cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated optical micromachined pressure sensor with spectrally encoded output and temperature compensation

A promising type of optical pressure sensor combines an integrated optical interferometer with a micromachined diaphragm on a shared silicon substrate. We have demonstrated a sensor of this type that uses an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder waveguide interferometer together with a broadband source to produce a spectrally encoded measurement. This spectral encoding mechanism is advantageous as it is not readily degraded by transmission through optical fibers. We have also demonstrated a means to obtain a temperature-compensated pressure measurement by interrogating both polarization eigenmodes of the interferometer.
Bilingual Language Use in Hispanic Young Adults: Did Elementary Bilingual Programs Help?

Abstract This descriptive study of language use examined the extent to which bilingual Hispanic young adults used their two languages in varying aspects of their lives and analyzed the extent to which they maintained the use of Spanish in these domains. A convenience sample of 202 undergraduate, Hispanic university students completed the Language and Education Survey (Hasson, 2001). Data from the Language Use section of this instrument was the basis for the present study, which compared Hispanic students who were enrolled in bilingual or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs in their elementary schooling with students who experienced an all-English curriculum. The results of this study showed that while there was a definite shift toward English in this sample, there were nevertheless significant differences between the Bilingual/ESOL group and the All-English group in the very specific dimension of language use. The findings raised some critical questions regarding how school systems add...
PIXE Analysis of Aerosol in the Workplace

Sampling programs of relatively limited extent can be useful for monitoring suspended particulate matter in specific locations; for example certain occupational situations. Aerosol samples were collected by cascade impactors and analyzed by PIXE at the Brooklyn College Dynamitron Laboratory. We describe the results of experiments in a metal-sculpture studio involving silver soldering, an industrial plastics-milling shop and a municipal incinerator.
The tungsten bronze field in the system K2O|Li2O|Nb2O5

Abstract A limited portion of the liquidus field and the entire subsolidus stability region has been determined for tungsten bronze-type solid solutions in the K2O|Li2O|Nb2O5 system. The tungsten bronze phase does not occur with completely filled alkali cation sites at the composition K3Li2Nb5O15, but exists exclusively in the high niobia region above the KNbO3|LiNbO3 pseudojoin. Equilibrium relationships defining conditions for the growth of electrooptic crystals, and dielectric, optical, and x-ray measurements establishing the influence of composition on structure and properties are presented and discussed.
Diagnostik depressiver Störungen im Alter

Zusammenfassung: Depressive Storungen bleiben haufig unentdeckt, obwohl sie zu den haufigsten psychischen Storungen gehoren und bekannt ist, dass sich eine fehlende Behandlung negativ auf den Erkrankungsverlauf und die Entwicklung korperlicher Krankheiten auswirken kann. Aufgrund eines veranderten Symptomprofils und zusatzlicher differenzialdiagnostischer Fragestellungen, z. B. in der Abgrenzung zu demenziellen Erkrankungen, ergeben sich gerade bei alteren Patienten schwierige diagnostische Fragestellungen. Eine angemessene Diagnostik setzt zum einen den Einsatz kategorialer Untersuchungsverfahren voraus, die an den Klassifikationssystemen ICD-10 oder DSM-IV orientiert sind. Zur Einschatzung des Depressionsschweregrades und der Beurteilung von Krankheitsverlaufen mussen zusatzlich Ratingskalen eingesetzt werden. Selbst- und Fremdratingverfahren ermoglichen dabei einen unterschiedlichen Zugang zur depressiven Symptomatik, weshalb beide Verfahrenstypen verwendet werden sollten. Da die meisten bekannten Verf...
Emphasizing Library Design, Multi-Use Facility Services, and Security to Foster a Welcoming Night Library Environment

Even in an age of remote access to library resources, the library building remains a key gathering point for customers seeking a place for socializing and private study. Expanded hours of operation...
Mercury exposure in children: a review.

Exposure to toxic mercury (Hg) is a growing health hazard throughout the world today. Recent studies show that mercury exposure may occur in the environment, and increasingly in occupational and domestic settings. Children are particularly vulnerable to Hg intoxication, which may lead to impairment of the developing central nervous system, as well as pulmonary and nephrotic damage. Several sources of toxic Hg exposure in children have been reported in biomedical literature: (1) methylmercury, the most widespread source of Hg exposure, is most commonly the result of consumption of contaminated foods, primarily fish; (2) ethylmercury, which has been the subject of recent scientific inquiry in relation to the controversial pediatric vaccine preservative thimerosal; (3) elemental Hg vapor exposure through accidents and occupational and ritualistic practices; (4) inorganic Hg through the use of topical Hg-based skin creams and in infant teething powders; (5) metallic Hg in dental amalgams, which release Hg vapors, and Hg 2+ in tissues. This review examines recent epidemiological studies of methylmercury exposure in children. Reports of elemental Hg vapor exposure in children through accidents and occupational practices, and the more recent observations of the increasing use of elemental Hg for magico-religious purposes in urban communities are also discussed. Studies of inorganic Hg exposure from the widespread use of topical beauty creams and teething powders, and fetal/neonatal Hg exposure from maternal dental amalgam fillings are reviewed. Considerable attention was given in this review to pediatric methylmercury exposure and neurodevelopment because it is the most thoroughly investigated Hg species. Each source of Hg exposure is reviewed in relation to specific pediatric health effects, particularly subtle neurodevelopmental disorders.
Study of Temperature Measurement of High Pressure Super Heated Hydrogen by Raman Spectroscopy

