cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiments in nonconvex optimization: stochastic approximation with function smoothing and simulated annealing

Abstract The method of simulated annealing, to be referred to—after Szu (1986)—as classical simulated annealing (CSA), received much attention recently, especially for solving combinatorial problems (e.g., in the VLSI area), implementing the Boltzman machine for learning in neural networks, and recently for global function optimization. In Szu (1986a, 1987) the fast simulating annealing (FSA) algorithm was introduced—using the Cauchy rather than Gaussian sampling and fast cooling—and applied to finding the global minimum of a nonconvex multiextremal function. It has proved to be superior to the CSA technique. Recently, the method of stochastic approximation combined with convolution smoothing (to be referred to as SAS) was successfully used by Styblinski and Opalski (1984) for manufacturing yield optimization with deterministic parameters and non-differentiable p.d.f's (Tang & Styblinski, 1988). In this presentation, some analogies between the CSA/FSA and SAS algorithms are discussed in application to global function minimization. It is demonstrated that the SAS approach is much more accurate and efficient on the test examples tried than the FSA algorithm. Convenient statistical criteria are proposed and used for algorithm performance evaluation, together with test examples of controlled properties.
Cationic detergents as antiseptics

Abstract We wished to establish the value, if any, of the cationic detergents as antiseptics. We found that the primary value of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, one of the cationic detergents, was its cleansing effect. Experiments seemed to confirm the findings of others, that it has a high bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. Our clinical experiments showed that it can be safely used as a preoperative cleansing material for the surgeon's hands, as well as the operative field. We found it satisfactory for cleansing wounds in minor surgery. We have used it in cleansing infected wounds without signs of irritation to tissue. After using it over a year, we believe that alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, one of the cationic detergents, is a rapid, safe and effective surgical antiseptic.
Surfactant Trials: In Reply

ARTICLE In Reply .— Drs Moya et al are concerned with comments related to the following issues concerning their recently reported trials with the new synthetic surfactant lucinactant: 1. whether previous studies have shown natural surfactants to be superior to previously developed synthetic surfactants; 2. whether lucinactant is superior or equivalent to existing synthetic surfactants; and 3. whether lucinactant is superior or equivalent to existing natural surfactants. The answer to concern 1 has been examined in several meta-analyses and in vitro studies that have concluded convincingly that the natural surfactants are more effective biophysically, physiologically, and clinically (numerous reviews on …
Is Nasal Packing Necessary Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the necessity of nasal packing or hemostatic agents or both following endoscopic sinus surgery. Study Design: Retrospective review of cases in a tertiary care sinus practice at an academic medical center. Methods: Records of 165 patients undergoing 169 endoscopic sinus surgeries were reviewed to determine the presence of adjunctive nasal procedures, the use of nasal packing or hemostatic agents or both, blood loss during surgery, and the incidence of bleeding complications following surgery. Results: The median estimated blood loss during surgery was 50.0 mL (range, 5-1000 mL). In four surgeries (2.4%) hemostatic agents were placed in the nose at the conclusion of surgery, 19 (11.2%) had packing, and 147 (87.0%) had no material left in the nose. No patients had bleeding complications postoperatively. There was a significant decrease in the use of packing or hemostatic agents or both over time. Conclusion: Placement of nasal packing or other hemostatic agents or both within the nasal cavity is not necessary in the majority of endoscopic sinus surgeries. The risks, costs, and discomforts associated with these interventions can often be avoided.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora ramorum in a key infectious host: landscape variation in host genotype, host phenotype, and environmental factors

Summary • Sudden oak death is an emerging forest disease caused by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Genetic and environmental factors affecting susceptibility to P. ramorum in the key inoculum-producing host tree Umbellularia californica (bay laurel) were examined across a heterogeneous landscape in California, USA.  Laboratory susceptibility trials were conducted on detached leaves and assessed field disease levels for 97 host trees from 12 225-m 2 plots. Genotype and phenotype characteristics were assessed for each tree. Effects of plot-level environmental conditions (understory microclimate, amount of solar radiation and topographic moisture potential) on disease expression were also evaluated.  Susceptibility varied significantly among U. californica trees, with a fivefold difference in leaf lesion size. Lesion size was positively related to leaf area, but not to other phenotypic traits or to field disease level. Genetic diversity was structured at three spatial scales, but primarily among individuals within plots. Lesion size was significantly related to amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, but local environment explained most variation in field disease level.  Thus, substantial genetic variation in susceptibility to P. ramorum occurs in its principal foliar host U. californica, but local environment mediates expression of susceptibility
Application of Immunohistochemistry in Thyroid Pathology

