cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting Innovation and Convergence in Military Medicine: Technology-Inspired Problem Solving

Large organizations develop layers and rules for members to operate within accepted processes and conventions whereas innovation tends to occur in a less constrained, less conventional, and less risk averse environment. This basic cultural difference creates a need for protected semi-autonomous centers that cultivate great ideas, providing freedom to explore new concepts and harbor the zealots to champion them past institutional barriers to change. The management objective at the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) is to advocate and accelerate technology development and ensure benefi cial implementation in the shortest possible time. TATRC accomplishes this objective through integrating multidisciplinary teams that combine engineering technology and physical sciences with both basic and applied clinical biosciences to solve medical problems. This convergence in medical research complements Department of Defense (DoD) investments in long term basic research and large investments in high risk problem solving. TATRC successes in this technology push to satisfy clinical need began with radiograph digitization standards and has continued to spin out medical systems and program initiatives to new DoD core programs in rehabilitative medicine (e.g., regenerative medicine, advanced prosthetics, vision research, and integrative pain management), medical modeling and simulation, and current combat zone telemedicine applications. TATRC technology scouts look for transformational approaches across traditional boundaries and provide active assistance to build new capabilities and to successfully complete projects through commercialization and DoD implementation. Many near term problems can be addressed by mature technologies in medical robotics, synthetic biology, tissue engineering, nano- and biomaterials science, medical imaging, and neuroengineering. Everyday technologies such as smartphones can be immediately harnessed for better access to medical care, improved safety and efficiency in medicine, technology management and ultimately reduced medical costs. The end result of this culture of convergence can be transformational, calling for disruptive change in technology and capability as exemplifi ed by telemedicine and m-Health, fostered through the unique TATRC research management model.
New directions in migration research: perspectives from some North American regional science disciplines.

This paper takes several surveys of the literature concerning migration research as its starting point and directs the reader toward a number of potentially fruitful lines for future research. Major sections include one on modeling migrant choice in which the pros and cons of using gross versus net migration measures are discussed. A second introduces and discusses the concept of a “spatial” choice set, which has the potential to be implemented with laboratory experimental techniques. The third involves a wide-ranging discussion of new directions in modeling the interrelationships between employment and migration.
Output feedback variable structure controllers and state estimators for uncertain/nonlinear dynamic systems

In the paper a new class of output feedback variable structure controllers and state estimators (observers) for uncertain/nonlinear dynamic systems with bounded uncertainties and/or nonlinearities are proposed. No statistical information about the uncertain elements is assumed. A variable structure systems (VSS) approach together with the geometric approach to the analysis and synthesis of system zeros are employed in the synthesis of the proposed output feedback controllers and state estimators. The role of system zeros in the output feedback stabilisation and state estimation, using the VSS approach, is discussed. Numerical examples included illustrate the feasibility of the proposed stabilisation and state estimation schemes.
Arsenite Activates NFκB Through Induction of C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein in humans. Elevated levels of CRP are produced in response to inflammatory cytokines and are associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Exposure to inorganic arsenic, a common environmental toxicant, also produces cardiovascular disorders, namely atherosclerosis and is associated with insulin-resistance. Inorganic arsenic has been shown to contribute to cardiac toxicities through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result in the activation of NFκB. In this study we show that exposure of the hepatic cell line, HepG2, to environmentally relevant levels of arsenite (0.13 to 2 μM) results in elevated CRP expression and secretion. ROS analysis of the samples showed that a minimal amount of ROS are produced by HepG2 cells in response to these concentrations of arsenic. In addition, treatment of FvB mice with 100 ppb sodium arsenite in the drinking water for 6 months starting at weaning age resulted in dramatically higher levels of CRP in both the liver and inner medullary region of the kidney. Further, mouse Inner Medullary Collecting Duct cells (mIMCD-4), a mouse kidney cell line, were stimulated with 10 ng/ml CRP which resulted in activation of NFκB. Pretreatment with 10 nM Y27632, a known Rho-kinase inhibitor, prior to CRP exposure attenuated NFκB activation. These data suggest that arsenic causes the expression and secretion of CRP and that CRP activates NFκB through activation of the Rho-kinase pathway, thereby providing a novel pathway by which arsenic can contribute to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
MULTIDECADE HYBRID RADIATION SURVEY METER.

