinal fluid shunt obstruction.

Objective: To measure the predictive value of plain radiographs (shunt series) and computed tomography (CT) scans in a group of children undergoing evaluation for suspected shunt obstruction in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department (ED). Methods: Radiology reports were reviewed for all ED patients who underwent a shunt series over an 18-month period. Two investigators categorized all reports as normal, possibly abnormal (eg, kink in shunt tubing, no prior CT scan for comparison), or abnormal (with definite evidence of shunt dysfunction, such as shunt tubing disconnection and increase in ventricular size since prior CT scan). Studies for which there was disagreement were re-read independently by a pediatric radiologist. Medical records were reviewed to determine outcomes. Results: A total of 233 patients had shunt series and CT scans ordered. Of these, 60 patients subsequently required surgery for shunt obstruction. The shunt series revealed abnormalities in 12 patients (sensitivity, 20%; negative predictive value, 22%), whereas CT scans showed definite or possible abnormalities in 50 patients (sensitivity, 83%; negative predictive value, 93%). Combined, the two tests detected 53 shunt obstructions (sensitivity, 88%; negative predictive value, 95%). Two obstructed patients had abnormalities on shunt series that would not have been suspected after physical examination or CT scan. Conclusions: Over one quarter of pediatric ED patients evaluated radiographically for suspected shunt obstruction required surgical management. One in eight obstructed patients had normal radiographic studies. Routine performance of shunt series had a low overall yield but on rare occasions detected abnormalities that were missed by CT. Prospective studies are needed to improve the use of radiographic tests for shunt evaluation and determine clinical indications for further workup when studies are normal.
Evaluation and diagnostic testing of erectile dysfunction in the era of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

The diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction has changed dramatically since the availability of safe and effective oral therapies. Unfortunately, not all men can be adequately treated in this way, and might require more invasive testing to diagnose and treat the specific cause of their dysfunction. This review looks at the tests and strategies available for men who cannot be treated by oral therapy alone. (Asian J Androl 2007 Jan; 9: 3–7 )
The Behavior of Lemur variegatus Kerr 1792

This paper reports the social behavior of two groups of captive Lemur variegates. An intensive three-month study provided baseline data. This was supplemented by two years of follow-up observations. Various components of the captive behavioral repertoire are described. Data on feeding behavior, vocalizations, grooming, agonistic interactions, sexual behavior and infant development were collected.
Sterol metabolism--XLVII. Oxidized cholesterol esters in human tissues.

Abstract Human aorta, liver, and plasma have been examined for the presence of fatty acylesters of oxidized cholesterol derivatives using high performance liquid chromatography and chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Many such sterol esters have been detected, including eight individual diesters and six individual monoesters of six sterols and six C 14 -C 18 fatty acids. Mono- and di-esters of the epimeric 5-cholestene-3β,7-diols, 5-cholestene-3β,25-diol, and a 5-cholestene-3β,26-diol were found at μ/g levels in aorta; palmitate esters of 5-cholestene-3β,25-diol and 3β-hydroxy-5-cholesten-7-one were detected at ng/g levels in liver; and esterified 5-cholestene-3β,7α-diol,5-cholestene-3β,7β-diol, 3β-hydroxy-5-choles ten-7-one, a 5-cholestene-3β.24-diol, 5-cholestene-3β,25-diol, and a 5-cholestene-3β,26-diol were present in plasma at ng/ml levels. The presence of esterified 5-cholestene-3β,7α-diol, 5-cholestene-3β,7β-diol, and 3β-hydroxy-5-cholesten-7-one together may be interpreted as evidence of in vivo lipid peroxidation of cholesterol.
Peer-to-Peer Discovery of Computational Resources for Grid Applications

Grid applications need to discover computational resources quickly, efficiently and scalably, but most importantly in an expressive manner. An expressive query may specify a variety of required metrics for the job, e.g., the number of hosts required, the amount of free CPU required on these hosts, and the minimum amount of RAM required on these hosts, etc. We present a peer-to-peer (P2P) solution to this problem, using structured naming to enable both (1) publishing of information about available computational resources, as well as (2) expressive and efficient querying of such resources. Extensive traces collected from hosts within the Computer Science department at UIUC are used to evaluate our proposed solution. Finally, our solutions are based upon a well known P2P system called Pastry, albeit for Grid applications; this is another step towards the much-needed convergence of Grid and P2P computing.
U.S. REITs as an Asset Class in International Investment Portfolios

