cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutual understanding between Traditional Chinese Medicine and systems biology: gaps, challenges and opportunities

While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and systems biology have philosophical differences, both address human health using an integrative approach and both aim towards personalised medicine. The post-genomic era provides a unique opportunity for the two fields to understand and benefit from each other. In this review, the two approaches are compared, and various examples and hypotheses are provided to show how some practices in TCM might be interpreted by systems biology.
Antifungal susceptibility testing of isolates from a randomized, multicenter trial of fluconazole versus amphotericin B as treatment of nonneutropenic patients with candidemia. NIAID Mycoses Study Group and the Candidemia Study Group.

The antifungal susceptibilities of 232 pathogenic blood stream Candida isolates collected during a recently completed trial comparing fluconazole (400 mg/day) with amphotericin B (0.5 mg/kg of body weight per day) as treatment for candidemia in the nonneutropenic patient were determined both by the National committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M27-P macrobroth methodology and by a less cumbersome broth microdilution methodology. For amphotericin B, M27-P yielded a very narrow range of MICs (0.125 to 1 microgram/ml) and there were no susceptibility differences among species. For fluconazole, a broad range of MICs were seen (0.125 to > 64 micrograms/ml), with characteristic MICs seen for each species in the rank order Candida albicans 90% of isolates with amphotericin B and for > or = 77% of isolates with fluconazole. For both methods, elevated MICs did not predict treatment failure. In the case of amphotericin B, the MIC range was too narrow to permit identification of resistant isolates. In the case of fluconazole, MICs for isolates associated with failure to clear the bloodstream consistently were equivalent to the median MIC for the given species. Successful courses of therapy were seen with four isolates from four patients despite MICs of > or = 32 micrograms/ml. As MICs obtained by M27-P and similar methods correlate with responsiveness to fluconazole therapy in animal models and in AIDS patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis, the lack of correlation in this setting suggests that the MICs for these isolates are at or below the relevant fluconazole breakpoint for this dose of fluconazole and patient setting and that host factors such as failure to exchange intravenous catheters were more important than MIC in predicting outcome.
Association Studies of Sporadic Parkinson's Disease in the Genomic Era

Parkinson’s disease is a common age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Over the last 10 years, advances have been made in our understanding of the etiology of the disease with the greatest insights perhaps coming from genetic studies, including genome-wide association approaches. These large scale studies allow the identification of genomic regions harboring common variants associated to disease risk. Since the first genome-wide association study on sporadic Parkinson’s disease performed in 2005, improvements in study design, including the advent of meta-analyses, have allowed the identification of ~21 susceptibility loci. The first loci to be nominated were previously associated to familial PD (SNCA, MAPT, LRRK2) and these have been extensively replicated. For other more recently identified loci (SREBF1, SCARB2, RIT2) independent replication is still warranted. Cumulative risk estimates of associated variants suggest that more loci are still to be discovered. Additional association studies combined with deep re-sequencing of known genome-wide association study loci are necessary to identify the functional variants that drive disease risk. As each of these associated genes and variants are identified they will give insight into the biological pathways involved the etiology of Parkinson’s disease. This will ultimately lead to the identification of molecules that can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and as targets for the development of better, personalized treatment.
The Banana Wars: An Inner History of American Empire 1900-1934

The Banana Wars: United States Intervention in the Caribbean, 18981934 offers a sweeping panorama of America's tropical empire in the age spanned by the two Roosevelts and a detailed narrative of U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean and Mexi
High-resolution photoluminescence and reflection studies of GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs multi-quantum-well structures grown by molecular-beam epitaxy: Determination of microscopic structural quality of interfaces.

