cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thrust-generated fan-delta deposition; Little Muddy Creek Conglomerate, SW Wyoming

ABSTRACT The upper Cretaceous Little Muddy Creek conglomerate in southwestern Wyoming is an often-cited example of a thin-skinned, thrust-derived conglomerate that has been used to date absolute and relative timing of thrust sheet motion in the Idaho-Wyoming-Utah fold and thrust belt. Despite the regional tectonic significance of the Little Muddy Creek conglomerate, no quantitative sedimentological or compositional analyses are available in the literature. Sedimentological analysis indicates that the Little Muddy Creek conglomerate was produced by forelandward (eastward) progradation of a marine fan-delta that emanated from the thrust ridge above the old Absaroka thrust. Fan-delta deposits are overlain by nearshore, inner-shelf, outer-shelf and slope deposits which record sedimentation as motion on the old Absaroka thrust began to wane. A two-dimensional provenance modeling technique described herein compares hypothetical, synorogenic-sediment compositions with actual compositional data from the Little Muddy Creek conglomerate. The two-dimensional modeling is a refinement of previous, one-dimensional models in that it is based upon the reconstruction of syn-thrusting hanging wall and footwall geometries. The provenance mod ling shows that compositional data from the Little Muddy Creek conglomerate record uplift followed by gradual cessation thereof on the old Absaroka thrust. Sedimentological and compositional interpretations are integrated, allowing for an evaluation of the tectonic controls on deposition of this thin-skinned, thrust-derived conglomerate.
Perceived information needs in respect of orthodontics amongst 11-12-year-old girls: a study through health visitor sessions in schools.

Summary. Aim. The aims of this study were: to explore: (i) the knowledge and views regarding orthodontics of a group of 11–12-year-old girls attending a school in South-east London and (ii) the terms that they used to obtain the information. Methods and subjects. The study used Dental Health Education sessions to investigate the aims of the study. Eight DHE sessions at a secondary school for girls were tape recorded. In order to raise the issue of orthodontics and trigger the formation of questions during health education session, a worksheet containing true/false questions, a crossword puzzle regarding orthodontics and some open ended questions was designed and sent to students. They were required to read and complete the worksheet before each session. They were not required to return the completed worksheets to the investigators but did return them to their teachers. The sessions were tape recorded and supplemented by notes taken at the sessions by the investigator. A total of eight DHE sessions, attended by 14 girls each, were tape-recorded. Each tape recording was immediately transcribed verbatim. The next stage was to organize the data and to single out the orthodontic questions and discussions and categorize them. Results. A total of 117 girls aged 11–12-year-old comprised the study group: 77% were white and 23% black children. After reading the transcripts several times, certain themes on orthodontics emerged. The results showed that children questioned different aspects of orthodontics. Nine themes emerged from their questions and discussions. They wanted to know why orthodontic treatment was carried out and when was the right time to start treatment. They were very keen to find out the differences between different orthodontic appliances. The psychosocial impacts of wearing an orthodontic appliance, i.e., experience of pain as well as the need for extraction of some permanent teeth as part of the treatment were of concern. They asked some questions on the need for repair, adjustment and taking care of appliances. The aetiology of malocclusion was another theme that emerged. The students tended to ask questions and describe problems in their own lay terms. Conclusion. The methodology used in this study provided an opportunity to assess the information needs with regards to orthodontics of a group of children attending a school in Southwark, London, UK. It was successful in discovering the views and concerns, and to some extent, their knowledge regarding orthodontics and the terms pupils used in asking questions and making comments.
Progressive Obesity Alters Ovarian Folliculogenesis with Impacts on Pro-Inflammatory and Steroidogenic Signaling in Female Mice

Diet-induced obesity induces immune cell infiltration and inflammation in peri-ovarian adipose tissue and mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in ovarian tissue. Whether these changes are associated with obesity-related ovarian dysfunction remains unknown. In the present study, qRT-PCR and Western blotting techniques were used to compare mRNA and protein abundance of ovarian immune cell and inflammation markers, along with NF-kappaB and steroidogenic pathway members in normal wild-type non-agouti (a/a; lean) and lethal yellow mice (KK.CG-A y/ J; obese) at 6, 12, 18, or 24 wk of age. Our data revealed that, beginning at 12 wk of age, NF-kappaB inflammatory signaling members were elevated (P , 0.05) in obese females. Interestingly obesity had opposing and temporal effects on the steroidogenic enzyme pathway. Obesity decreased (P , 0.05) STAR protein at 12, 18, and 24 wk of age. CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 proteins were increased (P , 0.05) at 12 wk but were decreased (P , 0.05) at 18 and 24 wk. Interestingly, CYP19A1 was increased in lethal yellow mouse ovaries at 6 wk of age, potentially indicating early puberty onset. These data demonstrate that obesity alters expression of ovarian inflammatory and steroidogenic pathway genes in ways which could adversely affect ovarian function. inflammation, obesity, ovary, steroidogenesis
Classification of Fault-Prone Software Modules: Prior Probabilities,Costs, and Model Evaluation

