cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the awareness rate of health knowledge and formation rate of health behavior among residents in Baise City from 2010-2012

[Objective]To understand the awareness rate of health knowledge and formation rate of health behavior among residents in Baise City from 2010-2012,provide basis for making programs of health education and health promotion.[Methods]The propaganda of health knowledge and health behavior were carried out among residents in 5 community in Youjiang District of Baise City, the investigation were done by stratified random sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted. [Results]The difference of gender,age,education degree and profession were not statistically significant from 2010-2012( P 0. 05). In 2010,the awareness rate of four health knowledge among residents was low,in 2011,the awareness rate of all health knowledge were significantly improved,in 2012,the awareness rate further improved( P 0. 05),the total awareness rate increased year by year( P 0. 05). In 2010,the formation rate of four health behavior was low; in 2011,the formation rate of all health behavior were significantly improved; in 2012,the formation rate further improved( P 0. 05); the total formation rate increased year by year( P 0. 05). [Conclusion] The health knowledge awareness rate and health behavior formation rate among residents in Baise City increased gradually showed that the health education and health promotion work achieved certain effect,but the popularity of the knowledge of chronic diseases prevention and control should be strengthened. Making more residents know the risk factors and prevention measures of chronic diseases,common diseases and infectious,prevent the diseases or early discover, diagnose and rehabilitate,thus improve the people's health consciousness and health level.
Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults.

N.D. is a 72-year-old white man who presents for a preventive visit. He smokes, and his medical history is significant for essential hypertension, which is stable and well controlled with medication. N.D.'s close friend was recently diagnosed with dementia, and N.D. is concerned that he may receive a similar diagnosis in the future. He does not have any symptoms but asks whether he should be screened.
A model of spike-timing dependent plasticity: one or two coincidence detectors?

In spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP), synapses exhibit LTD or LTP depending on the order of activity in the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells. LTP occurs when a single presynaptic spike pre...
Objective assessment of olfaction after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

BackgroundTransnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery has proven to be a safe and effective method for removing pituitary tumors. Direct and angled endoscopy at the site of dissection provides excellen...
Butterfield’s Critique of Interpretations

Any reading of The Whig Interpretation that follows the direction of Butterfield’s argument inevitably focuses on his critique of whig historiography in general, and of Acton in particular. As a result, the weight of any such discussion lies primarily with whig historiography, rather than with the question of Butterfield’s concept and critique of interpretations as such. This question was only implicit in The Whig Interpretation, but became more explicit in the 1948–51 discussions concerning technical history in which the earlier view of interpretation as an act subsequent to historical fact finding was presented in greater detail.
The Landau parameters in helium II

Abstract Simple relations are given expressing the pressure and temperature dependence of the Landau parameters for rotons in liquid helium II.
Paradox of Empowerment and Marginalization

The paucity of women in computer science (CS) and the masculinity of CS field in the USA and Europe are challenged from the experience from the developing countries. Despite any special initiatives undertaken by the Indian government, IT companies, or nonprofit organizations, there are large numbers of women studying CS in India. There is a need to reexamine universal portrayal of CS as a masculine field as done in the USA and Europe. By using example of women in India, this paper explains how the situation in India is different for women in CS. Yet, it shows prevalent of gender issues in CS despite high level of women in CS in India. An analysis of the Indian context for CS and cultural/social meaning of gender in India will provide a better understanding of construction of gender and CS.
Specific heat of the high- T c oxide superconductors

We review the specific heat measurements on La2CuO4, La2−xMxCuO4 (M = Ca, Sr, and Ba), YBa2Cu3O7, and the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O and Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O systems. Tables of properties derived from the data are presented. Results on RBa2Cu3O7 (R=rare earth elements other than Y) are summarized, as are results on YBa2(Cu3−xMx)O7 (M=Zn, Cr, Fe, or Ni). The difficulties of analyzing the specific heat data, and specifically the separation of the contributions associated with magnetic impurities, are discussed. It is tentatively concluded that the data nearT c are consistent with BCS theory, although they show evidence of fluctuation effects. It is also concluded that the low-temperature zero-field data on a majority of the high-T c oxide superconductors provide evidence of anintrinsic term that is proportional toT, a result that is inconsistent with a gap in the electronic density of states.
Active surveillance: Do low-income patients adhere to the protocol?

