cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eco-Evolutionary Trophic Dynamics: Loss of Top Predators Drives Trophic Evolution and Ecology of Prey

Ecosystems are being altered on a global scale by the extirpation of top predators. The ecological effects of predator removal have been investigated widely; however, predator removal can also change natural selection acting on prey, resulting in contemporary evolution. Here we tested the role of predator removal on the contemporary evolution of trophic traits in prey. We utilized a historical introduction experiment where Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were relocated from a site with predatory fishes to a site lacking predators. To assess the trophic consequences of predator release, we linked individual morphology (cranial, jaw, and body) to foraging performance. Our results show that predator release caused an increase in guppy density and a “sharpening” of guppy trophic traits, which enhanced food consumption rates. Predator release appears to have shifted natural selection away from predator escape ability and towards resource acquisition ability. Related diet and mesocosm studies suggest that this shift enhances the impact of guppies on lower trophic levels in a fashion nuanced by the omnivorous feeding ecology of the species. We conclude that extirpation of top predators may commonly select for enhanced feeding performance in prey, with important cascading consequences for communities and ecosystems.
A platform for large-scale machine learning on web design

The Web is an enormous and diverse repository of design examples. Although people often draw from extant designs to create new ones, existing Web design tools do not facilitate example reuse in a way that captures the scale and diversity of the Web. To do so requires using machine learning techniques to train computational models which can be queried during the design process. In this work-in-progress, we present a platform necessary for doing such large-scale machine learning on Web designs, which consists of a Web crawler and proxy server to harvest and store a lossless and immutable snapshot of the Web; a page segmenter that codifies a page's visual layout; and an interface for augmenting the segmentations with crowdsourced metadata.
Design, Implementation, and Preliminary Evaluation of a Web-based Health Risk Calculator

Through health risk calculator websites, Internet users can obtain personalized and interactive predictions about health risks. While it seems appropriate to provide laypersons with educational health information, prior research emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral responses when communicating risk information. In order to systematically explore and analyze these relationships in the context of online health information, a new diabetes risk calculator website was developed to serve as an intervention in which the presence of personalization and interactive feedback could be manipulated for randomized experimentation. The website was integrated with pre- and post-intervention surveys in order to assess users in terms of information usage and risk perceptions. In two preliminary experiments, there was a small, unexpected negative impact of personalization on multiple measures of information usage. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of improving the presentation of online risk information for practical and experimental evaluation purposes.
Reforming the Presidential Nomination Process

The 2008 presidential nomination was marked by the most aggressive frontloading in recent history; the process was a mess from the outset. Frontloading is the trend in recent presidential nominations in which states schedule their primaries and caucuses near the beginning of the delegate-selection season to have a greater impact on the process. In 1976, 10% of the delegates had been chosen by March 2. In 2008, 70% of the delegates had been chosen by that same date. As part of their ongoing efforts to address frontloading and other problems, both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) revised the schedules and rules for 2008 presidential primary elections and caucuses.
Thermodynamic properties of binary mixtures of I-hexyne and polar organic solvents

Vapor-liquid equilibrium data for polar solvent-hydrocarbon mixtures are relatively plentiful for paraffins and aromatics; they are somewhat less plentiful for olefins. However, almost no data at all have been published for such mixtures wherein the hydrocarbon possesses a triple bond. This paper reports vapor-pressure measurements of binary mixtures of 1-hexyne with acetone, acetonitrile, dimethyl carbonate, nitroethane and dimethyl formamide in the temperature range 0 to 70°C. The results are compared with those for polar solvent-hydrocarbon mixtures wherein the hydrocarbon is paraffinic, olefinic, or aromatic.
The Patentability of Genetic Diagnostics in U.S. Law and Policy

