cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endangered species management requires a new look at the benefit of fire: The Cape Sable seaside sparrow in the Everglades ecosystem

Although disturbance processes play important roles in maintaining habitat heterogeneity, the potential effects of such processes on rare or endangered species is virtually unknown and difficult to test. We use an unplanned fire, which burned half of a long-term study plot, as a natural experiment to test the effects of fire on the federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow in Everglades National Park. By implementing a before-after-control-impact study design we determine the mechanistic link between fire and demography of this endangered sparrow. Our results show that while the sparrow tolerates fire, neither sparrow density nor nesting success are enhanced by fire, which runs contrary to the current paradigm in which sparrows are expected to benefit and therefore require fire for persistence. Our results caution against the assumption that occupancy of disturbance-prone habitat automatically suggests dependence on disturbance. Land managers must prevent large and frequent fires from burning occupied sparrow habitat to best manage for the species. Moreover, it is imperative that more studies focus on the effects of disturbance processes on rare and endangered species in order to prevent further loss of biodiversity.
Fuel costs shut polar station

Increased fuel costs will force one of the United States' four year-round Antarctic research stations to close in late January, near the end of the austral summer, until the beginning of the following austral summer. Siple Station, the primary U.S. Antarctic facility for upper-atmosphere research, will assume an intermittent schedule through 1987; the station will be closed for 2 years during this time. A 114% increase in fuel costs in February prompted the budget tightening, according to Erick Chiang, field projects manager of the National Science Foundation's polar operations section. Closing Siple Station for the 1981 austral winter is only one cut being made by NSF's Antarctic research program. Other costs will be cut by deferring construction projects at McMurdo Station (a year-round facility) to another year, indefinitely postponing repairs to an LC-130 supply aircraft, reducing the number of remote field camp projects during fiscal 1981, and reducing cargo delivery flight hours from more than 4000 to 3200.
SU‐E‐T‐557: Dose Calculation Accuracy Using Cone‐Beam CT (CBCT) for Lung Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)

Purpose: To evaluate the dose calculation accuracy using Varian's cone‐beam CT(CBCT) for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT). Methods: Treatment plans of 2 lungSBRT patients (1 and 2) were retrospectively studied. Both plans used 3 or 4 6MV coplanar IMRT fields, generated on an in‐house Treatment Planning System (TPS) using Pencil‐Beam (PB) dose calculation with radiological path‐length correction. CBCTimages were taken prior to each treatment and a total 7 sets of CBCTimages were exported into TPS. Each CBCTimages set was registered with the planning CT based on matching of PTV PTV. Patient contours from planning CT were also imported into CBCT and only external contours were adjusted accordingly. CT numbers (HU+1000) were compared at chosen spots between CBCT and planning CT. Treatment fields were copied to CBCT and CBCT plans were generated. Results: CBCT CT‐numbers agree with planning CT‐number at low CT‐number (< 1100) region. For CT‐number 99, 887 and 1049, CBCT shows 83±24, 836±48 and 1054±26. For high CT‐ number 1571 and 1981, the CBCT CT‐numbers are 1730±55 and 2248±174. Mean dose for CBCT plans are slightly higher than those in treatment plans, which are 101.8% and 100.8% vs 102.0±1.1% and 102.1±0.1% of prescribed dose. Average D95 in CBCT plans are closed to those in treatment plan: 100.2±0.2%, 100.2±0.8% in CBCT 99.3% and 100.8% in treatment plan. However target inhomogeneity is higher in the CBCT plans, with average PTV D05 of 104.1±0.5% and 103.9±1.4% compared to 102.4% and 103.0% respectively. Critical normal tissuedoses in CBCT plans were approximately the same as the acceptable values predicted by treatment plan. Conclusions: The dosimetric differences between CBCT and planing‐CT were within 2% of each other. CBCT may be used to patient radiation dose verification besides patient setup and target verification for SBRT patients.
Combined effect of total nucleated cell dose and HLA match on transplantation outcome in 1061 cord blood recipients with hematologic malignancies

Both total nucleated cell (TNC) dose and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–match affect the outcome of cord blood (CB) transplantation. However, how to prioritize these characteristics in unit selection is not established. Therefore, we analyzed the outcomes of 1061 patients who received single-unit myeloablative CB transplantation for leukemia or myelodysplasia. TNC dose and HLA-match each affected survival via their effect on transplant-related mortality (TRM); neither was associated with relapse. Therefore, TRM was the focus of multivariate analyses combining dose and HLA-match. Compared with our 1 HLA-mismatch (MM) reference group with TNC 2.5 to 4.9 × 107/kg, recipients of 0 MM units had the lowest TRM regardless of dose (relative risk [RR] = 0.4, P = .019). TRM for recipients of 1- or 2-MM units with TNC 5.0 × 107/kg or greater was similar to the reference group (RR = 0.8, P = .391 and RR = 1.0, P = .847) despite their greater dose. Recipients of 2 MM units with TNC 2.5 to 4.9 × 107/kg had a greater TRM (RR = 1.5, P = .014), and those with 1 or 2 MM and TNC less than 2.5 × 107/kg or 3 MM did substantially worse. These findings support new unit selection criteria that take into account both TNC dose and HLA-match and have important implications for the size of the global CB inventory needed to find an optimum CB graft.
Derivation of quantum theory from Feynman's rules