53Background: Use of active surveillance (AS) in low-risk prostate cancer (PC) is up from 10% in 2006 to 40% in 2013 according to the CaPSURE registry. The data that provides evidence for the use of AS were among patients adhering to follow-up schedules. There are no data illustrating if patients not on a study follow through with their AS. Based on our experience at a large safety-net hospital with a multi-ethnic, low-income population and a nearby university-based hospital, we hypothesize that AS patients at a safety-net hospital fail to follow-up more frequently than those at a university-based hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer who initiated AS at Los Angeles County Hospital (LAC) and Norris Cancer Center (NCC) between 1/1/2008-1/1/2015. Competing-risks regression analyses were used to examine the difference in the rates of AS patients being lost to follow-up (LTFU) between the two institutions, as well as the association betwee...
Advanced rectal cancer. What is the best palliation

The best treatment of advanced rectal cancer remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome after palliative procedures in patients with advanced rectal cancer. One hundred and three patients treated over a seven-year period were identified, including 30 with local invasion, 18 with local metastases, and 55 with distant metastases. Patients were grouped into two groups: those who underwent palliative resection (68) and those who were treated without rectal resection (55). The nonresected group included patients who underwent diverting colostomies (28) and those who received multimodality therapy without surgery (7). The average age of all patients was 63.1 years. Patients in the nonresected group had more distant disease (68 percent) than the resected group (46 percent). Significant pelvic pain was a more common problem in the nonresected group (15 percent) than in the resected group (4 percent). Similarly, pelvic sepsis was more common in the nonresected group (14 percent) than in the resected group (9 percent). Postoperative mortality was 4.3 percent after palliative resection and 3.8 percent after diverting colostomy. Survival of the resected group at one year was 65 percent and at two years 20 percent. Survival of the nonresected group at one year was 20 percent and at two years 0 percent. Survival in the resected group was significantly (P<.01) better than the nonresected group but probably can be attributed to the more extensive disease generally present in the patients who did not undergo resection. These results suggest that patients with advanced rectal cancers should undergo palliative resection whenever possible because resection decreases pelvic complications and may improve quality of life.
Improving Efficiency and TFP of Lowland Paddy Rice Farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria

Purpose: The pressure on land for agricultural purposes is on the rise and sustainable agriculture remains the panacea for herdsmen attack on arable crop farmers in the study area. The present research empirically measured and identified the factors that influenced efficiency and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of lowland paddy rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria. Research Methodology: The study made use of cross-sectional data collected from 200 active farmers during the 2016 cropping season via Multi-stage sampling technique. Instrument used to elicit information from the active farmers was structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The results proved that majority of the farmers were not smart farmers which is responsible for negative TFP in most of the Decision making units (DMUs) as evident from poor robust increase in output index. However, the study inferred that there remained more untapped potentials in paddy rice production in the studied area. Limitations: The scope of the research is limited to lowland rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria. Originality/Value: Therefore, it was recommended that Government and non-governmental organisations should formulate supportive policies targeting sustainability of rice production viz. proper allocation of farm resources and also welfare improvement of the resource poor farmers for cultivating rice crops in the studied area.
Birth order and the gender gap in educational attainment

While studies of birth order effects on human capital formation for developed countries abound, less is known about these effects in a developing country context. Harnessing rich childbearing history data on senior parents in China, I provide within-family estimates of the impact of birth order on adult children’s completed schooling, emphasizing heterogenous effects across gender. I find evidence that, holding the size of the family fixed, a daughter’s schooling decreases with the number of younger siblings, while a son’s schooling increases with the number of younger siblings. Birth order differences in age at marriage and provision of intergenerational support to parents are possible explanations for the observed patterns in schooling. My findings suggest that the one-child policy, despite having contributed to worsening the sex-ratio imbalance in China, could have helped reduce the gender gap in educational attainment.
Introduction: Visual Languages and Iconic Languages

The term “visual language” means different things to different people. To some, it means the objects handled by the language are visual. To others, it means the language itself is visual. To the first group of people, “visual language” means “language for processing visual information,” or “visual information processing language.” To the second group of people, “visual language” means “language for programming with visual expressions,” or “visual programming language.”
Fatigue damage mechanisms in boron-aluminium composite laminates

The relationship between fatigue and shakedown in metal matrix composites is investigated theoretically and experimentally for unidirectional and laminated 6061 Al-B materials. It is shown that no fatigue damage takes place if the applied stress range is such that the material remains elastic, or shakes down, i.e., resumes elastic cyclic straining after a small number of plastic strain cycles. Fatigue damage occurs only in specimens subjected to stress ranges which cause sustained cyclic plastic straining in the aluminum matrix. If the applied stress range is smaller than that required for fatigue failure, after about 10 to the 6th cycles a saturation damage state is reached which remains essentially unchanged with increasing number of cycles.
A side-by-side evaluation of four platelet-counting instruments.