Abstract The design of a radiation survey meter is described which combines an ionization chamber and electrometer amplifier in the basic instrument with a plug-in (optional) Geiger-Muller frisking probe (this combination of different detection and operational modes in one survey meter being referred to as hybrid instrument). The survey meter provides seven linear ranges for the measurement of gamma radiation dose-rates, from 1 mrad/h to 1000 rad/h. The design is based on the dual utilization of a modular operational amplifier which, in connection with the ionization chamber (and high impedance input stage), acts as operational electrometer, or, with the Geiger-Muller probe and range switching, is converted into a counting rate meter. The instrument is battery powered and features a presettable alarm.
Electromagnetic head waves

Abstract Elastic head waves, usually the first to appear on seismograms, have attracted attention in elasticity and their dynamic characteristics have been studied for the past 70 years. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the emergence of electromagnetic head waves emitted from an impulsive line source near a plane boundary separating two half-spaces. The demonstration is achieved by developing a relevant closed form solution to wave equations.
AKT as Locus of Cancer Unknown Primary Site

Cancer of unknown primary site is a metastasis developed by the positive feedback loops of primary cancer forming extreme cancer robustness. Such robustness occurs only in metastatic cancer or in relapsed lymphoma, myeloma, plasmocytoma, or leukemia. However, when it develops in primary cancer, hypoxic microenvironment generates positive feedback loops which hyperactivate AKT locus, forming extreme robustness that forcing cancer cells to migrate to the distant site, but primary cancer loosing that property or remains silent. Positive loops are the force and principal mechanism of metastasis development. A cancer cell is converted normal cell. Conversion occurs at the AKT genomic locus. Thus, cancer is genomic disease rather than disease of the specific organs. Targeting such locus by the locus chemotherapy (redox balance change) rather than by organ specific therapy results in conversion of positive loops into negative and disappearance of extreme robustness and malignant phenotype of the cancer unknown primary origin.
Reproductive biology of the marine ornamental shrimp Lysmata boggessi in the south-eastern Gulf of Mexico

Reproductive aspects of the intensively traded ornamental shrimp Lysmata boggessi were examined. Abundance, reproductive biology (fecundity, reproductive output and egg size) and population structure (frequency distribution, size at sex phase change and sex phase ratio) were examined at three different fishing grounds off south and west-central Florida between May 2011 and February 2012. Fishery-dependent densities of L. boggessi varied between 2.51 ± 1.39 and 13.05 ± 9.30 shrimps per 1000 m2 at two different localities. The proportion of brooding shrimp varied considerably at one locality during two different dates, suggesting reproductive seasonality. Reproductive output increased linearly with shrimp body weight (SBW) at one locality (May 2011), but scaled negatively with SBW at a second locality (January–February 2012). Lastly, no correlation between embryo size and shrimp carapace length (CL) was recorded at one locality (May 2011), but a slight negative correlation between embryo size and CL was found at the second locality (January–February 2012). Lysmata boggessi might be experiencing trade-offs between different reproductive parameters driven by environmental, probably seasonal, conditions during the year. All of this information needs to be considered in assessing shrimp stocks and establishing a sustainable management plan.
A real-time smart sensor system for visual motion estimation

Summary form only given. We present a new smart sensor architecture for visual motion-optical flow-estimation. As the system operates in real-time it is very well suited for collision avoidance on autonomous mobile platforms. The core of the system is an ASIC in standard digital CMOS technology, which forms a pipeline with a feedback path for on-line image processing. The presented implementation was tested on image frames of 128/spl times/128 pixel size.
Creating a technology-rich associate degree program in office administration

Providing ideas to others who wish to explore the process of making a degree program technology rich is critical to faculty who are building best practice programs. Technology rich is defined here as technology-filled environments and curriculum that include innovative hardware and software combined with technologically enhanced activities and assessments. This literature review reveals a research gap in several areas relating to best practices with respect to the impact of integrating technology into teaching and learning. More quantitative studies that discuss research methodology and professional development in technological pedagogy are needed. Often research efforts have yielded no common definitions, significant differences, or guidelines to measure effectiveness. This article posits arguments for a more systematic study of how technology integration occurs within our schools, what increases its adoption by teachers, and the long-term impacts that these investments have on both teachers and students (Lawless & Pellegrino, 2007). In addition to the program background and findings on technology in education, this article also articulates a case example of a technology implementation in an associate degree program. Concluding with the students’ perspective, insight is offered into this program’s continued effort to bridge the gap of the digital divide for a student population of predominantly rural, underserved, and disadvantaged through a student-focused atmosphere and curriculum (Goode, 2010). A technology transformation and semester transition of an Associate of Applied Business degree program for office administration (OA) in rural Ohio is delineated.
Chlorophyll and Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the prerequisite of all life on earth. Chlorophyll fulfils the requirements for photosynthesis: the absorption of visible light, the photochemical capabilities, a rich supply of redox levels and chemical stability. The biosynthetic pathway of chlorophyll can be read as the evolutionary history of photosynthesis. Our exegesis is that the primary porphyrins served for early photosynthesis. The porphyrins readily photo-oxidize organic compounds under the reducing, aqueous conditions of this early era. The formation of oxidized substances in a reducing atmosphere supplied the thermodynamic gradient necessary for organized life processes. Conversely, the closed-shell metalloporphyrins, notable magnesium porphyrins, are powerful photoreducing agents. When coupled to the ultimate electron source, water, oxygen was produced and the modern era of photosynthesis was born. At the same time, the efficiency and usefulness of the photopigments was increased by incorporating them into the organized cellular system of membranes. The clear gradient of ionic to hydrophophic structures along the biosynthetic pathway from porphyrins to chlorophyll supports this view. Experimental evidence on the photochemistry of porphyrins pigments in solution and in lipid bilayers form the basis for these arguments. In this way we can relate the structure of chlorophyll to its function in photosynthesis.
Management of benign frontal sinus tumors with osteoplastic flap without obliteration