A confluence of developments has drawn attention to the issue of patents on diagnostics, particularly to patents involving genetic information used in the diagnosis of familial conditions. In the last two decades, patenting has spread across a range of technological fields and to upstream research. As a result, there are now patent rights covering around 20 percent of the genes said to comprise the human genome, as well as multiple rights to using genetic information to diagnose patients. These patents interpose significant obstacles to patient care, to research, and to the development of promising new techniques, such as multiplex testing, whole genome sequencing, and personalized medicine. While patents are assumed to spur research and development, it is unclear whether they are needed in the diagnostic realm, where research is largely conducted by academics and clinicians with strong non-commercial motivations, and where the translation of upstream research to downstream application is relatively inexpensive. In the United States, several recent developments have challenged patenting practices in the genetic diagnostic realm: in Association for Molecular Pathology v. US PTO, a trial court invalidated patents on mutations associated with BRCA-type breast cancers as well as patents on the process of using these mutations to diagnose a propensity toward breast cancer. The US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society issued a report on gene patenting suggesting a different tack, namely greater transparency in licensing and new exemptions from patent liability for research and diagnosis. Further, the OECD, the US National Institutes of Health, and a consortium of research institutions have issued guidelines, including recommendations for nonexclusive licensing and patent clearing houses and pools. After examining the problems associated with gene patenting, this paper discusses the various strategies suggested for improving patient and researcher access. In the process, it will look briefly at two recent cases, the US Supreme Court’s Bilski v. Kappos and the European Court of Justice’s Monsanto v.Cefetra. It concludes that new defenses to infringement liability are the preferable ways to protect patients and researchers.
Optimal Design of Doubly Fed Induction Generators Using Field Reconstruction Method

Doubly fed induction generator is attracting attention among options in distributed wind energy harvest. Traditional design and analysis of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) dominantly rely on lump-parameters and finite-element models. Although finite-element analysis (FEA) method is available, the computational time limits its application in iterative optimal design practices. This paper is based on the use of field reconstruction method (FRM) which can greatly reduce the computation cost, whereas maintaining acceptable accuracy. In order to conduct efficiency optimization, the procedure to calculate flux density and core losses are described. Finally, an optimal design method of DFIG towards maximum annual energy production in a given area with available wind speed information is presented.
Upper extremity kinematics during functional activities: Three-dimensional studies in a normal pediatric population

Children with brachial plexus birth palsy, burns, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and upper limb malformations may have diminished ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) due to limited upper extremity (UE) motion. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques provide a way to document multi-planar functional limitations in the UE. These techniques have not been routinely used for this purpose primarily due to a lack of standardized protocols stemming from the complex nature of UE motion. Before 3D techniques can be routinely used for quantitative analysis and determination of functional limitations, standard activities and nomenclature for UE motion must be determined, and normal arm motion defined. This study establishes a normative pediatric database of 3D kinematic values during selected ADLs, enabling future comparisons with pathologic movements. Regardless of their underlying condition, children with limited UE function and ADL performance can be studied using this protocol and compared with this age-matched normal population.
Addition of a Magnetite Layer onto a Polysulfone Water Treatment Membrane to Enhance Virus Removal

The applicability of low-pressure membranes systems in distributed (point of use) water treatment is hindered by, among other things, their inability to remove potentially harmful viruses and ions via size exclusion. According to the USEPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act, drinking water treatment processes must be designed for 4-log virus removal. Batch experiments using magnetite nanoparticle (nano-Fe3O4) suspensions and water filtration experiments with polysulfone membranes coated with nano-Fe3O4 were conducted to assess the removal of a model virus (bacteriophage MS2). The membranes were coated via a simple filtration protocol. Unmodified membranes were a poor adsorbent for MS2 bacteriophage with less than 0.5-log removal, whereas membranes coated with magnetite nanoparticles exhibited a removal efficiency exceeding 99.99% (4-log). Thus, a cartridge of PSf membranes coated with nano-Fe3O4 particles could be used to remove viruses from water. Such membranes showed negligible iron leaching into the filtrate, thus obviating concern about coloured water. Further research is needed to reduce the loss of water flux caused by coating.
Relationship between T-wave alternans magnitude and T-wave amplitude before onset of ventricular tachyarrhythmias during emergent reperfusion in acute coronary syndrome patients: a response

I would like to thank Dr Takasugi and his co-authors for their response to my inquiry regarding a possible relationship between T-wave alternans (TWA) magnitude (TWAM) and the corresponding T-wave amplitude prior to the emergence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) in patients undergoing acute coronary interventions, reported in their recent article in the Journal.1 They did not find a ‘significant positive correlation between TWAM and the corresponding T-wave …
Impact of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Cognition: Implications for Behavioral Genetics