The presented work is motivated by a specific need of NASA/SSC for a sensor that can measure the temperature in a Super Heated Hydrogen (SHH2) line an important unit in a Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) propulsion system. To fulfill this requirement, we have developed a compact, non-intrusive, online, real-time detection system/sensor for monitoring the temperature of gaseous hydrogen in a laboratory environment. The innovative concept of the sensor is based on Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS) and employs a high-resolution spectrometer. We successfully evaluated the feasibility of using the intensity of hydrogen (H2) Raman vibrational/rotational bands for pressure, and temperature measurement.
Gun Safety Management with Patients at Risk for Suicide

Guns in the home are associated with a five-fold increase in suicide. All patients at risk for suicide must be asked if guns are available at home or easily accessible elsewhere, or if they have intent to buy or purchase a gun. Gun safety management requires a collaborative team approach including the clinician, patient, and designated person responsible for removing guns from the home. A call-back to the clinician from the designated person is required confirming that guns have been removed and secured according to plan. The principle of gun safety management applies to outpatients, inpatients, and emergency patients, although its implementation varies according to the clinical setting.
Experimental measurements of turbulence spectra distal to stenoses.

Abstract Turbulence spectra were measured downstream from stenoses simulated by placing plastic cylinders inside a rigid tube. The inside diameter of the tube was 3 8 in. and the plastic cylinders had various orifice sizes. Measurements were made for water. and the flow rates giving Reynolds numbers in the range of 800–2000 were investigated. A hot-film probe was used to monitor the turbulence. Turbulence spectra were obtained by processing the signal with a digital computer which utilized a fast Fourier processor. Comparisons of turbulence spectra were made for various severities of simulated stenoses. flow rates and various locations of the probe. Contributions of the turbulence to the generation of sound are briefly discussed.
Comparison of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing and ON–OFF Keying in Direct-Detection Multimode Fiber Links

We compare the performance of several direct-detection orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) schemes to that of ON-OFF keying (OOK) in combating modal dispersion in multimode fiber links. We review known OFDM techniques, including dc-clipped OFDM (DC-OFDM), asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (ACO-OFDM) and pulse-amplitude modulated discrete multitone (PAM-DMT). We describe an iterative procedure to achieve optimal power allocation for DC-OFDM and compare analytically the performance of ACO-OFDM and PAM-DMT. We also consider unipolar M -ary pulse-amplitude modulation ( M-PAM) with minimum mean-square error decision-feedback equalization (MMSE-DFE). For each technique, we quantify the optical power required to transmit at a given bit rate in a variety of multimode fibers. For a given symbol rate, we find that unipolar M-PAM with MMSE-DFE has a better power performance than all OFDM formats. Furthermore, we observe that the difference in performance between M-PAM and OFDM increases as the spectral efficiency increases. We also find that at a spectral efficiency of 1 bit/s/Hz, OOK performs better than ACO-OFDM using a symbol rate twice that of OOK. At higher spectral efficiencies, M -PAM performs only slightly better than ACO-OFDM using twice the symbol rate, but requires less electrical bandwidth and can employ analog-to-digital converters at a speed only 81% of that required for ACO-OFDM.
Household adoption of soil-improving practices and food insecurity in Ghana

Background: The persistent problem of poor agricultural practices and technology use leads to food insecurity for some farmers in Ghana. Studies show that the adoption of improved agricultural practices and technology may help stabilize production and lessen food insecurity. This study addresses the link between food insecurity and the adoption of soil-improving practices. To address this link, the objectives of this study are to examine factors associated with the adoption of soil-improving practices by Ghanaian farmers and how this adoption impacts the probability of increased food security. Using survey data, two logit models are estimated to determine 1) the likelihood of adopting soil-improving practices including how food security may influence adoption and 2) the relationship between technology adoption and food security. Results: In the adoption model, being a food secure household, the use of insecticides and seasonal lease land tenure increase the probability of adopting such soil-improving practices. Farming on better soil decreases the probability of adopting soil-improving practices. Higher incomes along with the use of chemical fertilizers, farming on better soil, and the use of commercial seeds increase the probability of the household being food secure. The results on fertilizer, soil, and seeds are most likely associated with increased production. The use of insecticides (which may be an indicator of an insect infestation) lowers the probability of being food secure. Household characteristics such as income, age, education level, and household size are not significant in influencing the adoption decision or improving household food security. Conclusions: The results lend support to a need to fine-tune the fertilizer subsidy policy implemented by the Government of Ghana. The government needs to consider that the use of fertilizer may have conflicting influences on adoption of soil-improving practices and food security. Improved seed research and distribution would improve the households’ food security. Inferences also suggest that it is important to consider land contract markets in policy decisions.
1-Nitro-7,8-di­aza­pentalene