High-resolution photoluminescence and reflection measurements on two sets of GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As multi-quantum-well (MQW) structures grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), are reported. Both the heavy-hole and the light-hole excitonic spectra reveal considerable structure with very sharp lines, some as narrow as 0.05 meV. We believe that these are the sharpest lines ever reported for such systems. Samples from different parts of the same wafer for each MQW system exhibit very different excitonic structure. To explain these observations a theoretical model is proposed which is based on our studies of the formation of heterointerfaces by MBE and the theory of the effects of interface roughness on the excitonic linewidths.
Impact of FDA drug risk communications on health care utilization and health behaviors: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE:: To review literature on the impact of The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug risk communications on medication utilization, health care services use, and health outcomes. DATA SOURCES:: The authors searched MEDLINE and the Web of Science for manuscripts published between January 1990 and November 2010 that included terms related to drug utilization, the FDA, and advisories or warnings. We manually searched bibliographies and works citing selected articles and consulted with experts to guide study selection. STUDY SELECTION:: Studies were included if they involved an empirical analysis evaluating the impact of an FDA risk communication. DATA EXTRACTION:: We extracted the drug(s) analyzed, relevant FDA communication(s), data source, analytical method, and main outcome(s) assessed. RESULTS:: Of the 1432 records screened, 49 studies were included. These studies covered 16 medicines or therapeutic classes; one third examined communications regarding antidepressants. Most used medical or pharmacy claims and a few rigorously examined patient-provider communication, decision making, or risk perceptions. Advisories recommending increased clinical or laboratory monitoring generally led to decreased drug use, but only modest, short-term increases in monitoring. Communications targeting specific subpopulations often spilled over to other groups. Repeated or sequential advisories tended to have larger but delayed effects and decreased incident more than prevalent use. Drug-specific warnings were associated with particularly large decreases in utilization, although the magnitude of substitution within therapeutic classes varied across clinical contexts. CONCLUSIONS:: Although some FDA drug risk communications had immediate and strong impacts, many had either delayed or had no impact on health care utilization or health behaviors. These data demonstrate the complexity of using risk communication to improve the quality and safety of prescription drug use, and suggest the importance of continued assessments of the effect of future advisories and label changes. Identifying factors that are associated with rapid and sustained responses to risk communications will be important for informing future risk communication efforts. Language: en
SU‐FF‐T‐112: Dose Sparing of Brainstem and Spinal Cord for Re‐Irradiating Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

Purpose: Due to the lifetime dose limit for these critical structures such as brainstem and spinal cord, achieving an additional dose of 60 Gy to patients with recurrent head and neck cancer is challenging for who received a previous dose of ∼60 Gy. Specifically, previously irradiated head and neck patients may be near tolerance dose to their brainstem and spinal cord. In this study, a reproducible IMRTtreatment design is presented to spare the doses to brainstem and spinal cord with no compromise of prescribed dose delivery. Method and Materials: Seven patients with previously irradiated, recurrent head‐and‐neck cancers were treated with DMLC IMRT. The jaws of each field were set fixed with the goal of shielding the brainstem and spinal cord at the sacrifice of partial coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) from any particular beam orientation. Beam geometry was arranged to have sufficient coverage of the PTV and ensure that the constraints of spinal cord <10 Gy and brainstem < 15 Gy were met. Results: The mean maximum dose to the brainstem was 12.1 Gy (range: 6.1–17.3 Gy), and the mean maximum dose to spinal cord was 10.4 Gy (range: 8.2–14.1 Gy). For most cases, 97% of the PTV volume was fully covered by the 95% isodose volume. We found empirically that if the angle of cervical spine curvature (Cobb's angle) was less than ∼30 degrees, patients could be treated by 18 fields. Six patients met these criteria and were treated in 25 minutes per fraction. One patient exceeded a 30 degree Cobb's angle and was treated by 31 fields in 45 minutes per fraction. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a new technique for re‐treatment of head and neck cancers. The angle of cervical spine curvature plays an important role in the efficiency and effectiveness of our approach.
QoS-based adaptive playout scheduling based on the packet arrival statistics: Capturing local channel characteristics

In IP networks, a voice quality suffers from the uncertainness of the packet-switch network characteristics. In particular, delay variation, the so-called jitter, can cause the packet-loss effect, resulting in sound degradation. An adaptive playout-buffer scheduling algorithm is used to overcome the packet-loss effect caused by the jitter. A distribution-based approach provides an analytical scheduling scheme that meets a desired quality of service. This approach highly depends on the method to calculate channel characteristics. In this paper, three different calculation methods are suggested. One of three gives a distribution-based approach the ability to capture local channel characteristics. As a result, a distribution-based approach becomes more efficient.
Use of scintillation camera and 135Xenon for study of topographic pulmonary function

Abstract A technique has been described which allows a quantitative, topographic evaluation of ventilation and perfusion distribution in the human lung, using the Anger scintillation camera to detect the distribution of the radioactive isotope, 135 Xenon. The data obtained from four normal right and left lungs in seated, resting subjects, confirms the large (three to fourfold) apex to base perfusion gradient and the smaller (30%) ventilation gradient previously described by several authors. No significant horizontal gradient of either ventilation or perfusion could be detected.
Outcomes following staged bilateral pallidotomy in advanced Parkinson's disease.

