cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lumbar pedicle screw placement: Using only AP plane imaging

Background: Variations in the pedicle morphology and presence of spinal deformities can make pedicle screw placement challenging. Recently, computerized tomography (CT) guided screw placement has reportedly improved the surgical accuracy of pedicle screw insertion. However, it is time consuming and expensive. We combined single-plane fluoroscopy in AP projection alone with tactile guidance for placing pedicle screws more efficiently and accurately. This report presents our results with this technique. Materials and Methods: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective study was carried out on 308 patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion with 1806 pedicle screws placed using fluoroscopy only in the AP plane. There were 182 patients with two-level fusion, 79 with single-level fusion, 26 with three-level fusion, and 21 with more than three-level fusions. The indications of surgery included spondylolisthesis, adult scoliosis, revision surgery, lumbar canal stenosis, and discogenic pain. Pedicle screws were inserted under fluoroscopic guidance in the AP plane alone with a final lateral image after completion of implant placement. Radiographs were performed postoperatively in all patients and CT scans were obtained on 78 patients with 588 screws. Results: Twenty nine (5%) cortical wall perforations were noted amongst the 588 screws that were evaluated with a CT scan and did not result in postoperative vascular or neural complications. Anterior cortical vertebral violation was noted in 14 patients, while in 9 patients the screws penetrated the lateral wall of the pedicle. The medial wall of the pedicle was encroached in six patients with no frank perforations. Conclusion: Placement of pedicle screws under fluoroscopic guidance using AP plane imaging alone with tactile guidance is safe, fast, and reliable. However, a good understanding of the radiographic landmarks is a prerequisite.
Identifying Predictors of Academic Success for Part-Time Students at Polytechnic Institutes in Malaysia.

A central challenge for higher education today is to understand the diversity and complexity of nontraditional studentsâ€™ life experiences and how these factors influence their academic success. To better understand these issues, this study explored the role of demographic characteristics and employment variables in predicting the academic success of part-time students at four polytechnic institutes in Malaysia. Demographic characteristics studied included respondentâ€™s age, gender, marital status, number of children, parentâ€™s educational level, and financial resources. Employment variables assessed were number of years working, job relatedness to the program, job satisfaction, and monthly salary. A total of 614 part-time students completed the survey. Results indicated that being an older student, being female, paying for their own education, and having high job satisfaction were statistically significant predictors of part-time studentsâ€™ academic success. Understanding the effects of demographic characteristics and employment variables on studentsâ€™ academic success might help administrators and educators to develop teaching and learning processes, support services, and policies to enhance part-time studentsâ€™ academic success.
Consumption of Corn Silage Dry Matter by Bred Heifers and Its Correlation with Subsequent First-Lactation Production,

Abstract Twenty Brown Swiss, 28 Holstein, 25 first-generation, and 14 second- and third-generation crossbred heifers were fed all the corn silage they would consume during a 28-day experimental period. The silage was supplemented with 0.65 or 0.68kg of soybean oilmeal per day and salt free-choice. Regression coefficients between the log of average weight, and logs of average daily intake of silage and dry matter for the 28-day period were 0.49 (P 0-49 , per cent dry matter, days pregnant, and season. All except season significantly affected (P Correlations between adjusted dry matter intake for the 28-day period and milk and milk constituents produced in the first lactation were inconsistent from one breed group to another, and none of them was significant.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Plant Cell Interactions and Activities Required for Interkingdom Macromolecular Transfer

Host recognition and macromolecular transfer of virulencemediating effectors represent critical steps in the successful transformation of plant cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This review focuses on bacterial and plant-encoded components that interact to mediate these two processes. First, we examine the means by which Agrobacterium recognizes the host, via both diffusible plant-derived chemicals and cell-cell contact, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which multiple host signals are recognized and activate the virulence process. Second, we characterize the recognition and transfer of protein and protein-DNA complexes through the bacterial and plant cell membrane and wall barriers, emphasizing the central role of a type IV secretion system—the VirB complex—in this process.
Commentary: Adding to our comprehension of Gulf War health questions

life in Gulf War era military personnel. Am J Epidemiol 2002;155: 899–907. 52 The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification. 5th edn. Salt Lake City: Medicode Publication, 1998. 53 SAS Institute Inc. SAS/STAT Software Version 9.0. Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc.; 2002. 54 Gray GC, Coate BD, Anderson CM et al. The post-war hospitalization experience of U.S. veterans of the Persian Gulf War. N Engl J Med 1996;335:1505–13. 808 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Treating marijuana dependence in adults: A multisite, randomized clinical trial