The structure of 1-nitro-7,8-di­aza­pentalene, C6H5N3O2, is reported. This is a planar molecule, in which the metrical parameters of the two five-membered rings are substantially altered by the effect of the 1-nitro substituent. Additionally, the parameters of the nitro group itself are also perturbed.
Examining the fish microbiome: vertebrate-derived bacteria as an environmental niche for the discovery of unique marine natural products.

Historically, marine invertebrates have been a prolific source of unique natural products, with a diverse array of biological activities. Recent studies of invertebrate-associated microbial communities are revealing microorganisms as the true producers of many of these compounds. Inspired by the human microbiome project, which has highlighted the human intestine as a unique microenvironment in terms of microbial diversity, we elected to examine the bacterial communities of fish intestines (which we have termed the fish microbiome) as a new source of microbial and biosynthetic diversity for natural products discovery. To test the hypothesis that the fish microbiome contains microorganisms with unique capacity for biosynthesizing natural products, we examined six species of fish through a combination of dissection and culture-dependent evaluation of intestinal microbial communities. Using isolation media designed to enrich for marine Actinobacteria, we have found three main clades that show taxonomic divergence from known strains, several of which are previously uncultured. Extracts from these strains exhibit a wide range of activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogens, as well as several fish pathogens. Exploration of one of these extracts has identified the novel bioactive lipid sebastenoic acid as an anti-microbial agent, with activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Vibrio mimicus.
Selection never dominates drift (nor vice versa)

The probability that the fitter of two alleles will increase in frequency in a population goes up as the product of N (the effective population size) and s (the selection coefficient) increases. Discovering the distribution of values for this product across different alleles in different populations is a very important biological task. However, biologists often use the product Ns to define a different concept; they say that drift “dominates” selection or that drift is “stronger than” selection when Ns is much smaller than some threshold quantity (e.g., ½) and that the reverse is true when Ns is much larger than that threshold. We argue that the question of whether drift dominates selection for a single allele in a single population makes no sense. Selection and drift are causes of evolution, but there is no fact of the matter as to which cause is stronger in the evolution of any given allele.
Benefits of Screening for Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Background The benefits of screening for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection are unknown for most people, because screening has not been studied in clinical trials and preventive therapy has not been tested in all risk groups for whom it is recommended. Method A MEDLINE search was performed to determine tuberculosis risk. A Markov model was used to analyze tuberculin skin test screening and preventive therapy for 3-year-old and 30-year-old persons with positive test results. Outcome measures were lifetime and 10-year tuberculosis risk, including spread to others, life expectancy extension, and number needed to screen and number needed to treat to prevent 1 case and 1 death during 10 years. Results The benefits of screening and preventive therapy outweigh the risks for all groups tested, although the benefits range from large to small. The number needed to screen to prevent 1 case is 10 to 6888, and the number needed to treat is 2 to 179. Persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection, intravenous drug abuse, or end-stage renal disease treated with transplantation and children exposed to high-risk adults have the highest tuberculosis rates and the lowest number needed to screen and number needed to treat to prevent cases and deaths. The range of risks found in the literature for some risk groups, such as persons with silicosis, leukemia or lymphoma, end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis, or prolonged corticosteroid therapy, is wide and, as a result, the benefits of screening are uncertain. Conclusions The benefits of screening and preventive therapy vary widely, although the benefits outweigh the risks for all risk groups. The benefits are large for some risk groups and uncertain for others.
A Computational Design Methodology for Assembly and Actuation of Thin-Film Structures via Patterning of Eigenstrains

We develop a computational approach to design 3-D structures that can be fabricated and then assembled and/or actuated by spatially tailoring the layout of multilayer films with eigenstrains. Eigenstrains are stress-free strains when they occur in an unconstrained solid. They are almost an inevitable companion, albeit often unwanted, of thin-film processes. When they vary through the thickness, the constraint of the layers leads to internal stresses and bending and buckling deformations can occur; when they additionally vary in the plane of the film, more complex deformations can result. To advantageously use this phenomenon, we build on relatively simple mechanics ideas in a continuum formulation and combine geometrically nonlinear finite-element analysis of arbitrary-shaped multilayer films with a topology optimization methodology to determine the material layout in each layer so the film deforms into a prescribed shape. We expand our previous experimentally validated approach to include initially curved films and anisotropic eigenstrains. Using an extended system formulation for directly computing instability points allows us to tailor postbuckling response while explicitly controlling the design at limit and bifurcation points. We demonstrate the potential and versatility of our approach by applying it to a series of problems of contemporary and emerging interest.
The potential of brain natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for New York Heart Association class during the outpatient treatment of heart failure.