Abstract Management of benign tumors of the frontal sinus is a challenge that requires a balance between tumor resection and maintenance of sinus homeostasis. The management of such tumors is described here, as well as the procedure to remove them; this procedure combines established and innovative techniques to achieve a balance. The approach to the frontal sinus is achieved with an osteoplastic flap, which was developed over a century ago and still offers unparalleled exposure for resection. New techniques such as computer-assisted surgery are used to make this exposure both safer and more complete. Several methods to improve the physiologic outflow tract of the frontal sinus after resection that are described here also serve to improve postoperative surveillance and prevent morbidity. With these methods, obliteration of the frontal may be avoided, a central tenet in the management of benign tumors of the frontal sinus.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Arrest Patterns in a Sample of Sexual Offenders

Developmental psychopathology theories suggest that childhood adversity can contribute to antisocial conduct and delinquent activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on arrest patterns in a sample of sexual offenders (N = 740). Higher ACE scores were associated with a variety of arrest outcomes, indicating that the accumulation of early trauma increased the likelihood of versatility and persistence of criminal behavior. Rapists of adults had higher ACE scores, lower levels of specialization, and higher levels of persistence than sex offenders with minor victims only. Child sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and domestic violence in the childhood home were significant predictors of a higher number of sex crime arrests. For measures of nonsexual arrests and criminal versatility, it was the household dysfunction factors-substance abuse, unmarried parents, and incarceration of a family member-that were predictive, suggesting that family dysfunction and a chaotic home environment contributed significantly to increased risk of general criminal behavior. Sex offenders inspire little sympathy in our society but may be among those most in need of trauma-informed models of treatment that recognize the influence of early adversity on maladaptive schema and self-regulation deficits related to criminal behavior.
Development of suspensions of rod-shaped β–FeOOH particles in infrared transmitting solvents for use as artificial Kerr media

The first suspensions of rod-shaped dielectric particles in an infrared transmitting solvent are reported. Specifically, micron size β–FeOOH rods have been produced in chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide. A technique to transfer the particles from water into organic solvents is demonstrated and a novel optical method to determine the degree of stability of the organosols is used. Sedimentation times vary with preparation technique over the range of minutes to hours, often being long enough to allow the use of the material as an infrared Kerr medium with large electric field induced birefringence. Dispersions in hexane, which has good microwave transmission, have also been produced.
Foundational biomedical informatics research in the clinical and translational science era: a call to action

Advances in clinical and translational science, along with related national-scale policy and funding mechanisms, have provided significant opportunities for the advancement of applied clinical research informatics (CRI) and translational bioinformatics (TBI). Such efforts are primarily oriented to application and infrastructure development and are critical to the conduct of clinical and translational research. However, they often come at the expense of the foundational CRI and TBI research needed to grow these important biomedical informatics subdisciplines and ensure future innovations. In light of this challenge, it is critical that a number of steps be taken, including the conduct of targeted advocacy campaigns, the development of community-accepted research agendas, and the continued creation of forums for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Such efforts are needed to ensure that the biomedical informatics community is able to advance CRI and TBI science in the context of the modern clinical and translational science era.
Improved Classification of Building Infrastructure from Airborne Lidar Data Using Spin Images and Fusion with Ground-Based Lidar

Over the last five to ten years, Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) technology, also known simply as Lidar, has become widely available to the remote sensing research community. In that time, many fields of application have been proposed. The majority of the early successful applications were for terrain mapping and surveying, but the high resolution data delivered by this technology has allowed researchers to apply it to problems in forestry, civil engineering, urban planning, and many other fields. In urban planning for example, explicit three-dimensional (3D) building models are an important data product for estimating microwave line-of-sight communications and emergency responder plans. Such models can be extracted from the 3D ALSM point cloud data once the points are properly segmented into building and non-building classes. The work presented here focuses on improved segmentation of building points in the ALSM point cloud using a local subspace mapping known as a spin image. The ALSM data are then fused with ground-based laser scanner data to improve discriminability among complex building architectures, adjacent vegetation, and even rooftop infrastructure.
Peer Relationships Among Institutionalized Juvenile Boys