Context.— Accurate classification of follicular-patterned thyroid lesions is not always an easy task on routine surgical hematoxylin-eosin–stained or cytologic fine-needle aspiration specimens. The diagnostic challenges are partially due to differential diagnostic criteria that are often subtle and subjective. In the past decades, tremendous advances have been made in molecular gene profiling of tumors and diagnostic immunohistochemistry, aiding in diagnostic accuracy and proper patient management. Objective.— To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the most commonly studied immunomarkers in the field of thyroid pathology by review of the literature, using the database of indexed articles in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) from 1976–2013. Data Sources.— Literature review, authors' research data, and personal practice experience. Conclusions.— The appropriate use of immunohistochemistry by applying a panel of immunomarkers and using a standardized technical and interpretational method may complement...
Selling Formats for Search Goods

The paper offers a comparative analysis of different ways to sell products selling formats when buyers incur evaluation costs. Since these costs are sunk at the moment of trade, buyers may refrain from incurring them for fear of later opportunism on the part of sellers. It is found that the use of many common selling formats can be explained in terms of their ability to alleviate this problem. Specifically, I explain price advertising, seller colocation, and bargaining. The theory explains much of the divergence in retail trading institutions and leads to several testable predictions.
Effects of polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) on thermal properties, morphology, and tensile properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and corn starch blends

The effects of polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) on the thermal properties, morphology, and tensile properties of blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and corn starch were studied with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Instron Universal Testing Machine, respectively. Corn starch–LDPE blends with different starch content and with or without the addition of PE-g-MA were prepared with a lab-scale twin-screw extruder. The crystallization temperature of LDPE–corn starch–PE-g-MA blends was similar to that of pure LDPE but higher than that of LDPE–corn starch blends. The interfacial properties between corn starch and LDPE were improved after PE-g-MA addition, as evidenced by the structure morphology revealed by SEM. The tensile strength and elongation at break of corn starch–LDPE–PE-g-MA blends were greater than those of LDPE–corn starch blends, and their differences became more pronounced at higher starch contents. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2904–2911, 2003
Experimental characterization of induction electrohydrodynamics for integrated microchannel pumping

Microscale fluid flow using traveling-wave induction electrohydrodynamics is demonstrated. A three-phase traveling-wave device fabricated for the experiments provides a temporally and spatially varying electric field which helps induce ions in a fluid that is subjected to a temperature gradient. These ions are moved as the traveling wave propagates, resulting in a drag force being exerted on the surrounding fluid. Repulsion-type electrohydrodynamic flow is visualized in a microchannel of depth 50 µm, and results are presented in terms of velocity measurements using particle image velocimetry. The effects of voltage, traveling-wave frequency and the addition of externally applied heat are demonstrated and heat transfer capabilities of the micropump are discussed. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Interaction of steroids with dexamethasone-binding receptor and corticosteroid-binding globulin in the mammary gland of the mouse in relation to lactation.

Dexamethasone (9α-fluoro-llβ17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methyl-pregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione) binding by cytosolic components of mammary glands from pregnant and lactating mice was characterized and quantified. The unfilled receptor for dexamethasone lost binding activity rapidly by a process that was largely, but not completely, reversed by the addition of sulfhydryl reagents. The quantity of dexamethasone receptors increased 4-fold during the last 8 days of pregnancy. The apparent binding affinity (Ka) calculated from Scatchard plots was maximal at parturition (1.5 × 108 M-1), but declined gradually as lactation progressed. A mixture of cytosols from pregnancy and lactation gave a linear Scatchard plot, with a Ka that was the mean of the Ka values obtained in the separate cytosols. The decreased Ka in lactating mice was not due to a different class of receptors, but may be attributed to the increased levels of endogenous free steroids in the cytosol. Some differences, however, were noted between the sedimentatio...
18F-Florbetapir Binds Specifically to Myocardial Light Chain and Transthyretin Amyloid Deposits: Autoradiography Study.

Background— 18F-florbetapir is a promising imaging biomarker for cardiac light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Our aim, using human autopsy myocardial specimens, was to test the hypothesis that 18F-florbetapir binds specifically to myocardial AL and ATTR amyloid deposits. Methods and Results— We studied myocardial sections from 30 subjects with autopsy-documented AL (n=10), ATTR (n=10), and nonamyloid controls (n=10) using 18F-florbetapir and cold florbetapir compound and digital autoradiography. Total and nonspecific binding of 18F-florbetapir was determined using the maximum signal intensity values. Specific binding of 18F-florbetapir was calculated by subtracting nonspecific from total binding measurements (in decays per minute/mm2, DPM mm2) and was compared with cardiac structure and function on echocardiography and the histological extent of amyloid deposits. Diffuse or focally increased 18F-florbetapir uptake was noted in all AL and ATTR samples and in none of the control samples. Compared with control samples, mean 18F-florbetapir–specific uptake was significantly higher in the amyloid samples (0.94±0.43 versus 2.00±0.58 DPM/mm2; P <0.001), and in the AL compared with the ATTR samples (2.48±0.40 versus 1.52±0.22 DPM/mm2; P <0.001). The samples from subjects with atypical echocardiographic features of amyloidosis showed quantitatively more intense 18F-florbetapir–specific uptake compared with control samples (1.50±0.17 versus 0.94±0.43 DPM/mm2; P =0.004), despite smaller amyloid extent than in subjects with typical echocardiograms. Conclusions— 18F-florbetapir specifically binds to myocardial AL and ATTR deposits in humans and offers the potential to screen for the 2 most common types of myocardial amyloid.
Human-computer interactive gaming system - a chinese chess robot