Background: Plasma C-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (C-ANP), N-terminal ANP (N-ANP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have diagnostic utility in detecting left ventricular dysfunction. Their relative value in monitoring symptom status during the chronic treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) remains undefined. Methods and Results: Ninety-eight subjects with CHF were evaluated. Baseline natriuretic peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was estimated with echocardiography, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was determined independently by attending heart failure specialists. Forty-one subjects were restudied during a 6- to 12-month follow-up period after optimizing therapy. At baseline, all natriuretic peptides and LVEF correlated positively with NYHA class (P <.005). Plasma BNP, however, correlated best with NYHA class. At follow-up, only changes of BNP correlated to changes of NYHA class (P =.04). BNP decreased (−45% ± 12%, N = 14, P =.002) in subjects whose NYHA class improved whereas BNP remained unchanged (−1% ± 10%, N = 25, P =.95) in those whose NYHA class was stable. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrates the superiority of plasma BNP as compared to ANP and LVEF in objectively assessing NYHA class during the chronic treatment of CHF. Given that clinical assessment of CHF is subjective, plasma BNP is a useful objective biomarker in monitoring human CHF in the outpatient setting.
Chemical warfare agent decontamination studies in the plasma decon chamber

A "plasma decon chamber" has been developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Albuquerque, NM, to study the decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents. This technology is targeted at sensitive electronic equipment for which there is currently no acceptable, nondestructive means of decontamination. Chemical reactivity is provided by a downstream flux of reactive radicals such as atomic oxygen and atomic hydrogen, produced in a capacitively coupled plasma. In addition, the decon chamber provides an environment that accelerates the evaporation of chemical agents from contaminated surfaces by vacuum, heat, and forced convection. Once evaporated, agents and agent byproducts are recirculated directly through the plasma, where they undergo further chemical breakdown. Preliminary studies on actual chemical agents were conducted at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, UT. Exposures were conducted at a system pressure of 30 torr, exposure temperature of 70/spl deg/C, plasma-to-sample standoff distance of 10 cm, and 10% addition of oxygen or hydrogen to a helium balance. This exposure condition was based on optimization studies conducted at LANL on agent simulants. The agents studied were VX and soman (GD) nerve agents and sulfur mustard (HD) blister agent, as well as a thickened simulant. All agents were decontaminated off aluminum substrates to below the detection limit of /spl sim/0.1% of the initial contamination level of approximately 1 mg/cm/sup 2/. For VX, this level of decontamination was achieved in 8-16 min of exposure, while only 2 min were required for the more volatile HD and GD. Evaporation and subsequent gas-phase chemical breakdown in the plasma appears to be the dominant decontamination mechanism for all of the agents. However, an observed difference in the decontamination process between oxygen and hydrogen indicates that chemical reactivity in the liquid phase also plays an important role.
Public vs. Private Enforcement of Antitrust Law: A Survey

There are two basic approaches to deterring socially harmful behavior: with the threat of litigation by private parties or with enforcement by public agencies. Both approaches are used in most countries, but in varying degrees. Private litigation is common in the United States and (to a lesser extent) the United Kingdom and other common law jurisdictions. In contrast, the civil law countries, such as those of continental Europe, have far less private litigation, and rely more on enforcement by public agencies. The difference between the two systems is notable in many areas of law, but it is particularly prominent in the enforcement of antitrust law. The present paper surveys the general economic issues regarding public vs. private enforcement and the (relatively scarce) economic literature that pertains to it. The analysis is pertinent to the 2005 proposal by the European Commission to facilitate private antitrust litigation in the EU by changing the procedural rules and some substantive law.
Influence of Laboratory Parameters on Flame Spread Across Liquid Fuels

Abstract The rate of flame spread across the surface of liquid fuels (mainly n-decane, but also n-nonane, n-undecane, dipentene, kerosene, and n-butanol) has been examined in detail for a wide range of laboratory variables. Many hundreds of carefully controlled tests have been performed aimed at elucidating the dependence of the flame spreading velocity on (1) the purity of the fuel, (2) the mode of ignition, (3) the temperature of the fuel. (4) the dimensions and material of the fuel container, and (5) the depth of the fuel layer. The effects of environmental parameters (atmospheric pressure, air temperature and relative humidity) have also been investigated, but non-systematically. The results show that the flame spreading velocity is susceptible to changes in most of these parameters. This work constitutes the first systematic variation of all the laboratory variables with the view to obtaining flame spreading data which are meaningfully applicable to any apparatus and also to ‘real’ liquid fuel fires....
A Quantitative Evaluation of ENSO Indices