An examination of U.S. real estate investment trust (REIT) efficiency as a portfolio component from the perspective of all G-7 countries for the period 1985 through 1994 indicates that U.S. REITs offer both an inflation hedge and diversification. Nevertheless, including REITs in test portfolios did not yield statistically significant increases in risk-adjusted return over the period as a whole. Subperiod analyses indicated large temporal differences in REIT efficiency as a portfolio component.
Multi-channel polling in multi-hop clusters of hybrid sensor networks

In this paper we propose a multi-channel polling algorithm in multi-hop clusters of hybrid sensor networks. The hybrid sensor network consists of two types of nodes: basic sensor nodes and cluster head nodes. Basic sensor nodes have limited communication capacity and mainly focus on sensing the environment, while cluster head nodes are equipped with more powerful transceivers but simpler sensing modules. The cluster head node organizes basic sensor nodes around it into a cluster, and collects sensing data from sensors and forwards data to the outsider observer. This type of network has better energy-efficiency since traffic within cluster is scheduled by cluster head and packet collisions can be avoided. In addition, idle listening time can be shortened by turning off the transceivers of sensor nodes after data has been forwarded to cluster head. We focus on finding energy efficient and collision-free polling schedules in the multi-hop cluster with multiple frequency channels. Due to its energy efficiency and scalability, the proposed algorithm is very suitable for applications such as large scale environment monitoring. We also implement the proposed algorithm on NS-2. Simulation results show that multi-channel polling algorithm shortens the active time of sensor nodes by a significant amount compared to single channel polling. In the case that the total frequency bandwidth allocated to the cluster is fixed, the optimal number of channels can be obtained.
High-Power Thulium Laser Vaporization of the Prostate: Short-Term Outcomes of Safety and Effectiveness

Abstract Introduction: The thulium laser was introduced in 2005 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Enucleation studies from outside North America show comparable efficacy and lower morbidity to transurethral resection of the prostate. A few studies exist describing outcomes of vaporization, the most commonly used technique for urologists. We present our 3-month outcomes of thulium laser vaporization of the prostate (ThuVP). Materials and Methods: From December 2010 to October 2013, 68 men underwent ThuVP using the 150 W CyberTM®. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative measures, complications, serum parameters, maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QoL) score, and prostate-specific antigen. Patients were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Nine patients were excluded for known prostate cancer. Results: The mean age was 66±10 years, with a mean prostate size of...
Canine Leishmaniasis with Amyloidosis

Visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed in a 2-year-old male Great Dane im- ported from Greece. The clinical signs included anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, proteinuria, and hyperglobulinemia with increases in a*- and y-regions. At necropsy there was plasma- lymphocytic and macrophage infiltration of spleen, macrophage infiltration of bone mar- row, intracellular organisms of macrophages having the ultrastructural characteristics of Leishmania species, and severe amyloidosis of the spleen, liver, and kidney. Visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani and spread by an arthropod vector, Phlebotomus spe- cies. The dog is a reservoir host for the parasite in some parts of the world (16). All canine cases reported in North America have been in dogs imported from the Mediterranean area, where the disease is endemic (5, 6, 8, 9, 151. The dog in this report was imported from Greece.
Minimization of Fatalities in a Nuclear Attack Model

This paper considers a two-sided war game in which one side the defender must first deploy its defenses, consisting of both a passive defense shelters, and an active defense anti-missile missiles; the other side the attacker then decides how to aim its missiles. The defender is constrained by budget limitations, while the attacker is constrained by the number of missiles available. The payoff is in term of fatalities. The paper uses a convex duality theorem to change the min-max problem to a pure minimization problem, and obtains a solution that obeys the no-soft-spot rule. An example shows the effects of attack and budget sizes, as well as of the costs of ABM defense.
Environmental pollutants and the thyroid

Common environmental exposures may affect thyroid function in humans. Foetuses and infants are most vulnerable to these effects because they need thyroid hormone for normal neurodevelopment. Perchlorate, thiocyanate and nitrate are all competitive inhibitors of the sodium/iodine symporter (NIS) in pharmacologic doses, but their effects on human thyroid function at environmental exposure levels remain unclear. Many compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), bisphenol-A (BPA) and triclosan, may have direct actions on the thyroid hormone receptor, but these effects are complex and are not yet well understood. Isoflavones inhibit thyroperoxidase (TPO) activity, and, therefore, may cause goitre and hypothyroidism if ingested at high levels, particularly in iodine-deficient individuals. Organochlorine pesticides and dioxins may decrease serum T 4 half-life by activating hepatic enzymes. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the risk posed by these and other potentially thyroid-disrupting compounds.
Tadpole nutritional ecology and digestive physiology: Implications for captive rearing of larval anurans