The performances of four instruments for counting platelets were evaluated in a side-by-side study: the Haema-Count® MK-4/HC, an electronic impedance instrument that counts platelets in platelet-rich plasma; the Ultra-Flo 100,® and the Coulter Counter® Model S-Plus, electronic impedance instruments that count platelets in the presence of intact erythrocytes; and the AutoCounter,® an optical instrument that counts platelets in the presence of lysed erythrocytes. The Ultra-Flo 100 and the S-Plus showed the best within-run precision, and all four instruments were considerably more precise than manual platelet counting, especially at low levels of platelet count. The four instruments were all linear in the ranges tested (5 to 650 × 109/l or greater), and sample carryover was less than 0.7% for each. A noteworthy finding was that the erythrocyte concentration of the blood samples affected the displayed platelet count of the S-Plus and, to a lesser extent, that of the AutoCounter, in a predictable way, whereas it did not greatly affect the displayed count of the Ultra-Flo 100. In addition to differences in quality of performance, the four instruments differed considerably in speed and ease of operation and in cost.
Experiencing an Invisible World War I Battlefield Through Narrative-Driven Redirected Walking in Virtual Reality

Redirected walking techniques have the potential to provide natural locomotion while users experience large virtual environments. However, when using redirected walking in small physical workspaces, disruptive overt resets are often required. We describe the design of an educational virtual reality experience in which users physically walk through virtual tunnels representative of the World War I battle of Vauquois. Walking in only a 15- by 5-foot tracked space, users are redirected through subtle, narrative-driven resets to walk through a tunnel nearly 50 feet in length. This work contributes approaches and lessons that can be used to provide a seamless and natural virtual reality walking experience in highly constrained physical spaces.
A one-dimensional model for compressible fluid flows through deformable microchannels

Fluid-structure interactions in low-Reynolds-number flows have received an increasing interest due to emerging bio-applications of deformable microfluidics. We utilize the lubrication theory and wide-beam framework to develop a one-dimensional coupled fluid-solid-mechanics model for the prediction of the characteristic behavior of compressible fluid flows through deformable microchannels. An explicit relationship is extracted for the mass flow rate as a function of pressure difference across a microchannel, undeformed channel dimensions, and properties of channel’s ceiling such as thickness, modulus of elasticity, and Poisson’s ratio. The resulting fifth-order algebraic equation is also solved numerically to obtain the pressure distribution within the microchannel. As a special case for compressible fluid flows, the characteristics of ideal gas flows are extracted from the general model. Rigid and deformable microchannels are fabricated, and the mass flow rates of air through the channels are measured under various pressure differences across the channels. The proposed model predicts the mass flow rate with an acceptable accuracy. Our experimental and theoretical results highlight the importance of fluid compressibility and microchannel deformability, demonstrating that neglecting either of them under sufficiently large pressure differences can lead to erroneous results. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first theoretical model simultaneously addressing both fluid compressibility and microchannel deformability for an equilibrium pressure-driven compressible fluid flow in microscale.
Pallidal thermolesion unleashes gamma oscillations in the motor cortex in Parkinson's disease.

Background In Parkinson's disease, the emergence of motor dysfunction is thought to be related to an imbalance between "antikinetic" and "prokinetic" patterns of oscillatory activity in the motor network. Invasive recordings from the basal ganglia and cortex in surgical patients have suggested that levodopa and therapeutic deep brain stimulation can suppress antikinetic beta band (13-30 Hz) rhythms while promoting prokinetic gamma band (60-90 Hz) rhythms. Surgical ablation of the globus pallidus internus is one of the oldest effective therapies for Parkinson's disease and produces remarkably immediate relief of rigidity and bradykinesia, but its effects on oscillatory activity in the motor network have not been studied. Objectives We characterize the effects of pallidotomy on cortical oscillatory activity in Parkinson's patients. Methods Using a temporary 6-contact lead placed over the sensorimotor cortex in the subdural space, we recorded acute changes in cortical oscillatory activities in 3 Parkinson's disease patients undergoing pallidotomy and compared the results to that of 3 essential tremor patients undergoing thalamotomy. Results In all 3 Parkinson's disease patients, we observed the emergence of a ~70-80 Hz narrowband oscillation with effective thermolesion of the pallidum. This gamma oscillatory activity was spatially localized over the primary motor cortex, was minimally affected by voluntary movements, and was not found in the motor cortex of essential tremor patients undergoing thalamotomy. Conclusions Our finding suggests that acute lesioning of the pallidum promotes cortical gamma band oscillations. This may represent an important mechanism for alleviating bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Telomerase Impinges on the Cellular Response to Oxidative Stress Through Mitochondrial ROS-Mediated Regulation of Autophagy.