Abstract El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural, coupled atmospheric–oceanic cycle that occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean on an approximate timescale of 2–7 yr. ENSO events have been shown in previous studies to be related to regional extremes in weather (e.g., hurricane occurrences, frequency and severity of tornadoes, droughts, and floods). The teleconnection of ENSO events to extreme weather events means that the ability to classify an event as El Nino or La Nina is of interest in scientific and other applications. ENSO is most often classified using indices that indicate the warmth and coolness of equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Another commonly used index is based on sea level pressure differences measured across the tropical Pacific Ocean. More recently, other indices have been proposed and have been shown to be effective in describing ENSO events. There is currently no consensus within the scientific community as to which of many indices best captures...
Association of Emergency Department Length of Stay and Crowding for Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Methods: We analyzed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) quality data. The outcome was time spent at a transferring ED (i.e., door-in-door-out [DIDO]), was CMS measure OP-3b for hospitals with ≥10 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases requiring transfer (i.e., STEMI) annually: Time to Transfer an AMI Patient for Acute Coronary Intervention. We used four CMS ED timeliness measures as surrogate measures of ED crowding: admitted length of stay (LOS), discharged LOS, boarding time, and waiting time. We analyzed bivariate associations between DIDO and ED timeliness measures. We used a linear multivariable regression to evaluate the contribution of hospital characteristics (academic, trauma, rural, ED volume) to DIDO. Results: Data were available for 405 out of 4,129 hospitals for the CMS DIDO measure. These facilities were primarily non-academic (99.0%), non-trauma centers (65.4%), and in urban locations (68.5%). Median DIDO was 54.0 minutes (IQR 42.0,68.0). Increased DIDO time was associated with longer admitted LOS and boarding times. After adjusting for hospital characteristics, a one-minute increase in ED LOS at transferring facilities was associated with DIDO (coefficient, 0.084 [95% CI [0.049,0.119]]; p<0.001). This translates into a five-minute increase in DIDO for every one-hour increase in ED LOS for admitted patients. Conclusion: Among patients with STEMI presenting to U.S. EDs, we found that ED crowding has a small but operationally insignificant effect on time spent at the transferring ED.
Inhibition by ATP of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

SummaryATP is a competitive inhibitor of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Inhibition of the normal enzyme and the enzyme of six variants, four of them associated with nonspherocytic congenital hemolytic anemia was investigated. None of the variants manifested undue sensitivity to ATP inhibition. It is concluded that inhibition by physiologic levels of ATP is probably not a major factor in the pathogenesis of hemolysis in these variants.
Psychic stress and the oralcavity.

A conversion reaction manifested in the oral cavity may take the form of the “temporomandibular pain-dysfunction syndrome,” burning of the tongue, queer tastes, or inability to wear dentures. Emotional distress may be reflected in a patient's mouth movements and habits, the condition of his oral tissues, and unexplainable oral symptoms. Symptoms usually occur in a passive woman in a state of bereavement. The patient's unloving mother is a source of interpersonal difficulties with her dentist.
Computational and Neurobiological Features of a Network of Networks

We describe a “network of networks” model of cortical computation. The model is motivated by anatomical and dynamic features of modularity in the neocortex and it makes a number of predictions concerning intermediate levels of brain organization. There are also implications for pathophysiology. New experimental techniques may be particularly well suited for testing the model and its unusual computational properties.
Development of the Positive Mental Characters Scale for Chinese College Students

Based on formal studies,the present research measures 1300 subjects(1029 valid data),and develops the Positive Mental Character Scale for Chinese college students. The scale consists of 6 subscales,20 positive mental characters,and 62 items. Statistical testing shows that the scale has good reliability and validity. It can be used to test Chinese college students in a large scale.
Applications of Image Classification and Clustering Algorithms in Medical Image Mining

The function of medical image mining in computer-aided diagnoses is discussed.The idea of using luminance grade as the features of CT image and the method of extracting and storing the luminance grade are proposed.The results of classification based on decision tree and clustering based on density to some brain and breast CT images and the analysis to them are introduced.Moreover,the conclusion and future work are given.
Epidemiological Analysis of Tuberculosis in Zhushan County of Hubei Province during 2004-2010