In this paper, the system of Chinese chess robot is demonstrated, and it presents the latest development of artificial intelligence. The robot could play Chinese chess with human autonomously - with “eyes” it can recognize the pieces on the chessboard and move them with its mechanical arm. Furthermore, it has high intelligence which could approach the “master” level. The paper will be organized as follows: Firstly, the general structure and seven subsystems will be introduced briefly; then some key techniques used in Chinese chess gaming system will be discussed.
Interpretation of Piezocone Penetrometer Profiles in Sediment from the Mackenzie Trough, Canadian Beaufort Sea

ABSTRACT An in situ geotechnical tool, the piezocone penetrometer, was used to study an offshore site in the Canadian Beaufort Sea for geological and geotechnical purposes. Five stratigraphic units are identified in the Mackenzie Trough. Marine clay of Unit A shows a very linear cone response, indicating a uniform lithology and simple stress history. Units B through E, which underlie Unit A, show more complex responses, indicating lithologic variation and more complex stress history related to delta progradation and transgression. The cone data and, in particular, the pore-pressure response enable the recovery of continuous and detailed sedimentological data, including bed thickness, graded bedding, and thinning and fining-upward sequences. This paper describes the use and interpretation of th penetrometer tool for sedimentological study and presents a case study of the Mackenzie Trough, Beaufort Sea, where the tool was applied. The interpreted piezocone profiles are shown to correlate directly with the seismic data and collected samples. Based on experience gained in the study area of Mackenzie Trough, methods are described for improving marine field procedures with the use of the piezocone penetrometer in a geological site investigation.
Child Care Decision Making: Understanding Priorities and Processes Used by Low-Income Families in Minnesota

Research Findings: Few studies have described parents' child care decision-making process, yet understanding how parents make child care choices is fundamental to developing effective services to promote the selection of high-quality care. This study used latent profile analysis to distinguish subgroups of low-income parents identified as having commonalities in the number of options, duration, and sources of information sought as part of their child care decision-making process. Study participants included 260 parents who participated in the baseline wave of the Minnesota Child Care Choices study, a longitudinal phone survey of welfare applicants. Two subgroups of parents were identified. The majority of parents (82%) made choices within 2 weeks and considered on average 2 arrangements. Fewer than half of these parents considered information from experts, public lists, or family members/friends when making a child care choice. The remaining 18% of the sample took on average 11 weeks to make a child care ...
Evaluation of attributes that affect longissimus muscle tenderness in bos taurus and bos indicus cattle

Biological tenderness differences between longissimus muscles (LM) from Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeds were evaluated. Steers and heifers of Hereford x Angus (H x A, n = 10), 3/8 Sahiwal x H, A or H x A (3/8 SAH, n = 6) and 5/8 Sahiwal x H, A or H x A (5/8 SAH, n = 11) crosses were utilized. Muscle temperature and pH were monitored every 3 h for the first 12 h and at 24 h. Samples were obtained within 1 h and at 24 h postmortem from the LM for determination of calcium-dependent protease (CDP) -I and -II and CDP inhibitor (INH) activities. At 1 and 14 d postmortem, LM samples were removed for determining cathepsin B and B + L activity, soluble and total collagen, sarcomere length, muscle-fiber histochemistry, shear force and sensory-panel traits. Data were analyzed using least squares procedures with fixed effects of breed cross, sex and their interaction. No significant breed cross effects were observed for carcass traits or rates of pH and temperature decline. Steaks from H x A had lower (P less than .05) shear-force values and higher (P less than .05) sensory scores for tenderness at 1 and 14 d postmortem than steaks from 3/8 and 5/8 SAH. Correspondingly, 5/8 SAH had lower (P less than .05) myofibril fragmentation indices than H x A at 1, 3, 7 and 14 d postmortem. Breed cross effects were not significant for sarcomere length, fiber types, soluble and total collagen, cathepsin B and B + L specific activity, CDP-I and -II activity and INH activity within 1 h postmortem. However, INH total activity/100 g of muscle was greater (P less than .01) at 24 h postmortem for 5/8 SAH (208.8 +/- 14.8) and 3/8 SAH (195.6 +/- 19.3) than for H x A (136.3 +/- 14.9). For H x A, SDS-PAGE revealed that by d 1 desmin had been subjected to proteolysis, and by d 14 desmin could not be detected, but a 30,000-dalton component was clearly evident. However, in 5/8 SAH, desmin remained visible at d 14 without a 30,000-dalton component appearing. This reduced protein hydrolysis may account for less tender meat in SAH; INH apparently influences this process.
The neutral vacancy in silicon and diamond: Generalized valence bond studies