Telomerase has cellular functions beyond telomere stabilization, including a role in mitochondria. The function of the catalytic component—TERT—in mitochondria is still unknown, but it seems to play a role in the response to oxidative stress. Here, we interrogated the role of the subcellular localization of TERT to the response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. Using normal human fibroblasts (NHF) expressing non-tagged wild type (WT) human TERT (hTERT) or nuclear localization and function (nuchTERT), a mutant that we previously described as being competent in telomere elongation, while not being able to localize to mitochondria, we found the differential activation of autophagy as a function of hTERT’s subcellular localization. Specifically, we found that only cells expressing the mutant had significant increases in autophagy markers as a response to H2O2 challenge. Either the reintroduction of the mitochondrial pool of hTERT or the expression of mitochondrially-targeted catalase in mutant cells blunted the autophagic response under oxidative stress. Interestingly, autophagy activation was also associated with decreased levels of mitochondrial DNA damage. Taken together, these results suggest that the loss of hTERT in mitochondria initiates a signaling cascade that allows for cells to adapt to and cope with the lack of mitochondrial telomerase. Such effects also influence the cellular response to oxidative damage.
Understanding lipopolysaccharide aggregation and its influence on activation of Factor C

Abstract The quantification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shed by bacteria within aqueous samples is typically performed by binding LPS to a protein called Factor C within a lysate prepared from the blood of horseshoe crabs (Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL)). How the state of aggregation of LPS impacts Factor C activation, however, is not understood, particularly in the presence of select salts and non-ionic surfactants that are commonly incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations. To address this open question, herein we report on the aggregation status of LPS in aqueous solution, characterized using angle-dependent static and dynamic light scattering with and without chelating salts and polysorbate surfactants, and its correlation with activation of Factor C. Because the aggregation status of LPS is kinetically controlled, care was taken to compare LPS aggregation and activity using identically prepared samples. By plotting LPS activity versus the LPS aggregate size distribution over varied solution conditions, we found a positive correlation between LPS aggregate sizes between 30 and 50 nm and LAL activity. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that activation of Factor C is dependent of LPS aggregate size, and that the modulating effects of salts and surfactants on activation of Factor C is associated with changes in the LPS aggregation.
Support Vector Machines in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces Versus Banach Spaces

In this article, we compare the support vector classifiers in Hilbert spaces versus those in Banach spaces. Recently, we developed a new concept of reproducing kernel Banach spaces (RKBSs). These spaces are a natural generalization of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHSs) by extending the reproduction property from inner products to dual bilinear products. Based on the techniques of Fourier transforms, we can construct RKBSs by many well-known positive definite functions, e.g., Matern functions and Gaussian functions. In addition, we can obtain finite-dimensional solutions of support vector machines defined in infinite-dimensional RKBSs. Finally, the numerical examples provided in this paper show that the solution of support vector machines in a RKBS can be computed and easily coded just as the classical algorithms given in RKHSs.
Extrinsic spin-orbit coupling and spin relaxation in phosphorene

An effective Hamiltonian is derived to describe the conduction band of monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) in the presence of spin-orbit coupling and external electric field. Envelope function approximation along with symmetry arguments and Lowdin partitioning are utilized to derive extrinsic spin-orbit coupling. The resulting spin splitting appears in fourth order perturbation terms and is shown to be linear in both the magnitude of the external electric field and the strength of the atomic spin-orbit coupling, similar to the Bychkov-Rashba expression but with an in-plane anisotropy. The anisotropy depends on the coupling between conduction band and other bands both close and distant in energy. The spin relaxation of conduction electrons is then calculated within the Dyakonov-Perel mechanism where momentum scattering randomizes the polarization of a spin ensemble. We show how the anisotropic Fermi contour and the anisotropic extrinsic spin splitting contribute to the anisotropy of spin-relaxation time. Scattering centers in the substrate are considered to be charged impurities with screened Coulomb potential.
Statistical Interpretation of Data

It is commonplace to observe that repeated measurements of what seems to be the same object or phenomenon do not produce identical results. Measurement variation arises from a number of sources, but one root cause is often the finite precision of the measuring tool. If a simple yardstick is used to measure carpet, we expect to obtain a result no better than perhaps 1/4 inch, the smallest division on the measurement scale, but this is entirely adequate for our purpose. If we try to measure the carpet to a higher resolution, say 1/64 inch, we are likely to find that the roughness of the edge of the carpet causes uncertainty about just where the boundary really is, and measurements at different locations produce different answers. To push this particular example just a bit farther, if the measurement is performed without taking care that the ruler is perpendicular to the edges of the carpet, the measurement will be biased and the result too large.
Bar, stripe and spot development in sand-dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi

Melanic patterns such as horizontal stripes, vertical bars and spots are common among teleost fishes and often serve roles in camouflage or mimicry. Extensive research in the zebrafish model has shown that the development of horizontal stripes depends on complex cellular interactions between melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores. Little is known about the development of horizontal stripes in other teleosts, and even less is known about bar or spot development. Here, we compare chromatophore composition and development of stripes, bars and spots in two cichlid species of sand-dwellers from Lake Malawi—Copadichromis azureus and Dimidiochromis compressiceps. (1) In D. compressiceps, stripes are made of dense melanophores underlaid by xanthophores and overlaid by iridophores. Melanophores and xanthophores are either loose or absent in interstripes, and iridophores are dense. In C. azureus, spots and bars are composed of a chromatophore arrangement similar to that of stripes but are separated by interbars where density of melanophores and xanthophores is only slightly lower than in stripes and iridophore density appears slightly greater. (2) Stripe, bar and spot chromatophores appear in the skin at metamorphosis. Stripe melanophores directly differentiate along horizontal myosepta into the adult pattern. In contrast, bar number and position are dynamic throughout development. As body length increases, new bars appear between old ones or by splitting of old ones through new melanophore appearance, not migration. Xanthophore and iridophore distributions follow melanophore patterns. (3) Metamorphic pigmentation arises in cichlids in a fashion similar to that described in zebrafish: melanophore progenitors derived from the medial route of neural crest migration migrate from the vicinity of the neural tube to the skin during metamorphosis. The three pigment cell types forming stripes, bars and spots arise in the skin at metamorphosis. Stripes develop by differentiation of melanophores along horizontal myosepta, while bars do not develop along patent anatomical boundaries and increase in number in relation with body size. We propose that metamorphic melanophore differentiation and migratory arrest upon arrival to the skin lead to stripe formation, while bar formation must be supported by extensive migration of undifferentiated melanophores in the skin.
Enhancement of positive pulsed corona by dielectric enclosure

In this work, the effect of positive pulsed corona enhancement by introducing Teflon dielectric enclosure in vicinity to the electrode assembly was studied. The discharge operating in air without the dielectric was able to operate within a very narrow voltage range of approximately 200 V. The pulsing frequency was below 1.2 kHz and current peaks were below 14 mA. Increasing the applied voltage onto the positive electrode beyond this range would result in sparks between the electrodes. When the Teflon tube enclosure surrounding the high voltage electrode was used, the window of stable pulsed corona operation expanded up to 3-5 kV. The pulsing frequency increased up to 12 kHz and the current peak level increased to approximately 35 mA. Increasing voltage beyond the point with peak pulsing frequency would result in a drop of pulsing frequency until the discharge pulsations stopped completely. The Teflon enclosure was able to enhance the average power deposited into the discharge from 10 to 220 mWatt. In addition, the product gases of the enhanced pulsed corona were tested to be mostly ozone with traceable amount of NO2. The discharge used about 150 eV and 1950 eV per one ozone molecule and nitrogen dioxide molecule respectively. The reported here plasma source is promising from the power density/compactness standpoint since significant enhancement (>20 times) of the energy deposition to the discharge can be achieved compared to that of conventional positive pulsed corona.
Constraining in situ cosmogenic nuclide paleo-production rates using sequential lava flows during a paleomagnetic field strength low

Abstract The geomagnetic field prevents a portion of incoming cosmic rays from reaching Earth’s atmosphere. During magnetic reversals and excursions, the field strength can decrease by up to 90% relative to the modern-day value. During such anomalies, cosmic ray bombardment to Earth’s atmosphere increases as evident from atmospheric 10Be anomalies recorded in sediment and ice cores. However, how the flux of cosmic rays to Earth’s surface varies during such geomagnetic anomalies is not well constrained. We measured fossil cosmogenic 3He in olivine from the tops of two pairs of 40Ar/39Ar age-dated Tahitian lava flows that erupted during the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal precursor event. We corrected these raw values for the diffusive loss of helium caused by heating from the overlying flow with a diffusion model using cooling rates and maximum temperature conditions based on field measurements of active lava flows from Kilauea, Hawaii. We assume the maximum temperature suggested by field measurements and thus present a limiting case for the highest diffusive loss corrections and thus the highest paleo-production rates. Based on paleomagnetic field strength reconstructions and scaling factor models, the upper limits of the corrected in situ 3He paleo-production rates (100 ± 23, 144 ± 35 atoms g−1 a−1) are in agreement with those expected during the period of a geomagnetic field strength low when these flow tops were exposed. However, the more plausible contact temperatures (
The Association between Psychopathy and Influencing Others to Use Substances.