Software quality models can give timely predictions of reliability indicators, for targeting software improvement efforts. In some cases, classification techniques are sufficient for useful software quality models. The software engineering community has not applied informed prior probabilities widely to software quality classification modeling studies. Moreover, even though costs are of paramount concern to software managers, costs of misclassification have received little attention in the software engineering literature. This paper applies informed prior probabilities and costs of misclassification to software quality classification. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of several statistical methods for evaluating the accuracy of software quality classification models. We conducted two full-scale industrial case studies which integrated these concepts with nonparametric discriminant analysis to illustrate how they can be used by a classification technique. The case studies supported our hypothesis that classification models of software quality can benefit by considering informed prior probabilities and by minimizing the expected cost of misclassifications. The case studies also illustrated the advantages and limitations of resubstitution, cross-validation, and data splitting for model evaluation.
Efficient Successive Reanalysis Technique for Engineering Structures

In many engineering structural designs, after modifications are made to the initial structure, many simulations of the structural system are required. The computational cost of these repetitive simulations can be prohibitive in many engineering applications, such as optimization, reliability analysis and so forth. In this work, the Successive Matrix Inversion (SMI) method is improved to include the capability to update not only the inverse of the modified stiffness matrix, but also the modified system response vector. This is done by introducing an influence vector storage matrix and a vector-updating operator and makes it possible to perform sequential reanalyses. The improved SMI method has a wider applicable range of modification than the original one. The applicability of the proposed SMI method is demonstrated with two popular engineering problems—sensitivity analysis and reliability analysis of an aircraft wing structure.
Function of the Neuron-specific Alternatively Spliced Isoforms of Nonmuscle Myosin II-B during Mouse Brain Development

We report that the alternatively spliced isoforms of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-B (NHMC II-B) play distinct roles during mouse brain development. The B1-inserted isoform of NMHC II-B, which contains an insert of 10 amino acids near the ATP-binding region (loop 1) of the myosin heavy chain, is involved in normal migration of facial neurons. In contrast, the B2-inserted isoform, which contains an insert of 21 amino acids near the actin-binding region (loop 2), is important for postnatal development of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Deletion of the B1 alternative exon, together with reduced expression of myosin II-B, results in abnormal migration and consequent protrusion of facial neurons into the fourth ventricle. This protrusion is associated with the development of hydrocephalus. Restoring the amount of myosin II-B expression to wild-type levels prevents these defects, showing the importance of total myosin activity in facial neuron migration. In contrast, deletion of the B2 alternative exon results in abnormal development of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Cells lacking the B2-inserted isoform show reduced numbers of dendritic spines and branches. Some of the B2-ablated Purkinje cells are misplaced in the cerebellar molecular layer. All of the B2-ablated mice demonstrated impaired motor coordination.
Survey of domain-specific performance measures in assistive robotic technology

Assistive robotics have been developed for several domains, including autism, eldercare, intelligent wheelchairs, assistive robotic arms, external limb prostheses, and stroke rehabilitation. Work in assistive robotics can be divided into two larger research areas: technology development, where new devices, software, and interfaces are created; and clinical application, where assistive technology is applied to a given end-user population. Moving from technology development towards clinical applications is a significant challenge. Developing performance metrics for assistive robots can unveil a larger set of challenges. For example, what well established performance measures should be used for evaluation to lend credence to a particular assistive robotic technology from a clinician's perspective? In this paper, we survey several areas of assistive robotic technology in order to demonstrate domain-specific means for evaluating the performance of an assistive robot system.
Marfan’s syndrome

Marfan's syndrome is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin 1. Cardinal manifestations include proximal aortic aneurysm, dislocation of the ocular lens, and long-bone overgrowth. Important advances have been made in the diagnosis and medical and surgical care of affected individuals, yet substantial morbidity and premature mortality remain associated with this disorder. Progress has been made with genetically defined mouse models to elucidate the pathogenetic sequence that is initiated by fibrillin-1 deficiency. The new understanding is that many aspects of the disease are caused by altered regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), a family of cytokines that affect cellular performance, highlighting the potential therapeutic application of TGFbeta antagonists. Insights derived from studying this mendelian disorder are anticipated to have relevance for more common and non-syndromic presentations of selected aspects of the Marfan phenotype.
Simulating the Formation of Surfactant-Templated Mesoporous Silica Materials: A Model with Both Surfactant Self-Assembly and Silica Polymerization