Feynman's formulation of quantum theory is remarkable in its combination of formal simplicity and computational power. However, as a formulation of the abstract structure of quantum theory, it is incomplete as it does not account for most of the fundamental mathematical structure of the standard von Neumann\char21{}Dirac formalism such as the unitary evolution of quantum states. In this paper, we show how to reconstruct the entirety of the finite-dimensional quantum formalism starting from Feynman's rules with the aid of a single physical postulate, the no-disturbance postulate. This postulate states that a particular class of measurements have no effect on the outcome probabilities of subsequent measurements performed. We also show how it is possible to derive both the amplitude rule for composite systems of distinguishable subsystems and Dirac's amplitude-action rule, each from a single elementary and natural assumption, by making use of the fact that these assumptions must be consistent with Feynman's rules.
Metaphor Interpretation as Selective Inferencing: Cognitive Processes in Understanding Metaphor (Part 1)

The importance of spatial and other metaphors is demonstrated. An approach to interpreting metaphor in a computational framework is described, based on the idea of selective inferencing, in which a processor draws or refrains from drawing certain inferences in a controlled fashion. Two examples of metaphors are examined in detail in this light—a simple metaphor and a spatial metaphor schema. In Part 2 a novel metaphor will be examined and there will be a discussion, from this perspective, of some classic issues concerning metaphor, including the analogical processes that underlie metaphor, the stages in the life of a metaphor, and the definition of metaphor.
Relationship between gestational weight gain and birthweight among clients enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Hawaii, 2003-2005.

To investigate the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and birthweight outcomes among a low-income population in Hawaii using GWG recommendations from the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Data were analyzed for 19,130 mother-infant pairs who participated in Hawaii’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children from 2003 through 2005. GWG was categorized as inadequate, adequate, or excessive on the basis of GWG charts in the guidelines. Generalized logit models assessed the relationship between mothers’ GWG and their child’s birthweight category (low birthweight [LBW: <2,500 g], normal birthweight [2,500 g ≤ BW < 4,000 g], or high birthweight [HBW: ≥4,000 g]). Final models were stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese) and adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, smoking status, parity, and marital status. Overall, 62 % of the sample had excessive weight gain and 15 % had inadequate weight gain. Women with excessive weight gain were more likely to deliver a HBW infant; this relationship was observed for women in all prepregnancy weight categories. Among women with underweight or normal weight prior to pregnancy, those with inadequate weight gain during pregnancy were more likely to deliver a LBW infant. Among the low-income population of Hawaii, women with GWG within the range recommended in the 2009 IOM guidelines had better birthweight outcomes than those with GWG outside the recommended range. Further study is needed to identify optimal GWG goals for women with an obese BMI prior to pregnancy.
The multi-configurational adiabatic electron transfer theory and its invariance under transformations of charge density basis functions

Abstract The continuum multi-configurational dynamical theory of electron transfer (ET) reactions in a chemical solute immersed in a polar solvent is developed. The solute wave function is represented as a CI expansion. The corresponding decomposition of the solute charge density generates a set of dynamical variables, the discrete medium coordinates. A new expression for the free energy surface in terms of these coordinates is derived. The stochastic equations of motion derived earlier are shown to be invariant under unitary transformations of orbitals used to build the CI expansion provided the latter is complete over the corresponding orbital subspace, and also under general linear transformations of the bases employed in expanding the charge density. The interrelation between the present general treatment and the reduced theory applied previously in terms of the two-level ET model is investigated. Finally, the explicit expression for the screening potential of medium electrons is derived in the electronic Born-Oppenheimer approximation (fast (slow) electronic timescale for solvent (solute)). The theory leads to a self-consistent scheme for practical calculations of rate constants for ET reactions involving complex solutes. Illustrative test calculations for two-level ET systems are presented, and the importance of proper boundary conditions for realistic molecular cavities is demonstrated.
Protection of rhesus macaques from vaginal infection by vaginally delivered maraviroc, an inhibitor of HIV-1 entry via the CCR5 co-receptor.