Background: Although a large body of research has examined the impact of peer influence on substance use, little is known about the psychology of who influences others to use substances and why. Th...
Visual Psychophysics in Head-Fixed Mice

We describe a set of protocols for doing visual psychophysical experiments in head-fixed mice. The goal of this approach was to conduct in mice the same type of precise and well-controlled tests of visual perception and decision making as is commonly done in primates. For example, these experimental protocols were the basis for our demonstration that mice are capable of visual selective attention in paradigms adapted from classic attention cueing paradigms in primates. Basic Protocol 1 describes how to construct the experimental apparatus, including the removable wheel assembly on which the mice run during the visual tasks, the lick spout used to deliver rewards and detect licks, and the behavioral box that places these components together with the visual displays. We also describe the functions of the computerized control system and the design of the customized head fixture. Basic Protocol 2 describes the preparation of mice for the experiments, including the detailed surgical steps. Basic Protocol 3 describes the transition to a food schedule for the mice and how to operate the experimental apparatus. Basic Protocol 4 outlines the logic of the task design and the steps necessary for training the mice. Finally, Basic Protocol 5 describes how to obtain and analyze the psychometric data. Our methods include several distinctive features, including a custom quick-release method for holding the head and specific strategies for training mice over multiple weeks. Published 2020. U.S. Government. Basic Protocol 1: Experimental apparatus Basic Protocol 2: Head fixture surgery Basic Protocol 3: General operation of the experimental apparatus Basic Protocol 4: Behavioral task design and training Basic Protocol 5: Psychometric data collection and analysis.
My Life in Words and Numbers

George Orwell reportedly said that “Autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful.” I've done my best to eliminate any disgraceful episodes from the following account, t...
Embracing interculturality and Indigenous knowledge in Latin American higher education

This article uses Southern theories to analyse education programmes in Latin America that promote Indigenous knowledges and languages at the university level. Applying de Sousa Santos’ concepts of ...
A Fast and Accurate Solution for Pose Estimation from 3D Correspondences

Estimating pose from given 3D correspondences, including point-to-point, point-to-line and point-to-plane correspondences, is a fundamental task in computer vision with many applications. We present a fast and accurate solution for the least-squares problem of this task. Previous works mainly focus on studying the way to find the global minimizer of the least-squares problem. However, existing works that show the ability to achieve the global minimizer are still unsuitable for real-time applications. Furthermore, as one of contributions of this paper, we prove that there exist ambiguous configurations for any number of lines and planes. These configurations have several solutions in theory, which makes the correct solution may come from a local minimizer when the data are with noise. Previous works based on convex optimization which is unable to find local minimizers do not work in the ambiguous configuration. Our algorithm is efficient and able to reveal local minimizers. We employ the Cayley-Gibbs-Rodriguez (CGR) parameterization of the rotation to derive a general rational cost for the three cases of 3D correspondences. The main contribution of this paper is to solve the first-order optimality conditions of the least-squares problem, which are of a complicated rational form. The central idea of our algorithm is to introduce some intermediate unknowns to simplify the problem. Extensive experimental results show that our algorithm is more stable than previous algorithms when the number N of correspondences is small. Besides, when N is large, our algorithm achieves the same accuracy as the state-of-the-art algorithm [1], but our algorithm is about 7 times faster than [1] in real applications.
Worldsheet Path Integral: Vacuum Amplitudes

In this chapter, we develop the path integral quantization for a generic closed string theory in worldsheet Euclidean signature. We focus on the vacuum amplitudes, leaving scattering amplitudes for the next chapter. This allows to focus on the definition and gauge fixing of the path integral measure.
Untapping the potential of utilizing electronic medical records to identify patients with atopic dermatitis: an algorithm using ICD-10 codes

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that imposes an enormous personal and economic burden in the United States. Due to the ubiquity of the use of electronic medical records (EMR) in the United States, utilizing such data is critically important to studying common dermatologic diseases, such as AD. Our goal was to create a simple-to-use algorithm applied to EMR data to accurately identify AD patients thereby making it possible to efficiently use EMR data to ascertain and then study individuals with AD. Our results suggest that the algorithm that is most likely to accurately identify AD patients from the EMR based on PPV utilizes ICD-10 code for L20.89, L20.9, or L20.84 in conjunction with a diagnosis code for asthma or allergic rhinitis, treatment code, and dermatology consult code. This approach yields a PPV of 95.00% in our training cohort and 100.00% in our validation cohort. Therefore, future studies can use this algorithm to better assure that a subject has AD for studies of the pathogenesis and/or potential treatment targets of AD.
The Joy and Irritation of Gift Giving

Gift giving is a pervasive behavior, yet, as consumer researchers, we know little about it, A review of the literature reveals what appears to be solid conceptualization in the area; however, scant empirical work has been conducted in accord. The current research centers on the measurement of attitudes about gift giving. An experiment was conducted in which one of the two factors of the proposed scale (IRRITATION) emerged as a statistically significant covariate in regards to two estimated behavioral measures. Thus, it is argued that a standardized measure of attitude about gift giving may serve as a helpful covariate in future experiments that manipulate gift giving variables.
An omega-3 epoxide of docosahexaenoic acid lowers blood pressure in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension (832.5)