The adaptive tadpole stage allows anurans to exploit food resources in two vastly different environments, and the transition from aquatic larvae to terrestrial carnivores is both dramatic and complex. As seen in many other members of the freshwater aquatic community, the nutritional requirements and characteristic feeding strategies of anuran larvae (tadpoles) are extremely diverse, ranging from herbivory to carnivory and including predation and cannibalism, oophagy, coprophagy, filter-feeding, and hindgut microbial fermentation. Whereas tadpoles as a group are commonly considered herbivorous or omnivorous, many are specialists; understanding species-specific dietary habits is critical for captive rearing projects in zoos and amphibian habitat conservation efforts. Practical applications of this review also encompass studies of amphibian declines, herpetoculture, ecology and evolution, and comparative gastrointestinal morphology and physiology.
Monterey Bay cold-seep biota: Assemblages, abundance, and ultrastructure of living foraminifera

Abstract Although there is a growing body of evidence indicating benthic foraminifera inhabit hydrocarbon and cold seep environments, biochemical and ultrastructural data on seep foraminiferal communities are not available. Therefore, sediments collected from cold seeps in Monterey Bay, CA (900–1000 m), were examined for the presence of live benthic foraminifera. Results from three independent methods (ATP assay, ultrastructural analysis, rose Bengal staining) indicate that certain species inhabit the Clam Flat and Clam Field seeps. Abundances in our seep samples were lower than in comparable non-seep sites, although not atypical for these bathyal depths. Of 38 species represented at these two seep sites by cytoplasm-containing specimens, only Spiroplectammina biformis was restricted to the seep environment. However, because S . biformis is also known from non-seep sites in other areas, it should not be considered as endemic to seeps. Ultrastructural studies show abundant peroxisomes in seep specimens, which may allow inhabitation of such environments. One specimen of Uvigerina peregrina had prokaryotes nestled in test pores, suggesting that bacteria may play a role in the survival of foraminifera in this seep environment.
An Evaluation of Two Methods of Limb Salvage in Extremity Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

• Between 1983 and 1990, 38 sequential patients with stage II to III soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities, as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, were treated. Eighteen patients were treated with intra-arterial doxorubicin hydrochloride, limb salvage surgery, and radiation (group A). Twenty patients in group B were treated with cisplatin, isolated limb perfusion, limb salvage surgery, and radiation. The study was not randomized, but all patients were treated prospectively using one of the two protocols. The two groups were similar demographically and had similar lengths of survival without disease. There was only one local recurrence in the series, and this occurred in a group B patient who underwent perfusion with the lowest dose of cisplatin. Regional perfusion with either intra-arterial doxorubicin hydrochloride or cisplatin combined with limb salvage surgery and postoperative radiation are highly effective in preventing local recurrences and preserving functional extremities in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma. There was no difference in results between these two methods. ( Arch Surg. 1992;127:1169-1174)
Tax-Transfer Policy and the Temporal Stability of Household Income

This paper posits a measure for determining the progressivity/regressivity of the combined tax and transfer system in a time dimension. It also shows that a progressive tax or transfer is stabilizing to family income while a regressive one is destabilizing. Using data from the Michigan Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the authors analyze the effects of public policy by income and demographic grouping. Quantitative estimates are also made for select tax and transfer programs.
Choosing the Right Parents: Changes in the Intergenerational Transmission of Inequality Between 1980 and the Early 1990s

This paper uses the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS), the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), and the General Social Survey (GSS) to measure the elasticity of family income on men's adult earnings in 1980 and the early 1990s. The study finds a large and statistically significant increase in the importance of family income over time when comparing cohorts in the NLS, a dataset that has not been previously used for this purpose. We also find a large but statistically insignificant increase when using the GSS. The PSID, however, shows a large but statistically insignificant decline in this parameter. The results imply that changes in the effect of family income did not operate through the channel of human capital. Results suggest that the rate of inheritability of income may have increased in recent decades, but this evidence is not yet definitive. Researchers, therefore, should exercise caution when generalizing about trends over time when using small samples from just one dataset such as the PSID.
Physical Optics Polarization Correction of Backscattering From Conducting Smooth Surfaces

It is well known that the Luneburg-Kline series expansion of the scattered field can in principle provide a full high frequency solution for scattering from curved surfaces. There are however situations when this approach becomes impractical, and a polarization corrected physical optics approach is more appropriate. In this paper we present the physical optics approach to calculation of the cross (ortho) polarized backscattered field from a smooth conducting surface. The formalism is then applied to derivation of an improved time domain polarization correction to the impulse response of a conducting target.
Phase Stability for the Pd-Si System: First-Principles, Experiments, and Solution-Based Modeling