The authors assessed clinical outcome for up to one year after staged bilateral pallidotomy in 14 patients with advanced PD. One year after surgery, dyskinesias were virtually abolished and there were significant reductions in “off” time (67%) and activities of daily living “off” scores (24%), as well as nonsignificant reduction in “off” motor score (39%); “on” scores were unchanged. One patient developed a visual field deficit; two had transient confusion. Staged bilateral pallidotomy improves motor function in selected patients with advanced PD.
THE DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY OF THE ANNONACEAE. I. EMBRYO AND EARLY SEEDLING STRUCTURE

Development of the epicotylary meristem is delayed; thus, it apparently has no immediate controlling influence on the procambium initiation either in the hypocotyl-root axis or in the cotyledons. Contrary to the situation found in most herbaceous dicotyledons, the procambium forms a hollow cylinder in the axis of the mature embryo. The first protophloem differentiates simultaneously in the upper part of the hypocotyl-root axis, at the base of the cotyledons, and in the cotyledons; protoxylem differentiation follows the same pattern as that of the protophloem. The direct vascular connection between the hypocotyl-root axis and cotyledons is established early in the mature embryo, and the fundamental aspects of transition phenomena are exhibited by the procambium before mature vascular elements differentiate. In the mature embryos, the pattern of lateral differentiation is irregular in that the number of protoxylem elements present at different levels is quite variable.
Examination of Negative Peer Contagion in a Residential Care Setting

There has been ongoing concern about the negative impact of residential treatment on youth in care. Research examining the impact of negative peer influence in juvenile justice, education, and residential care settings is reviewed. A study was conducted to examine the impact of negative peer contagion on the level of problem behavior in a residential care program, and the extent to which caregiver experience and youth time-in-program mediated that relationship. The study used archival data for 1,438 first-time admissions to a large Midwestern out-of-home residential program for youth with emotional and behavioral problems. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to examine the relationship between daily reports of conduct and oppositional defiant disorder (CD/ODD) behaviors and the percentage of conduct disorder youth living in a home. Greater exposure to conduct disordered peers was not related to increased rates of CD/ODD behavior. CD/ODD behavior was directly related to direct care staff level of experience and youth time in program. Implications for residential care are discussed.
How infants begin to extract words from speech

Abstract A crucial step for acquiring a native language vocabulary is the ability to segment words from fluent speech. English-learning infants first display some ability to segment words at about 7.5 months of age. However, their initial attempts at segmenting words only approximate those of fluent speakers of the language. In particular, 7.5-month-old infants are able to segment words that conform to the predominant stress pattern of English words. The ability to segment words with other stress patterns appears to require the use of other sources of information about word boundaries. By 10.5 months, English learners display sensitivity to additional cues to word boundaries such as statistical regularities, allophonic cues and phonotactic patterns. Infants' word segmentation abilities undergo further development during their second year when they begin to link sound patterns with particular meanings. By 24 months, the speed and accuracy with which infants recognize words in fluent speech is similar to that of native adult listeners. This review describes how infants use multiple sources of information to locate word boundaries in fluent speech, thereby laying the foundations for language understanding.
On the prediction of ternary mixture phase behavior from the GC-SAFT-VR approach: 1-Pentanol + dibutyl ether + n-nonane

Abstract In recent work [Peng et al. Fluid Phase Equilibr. 227(2) (2009), 131] a molecular-based group contribution SAFT-VR equation of state (GC-SAFT-VR) was proposed as a predictive tool for the study of fluid phase behavior. In the GC-SAFT-VR approach a fluid is modeled by a chain of tangentially bonded segments that each represent the different functional groups in the molecule, such as CH3, CH2 and OH, and so represents a more physically realistic model than that used in other SAFT-based approaches in which the segments of the model chain are identical i.e., have the same model parameters. The molecular parameters of the functional groups are determined by fitting to experimental vapor pressure and saturated liquid density data for selected members of different chemical families in a successive fashion, i.e., alkanes for CH3 and CH2 groups and subsequently alcohols for the OH group. The transferability of the molecular parameters can then be tested by comparing the theoretical predictions with experimental data for the phase behavior of pure fluids not included in the fitting process as well as binary mixtures of both simple fluids and polymer systems. Here, we continue the development of the GC-SAFT-VR approach, and for the first time, test its ability to predict the phase behavior of ternary mixtures. In particular, we consider binary and ternary mixtures of 1-pentanol, dibutyl ether and n-nonane. We find that the GC-SAFT-VR approach provides a good description of the phase equilibria of these binary and ternary systems without the need to fit cross interaction parameters to experimental mixture data.
Accurate modeling of axisymmetric two-port junctions in coaxial lines using the finite element method