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin growth factor family and is implicated as a modulator of neuronal survival and differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and higher order cognitive functions such as learning and memory. A common single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been identified in the human BDNF gene (BDNF Val66Met) that leads to decreased BDNF secretion and impairments in specific forms of learning in humans. To better understand the impact of this SNP on biological function, the authors generated a mouse model containing the BDNF Met allele, which they found to replicate the key phenotypes observed in humans and provided further insight into the functional impact of this SNP in vivo. They used a “bottom-up” approach to study the BDNF SNP, which provided external validation in biologically less complex, genetically uniform systems, which minimized the variability inherent in human studies. In this review, the authors discuss the impact of the BDNF SNP on learning and memory while providing arguments for the relevance of a vertically integrated approach to studying human genetic variants.
From the Freedmen’s Bureau to FEMA: A Post-Katrina Historical, Journalistic, and Literary Analysis

This treatment is an examination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response, or lack thereof, to the citizens of New Orleans after the historic and catastrophic events in the wake of Hur...
Processes Implemented for AACSB Accounting Accreditation and the Degree of Faculty Involvement

As of November 15, 2000, 370 domestic educational institutions achieved AACSB accreditation of their business programs. Approximately 40 percent (149) of those institutions also earned elective accounting accreditation. Preparing for accreditation may entail implementing many changes and developing processes to guide and manage those changes. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted to (1) determine the types of processes the accounting units (departments, divisions, and schools of accountancy) have implemented to achieve accounting accreditation and (2) ascertain the degree of faculty involvement in those processes. A questionnaire was sent to the administrators of the 133 schools or departments of accounting that had received accounting accreditation as of February 1999, the date the survey was mailed. Sixty‐eight useable surveys were returned, resulting in a response rate of 51 percent. The results show that accounting units that have achieved accounting accreditation have developed a vari...
Microstructures of AlN Buffer Layers for the Growth of GaN on (0001) Al2O3

Ill-nitride semiconductors are emerging as highly promising candidates for the fabrication of wide band-gap electronic and opto-electronic devices. Sapphire ((α-A12O3) is currently one of the primary substrates of choice for the growth of GaN despite a large lattice mismatch. Significant improvements in the quality of III-nitride layers have been demonstrated by exposure of the substrate to reactive nitrogen species followed by deposition of a low temperature AIN or GaN buffer layer. In this paper we present a study of the evolution of the surface topography and defect microstructure of nitrided α-A12O3 substrates and AIN buffer layers deposited by reactive molecular beam epitaxy (RMBE). Their influence on the morphology and properties of GaN layers is also discussed. Both nitridation time and AIN deposit thickness were varied systematically, at different temperatures and buffer growth rates. The microstructures were characterized using the atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Initial growth studies are ideally suited to in-situ experiments, and further investigations are also in progress using a unique UHV TEM with the facility for in-situ RMBE.
Su1371 Comparative Efficacy of Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stents Versus Plastic Stents for Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Complications, Need for Surgery and Survival Rates - 3-Year Multi-Center Experience

pain (n 5) and cholecystitis (n 1). Median time to follow up 104 days / 91.2. Time from ERCP to last follow up is significantly longer in the patients that did not receive RFA, (p 0.01). Survival was signficantly improved in patients undergoing RFA therapy (log rank 0.02). Conclusions: Based on these findings, the use of RFA appears to improve survival. In a disease with limited treatment options, this modality may prove to be beneficial as compared to stenting alone. Randomized controlled trials and evaluation of quality of life measures should be performed to confirm these findings.
From Facebook to cell calls: Layers of electronic intimacy in college students’ interpersonal relationships:

Communication technologies are widely used to manage interpersonal relationships, but little is known about which media are most useful at different stages of relationship development, and how the pattern of usage may be influenced by contextual factors or users’ gender. Drawing on theories of relationship development, this study examined usage patterns among 34 college students participating in six geographically stratified focus group interviews. Analyses revealed a sequence of media use tied to stages of relationship development − from Facebook in early stages to instant messaging and then cell phones as a relationship progressed. Judgments about the efficacy and appropriateness of using a medium were based on how well its salient features matched prominent goals or addressed major concerns of a relationship at the given stage. International students added two technologies to the sequence to accommodate time differentials and distance from communication partners. Males were less explicit about the sequ...
Understanding Estrogen Action during Menopause

J.I. acknowledges the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). M.Z. acknowledges the National Institutes of Health (AG14197, AG23176, and DK70526). Disclosure Summary: J.S. has nothing to declare. M.Z. is on speaker panels/advisory boards for Proctor and Gamble, Novartis, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sanofiaventis. For article see page 3735 Abbreviations: CVD, Cardiovascular disease; HRT, hormone replacement therapy; WHI, Women’s Health Initiative.
Estimating Locations of Quantum-Dot-Encoded Microparticles From Ultra-High Density 3-D Microarrays