The relative stabilities of the compounds in the binary Pd-Si system were assessed using first-principles calculations and experimental methods. Calculations of lattice parameters and enthalpy of formation indicate that $${\rm Pd}_{5}{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\mu }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_{9}{\rm Si}_2{\text{-}}{\alpha }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_3{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\beta }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_2{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\gamma }$$ , and $${\rm PdSi}{\text{-}}{\delta }$$ are the stable phases at 0 K (–273 °C). X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of the as-solidified and heat-treated samples support the computational findings, except that the $${\rm PdSi}{\text{-}}{\delta }$$ phase was not observed at low temperature. Considering both experimental data and first-principles results, the compounds $${\rm Pd}_{5}{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\mu }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_{9}{\rm Si}_{2}{\text{-}}{\alpha }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_{3}{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\beta }$$ , and $${\rm Pd}_2{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\gamma }$$ are treated as stable phases down to 0 K (−273 °C), while the $${\rm PdSi}{\text{-}}{\delta }$$ is treated as being stable over a limited range, exhibiting a lower bound. Using these findings, a comprehensive solution-based thermodynamic model is formulated for the Pd-Si system, permitting phase diagram calculation. The liquid phase is described using a three-species association model and other phases are treated as solid solutions, where a random substitutional model is adopted for Pd-fcc and Si-dia, and a two-sublattice model is employed for $${\rm Pd}_{5}{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\mu }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_{9}{\rm Si}_2{\text{-}}{\alpha }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_3{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\beta }$$ , $${\rm Pd}_2{\rm Si}{\text{-}}{\gamma }$$ , and $${\rm PdSi}{\text{-}}{\delta }$$ . Model parameters are fitted using available experimental data and first-principles data, and the resulting phase diagram is reported over the full range of compositions.
Perforated Crohn's disease presenting during pregnancy

Severe exacerbations of Crohn9s disease (CD) requiring acute surgery are rare, and rarer still are those that occur during pregnancy. We present a case of perforated CD in an obstetric patient. A 24-year-old woman at 27 weeks gestation, with abdominal pain, leucocytosis and concern for preterm labour, presented to our institution. MRI was obtained and demonstrated a phlegmon in the small bowel mesentery near the distal ileum, with concern for perforation. The patient was taken for an emergent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, an ileal perforation with small bowel fistula was observed and an ileocolectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. Pathology of the resection revealed CD, a new diagnosis for the patient. She was ultimately discharged on postoperative day 13 and later went on to deliver a healthy term infant, and, 5 years later, has had no significant recurrence.
Cultural differences and cross-border venture capital syndication

We examine cross-border syndication in investments led by foreign venture capitalists (VCs) focusing on the potential correlation between cultural differences and the formation of VC syndicates. Contrary to the risk-sharing motive, we find that a greater cultural disparity between the countries of investors and their companies is actually associated with smaller VC syndicates. This is driven largely by lesser local investor representation in foreign VC-led syndicates. However, certain cultural disparity-related syndication strategies, such as the involvement of locally experienced foreign VCs or syndicate members from culturally similar countries, are associated with greater presence of local VCs who provide valuable monitoring services. We further show that these culture-linked syndication approaches are significantly correlated with VC financing and monitoring strategies in cross-border investments and their eventual success.
New Magic Numbers and Their Significance

(2015). New Magic Numbers and Their Significance. Nuclear Science and Engineering: Vol. 179, No. 3, pp. 352-353.
Development of Continuous Crystallization Processes Using a Single-Stage Mixed-Suspension, Mixed-Product Removal Crystallizer with Recycle

An ideal pharmaceutical crystallization process produces a pure product at a high yield while minimizing energy input, the process equipment footprint, and its complexity. A good candidate for such a process is a single-stage mixed-suspension, mixed-product removal (MSMPR) crystallizer with recycle (SMR) system, where the characteristics of the refined crystal are controlled by the crystallization conditions of the MSMPR and the yield is manipulated by the recycle ratio. In this study, two continuous SMR systems, for the cooling crystallization of cyclosporine and the antisolvent-cooling crystallization of deferasirox, were developed. Both systems were designed to maintain the desired operating conditions inside the MSMPR crystallizer. For cooling crystallization, the recycle stream was concentrated via vacuum evaporation. For antisolvent-cooling crystallization, the desired solvent to antisolvent ratio was maintained by controlling the flow rates of feed, antisolvent, and recycle streams. The maximum exp...
Understanding the Stabilization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene in Ionic Surfactant Aqueous Solutions: Large-Scale Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation-Assisted DLVO Theory