This study examined peer relationships (sociometric status and friendship) of institutionalized juvenile males ages 12 to 18. Results replicated previous studies using “normal” nondelinquent samples demonstrating that sociometrically popular status juveniles were evaluated higher on sociability and leadership than were average- or rejected-status juveniles. Furthermore, rejected-status juveniles were evaluated as being more aggressive and more actively isolated than were popular- or average-status juveniles. Investigating the relationship between friendship networks (perceived and reciprocated) and social status revealed no differences. However, differences in relationship quality as a function of sociometric status emerged with rejected-status juveniles evaluating their best-friend relationship as being more caring, intimate, exclusive, and less conflict ridden than popular or average-status juveniles’ evaluations of their best-friend relationships. Findings replicate and extend previous research investi...
Practical improvement of geometric parameter estimation for cone beam microCT imaging

Accurate physical measurement of system geometric misalignments is difficult, so an accurate method of estimating the geometric parameters is needed. Several methods have been proposed that involve measuring projections of spheres at multiple projection views. For high resolution microCT systems, the estimation accuracy of the projected position of the sphere center is a critical factor in determining the geometric parameter accuracy. We have investigated several methods for improving the sphere center estimation. We simulated spheres of varying diameters and used several methods to estimate the positions of the projected sphere centers. The estimated center positions served as the input to methods for estimating the geometric parameters in order to assess the effect on geometric parameter accuracy. The center estimation methods investigated included computing the centroid and fitting the projection with a Gaussian or the analytic equation for the cone beam projection of a sphere. We found that the differences between the true and estimated projected center positions were smaller when fitted with the sphere's projection equation. In addition, using smaller spheres resulted in improved estimate accuracy. Using a phantom consisting of three 1 mm diameter spheres and with curve fitting to estimate the position of the spherical center, we were are able to obtain artifact-free reconstructions for a 42 /spl mu/m pixel size on our prototype physical microCT system.
Limits for interferometer calibration using the random ball test

The random ball test (RBT), also known as the CaliBall test, is often used to calibrate interferometer transmission spheres. This paper provides a way to estimate the total errors remaining after interferometer calibration using the RBT. Errors that cannot be removed by calibration include random errors due to measurement noise in the calibration, geometric errors, and errors due to diffraction. The random errors can be reduced by averaging multiple random ball tests. The geometric errors and diffraction errors are systematic, and arise when the radius of the CaliBall is different from that of the test optic.
Seroprevalence of hantaviruses in small wild mammals trapped in South Korea from 2005 to 2010.

ABSTRACT: The seroprevalence of Hantaan virus (HTNV) in wild rodents in South Korea was analyzed. Wild rodents were trapped in 18 cities in eight provinces during 2005–2007 and on three islands and four mountains during 2008–2010. Sera were collected from 629 out of 933 trapped wild animals and examined for immunoglobulin G antibodies to HTNV using indirect immunofluorescence assays. Apodemus agrarius (80.1%) was the most frequently captured species at almost all trapping sites. The overall prevalence of HTNV antibodies was 0.26 (162/629). Seropositive individuals were more frequent in cities (32.2%, n=410) than on islands (14.0%, n=57) or mountains (13.6%, n= 162). HTNV antibody-positive rate was higher in the fall (29.6%, n=253) than in the spring (23.1%, n=376). A. agrarius had the highest prevalence of HTNV antibodies (26.9%, n=561) of all tested species. Considering all the individuals, the prevalence of HTNV antibodies was higher in males (29.2%, n=250) than in females (22.3%, n=305). Our results sh...
Construction of regions of stability for non-linear systems containing time delays†

Abstract A method has been developed for constructing regions of stability for non-linear systems containing time delays. This method, based on modified Liapunov stability theorems, is applicable to higher-dimensional systems containing several time delays or time-varying delays. A reactor example is presented to illustrate the method.
Scattering of focused ultrasonic beams by two spherical cavities in close proximity

Ultrasonic fields generated by one and two spherical cavities placed in front of a point-focused acoustic lens are modeled by the semi-analytical distributed point source method (DPSM). Results are generated by properly considering the interaction effect between two cavities placed in the focused ultrasonic field. The interaction effect between the two cavities prohibits the linear superposition of single cavity solutions to obtain the solution for two cavities placed in close proximity. Therefore, although some analytical and semi-analytical solutions are available for the single cavity in a focused ultrasonic field, those solutions cannot be simply superimposed for solving the two-cavity problem even for a linear elastic material. Solution of this problem is necessary to evaluate when two cavities placed in close proximity can be distinguished by an acoustic lens and when it is not possible. The comparison between the reflections of ultrasonic energy from two small cavities versus a single big cavity is also investigated.
Students’ Perception of Ethical Sales Practices: A Pilot Study