Mediators of anti-hypertensive actions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are largely unknown. The omega-3 epoxide of DHA, 19, 20-EDP (epoxydocosapentaenoic acid) is metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which also metabolizes the anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive arachidonic acid (ARA) epoxides, EETs (epoxyeicosatrienoic acids). Based in part on plasma levels of EDPs following a DHA-rich diet, we hypothesized that 19, 20-EDP contributes to the anti-hypertensive actions of DHA in angiotensin-II dependent hypertension. Treatment individually with 19, 20-EDP, and a potent sEH inhibitor (sEHI) TPPU (1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea) significantly lowered blood pressure (BP) as compared to angiotensin-II infused animals. The largest reduction in BP was obtained with the combination of 19, 20-EDP and TPPU, which was more efficacious than the combination of 14, 15-EET and TPPU. Oxylipin profiling revealed that 19, 20-EDP and 14, 15-EET infusion affected mostly metabolites o...
Effect of increasing nutrient concentration on growth and nitrogen uptake of container-grown peach and olive.

Five nutrient solutions of increasing ionic strength were supplied to container-grown self-rooted peach and olive, during 16 weeks of culture. Dry matter production of peach was closely related to nutrient supply, whereas olive plants did not correlate with the ionic strength of the nutritive solution. Peach and olive plants exhibited large differences in biomass partitioning: peach always showed a higher root/shoot ratio. As the nitrate supply was increased an enhanced nitrogen absorption was observed in peach. On the other hand, olive appeared to be unable to take up and assimilate such supplies.
Lipid acquisition by intracellular Chlamydiae

Chlamydia species are obligate intracellular pathogens that are important causes of human genital tract, ocular and respiratory infections. The bacteria replicate within a specialized membrane-bound compartment termed the inclusion and require host-derived lipids for intracellular growth and development. Emerging evidence indicates that Chlamydia has evolved clever strategies to fulfil its lipid needs by interacting with multiple host cell compartments and redirecting trafficking pathways to its intracellular niche. In this review, we highlight recent findings that have significantly expanded our understanding of how Chlamydia exploit lipid trafficking pathways to ensure the survival of this important human pathogen.
Electronics in transition-the tools and technologies for 2000 AD

This paper begins by putting electronics into a historical perspective, identifying it as the latest in a long line of knowledge technologies, noting that electronic writing (the sequential recording of original symbol strings) is now performed on magnetic surfaces and electronic printing (the mass replication of fixed knowledge) is now done on plastic in the form of CD-ROM. We note a shift away from classical Newtonian-electronics towards a VLSI culture that transcends the old paradigm; this 'new electronics' is here called epitronics, being built upon electronics, but no longer having the same essential physical nature. After a brief review of current technologies, some ideas about how we may expect these to evolve are presented, followed by a discussion of the new knowledge-based tools that will be needed for product development in the latter part of this decade. Finally, we try to imagine the impact-of epitronics on Earthtown in the year 2000. >
Determination of the in-flight spectral calibration of AVIRIS using atmospheric absorption features

Spectral calibration of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) as data are acquired in flight is essential to quantitative analysis of the measured upwelling spectral radiance. In each spectrum measured by AVIRIS in flight, there are numerous atmospheric gas absorption bands that drive this requirement for accurate spectral calibration. If the surface and atmospheric properties are measured independently, these atmospheric absorption bands may be used to deduce the in-flight spectral calibration of an imaging spectrometer. Both the surface and atmospheric characteristics were measured for a calibration target during an in-flight calibration experiment held at Lunar Lake, Nevada on April 5, 1994. This paper uses upwelling spectral radiance predicted for the calibration target with the MODTRAN radiative transfer code to validate the spectral calibration of AVIRIS in flight.
International Criminal Justice and the Protection of Human Rights: The Rule of Law or the Hubris of Law?

Human rights discourse has been increasingly dominated by international criminal justice. The ability to bring perpetrators of serious human rights violations to justice internationally is an important development and a good in itself, but contemporary enthusiasm for international criminal justice also reflects a misplaced confidence in its potential to achieve the fundamental goal of human rights law: the protection of people from abuse. This confidence, which relies on a belief, almost wholly speculative, in the power of international prosecution as a general deterrent for would-be abusers, may even undermine efforts to protect human rights. First, the delusion of deterrence may provide the international community with a rationalization for avoiding timely, effective protective action. Second, the emphasis on retroactive individual responsibility may shift focus away from the state and other powerful institutions, diminishing the likelihood that the international community will hold them contemporaneously accountable for, and take effective political action to stop or prevent, abuses. Third, the narrow focus of international criminal justice - on a few individuals in a few states for the very worst crimes - relegates the vast majority of rights to a second-class status; this may contribute to the global failure to address the marginalization and poverty underlying most abuses affecting most people, abuses that are the usual precursors of the gross violations international criminal justice addresses. These concerns gain significance in light of the tremendous cost of international prosecutions and the minimal resources the international community has been willing to devote to human rights. Finally, respect for human rights requires social change, which ultimately relies on effective social movements. Overemphasizing prosecutions in international tribunals, extremely remote, elite institutions, can reinforce local forces that weaken or suffocate social movements.
Routine measurement of the LCI in CF with an ultrasonic device for multiple breath nitrogen washout