An effective vaginal microbicide could reduce human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission to women. Among microbicide candidates in clinical development is Maraviroc (MVC), a small molecule drug that binds the CCR5 co-receptor and impedes HIV-1 entry into cells. Delivered systemically, MVC reduces viral load in HIV-1-infected people, but its ability to prevent transmission is untested. We have now evaluated MVC as a vaginal microbicide, using a stringent model involving challenge of rhesus macaques with a high-dose of a CCR5-using virus, SHIV-162P3. Gel-formulated, prescription-grade MVC provided dose-dependent protection, half-maximally at 0.5 mM (0.25 mg/ml). The duration of protection was transient; the longer the delay between MVC application and virus challenge, the less protection (T1/2 ~ 4 h). As expected, MVC neither protected against challenge with a CXCR4-using virus, SHIV-KU1, nor exacerbated post-infection viremia. These findings validate MVC development as a vaginal microbicide for women, and should guide clinical programs.
Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network with Application to Emergency Scenarios

Establishing and accessing a reliable communication infrastructure at crisis site is a challenging research problem. Failure in communication infrastructure and information exchange impedes the early response efforts resulting in huge loss of lives and economical impacts. In this paper, we present the results taken over the wireless mesh network that had been deployed to provide first responders with an infrastructure for local communication on campus during the drill. Additionally the network was connected to the outside world through a wired backhaul. This infrastructure is quickly deployable, easily configurable and interoperable in a heterogeneous environment with minimum interdependencies. We present the measurements taken directly over the network by capturing operational network traces to evaluate network performance and identify the source(s) of bottleneck to improve performance and network resource usage for future deployments.
Packaging alternatives to large silicon chips: tiled silicon on MCM and PWB substrates

Recent advances in area array chip bonding combined with the availability of high density substrates facilitate novel approaches to partitioning future systems. We examine one such new paradigm here: tiled silicon, in which system integration is achieved by tiling a set of chips together using area bonding on high density substrates rather than by pursuing single chip integration. We simulate the partitioning of large silicon/complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (Si/CMOS) chips into tiled arrays of silicon chips, including in the analysis wiring lengths, electrical interconnect issues, I/O requirements, including drivers and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, wiring capacity, floorplans, wiring demand, escape, manufacturing yield, cost, and other electrical and thermal issues. Partitions are assumed to be interconnected via random logic, bus or memory type net topologies. Our results clearly show that it is possible to effectively tile silicon chips, when they are connected by reduced Rent exponent random logic, buses, or memory type net topologies. Systems with high interconnect demand, and thus little or no functional integration, cannot be tiled because of problems with larger chip real estate for drivers for off-chip lines and off-chip wiring capacity.
On the low-frequency natural response of conducting and permeable targets

The low-frequency natural response of conducting, permeable targets is investigated. The authors demonstrate that the source-free response is characterized by a sum of nearly purely damped exponentials, with the damping constants strongly dependent on the target shape, conductivity, and permeability, thereby representing a potential tool for pulsed electromagnetic induction (EMI) identification (discrimination) of conducting and permeable targets. This general concept is then specialized to the particular case of a body of revolution (BOR), for which the method-of-moments (MoM)-computed natural damping constants from several targets are compared with measurements. Moreover, theoretical natural (equivalent) surface currents and damping coefficients are shown for other targets of interest. Finally, the authors investigate the practical use of such natural signatures in the context of identification, wherein Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) studies address signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) considerations.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental organisms. In immunocompetent hosts, they are a rare cause of disease. In immunocompromised hosts, disease due to NTM is well documented. Reports of NTM disease have increased in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This increase may reflect increased numbers of transplants, intensification of immune suppressive regimens, prolonged survival of transplant recipients, and/or improved diagnostic techniques. The difficulty of diagnosis and the impact associated with infections due to NTM in HSCT and SOT recipients necessitates that, to ensure prompt diagnosis and early initiation of therapy, a high level of suspicion for NTM disease be maintained. The most common manifestations of NTM infection in SOT recipients include cutaneous and pleuropulmonary disease, and, in HSCT recipients, catheter-related infection. Skin and pulmonary lesions should be biopsied for histologic examination, special staining, and microbiologic cultures, including cultures for bacteria, Nocardia species, fungi, and mycobacteria. Mycobacterial infections associated with catheters may be documented by tunnel or blood (isolator) cultures. Susceptibility testing of mycobacterial isolates is an essential component of optimal care. The frequent isolation of NTM other than Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) from transplant recipients limits the extrapolation of therapeutic data from human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals to the population of transplant recipients. Issues involved in the management of NTM disease in transplant recipients are characterized by a case of disseminated infection due to Mycobacterium avium complex in a lung transplant recipient, with a review of the relevant literature.
Identifying the source of a strong fullerene envelope arising from laser desorption mass spectrometric analysis of meteoritic insoluble organic matter