We develop a maximum likelihood (ML)-based parametric image deconvolution technique to locate quantum-dot (q-dot) encoded microparticles from three-dimensional (3-D) images of an ultra-high density 3-D microarray. A potential application of the proposed microarray imaging is assay analysis of gene, protein, antigen, and antibody targets. This imaging is performed using a wide-field fluorescence microscope. We first describe our problem of interest and the pertinent measurement model by assuming additive Gaussian noise. We use a 3-D Gaussian point-spread-function (PSF) model to represent the blurring of the widefield microscope system. We employ parametric spheres to represent the light intensity profiles of the q-dot-encoded microparticles. We then develop the estimation algorithm for the single-sphere-object image assuming that the microscope PSF is totally unknown. The algorithm is tested numerically and compared with the analytical Cramer-Rao bounds (CRB). To apply our analysis to real data, we first segment a section of the blurred 3-D image of the multiple microparticles using a k-means clustering algorithm, obtaining 3-D images of single-sphere-objects. Then, we process each of these images using our proposed estimation technique. In the numerical examples, our method outperforms the blind deconvolution (BD) algorithms in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images. For the case of real data, our method and the BD-based methods perform similarly for the well-separated microparticle images.
Factory automation project selection using multicriterion Q-analysis

This paper demonstrates the use of MCQAII, as a multicriterion decision-making tool, to choose automation projects for the printed-circuit-board manufacturing business. Q-analysis is used to group alternatives at different levels of satisfaction. A new eccentricity index can measure the relationships between alternatives. In addition, the conjugate complex, which transposes the alternative-criterion matrix, is analyzed to rank the decision criteria and examine the relationships between them. The results are compared with the ELECTRE I multicriterion algorithm. These techniques are used to show how both quantifiable and nonnumerical criteria (which represent short- and long-term objectives), chosen to enhance a company's strategic position, can be used to select optimal alternatives.
Carbachol microinjection into the caudal peribrachial area induces long-term enhancement of PGO wave activity but not REM sleep.

Summary This study presents new findings of carbachol-induced long-term ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) enhancement lasting five days, but without REM sleep enhancement. A quantitative analysis of the number and types of bilateral PGO wave events during slow wave sleep with PGO activity (SP) and REM was performed in each of four cats over a period of six days following a single unilateral microinjection of carbachol nanospheres into the caudolateral peribrachial area. The results demonstrate increases in the summed total of all PGO wave events to continue for five days postcarbachol reaching a peak sixfold increase on day three in SP and REM. The tendency of PGO waves to occur in clusters of greater than three waves increased sevenfold on day three in SP and fourfold during REM. These findings indicate a dissociation of long-term PGO enhancement from long-term REM enhancement, and suggest that even a sixfold increase in PGO activity alone is not, in itself, sufficient to produce the cholinergic orchestration of REM sleep enhancement.
Hardwood tree decline following large carnivore loss on the Great Plains, USA

In order to investigate long-term food web linkages and trophic cascades, we conducted a retrospective analysis of large carnivores, wild and domestic ungulates, human settlement, and hardwood trees from the late 1800s to the present at Wind Cave National Park in southwestern South Dakota. We measured diameters of all cottonwood (Populus spp) and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) trees within a large portion of the Park to assess long-term patterns of recruitment (growth of sprouts or seedlings into tall saplings or trees). Increment cores from a subset of these trees were used to determine tree age and to develop relationships between age and diameter. Resulting age structures indicated a lack of cottonwood and bur oak recruitment for more than a century, beginning in the 1880s and continuing to the present. This is attributable to high levels of browsing, initially by livestock and subsequently by wild ungulates, in the absence of large carnivores. Conversely, we found that hardwood trees had recruited to ar...
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates the skeletal muscle VEGF mRNA response to exercise

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA increase in rat skeletal muscle in response to a single acute exerc...
Vibration Analysis of Planar Structures

A finite element procedure is used to analyze the behavior of planar structures such as shear walls. The analyses include evaluation of a number of factors such as tapering, aspect ratio, and different mesh orientations on the free vibration characteristics of a simple shear wall structure.
Nonlinear optical response of C60 and C70.