This chapter describes methodological and logistical issues associated with the design, development, and management of the Marijuana Treatment Project, a multisite, randomized clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of brief interventions for individuals who are dependent on marijuana.
Left atrial appendage thrombus outside of a ‘successful’ ligation

A 79-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis underwent aortic valve replacement surgery, and had ligation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using an epicardial approach. On a post-operative echocardiographic evaluation, the distal portion of the LAA was excluded, leaving no communication with the left atrium. The proximal portion of the LAA, however, was in continuity with the circulation and a large thrombus was present within it. While previous reports of incomplete LAA ligation have involved disruption of the suture line, this present report describes a case of incomplete ligation due to persistence of the proximal portion of the appendage. Thus, thrombus formation occurred despite a ‘successful’ epicardial exclusion of the distal LAA.
Towards autonomic systems for lifecycle support of complex equipment

GE has been a leader in remote monitoring and diagnostics of complex systems, such as medical imaging equipment and aircraft engines, for a number of years. The data gathered and the analytical capabilities developed have naturally lead toward service contracts to maintain individual machines and fleets of machines while lowering the cost of ownership for our customers. As information technology extends the reach of diagnostic, prognostic, and decision support systems, opportunities to optimize support of specific organizational objectives is enhanced. Such a decision support system is envisioned and is inspired by the human autonomic nervous system.
The influence of component participation and role models on goal acceptance, goal satisfaction and performance

Abstract The present investigation examined the effects of different types of participation (choice) and role models in goal setting on goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance. It was hypothesized that choice in setting a goal and a strategy to achieve the goal would positively benefit goal acceptance, performance, and goal satisfaction. In addition, it was predicted that a role model would differentially influence an individual's goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance. One hundred twenty male college students working on a class scheduling task were exposed to either a high- or low-performing role model and given various amounts of choice in the goal-setting process. The results of two-way analyses of variance demonstrated that goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance were highest for individuals given choice over their goal and their strategy to achieve the goal. In addition, the results demonstrated that an individual exposed to a high-performing role model outperformed and had higher goal acceptance and satisfaction than an individual exposed to a low-performing model. The results are discussed as a means for clarifying the effects of different types of choice in the goal-setting process and the importance of role-provided information in influencing an individual's performance.
Decimal Floating-Point Multiplication

Decimal multiplication is important in many commercial applications including financial analysis, banking, tax calculation, currency conversion, insurance, and accounting. This paper presents the design of two decimal floating-point multipliers: one whose partial product accumulation strategy employs decimal carry-save addition and one that employs binary carry-save addition. The multiplier based on decimal carry-save addition favors a nonpipelined iterative implementation. The multiplier utilizing binary carry-save addition allows for an efficient pipelined implementation when latency and throughput are considered more important than area. Both designs comply with specifications for decimal multiplication given in the IEEE 754 standard for floating-point arithmetic (IEEE 754-2008). The multipliers extend previously published decimal fixed-point multipliers by adding several features, including exponent generation, sticky bit generation, shifting of the intermediate product, rounding, and exception detection and handling. Novel features of the multipliers include support for decimal floating-point numbers, on-the-fly generation of the sticky bit in the iterative design, early estimation of the shift amount, and efficient decimal rounding. Iterative and parallel decimal fixed-point and floating-point multipliers are compared in terms of their area, delay, latency, and throughput based on verified Verilog register-transfer-level models.
The Second Demographic Transition in the United States: Exception or Textbook Example?

The notion that the demographic transition in the West has two distinct phases was originally suggested by Lesthaeghe and van de Kaa (1986) and elaborated by van de Kaa (1987). These authors proposed the terminology of a first and second demographic transition. The 1986 article posited that new living arrangements and cohabitation (premarital or postmarital) in particular were not solely the outcomes of changing socioeconomic conditions or rising female employment but equally the expression of secular and anti-authoritarian sentiments of better-educated men and women who held an egalitarian world view placed greater emphasis on Maslows (1954) "higher order needs" (i.e. self-actualization individualistic and expressive orientations need for recognition) and to use Ingleharts term (1970 1990) had stronger "postmaterialist" political orientations. Furthermore the second demographic transition would also be characterized by substantial postponement of both marriage and parenthood and by an increase in the share of births to unmarried couples. If fertility control during the first transition was a matter of avoiding births of higher parities and births at older ages in order to safeguard the opportunities of the children already born during the second it is a matter of postponing or eschewing parenthood altogether because of more pressing competing goals such as prolonging education achieving more stable income positions increased consumerism associated with self-expressive orientations finding a suitable companion and realizing a more fulfilled partnership keeping an open future and the like. (excerpt)
Math Spotting: Retrieving Math in Technical Documents Using Handwritten Query Images