Abstract Insoluble organic matter (IOM) has been obtained from two carbonaceous chondrite meteorites and subjected to analysis by laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) using standard operating conditions that were optimized for fullerene detection (3–6 μJ pulses at 337 nm focused to a spot size of approximately 100 μm in diameter). The preparation process yields no free C60 in the IOM, and other experiments suggest that this material does not contain appreciable amounts of fullerenes. Nevertheless, a pronounced high-mass envelope is observed in LDMS, extending from 720 amu to about 4000 amu, with peaks spaced apart every 24 amu (corresponding to the gain or loss of C2 units). We attribute this high-mass envelope to the existence of various fullerene molecules. The present work demonstrates that these fullerene molecules are created by the laser desorption laser ionization process under typical laser conditions used for studying free fullerenes in organic solvent extracts of natural samples (toluene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene). The implications of this false positive detection of fullerene molecules on the reports of fullerenes in other meteoritic samples have been investigated by introducing IOM into typical fullerene extraction procedures and examining the LDMS results. We found that IOM is capable of producing false positive signals in these experiments. The effect of ambient laboratory contamination producing fullerene signals is also described. It is found that extensive centrifugation of the meteoritic extracts is able to reduce the observed fullerene envelope, which points to an association of this envelope with IOM particulates that have passed through the filtering steps. We suggest the exercise of extreme caution in interpreting fullerene data from LDMS experiments.
Charting Success: Using Practical Measures to Assess Information Literacy Skills in the First-Year Writing Course

Abstract Objective – The aim was to measure the impact of a peer-to-peer model on information literacy skill-building among first-year students at a small commuter college in the United States. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is the state’s flagship public university and UNH Manchester is one of its seven colleges. This study contributed to a program evaluation of the Research Mentor Program at UNH Manchester whereby peer writing tutors are trained in basic library research skills to support first-year students throughout the research and writing process. Methods – The methodology employed a locally developed pre-test/post-test instrument with fixed-choice and open-ended questions to measure students’ knowledge of the library research process. Anonymized data was collected using an online survey with SurveyMonkey™ software. A rubric was developed to score the responses to open-ended questions. Results – The study indicated a positive progression toward increased learning for the three information literacy skills targeted: 1) using library resources correctly, 2) building effective search strategies, and 3) evaluating sources appropriately. Students scored higher in the fixed-choice questions than the open-ended ones, demonstrating their ability to more effectively identify the applicable information literacy skill than use the language of information literacy to describe their own research behavior. Conclusions – The assessment methodology used was an assortment of low-key, locally-developed instruments that provided timely data to measure students understanding of concepts taught and to apply those concepts correctly. Although the conclusions are not generalizable to other institutions, the findings were a valuable component of an ongoing program evaluation. Further assessment measuring student performance would strengthen the conclusions attained in this study.
Time-domain stability analysis/design of negative impedance Inverters and converters

Non-Foster circuits are attractive for microwave and antenna applications since they are not restricted by the gain-bandwidth product. Two topologies to implement these components are the Negative impedance converters and Inverters (NIC and NIIs). A problem with these circuits is the potential instability due to the presence of positive feedback. The stability properties of these circuits are discussed with a time-domain technique that computes the Lyapunov exponents for the nonlinear system.
Rate-dependent stress–strain behavior of polymeric materials

The investigation characterizes the rate-dependent uniaxial stress–strain behavior of several polymeric materials. The characterization is done using both a mechanical model with rate-dependent elements and a general nonlinear theory of viscoelasticity. Experimental data were gathered on a Laminac polyester resin, and further data on polycarbonate and PMMA were collected from the work of Brinson. The mechanical model could be called a modified Bingham type, while the nonlinear viscoelastic theory was the single integral constitutive model proposed by Bernstein, Kearsley, and Zapas. Results from the mechanical model gave good agreement with the experimental data, the maximum difference being about 10%. The BKZ theory predictions modeled the data to within 5–12% average error.
The Effects of Maternal Obesity on Neonates, Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Adults

With the increasing prevalence of obesity, including among women of childbearing age, there is increasing concern regarding the short-term and long-term effects on the offspring of women who are overweight and obese. In this paper we report the results of our review of the recent literature suggesting important adverse short-term and long-term consequences of maternal obesity on their children.
Marion Kilson. Dancing with the Gods: Essays in Ga Ritual. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 2013. xi + 148 pp. Illustrations. Bibliography. Index. $60.00. Cloth.

