cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deviation of atmospheric mixing from maximal and structure in the leptonic flavor sector

I attempt to quantify how far from maximal one should expect the atmospheric mixing angle to be given a neutrino mass-matrix that leads, at zeroth order, to a nu_3 mass-eigenstate that is 0% nu_e, 50% nu_mu, and 50% nu_tau. This is done by assuming that the solar mass-squared difference is induced by an "anarchical" first order perturbation, an approach than can naturally lead to experimentally allowed values for all oscillation parameters. In particular, both |cos 2theta_atm| (the measure for the deviation of atmospheric mixing from maximal) and |U_e3| are of order sqrt(Delta m^2_sol/Delta m^2_atm) in the case of a normal neutrino mass-hierarchy, or of order Delta m^2_sol/Delta m^2_atm in the case of an inverted one. Hence, if any of the textures analyzed here has anything to do with reality, next-generation neutrino experiments can see a nonzero cos 2theta_atm in the case of a normal mass-hierarchy, while in the case of an inverted mass-hierarchy only neutrino factories should be able to see a deviation of sin^2 2theta_atm from 1.
Chicken liver fatty acid synthetase: Proteolysis by subtilisin and isolation and properties of palmitoyl thioesterase

Subtilisin hydrolysis of chicken liver fatty acid syntheiase yields polypeptides of molecular weights 220,000, 160,000 and 35,000. The larger peptides are further degraded to proteins of molecular weights 122,000 and 105,000. When 50% and 80% of the synthetase subunits are cleaved, there is a loss of 10% and 40% of fatty acid synthetase activity, respectively, indicating that proteolysis of the 240,000-mol. wt. subunit does not substantially affect palmitate synthesis provided that the component polypeptides remain associated with each other. Ammonium sulfate fractionation yields a fraction containing the palmitoyl thioesterase activity. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this fraction under both nondenaturing and denaturing conditions yields one band with an estimated molecular weight of 35,000. The isolated thioesterase is specific for palmitoyl and stearoyl thioesters (myristoyl-CoA is hydrolyzed at 15% the rate of palmitoyl-CoA). The enzyme is inhibited byN-ethylmaleimide and diisopropylfluorophosphate, suggesting that both an active -SH and -OH are involved in catalysis. However, preincubation of the thioesterase with decanoly-CoA protected the enzyme against inhibition by diisopropylfluorophosphate but not byN-ethylmaleimide, suggesting that an active OH (seryl or threonyl) is involved in the hydrolysis of the palmitoyl group. This active hydroxyl group is uniquely inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate, as evidenced by the incorporation of 2 mol of [32P]diisopropylfluorophosphate per mole of synthetase (M r = 480,000) and the fact that all the radioactivity was associated with the isolated thioesterase. These results indicate that there are two copies of the thioesterase per mole of synthetase or one copy of the enzyme per 240,000-mol. wt. subunit.
A revised calibration of the clumped isotope thermometer

Abstract A growing number of materials and environmental settings are studied using the carbonate clumped isotope ( Δ 47 ) thermometer. The method has been applied in both biogenic and non-biogenic carbonate systems, in marine and terrestrial settings, over a wide range of geological timescales. The current Δ 47 temperature calibration gives good temperature estimates for most biogenic materials, however, systematic biases are commonly observed at low temperatures. In this study we report additional calibration data, that covers a wider temperature range, at more evenly distributed temperatures, and are measured at higher analytical precision than the original calibration. Combining these data with the original calibration yields a Δ 47 –T relationship that is similar to the original calibration, though slightly less steep: Δ 47 = ( 0.0526 ± 0.0025 ) × 10 6 / T 2 + ( 0.0520 ± 0.0284 ) . This revised calibration is in better agreement with biogenic carbonates, including those grown at low temperatures. The difference between the original and revised calibrations is significant for carbonates forming below 16 °C or above 49 °C ( Δ 47 values of 0.68‰ and 0.56‰). Additionally, we include a comprehensive analysis of the sources of error associated with Δ 47 measurements and estimated temperatures and recommend measurement strategies for obtaining the desired precision. As an illustration, we apply the revised calibration and uncertainty analysis to 3 previously published studies. At low temperatures, the revised calibration results in significant differences from the original calibration and hence affects the interpretation of the environmental signal recorded. In light of our Δ 47 errors analysis, in cases where the temperature signals are small, we find that replicate analyses are critical to identify a temperature signal.
Nutritional and pathological effects of sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate and polyoxyethylene monolaurate when fed to hamsters.