A method for locating mathematical expressions in document images without the use of optical character recognition is presented. An index of document regions is produced from recursive X-Y trees produced for each page in the corpus. Queries are provided as images of handwritten expressions, for which an X-Y tree is computed. During retrieval, the query is looked up in the document region index using features of its X-Y tree, producing a set of candidate regions. Candidate regions are ranked by the similarity of vertical pixel projections in their upper and lower halves with those of the query image, as computed using Dynamic Time Warping of the image columns. In an experiment, ten participants each wrote twenty queries from a 200-page corpus. On average, the top-10 retrieval candidates included a candidate covering 43.3% of the test query image (σ = 14.0), with the correct page being returned between 30.0% and 85.0% of the time across participants (μ = 63.2%, s = 14.9%). When testing using the original query images, 90.0% of the queries were retrieved correctly.
Rate of Thermal Dehydration of Muscovite

By the use of an automatic thermogravimetric apparatus, weight loss versus time data were collected for muscovite at five different temperatures in the range 738° to 817°C. Initial sample weight rather than the external surface area was found to be a parameter of the rate of weight loss. A rate equation is presented that explains the observed logarithmic time dependence based on a model involving a systematic relief of strain during dehydration. These findings are supported by infrared spectra of muscovite in various stages of dehydration. It is also proposed that during dehydration aluminum ions in the octahedral layer shift from 6- to 4-coordinated positions.
Shape control of adaptive structures

The variable geometry and shape control of adaptive structures is studied. A theoretical basis for shape control of deployable truss structures is discussed. The purpose is to generate a method of finding the optimal path for high-authority controllers to steer a structure with arbitrary geometry from a given initial shape to a final shape. In addition, the study of the workspace of the structure in relation to attainability of the desired shapes is presented. The work space boundaries will establish a basis for state constraints in path optimization analysis. >
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression and Gene Amplification in High-Grade Non-Brainstem Gliomas of Childhood

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is commonly overexpressed in adult high-grade gliomas. Forty to 50% of such tumors demonstrate amplification of the EGFR gene, often with rearrangement and constitutive activation of the gene product, suggesting that EGFR might play a role in the malignant progression of a subset of these neoplasms. In this regard, several groups have shown that overexpression of EGFR is associated with an adverse outcome in adult gliomas. In contrast to the extensive studies of EGFR status that have been performed in adult high-grade gliomas, little information has been reported about EGFR expression and amplification, as well as their prognostic relevance in high-grade gliomas of childhood, which carry a somewhat more favorable prognosis than their adult counterparts. To address this issue, we examined the expression of EGFR using immunohistochemistry and screened for amplification of the EGFR gene using a competitive PCR in a series of 27 archival pediatric high-grade nonbrainstem gliomas treated consecutively at our institution between 1975 and 1992. Tumors were categorized based on protein expression patterns, and the association between expression status and outcome was examined. Although elevated immunoreactivity for EGFR was observed in 80% of tumors, only two of the cases had gene amplification. No difference in outcome was observed between tumors that exhibited extensive EGFR immunoreactivity and those that did not (P > 0.3). Although EGFR expression did not seem to be of prognostic relevance for the outcome of pediatric patients harboring high-grade nonbrainstem gliomas, the consistently high levels of expression of EGFR in these neoplasms suggest that this receptor plays a role in the malignant phenotype of these tumors. Accordingly, treatment approaches targeting EGFR might be of potential therapeutic benefit for high-grade gliomas of childhood.
Effect of Humidity on the Drying Rates of Carpet Tiles

The effects of humidity on the drying rates of carpet tile depend on both gas stream temperature and flow rate, and are much larger in the warm-up and constant rate periods than in the falling rate period. The existence of inversion temperatures is investigated for carpet tile drying. For a given flow condition, an inversion temperature is the temperature at which the drying rate in a superheated steam environment equals that in air. Inversion temperatures are 177°C and 214°C for the low flow and high flow conditions of this study, respectively.
A Mathematical Model of Tear Mixing under the Lower Lid

Purpose: The degree of tear mixing in various parts of eyes plays an important role in determining some important aspects of tear dynamics. This study develops a mathematical model of tear mixing in the lower conjunctival sac. Method: Tear mixing in the lower conjunctival sac is modeled using Taylor dispersion. The concentration of instilled solutes is obtained numerically from an equation set that integrates the mass balance of solutes in the lower conjunctival sac and the exposed tear film. Results: The time for dye to appear in the exposed tear film and the time for maximal dye concentration after instillation into the lower conjunctival sac vary for different amplitudes and frequencies of lid motion. The time scales for mixing are in qualitative agreement with experiments reported in the literature. Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that the tear mixing in the lower conjunctival sac is driven by Taylor dispersion caused by lid/globe movements during blinking.
Source Localization of EEG/MEG Data by Correlating Columns of ICA and Lead Field Matrices