Twenty-two sales situations presented in the Trawick, et al. study which examined purchasers' ethical beliefs were used to assess business students' view of ethical behavior. Statistically significant differences were found between the responses of the students and those of the Trawick, et al. study. In all cases, the student's ethical standards were not as stringent as that of the purchasers. Differences on student responses based on gender, class rank and major were also examined. However, for the most part, no statistically significant differences were found using those measures.
A Review of “The Barefoot Way: A Faith Guide for Youth, Young Adults, and the People Who Walk with Them”

The Barefoot Way grew out of author Dori Baker's experiences working with youth and young adults. Not only is Baker the mother of two teenagers, she is also a United Methodist minister who teaches ...
Diagnostic Air Quality Model Evaluation of Source-Specific Primary and Secondary Fine Particulate Carbon

Ambient measurements of 78 source-specific tracers of primary and secondary carbonaceous fine particulate matter collected at four midwestern United States locations over a full year (March 2004–February 2005) provided an unprecedented opportunity to diagnostically evaluate the results of a numerical air quality model. Previous analyses of these measurements demonstrated excellent mass closure for the variety of contributing sources. In this study, a carbon-apportionment version of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model was used to track primary organic and elemental carbon emissions from 15 independent sources such as mobile sources and biomass burning in addition to four precursor-specific classes of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) originating from isoprene, terpenes, aromatics, and sesquiterpenes. Conversion of the source-resolved model output into organic tracer concentrations yielded a total of 2416 data pairs for comparison with observations. While emission source contributions to the tot...
Efficient Aziridine Synthesis in Metastable Crystalline Phases by Photoinduced Denitrogenation of Crystalline Triazolines

The solid-state photodenitrogenation of crystalline triazolines proceeds with high efficiency to form the corresponding aziridines in high chemical yields upon selection of the proper irradiation wavelength. It was shown that the solid-to-solid reactions occur by formation of the product in metastable crystalline phases.
Intelligent Space Surveillance Network (SSN) Scheduling Applications.

This paper presents a description of the difficulties for automatic optimized scheduling for the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and then describes a design and algorithm to overcome those difficulties. These difficulties includes a large number of objects to track, which requires an even larger number of observations to schedule, different types of observation tasks, different regimes of space (near earth and deep space) and different types of requirements for the different types of objects (e.g., some have frequent visit requirements). The solution must therefore be similarly multifaceted with different algorithms appropriate for the different types of regimes while still being combined into a single whole.
Surface and Structure Characteristics, Self-Assembling, and Solvent Compatibility of Holocellulose Nanofibrils

Rice straw holocellulose was TEMPO-oxidized and mechanically defibrillated to produce holocellulose nanofibrils (HCNFs) at 33.7% yield (based on original rice straw mass), 4.6% higher yield than cellulose nanofibril (CNF) generated by the same process from pure rice straw cellulose. HCNFs were similar in lateral dimensions (2.92 nm wide, 1.36 nm thick) as CNF, but longer, less surface oxidized (69 vs 85%), and negatively charged (0.80 vs 1.23 mmol/g). HCNFs also showed higher affinity to hydrophobic surfaces than CNFs while still attracted to hydrophilic surfaces. By omitting hemicellulose/silica dissolution step, the two-step 2:1 toluene/ethanol extraction and acidified NaClO2 (1.4%, pH 3-4, 70 °C, 6 h) delignification process for holocellulose was more streamlined than that of pure cellulose, while the resulting amphiphilic HCNFs were more hydrophobic and self-assembled into much finer nanofibers, presenting unique characteristics for new potential applications.
Incorporating Long-Term Streamflow Forecasting into the Cascade Regional Yield Simulation Model

This paper describes the use of long-term streamflow forecasts for improved reservoir operations. The forecasts make use of climate conditions (El Nino Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation) to derive operating policies that increase flows for fish while maintaining water supply reliability. The impacts on historical instream flows and reservoir storage volumes of six climate conditions as a function of PDO and ENSO are investigated. Four simulation experiments are performed using current instream flow requirements and three alternatives, including increasing instream flows by 10% and 25%, and a variable trigger based upon climate conditions and reservoir storage volume. Performance is based upon impacts to reliability and ability to meet increased instream flow targets. This study demonstrates that PDO-ENSO conditions can be used to develop reservoir operating policies that provide more flows for fish with little impact on system reliability.
Physics and Chemistry Analysis on Composite Insulators After Operated