Abstract 1. 1. Sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, and polyoxyethylene monolaurate were fed at levels of 5 and 15% in nutritionally complete synthetic diets to groups of 36 hamsters for 68 days. 2. 2. All groups fed these test substances showed a poorer weight increase and less efficient utilization of the diet than control groups fed 5 and 15% hydrogenated oils. 3. 3. Diarrhea developed in all groups except those fed 5% sorbitan monolaurate and those fed 5, 7.5 and 15% hydrogenated oils. 4. 4. Compared to the control groups, mortality was higher in all the test groups except that group which received 5% sorbitan monolaurate; the mortality was higher in the groups fed the test substances at the 15% level than at the 5% level. No hamster survived the feeding of 15% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate or 15% polyoxyethylene monolaurate. 5. 5. The histopathological results indicated that the three test substances were irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and the tubular epithelium of the kidneys and that they inhibited gonadal maturation.
Social Associations and Dominance of Individuals in Small Herds of Cattle

Abstract A series of 6 daylight observations was made each summer and again each winter over 2 years to map cattle distribution on a California foothill pasture. Sixty animals were used in the study with no animals appearing in > 1 observation series. During daylight hours, small herds of cows containing between 14 and 16 animals were scan-sampled and videotaped every 15 minutes. A global positioning system was used to record the position of the camera to aid in accurately locating individual animals. Animal locations and individual identifications were then entered into a geographic information system (GIS) by on-screen digitizing using color orthophotographs. Animal positions were determined to be within 5 m of their true location. Association software, ASSOC1, was used to analyze animal positions to determine cattle subgroups and herd units. This position-based grouping was compared with observation-based grouping by researchers. Direct observation also identified dominant herd members. Older animals, ...
Heat Killing of Bacillus subtilis Spores in Water is not due to Oxidative Damage

The heat resistance of wild-type spores of Bacillus subtilis or spores (termed α−β−) lacking DNA protective α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins was not altered by anaerobiosis or high concentrations of the free radical scavenging agents ethanethiol and ethanedithiol. Heat-killed wild-type and α−β− spores exhibited no increase in either protein carbonyl content or oxidized bases in DNA. These data strongly suggest that oxidative damage to spore macromolecules does not contribute significantly to spore killing by heat.
The Pleiomorphic Plant MTOC: An Evolutionary Perspective

γ-Tubulin is an essential component of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) responsible for nucleating microtubules in both plants and animals. Whereas γ-tubulin is tightly associated with centrosomes that are inheritable organelles in cells of animals and most algae, it appears at different times and places to organize the myriad specialized microtubule systems that characterize plant cells. We have traced the distribution of γ-tubulin through the cell cycle in representative land plants (embryophytes) and herein present data that have led to a concept of the pleiomorphic and migratory MTOC. The many forms of the plant MTOC at spindle organization constitute pleiomorphism, and stage-specific “migration” is suggested by the consistent pattern of redistribution of γ-tubulin during mitosis. Mitotic spindles may be organized at centriolar centrosomes (only in final divisions of spermatogenesis), polar organizers (POs), plastid MTOCs, or nuclear envelope MTOCs (NE-MTOCs). In all cases, with the possible exception of centrosomes in spermatogenesis, the γ-tubulin migrates to broad polar regions and along the spindle fibers, even when it is initially a discrete polar entity. At anaphase it moves poleward, and subsequently migrates from polar regions (distal nuclear surfaces) into the interzone (proximal nuclear surfaces) where interzonal microtubule arrays and phragmoplasts are organized. Following cytokinesis, γ-tubulin becomes associated with nuclear envelopes and organizes radial microtubule systems (RMSs). These may exist only briefly, before establishment of hoop-like cortical arrays in vegetative tissues, or they may be characteristic of interphase in syncytial systems where they serve to organize the common cytoplasm into nuclear cytoplasmic domains (NCDs).
Asymmetrical distribution of Ca-activated Cl channels in Xenopus oocytes.

Xenopus oocytes are a popular model system for studying Ca signaling. They endogenously express two kinds of Ca-activated Cl currents, ICl-1 and ICl-2. ICl-1 is activated by Ca released from internal stores and, with appropriate voltage protocols, by Ca influx. In contrast, ICl-2 activation is dependent on Ca influx. We are interested in understanding how these two different Cl channels are activated differently by Ca from different sources. One could hypothesize that these channels are activated differently because they are differentially localized near the corresponding Ca source. As an initial investigation of this hypothesis, we examined the distribution of ICl-1 and ICl-2 channels in the oocyte. We conclude that both ICl-1 and ICl-2 channels are primarily localized to the animal hemisphere of the oocyte, but that capacitative Ca influx occurs over the entire oocyte membrane. Evidence supporting this view includes the following observations: 1) Injection of IP3 into the animal hemisphere produced larger and faster ICl-1 responses than injection into the vegetal hemisphere. 2) Exposure of the animal hemisphere to Cl-free solution almost completely abolished ICl-1 produced by IP3-induced release of Ca from internal stores or by capacitative Ca entry. 3) Loose macropatch recording showed that both ICl-1 and ICl-2 currents were approximately four times and approximately three times, respectively, more dense in the animal than in the vegetal hemisphere. 4) Confocal imaging of oocytes loaded with fluorescent Ca-sensitive dyes showed that the time course of activation of ICl-1 corresponded to the appearance of the wave of Ca release at the animal pole. 5) Ca release and Ca influx, although twofold higher in the animal pole, were evident over the entire oocyte.
Methods in Molecular Biology Series: Cell Imaging Techniques: Methods and Protocols. Edited by Douglas J. Taatjes and Brooke T. Mossman