[Objective]To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in Zhushan county of Hubei province,provide the scientific evidence for making the prevention measures. [Methods]The epidemic data of tuberculosis from 2004 to 2010 in Zhushan county were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. [Results]From 2004 to 2010,the average reported incidence of tuberculosis in Zhushan county was 79.65/lakh,and epidemic had been found in 17 towns.The incidence in males was significantly higher than that in females,most of patients were young adults and the old farmers,and peak season was January and March. [Conclusion]The full implementation of Directly Observed Treatment Short-course(DOTS) has effectively controlled the high incidence of tuberculosis,but tuberculosis is still the major infectious disease that harms the people's health in Zhushan county.The main cause of tuberculosis epidemic is people received little benefit from the DOTS strategy.In order to effectively control tuberculosis,it is necessary to strengthen the convergence case-management in patients,timely diagnose,report and transfer patients with tuberculosis,and fully implement DOTS strategy.
Group approach to weight control: behavior modification, nutrition, and health education

We have had a positive experience using a modified approach to behavior modification of eating patterns, exercise, and activity, along with nutrition and health education. During the first year, forty-four adult patients completed the program, which was conducted in the out-patient clinic of a large hospital by a dietitian and a nurse practitioner. A cross-section of the patient population was admitted. The program had a pre-determined number of sessions, each of which was partially structured. When compared with the patients in individual therapy in our Nutrition Clinic, a more consistent weight loss in a shorter time was observed in the group participants. Whether the techniques described here will lead to sustained weight loss over time bears further study.
Reverse Transcription Errors and RNA–DNA Differences at Short Tandem Repeats

Transcript variation has important implications for organismal function in health and disease. Most transcriptome studies focus on assessing variation in gene expression levels and isoform representation. Variation at the level of transcript sequence is caused by RNA editing and transcription errors, and leads to nongenetically encoded transcript variants, or RNA-DNA differences (RDDs). Such variation has been understudied, in part because its detection is obscured by reverse transcription (RT) and sequencing errors. It has only been evaluated for intertranscript base substitution differences. Here, we investigated transcript sequence variation for short tandem repeats (STRs). We developed the first maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE) to infer RT error and RDD rates, taking next generation sequencing error rates into account. Using the MLE, we empirically evaluated RT error and RDD rates for STRs in a large-scale DNA and RNA replicated sequencing experiment conducted in a primate species. The RT error rates increased exponentially with STR length and were biased toward expansions. The RDD rates were approximately 1 order of magnitude lower than the RT error rates. The RT error rates estimated with the MLE from a primate data set were concordant with those estimated with an independent method, barcoded RNA sequencing, from a Caenorhabditis elegans data set. Our results have important implications for medical genomics, as STR allelic variation is associated with >40 diseases. STR nonallelic transcript variation can also contribute to disease phenotype. The MLE and empirical rates presented here can be used to evaluate the probability of disease-associated transcripts arising due to RDD.
Hemodynamic effects of the renin inhibitor CP-80,794 in several species

CP-80,794 is a potent, modified dipeptide inhibitor of human renin (in vitro, ICSO = 0.7 ± 0.1 nM). Inhibitory potency (ICso) against plasma renin of guinea pigs, dogs and monkeys ranges from 0.3 to 0.7 nM allowing for evaluation of blood pressure lowering in these species. In vivo studies were performed in Na+-depJeted animals to render mean arterial pressure (MAP) renin-dependent. CP-80,794 at 3 mg/kg i.v. in conscious guinea pigs maximally depresses MAP ",30 mmHg (captopril-like effect) for at least 2.5 h. In conscious marmoset monkeys CP-80,794 at 1 mg/kg i. v. maximally depresses MAP (",20 mmHg) for more than 1 h. Cardiac output and heart rate are not affected by CP-80,794 suggesting that the fall in MAP involves only a change in vascular resistance (up to 40%). Orally at 30 mg/kg CP-80,794 reduces MAP for ",2.5 h in conscious guinea pigs and for ",3 h in cynomolgus monkeys. In marmoset monkeys 10 mg/kg p.o. of CP-80,794 decreases MAP ",20 mmHg for more than 5 h. CP-80,794 does not affect MAP in guinea pigs, cynomolgus monkeys, or marmosets on normal sodium diets. Additionally, in renin-dependent hypertensive rats, CP-80,794 dose-dependently decreases blood pressure. In summary, the data on blood pressure lowering in several species are consistent with CP-80,794 acting through inhibition of renin.
Sensing Contact Constraints in a Worm-like Robot by Detecting Load Anomalies

In earthworms, traveling waves of body contraction and elongation result in soft body locomotion. This simple strategy is called peristaltic locomotion. To mimic this kind of locomotion, we developed a compliant modular worm-like robot. This robot uses a cable actuation system where the actuating cable acts like the circumferential muscle. When actuated, this circumferential cable contracts the segment diameter causing a similar effect to the contraction due to the circumferential muscles in earthworms. When the cable length is increased, the segment diameter increases due to restoring forces from structural compliance. When the robot comes in contact with an external constraint (e.g., inner walls of a pipe) continued cable extension results in both slack in the cable and inefficiency of locomotion. In this paper we discuss a probabilistic approach to detect slack in a cable. Using sample distributions over multiple trials and naive Bayes classifier, we can detect anomalies in sampled data which indicate the presence of slack in the cable. Our training set included data samples from pipes of different diameters and flat surfaces. This algorithm detected slack within ±0.15 ms of slack being introduced in the cable with a success rate of 75 %. We further our research in understanding reasons for failure of the algorithm and working towards improvements on our robot.
Light water reactor equilibrium cycle search methodology for assembly-level fuel cycle analysis