During the last decade multiple breath washout technique (MBW) for calculating the Lung Clearance Index (LCI) has become very popular for assessing ventilation inhomogeneity (VI) as an early manifestation of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease. However, routine use has been difficult not only due to limited availability of licensed equipment. Inert tracer gases (e.g. SF 6, He) certified for medical purposes are not universally available. Switch to nitrogen washout (MBW N2 ) using 100% oxygen may overcome this problem. The aim of this cross sectional study was to assess whether LCI derived from MBW N2 discriminates as well as MBW SF6 between patients with CF and healthy controls. 19 controls (7-51years) and 11 unselected patients with CF (7-25 years) performed 2-3 single MBW N2 using the EasyOne Pro LAB™ (ndd Switzerland) with 100% oxygen. Mean (SD) LCI was 6.5 (0.64) in controls and 9.3 (1.93) in CF with a mean difference (95% ci, p-value) of -2.83 (-4.14;-1.51, 0.001) between the groups. Within-test repeatability (CV%) was 5.3% in controls and 7.7% in CF. Assessment of LCI using licensed equipment for MBW N2 was feasible and well tolerated in both, children and adults and patients and controls. LCI based on MBW N2 differed significantly between patients with CF and controls and results were comparable to published data obtained with different equipment and with using SF 6 as tracer gas. We conclude that MBW N2 reflects VI similar to MBW SF6 and may thus be used for clinical application of MBW in patients with CF.
Human theta oscillations exhibit task dependence during virtual maze navigation

Theta oscillations (electroencephalographic activity with a frequency of 4–8 Hz) have long been implicated in spatial navigation in rodents1,2,3,; however, the role of theta oscillators in human spatial navigation has not been explored. Here we describe subdural recordings from epileptic patients learning to navigate computer-generated mazes. Visual inspection of the raw intracranial signal revealed striking episodes of high-amplitude slow-wave oscillations at a number of areas of the cortex, including temporal cortex. Spectral analysis showed that these oscillations were in the theta band. These episodes of theta activity, which typically last several cycles, are dependent on task characteristics. Theta oscillations occur more frequently in more complex mazes; they are also more frequent during recall trials than during learning trials.
Protein and antigen profiles of prevalent serovars of Leptospira interrogans

Whole-cell and detergent-soluble proteins, enriched for outer membrane antigens, of the Leptospira interrogans serovars present in commercially available pentavalent vaccines (hardjo, pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, and canicola) were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting (immunoblotting). Protein and antigenic profiles of these serovars, representing several serogroups, were compared with similar profiles of the most common North American bovine pathogen, serovar hardjo type hardjo bovis. The reference strain of serovar balcanica and a hardjoprajitno bovine field isolate (serovar hardjo) were also assayed. Coomassie blue-stained gels revealed extensive protein similarities, and Western blots demonstrated antigenic relatedness throughout the low- and high-molecular-weight regions. Possible quantitative differences in protein expression among the strains were noted, as were similarities in the protein profiles of type hardjo bovis and the balcanica reference strain. A cocktail composed of these homologous antigens may serve as an efficacious subunit vaccine for leptospirosis.
Idealizing Inhabited Wilderness: A Revision to the History of Indigenous Peoples and National Parks

Whereas most histories of national parks and indigenous peoples have largely focused on dispossession of resident populations in the making of uninhabited wilderness areas, this article surveys the problematic history of the idea of preserving human communities today referred to as ‘indigenous’ in parks. In the very first-ever call for a national park, as well as in frequent proposals for national parks throughout the 19th, 20th, and now the 21st century, protected areas have been envisioned as places of conservation, study, and display not only of endangered species but also of human groups perceived to be endangered. Drawing on cases from the early United States, colonial Africa, Indonesia, and India, as well as on histories of international conservation policies emerging around WWI, the article argues that this alternative conception of what national parks should look like has been pervasive, perennial, and deeply problematic. The problem is not only that indigenous groups have long been perceived as in danger of becoming extinct and therefore paternalistically projected as in need of protection. It is also that these peoples, who have long suffered dehumanizing animal analogies, are envisioned as endangered like wildlife, and in need of protection in parks.