Methods in Molecular Biology Series: Cell Imaging Techniques: Methods and Protocols. Edited by Douglas J. Taatjes and Brooke T. Mossman. Human Press, Inc., Totowa, NJ; 2005, 512 pages. (Hardcover and e-book, U.S. $125.00) ISBN 978-1-58829-157-8 Cell Imaging Techniques: Methods and Protocols , edited by Douglas J. Taatjes and Brooke T. Mossman, is Volume 319 in the long-standing Humana Press Methods in Molecular Biology TM series. Unlike many of the books in the series that focus on a specific technology, growth factor, or cell type, this volume covers a wide range of technology and applications. As the editors state in the Preface, their goal is to “present an eclectic collection of what we consider some of the essential state-of-the-art methods for imaging cells and molecules.” While the editors have done a good job of collecting chapters that represent a range of cell imaging techniques, I believe this represents both the strength and the weakness of the work. In a situation such as a core facility where a wide variety of instrumentation and applications are being used, this will provide a reference text for a number of technologies. However, if an investigator is searching for a work focused on the study of a specific technology, cell type, or molecule, other volumes may be more applicable.
The Effects of a Modified Glucomannan on the Performance of Stocker Cattle Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue1

To evaluate a modified glucomannan to mitigate fescue toxicosis, 45 steer calves (BW = 281 ± 7.0 kg) grazed nine 2-ha pastures of endemic endophyte-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) for 133 d begininning in March of each year (2 yr; 5 steers/pasture). The 3 treatments were nonsupplemented (control), self-fed liquid supplement (QLF Inc., Dodgeville, WI; SUP), or SUP containing the glucomannan (FEB-200, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY; MGL). Target intake of the supplements was 0.9 to 1.4 kg/d so that MGL would deliver 10 to 20 g of glucomannan daily. Steer BW was measured every 28 d, supplement intake was measured every 7 d, and behavior was monitored every other Thursday. Data were analyzed as a mixed model, with treatment as the fixed effect and year and pasture as random effects. Least squares means were separated using contrasts. Over the 133 d, MGL steers gained BW (0.54 kg/d) more quickly (P = 0.03) than SUP steers (0.41 kg/d), but ADG of SUP steers did not differ (P = 0.94) from that of control steers (0.50 kg/d). On d 133, BW of the supplemented cattle did not differ (P = 0.96) from that of control steers; the BW of MGL steers was 6% greater (P ≤ 0.03) than that of SUP steers. The control steers spent a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of time grazing than the SUP steers. Overall, there were no observed benefits for liquid-feed supplement with steers grazing endemic endophyte-infected tall fescue, but the inclusion of glucomannan to the supplement seemed to enhance BW gain.
An automated system to classify stellar spectra – I

Analyses of stellar spectra often begin with the determination of a number of parameters that define a model atmosphere. This work presents a prototype for an automated spectral classification system that uses a 150- ˚ A-wide region around Hβ, and applies to stars of spectral types A‐K with normal (scaled solar) chemical composition. The new tool exploits synthetic spectra based on plane-parallel flux-constant model atmospheres. The input data are high signal-to-noise ratio spectra with a resolution greater than approximately 1 ˚ A. The output parameters are forced to agree with an external scale of effective temperatures, based on the infrared flux method. The system is fast ‐ a spectrum is classified in a few seconds ‐ and well suited for implementation on a web server. We estimate upper limits to the 1σ random error in the retrieved effective temperatures, surface gravities and metallicities as 100 K, 0.3 and 0.1 dex, respectively.
Clinical Trials of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis — A Review

Painful chronic pancreatitis is a challenging problem for clinicians and patients. Many patients receive a therapeutic trial of pancreatic enzyme supplementation at some point in the course of their disease, but it is unclear what the expected outcome of such a trial should be and whether or not all patients should receive a trial of pancreatic enzymes. We searched PubMed for all studies of pancreatic enzyme supplementation for painful chronic pancreatitis from 1980 to the present. We also searched the references of identified manuscripts and requested additional information from study authors when necessary. Manuscripts were assessed for study design, bias, pain assessment, and pain management protocol. The results are described in full.
An update on the multi-channel phased array Weather Radar at the National Weather Radar Testbed