Abstract Self-consistent ab initio generalized valence bond and configuration interaction calculations are presented for molecular cluster models of the electronic states of the neutral vacancy in diamond and silicon. In each case the ground state of the vacancy is found to be 1E (Td designation) with the 3T1 and 5A2 states slightly higher (0.18 eV and 0.60 eV for Si and 0.33 eV and 1.2 eV for C). The first excited singlest state is 1T2 in each case. The 1E-1T2 excitation energy is foundto be 1.7 ± 0.7 eV for diamond and 1.3 ± 0.5 eV in silicon, the range being due to uncertainty in the model used for estimating the polarization effects due to the remainder of the infinite crystal.
Making Bibliographic Researchers More Efficient: Tools for Organizing and Downloading PDFs, Part 2: QUOSA

Researcher-writers need integrated systems to help them increase productivity. These systems should enhance the intellectual aspects of writing, such as analysis and synthesis of existing research, while lessening the burden of more routine but still necessary duties, such as bibliographic editing. Although a robust, fully integrated system for researcher-writer support does not exist, new resources are moving closer to that goal. Third-party programs that connect bibliographic search results to full-text PDFs of cited articles can save time and effort and result in discoveries that may not have been obvious using existing approaches and processes. Questions considered in this column are: What types of programs exist? What are their purposes? How do these programs operate? Do they always behave as advertised? How do they compare? Part 1 of this exploration, published here, covers iCyte®, Mendeley™, Papers, PDF Stacks, PubGet PaperPlane™, WizFolio, and Zotero™. Part 2 in the next issue will cover a robust ...
Generic distributed assembly and repair algorithms for self-reconfiguring robots

In this paper we present generic distributed algorithms for assembling and repairing shapes using modular self-reconfiguring robots. The algorithms work in the sliding cube model. Each module independently evaluates a set of local rules using different evaluation models. Two methods are used to determine the correctness of the algorithms - a graph analysis technique which can prove the rule set is correct for specific instances of the algorithm, and a statistical technique which can produce arbitrary bounds on the likelihood that the rule set functions correctly. An extension of the assembly algorithm can be used to produce arbitrary non-cantilevered convex shapes without holes. The algorithms have been implemented and evaluated in simulation.
Quantifying the effect of magnetopause shadowing on electron radiation belt dropouts

Abstract. Energetic radiation belt electron fluxes can undergo sudden dropouts in response to different solar wind drivers. Many physical processes contribute to the electron flux dropout, but their respective roles in the net electron depletion remain a fundamental puzzle. Some previous studies have qualitatively examined the importance of magnetopause shadowing in the sudden dropouts either from observations or from simulations. While it is difficult to directly measure the electron flux loss into the solar wind, radial diffusion codes with a fixed boundary location (commonly utilized in the literature) are not able to explicitly account for magnetopause shadowing. The exact percentage of its contribution has therefore not yet been resolved. To overcome these limitations and to determine the exact contribution in percentage, we carry out radial diffusion simulations with the magnetopause shadowing effect explicitly accounted for during a superposed solar wind stream interface passage, and quantify the relative contribution of the magnetopause shadowing coupled with outward radial diffusion by comparing with GPS-observed total flux dropout. Results indicate that during high-speed solar wind stream events, which are typically preceded by enhanced dynamic pressure and hence a compressed magnetosphere, magnetopause shadowing coupled with the outward radial diffusion can explain about 60–99% of the main-phase radiation belt electron depletion near the geosynchronous orbit. While the outer region (L* > 5) can nearly be explained by the above coupled mechanism, additional loss mechanisms are needed to fully explain the energetic electron loss for the inner region (L* l 5). While this conclusion confirms earlier studies, our quantification study demonstrates its relative importance with respect to other mechanisms at different locations.
Binding of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag Protein to the Viral RNA Encapsidation Signal in the Yeast Three-Hybrid System

We have used the yeast three-hybrid system (D. J. SenGupta, B. Zhang, B. Kraemer, P. Pochart, S. Fields, and M. Wickens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8496–8501, 1996) to study binding of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag protein to the HIV-1 RNA encapsidation signal (HIVΨ). Interaction of these elements results in the activation of a reporter gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Using this system, we have shown that the HIV-1 Gag protein binds specifically to a 139-nucleotide fragment of the HIVΨ signal containing four stem-loop structures. Mutations in either the Gag protein or the encapsidation signal that have been shown previously to impair this interaction reduced the activation of the reporter gene. Interestingly, the nucleocapsid portion of Gag retained the RNA binding activity but lost its specificity compared to the full-length Gag. These results demonstrate the utility of this system and suggest that a variety of genetic analyses could be performed to study Gag-encapsidation signal interactions.
Regulation of Tbx6 expression by Notch signaling.