RELIGION Marion Kilson. Dancing with the Gods: Essays in Ga Ritual. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 2013. xi + 148 pp. Illustrations. Bibliography. Index. $60.00. Cloth.Kilson's book is a rich and detailed exploration of Ga religious beliefs and practices. Kilson employs a case-study approach to understanding Ga cosmology and ritual, including agricultural rites, the response to twin births, and naming. The book is a collection of previously published essays on research conducted in the 1960s; it is thus primarily a historical account of Ga ritual from this time period. Considering the relative continuity of some aspects of African religion over time, however, the book provides the ethnographic context necessary for understanding Ga religion today.The Ga are a Kwa-speaking people who live in coastal towns in southeastern Ghana. In the 1960s they numbered approximately 236,000. Kilson worked in Accra's oldest Ga settlement with migrant laborers, traders, and marginal elites. The book thus contributes to the literature on urban migration in Africa. Kilson dedicates several chapters to the structure of Ga ritual practices, highlighting both verbal and nonverbal aspects. The other chapters address the themes of mediumship, harvest rituals, twinship, naming, and kingship. Several chapters are short, consisting of two or three pages of transcriptions and translations of Ga libations.One of the book's most important contributions is its classic symbolic approach to African religion. Ga consider kpele their indigenous religion, and deem it crucial to (and synonymous with) their ethnic identity and cultural heritage. Despite numerous outside influences on kpele, the Ga consider it to be uniquely their own. Kilson's consideration of her informants' views on their religion, which may contradict the historical reality, is itself an important anthropological contribution.The book also provides rich symbolic analyses of key themes in the study of religions in Africa, including twinship, sacrifice, and mediumship, which many contemporary anthropologists have all but left behind. Although libation is a theme familiar to scholars of African religions, it is often taken for granted, remaining underexplored in the literature. Kilson explicitly examines the structure and meaning of libation in Ga religion. She shows that careful analysis of this and other ritual acts reveals the structure of Ga cosmology, including the hierarchical ordering of the five classes of beings through which Ga order and thus make sense of their social world. According to Kilson, libation "establishes contractual relations between mortal human beings and immortal spirits." Through libating, human beings acknowledge their inferiority to (and dependence on) divine beings, "partially fulfill their obligation to honor them," and coax them into fulfilling their duties to their human counterparts (16). Another of the book's strength is its careful attention to both verbal (e. …
PITFALLS IN THE LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION ASSAY: VARIATIONS IN PROLIFERATION KINETICS AND COLD THYMIDINE POOLS

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the variations in proliferation kinetics and cold thymidine pools. In a study described in the chapter, purified human peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated, cultured, and PHA-stimulated. The use of an optimal dose of 1 μg/ml purified PHA, with low agglutinating potency, allowed accurate hemacytometer counting. DNA synthesis was assayed after 3H-TdR labeling (2 h, 2 μCi/ml, 6 Ci/mM) by autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. The chapter presents two representative experiments that demonstrated a second difference between crowded and dilute PHA-stimulated cultures: variability in the kinetics of entry into proliferation. In the first experiment, a comparison of the fraction of cells labeled shows that the rates of entry into proliferation are similar for the two cell concentrations during the first 72 h. Thereafter, proliferation decreases in the crowded culture, whereas in the dilute culture, growth proceeds. The second experiment differs in that the entry into proliferation occurs more rapidly in the crowded culture. This would be expected if the cells produced additional recruitment activity that reached an effective level earlier in the concentrated than in the dilute cultures. In several such experiments described in the chapter, the kinetics of entry into proliferation varied unpredictably.
Analysis of bipolar external excitation of spherical tissue by spatially opposed current source and sink points

The recently increasing role in medical imaging that electrophysiology plays has spurned the need for its quantitative analysis at all scales-ions, cells, tissues, organs, etc.; so, here is presented a model of nerve tissue in a spherical volume excited by a point current source at one pole and a point current sink at the opposite pole. The sphere of tissue is described as an isotropic bidomain, consisting of the intra- and extra-cellular regions and the membrane that separates them, and is immersed in an infinite isotropic conductive bath. The system of coupled differential equations is solved by redefining the domains to be in terms of a monodomain and a membrane. The solution takes the form of an infinite sum of the product of certain transcendental functions. The study concludes with a numeric example in which the boundary conditions are shown to be satisfied, validating this analysis, paving the way for more sophisticated models of excitable tissue.
Religiosity and Spirituality in the Life of the Entrepreneur:A Review and Synthesis

The purpose of this article is to review the influences of spirituality and religiosity within the realm of entrepreneurship. The manuscript reviews nearly thirty articles, exploring the dominant empirical contributions that exist within this emergent research area. Several main focus areas from the prevailing research are organized into a comprehensive framework that provides the foundation for further discussion and synthesis. Shortcomings and limitations to the field and an agenda for future research that contributes to our understanding of religion and spirituality within the realm of entrepreneurship are presented.
ClC-2 Cl− channels in human lung epithelia: activation by arachidonic acid, amidation, and acid-activated omeprazole