Independent components analysis (ICA) has previously been used to denoise EEG/magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals before performing neural source localization. Source localization is then performed using a method such as beamforming or dipole fitting. Here we show how ICA can also be used as a source localization method, negating the need for beamforming and dipole fitting. This type of approach is valid whenever an estimate of the forward (mixing) model for all putative source locations is available, which includes EEG and MEG applications. The proposed method consists of estimating the forward model using the laws of physics, estimating a second forward model using ICA, and then correlating the columns of the matrices that represent the two forward models. We show that, when synthetic data are used, the proposed localization method produces a smaller localization error than several alternatives. We also show localization results for real auditory-evoked MEG data.
Precise Excision of IS5 from the Intergenic Region between the fucPIK and the fucAO Operons and Mutational Control of fucPIK Operon Expression in Escherichia coli

Excision of transposable genetic elements from host DNA occurs at low frequencies and is usually imprecise. A common insertion sequence element in Escherichia coli, IS5, has been shown to provide various benefits to its host by inserting into specific sites. Precise excision of this element had not previously been demonstrated. Using a unique system, the fucose (fuc) regulon, in which IS5 insertion and excision result in two distinct selectable phenotypes, we have demonstrated that IS5 can precisely excise from its insertion site, restoring the wild-type phenotype. In addition to precise excision, several “suppressor” insertion, deletion, and point mutations restore the wild-type Fuc+ phenotype to various degrees without IS5 excision. The possible bases for these observations are discussed.
Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a school-based mindfulness intervention for urban youth

Youth in underserved, urban communities are at risk for a range of negative outcomes related to stress, including social-emotional difficulties, behavior problems, and poor academic performance. Mindfulness-based approaches may improve adjustment among chronically stressed and disadvantaged youth by enhancing self- regulatory capacities. This paper reports findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a school-based mindfulness and yoga intervention. Four urban public schools were randomized to an intervention or wait-list control condition (n=97 fourth and fifth graders, 60.8% female). It was hypothesized that the 12-week intervention would reduce involuntary stress responses and improve mental health outcomes and social adjustment. Stress responses, depressive symptoms, and peer relations were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Findings suggest the intervention was attractive to students, teachers, and school administrators and that it had a positive impact on problematic responses to stress including rumination, intrusive thoughts, and emotional arousal.
First-principles analysis of lattice thermal conductivity in monolayer and bilayer graphene

Article on first-principles analysis of lattice thermal conductivity in monolayer and bilayer graphene.
Temperature regulation in burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.: Coleoptera: Silphidae): effects of body size, morphology and environmental temperature.

SUMMARY This study compares the thermoregulatory ability of three species of burying beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae: Nicrophorus hybridus, Nicrophorus guttula and Nicrophorus investigator) that vary significantly in body size. It also explores possible mechanisms for temperature regulation in burying beetles, including physiological and behavioral thermoregulatory strategies, and the influence of environmental temperatures on body temperature and activity times. We measured beetle thoracic and abdominal temperatures before and after short (<5 s) flights, and thoracic temperature during sustained, tethered flights and following flight in the field. We calculated two measures of thermoregulatory ability: the slope of post-flight thoracic temperature against ambient air temperature and the slope of post-flight thoracic temperature against operative flight temperature. Thoracic temperatures following flight were significantly higher than abdominal temperatures, and the largest species, N. hybridus, was determined to be the better thermoregulator, with regression slopes closer to zero (0.315–0.370) than N. guttula (0.636–0.771) or N. investigator (0.575–0.610). We also examined the roles that insulation, wing loading, physiological heat transfer, basking and perceived environmental temperature play on temperature regulation and activity times in Nicrophorus. This study shows that body size, morphological features, such as wing loading and insulation, and perceived environmental temperatures affect thermoregulation and activity times in burying beetles.
A self-powered, one-step chip for rapid, quantitative and multiplexed detection of proteins from pinpricks of whole blood

We describe an automated, self-powered chip based on lateral flow immunoassay for rapid, quantitative, and multiplex protein detection from pinpricks of whole blood. The device incorporates on-chip purification of blood plasma by employing inertial forces to focus blood cells away from the assay surface, where plasma proteins are captured and detected on antibody “barcode” arrays. Power is supplied from the capillary action of a piece of adsorbent paper, and sequentially drives, over a 40 minute period, the four steps required to capture serum proteins and then develop a multiplex immunoassay. An 11 protein panel is assayed from whole blood, with high sensitivity and high reproducibility. This inexpensive, self-contained, and easy to operate chip provides a useful platform for point-of-care diagnoses, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Structural determination of modified fatty acids by collisional activation of cationized molecules