The first phased array radar dedicated to weather observation and analysis is now instrumented with eight, simultaneous digital receivers. The multi-channel receiver will collect signals from the sum, azimuth-difference, elevation-difference, and five broad-beamed auxiliary channels. The multi-channel receiver will allow the direct implementation of interferometry techniques to estimate crossbeam wind, shear and turbulence within a radar resolution volume. Access to the auxiliary channels will enable clutter mitigation and advanced array processing for high data quality with short dwell times. Potential benefits of high quality and high resolution data together with angular shear and turbulence include better understanding of storm dynamics and convective initiation, as well as better detection of small-scale phenomena including tornado and microbursts, ultimately leading to increased lead time for warnings, and improved weather prediction. This paper will describe the system concept, system installation and early results from fielded weather data returns.
The effect of statins on serum prostate specific antigen levels in a cohort of airline pilots: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Reports of the effect of treatment with statins on prostate cancer risk are inconsistent. We performed a pilot study to assess the effect of statin treatment on a surrogate marker for prostate cancer risk, that is serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), in a cohort of airline pilots from 1992 to 2001. Materials and Methods: Subject medical records were abstracted for data on age, PSA testing, hyperlipidemia and treatment with statins. The treatment group was composed of 15 men with hypercholesterolemia who received statins and the comparison group of 85 with normal serum lipid levels during the review period. The mean ± SD and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for analyses. Results: Serum PSA was significantly higher in the treatment group at baseline relative to the comparison group (p = 0.05). Interestingly there was no significant difference between the groups on subsequent followup. There was a 41.6% decrease in mean serum PSA in the treated group by visit 4. Simultaneously mean serum PSA increased by 38% in the untreated group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that treatment with statins may lower serum PSA with time. These results must be confirmed in a larger study population while controlling for potential confounders. If validated, our observation provides a rationale for further studies of the role of this class of drugs for prostate cancer chemoprevention.
System Call Interception Framework for Data Leak Prevention

In this paper, we describe the feasibility and practical study of the recently proposed idea for data leak prevention (DLP) based on end-point policy enforcement. The most reassuring way to prevent sensitive data leak is to thwart sensitive data export before it has a chance to occur. Using a System Call Interception (SCI) technique we investigate the possibility of automatically detecting and amending a non-desired, policy breaching behavior at the "intention" stage: as the corresponding system call is called by an application, but before the action has been accomplished. The SCI method is especially valuable for "black box" applications, for which source code is not available. In our system, we catalog the system calls involved in the DLP events, and reduce our SCI to the minimum necessary set of system calls associated with the sensitive, DLP-requiring tasks. We describe the system behavior for several different applications that we have studied to date.
A stratified semantics of general references embeddable in higher-order logic

We demonstrate a semantic model of general references - that is, mutable memory cells that may contain values of any (statically-checked) closed type, including other references. Our model is in terms of execution sequences on a von Neumann machine; thus, it can be used in a Proof-Carrying Code system where the skeptical consumer checks even the proofs of the typing rules. The model allows us to prove a frame-axiom introduction rule that allows locality of specification and reasoning, even in the event of updates to aliased locations. Our proof is machine-checked in the Twelf metalogic.
Securing wireless links at the physical layer through reconfigurable antennas

Reconfigurable antennas that can be electrically modified to exhibit different radiation patterns and/or polarizations have been shown to significantly improve data rates. Such antennas outperform conventional antennas due to their ability to generate different channel realizations. Apart from their benefits in terms of spectral efficiency, their value could be greatly enhanced if they could be utilized for other system functions, such as security. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the capabilities of reconfigurable antennas can be used to enhance physical layer-based security algorithms for wireless systems.
Production and isolation of homologs of flerovium and element 115 at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

New procedures have been developed to isolate no-carrier-added (NCA) radionuclides of the homologs and pseudo-homologs of flerovium (Hg, Sn) and element 115 (Sb), produced by 12–15 MeV proton irradiation of foil stacks with the tandem Van-de-Graaff accelerator at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS) facility. The separation of 113Sn from natIn foil was performed with anion-exchange chromatography from hydrochloric and nitric acid matrices. A cation-exchange chromatography method based on hydrochloric and mixed hydrochloric/hydroiodic acids was used to separate 124Sb from natSn foil. A procedure using Eichrom TEVA resin was developed to separate 197Hg from Au foil. These results demonstrate the suitability of using the CAMS facility to produce NCA radioisotopes for studies of transactinide homologs.
Improved automated vessel segmentation for diagnosing eye diseases using fundus images

The retina can provide evidence of diseases originating in other parts of the body. Among the eye diseases that can be diagnosed through a retinal examination, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are the most common, and they cause vision loss. Although these diseases can be diagnosed by examining blood vessels and the optic disk in retinal images, assessment of blood vessels on colored fundus images is a time-consuming and subjective process. Here, we present an automated blood vessel segmentation algorithm that facilitates the evaluation of diabetic retinopathy through assessment of blood vessel abnormalities. The blood vessels are extracted using a random forest classification model combined with wavelet features and local binary pattern texture information. Discriminant analysis is modified and used for feature selection to train the proposed classification model. The boundary of the optic disk is identified using low-pass filtering, fuzzy c-means clustering, and template matching so that it may be removed and not confound the segmentation analysis. Validation test results using three publicly available retinal image datasets demonstrated that our proposed method achieves as good or better blood vessel segmentation accuracy than the other supervised model approaches examined. Results show that the proposed scheme is able to segment the blood vessels and optic disk structures accurately (Accuracy Index) in 95.80%, 95.20%, and 97.10% of the testing Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction (DRIVE), Structured Analysis of the Retina (STARE), and CHASE_DB1 image datasets respectively. The main advantage of our proposed model is that it provides robust and computationally efficient segmentation of blood vessels and the optic disk. The proposed model aims to provide supportive information for cases in which a diagnosis remains unclear following a clinical examination.
Decision-Making Should Be More Like Programming