We have used Monte Carlo simulations to study the formation of the MCM-41 mesoporous silica material, with a new lattice model featuring explicit representations of both silicic acid condensation and surfactant self-assembly. Inspired by experimental syntheses, we have adopted the following two-step “synthesis” during our simulations: (i) high pH and low temperature allowing the initial onset of mesostructures with long-range order; (ii) lower pH and higher temperature promoting irreversible silica condensation. During step (i), the precursor solution was found to spontaneously separate into a surfactant–silicate-rich phase in equilibrium with a solvent-rich phase. Lamellar and hexagonal ordering emerged for the surfactant–silicate-rich mesosphases under different synthesis conditions, consistent with experimental observations. Under conditions where silica polymerization can be neglected, our simulations were found to transform reversibly between hexagonal and lamellar phases by changing temperature. Dur...
Improved online condition monitoring using static eccentricity-induced negative sequence current information in induction machines

The detection of air-gap eccentricity-related motor faults is a very important function in online condition monitoring of induction machines. Low frequency and high frequency characteristic side-band harmonics are usually monitored in the stator current spectrum to detect the existence of air-gap eccentricities. However, in these techniques, only a single phase stator current spectrum is analyzed even though all three phase supply currents are usually available in the motor control center. In this paper, for the first time, the negative sequence components in supply currents due to the presence of a static eccentricity are proposed as a fault indicator. This paper also proposes a new technique to separate the negative sequence components from their positive sequence counterparts using qd-axis current spectra in a newly selected rotating reference frame. Analysis shows that in this way the oscillating load torque effect can be completely eliminated from the eccentricity effect. Based on an elementary, 2-pole, 3-phase induction motor model with sinusoidal winding distributions, all motor inductances are analytically derived and analyzed. Simulation and experimental results validate the existence of negative sequence fundamental component in supply currents resulting from a static air-gap eccentricity. The variation of magnitudes and phase angles associated with these negative sequence components are also investigated. By monitoring the magnitude of negative sequence components, one could determine the degree of static eccentricity in the presence of a mixed eccentricity. Therefore, the capability and reliability of online condition monitoring of induction machines are improved.
Determining pose in a multiple-view based 3-D object recognition system

The authors address the pose determination problem in constructing multiple-view-based three-dimensional (3-D) object recognition systems. They propose a procedure which performs a sequence of 3-D transformations on the model object so that the pose of the unknown object can be determined. A series of 3-D transformation matrices is derived. The composition of these matrices relates the unknown object to its corresponding model object. A procedure to determine the pose of the unknown object by combining the derived transformation matrices is described. The experimental results that corroborate the proposed method are reported. >
Segregated Parallel Computing for Isoelectric Focusing of Proteins

A parallel algorithm is introduced to simulate isoelectric focusing (IEF) in a microfluidic device. This new algorithm is based on segregated method for solving a large number of mass conservation equations in the system. An in house numerical code is developed to simulate the transient focusing behavior of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) protein in a pH field formed by ampholytes in presence of an applied electric field. The effectiveness of the parallel scheme is assessed by analyzing the CPU times for each process. Numerical results show that the electric potential distribution is nearly independent of time or concentration of amphoteric molecules. Thus, the charge conservation equation is not solved after the first time step to reduce the computational expenses. As expected, the solution of mass conservation equations for ampholytes is the computational hot spot, and solving them in parallel reduces the overall computing time. The proposed algorithm is very suitable for solving mass conservation equations of 100∼1000 components used to form continuous pH in IEF.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
QRAM-Quick access memory system

A quick access memory (QRAM) was developed that realizes a cost-effective high-performance memory architecture. The QRAM improves the effective data access speed by making maximum use of the page mode of memory, and hence acts like a pseudo-cache memory. For high performance and usability, it has three special features: built-in address latches/comparators, a direct handshake facility, and a multiple active island structure. It can communicate directly with the microprocessor by handshaking of the memory request and the memory ready. This reduces the amount of external logic needed for the memory system. The QRAM can be made with conventional technology. >
Shipibo-Spanish: Differences in residual transfer at the syntax-morphology and the syntax-pragmatics interfaces