Second-order hyperpolarizibilities γ of the buckminsterfullerenes C70 at three different wavelengths were determined by third-harmonic generation in a toluene solution and compared with those of C60. Strong effects with γ exceeding 5 × 10−32 esu were observed in the three-photon resonant regime. The nonresonant measurements indicate a negative real hyperpolarizibility in C70 and a positive γ for C60, both of the order of 10−33 esu.
Managing Health Care for Medicaid Recipients with Disabilities: Final Report on the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Coordinated Care Pilot Program

This program aimed to improve the quality of health care while reducing Medicaid costs by helping individuals use appropriate care that would reduce hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Like a similar pilot run by Colorado Access, which is described in a separate report, it had little effect on health care use.
Analysis of Soft-Tissue Contrast in Optical Coherence Tomography Images by Using Box-Counting and Signal Attenuation

Optical coherence tomography images are analyzed using the attenuation of the OCT signal and its fractal dimensions. Two classes of samples are investigated: Arterial samples from WHHL-MI rabbits and pieces of porcine coronaries.
Determining the oxygen content of steel by neutron activation techniques

A fast neutron activation technique has been developed for determining the elemental oxygen in steel samples. With this analytical method, large, representative samples of steel can be analyzed in as little time as 1 min.
Response: The apparent reorganization of gesture in the evolution of verb agreement in signed languages

We thank Irit Meir for her commentary on our target article; her results add new substance to the discussion of directional verbs in signed languages that we and ten commentators began in the previous issue of this journal (Lillo-Martin & M eier 2011, and subsequent commentary). In our article, we concluded that directionality is a kind of linguistic person marking, but along with others (Liddell 2000, 2003; Rathmann & Mathur 2002) we have considered the physicallyrealized locations of (non-first) endpoints of directional verbs to be gestural. For example, the form of the ASL directional verb GIVE is phonologically specified, except for the endpoints of the path movement and the orientation of the fingertips, which are determined by the conceptualized locations of the verb’s arguments (its subject and indirect object).1 Other verbs, such as ASL TELL, have just one movement endpoint that is phonologically unspecified; the initial location of this verb is anchored to the chin, but the final location is associated with the referent of the grammatical object. Why do we and others assume that (nonfirst) locations involved in directionality are gestural? One reason is because the endpoint locations are not phonologically listable (Rathmann & Mathur 2002); that is, there is not a finite inventory of locations that can be used to mark agreement. Meir reports data showing that, across three successive generations of ISL signers, verbs of transference have become directional. For members of the first
Glass transitions in a monatomic liquid with two glassy states.

We perform out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of a monatomic liquid that exhibits liquid and glass polymorphism, with two distinct glasses, low- (LDA) and high-density (HDA) amorphous solids. By performing isobaric heating simulations of LDA and HDA at different pressures, we determine (a) the glass transition temperature of LDA and HDA, ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{LDA}}(P)$ and ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{HDA}}(P)$, as well as (b) the corresponding glass-glass transformation temperatures, ${T}_{\mathrm{LDA}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{HDA}}(P)$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{HDA}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{LDA}}(P)$. It is found that ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{LDA}}(P)$ is anomalous; i.e., it decreases with increasing pressure, while ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{HDA}}(P)$ increases with increasing pressure. Interestingly, the ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{LDA}}(P)$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{LDA}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{HDA}}(P)$ loci, as well as the ${T}_{g}^{\mathrm{HDA}}(P)$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{HDA}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{LDA}}(P)$ loci, constitute smooth single lines in the $P\ensuremath{-}T$ plane, suggesting that heating-induced glass-glass and glass transitions are related. We discuss the present results in the context of water experiments and simulations.
African immigrants in contemporary Spanish texts: crossing the strait

Como viene siendo ya una tradicion en este tipo de libros, los trabajos de critica cultural y literaria reunidos aqui se inician con un prologo de Brad Epps y un ensayo introductorio de las compila...
The effect of VDT work on vision system and its prevention

The most prominent health problem in VDT work is visual and physio-psychological health hazards.This paper mainly reviews the hazards of VDT work on visual system and its principal impact factors.Meanwhile,it also summarizes a series of feasible measures which could prevent and alleviate visual fatigue,decrease vision damage and improve work efficiency and quality.
Pathogenic characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Dongguan City