To obtain ageing conditions of composite insulators after being operated,six composite insulators of three manufacturers are selected to perform hydrophobicity test,Fourier infrared spectroscopic analysis,thermoanalysis,and scanning electron microscope(SEM) detection.The results indicate that,hydrophobic groups,Si-CH3 and-CH3,of silicone rubber surface are less than those of inner part.-OH group has not obvious rule between surface and inner.Hydrophobic groups,Si-CH3 and-CH3,can be used as indicator of hydrophobicity variation,but-OH can not be used for this purpose.The composition of surface and inner layers of new composite insulator is similar.The inorganic compound of surface and inner layers of operated insulator has not obvious rule.The high polymer of surface and inner decreases with time,and the mass of inner is more than that of surface layer.For low molecular weight compound,the mass of surface layer is more than that of inner layer.Operation time affects SEM result to some extent.The hydrophobic level of new composite insulators belongs to HC1,and the hydrophobic level of operated composite insulators belongs to HC2~HC3.Different sheds or different positions of composite insulator may have different hydrophobicity.
Breeding of Indica PTGMS Line Guike-2S in Rice

Guike-2S,derived from the multiple cross of KS-14/02428∥GD-1S,is a new indica PTGMS line in rice.It was certified by Guangxi Crop Variety Appraisal Committee in April,2007(Reg.No.Guishendao 2007045).It is characteristic of good plant type,strong tillering ability,stable fertility alteration,high stigma exsertion rate and favorable flowering habits for easy multiplication and hybrid seed production.In addition,Guike-2S has large panicles with many spikeles and shows a good combining ability.Derived from it,the new two-line hybrid combination Guiliangyou 2 with high yield has been developed.
Photochemical Water Oxidation by Manganese Oxides Supported on Zeolite Surfaces

Photocatalytic properties of disordered birnessite-like Mn oxides deposited on the zeolite Y surface is investigated. Synthesis was carried out by ion-exchanging Mn2+ along with M2+=Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ into zeolite, followed by precipitation of nanosized Mn oxides on the zeolite surface after reaction with KMnO4. These samples are labeled M2+MnOx-Y, and they were treated with K+ to prepare KMnOx-Y(M2+). XRD, XPS, Raman, and electron microscopy provided information on the comparative structural features for M2+MnOx-Y and KMnOx-Y(M2+). Photocatalytic water oxidation using these samples was evaluated using Ru(bpy)32+-S2O82− system. The catalytic activity of KMnOx-Y(M2+) is higher than M2+MnOx-Y, for comparable Mn loadings, and forms the interesting observation in this paper. For M2+MnOx-Y, the catalytic activity normalized to the Mn content followed the order: Ba2+> Sr2+> Ca2+> Mg2+ and is possibly reflection of the lower Mn loadings, which leads to smaller MnOx crystallites.
Energy-efficient fluidized bed drying of low-rank coal

An energy-saving and economical process was developed for drying low-rank coal using steam as the drying medium. Based on simulation tests, the energy consumption of the process was found to be nearly 30% lower than that of vapor recompression drying. The proposed process involves the removal of the freezable water in the coal in an exergy recuperative module, while the non-freezable water is removed in a heat integration module. During the removal of the freezable water, the evaporated water is compressed to a low pressure and recycled to the fluidized bed dryer for heat exchange with the incoming coal to minimize exergy destruction. Conversely, medium-pressure steam extracted from a steam turbine is used as the heat source for the removal of the non-freezable water. No compressor was used in the process which significantly reduced the capital cost. Moreover, technical feasibility has been verified through investigating the fluidization performance of the low-rank coal particles in the fluidized bed dryer during the proposed process, particularly to determine the effect of the increased heat exchange tubes on the fluidization performance.
Cohen’s Incentives Argument

In this chapter, I describe fully GA Cohen’s well-known “incentives argument” against Rawls’ difference principle. According to this objection, it is impossible to simultaneously seek unequal compensation, while also acting from a commitment to the principles of justice. That is, if an agent is motivated by the principles of justice, then the difference principle does not actually justify any inequalities in income or wealth. I defend the difference principle as a legitimate part of the principles of justice, and so defend legitimate expectations for unequal compensation as a valuable part of a theory of justice. However, although I reject Cohen’s argument, I defend his conclusion that the most just distribution is a largely egalitarian one. I do so by reconsidering the requirement of responsibility, and reviewing the underlying intuitions that are foundational to Rawls’ theory, and that are instrumental to liberal conceptions of justice.
What’s the Matter with cognition? A ‘Vygotskian’ perspective on material engagement theory

The cross-disciplinary framework of Material Engagement Theory (MET) has emerged as a novel research program that flexibly spans archeology, anthropology, philosophy, and cognitive science. True to its slogan to ‘take material culture seriously’, “MET wants to change our understanding of what minds are and what they are made of by changing what we know about what things are and what they do for the mind” (Malafouris 2013, 141). By tracing out more clearly the conceptual contours of ‘material engagement,’ and firming up its ontological commitments, the main goal of this article is to help refine Malafouris’ fertile approach. In particular, we argue for a rapprochement between MET and the tradition of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, based on the ‘Vygotskian’ hypothesis of scaffolded and/or distributed cognition.
Practice Patterns of Thoracic Radiotherapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Survey of US Academic Thoracic Radiation Oncologists.