In this article, we present a study that tests the Interface Hypothesis (Sorace and Filiaci, 2006) at the syntax—pragmatics interface and its possible extension to the syntax—morphology interface in two groups of first language (L1) speakers of Shipibo with different levels of formal instruction in Spanish as a second language (L2). Shipibo is a mixed null subject language that only allows third person null subjects and has no person morphology on the verb. Spanish is a null subject language with rich person morphology on the verb. Evidence of acquisition of a core syntactic property (the extension of null subject licensing from third to first person subjects) was found in the speech of both groups of Shipibo speakers. No significant evidence of residual non-native patterns at the syntax—morphology interface was found (subject—verb mismatches in person) in the group with higher levels of formal instruction. At the syntax—pragmatics interface, we found non-native distribution of first person null subjects ...
Spontaneous Clearance of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Is Associated With Appearance of Neutralizing Antibodies and Reversal of T-Cell Exhaustion

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) readily establishes chronic infection with exhaustion of HCV-specific T cells and escape from neutralizing antibodies. Spontaneous recovery from chronic infection is rare and has never to our knowledge been studied immunologically. Methods. We prospectively studied, from prior to infection through >2 years of follow-up, cytokines, HCV-specific T cells, and antibodies, as well as viral sequence evolution in a white male who spontaneously cleared HCV genotype 1a after 65 weeks. Results. Significant alanine aminotransferase and plasma cytokine elevation and broad HCV-specific T-cell responses did not result in HCV clearance in the acute phase. Frequency and effector function of HCV-specific T cells decreased thereafter, and HCV titers stabilized as is typical for the chronic phase. HCV clearance after 65 weeks followed the appearance of neutralizing antibodies at week 48 and was associated with reversal of HCV-specific T-cell exhaustion, as evidenced by reduced programmed death–1 (PD-1) expression and improved T-cell function. Clearance occurred without inflammation or superinfection with hepatitis B virus, human cytomegalovirus virus, influenza, and Epstein-Barr virus. Conclusions. T-cell exhaustion is reversible at least in the first 2 years of chronic HCV infection, and this reversion in conjunction with neutralizing antibodies may clear HCV. These findings are relevant for immunotherapy of chronic infections.
Design and fabrication of microlens arrays as beam relay for free-space optical interconnection

In this paper we report the design and fabrication of a beam relay for free space optical interconnection using microlens arrays. Multiple microlens arrays with same focal lengths were designed and fabricated in an out-of-plane layout. This design can be easily integrated with silicon-based optical interconnection devices. The beam relay was fabricated using direct lithography of SU-8 photoresist, and then replicated using UV curable polymer molded with a PDMS intermediate mold. The optical performance was tested and the experimental results show that the optical performances are mainly limited by the aberration of microlenses. Further study needs to be conducted to improve the surface quality of the lenses to reduce the aberrations.
On Financial Frauds and Their Causes: Investor Overconfidence

Abstract This paper examines two possible explanations for why investors are so often and so easily taken by the likes of Robert Bennett and his New Era fraud or Nick Leeson's sinking of the esteemed Barings Bank. I rule out the traditional explanations offered by neoclassical economics such as asymmetric information in a world of calculable risk. I argue that the literature on empirical psychology, which emphasizes how people make choices in a world characterized by uncertainty provides a more plausible explanation for why financial fraud is so prevelant. The paper emphasizes the interdisciplinary aspects of financial frauds and concludes with some policy prescriptions for preventing financial fraud.
Nutritional Value of Plant Materials. II. Prevention of Acute Uremia of the Newborn Rat by Vitamin B12

Summary1. Acute uremia of the newborn rat observed on rations in which a commercial soybean protein and DL-methionine furnish the only source of amino acids can be prevented by subcutaneous administration of 0.05 pg of vitamin B12 shortly after birth.
A distributed I/O low-level controller for highly-dexterous snake robots

A robot can be seen as a set of actuated joints, each connected to a processing unit that senses feedback signals and generates actuation commands. For robots with high locomotive sophistication, commonly seen in medical robotics, the requisite cabling and control processing can become unwieldy. Motivated by dexterous snake-like robots for minimally invasive surgery, this paper explores the use of IEEE 1394 (FireWire), attached directly to low-latency field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), to distribute I/O and centralize processing. This increases the viability of complex medical robots by reducing cabling and consolidating processing, thereby making systems more agile, reliable, and scalable.
BioTimeâ€™s bid to end age-related disease: A look at CEO Michael Westâ€™s Vision

The regenerative medicine space is one that is set to explode with considerable innovation and profitability for shrewd biotechnologists. I had the opportunity to speak with Michael West, PhD., CEO of BioTime (BTX) and found a man passionate about regenerative medicine and of course passionate about his role in its future. In this conversation I learned of West's vision, which I think provides some powerful clues as to areas of future growth in the biotech sector. He points to three scientific advances that make this vision actualizable. First, sequencing technology that allows us to perform RNA sequencing for around 300 dollars or less, second the common and reversible molecular basis for age-related diseases, and finally industrial scaling of pure cell lines like the ones manufactured by BTX. Let's look at the three enabling technologies that West touched on and examine how they are being utilized to achieve West's vision within BTX and others involved in the anti-aging revolution.
Aerodynamic Effects Induced by a Vectored High Aspect Ratio Nonaxisymmetric Exhaust Nozzle