Boundary conditions are developed for the input and output ports that absorb the reflected and transmitted waves while injecting the incident wave. The use of higher order elements is shown to greatly improve the accuracy, i.e., the accuracy increases rapidly with the order of the elements even when the number of nodes is kept roughly constant. The accuracy of the technique is verified by comparison with the theoretical and experimental results of other investigators for three discontinuities, and the agreement is shown to be excellent. >
Role of Scavenger Receptor A Family in Lung Inflammation from Exposure to Environmental Particles

Both immune and non-immune cells express an extensive array of scavenger receptors that bind a variety of ligands including bacterial cell-wall components and lipoproteins. Over the past several years, significant advances have been made in elucidating the role of scavenger receptors, predominantly Class A scavenger receptors SR-A I/II and MARCO, on macrophages in the binding of environmental particles such as crystalline silica and titanium dioxide. Recent evidence indicates that the binding of crystalline silica to scavenger receptors leads to apoptosis of macrophages and release of mediators (e.g., proinflammatory cytokines) contributing to lung inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we examine the evidence for the role of SR-A I/II and MARCO in binding of the environmental particles and signaling initiated by particle-receptor interaction. Emerging concepts on the molecular details of signaling cascades by engagement of scavenger receptors by the environmental particles are also discussed.
An integrated approach to the design and analysis of navigation, guidance and control systems for AUVs

This paper describes an integrated approach to the design and analysis of navigation, guidance and control systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV's). The general framework is illustrated with a design exercise in which recent developments in multivariable control theory and classical results in navigation and guidance were applied to the design of a trajectory following system for the AUV MARIUS (Marine Utility Vehicle System).
On-line scheduling of real-time services with profit and penalty

In this paper, we study a new family of real-time service oriented scheduling problems. The real time tasks are scheduled non preemptively with the objective of maximizing the total utility. Different from the traditional utility accrual scheduling problem that each task is associated with only a single time utility function (TUF), two different TUFs---a profit TUF and a penalty TUF---are associated with each task, to model the real-time services that not only need to reward the early completions but also need to penalize the abortions or deadline misses. We present two scheduling heuristics to judiciously accept, schedule, and abort real-time services when necessary to maximize the accrued utility. Our extensive experimental results show that our proposed algorithms can significantly outperform the traditional scheduling algorithms such as the Earliest Deadline First (EDF), the traditional utility accrual scheduling algorithms and an earlier scheduling approach based on a similar model.
A community organization-peer facilitated senior citizen health promotion program.

This project addressed hypertension, considering the variables of exercise, weight, blood pressure measurement, medication compliance, and nutritional practices while incorporating principles of self-responsibility for health. Major intervention activities included a three-times weekly exercise program; weekly weigh-ins; bi-weekly blood pressure checks; physician referral for anti-hypertensive prescriptions/maintenance; diet instruction; and peer facilitated health educational activities. Additionally, community support and project volunteers were obtained via various community organization strategies, such as community meetings, newspaper articles, or from advisory board activities. Major "everyday grass roots" responsibilities for program implementation were carried out by a peer senior citizen community organizer and a peer senior citizen health educator, with strong guidance from the Area Agency on Aging. Evaluation activities were based on the measurable impact and process objectives. T-tests were used to analyze weight and blood pressure pre-post data for the seventeen mostly female clients with an age range of sixty-four to eighty-eight and a mean age of seventy-five. T-values for weight, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were 21.02, 2.09, and 11.08, respectively, indicating significance (.00 or .05 level). Lastly, fourteen individuals lost a total of eighty-nine pounds; six individuals were able to re-enter acceptable blood pressure limits; and participants are accepting greater responsibility for their own health.
Does a Large Infant Head or a Short Perineal Body Increase the Risk of Obstetrical Perineal Trauma