Abstract Purpose Despite the recent CREST trial demonstrating a survival benefit to thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) with response to chemotherapy, as well as endorsement by current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, TRT may not be uniformly delivered in clinical practice across all circumstances. Methods and Materials We surveyed US academic thoracic radiation oncologists regarding their practice patterns for TRT and assessed conditions in which withholding TRT could be warranted. A 27-question survey of demographics and practice patterns, including 5 clinical cases, was sent to 111 physicians. Results Response rate was 39% (43/111). Among respondents, 60% have at least 6 years of work experience following residency; 77% and 71% respectively see > 50 lung cancer and > 11 SCLC cases annually. Regarding practice patterns, 74% use TRT in 26% to 75% of patients with ES-SCLC. Respondents would withhold TRT in cases with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 3 (91%), when pulmonary function necessitates continuous oxygen via nasal cannula (62%), for postchemotherapy tumor progression (58%), and if > 4 postchemotherapy extrathoracic metastases were present (58%). The 5 clinical cases highlighted practice variability, although 1 case had 100% agreement among respondents. Conclusions Despite support of TRT administration from the CREST trial, there are several conditions associated with frequently withholding TRT. The most common reasons include performance status, postchemotherapy extent of disease, and pulmonary function; age and prechemotherapy extent of disease were least associated. Further research should aim to identify which subgroups of ES-SCLC benefit most from TRT.
Efficient multicasting in Content-Centric Networks using locator-based Forwarding state

The Named Data Networking (NDN) and Content-Centric Networking (CCNx) architectures use a forwarding plane that requires large Forwarding Information Bases (FIB) listing the next hops to name prefixes and Pending Interest Tables (PIT) that maintain per-Interest forwarding state. We introduce CCN-RAMP (Routing to Anchors Matching Prefixes), a new approach to content-centric networking that substitutes the large FIBs and PITs used in NDN and CCNx with small forwarding tables listing anonymous sources of Interests and routers that announce name prefixes being local. The results of simulation experiments comparing NDN with CCN-RAMP based on ndnSIM show that CCN-RAMP requires forwarding state that is orders of magnitude smaller than what NDN requires, and attains smaller end-to-end delays in the dissemination of multicast content to consumers.
A 2.2-MHz Active-Clamp Buck Converter for Automotive Applications

Automotive point-of-load dc–dc converters have a wide input voltage range from 4.5 to 42 V and, in order to avoid the AM band interference and comply with the strict CISPR-25 standard for electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, the switching frequency is desired to be higher than 2 MHz. Buck converter is currently employed for such applications owing to its simplicity and low cost, but it has low efficiency at high switching frequencies and high EMI noise emission due to hard switching. A new active-clamp buck converter is proposed in this paper, which features zero-voltage-switching for main and auxiliary switches, and soft turnoff for synchronous rectifier over a wide input voltage range. The detailed operating principle analysis and several important design considerations are presented. Extensive design equations that can be adapted for other specifications and applications are also derived. A 2.2 MHz, 5V/5A prototype converter with only Silicon mosfets has been designed, built, and tested. The experimental results verify the converter operation and demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed active-clamp buck converter.
Inhibition of Smooth Muscle β-Catenin Hinders Neointima Formation After Vascular Injury

Objective—Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to neointima formation after vascular injury. Although β-catenin expression is induced after injury, whether its function is essential in SMCs for ne...
Febrile Seizure Duration and Development

Members of the FEBSTAT multicenter Study Team assessed the distribution of febrile seizure (FS) duration in a cohort of 158 children with a first FS, and determined the association between FS duration and behavior and development.
Shifts in frontal asymmetry underlying impulsive and controlled decision-making

Abstract The frontal cortices are asymmetrically activated in impulsive and inhibitory action. However, no past work has examined shifts in frontal asymmetric activation during active impulse control or risk-taking behavior. The current study examined impulsive and controlled behavior in a behavioral risk-taking task (Balloon Analogue Risk Task) under alcohol or neutral cue exposure while EEG was recorded. Results revealed activity shifted towards greater relative left frontal activation on alcohol trials with impulsive behavior (balloon explosion) driven by reduced activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus. In contrast, activity from the first half to the second half of alcohol trials with successful impulse control (cash out) localized to reduced activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus. These findings suggest that shifting of right or left frontal asymmetry in inhibitory or impulsive behaviors stem from activation of the inferior frontal gyrus and reveal the importance of examining shifts in neural activity during behavioral processes.
Identifying Dynamics of Brain Function Via Boolean Matrix Factorization