Nonaxisymmetric exhaust nozzles exiting at or near the trailing edge of a lifting surface offer advanced aircraft configurations improved performance because of induced aerodynamic effects. An experimental investigation of these induced effects was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.3 to 0.9 on a half-span wing body configuration with a high aspect ratio vectoring (0, 15, 30 deg) nonaxisymmetric exhaust nozzle incorporated into the wing trailing edge. Results indicate that, at all Mach numbers, the thrust-removed lift, drag, and pitching moment coefficients for the wing body increased with increasing nozzle vectoring. Using the trimmed data, an optimum drag polar can be formed which uses all three vector angles. As the nozzle pressure ratio increases, the induced effects on the wing aerodynamics tend to increase proportionally.
Investigating the Correlation of the U.S. Air Force Physical Fitness Test to Combat-Based Fitness: A Women-Only Study

ABSTRACT The primary objective in this research involves determining the Air Force Physical Fitness Test's (AFPFT) predictability of combat fitness and whether measures within the AFPFT require modification to increase this predictability further. We recruited 60 female volunteers and compared their performance on the AFPFT to the Marine Combat Fitness Test, the proxy for combat fitness. We discovered little association between the two (R2 of 0.35), however, this association significantly increased (adjusted R2 of 0.56) when utilizing the raw scores of the AFPFT instead of using the gender/age scoring tables. Improving on these associations, we develop and propose a simple ordinary least squares regression model that minimally impacts the AFPFT testing routine. This two-event model for predicting combat fitness incorporates the 1.5-mile run along with the number of repetitions of a 30-lb dumbbell from chest height to overhead with arms extended during a 2-minute time span. These two events predicted comba...
Spectral function of the two-dimensional Hubbard model: A density matrix renormalization group plus cluster perturbation theory study

We study the spectral function of the two-dimensional Hubbard model using cluster perturbation theory, and a density matrix renormalization group as a cluster solver. We reconstruct the two-dimensional dispersion at and away from half-filling using $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L$ ladders, with $L$ up to 80 sites, yielding results with unprecedented resolution in excellent agreement with quantum Monte Carlo. The main features of the spectrum can be described with a mean-field dispersion, with kinks and pseudogap traced back to scattering between spin and charge degrees of freedom.
High Resolution Scalar and Velocity Measurements in an IC Engine

High resolution planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and particle-image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were acquired during the intake stroke in a motored engine to investigate the mixing behavior of in-cylinder flows. The data were analyzed to determine the scalar energy and kinetic energy spectra, which were used to find the corresponding dissipation spectra. The results were compared to a model turbulent spectrum. The scalar energy and scalar dissipation spectra were shown to be resolved through the full dissipation range, enabling the determination of the Batchelor / Kolmogorov length scale, and agreed well with the model turbulent spectrum at all but the highest wavenumbers where the effects of random noise were present. The 2% point in the scalar dissipation spectra was used to estimate the Batchelor scale, which was found to be approximately 32 μm. The PIV data, which had a 675 μm interrogation region, were used to calculate a one-dimensional kinetic energy spectrum. The kinetic energy spectrum agreed well with the scalar energy spectrum and the model spectrum up to wavenumbers corresponding to approximately 2× the PIV interrogation region size. For the present measurements, this meant that the PIV data were not able to resolve the peak in the dissipation spectrum, i.e. the full high-wavenumber part of the inertial subrange.© 2009 ASME
A Task Analytic Investigation of Safety in Industrial Radiography

Industrial radiography is a commonly used method of inspecting materials for flaws. These inspections use small but significant quantities of radioactive material to penetrate the inspected object and expose corresponding radiographic film. The film is then examined to determine if there are any indications of flaws in the inspected material. Failure to perform industrial radiography properly can result in serious injury due to radiation exposure. An examination of accident reports and annual radiation dose rates for industrial radiographers suggests safety in this field is an important concern. This paper describes how an observation-based, two-part, task analysis was developed and conducted for this potentially hazardous process.
A Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Assessment of the Persistence of Diesel Fuel Contaminants and Degradation Models Following a South Carolina Train Derailment