Somites are the first overt sign of segmentation in the vertebrate embryo and form from bilateral strips of paraxial mesoderm. Paraxial mesoderm arises from the primitive streak; it then migrates laterally and comes to lie on both sides of the neural tube. In the mouse, the T-box transcription factor Tbx6 is required for both somite formation and patterning. Tbx6 expression corresponds both temporally and spatially to somite formation, with expression in the primitive streak and presomitic mesoderm. Its expression in the latter could simply be explained by maintenance following its initial activation in the primitive streak. Alternatively, its expression in the presomitic mesoderm may be contributed by separate regulatory elements possibly under the control of different signals. We have begun to investigate how Tbx6 expression is controlled during development using a transgenic approach to identify the cis-acting regulatory regions. We show that it is possible to separate an element required for presomitic mesoderm expression from that driving expression in the primitive streak. Further, we show that a binding site for the Notch transcription factor RBP-Jκ is necessary for Tbx6 presomitic mesoderm enhancer activity, indicating that Notch signaling is upstream of Tbx6 in the pathway directing somite formation and patterning. genesis 42:61–70, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Ethanol Extract on Nitrogen-Corrected True Metabolizable Energy for Soybean Meal with Broilers and Roosters

Abstract Forty-day-old Arbor Acre × Ross male broilers were precision-fed 44% soybean meal (SBM) or 80%-ethanol extracted SBM (ESBM) to determine differences in TMEn values due to the removal of oligosaccharides. The SBM had a dry matter crude protein content of 47.2% and the TMEn value of 2,546 kcal/kg. The ESBM had a dry matter crude protein content of 64.4% and TMEn value of 3,117 kcal/kg. In a second experiment, Leghorn roosters were precision-fed SBM, ESBM, ESBM containing 5.3% raffinose (RAF), or ESBM plus the alcohol extract (EXT). The TMEn of ESBM with Leghorn roosters was approximately 420 kcal/kg higher than that of SBM. The TMEn values for RAF and EXT were similar to that of SBM. In a third experiment, SBM and freeze-dried ESBM (FDE) were precision-fed to Leghorn roosters. Excreta were collected for 48, 72, and 96 h. The TMEn values did not differ significantly with the longer collection times. Significantly higher TMEn values were observed for FDE than for SBM for all three collection periods. Alcohol extraction increased the TMEn of SBM as determined with both roosters and broilers. The recombination of the alcohol extract or an equivalent amount of raffinose to the ESBM resulted in TMEn values that were not significantly different from that of SBM.
Morphologic characterization of specific granules in Greyhound eosinophils.

Background: ‘‘Vacuolated’’ eosinophils (ie, eosinophils with empty, nonstaining granules) have been described previously in normal Greyhounds. However, to our knowledge, detailed studies of granules in vacuolated and normal eosinophils in this breed have not been performed. Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to characterize some of the morphologic, ultrastructural, and cytochemical staining features of specific (primary) granules in both normal and vacuolated eosinophils in Greyhound blood. Methods: Morphologic features of eosinophils in Wright’s- and Diff-Quik–stained peripheral blood smears from 49 Greyhounds were compared with 200 blood smears from non-Greyhound dogs. Transmission electron microscopy was done on blood from 3 Greyhounds with vacuolated eosinophils and 3 with normal eosinophil granules. Blood smears from 4 of these dogs also were stained cytochemically with alkaline phosphatase (AP), chloracetate esterase (CAE), and alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE). The morphologic features and tinctorial properties of vacuolated and normal eosinophils were compared. Results: Twenty-six Greyhounds (53%) had vacuolated eosinophils and 23 (47%) had normal granulated eosinophils in smears stained with Wright’s stain. Only 1% of eosinophils were vacuolated in non-Greyhound dogs. Twenty of the 23 (85%) Greyhounds with normal granulated eosinophils on Wright’s-stained smears had vacuolated eosinophils in smears stained with Diff-Quik. Ultrastructurally, no morphologic differences were observed between granules of vacuolated and normal eosinophils. Both vacuolated and normal eosinophils in Greyhounds were positive for AP and negative for CAE and ANBE, as expected for normal dogs. Conclusion: Vacuolated eosinophils in Greyhounds likely reflect, at least in part, differential staining properties of the specific granules with different hematologic stains. Ultrastuctural and cytochemical features of eosinophil granules were similar in normal and vacuolated eosinophils from Greyhounds. (Vet Clin Pathol. 2005;34:140–143) � 2005 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Canaan Valley: Promised Land or Battleground for Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism

Abstract We assessed outdoor recreation and tourism trends for Canaan Valley (hereafter, the Valley) and Tucker County, WV, from historical and contemporary perspectives. Using various primary and secondary sources, including academic research papers, agency reports, newspaper articles, and personal interviews, we developed a socio-demographic profile of Tucker County to gain a context for understanding the issues associated with outdoor recreation and tourism in the region. We then developed a historical model to outline discrete stages of outdoor recreation and tourism development in the Valley. We identified critical issues, such as the lack of coordination and level of conflict, then formulated sustainable development options for the Valley and its environs. Two specific strategies towards sustainable development include (1) the creation of a Canaan Valley Coordinating Council and (2) the County's active participation in regional heritage- and nature-based tourism initiatives. Tourism development shou...
Bio-based alternative to the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with controlled materials properties

A series of biobased epoxy monomers were prepared from diphenolic acid (DPA) by transforming the free acid into n-alkyl esters and the phenolic hydroxyl groups into diglycidyl ethers. NMR experiments confirmed that the diglycidyl ethers of diphenolates (DGEDP) with methyl and ethyl esters have 6 and 3 mol % of glycidyl ester. Increasing the chain length of DGEDP n-alkyl esters from methyl to n-pentyl resulted in large decreases in epoxy resin viscosity (700-to-11 Pa·s). Storage modulus of DPA epoxy resins, cured with isophorone diamine, also varied with n-alkyl ester chain length (e.g., 3300 and 2100 MPa for the methyl and n-pentyl esters). The alpha transition temperature of the cured materials showed a linear decrease from 158 to 86 °C as the ester length increases. The Young’s modulus and tensile strengths were about 1150 and 40 MPa, respectively, for all the cured resins tested (including DGEBA) and varied little as a function of ester length. Degree of cure for the different epoxy resins, determined ...
Conceptualizing Community Buy-in and Its Application to Urban Farming

Supporters of urban farming — a type of urban agriculture that emphasizes income generation — view it as a productive use of vacant land, increasing access to fresh produce and contributing to local economies. Yet its viability depends on gaining "community buy-in" (i.e., the acceptance and active support of local residents). While recognized as important to the success of socially oriented programs, information is lacking regarding effective processes for gaining community buy-in. Through participant observation at urban farms and interviews with urban farmers, neighborhood leaders, city residents, and key stakeholders in Baltimore, Maryland, we explored the perceived importance of community buy-in for urban farming, as well as the barriers, facilitators, and strategies for gaining such buy-in. Findings reveal consensus regarding the importance of buy-in, justified by farms' vulnerability to vandalism and the need to align farm services with local residents' desires. Barriers to buy-in include unfamiliarity of residents with urban farming, concerns about negative impacts on the neighborhood, and perceptions of urban farms as "outsider projects." Buy-in is facilitated by perceived benefits such as access to fresh produce, improvement of degraded lots, employment and educational opportunities, the creation of community centers, and community revitalization. Strategies urban farmers use to gain community support followed three main phases: (1) gaining entry into a neighborhood; (2) introducing the idea for an urban farm; and (3) engaging the neighborhood in the urban farm. We make recommendations based on these three phases to assist urban farmers in gaining community buy-in and discuss themes that can be applied to community buy-in processes more broadly.
Comparison of the Influence of Humidity and d-Mannitol on the Organization of Tetraethylene Glycol-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers and Immobilized Antimicrobial Peptides

We report the use of polarization-modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) to characterize the effects of relative humidity (RH) and d-mannitol on the conformations of tetraethylene glycol (EG4)-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and immobilized antimicrobial peptides (Cecropin P1 and a hybrid of Cecropin A (1–8) and Melittin (1–18)). These results are used to assess the extent to which d-mannitol can substitute for water in promoting conformational states of the SAMs and oligopeptides similar to those induced by hydration. Our measurements reveal a red shift of the COC asymmetric stretching vibration of the EG4-terminated SAMs with increasing humidity, consistent with a transition from a mixed all-trans/helical (7/2 helix) conformation at 0% RH to a predominantly helical conformation at 90% RH. Significantly, under dry conditions, a thin (2 nm in thickness) overlayer of d-mannitol generated the COC spectroscopic signature of the EG4-terminated SAM measured at high humidi...
A Discussion of a Differential Equation

(1931). A Discussion of a Differential Equation. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 17-25.
Brave New Genome

Genome editing holds great therapeutic promise, but its application in humans would require not only overcoming serious technical challenges but also addressing serious risks and fraught ethical issues.
S03.5 Advancing Sexual Health in the US: from Theory to Action