The nature and location of a variety of modifications of fatty acids are determined by collisional activation (CA) of [M + 2Li − H]+ ions. The sample molecules are cationized in situ on the probe tip, desorbed by fast atom bombardment and, upon CA, undergo charge-remote decompositions. This approach is a direct, totally instrumental method for structure elucidation. Advantages of CA of [M + 2Li − H]+ ions are that fatty acids with substituents in close proximity to the carboxylate terminus and modified short-chain acids are readily determined: decompositions of carboxylate anions of these fatty acids result in collision-activated dissociation (CAD) spectra that give incomplete structural information. However, the CAD spectra of some [M − H]− ions, such as those from epoxy acids, are simpler to interpret than those of the [M + 2Li − H]+ ions. Thus, CA of fatty acid [M + 2Li − H]+ ions is a complementary approach to CA of [M − H]− ions for determining the fatty acid structures investigated here. The use of this approach for analyzing complex mixtures of modified fatty acids is also evaluated.
Near-unity-power-factor single-phase AC-to-DC converter using a phase-controlled rectifier

The authors describe a near unity power factor single-phase AC-to-DC power converter based on the line frequency phase controlled rectifier with an input capacitor. The method of achieving near unity power factor AC-to-DC conversion is presented, and the advantages and disadvantages of this conversion techniques are described. The converter was first simulated on a computer and then measured in the laboratory. Converter harmonics were minimized, and the converter purity factor was maximised by careful design of the rectifier. The converter displacement power factor was maximised by the input capacitor. The converter performs near unity power factor AC-to-DC conversion for the minimum input voltage, maximum output current condition in which the DC load approaches the rating of the service supplying it. >
Assessing Crime as a Problem The Relationship Between Residents’ Perception of Crime and Official Crime Rates Over 25 Years

This study compares the relationship between official crime rates in census tracts and resident perceptions of crime. Using a unique data set that links household-level data from the American Housing Survey metro samples over 25 years (1976-1999) with official crime rate data for census tracts in selected cities during selected years, this study finds that tract violent crime is the strongest predictor of residents’ perception of crime. This standardized coefficient was .71 on average over the seven waves. Models simultaneously taking into account both violent and property crime found a consistently strong positive effect for violent crime but a consistently negative effect for property crime. Among types of violent crime, robbery and aggravated assault have the strongest effect on the perception of crime in the tract. Burglary showed a stronger effect on perceptions of crime in the 1970s but a steadily weakening effect since then. There was little evidence that the racial/ethnic composition of the tract ...
Single quantum dot spectroscopy in a cavity

A photonic crystal slab nanocavity with a single InAs quantum dot in a field antinode is a promising system for cavity QED because of the cavitypsilas small volume and the dotpsilas stationary position.
Regulation of Vi Capsular Polysaccharide Synthesis in Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi

The synthesis of Vi polysaccharide, a major virulence determinant in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi), is under the control of two regulatory systems, ompR-envZ and rscB-rscC, which respond to changes in osmolarity. Some S. Typhi isolates exhibit over-expression of Vi polysaccharide, which masks clinical detection of LPS O-antigen. This variation in Vi polysaccharide and O-antigen display (VW variation) has been observed since the initial studies of S. Typhi. We have reported that the status of the rpoS gene is responsible for this phenomenon. We review the regulatory network of the Vi polysaccharide, linking osmolarity and RpoS expression. Also, we discuss how this may impact live attenuated Salmonella vaccine development.
Ultra-High-Throughput Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions.

Protein–protein interactions play important roles in virtually all cellular processes, making them enticing targets for modulation by small-molecule therapeutics: specific examples have been well validated in diseases ranging from cancer and autoimmune disorders, to bacterial and viral infections. Despite several notable successes, however, overall these remain a very challenging target class. Protein interaction sites are especially challenging for computational approaches, because the target protein surface often undergoes a conformational change to enable ligand binding: this confounds traditional approaches for virtual screening. Through previous studies, we demonstrated that biased “pocket optimization” simulations could be used to build collections of low-energy pocket-containing conformations, starting from an unbound protein structure. Here, we demonstrate that these pockets can further be used to identify ligands that complement the protein surface. To do so, we first build from a given pocket it...
Hydralazine-demethylating systemic therapy for breast cancer

13131 Background: Cancer results from accumulation of gene deregulations. DNA sequence alterations are of unquestioned importance in this process, but are not exclusive. Alterations in gene functio...
Quantifying Optimal Columellar Strut Dimensions for Nasal Tip Stabilization After Rhinoplasty via Finite Element Analysis.