Background: Perineal trauma after vaginal delivery can have significant long- term consequences. It is unknown if a larger infant head circumference or smaller maternal perineal anatomy are risk factors for perineal trauma after vaginal delivery. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of low-risk nulliparous women. Data collected included maternal characteristics, antepartum Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements of the perineal body and genital hiatus, labor characteristics, perineal trauma, and infant head circumference. Perineal trauma was defined as trauma that extended into the muscles of the perineum (second-degree or deeper). Univariate and multivariate logistic models were created to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI). Results: We observed 448 vaginal births. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between infant head circumference at birth and perineal trauma: OR 1.22 for each increase of 1 cm in head circumference (95% CI 1.05-1.43). There was no association between perineal body or genital hiatus length and perineal trauma. Conclusions: In nulliparous low-risk women a larger infant head circumference at birth increases the likelihood of perineal trauma, although the effect is modest. Antenatal perineal body and genital hiatus measurements do not predict perineal trauma. These results do not support alteration in mode of delivery or other obstetric practices. (BIRTH 2014)
Dynamic Interaction of Stress Granules, DDX3X, and IKK-α Mediates Multiple Functions in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The ubiquitous ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX3X is involved in many cellular functions, including innate immunity, and is a pivotal host factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Recently, we showed that DDX3X specifically recognizes the HCV 3' untranslated region (UTR), leading to the activation of IKK-α and a cascade of lipogenic signaling to facilitate lipid droplet biogenesis and viral assembly (Q. Li, V. Pene, S. Krishnamurthy, H. Cha, and T. J. Liang, Nat Med 19:722-729, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm.3190). The interaction of DDX3X with HCV core protein seems to be dispensable for its proviral role. In this study, through systematic imaging and biochemical and virologic approaches, we identified a dynamic association between DDX3X and various cellular compartments and viral elements mediating multiple functions of DDX3X in productive HCV infection. Upon HCV infection, the HCV 3'UTR interacts with DDX3X and IKK-α, which redistribute to speckle-like cytoplasmic structures shown to be stress granules (SGs). As viral proteins accumulate in infected cells, DDX3X granules together with SG-associated proteins redistribute and colocalize with HCV core protein around lipid droplets (LDs). IKK-α, however, does not relocate to the LD but translocates to the nucleus. In HCV-infected cells, various HCV nonstructural proteins also interact or colocalize with DDX3X in close proximity to SGs and LDs, consistent with the tight juxtaposition of the replication complex and the assembly site at the surface of LDs. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of DDX3X and multiple SG components markedly inhibits HCV infection. Our data suggest that DDX3X initiates a multifaceted cellular program involving dynamic associations with HCV RNA and proteins, IKK-α, SG, and LD surfaces for its crucial role in the HCV life cycle. IMPORTANCE DDX3X is a proviral host factor for HCV infection. Recently, we showed that DDX3X binds to the HCV 3'UTR, activating IKK-α and cellular lipogenesis to facilitate viral assembly (Q. Li et al., Nat Med 19:722-729, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm.3190). Here, we report associations of DDX3X with various cellular compartments and viral elements that mediate its multiple functions in the HCV life cycle. Upon infection, the HCV 3'UTR redistributes DDX3X and IKK-α to speckle-like cytoplasmic structures shown to be SGs. Subsequently, interactions between DDX3X, SG, and HCV proteins facilitate the translocation of DDX3X-SG complexes to the LD surface. HCV nonstructural proteins are shown to colocalize with DDX3X in close proximity to SGs and LDs, consistent with the tight juxtaposition of the HCV replication complex and assembly site at the LD surface. Our data demonstrate that DDX3X initiates a multifaceted cellular program involving dynamic associations with HCV elements, IKK-α, SGs, and LDs for its critical role in HCV infection.
Event Calculus Reasoning Through Satisfiability

We present an implemented method for encoding reasoning problems of a discrete version of the classical logic event calculus in propositional conjunctive normal form, enabling the problems to be solved efficiently by off-the-shelf complete satisfiability (SAT) solvers. We build on the previous encoding method of Shanahan and Witkowski, extending it to support causal constraints, concurrent events, determining fluents, effect axioms with conditions, events triggered by conditions, gradual change, incompletely specified initial situations, state constraints, and release from the commonsense law of inertia. We present an alternative classical logic axiomatization of the event calculus and prove its equivalence to a standard axiomatization for integer time. We describe our encoding method based on the alternative axiomatization and prove its correctness. We evaluate the method on 14 benchmark reasoning problems for the event calculus and compare performance with the causal calculator on eight problems in the zoo world domain.
Who Controls Whom? An Examination of the Relation Between Management and Boards of Directors in Large American Corporations

Most organization theorists believe that boards of directors in large American corporations are dominated by management. This paper argues that this view is based on a problematic definition of control. Several distinctions between long run and short run control are presented, and a framework in which boards of directors have control over managers is suggested. Case examples are given and possible objections are confronted. Finally, an agenda for further research on board-management relations is offered.
On the role of vegetation density on net snow cover radiation at the forest floor