Background The United States faces a variety of public health issues related to sexual behaviour including HIV, STD, unintended pregnancy, and sexual violence. A 2010 CDC consultation on A Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States (http://www.cdc.gov/sexualhealth/docs/SexualHealthReport-2011–508.pdf) provided recommendations on how CDC could enhance prevention programme impact by comprehensively addressing sexual health. Methods Since the consultation, CDC has worked across its divisions and with external partners to translate the theoretical concept of sexual health into public health action through national leadership, partnership development, and scientific and programme efforts. Results Initially, we developed a sexual health framework emphasising the importance of using sexual health promotion to complement and enhance core disease control and prevention activities based on five key principles: acknowledgment of the impact of sexual health on overall health, consideration of underlying social issues, an emphasis on wellness, a focus on relationships, and integrated prevention approaches. Subsequently, we reviewed U.S. national data systems to identify existing measures of key domains of sexual health and conducted health communications research assessing optimal frameworks and messages for communicating with audiences with varied perspectives. Partnership development was accelerated by forming a National Sexual Health Coalition, with a spectrum of non-governmental partners addressing sexual health among the general population, adolescents, and MSM. Public health implementation of sexual health promotion has focused on supporting development of sexual health plans by U.S. states and sexual health training for providers in public health and primary care settings. Conclusions Implementing actions to address sexual health in a society with diverse values is a challenging and evolving process, but has great potential to improve prevention efforts by engaging a spectrum of partners, facilitating societal dialogue around sexuality and sexual behaviour, reducing stigma and fear, and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of prevention messages and services.
Mixed Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis in a Cocaine User

The dematiaceous fungi rarely cause serious disease in humans. We report a case of mixed cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by two dematiaceous fungi, Exserohilum rostratum and Curvularia species, and review the microbiological characteristics and clinical significance of these organisms.
Philip Melanchthon: Speaking for the Reformation

Already theological conflicts during his lifetime have made forming an accurate picture of Philip Melanchthon’s contribution to the Reformation difficult. A close examination of his life reveals a ...
Effects of Cr and Cooling Rate on Segregation and Refinement of Primary Si in Al-20 WT %Si Alloy

The effect of Cr on segregation and refinement of primary Si in Al-20 wt %Si alloy under a different cooling rate was investigated with a wedge-shaped mould. In addition, the effects of P and a combination of P and Cr on Al-20 wt %Si were also studied. Thermal analysis techniques were used to calculate the cooling rate in the solidification range. The microstructures were examined by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the segregation of primary Si exists in the castings. The optimal pouring temperature was 850°C (1562°F) with a range of 800–900°C (1472–1652°F). Segregation of primary Si could be inhibited with the addition of refiners and increasing cooling rate. The CrSi2 particles adhered to primary Si particles further reduced the segregation. The primary Si particles were well refined by Cr, P or a combination of P and Cr for CrSi2 and AlP served as heterogeneous nucleus for primary Si, but P had a better refinement effect than Cr. A combination of P and Cr into the melt improved the P refinement effect and substantially inhibited the segregation of primary Si.
The limited utility of currently available venous thromboembolism risk assessment tools in gynecological oncology patients

Background Use of risk assessment tools, such as the Caprini score or Rogers score, is recommended by national societies to stratify surgical patients by venous thromboembolism risk and guide prophylaxis. However, these tools were not developed in a gynecological oncology patient population, and their utility in this population is unknown. Objective The objective of the study was to examine the ability of both the Caprini and Rogers scores to stratify gynecological oncology patients by the risk of venous thromboembolism. Study Design Patients undergoing surgery for cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers between 2008 and 2013 were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database using International Classification of Diseases , ninth revision, codes. The Caprini and Rogers scores were calculated for each patient based on the recorded demographic and procedure data. Venous thromboembolism events were recorded for 30 days postoperatively. Patients were categorized into risk groups based on the calculated Caprini and Rogers scores and the incidence of venous thromboembolism, and the 95% confidence interval was estimated for each of these groups. The relationship between the risk score and venous thromboembolism incidence was examined with Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results Of 17,713 patients, 1.8% developed a venous thromboembolism. No patients were classified by the Caprini score as low risk, 0.1% were moderate risk, 3.0% were higher risk (score 4), and 96.9% were highest risk (score ≥5). The Caprini score groupings did not correlate with venous thromboembolism. The high-risk group had a paradoxically higher incidence of venous thromboembolism of 2.5% compared with the highest-risk group, 1.7% ( P = .40). However, when the highest-risk group of the Caprini score was substratified, it was highly correlated with venous thromboembolism (R 2 = 0.93). For the Rogers score, only 0.2% of patients were low risk (score 10). When the highest risk group of the Rogers score was substratified, it was also highly correlated with venous thromboembolism (R 2 = 0.99). Conclusion Gynecological oncology patients score very high on current venous thromboembolism risk assessment models. The Caprini score is limited in its ability to discriminate relative venous thromboembolism risk among gynecological oncology patients because 97% are in the highest-risk category. Substratification of the highest-risk groups allows for relative venous thromboembolism risk stratification among gynecological oncology patients, suggesting that further evaluation of risk stratification is needed in gynecological oncology surgery.
Tethering of an E3 ligase by PCM1 regulates the abundance of centrosomal KIAA0586/Talpid3 and promotes ciliogenesis