- We have developed a light water reactor (LWR) equilibrium cycle search algorithm that is similar to the REBUS-3 fast reactor methodology but with depletion capabilities typically employed for LWR analysis. Our LWR methodology projects the original coupled nonlinear isotopic balance equations to a series of equations that are piecewise linear in time. Iterations are performed on microscopic reaction rates until the linearized isotopic balance equations yield an ultimate equilibrium state. We further reduce the computational burden associated with LWR analysis by approximating global depletion calculations with assembly-level, collision probability calculations performed by the CASMO-3 code. We demonstrate the benefits of our equilibrium cycle methodology by calculating the true equilibrium Pu inventory of two configurations: a heterogeneous assembly configuration that contains both low enriched UO 2 and mixed oxide (MOX) fuel pins and a homogeneous configuration comprising a 2 x 2 colorset arrangement of MOX and low enriched UO 2 assemblies. For each configuration our methodology yields a true equilibrium Pu inventory with only 12 CASMO-3 lattice physics calculations. As a validation, an inventory extrapolation technique is used to arrive at a quasi-equilibrium cycle for both LWR configurations. The extrapolated technique yields a similar Pu inventory and isotopic composition but requires 65 lattice physics calculations.
Threshold Differences on Figure and Ground: Gelb and Granit (1923):

In 1923, Gelb and Granit, using a method of adjustment for a small red light, reported a lower threshold for the target when presented on a ground region than on an adjacent figural region. More recent work in perceptual organization has found precisely the opposite-a processing advantage seems to go to items presented on the figure, not the ground. Although Gelb and Granit continue to be cited for their finding, it has not previously been available as an English translation. Understanding their methodology and results is important for integrating early Gestalt theory with more recent investigations.
E-062 Safety and efficacy of the pipeline embolization device for treatment of posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms

Purpose To examine clinical and angiographic outcomes in a cohort of consecutive patients with posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) at a referral center. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms treated with the PED in our center between January 23 rd , 2012 and January 24 th , 2017. Baseline patient and aneurysm characteristics, intra-­operative, peri-­operative and delayed complications were recorded. Aneurysm volumes in initial and follow-­up angiographic studies were calculated using AngioCalc. Clinical outcomes were categorized using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results 17 patients underwent 18 PED procedures to treat 19 posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms during the study period. 12 patients were women (71%) and 5 men (29%). Mean age was 60 years (range 13-­80 years). 16 patients were premedicated with aspirin/clopidogrel with VerifyNow testing (94%), and 1 with aspirin/ticagrelor without VerifyNow testing (6%). 8 aneurysms were incidental (42%), 5 symptomatic (26%, 2 from mass effect), 4 recurrent (21%) and 3 ruptured (16%). 6 aneurysms were fusiform (32%), 3 dissecting (16%) and 2 blister (11%). 7 aneurysms were located in the basilar trunk (37%), 4 in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (21%), 2 in the superior cerebellar artery (10.5%), 2 in the posterior cerebral artery (10.5%), 2 in the vertebral artery (10.5%), 1 in the basilar tip (5%) and 1 in a basilar perforator artery (5%). Mean aneurysm size was 8.8mm (1.7-34mm), mean neck was 6.7mm (0.6-32.6mm), mean dome-­to-­neck ratio was 1.3 (0.2-2.9). 12 aneurysms were wide-neck (≥4mm, 63%). Mean number of PEDs deployed per aneurysm was 1.3. Adjunctive coiling was performed in 4 aneurysms (21%). There were 2 intra-operative (11%), 3 peri-operative (17%) and 1 delayed (5.6%) complications, none led to a disabling neurological deficit (mRS≥3). There was no treatment-related mortality. There were no post-­operative aneurysm ruptures. Overall mortality was 5.9%. Angiographic follow-­up was available in 15 aneurysms (79%, 3 follow-ups currently pending), with a mean time to last angiographic follow-­up of 23.7 months (median 11 months, range 3.3-61.3 months). At last follow­-up, 11 aneurysms were completely occluded (73%), 3 aneurysms had incomplete occlusion (20%, mean 59.2% volume reduction), and 1 aneurysm had volume increase (7%, 166% increase). The enlarging aneurysm was re-treated with parent artery sacrifice (7%). Conclusion The PED is a safe and effective treatment for wide-neck posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms, with high long-term complete aneurysm occlusion rates, low re-­treatment rates, and a low rate of major treatment-related complications. Disclosures: J. Delgado Almandoz: 2; C; Medtronic Neurovascular, Accriva Diagnostics. Y. Kayan: 2; C; Medtronic Neurovascular. J. Scholz: None. K. Uittenbogaard: None. A. Milner: None. J. Fease: None. A. Wallace: None. K. Nelson: None. M. Mulder: None.
Comments concerning “Solubility and dissolution thermodynamic properties of 1,6-bis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamido]hexane in pure solvents and binary solvent mixtures”