This research employs the methods of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to evaluate the weathering of persistent diesel fuel contaminants in the environment. The 2015 train derailment in Martin, SC, resulted in the release of approximately 15,000 l of diesel fuel. Because of historical considerations, the majority of the area was not excavated during response operations, and persistent contaminants are likely to remain present in sedimentation. The present study constructs models based upon the observed temporal weathering of contaminants at multiple locations within the area impacted by this incident. These models are then compared with another derived from the Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills software application. This comparison demonstrates the similarities and differences between the models and suggests that a limited number of deviations between model parameters and incident conditions do not necessarily render appropriately applied models ineffective for the representation of fuel behavior.
General Principles of Validating a Molecular Test

Before a molecular test is implemented for reporting patient results, it is the responsibility of the laboratory to validate or verify, as well as to document, the performance characteristics of the assay. Such performance characteristics relate to the accuracy, precision, and robustness of the test in measuring the analyte for the intended purposes of the test. Assay validation is an extensive process that has to conform to the standards, as determined by regulations such as the ones passed by the US Congress in 1988: the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA-’88). The standards implemented by CLIA-’88 were designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of human patient testing results regardless of where the test was performed. CLIA-’88 regulations established different complexity levels of laboratory tests. As such, laboratory testing is divided into simple or “waived” tests, tests of moderate complexity, and high complexity tests. All molecular tests fall within the “high-complexity” category as defined by CLIA-’88 [1].
Analysis of syphilis infectious status and related factors among low-grade female sex workers in Guangxi

Objective To investigate syphilis infection status and risk factors of among low-grade female sex workers( FSWs) in Guangxi,and provide a basis for the development of targeted prevention and control measures. Methods The questionnaires,blood sampling and laboratory test were carried out in accordance with the requirement of Guangxi investigation work program among low-grade FSWs. All data were double input by Epi Data 3. 1, and analyzed by SPSS 19. 0. Results Among 7598 participants,the rate of consistent condom use with clients during the last month was 47. 45%( 3605/7598). 9. 34%( 710/7598) of low-grade FSWs had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases( STDs) in recent years. The total syphilis positive rate was 11. 29%( 858 /7598). Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that education level,age,frequency of commercial sex,no fixed places were positive significantly associated with infectious of syphilis. Conclusion Syphilis infection rate was high among low-grade FSWs in Guangxi,and consistent condom use rate was low. Because syphilis infection is an important factor with AIDS spread,the combined prevention and treatment of AIDS and STD should be carried out with targeted interventions to reduce the spread of syphilis among FSWs.
Analysis on Examination of Vaccination Certificate among Children in School and Kindergarten of Weifang City in 2010

[Objective]To study the present situation of examination of immunization certificate and expanded program on immunization(EPI) among children in Weifang city. [Methods]The examination of immunization certificate was performed among children who entered school and kindergarten in 2010 by unified program. [Results]Both the rate of examination and registration of immunization certificate were 100%.The rate of possessing immunization certificate of children in school and kindergarten was 96.08%.The sequence of missing immunization rate from high to low were EMV,DT,MV,OPV,JEV,HAV,DPT,HBV and BCG. [Conclusion]It was suggested that a variety of measures should be implemented to promote the examination of immunization certificate and EPI among children in school and kindergarten.
A sequential similarity metric for case injected genetic algorithms applied to TSPs

We present and use a sequence similarity metric to solve sets of similar problems with case injected genetic algorithms. Rather than starting anew on each problem, we periodically inject a genetic algorithm's population with appropriate intermediate solutions to similar, previously solved problems. Using simple syntactic similarity measures, our experimental results from optimizing a series of traveling salesman problems demonstrates the robustness of our approach. Results show that compared to a randomly initialized genetic algorithm, our system learns to take decreasing time to provide better solutions to a new problem as it gains experience from solving other similar problems.
Do Frogs Drinks

Drinking in response to dehydration and exposure to saline solutions was measured in adult Rana pipiens, Bufo marinas and Xenopus laevis , and tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana . These animals normally occupy quite different types of environments where the possible advantages of drinking may differ. Small amounts of the external media were swallowed by all the animals and the quantity usually increased when they were placed in hyperosmotic NaCl solution. However, no relationship between the oral intake of water and the particular conditions, such as the degree of dehydration, was observed. Usually 80–90% of the total water uptake occurred by absorption across the skin. Thus although ‘secondary’ type drinking takes place, ‘primary’ drinking did not appear to occur. These results directly confirm the general popular impression that amphibians, in contrast to other tetrapods and marine teleosts, do not drink in order to rehydrate.
Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Tailed Phage Utah.

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli bacteriophage Utah is a member of the chi-like tailed phage cluster in the Siphoviridae family. We report here the complete 59,024-bp sequence of the genome of phage Utah.
Filthy lucre: A metagenomic pilot study of microbes found on circulating currency in New York City.