ClC-2 Cl− channels represent a potential target for therapy in cystic fibrosis. Key questions regarding the feasibility of using ClC-2 as a therapeutic target are addressed in the present studies, ...
Determination of Organic Partitioning Coefficients in Water-Supercritical CO2 Systems by Simultaneous in Situ UV and Near-Infrared Spectroscopies

CO2 injected into depleted oil or gas reservoirs for long-term storage has the potential to mobilize organic compounds and distribute them between sediments and reservoir brines. Understanding this process is important when considering health and environmental risks, but little quantitative data currently exists on the partitioning of organics between supercritical CO2 and water. In this work, a high-pressure, in situ measurement capability was developed to assess the distribution of organics between CO2 and water at conditions relevant to deep underground storage of CO2. The apparatus consists of a titanium reactor with quartz windows, near-infrared and UV spectroscopic detectors, and switching valves that facilitate quantitative injection of organic reagents into the pressurized reactor. To demonstrate the utility of the system, partitioning coefficients were determined for benzene in water/supercritical CO2 over the range 35–65 °C and approximately 25–150 bar. Density changes in the CO2 phase with incr...
Analysis of 274 cases of fetal abnormality discovered by prental ultrasound diagnosis in Liuzhou

Objective:To explore the conditions of the congenital abnormal fetus discovered by prenatal ultrasound diagnosis in Liuzhou,so as to provide a reasonable guidance for the work of prepotency in Liuzhou. Methods:The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis made to pregnant women and abnormal fetus between the year 2006 to 2009 in Liuzhou MCH Hospital were analyzed. Results:In 23 040 pregnant women,274 cases of fetal malformation were detected by prenatal ultrasonic examination. The rate of fetal malformation is 1.19%.Among these 274 abnormal fetus,207 cases grow with ingle deformity,which rates to 75.5% in the total number. While that of those with multiple deformity is 24.5% with 67 cases discovered. The top 5 deformities ranked in fetal malformation are cardiac malformation,facial malformation,dysplasia in Skeletal system,dysplasia in central nervous system and dysplasia in intra-abdominal organs. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis made to pregnant women and timely measures taken to abnormal fetus can effectively reduce abnormal birth rate and improve the quality of population.
Robots learn to play: robots emerging role in pediatric therapy

© 2013, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.
Female role models in Bukusu folktales: Education at the mother’s hearth

AbstractFolktales serve a descriptive, as well as prescriptive role, by consistently depicting societal and cultural norms. Sexist portrayals sanction the marginality of Bukusu women, particularly when these reflect prevailing gender roles and expectations. However, contests over identity and representation are as ancient as (unwritten) history. The analysis of tales From Our Mothers’ Hearths: Bukusu Folktales and Proverbs, offers a wide range of role models for women; some of which depict female agency in exacting circumstances (Florence, N., 2005. From our Mothers’ Hearths: Bukusu Folktales and Proverbs. NJ: Africa World Pres/The Red Sea Press). Further, females as narrators, protagonists, and the primary audience act as both curator and creators of culture.
Portrayal of Women in Japanese Advertisements

As U.S. marketers attempt to market their products in Japan, it is prudent for them to understand advertising issues in Japan. An important issue for all advertisers is portrayal of specific groups of consumers in advertising. This study focuses on portrayal of women in Japanese advertising. Content analysis of print advertising reveals that women are portrayed just the same as men, an important finding for U.S advertisers to be cognizant of.
MESIC INTERACTIONS IN VERY LIGHT NUCLEI

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of mesic interactions in light nuclei and discusses the scattering, absorption, and production of pions and kaons on systems with nucleon number A=2, 3, or 4, focusing on the processes involving only strongly interacting particles. There are ways in which mesic interactions in the relatively known light nuclei can elucidate meson reaction mechanisms and aid in understanding the heavier nuclei. They can also be turned to good advantage in trying to learn more about the properties of elementary particles. There are a number of features of mesic interaction mechanism for whose study the light nuclei can be useful. The problems with multiple-scattering treatments of meson–nucleus interactions include (1) the unknown off-shell behavior of the meson–nucleon amplitudes, and (2) the double-counting confusion as to whether an exchanged meson is being re-scattered or is trying to mediate the usual nuclear force. Thus, the light nuclei are a natural first testing ground for the legitimacy of multiple-scattering theories. They serve a similar purpose for absorption processes. The chapter also reviews scattering processes, and the pion and kaon interactions in very light nuclei. At large momentum transfer, where double scattering becomes important, the results are very sensitive to the magnitude and phase of the pion–nucleon scattering amplitude that vary in the kinematic region and have sufficient experimental uncertainty associated with them to cover the apparent discrepancy.
Adherence, Compliance, and Persistence with Osteoporosis Therapies