Understanding the dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene in surfactant aqueous solutions is essential for processing of these materials. Herein, we develop the first theoretical framework, which combines large-scale coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory and Langmuir isotherm, to inform the mechanisms of surfactant adsorption and induced colloidal stability. By carrying out large-scale CG-MD simulations (∼1 million CPU h), we successfully calculated the surface coverage of the widely used ionic surfactant sodium cholate (SC) on different carbon nanomaterials at experimentally realistic SC concentrations. This was accomplished by simultaneously simulating SC micellization and adsorption in one simulation box. Our theoretical framework further allows us to quantify the surface electric potential and the potential energy barrier height that maintains colloidal stability of dispersed SWCNTs or graphene sheets ...
Assessing prehistoric chronology in piedmont contexts

The chronology of six prehistoric archaeological sites in piedmont contexts of northern Virginia are evaluated. Timing of site occupation and regional chronology is assessed on the basis of commonly accepted projectile point styles and radiocarbon dates. The relationship between projectile points and absolute dates is examined. Three projectile point types, the Lobate, the Piscataway, and the Woodland Site-Notched, are evaluated with regard to their possible temporal contexts. Methodological issues and problems relating to the presence and quality of chronological data are explored.
Women's Post-Marital Name Retention and the Communication of Identity

AbstractThis study describes how identity is symbolically communicated through women's post-marital name retention by examining the factors influencing women's choices, the communication around the decision, and how the non-traditional last name is present (or not) in interaction. This study uses symbolic interactionism and critical feminism as orienting frameworks for the collection and analysis of data. Data was collected through twenty-three face-to-face interviews, and was analyzed using constant comparison and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that women who retain their names expect to do so, based upon identity-related concerns of ancestry, professional stature, and feminism. Additionally, women who engage in non-traditional marital naming engage in communication of their choices with others whose responses range from affirmation to confrontation. Findings indicate that a layered theoretical approach to the questions of naming and communication is warranted in order to generate understanding of ...
Mirtazapine in Comorbid Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Mirtazapine In Comorbid Major Depression And Alcohol Use Disorder: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study Background/Objective: To date, pharmacotherapy trials of depressed alcoholics (MDD/AUD) have focused on SSRI medications, with disappointing results, so effective treatments for that comorbid population are lacking. Mirtazapine is an FDAapproved medication for treating MDD with a unique pharmacological profile whose efficacy may exceed that of SSRIs. Results from our recent open label study suggest robust acute phase efficacy for mirtazapine for decreasing both the depression and the drinking of that population. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the longer-term efficacy of mirtazapine in that population. We now report findings from a first long-term (two-year) naturalistic followup evaluation involving subjects from the acute phase trial. We hypothesized that the improvements would persist at follow-up.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

AbstractFrom May 1988 through May 1991, 14 patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis confirmed by cystoscopy and biopsy, who had failed all other attempts at management and who had no evidence of infection or recurrent malignancy, were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During followup ranging from 10 to 42 months 8 patients (57%) had complete resolution of symptoms and 2 (14%) had marked improvement, for a total of 10 patients (71%) with a positive outcome. Of 4 patients (29%) with a poor outcome 3 had limited improvement and were later diagnosed as having recurrent malignancy that was not present on biopsy before hyperbaric treatment. One patient was withdrawn from hyperbaric treatment due to illness. The average cost per patient was $10,000 to $15,000, comparing favorably to the cost of multiple conservative treatments to control symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis appears to be an efficacious treatment modality for patients who have failed oth...
Predictors of Treatment Attrition Among Adult Outpatients With Clinically Significant Suicidal Ideation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify demographic, diagnostic, and personality factors that predict treatment dropout in a sample of outpatients with clinically significant suicidal ideation. METHOD: A total of 287 adult outpatients at elevated risk for suicide completed self-report measures of demographics, suicidal and depression symptoms, and personality characteristics at treatment intake. Clinician-assessed psychiatric diagnoses and ratings of overall functioning also were collected. RESULTS: Lower overall functioning (odds ratio [OR] =.947; 95% confidence interval [CI] [.909,.987]) and the presence of a substance use disorder (OR = 4.543; 95% CI [1.058, 19.499]) were the most robust predictors of attrition. Dropouts also were more likely to have a depressive disorder, more comorbid diagnoses, and more severe depression and suicidal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that clinician-assessed poorer overall functioning and a substance use disorder diagnosis are risk factors for attrition among suicidal individuals, above and beyond other symptom measures. Further research is warranted to investigate attrition in additional outpatient samples.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Analysis of Monitoring Results of Influenza in National Monitoring Points in Hedong District of Tianjin City