Justify is an interactive “end-user development environment” for deliberation. Justify organizes discussions in a hierarchy of points, each expressing a single idea. Points have a rich ontology of types, such as pro or con, mathematical, or aesthetic arguments. “Programs” in this environment use inference rules to provide assessments that summarize groups of points. Interactive browsing modes serve as visualizers or debuggers for arguments.
Low Re, High Alpha Aerodynamics with Controlled Wing Kinematics

Numerical simulations of an ultra low Reynolds number (Re), high angle of attack (), thin, two-dimensional airfoil representative of insect wings, have been conducted for Re range, ~500-5000, and two values of (~30 o and ~45 o ). The time-accurate, unsteady simulation results are analyzed and the phase relations of the leading edge and trailing edge vortex (LEV/TEV) dynamics to cyclical lift variation are established. The results show the present fixed wing undergoing a high-lift phase during each lift cycle. At moderately high the LEV dominates, and at higher the LEV and TEV are equally dominant. The Strouhal number for all the cases considered is close to that of the Karman vortex shedding, a significant departure from some of the previous high Re results. We propose that, by matching the wing beat frequency of biomimetic micro air vehicles that incorporate wing kinematics to that of the corresponding Karman vortex shedding frequency, the wing can avoid operating in the low lift phase, explaining, at least in part, the high lift associated with insect flight.
Immune Response of the Intestinal Mucosa to Cholera Toxoid

The intestinal immune response to cholera toxoid was studied in dogs and rats. Oral or intraperitoneal priming followed by duodenal boosting with toxoid reulted in antitoxin-containing plasma cells (ACC) in jejunal lamina propria of rats. Priming and boosting by the intraperitoneal route alone induced almost no jejunal response. Lamina propria ACC were derived largely from migrating immunoblasts, which appeared earlier among thoracic duct lymphocytes. Protection of dogs after repeated subcutaneous immunization with toxoid was mediated largely, or entirely, by serum-derived antibody. The sequence of subcutaneous priming and repeated oral boosting induced longer lasting protection mediated almost entirely by the local intestinal immune mechanism. The results suggest that cholera immunization should be specifically designed to stimulate the intestinal immune mechanism and that the subcutaneous oral immunizing sequence may be an efficient way to do this.
Is there a doctor in your house? Home health care of the future.

A modernized, efficient, effective home health care system would be a welcome improvement on the patchwork system we have had for the past 30 years.
Nanotip Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A method called nanotip ambient ionization mass spectrometry (NAIMS) is described, which applies high voltage between a tungsten nanotip and a metal plate to generate a plasma in which ionized analytes on the surface of the metal plate are directed to the inlet and analyzed by a mass spectrometer. The dependence of signal intensity is investigated as a function of the tip-to-plate distance, the tip size, the voltage applied at the tip, and the current. These parameters are separately optimized to achieve sensitivity or high spatial resolution. A partially observable Markov decision process is used to achieve a stabilized plasma as well as high ionization efficiency. As a proof of concept, the NAIMS technique has been applied to phenanthrene and caffeine samples for which the limits of detection were determined to be 0.14 fmol for phenanthrene and 4 amol for caffeine and to a printed caffeine pattern for which a spatial resolution of 8 ± 2 μm, and the best resolution of 5 μm, was demonstrated. The limitati...
Spatiotemporal Pattern and Process of Inland Lake Change in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau during the Period of 1976-2009

In this paper,the dynamic variation of the inland lakes in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was investigated based on the mapping of the lakes in 4 years(1976,1990,2000 and 2009) and the Landsat time series images so as to reveal the spatiotemporal variation of the lakes in the plateau under climate change in recent decades.The temporal processes and spatial patterns of change of the lakes were analyzed at drainage basin scale,and the mechanism of inland lake change was discussed from the aspects of regional climate factors and recharge water sources of the lakes.The results showed that the inland lakes in the plateau were holistically in a shrinkage during the period of 1976-1990 but in an expansion during the period of 1990-2009,and the total lake area was expanded by 27.3% during the period of 1976-2009.Considering from the spatial patterns of lake change,the lakes recharged by groundwater were in a dramatic expansion or shrinkage,but those recharged by glacial melt water were stable or in a slight expansion.Recharge water sources of the endorheic basins affected strongly the lake change rate,the change of climate factors,such as precipitation,evaporation and air temperature,could be used to explain the shrinkage or expansion of the lakes.Therefore,regional climate change is the key factor causing the dramatic change of the inland lakes in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau,and the recharge water sources could be regarded as the main factor affecting the regional difference of lake change.
Sex, Age, Anatomic Location, and Extent of Resection Influence Outcomes in Children With High-grade Glioma.