[1] The timing and amount of snowmelt from forested watersheds is influenced by the total radiation reaching the forest floor. In order to understand and predict the impact of natural or anthropogenic changes in vegetation density on snow energetics, it is important to first quantify the relationship between vegetation density and net snow cover radiation. A physically based forest radiation model (FoRM) was developed to quantify net radiation on the forest floor and its dependence on vegetation density in midlatitude coniferous forests. For clear sky conditions, net radiation on the horizontal forest floor frequently exhibits a nonmonotonic decreasing then increasing trend with increasing vegetation density. The relationship turns monotonically increasing when cloudiness is considered. Variations in slope and aspect were also found to influence the behavior of radiation in relation to changing vegetation density. Net radiation increases with increasing slope for southerly aspects and decreases with northerly facing aspects. For clear sky conditions on south facing slopes, the optimal vegetation density at which radiation is minimized increases both with slope and toward more southerly aspects. In contrast, on north facing slopes, the vegetation density where net radiation is minimized decreases with increasing slope angle. When sky cloudiness is considered, for increasing south facing slopes, the relationship becomes relatively complex with the appearance of a local minimum at intermediate vegetation densities. The results have implications for prediction of snowmelt dynamics in complex terrain and development of forest thinning strategies to modulate snowmelt timing in mountainous environments.
Simulating reach motions

Modeling normal human reach behavior is dependent on many factors. Anthropometry, age, gender, joint mobility and muscle strength are a few such factors related to the individual being modeled. Reach locations, seat configurations, and tool weights are a few other task factors that can affect dynamic reach postures. This paper describes how two different modeling approaches are being used in the University of Michigan Human Motion Simulation Laboratory to predict normal seated reaching motions. One type of model uses an inverse kinematic structure with an optimization procedure that minimizes the weighted sum of the instantaneous velocity of each body segment. The second model employs a new functional regression technique to fit polynomial equations to the angular displacements of each body segment.
Intelligent business operation management

The business operations in century 21 are facing many new challenges. The role of IT supporting enterprise business operations has been also re-examined to cope with these new requirements. In this article, we highlight these new requirements and solutions to provide a modern business operation system.
GABA and taurine derivatives on the adhesive spiral of the orb web of Argiope spiders, and their possible behavioural significance

ABSTRACT. Two strongly acidic, ninhydrin-negative compounds were found in the water soluble fraction of the orb webs of Argiope trifasciata (Lucas) and Argiope aurantia (Forskal). One of these is a derivative of taurine. Aninhydrin-positive GABA derivative, gabamide, also exists in the water-soluble fraction of the web.
Diagnostic factors in the choice of impression materials and methods

Abstract The making of impressions for edentulous mouths may not be the most important phase in complete denture construction. It should require, however, the same careful planning as the other steps in complete denture procedures. A knowledge and an evaluation of the various biologic and diagnostic factors of the individual patient should influence the treatment planning of the impression procedure. These factors have been discussed and the variations in impression procedures, as have been indicated in each situation, have been suggested.
Analog pulse compressor for radar system

Pulse compression is commonly used in radar applications to improve range resolution while keeping transmitted peak power low. Conventional approach is either using SAW devices or fast convolution processing, but either solution has significant drawbacks. In this work, analog pulse compressor based on analog matched filter has been proposed using a digital waveform generator and an analog correlator. This scheme not only has advantages over conventional methods, but also adds additional flexibility to the system, and opens up possibilities for future extensions.
The influence of reticuloendothelial stimulation on the response of rats to dietary cholesterol

SUMMARY The influence of zymosan, and of various chemical fractions obtained from the yeast cell wall, on lipid alterations induced by the feeding of a cholesterol-cholate diet to rats was studied. Intravenous administration of zymosan produced pronounced stimulation and hyperplasia of the reticuloendothelial system, and a reduction in hepatic and plasma accumulation of ester cholesterol. Oral administration of zymosan was ineffective. Glucan, and other fractions derived from zymosan that stimulated the reticuloendothelial system, significantly inhibited dietary-induced hepatic cholesterosis. The results are indicative of a relationship between the functional activity of the reticuloendothelial system and cholesterol metabolism.
Effect of Timing of hCG Injection on Fertilization in Superovulated Hamsters

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was any influence of time between PMS and hCG injections on the fertilization process in hamsters. Ilamsters were assigned to one of three groups: 1) control; 2) superovulated with PMS on Day 1 of estrous cycle with hCG treatment 52 h later; and 3) superovulated with PMSon Day 1 of estrous cycle with hCG treatment 76 h later. The time of ovulation was not different between groups. The ovulation nate in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 1.27 ± 0.6, 53.2 ± 3.7, and 58.9 6.1, respectively. The percentages of fertilization in mated animals were 94.7, 35.1, and 89.8, respectively, for the three groups. In group 2 the fertilization rate was significantly lower (P<0.005) than in the other two groups. Artificial insemination of group 2 animals resulted in a fertilization rate of 56.7%. The proportion of oocytes with attached or penetrating spermatozoa was also lower in group 2. Chromosomal abrerration of ovulated oocytes was not different between groups. From these results, we conclude that administration of hCG to superovulated hamsters as long as 76 h after PMS treatment results in increased fertilization with no adverse effect on oocyte normality.
Providing Education on Sexuality and Relationships to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents

Adolescents with ASD show interest in and desire for relationships, yet deficits in social and communication skills characteristic of ASD may impair their ability to seek and maintain relationships. Parents are often responsible for providing education related to sexuality and relationships, and many express the need for support in teaching their children about these topics. To address these needs, the present study enrolled eight adolescents with ASD and their parents in a six-session program designed to provide education on sexuality and relationships. Adolescent participants included six males and two females, all of whom were between the ages of 12 and 16 (M = 13.4, SD = 0.92).To assess the utility of the program, parents were asked to provide information on adolescent behavior, parent–child discussion of topics related to sexuality and relationships, and parent satisfaction with the program. Adolescents completed knowledge questionnaires. Following the program, parents expressed satisfaction with the experience. Parents further reported that they were discussing a greater number of topics with their adolescents.
Rationale and Early Experience with Prophylactic Placement of Mesh to Prevent Parastomal Hernia Formation after Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion and Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Parastomal hernias (PH) represent a clinically significant problem for many patients after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. The prevalence may be as high as 60% and in some series, up to 30% of patients require surgical intervention due to the complications of pain, poor fit of an ostomy appliance, leakage, urinary obstruction, and bowel obstruction or strangulation. Due to the potential morbidity associated with PH repair, there have been efforts to prevent PH development at the time of the index surgery. Four randomized trials of prophylactic mesh placement at the time of colostomy and ileostomy stoma formation have demonstrated significant reductions in PH rates with acceptably low complication rates. In this review, we describe the clinical and radiographic definitions of PH, the clinical impact and risk factors behind its development, and the rationale behind prophylactic mesh placement for patients undergoing ileal conduit urinary diversion. Additionally, we report our experience with prophylactic mesh placed at radical cystectomy at our institution.
Interaction of Lymphocytes with Antigen: Identification of Antigen-Specific Receptors

The clonal selection theory proposes that antigen selects lymphocytes for activation from a population of cells precommitted to produce specific antibody. Implicit in this theory is that antibody-forming cells are monospecific and express cell-surface receptors capable of binding foreign antigens. In 1901, Paul Ehrlich suggested that antibody-forming cells expressed surface receptors (side chains) that were bound by foreign antigens. Interaction of antigen with these side chains induced the cell to synthesize additional antibody molecules. This proposal seemed untenable once Karl Landsteiner demonstrated that the immune system could produce antibodies to a vast array of antigens; for over 50 years theories of antibody formation postulated that antigen instructed cells to synthesize antibodies complementary to the antigen. The introduction of the clonal selection theory of antibody formation by Macfarlane Burnet in the 1950s revived the idea that antibody-forming cells express cell-surface receptors by which they bind antigen. In 1961, Goran Moller provided the first evidence that antibody-forming cells had antibody (immunoglobulin) on their surface. The antigenbinding specificity of these immunoglobulin molecules was shown to be identical to the antibody that cells will produce when activated. Initially, many immunologists thought that the T lymphocyte receptor would also be an immunoglobulin molecule. However, studies by several laboratories in the early 1980s using a combination of monoclonal antibodies and molecular genetic techniques showed that the receptor consists of two polypeptide chains. The antigen-specific receptors on both T and B lymphocytes are associated with other trans -membrane molecules involved in the transduction of activation signals into the cell.
Utility of Neuronavigation in Intracranial Meningioma Resection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Objective In this study, we validate the utility of navigation in intracranial meningioma excision and evaluate the effectiveness of image guidance surgery based on clinical outcome, extent of resection, and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Methods Information related to clinical history, use of neuronavigation, neuroimaging, microsurgical dissection, and outcomes of 517 consecutive cases with meningiomas between January 1995 and June 2015 was collected retrospectively. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine independent predictors of RFS. Results In this study, overall recurrence rate after tumor excision with or without neuronavigation was 17.7% and 31.2%, respectively ( P = 0.03). Based on neuronavigation use, RFS of the patients with meningiomas in different locations also varied significantly (skull base; with, 110 months vs. without, 157 months; P = 0.02). The median RFS for patients operated on with or without use of neuronavigation during resection of tumors was 167 and 97 months, respectively, (log-rank P =0.0001). In Cox regression multivariate analysis, use of neuronavigation ( P = 0.0001), gross total resection (Simpson grade I–II; P = 0.001), and World Health Organization grade I tumor ( P = 0.0001) were revealed as significant predictors of RFS. In addition, mean blood loss ( P = 0.005) and average length of stay ( P = 0.008) in the hospital were significantly reduced and performance status was improved using neuronavigation during resection of meningiomas. Conclusions Interactive surgical navigation is a useful tool in the operative management of intracranial meningiomas to decrease recurrence rate, blood loss, and length of stay, and to improve RFS and performance status. Therefore, use of neuronavigation should be ensured during resection of intracranial meningiomas.
Superconducting Synchrotrons