[Objective]To analyze the etiology and epidemiological features of influenza in Hedong district of Tianjin during 2007-2008. [Methods] Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) were recorded daily during epidemic season,and some swab specimens were delivered to national laboratory for test. [Results] In 26 weeks from October 2007-march 2008,a total of 22986 ILI were diagnosis,accounted for 10.28% of the total outpatient visits. Students under the age of 10 and children were high-risk group. 157 swab specimens were collected,80 strains were identified for influenza viruses with the rate of 51%. The identification sequence of different strains of influenza virus by the time were Yamagata→Victorial→influenza A3→influenza A1. Influenza pandemic has obvious seasonal feature that winter was the pandemic season with the high incidence time from December to January of the next year. [Conclusion] The ILI monitoring results of epidemiology and etiology have significance for the understanding of influenza pandemic characteristics of the Hedong district and developing influenza prevention and control strategies to provide timely and accurate scientific basis.
An analysis of treatment effect for the Shixiakou Landslide in Lanzhou

Landslide disaster happened in the Shixiakou southern mountain along the throat route from Lanzhou to the Jiuzhou development zone on September 17,2007.The landslide has seriously affected the road safety in the Jiuzhou development zone.Through detailed investigations,the key elements of inducing this landslide are found to be rainfall,unreasonable false virescence irrigation and the high and steep topography in the landslide region.Based on characteristics and formation mechanism of the landslide,the treatment measures include using prestressed cable frame,cutting work to lose weight and conducting surface drainage.The numerical simulation for the reinforcement effect is carried out by using finite element method.Through comparison of the changes in the landslide displacement,stresses and safety factor before and after the installation of the cables,the reinforcement effect is illustrated.The control engineering was completed in September,2008,and is proved to be successful through nearly one year’s displacement monitoring.
Information in a Two-stage Adaptive Optimal Design for Normal Random Variables having a One Parameter Exponential Mean Function

This paper explores the characteristics of information derived from sequentially implementing estimated optimal designs. In such sequential experiments, called adaptive optimal designs, each stage uses an optimal design estimated from the data obtained in all prior stages. The measure that is used in adaptive optimal designs to construct treatment allocation procedures is, by definition, neither the observed nor the expected (Fisher) information. We explore these information measures in the context of a two-stage adaptive optimal design under a simple model. Specifically, random variables are assumed to be normal with a one parameter exponential mean function. With this model, some explicit results are obtained.
Targeting Leukemias by CD123 Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor

Abstract Abstract 1908 Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are employed to genetically modify T cells to redirect their specificity to target antigens on tumor cells. Typically a second generation CAR is derived by fusing an extracellular domain derived from the scFv of monoclonal antibody (CAR) specific to targeted antigen with CD3 zeta, and CD28 endodomains. CD123 (IL3RA) is expressed on 45% to 95%of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Expression of CD123 is high in the leukemic stem cell (LSC) population, but not in normal hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, CD123 appears to be potential target for immunotherapy in leukemias through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). We hypothesized that the generation of CD123 specific CAR can redirect the specificity of T cells to CD123 and this was tested by cloning the scFv of CD123 mAb in our CAR construct. The sleeping beauty system was used to express the CAR and DNA plasmids were electroporated into peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cells were numerically expanded on artificial antigen presenting cells genetically modified to express co stimulatory molecules CD86, 4-1BBL, membrane-bound IL-15, and CD123 antigen in presence of IL-21 and 1L–2. CAR+ T numerically expanded to clinically relevant numbers and showed antigen specific cytotoxicity in leukemic celllines. CAR+ T cells expressed both effector and memory markers showing the potential for in vivo persistence after T cell infusion. The bonemarrow homing receptor CXCR4 was expressed by CAR T cells shows the potential to target LSC that reside in BM niches. The preliminary data suggests that mirroring an approach we are using to manufacture clinical grade CD19 specific CAR+ T cells. Download : Download high-res image (23KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1: . (A) CAR expression on day 35. (B) Cytotoxicity of CD123CAR in leukemic cell lines. Download : Download high-res image (30KB) Download : Download full-size image CD3 Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Expression of p16INK4A in cervical precancerous lesions is unlikely to be preventable by human papillomavirus vaccines