Objective To explore pathogenic characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Dongguan City,to provide experimental basis for disease control and prevention. Methods According to GB4789. 7-2013,forty-three strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus,isolated from food monitoring,patients with food poisoning and sporadic patients in 2012 and 2013,were tested for biochemistry and serological identification. The drug resistance to 12 antibiotics was tested by K-B method. tdh and trh genes of the strains were detected by real-time PCR and digested by restriction endonuclease Not I. Then,molecular typing was performed by the pulsed field gel electrophoresis( PFGE). Results The main serotype of the strains isolated from patients was O3∶ K6,accounting for 83. 3% of all patients( 15 /18),while serotype of 25 strains isolated from food showed diversification,without predominant serotype. The drug resistance of strains had low sensitivity to ampicillin( sensitive rate,0. 0%,0 /43) and keflin( sensitive rate,20. 9%,9 /43),while high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin,guanimycin and imipenem( sensitive rate,100. 0%,43 /43).Strains isolated from patients carried tdh gene,while the strains isolated from food had neither tdh nor trh gene. The result of PFGE indicated that the bands of strains isolated from patients were relatively concentrated,while the bands of the strains from food were relatively disperse. Strains of the same serotype were highly homologous and PFGE type was found to be consistent with different patients with food poisonings.Conclusion The strains isolated from food had disperse bands and low pathogenicity and those from patients had high homology and pathogenicity.
Sensor Data Complement Method Based on Collaborative Filtering

Completing the lack data monitored by the sensors is a key problem of the information sensing process in the Internet of things. In order to solve this problem,a method w as proposed, w hich can complete sensor data by using collaborative filtering. Considering that there are a lot of similarities among monitor data from sensors in the same area or from the one w ith different periods,properties of space-time correlation betw een sensors w ere adopted in the proposed method. Different similarity evaluation w as used to select similar sensors by classifying sensors w ith missing data in order to ensure the accuracy of the estimate. The results show ed that using this method to estimate the missing data w as better than other methods w hen there are large changes in the environment.
The Optimal Implementation Methods of G.729 on DSP

Speech compression is the key technology to realize the low speed speech communication. In 1996,ITU-T issued the G.729 Recommendation. It is used for coding at 8kb/s speed by Conjugate-Structure Algebraic-Coder-Excited Linear-Prediction(CS-ACELP)algorithm,which has a 15ms delay. It has nicer synthesized speech quality and appropriate complexity. It can be widely used in the field of individual mobile communication,multimedia communication,I Pphone,satellite communication,ISDN and so on. The author introduces the optimal implementation methods of G.729 on DSP.
Associations between Source-Specific Fine Particulate Matter and Emergency Department Visits for Respiratory Disease in Four U.S. Cities.

Background:Short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Determining which sources of PM2.5 are most toxi...
A variable high gain and high dynamic range CMOS phase shifter for phased array beamforming applications

This paper presents for the first time the development of a variable high gain phase shifter with the capability of high dynamic gain control using 0.18 µm CMOS process in the frequency range of 1 ∼ 3 GHz to be used with conformal phased array beamforming antenna for wireless communication applications. The vector modulator based phase shifter has an integrated variable gain amplifier co-designed with the phase shifter circuitry in order to vary gain along with phase which are essential to recover the degraded radiation pattern due to the conformal shaping of the phased array antenna in the entire 360° range. The design shows the state-of-the-art performances including 20.5 dB gain with 30dB gain control range, continuous phase rotation of 360° with RMS phase error of 2° at 2.2 GHz. The chip area comprising all pads is 1.35 mm2.
Tecnologías Reproductivas Modernas para Mejorar la Producción Pecuaria

Cattle contribute significantly to the global supply of animal-derived proteins which are an important part of a well-balanced human diet. With the human population increasing by 1 billion people every 13 years, there will be an estimated 9.6 billion people on planet Earth by the year 2050. To attain global food security the amount of available food will need to double between now and then. Enhancing reproductive efficiency is a prerequisite for boosting production of meat and milk from cattle, and, fortunately, an arsenal of modern reproductive technologies is available to assist with that effort. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of reproductive biotechnologies that can bolster the efficient production of meat and milk from cattle. Protocols for synchronization of estrus and synchronization of ovulation facilitate more efficient artificial insemination using conventional or sex-sorted semen. In vivo and in vitro production of preimplantation embryos from genetically superior females enable creation of multiple offspring with high production potential. Biochemical and ultrasonographic methods for pregnancy testing identify non-pregnant females that can be re-mated or sold to prevent wastage of valuable feed resources. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is used to create copies of highly productive animals, and genome editing of zygotes provides a novel opportunity to selectively enhance the genetic makeup of cattle for the benefit of animal and human health. Wise use of these reproductive technologies will increase food production from cattle and will help alleviate world hunger.
Miscellaneous: SPECT and SPECT/CT for Brain and Inflammation Imaging and Radiation Planning