ImportanceThe contribution of columellar strut grafts (CSGs) to nasal tip support has not been determined via structural mechanics. Optimal graft dimensions have yet to be objectively determined. O...
Sweatshops: Economic Analysis and Exploitation as Unfairness

The economic and moral defense of sweatshops given by Powell and Zwolinski (J Bus Ethics 107:449–472, 2012) has been criticized in two recent papers. Coakley and Kates (J Bus Ethics 117:553–558, 2013) focus on putative weaknesses in the logic of Powell’s and Zwolinski’s argument. Preiss (Bus Ethics Quart 24(1):55–82, 2014) argues that, even granting the validity of their economic argument, Powell’s and Zwolinski’s defense is without force when viewed from a Kantian republican viewpoint. We are concerned that sweatshop critics have misinterpreted the economic literature and overstated the conclusions that follow from their ethical premises. We show that the best understanding of the current economic literature supports Powell’s and Zwolinski’s conclusions about the negative effects of sweatshop wage regulation, and that it is unreasonable to reject economic analysis in moral argument against sweatshops even from a Kantian perspective. Additionally, we defend the theory of exploitation as unfairness given by Wertheimer (Exploitation, 1996), and show how economic analysis can be applied to that theory to identify cases of sweatshop exploitation.
Subsequence detection

The concept of subsequence detection is introduced within the context of linearly modulated data transmission over intersymbol interference (ISI) channels. The motivation for this new approach is that for channels with severe ISI, linear and decision feedback equalizers have a poor performance while the maximum likelihood sequence detector (MLSD), although implementable via the Viterbi algorithm, has a complexity that is exponential in the length of the ISI channel response. The subsequence detection scheme, on the other hand, has a controllable complexity via an integer design parameter M, and a performance that is commensurate with its chosen complexity. >
Winter rye cover crop effect on corn seedling pathogens

Cover crops are a valuable management tool to reduce soil and nutrient losses while retaining moisture, improving soil organic matter content, and stabilizing soil N during the winter months when the ground is normally left fallow. Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) is commonly used as a winter cover crop in the Midwest due to its ability to withstand cold temperatures, reduce soil erosion, and scavenge soil N. However, it has been found that a cereal rye cover crop can sometimes reduce performance and yields in the following corn (Zea mays) crop. Past studies have suggested that reduced corn growth and yield are caused by allelopathic effects of cereal rye without considering the possibility that cover crops may be providing soil fungal pathogens with a living host, allowing greater populations to overwinter, and then infecting the following corn crop. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of cover crop treatment, cover crop species, planting date, and corn fungicide seed coatings on corn growth, yield, and fungal infection rates through controlled environment and field experiments. In controlled environment experiments, corn following a cereal rye cover crop exhibited greater reductions in radicle length, extended leaf height, and corn shoot dry weight than corn following no cover crop. Additionally, corn following a cereal rye cover crop exhibited greater reductions in radicle length and greater fungal infection rates in roots than corn following hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) or canola (Brassica napus L.) cover crops. The fungicide seed coating did not appear to prevent fungal root infection in corn following a rye cover crop. Field experiments examined the effect of planting date and cover crop treatment on corn performance. Corn planted later had greater corn leaf development,
A Robust PMU Based Three-Phase State Estimator Using Modal Decoupling

Power systems do not always operate under fully balanced conditions because of unbalanced loads and untransposed transmission lines. Under such conditions, commonly used positive sequence equivalent will no longer be valid. On the other hand, use of full three-phase model will add significant computational burden for the considered application. This paper describes a simple approach to address this issue for the specific application of state estimation. The main idea is to exploit the linearity of the estimation problem when the system is measured solely by phasor measurements. The linear problem lends itself to decoupling via modal transformation unlike the nonlinear formulation with SCADA measurements. A further improvement is introduced via the use of the least absolute value (LAV) estimator, which has the desirable property of automatic bad-data rejection. The paper illustrates how a robust LAV estimator designed for a positive sequence model can be efficiently used for the solution of an unbalanced three-phase state estimation problem.
HERMES: Hadamard encoding and reconstruction of MEGA-edited spectroscopy.