Background Paper currency by its very nature is frequently transferred from one person to another and represents an important medium for human contact with—and potential exchange of—microbes. In this pilot study, we swabbed circulating $1 bills obtained from a New York City bank in February (Winter) and June (Summer) 2013 and used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to profile the communities found on their surface. Using basic culture conditions, we also tested whether viable microbes could be recovered from bills. Results Shotgun metagenomics identified eukaryotes as the most abundant sequences on money, followed by bacteria, viruses and archaea. Eukaryotic assemblages were dominated by human, other metazoan and fungal taxa. The currency investigated harbored a diverse microbial population that was dominated by human skin and oral commensals, including Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus. Other taxa detected not associated with humans included Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, microbes typically associated with dairy production and fermentation. Culturing results indicated that viable microbes can be isolated from paper currency. Conclusions We conducted the first metagenomic characterization of the surface of paper money in the United States, establishing a baseline for microbes found on $1 bills circulating in New York City. Our results suggest that money amalgamates DNA from sources inhabiting the human microbiome, food, and other environmental inputs, some of which can be recovered as viable organisms. These monetary communities may be maintained through contact with human skin, and DNA obtained from money may provide a record of human behavior and health. Understanding these microbial profiles is especially relevant to public health as money could potentially mediate interpersonal transfer of microbes.
Commensal microbes induce serum IgA responses that protect against polymicrobial sepsis

Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies are readily detected in mice and people, but the mechanisms underlying the induction of serum IgA and its role in host protection remain uncertain. We report that select commensal bacteria induce several facets of systemic IgA-mediated immunity. Exposing conventional mice to a unique but natural microflora that included several members of the Proteobacteria phylum led to T cell-dependent increases in serum IgA levels and the induction of large numbers of IgA-secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow. The resulting serum IgA bound to a restricted collection of bacterial taxa, and antigen-specific serum IgA antibodies were readily induced after intestinal colonization with the commensal bacterium Helicobacter muridarum. Finally, movement to a Proteobacteria-rich microbiota led to serum IgA-mediated resistance to polymicrobial sepsis. We conclude that commensal microbes overtly influence the serum IgA repertoire, resulting in constitutive protection against bacterial sepsis.
Mapping lexical-semantic networks and determining hemispheric language dominance: Do task design, sex, age, and language performance make a difference?

Abstract Blocked and event-related fMRI designs are both commonly used to localize language networks and determine hemispheric dominance in research and clinical settings. We compared activation profiles on a semantic monitoring task using one of the two designs in a total of 43 healthy individual to determine whether task design or subject-specific factors (i.e., age, sex, or language performance) influence activation patterns. We found high concordance between the two designs within core language regions, including the inferior frontal, posterior temporal, and basal temporal region. However, differences emerged within inferior parietal cortex. Subject-specific factors did not influence activation patterns, nor did they interact with task design. These results suggest that despite high concordance within perisylvian regions that are robust to subject-specific factors, methodological differences between blocked and event-related designs may contribute to parietal activations. These findings provide important information for researchers incorporating fMRI results into meta-analytic studies, as well as for clinicians using fMRI to guide pre-surgical planning.
Purine Metabolism in Human Cardiomyocytes and Endothelium — Implications for Protection of the Heart During Cardiac Surgery

Purine metabolism is vital for many aspects of the function of the human heart including maintenance of contractile activity through its effect on ATP concentration and metabolic integration via its role in formation, effects and breakdown of regulatory metabolites — cyclic nucleotides and adenosine. In-depth knowledge of purine pathways and their regulation provides not only basic information on the background how the heart muscle works but also the essential knowledge enabling better understanding of the disease process, allowing improvement of the therapy. Purine research, especially aspects related to ATP metabolism has allowed us to improve cardioprotective techniques used during cardiac surgery and the treatment and diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. Studies on adenosine and its cardiovascular activities in humans have raised possibilities to ameliorate further the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through application of adenosine receptor agonists or antagonists (1–4), adenosine regulating agents (5), adenosine transport blockers (6,7) or simply this nucleoside (8–10). Adenosine activities are involved in cardioprotective mechanism of preconditioning (11) and the possibility of pharmacological induction of this effect in humans depends on an adequate understanding of purine metabolism. In the longer perspective, genetic modulation of the expression of purine enzymes or receptors leading for instance to enhancement of endogenous adenosine production may be effective in the therapy and prevention of some cardiovascular diseases.
The Internet as a Marketing Tool