Medication adherence is particularly important in osteoporosis. While the terms adherence, compliance, and persistence may be confusing, the fact remains that many patients with osteoporosis do not take therapy as directed or for the prolonged period of time needed to treat this disorder. It is clear from studies of large populations that patients with osteoporosis must take about 75–80% of treatments in order to have fracture risk reduction. Unfortunately most patients have stopped therapy by 1–2 years after the original prescription. Strategies to improve persistence have only been modestly successful. Suggestions for increasing adherence are provided.
Effects of Curcumin on Oxidative Stress in Animal Models and Patients with Alzheimer Disease

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is due to its chemical structure. In curcumin molecule the keto-enol-enolate equilibrium of the heptadienone moiety of curcumin dictates its antioxidant properties. The central CH2 group adjacent to the highly activated carbon atom in the heptadienone link is the antioxidant site, in which the delocalization of unpaired electron on the adjacent oxygen atoms contributes to antioxidant effects of curcumin. In addition, phenolic OH is the most preferable group for the loss of proton from the one-electron oxidized species. As the resultant phenoxyl radical is stabilized by delocalization of electrons, the ability for curcumin to scavenge the oxidizing free radicals is greatly increased. Studies on the effect of curcumin have indicated that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and mediates its effects not only by retarding amyloid-β-protein (Aβ)-mediated aggregation, and oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, but also inhibits activities of β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase. In in vivo studies, oral administration of curcumin has resulted in the inhibition of Aβ deposition, Aβ oligomerization, and tau phosphorylation in the brains of AD animal models, and improvements in behavioral impairment in animal models. Curcumin also stimulates neuroplasticity by acting on Nrf2 and promoting the expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, sulfaredoxin, thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin systems, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, γ-glutamine cysteine ligase and γ-glutamine cysteine synthase, quinone recycling (NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreducase, and heme oxygenase 1. These findings suggest that curcumin may be one of the most promising compounds for the development of AD therapies. Curcumin may provide neuroprotection by reducing protein misfolding and aggregation through the upregulation of heat shock proteins.
The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in Managing Dysphagia in theElderly

Dysphagia is a disorder of swallowing and is frequently present in the elderly. A swallowing disorder may be a function of the normal aging process or related to some disease process such as stroke or other medical issues. Patients generally exhibit different symptoms that indicate referral for an evaluation of the swallowing mechanism. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) is responsible for the diagnosis of swallowing problems and determining a course of treatment. There are a number of different treatments that may be used, but selection is a function of the specific problem. There is an evidence base to support the various treatments, but the level of evidence consists primarily of case studies and small cohort studies. The population of elderly is increasing, which means that the number of persons with dysphagia will continue to increase. Appropriate management begins with referral and leads to interdisciplinary management by a team of healthcare professionals. Professionals who work with the elderly should be aware of the potential for dysphagia and be aware of the clinical symptoms, so that an appropriate care plan may be implemented.
Solved: The enigma of labradorite feldspar with incommensurately modulated structure

![][1] Intermediate plagioclase feldspars are the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust. Their incommensurately modulated structure has puzzled geologists and crystallographers for decades since the phenomenon in a labradorite was reported in 1940. Solving the structure is a necessary step toward mapping the complex subsolidus phase relations of plagioclase solid solution. The structure of a homogeneous labradorite (An51) single crystal from a metamorphic rock is solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The result structure can be simplified as alternating I 1-like lamellae domains related by inversion twins. The inversion boundary shows an anorthite-like structure with ![Formula][2] symmetry and is richer in Ca than the neighboring domains with opposite polarity. No albite-like subunits appear in the e -plagioclase structure. The modulated structure displays a unique Al-Si ordering pattern. A density modulation with a variation of 17 mol% in composition is also observed and can be properly described only by applying second-order harmonic waves for the atomic modulation functions. The modulated structure reveals details that cannot be observed from refinement with only main reflections and may be used to assess the ordering state and cooling rate of its host rock. The homogeneity of the crystal indicates the closure of the solvus for Boggild intergrowth at low temperature. The highly ordered modulation supports the thermodynamic stability of e -plagioclase. Both Al-Si ordering and Ca-Na ordering are the driving force for formation of the incommensurately modulated structure. [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/mml-math-1.gif
Barriers to self-management behaviors in college students with food allergies