Purpose To investigate a novel Hadamard-encoded spectral editing scheme and evaluate its performance in simultaneously quantifying N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamate (NAAG) at 3 Tesla. Methods Editing pulses applied according to a Hadamard encoding scheme allow the simultaneous acquisition of multiple metabolites. The method, called HERMES (Hadamard Encoding and Reconstruction of MEGA-Edited Spectroscopy), was optimized to detect NAA and NAAG simultaneously using density-matrix simulations and validated in phantoms at 3T. In vivo data were acquired in the centrum semiovale of 12 normal subjects. The NAA:NAAG concentration ratio was determined by modeling in vivo data using simulated basis functions. Simulations were also performed for potentially coedited molecules with signals within the detected NAA/NAAG region. Results Simulations and phantom experiments show excellent segregation of NAA and NAAG signals into the intended spectra, with minimal crosstalk. Multiplet patterns show good agreement between simulations and phantom and in vivo data. In vivo measurements show that the relative peak intensities of the NAA and NAAG spectra are consistent with a NAA:NAAG concentration ratio of 4.22:1 in good agreement with literature. Simulations indicate some coediting of aspartate and glutathione near the detected region (editing efficiency: 4.5% and 78.2%, respectively, for the NAAG reconstruction and 5.1% and 19.5%, respectively, for the NAA reconstruction). Conclusion The simultaneous and separable detection of two otherwise overlapping metabolites using HERMES is possible at 3T. Magn Reson Med, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of 80 Cases of Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease in Huarong County in 2009

Objective To diagnose the cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease through clinical symptoms and molecular biology techniques,and to formulate therapeutic regimens and prophylaxis strategy for preventing its outbreak. Methods The epidemiological survey was conducted among the suspected children.Reverse transcription was carried out after extracting the RNA from the anal swabs,throat swabs,bleb fluid and cerebrospinal fluid of the children.Three pairs of PCR primers were designed to amplify the nucleic acid.The sex,age and epidemic month of the positive cases were statistically analyzed. Results Eighty suspected cases were detected by RT-PCR,and 64(80%) were positive with consensus primer,in which 39 were positive with EV71 primer(48.75%) and 19(23.75%) were positive with COXA16 primer,and 6(7.5%) were simultaneously positive with EV71 and COXA16 primers.No statistically significant difference was found in the sex of the cases(P0.05).Most of the cases occurred in May,2009(18.75%),and no death case happened. Conclusions The nucleic acid detection by RT-PCR can offer the scientific evidence for clinical diagnosing and treating hand-foot-and-mouth disease and making its preventive measures.
CELL RECOVERY AND APPEARANCE IN THIN-LAYER PREPARATIONS IN NONGYNECOLOGIC CYTOLOGY

OBJECTIVE To compare the diagnostic efficacy of a thin-layer technique with that of a membrane filter technique using a wide variety of fresh cytologic specimens. STUDY DESIGN Paired samples from 272 nongynecologic cytology specimens were processed for microscopy using thin-layer and membrane filter preparation techniques. Specimens included 162 body fluids and urines, 32 bronchial aspirates and 78 fine needle aspiration biopsies. The two techniques were compared for diagnostic efficacy, cell density/specimen, cell types recovered, qualitative cytomorphology, ease of interpretation and long-term stability of the final preparations. RESULTS Diagnoses supported by filter preparations were also supported by their matched thin-layer preparations. The same cell types were recovered by both techniques, and the slide cell density was slightly greater using membrane filters. Qualitative morphology and ease of use were superior with the thin-layer samples. After two years, all thin-layer slides were stable and readable, whereas only 43% of the membrane filter slides were usable. CONCLUSION Thin-layer techniques are morphologically comparable and, in some ways, superior to membrane filter techniques for processing a wide variety of nongynecologic cytology specimens.
Quantitative Morphometry for Neurotoxicity Assessment

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on quantitative morphometry for neurotoxicity assessment. The application of quantitative morphometric methods to neurotoxicology is a relatively recent endeavor, and appropriate techniques are still evolving. However, such methods are essential for subsequent use in mathematical representations of the risk of exposure to neurotoxicants whenever histological biomarkers are most sensitive. This chapter reviews various neurohistological tissue preparation approaches, describes their application to neurotoxicology, and compares their ease in lending themselves to quantitative and statistical analysis. It also discusses the conditions under which the various procedures might be expected to be most useful and their limitations. The chapter describes in a general way the types of instrumentation available to measure the results. A great deal of attention is directed to describing specific procedures since often different methods provide complementary information about neurotoxic agents and must be combined. The most economic way to accomplish this requires a set of methods that are compatible with each other so that all can be applied to identically prepared tissue samples. This chapter also includes some example applications drawn from neurohistological research on excitotoxins, trimethlytin, and marijuana.
Bioactive food components and metabolic syndrome