The Internet may have more potential as a marketing tool than any of its media predecessors, including the television. We examined the literature and “surfed” the Internet to examine the moderating impact of the Internet on consumer behavior. Using the classical problem solving approach to the buying decision (problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior) as the foundation for our discussion, we explored how the Internet might influence buyer behavior.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: Evidence-Based Review of the Literature

The advances in minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) are unparalleled. These advances have occurred throughout the spinal axis from the occiput to the pelvis. With the progress in optics, instrumentation, and familiarity with MISS procedures, MISS can now be seen in all aspects of spine surgery.
Sufficient testing in a self-testing environment

This paper uses a relation of fault coverage and defect level to determine the number of random patterns required to obtain a certain defect level. This technique has application to networks which use self-testing.
Team Dynamics in Long-Standing Technology-Supported Virtual Teams

This paper examines team dynamics in a virtual team that has been developing and issuing updates to open source software code for a period of at least eight years. Our study seeks to extend the app...
Growth of the queen conch Strombus gigas, with a discussion of the practicality of its mariculture

Data on the growth of the large marine snail Strombus gigas was obtained from specimens collected as veligers in the plankton and reared through metamorphosis, from larger individuals (5.5 cm) reared in a mariculture system, and from field tagrecapture experiments. Using the von Bertalanffy growth equation, I estimate that 1, 2, and 3 year-old juvenile snails are 10.8, 17, and 20.5 cm in maximum shell length, respectively. The snails reach the flaring-lip stage after 3 years and have a mean longevity of another 3 years. Approximately 12% of the total weight of a juvenile snail is marketable meat. Measurements of meat weight, shell length, and total weight are highly correlated with one another, thereby providing reliable means of assessing meat yields from living snails. The mariculture of S. gigas is feasible, but because of the snails' slow rate of growth it may not be economically practical at this time. Perhaps local fisheries in the Caribbean Sea could be reestablished and/or maintained by seeding subtidal algal flats with hatchery-reared juvenile snails.
The Wealth Building Home Loan

Abstract The Wealth Building Home Loan (WBHL) represents a class of shorter-maturity mortgages that provide a low-risk path to homeownership and wealth accumulation while maximizing buying power. WBHLs are easy-to-understand loans that combine standard mortgage features in a novel way. Importantly, they require little or no downpayment. The WBHLs in the market today are 15- and 20-year loans, some with fixed rates and others structured as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). We show that a 20-year WBHL can be structured to have monthly payments for many borrowers that are only slightly higher than for the typical FHA 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM), due in part to the use of an ARM structure with a low initial rate. Shorter-maturity ARMs carry much less risk of payment shock, and hence are a safer choice, than 30-year ARMs. We also show that the use of 15- and 20-year loans would have markedly reduced the incidence of negative equity during the financial crisis and that the actual default rates on these loans during that period were much lower than for observably equivalent 30-year FRMs. These results highlight that widespread use of WHBLs would have substantial benefits for borrowers, lenders, and the financial system as a whole.
U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Education Reform

A response from the field to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and President Barack Obama’s plan for teacher education reform and improvement as described in the document Our Future, Our Teachers (2011).
MILD METHOD FOR ENAMINE FORMATION

(1976). MILD METHOD FOR ENAMINE FORMATION. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 211-214.
A Poetics of Global Trolling

Plato’s characterization of speech genres insists that lyric poetry must be uttered by the poet speaking as him- or herself, a demand often occurring in the history of poetic theories around the wo...
Effect of Water Incorporation on the Lubrication Characteristics of Synthetic Oils

Deterioration of the lubricant performance of oils due to water incorporation is a major cause of failure during prolonged operation of mechanical assemblies. However, early indication of lubricant failure is challenging. In this work, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique was used to sense changes in oil characteristics and degradation upon water incorporation. The results obtained during runs at different temperatures indicate stronger signs of oil degradation with larger amount of water mixed in it. The observations on the lubrication performance of water-containing lubricants were confirmed by evaluating the effect of water incorporation on the tribological performance of steel surfaces immersed in synthetic oil. Macroscale tribological analysis indicated an increase in friction and wear of sliding steel components lubricated with water-containing oil after longer durations of tests. The results of this study provide new insights into how early signs of oil degradation can be sensed using the QCM technique toward minimizing the potential negative impact of such changes on the lubrication characteristics of oils.
APPENDIX 4B Mouse and Rat Anesthesia and Analgesia

Many animal models used in neuroscience research must be surgically created and/or anesthetized for imaging studies. The purpose of this unit is to review the advantages and disadvantages of various anesthetic and analgesic agents in rodents; to discuss state-of-the-art methods for monitoring anesthesia; and to provide tips for troubleshooting problems with anesthesia. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:A.4B.1-A.4B.21. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: mouse; rat; anesthesia; analgesia