To elucidate the role of centriolar satellites in ciliogenesis, we deleted the gene encoding the PCM1 protein, an integral component of satellites. PCM1 null human cells show marked defects in ciliogenesis, precipitated by the loss of specific proteins from satellites and their relocation to centrioles. We find that an amino-terminal domain of PCM1 can restore ciliogenesis and satellite localization of certain proteins, but not others, pinpointing unique roles for PCM1 and a group of satellite proteins in cilium assembly. Remarkably, we find that PCM1 is essential for tethering the E3 ligase, Mindbomb1 (Mib1), to satellites. In the absence of PCM1, Mib1 destabilizes Talpid3 through poly-ubiquitylation and suppresses cilium assembly. Loss of PCM1 blocks ciliogenesis by abrogating recruitment of ciliary vesicles associated with the Talpid3-binding protein, Rab8, which can be reversed by inactivating Mib1. Thus, PCM1 promotes ciliogenesis by tethering a key E3 ligase to satellites and restricting it from centrioles.
The analysis about the supracondylar fracture of humerus closed reduction failure in children

Objective:To analyze the supracondylar fracture of humerus closed reduction failure in children.Methods: our orthopedic ward treated 172 cases with supracondylar fracture of humerus.There were 22 cases of closed reduction failure.With basic anesthesia or brachial plexus nerve block line,the fracture do closed reduction under C-arm.If closed reduction failure,the fracture do open reduction or ulna olecranon traction therapy.Results:19 of the 22 patients do the open reduction with kirschner wire internal fixation and plaster external fixation,3 of the 22 patients do ulna olecranon traction for 3 weeks and after 3 weeks do the plaster external fixation.Conclusion:Difficult closed reduction results from severe swelling,buckling radial partial,coronal plane of fracture with oblique shape,fractures at both ends straddles and rotation,and fracture fiilled by muscle and nerve,so the clinical work should be careful when meeting these situations to avoid the repeated reset causing elbow soft tissue swelling serious because the elbow soft tissue swelling can bring serious consequence.
Application of Embedded Web Server GoAhead in Communication of Power System

As the core of control and management in industrial Ethernet switchboard,the embedded Web server has great research significance and application prospect.The basic characteristics of the Web server GoAhead is introduced.The working principle and design method of the embedded Web configuration management in power system communication are explained.Taking the industrial Ethernet switchboard as an example,the software system functions is introduced.The operating flow process of the software systems is discussed.For the complexity of the functional parameters of industrial Ethernet switchboard in power system,a method of realizing complex switching function by using the Goform process of GoAhead is proposed.
CHIILDHOOD BULLYING: ASSESSMENT PRACTICES AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ASSESSING FOR BULLYING BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

OF DISSERTATION CHILDHOOD BULLYING: ASSESSMENT PRACTICES AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ASSESSING FOR BULLYING BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS Childhood bullying affects over 25% of today’s youth and causes up to 160,000 missed school days per year. Bullying causes short and long term adverse effects to both mental and physical health. Many organizations encourage healthcare providers to take an active role in bullying prevention. However, there has been little research into the role of primary healthcare providers regarding childhood bullying and the effectiveness of different approaches to screening and management. Therefore the purposes of this dissertation were to a) explore childhood bullying and the role of the healthcare provider in bullying prevention, b) develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of Hensley’s Healthcare Provider’s Practices, Attitudes, Selfconfidence, & Knowledge Regarding Bullying Questionnaire. Pediatric healthcare providers were asked to participate in this study if they conducted well-child exams on a weekly basis. Information on the provider’s current bullying assessment practices, attitudes, self-confidence, and knowledge regarding bullying was gathered. Results indicated that Approximately one-half (46.6%, n=55) of the healthcare providers reported assessing their patients for bullying behaviors during well-child exams. The strongest predictor of positively assessing for bullying was attitudes, recording an odds ratio of 1.24. This indicated for every one-unit increase in attitudes score, the odds of assessing for bullying will be 24% higher. The odds ratio of self-efficacy or selfconfidence was 1.18, indicating that for every one-unit increase in self-efficacy score, the odds of assessing for bullying will be 18% higher.
Analysis of a Broadband Low-Profile Two-Strip Monopole Antenna

A broadband low-profile monopole antenna is analyzed by using balanced and unbalanced mode decomposition. The broadband antenna consists of an S-strip and a folded T-strip that are separately printed on the two sides of a thin planar substrate, forming a two-strip monopole. The two-strip antenna can achieve a bandwidth (VSWRles2) of ~40% with a height of 0.08lambda0. It is revealed that the broadband performance of the two-strip antenna is a result of the combination of an unbalanced mode and a balanced mode. Experimental results verify the theoretical analysis.