BACKGROUND Survival duration and prognostic factors in adult high-grade glioma have been comprehensively analyzed, but less is known about factors contributing to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE To identify these factors in the pediatric population. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed institutional databases evaluating all patients ≤21 years with high-grade glioma treated between 1988 and 2010. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank statistics were used to compare groups univariately. Multivariate analyses were completed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS Ninety-seven patients were identified with a median age of 11 years. Median OS was 1.7 years, and median PFS was 272 days. Location was significant for OS (P < .001). Patients with gross total resection (GTR) had a median OS of 3.4 years vs 1.6 years for subtotal resection and 1.3 years for biopsy patients (P < .001). Female patients had improved OS (P = .01). Female patients with GTR had a mean OS of 8.1 years vs 2.4 years for male patients with GTR and 1.4 years for all other female patients and male patients (P = .001). PFS favored patients ≤3 and ≥13 years and females (P = .003 and .001). CONCLUSION OS was significantly correlated with the location of the tumor and the extent of resection. GTR significantly improved overall survival for both glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma patients, and female patients showed a much larger survival benefit from GTR than male patients.
Beyond Decision Making: A Model for Contingency Planning in Marketing Problem Solving and Case Analysis

Contingency planning and the putting into effect of those plans when former decisions become inappropriate is a regular and significant aspect of the job of the marketing manager. However, the writers of our case texts in marketing management focus heavily on decision making with scant attention given to implementation and contingency planning as a subset of it. This work calls attention to this deficiency and, most importantly, presents a model to aid instructor and manager alike in the process of coping with the uncertainties associated with the invetiable contingencies that arise after the decision is made.
‘Loot’ as Quotidian Farce: The Intersection of Black Comedy and Daily Life

After his mother died, one of the few remembrances Joe Orton wanted to preserve was his mother’s teeth. In his sardonic private mythology of realism, he insisted that the cast of Loot confront this totemic object. It was a symbolic gesture to prevent the play from lapsing into an empty and mechanical farce. The style of Loot raised special difficulties for both the director and the actors that provoked endless rewrites. These problems brought the cast to the very edge of hysteria.
SU-C-209-06: Improving X-Ray Imaging with Computer Vision and Augmented Reality

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of using a computer vision algorithm and augmented reality interface to reduce repeat rates and improve consistency of image quality and patient exposure in general radiography. Methods: A prototype device, designed for use with commercially available hardware (Microsoft Kinect 2.0) capable of depth sensing and high resolution/frame rate video, was mounted to the x-ray tube housing as part of a Philips DigitalDiagnost digital radiography room. Depth data and video was streamed to a Windows 10 PC. Proprietary software created an augmented reality interface where overlays displayed selectable information projected over real-time video of the patient. The information displayed prior to and during x-ray acquisition included: recognition and position of ordered body part, position of image receptor, thickness of anatomy, location of AEC cells, collimated x-ray field, degree of patient motion and suggested x-ray technique. Pre-clinical data was collected in a volunteer study to validate patient thickness measurements and x-ray images were not acquired. Results: Proprietary software correctly identified ordered body part, measured patient motion, and calculated thickness of anatomy. Pre-clinical data demonstrated accuracy and precision of body part thickness measurement when compared with other methods (e.g. laser measurement tool). Thickness measurements provided the basis for developing a database of thickness-based technique charts that can be automatically displayed to the technologist. Conclusion: The utilization of computer vision and commercial hardware to create an augmented reality view of the patient and imaging equipment has the potential to drastically improve the quality and safety of x-ray imaging by reducing repeats and optimizing technique based on patient thickness. Society of Pediatric Radiology Pilot Grant; Washington University Bear Cub Fund
A Thallium-201 SPECT Artifact Associated with Leg Flexion: Case Report

201 TI study. Using a standard Bruce protocol, the patient exercised for 8 min 20 sec without experiencing any chest pain or left arm discom­ fort. Exercise was terminated because of leg fatigue. Resting heart rate was 68 with a blood pressure of 150/77. The maximum achieved heart rate and blood pressure during exercise were 160 and 227 I 106, respectively. The electrocar­ diogram showed a normal sinus rhythm and probable left ventricular hypertrophy by voltage with 0.5 to 1.5 mm up­ sloping to flat ST segment depression in leads II, III, A VF, V5, and V6 during exercise and early recovery. At peak exercise, 3.5 mCi of 201 TI was administered intra­ venously. The patient was positioned supine on the imaging table with the legs fully extended. An initial 5-min anterior planar image was performed followed immediately by SPECT imaging using a 180• arc (32 increments, 40 sec, 64 X 64 matrix) beginning in a right anterior oblique position and ending in a left posterior oblique position (1 ,2). During the period of data acquisition, the patient voluntarily flexed her legs to relieve tension on the lower back. From visual inspec­ tion of the rotating raw planar images along with a sinogram generation, movement of the myocardium in the vertical direction was identified at the approximate time point when the patient flexed her legs. Vertical and horizontal long- and short-axis oblique slices were generated using a standardized image reconstruction algorithm in our laboratory (a 1-2-1 Y Filter followed by a Butterworth filter of order 5 and 0.5 cutoff frequency). The severity of this motion upon image quality was demonstrated by the presence of a "tuning fork" artifact in the inferoseptal segment of the myocardium (Fig. lA). Since we had seen this previously unexplained phenom
Life here beyond now: Chronotopes of the ideal life among Iranian transnationals