BACKGROUND Whether higher grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN grade 2 or greater [CIN ≥ 2]) that develops because of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes not included in vaccines may progress to cervical cancer is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to document expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16) tumor-suppressor protein p16INK4A as a biomarker of cervical carcinogenesis or of malignant potential and to evaluate whether its expression differs between lesions associated with vaccine and nonvaccine high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. METHODS The study population consisted of 371 women who had not received HPV vaccines. Women were categorized into vaccine and nonvaccine HR-HPV genotypes and lesions associated with those types. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between positive expression p16INK4A and the risk of being diagnosed with CIN 2 or CIN 3. Differences in the proportion of CIN ≥2 lesions that were positive for p16INK4A expression by vaccine-related or nonvaccine-related HR-HPV genotype were determined using the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS Specimens that were positive for p16INK4A expression were 5.3 and 16.6 times more likely to be diagnosed as CIN 2 and CIN 3 lesions, respectively, compared to CIN 1 lesions. CIN ≥ 2 lesions that were negative for the bivalent and 9-valent HR-HPV genotypes had similar rates of positive p16INK4A expression compared with lesions that were positive for those HR-HPV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Lesions that may develop because of HR-HPV genotypes not included in HPV vaccines are likely to have similar malignant potential, suggesting that well developed screening programs combined with nonvaccine-based approaches may be needed to manage the residual risk of developing cervical cancer in the post-HPV vaccination era. Cancer 2016;122:3615-23. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
STIM1 deficiency in VSMC promotes vascular calcification in atherosclerosis

ObjectiveVascular calcification is a characteristic feature of atherosclerosis. We and others have demonstrated that osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) contribute pre...
Enhanced transport properties of graphene-based, thin Nafion® membrane for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Summary A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the promising renewable energy conversion systems; however, its performance is considerably limited by the sluggish transport properties and/or reaction kinetics of the catalyst layers, especially at a high current density. In this study, graphene-based, thin Nafion® membranes are prepared using 0 to 4 wt% of graphene nanoflakes, and the effects of the graphene are examined for enhanced transport properties. The electrical conductivity and dielectric constant are drastically enhanced to 0.4 mS/cm and 26 at 4 wt% of graphene nanoflakes, respectively, while the thermal conductivity linearly increases to 3 W/m-K. The proton conductivity also significantly increases with the aid of graphene nanoflakes at >2 wt% of graphene nanoflakes, and the enhancement doubles compared with those of the carbon-black (CB)-based and carbon nanotube (CNT)-based, thin Nafion® membranes, perhaps due to unique graphene structures. Additionally, the quasi-steady-state water contact angle increases from 113° to ~130° with the addition of graphene nanoflakes, showing that a hydrophobic-like water wetting change may be related to the significant proton conductivity enhancement. This work provides an optimal material design guideline for the transport-enhanced cathode catalyst layer using graphene-based materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications.
“When once you have fallen into an equable stride”: The Peripatetic in Vaughan Williams’s Songs of Travel

Vaughan Williams’s cycle Songs of Travel reveals implications of walking as an embodied cultural practice. The cycle follows a vagabond character as he sets out on foot in pursuit of spiritual and ...
CRISPR/Cas9-based Targeted Genome Editing for the Development of Monogenic Diseases Models with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a formidable tool for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine using human cells and tissues in vitro. Evolving techniques of targeted genome editing, specifically the CRISPR/Cas9 system, allow for the generation of cell lines bearing gene-specific knock-outs, knock-in reporters, and precise mutations. However, there are increasing concerns related to the transfection efficiency, cell viability, and maintenance of pluripotency provided by genome-editing techniques. The procedure presented here employs transient antibiotic selection that overcomes reduced transfection efficiency, avoids cytotoxic flow sorting for increased viability, and generates multiple genome-edited pluripotent hPSC lines expanded from a single parent cell. Avoidance of xenogeneic contamination from feeder cells and reduced operator workload, owing to single-cell passaging rather than clump passaging, are additional benefits. The outlined methods may enable researchers with limited means and technical experience to create human stem cell lines containing desired gene-specific mutations. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In situ investigation of dynamic processes in materials for energy storage