One of the fundamental problems in the field of neuroscience is characterizing the dynamic changes that occur in the functional interactions among brain networks. In this paper, utilizing Boolean matrix factorization (BMF), we present two hierarchical frameworks capable of identifying cortical activity that i) exhibit “common” spatio-temporal characteristics across trials of a given task (or classes of similar tasks), and ii) exhibit “discriminatory” spatio-temporal characteristics across trials of different (classes of) tasks. The frameworks are developed to analyze data obtained through electroencephalography (EEG). Both frameworks are applied to motor task EEG data, and results are presented and discussed. By probing features of the networks in the spatial and temporal domains, the proposed frameworks provide valuable tools for exploring the dynamics of brain function.
IL-11 antagonist suppresses Th17 cells-mediated neuroinflammation and demyelination in a mouse model of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (P2.406)

Objective: This study aimed at establishing IL-11 as a novel biomarker for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) pathogenesis that can be therapeutically targeted to block the disease progression. Background: We have reported that Th17 cells are involved in the CNS lesion formation. Serum IL-11 levels were associated with disease activity of RRMS. IL-11 induced differentiation and expansion of Th17 cells in early MS. Design/Methods: To induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), SJL mice were immunized with PLP139–151 peptide. Starting from day 12, the mice were injected with vehicle control, IL-11 or IL-11 antagonist: IL-11 receptor alpha Fc chimera protein. Clinical scores were assigned daily. On day 14 (early active phase) or on day 56 (RR phase), the mice were assessed with in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis, followed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results: IL-11 induced an EAE disease exacerbation. In early active phase, IL-11 increased the percentage of IL-17A+CD4+ T cells in the brain and spinal cord (SC) infiltrates, and TNF-α+CD4+ cells in lymph nodes. In RR phase, IL-11 increased serum IL-17A levels, and IFN-γ+CD4+ and IFN-γ+IL-21+CD4+ T cells in SC. Brain DTI results showed that IL-11 induced demyelination in internal capsule and anterior commissure. IL-11 antagonist suppressed EAE in both phases. In early phase, IL-11 antagonist decreased the percentage of IL-17A+CD4+ T cells in blood, ICAM1+CD4+ T cells in brain and SC, and IFN-γ+IL-21+CD4+ T cells in SC. In RR phase, IL-11 antagonist decreased the percentage of IL-11+CD4+ T cells in SC, and ICAM1+CD4+ T cells in brain. Immunohistochemistry results showed that IL-11 antagonist suppressed demyelination and decreased IL-17A+CD4+ cell infiltration in brain. DTI results indicated that IL-11 antagonist inhibited demyelination in internal capsule, neocortex, basal fore brain and septum, hypothalamus and amygdala. Conclusions: With capacity of suppressing Th17 cells-mediated neuroinflammation and demyelination, IL-11 antagonist can be used as a potential therapy for RRMS. Study Supported by: The project described was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, through Grant Award Number UL1TR001111. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Disclosure: Dr. Zhang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kiapour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kapoor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Merrill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Xia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ban has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Midkiff has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shih has nothing to disclose. Dr. Markovic Plese has received research support from Genzyme.
Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Dual Diagnosis

Intellectual disability (ID) is known to co-occur with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, research on the treatment of individuals with ASD and co-occurring ID is limited. While numerous treatments have been developed for individuals with ASD, not all treatments have the same level of empirical support. This chapter provides an overview of evidence-based treatments for ASD, including their philosophy, setting, and patient demographics. Available research on the treatment of individuals with ASD and co-occurring ID is also discussed. The focus of this chapter is on both comprehensive and focused treatments with empirical support.
Multiple sclerosis and the forgotten many: overlooked again

Patient benefit, unfortunately, often comes after financial considerations when new treatments are being assessed by wider health services. Recent developments see those diagnosed with multiple scl...
A Low-Cost Bioimpedance Phase Angle Monitor for Portable Electrical Surface Stimulation Burn Prevention

Electrical skin-surface stimulation has wide clinical adoption and home use, but skin burns are a risk and existing devices do not monitor the electrode sites for skin damage or improperly connected electrodes. When a burn occurs, the low frequency phase of the skin surface impedance changes. This brief describes a novel analog processing technique that is suitable for detecting skin surface phase changes during the use of portable electrical stimulation devices. The output is a 1-bit signal indicating if the phase has changed by more than a predetermined amount, allowing the system to be incorporated into low-cost devices with limited processing capability. Computational simulations were performed using a current-sourced bipolar square-wave stimulation signal. An approximation is presented which converts a phase change in the skin-surface impedance to a voltage, which was found to have an average error of 14.1%. Due to the analog techniques used, there is a propagation delay of 232.48 ms between the phase exceeding the allowable threshold and the output being set to HIGH. These initial simulation results provide evidence for the feasibility of developing safer portable skin surface electrical stimulators that can monitor and prevent skin injury during clinical or home use.