I address how U.S.-based Iranian transnationals’ migration paths affect their (re)-construction of chronotopes of the ideal life. Adopting an ethnographically grounded, discourse-analytic approach, I illustrate how participants with student visas and U.S. Green Cards position themselves differently relative to images of success here [in the U.S.] and lack of success there [in Iran]. I argue that the chronotopes of success here and lack of success there (re)-constructed by non-resident Iranian students are prompted by a large-scale cultural chronotope which pertains to their aspiration to stay in the U.S. This chronotope of ‘life beyond’ is less about a ‘remove from homeland’ and more about an ideal future in the host country. Migrants’ desires and anxieties, I argue, can determine what receives topical prominence in migration chronotopes – as in the case of Iranian educational migrants whose future positionings make temporality topically more prominent than spatiality.
Two-component quantum Hall effects in topological flat bands

We study quantum Hall states for two-component particles (hardcore bosons and fermions) loading in topological lattice models. By tuning the interplay of interspecies and intraspecies interactions, we demonstrate that two-component fractional quantum Hall states emerge at certain fractional filling factors $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ for fermions ($\ensuremath{\nu}=2/3$ for bosons) in the lowest Chern band, classified by features from ground states including the unique Chern number matrix (inverse of the $\mathbf{K}$ matrix), the fractional charge and spin pumpings, and two parallel propagating edge modes. Moreover, we also apply our strategy to two-component fermions at integer filling factor $\ensuremath{\nu}=2$, where a possible topological Neel antiferromagnetic phase is under intense debate very recently. For the typical $\ensuremath{\pi}$-flux checkerboard lattice, by tuning the onsite Hubbard repulsion, we establish a first-order phase transition directly from a two-component fermionic $\ensuremath{\nu}=2$ quantum Hall state at weak interaction to a topologically trivial antiferromagnetic insulator at strong interaction, and therefore exclude the possibility of an intermediate topological phase for our system.
Nanomechanical modeling of interfaces of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/clay nanocomposite

We study interfacial debonding of several representative structures of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/pyrophillite-clay systems – both gallery-interface (polymer/clay interface in the interlayer region co...
Rapid Effects of Estrogen or Progesterone on the Amphetamine-Induced Increase in Striatal Dopamine Are Enhanced by Estrogen Priming: A Microdialysis Study

There are estrous cycle-dependent differences in amphetamine-stimulated behaviors and striatal dopamine (DA) release; intact female rats exhibit a greater behavioral response to amphetamine on estrus than on other days of the cycle. Following ovariectomy amphetamine-induced behavior is attenuated, as is the striatal DA response to amphetamine in vitro. Repeated estrogen treatment in ovariectomized rats reinstates both of these responses to a level comparable to estrous females. In addition, 30 min after a single treatment with a physiological dose of estrogen there is enhanced amphetamine-induced behavior and increased amphetamine-induced striatal DA detected during microdialysis. This experiment was conducted to determine whether the acute effect of estradiol and the effect of repeated exposure to estrogen are functionally related. We report here that prior treatment with estrogen (three daily treatments of 5 μg estradiol benzoate) results in a significant enhancement of the effect of acute estrogen (5 μg estradiol benzoate) or progesterone (500 μg) on amphetamine-induced striatal DA release and stereotyped behaviors. Both the peak response and the duration of the response are greater in estrogen-primed animals treated with estrogen or progesterone 30 min prior to amphetamine, than in all other groups. Either prior treatment with estrogen (last dose 24 h before) or a single acute injection of estrogen result in an enhanced peak response to amphetamine, with no effect on the duration of amphetamine-induced striatal DA release. Treatment with progesterone in animals not primed with estrogen was not different from treatment with oil vehicle. These results demonstrate that there are both acute and long-term effects of estrogen on the striatum that underlie the dynamic changes in stimulated DA release and amphetamine-induced behaviors during the reproductive cycle.
Watcher Initiative Associated With Decrease in Failure to Rescue Events in Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Improved situation awareness may prevent unplanned ICU transfers. Transfers with serious safety issues may be classified as unrecognized situation awareness failure events (UNSAFE) and are associated with intubation, vasopressors, or >3 fluid boluses within 1 hour before or after ICU arrival. Our aim was to decrease the proportion of unplanned ICU transfers that met UNSAFE criteria by 50% in 1 year. METHODS: We adapted a previously described huddle-based intervention. In May 2015, we started a daily safety brief with hospital-wide representation; concurrently, nurses and residents separately identified watcher patients (ie, patients at risk for UNSAFE transfers) to be reported in the daily safety brief. Watcher patients frequently differed between the groups, so in July 2015, we started twice-daily watcher huddles on a pilot floor. During these huddles, nurses and residents jointly identified watcher patients on the basis of defined criteria and deployed mitigation plans. By March 2016, we implemented these huddles hospital-wide. We reviewed the electronic medical record to categorize all unplanned ICU transfers as safe or UNSAFE. Our outcome was the proportion of unplanned ICU transfers that met UNSAFE criteria. RESULTS: In the 16-month pre-intervention period, 49 of the 322 unplanned ICU transfers were UNSAFE (median 15.5%); in the 12-month post-intervention period, 13 of the 329 unplanned ICU transfers were UNSAFE (median 3%). These findings represent an 81% reduction in the proportion of UNSAFE transfers. CONCLUSIONS: Watcher huddles incorporated into the daily inpatient routine can significantly decrease UNSAFE transfers.
The yeast INO80 complex operates as a tunable DNA length-sensitive switch to regulate nucleosome sliding