In energy storage devices, materials evolve from their initial state either due to electrochemical reactions or instabilities at interfaces, and such transformations must be understood and controlled for improved electrochemical behavior. This manuscript discusses multiscale in situ techniques that are designed to reveal reaction mechanisms, degradation processes, and interfacial transformations in energy storage materials to guide the development of better batteries. Our recent work has used a combination of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in situ X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy to elucidate phase transformation pathways in high capacity electrode materials for alkali ion batteries. For instance, Cu2S electrode materials show similar global transformations during reaction with alkali metal ions, but the nanoscale reaction pathways differ significantly, which influences the electrochemical behavior. Other research is focused on using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand reaction mechanisms at solid-state interfaces. Finally, synchrotron X-ray diffraction investigations have revealed strain evolution in individual alloying anode particles. This work demonstrates the importance of utilizing in situ techniques to understand dynamic processes in energy devices so as to guide the synthesis of new materials with high energy density and long lifetime.
Economic and environmental life cycle assessments of solar water heaters applied to aquaculture in the US

Abstract Global aquaculture production has increased rapidly over recent decades, playing an important role in serving an essential protein source for world population. Understanding and mitigating its resource use and environmental impacts are important for the sector to grow in a sustainable manner. As a renewable resource, solar energy has been considered to reduce energy burdens as well as environmental impacts of fish farming practices. This study aims to investigate the applicability of solar water heating systems under different geographical conditions (cold, moderate, and hot climates) with consideration of both environmental and economic impacts. In addition, different operational strategies and design factors were considered including water sources (groundwater and streamwater), heating amounts (0 to 100% heating), and solar system designs (horizontally or optimally oriented solar panels). Energy requirement was estimated based on a recirculating aquaculture system for Nile tilapia production under indoor and outdoor conditions. Instead of energy savings, the potential economic improvements due to the temperature effect on fish yields were considered as an economic benefit of using solar water heating systems for aquaculture. It was found that environmental impacts of solar water heaters under the cold climate decreased as heating increased from 20% to 80% due to the large improvement in fish production, while the impacts increased with increased heating in the hot and moderate climates. In life cycle costing, the use of solar water heater for aquaculture was economically favorable at any heating strategy as well as under any setting and climate, except for a 20% heating in the cold climate. When compared to electric water heaters, solar water heaters generally showed lower environmental impacts across all cases. However, economic benefits of solar water heaters over electric heaters were dependent upon heating strategy, setting and climate condition. Due to the variations of heating demand and efficiency of solar system, considerations of water source and solar system design could further mitigate environmental and economic impacts. The sensitivity analysis showed that life cycle environmental impact assessment results in this study were most sensitive to the choice of species, while life cycle costing results were most sensitive to the inputs associated with the annual incomes and the cultured fish. This study can provide insights to the optimal operational strategies of the solar water heating systems for aquaculture to seek environmentally and economically sustainable energy systems.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Summary of Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide and the third largest cause of the global burden of disease (1). More than a quarter of the world’s adult population was estimated to have hypertension in the year 2000. The number is expected to rise to 29%—totaling 1.56 billion people—by the year 2025 (2). While the prevalence in developed countries is expected to increase by 24%, it is projected that there will be an 80% increase in developing nations. Worldwide, 54% of ischemic heart disease and 47% of strokes are attributable to high blood pressure (3). The rise in hypertension has been attributed to several factors, including the overall aging of the population, the dramatic increase in obesity, and a decrease in physical activity.
Fifty years of human rights: An emergent global regime

The emergent human rights regime includes three distinct elements; international and domestic laws; government and corporate policies that deny or affirm rights; and norms of behavior that are applied against groups and individuals. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its successors were milestones in international law that sprang from the euphoria of victory in World War II. When policies violated these precepts, they came under intense international scrutiny, which produced highly visible, though not universal, improvements; and it was not long before governments and other organizations adopted positive policies that improved access to these rights. Policy scientists can analyze these rights as ‘demands’ or ‘claims’ that enjoy various degrees of legitimacy within both the civic and the public order. Behind the laws and policies lies a widespread awareness of the standards of human dignity. This awareness is gradually taking on a life of its own and human rights begin to function as a system of expected behavior that is becoming a global regime that reflects the preferences of nongovernmental players acting under customs and rules of their own making. Behavior that respects essential rights is increasingly taken as an obligation transcending national borders and subtly enriching the decisions and transactions of states, corporations, and special purpose organizations.
Prefácio: Língua Portuguesa em África

Multilingualism has been a departure from education and economic development in black Africa since the 1960s, when many countries liberated themselves politically from their European settlers. The wave of language policies in most emerging nation-states aimed at a European ideology of a single country whose ultimate purpose would be the devaluation or possible eradication of the vast majority of, if not all, indigenous languages. On the other hand, it was not easy to promote a single indigenous language as the national and official language of a large number of languages spoken by the majority of the population.