T rapid increase in prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with a state of elevated systemic oxidative stress, is projected to cause future increases in the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and sugars produces reactive carbonyl species, which, due to their electrophilic nature, react with nucleophilic sites of certain amino acids leading to formation of protein adducts such as advanced glycation/lipoxidation end products (AGEs/ AGEs) resulted in cellular dysfunction. Therefore, an effective reactive carbonyl species and AGEs/ALEs sequestering agent can prevent such cellular dysfunction. We have demonstrated that the dietary histidine-dipeptides are effective sequester of cytotoxic carbonyls and prevent various metabolic risk factors in animal model. In addition, bioactive components in plant foods such as carotenoids, tocopherols and oryzanols have been continuously studied for their biological functions against oxidative damage and progression of metabolic syndrome in our laboratory. Identification and characterization of bioactive components in plant foods using state-of-the-art techniques will be introduced. Further, dietary defense strategies against progression of metabolic syndrome utilizing these bioactive food components and their action mechanisms will be discussed. [Supported in part by USDA 1950-51000-065-08S, USA and Rural Development Administration PJ008755, Republic of Korea]
Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for the Management of Pediatric Chronic Pain: New Directions in Research and Clinical Practice.

Over the past 20 years our knowledge about evidence-based psychological interventions for pediatric chronic pain has dramatically increased. Overall, the evidence in support of psychological interventions for pediatric chronic pain is strong, demonstrating positive psychological and behavioral effects for a variety of children with a range of pain conditions. However, wide scale access to effective psychologically-based pain management treatments remains a challenge for many children who suffer with pain. Increasing access to care and reducing persistent biomedical biases that inhibit attainment of psychological services are a central focus of current pain treatment interventions. Additionally, as the number of evidence-based treatments increase, tailoring treatments to a child or family’s particular needs is increasingly possible. This article will (1) discuss the theoretical frameworks as well as the specific psychological skills and strategies that currently hold promise as effective agents of change; (2) review and summarize trends in the development of well-researched outpatient interventions over the past ten years; and (3) discuss future directions for intervention research on pediatric chronic pain.
Subthreshold Slope of Vertical Graphene Interlayer Tunnel Transistor

A subthreshold slope model for the graphene vertical interlayer tunnel transistor is proposed analytically and results are compared and validated from numerical computations. It has been found that irrespective of the energy dependence in computation method, the subthreshold slope of an interlayer tunnel transistor cannot go below the thermionic limit of 60mV/decade compared to that of a MOSFET. While thickness of the tunneling barrier, carrier effective mass inside the tunneling barrier, energy band gap between the barrier material and adjacent conductive sandwich layers and the tunneling bias determine the ultimate steepness of the subthreshold slope of such tunnel transistors, a realistic operation of interlayer tunnel transistor at a thin tunnel barrier will always result in a subthreshold slope far greater than the thermionic limit of 60mV/decade.
Female peer mentors early in college increase women’s positive academic experiences and retention in engineering

Scientific and engineering innovation is vital for American competitiveness, quality of life, and national security. However, too few American students, especially women, pursue these fields. Although this problem has attracted enormous attention, rigorously tested interventions outside artificial laboratory settings are quite rare. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal field experiment investigating the effect of peer mentoring on women's experiences and retention in engineering during college transition, assessing its impact for 1 y while mentoring was active, and an additional 1 y after mentoring had ended. Incoming women engineering students (n = 150) were randomly assigned to female or male peer mentors or no mentors for 1 y. Their experiences were assessed multiple times during the intervention year and 1-y postintervention. Female (but not male) mentors protected women's belonging in engineering, self-efficacy, motivation, retention in engineering majors, and postcollege engineering aspirations. Counter to common assumptions, better engineering grades were not associated with more retention or career aspirations in engineering in the first year of college. Notably, increased belonging and self-efficacy were significantly associated with more retention and career aspirations. The benefits of peer mentoring endured long after the intervention had ended, inoculating women for the first 2 y of college-the window of greatest attrition from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. Thus, same-gender peer mentoring for a short period during developmental transition points promotes women's success and retention in engineering, yielding dividends over time.
A Global Gridded Dataset of GRACE Drought Severity Index for 2002–14: Comparison with PDSI and SPEI and a Case Study of the Australia Millennium Drought

AbstractA new monthly global drought severity index (DSI) dataset developed from satellite-observed time-variable terrestrial water storage changes from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is presented. The GRACE-DSI record spans from 2002 to 2014 and will be extended with the ongoing GRACE and scheduled GRACE Follow-On missions. The GRACE-DSI captures major global drought events during the past decade and shows overall favorable spatiotemporal agreement with other commonly used drought metrics, including the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The assets of the GRACE-DSI are 1) that it is based solely on satellite gravimetric observations and thus provides globally consistent drought monitoring, particularly where sparse ground observations (especially precipitation) constrain the use of traditional model-based monitoring methods; 2) that it has a large footprint (~350 km), so it is suitable for assessing regional- and g...