Summary The yeast INO80 chromatin remodeling complex plays essential roles in regulating DNA damage repair, replication, and promoter architecture. INO80's role in these processes is likely related to its ability to slide nucleosomes, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here we use ensemble and single-molecule enzymology to study INO80-catalyzed nucleosome sliding. We find that the rate of nucleosome sliding by INO80 increases ∼100-fold when the flanking DNA length is increased from 40 to 60 bp. Furthermore, once sliding is initiated, INO80 moves the nucleosome rapidly at least 20 bp without pausing to re-assess flanking DNA length, and it can change the direction of nucleosome sliding without dissociation. Finally, we show that the Nhp10 module of INO80 plays an auto-inhibitory role, tuning INO80's switch-like response to flanking DNA. Our results indicate that INO80 is a highly processive remodeling motor that is tightly regulated by both substrate cues and non-catalytic subunits.
Incorporation of Scribes Into the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic Improves Quality of Care and Physician Productivity.

Background Electronic health records (EHRs), despite their positive attributes, increase physician workload and decrease efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of scribes in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic on improvement of the physician-patient relationship, physician productivity, clinical efficiency, and achievement of some Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) metrics. Methods We analyzed of pre- and postscribe data between fiscal years 2015 (FY15) and 2016 (FY16) using data from patients at the Inflammatory Bowel Clinic at the University of Florida. The main outcomes were patient satisfaction scores (PSS), qualitative physician interview, clinic appointment lengths, work relative value units (wRVUs), level of coding, revenue, and PQRS data on bone density screening and vaccination. Results PSS increased from 6.8/10 to 9.2/10 (P < 0.01), clinic appointment length decreased by 13.5 minutes (P < 0.05), and documentation stress decreased. Clinic visits increased by 76, leading to an increase in work RVUs by 332.55, total charges billed by $71,439, and total charges collected by $27,387 between the first quarters of FY15 and FY16. The extra revenue for the first quarter was 536% higher than the salary of the scribe for the same period ($4302.84). There was a 1.8-fold increase in referrals for bone density scans and 2.9-fold and 4.8-fold increases in vaccination rates for influenza and pneumonia, respectively. Conclusions The use of scribes improved the physician-patient relationship, clinical efficiency, physician productivity, bone density screening, and vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. If adopted by health systems, it may lead to significant cost savings and improved clinical outcomes.
In-plane and out-of-plane rotational motion of individual chain molecules in steady shear flow of polymer melts and solutions.

Abstract Recent nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of mildly entangled C400H802 and moderately entangled C700H1402 linear polyethylene melts undergoing steady shear flow have revealed that several inconsistencies between theory and experiment could be rectified by consideration of the rotational motion of individual polymer chains that occurs at moderate to high flow strengths. In this study, we investigated the configurational dynamics of the individual molecular chains that allow these once-entangled, long-chain molecules to execute retraction/extension semi-periodic cycles in response to the imposed shear via NEMD simulations. Brownian dynamics simulations were also performed to extract dynamical and configurational information about the similar cycles of polymer chain behavior that occur in dilute solutions of macromolecular chain liquids dissolved in low molecular weight solvents. Results revealed that the configurational motions of the individual chains in both melt and solution were essentially the same and governed by a single timescale that scaled exponentially with the magnitude of the shear rate. This configurational motion contained both in-plane and out-of-plane components with respect to the flow-gradient plane, with the out-of-plane component playing a much larger role during the retraction phase of the cycle than during the extension phase. This was determined to be caused by the enhancement of the retraction motion by the out-of-plane entropic Brownian forces; however, these entropic forces were detrimental to the in-plane hydrodynamic diffusive forces during the extension phase of the cycle and were thus suppressed. Consequently, the configuration of a rotating chain was significantly more compact during the retraction stage than during the extension stage, wherein the latter phase most molecules were more preferentially distributed in the flow-gradient plane.