Superconductivity has advanced considerably since the discovery of high-field, type-II superconductors in 1961. During the past two years, superconductivity has at last become a tool of high-energy physics. One may now consider the construction of a superconducting proton synchrotron. Several laboratories in the United States and Europe are studying the feasibility of superconducting synchrotrons. A realistic look at such a synchrotron requires a study of the machine components and their interaction, and a study of the fundamental properties of such a machine. Economics will be the principal reason for ultimately building such a machine. Since the magnet system is the primary difference between superconducting and conventional machines, it will be emphasized in the report. There will be a short discussion of magnet coil configurations, superconducting materials, and the use of iron as a magnetic shield and return path. The magnet system consists of a power supply, cryostat, and a refrigeration system. All components are discussed in some detail. The use of superconducting synchrotron magnets permits one to consider a number of alternative solutions to RF, vacuum, and injection and extraction problems. Changes in the enclosure and other conventional facilities for a superconducting machine are discussed. A rough cost estimate of superconducting synchrotrons is presented. The effect of field, beam intensity, and repetition rate on cost is discussed. In conclusion, this report shows that a superconducting synchrotron is both feasible and economical.
Zinc Deficiency and Epithelial Wound Repair: an Autoradiographic Study of 3H-Thymidine Incorporation:

SummaryStudies were undertaken to examine the effects of zinc on the repair of the wound in the epithelium. Biopsy specimens obtained from zinc-deficient rats showed a reduced uptake of 3H-thymidine when compared with controls, as shown by liquid scintillation and autoradiography. With wounding, proliferation as indicated by the labeling index increased about twice normal for zinc-supplemented rats, but 3.5 times for zinc-deficient rats. However, despite the increased proliferative rate, repair of wounds in deficient rats was always slower than in zinc-supplemented animals.
Coherent Comb-based Spectroscopy in the Mid and Near-infrared

A coherent dual-comb spectrometer has been used for molecular spectroscopy in the mid- and near-infrared. We also discuss other comb-based systems including a comb-assisted tunable-laser spectrometer and potential future open air-path dual-comb spectroscopy. Article not available.
The Shear Modulus of Glassy and Supercooled Liquid Pd40Ni40P20

We have measured the shear modulus and its temperature dependence of Pd40Ni40P20 using an EMAT technique. The room temperature value of 3.92(1011) d/cm2 is in fair agreement with that of 3.66(1011) d/cm2 given earlier by He and Schwarz, using a resonant ultrasound spectroscopy technique. The relative change with temperature coefficient for T > Tg. During temperature cycling near but below Tg, irreversible aging effects are found showing that the amorphous state is not an equilibrium state. Near but above Tg, the cycling effects are reversible for time scales of the order of hours but not for time scales of the order of days, showing that metastable equilibrium states have not yet been fully attained. The results are in overall agreement with the predictions of the Interstitialcy Theory.
Surgical management of a transosseous meningioma with invasion of torcula, superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, calvaria, and scalp.

BACKGROUND Meningiomas involving both intradural and extradural structures are rare tumors. We report the complete resection of a massive complex transosseous meningioma that had invaded the torcula, superior sagittal sinus, occipital bone, and scalp. CASE DESCRIPTION A 48-year-old male presented after 3 days of worsening headaches and blurry vision. Preoperative imaging demonstrated an 11 × 5-cm extra-axial mass that avidly enhanced with gadolinium in the region of the torcula. Angiography demonstrated occlusion of the involved portions of the superior sagittal sinus, torcula, and proximal left transverse sinus. Cortical drainage occurred via the veins of Labbι and deep drainage via an occipital sinus. Using image-guided stereotaxy, a wide-excision scalp resection and craniectomy with sinus exploration was planned for complete tumor removal. Parasitized cortical veins were preserved. Occluded portions of the superior sagittal sinus and left transverse sinus were resected along with the invaded parts of the falx and tentorium. The walls of the straight sinus, torcula, and right transverse sinus were repaired primarily to facilitate deep drainage. A latissimus dorsi free flap was used to reconstruct the scalp defect. Routine follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 18 months demonstrated no evidence of recurrence or regrowth. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the importance of identifying aberrant venous drainage pathways when considering ligation and resection of major sinuses and discusses the management of calvarial and scalp invasion.