Objective This study examined barriers to engagement in self-management behaviors among food-allergic college students (1) within the frameworks of the health belief model (HBM) and common sense self-regulation model (CS-SRM) and (2) in the context of overall risky behaviors. Participants Undergraduate college students who reported having a physician-diagnosed food allergy (N = 141). Research was conducted from February 2015 through May 2016. Methods Participants were recruited from college campuses through email and social media. The frequency of adherence to self-management behaviors was measured along with HBM, CS-SRM, and risk-taking behaviors through a self-report survey. Results Among all participants, HBM and CS-SRM constructs and Tobacco Use explained 30.6% of the variance in adherence. CS-SRM constructs and Tobacco Use explained 44.8% of the variance for participants with self-injectable epinephrine (SIE). Conclusions Food-allergic college students demonstrate inconsistent adherence, and interventions designed to improve adherence should take both SIE prescription status and contextual factors into consideration.
Effects of run sprint interval training on healthy, inactive, overweight/obese women: A pilot study

This study examined the effects of a 12 week, treadmill-based, run sprint interval training (SIT) protocol compared with that of a moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) protocol in healthy,...
Current Economic Conditions in Myanmar and Options for Sustainable Growth

In this paper, an extensive report on the economy of Myanmar prepared in 1998 is supplemented by more recent reports as of fall 2002 (included as appendices). The economy of Myanmar is one of the poorest in South East Asia. Despite relatively rapidly growth during the 1990's, per capita income by 1998 was little higher than in the middle 1980s. Inflation rates are high, the currency value has fallen sharply, and Myanmar has one of the world's lowest rates relative to income of government revenue and non-military spending. Agriculture in Myanmar has an unusually high share (59%) of GDP. Despite a high reported growth rate, yields for most food crops have remained stagnant or dropped. Poor price incentives and credit systems constrain agricultural production. As of 1998, farm wages are barely enough to provide food, with nothing left over for clothing, school fees, supplies, or medicine. Environmental problems including deteriorating water supply and diminishing common property resources further impact the poor. Industry suffers from limited credit, fluctuating power supplies, inflation and exchange rate instability. A possible bright spot is offshore gas potential. However, much of the expected revenue from offshore gas development may already have been pledged as collateral for expenditure prior to 1998, and thus will go primarily to service debt. Recent evidence summarized in a paper by Debbie Aung Din Taylor (Appendix 3) indicates that most people in rural areas are much worse off today than a decade ago. Decline in agricultural production is aggravated by severe degradation of the natural resource base. River catchment areas are denuded of forest cover, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Fish stocks and water supplies are diminishing. These trends are pervasive and reaching a critical level. Assistance is urgently needed to provide the rural poor. Sustained international attention is needed to reverse the current rapid decline of economy and environment.
Chapter 3 – Resource Sustainability

Food processing operations are carried out by using energy in the form of steam, electricity and natural gas. Steam is usually generated at the processing plant sites using boilers. Conversion of water into steam involves phase change that is described by the application of thermodynamics. Upon generation, steam must be transported using pipes to processing operations where it condenses to release heat in a controlled manner. Similarly, combustion of natural gas involves the use of burners for heating air which is then used in processes such as baking. In using electrical energy to operate electrical motors, knowledge of electrical circuits is essential. Sustainable use of energy requires careful analysis of energy requirements and conservation. Life cycle assessment can also provide useful information on the impact of food processing on the environment.
An update of research evidence on nutrition and prostate cancer

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality in US and other countries. Preclinical and clinical studies have examined the role of nutrition and dietary intake on the incidence and progression of PCa with mixed results. Objective The objective of this chapter is to provide an update of recent published literature and highlight progress in the field. Main findings Low carbohydrate intake, soy protein, ω3 fat, green teas, tomatoes and tomato products and the herbal mixture-zyflamend showed promise in reducing PCa risk or progression. On the contrary, a higher animal fat intake and a higher β-carotene status may increase risk. A “U” shape relationship may exist between folate, vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium with PCa risk. Conclusion Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged. Conclusion Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged.
Total Syntheses of Scaparvins B, C, and D Enabled by a Key C-H Functionalization.

The clerodane diterpene family possesses an impressive range of bioactivities and high synthetic challenge due to their unique amalgamation of rings, stereocenters, and oxygenation. Herein, we disclose the first total syntheses of three members, scaparvins B, C, and D, through a route fueled by several chemoselective and carefully orchestrated steps. One such operation is a tailored late-stage C–H functionalization converting a carboxylic acid into a lactone through the oxidation of a tertiary C–H bond under conditions that minimize epoxidation of an alkene. This step, among others, afforded critical functionality to complete the targets. In addition, use of an appropriate chiral catalyst with a Rawal diene renders the sequence enantioselective.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Pervious Concrete Using Carbon Fiber Composite Reinforcement

AbstractCured carbon fiber composite material (CCFCM) is available from manufacturing lines; however, excess CCFCM has no reuse applications at present. Postindustrial CCFCM was mechanically refine...