Abstract Several mathematical errors in the published paper by Zhang and coworkers are identified. The errors pertain to the published equation coefficients for the modified Apelblat and for the polynomial equation based on the Combined Jouyban-Acree and modified Apelblat models. The published curve-fit equation coefficients do not correctly back-calculate the observed solubility data.
Extrarenal Manifestations of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic Liver Disease

Liver involvement is the most frequent extrarenal organ manifestation seen in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Most patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) are asymptomatic and do not require interventions, but an important minority of individuals with symptomatic PLD can have challenging clinical problems resulting from massive hepatomegaly and its associated complications. These individuals can also experience a progressive decline in health status and quality of life. We discuss disease pathogenesis, prevalence, complications, and management. The current role of surgical interventions such as cyst fenestration, partial hepatectomy, liver transplantation, and recent advances in current and medical therapies is reviewed.
Peer-to-Peer Systems and Probabilistic Protocols

In this chapter, we consider a number of protocols representative of a new wave of research and commercial activity in distributed computing. The protocols in question share two characteristics. First, they exploit what are called peer-to-peer communication patterns. Peer-to-peer computing is in some ways a meaningless categorization, since all of the protocols we have discussed in this book involve direct exchanges of messages between “peers.” A better term might be “client to client” protocols, because most peer-to-peer systems emerge from a world of client/server computing, but replace some or all functions of the servers by functionality hosted on the clients themselves. Secondly, and in distinction from the protocols covered in Chaps. 12– 14, these protocols typically offer stochastic (probabilistic) guarantees.
A RECEPTOR FOR NORMAL HUMAN SERUM LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS ON PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the identification of a surface receptor on lymphocytes for LDL-In. In a study described in the chapter, the presence of a receptor on lymphocytes was identified by the ability of 125I-labeled LDL-In of demonstrable suppressive activity for in vitro PHA-induced lymphocyte stimulation to bind to lymphocytes. The specificity of the binding of 125I-LDL-In at 4°C to lymphocytes preincubated for 48 h in lipoprotein depleted human serum could be demonstrated by carrying out the binding assays in the presence of various non-labeled competing proteins. While the mode of action of LDL-In mediated suppression of lymphocyte stimulation is unknown, the identification of a receptor on the lymphocyte suggests that it is very likely mediated via the binding of LDL-In to a surface receptor and subsequently internalized by a currently unknown but metabolic dependent process.
Epidemiology of HHV6

Publisher Summary Some epidemiologic studies of HHV6 infection in children have suggested that the risk of acquiring HHV6 infection or acquiring it earlier correlates with having one or more older siblings and a lower family income. However, many of these cases were diagnosed clinically and not documented as primary HHV6 infection. This is suggested by the singular characteristics of HHV6 .First, HHV6 is an ubiquitous and worldwide infection. Second, initial infection occurs in a very young and vulnerable population and is concentrated during a relatively short interval of early life. Third, all initial infections are symptomatic and, in the young child, most require medical evaluation. A number of studies have also noted the association of initial HHV6 infection with seizures. The studies in an emergency department, primary HHV6 infection, was the most frequently identified cause, accounting for one-third of all the first time febrile seizures evaluated in children 2 or less years of age. The potential clinical and economic impact on healthcare from reactivated infection in older children and adults is completely unknown. HHV6 may compromise health and medical resources across the age span of life. The epidemiologic and economic burden attributable to HHV6 currently remains unestimated and unappreciated.
The Theory of Transactional Distance

The theory of transactional distance, which was first presented by Moore in 1972, is one that has stood the test of time and a host of technological innovations. However, as a theory, we must constantly be asking if it is still valid today. Dron (Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia 14(4):321–342, 2005) would argue that broadly the theory is an immutable fact. However, given the technologies and the range of pedagogical approaches in use today, we should examine if the systems view of how dialogue, structure, and autonomy interact to determine transactional distance still holds true. This chapter will explore the underlying variables that determine the transactional distance to shed light on how the concept of these variables may have changed.
Proton pump inhibitors and response to immune check-point inhibitors: Single center study.

e14092Background: Checkpoint inhibitors (blocking antibodies to PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) have proven effective against several tumor types. While the response is impressive in some patients, we still d...