Combination of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) with CT (computed tomography) provides the opportunity for a direct correlation of anatomic information and functional data and leads to a better localization and definition of scintigraphic findings. Besides anatomic referencing, the other advantage of CT co-registration is the attenuation correction capabilities of CT. These advantages together result in a higher specificity of imaging and a significant reduction in indeterminate findings. This chapter highlights the potential clinical applications of integrated SPECT/CT in neurology, inflammation imaging, and radiation planning and summarizes future directions for SPECT/CT in these fields.
Is Routine Axillary Imaging Necessary in Clinically Node-Negative Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend axillary imaging prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients who are clinically node negative (cN0) by physical examination. However, the benefit of this approach remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abnormal axillary imaging pre-NAC predicts nodal metastases post-NAC (ypN+) in cN0 patients. cN0 patients undergoing NAC followed by axillary surgery were identified. Rates of ypN+ were compared among patients with abnormal pre-treatment axillary imaging vs. normal or no pre-treatment imaging using Fisher’s exact test. From May 2008 to March 2016, 402 eligible cN0 patients were identified. The median age of the patients was 49.5 years, and the median tumor size was 4 cm. Of these patients, 38% were estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−), 30% were HER2+ , and 32% were triple negative. All had pre-NAC mammograms, 40% axillary ultrasound, 83% MRI, and 51% PET. Abnormal nodes on imaging were seen in 208 patients (52%); 128 had pre-NAC node biopsy, and 75 were positive. Overall, 28% of the patients (n = 111) were ypN+ post-NAC. Although the incidence of ypN+ was significantly higher in patients with abnormal nodes on pre-NAC imaging (p = 0.001), 54% did not require axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) post-NAC. Among the patients with normal nodes on pre-NAC imaging, 20% were ypN+ post-NAC. Half of patients with abnormal nodes on pre-NAC imaging did not require ALND post-NAC, while 20% of those with normal pre-NAC nodes had disease post-NAC, indicating that in cN0 patients already selected for NAC, axillary imaging pre-NAC does not predict the need for axillary surgery post-NAC with sufficient accuracy to be clinically useful.
Prenatal screening for group B Streptococcus. II. Impact of antepartum screening and prophylaxis on neonatal care

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to evaluate the current practice of antimicrobial prophylaxis of preterm and low-birth-weight infants and to determine the impact of intrapartum fever, group B Streptococcus carriage, intrapartum antimicrobial therapy, and duration of membrane rupture on neonatal therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1356 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics were asked their practice regarding neonatal screening and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Respondents were asked to define how maternal fever, group B Streptococcus carriage, intrapartum antimicrobial therapy, and prolonged membrane rupture would affect their decisions regarding neonatal therapy. RESULTS: A total of 982 responses were obtained (72.4%). Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis is given to asymptomatic preterm neonates by 33.7% of pediatricians. Prophylaxis is inconsistently given at 32 to 36 weeks but is early universal after intrapartum fever, regardless of intrapartum therapy. If empiric intrapartum prophylaxis was given before a preterm birth, both the incidence (47.1% vs 29.1%) and frequency of prolonged neonatal therapy (30.1% vs 17.4% ≥7 days) would be increased. Knowledge of maternal group B Streptococcus carriage would lead to a 2.6-fold increase in treatment (75.1% vs 29.1%) and 1.8-fold increase in the incidence of prolonged therapy of preterm infants (30.9% vs 17.4%), with 45.3% giving antibiotics for ≥1 week if intrapartum treatment had been instituted. Surprisingly, 18% of pediatricians would treat term neonates without any risk factors other than maternal group B streptococcal carriage, and 32.7% would continue treatment for ≥7 days. The majority of pediatricians (82.6%) felt that intrapartum prophylaxis would reduce early-onset group B streptococcal sepsis, but only 46.0% felt overall neonatal sepsis would be decreased by such therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Antepartum screening and intrapartum prophylaxis against group B Streptococcus by obstetricians may lead to an increased incidence and duration of treatment of preterm and term neonates by the pediatrician. The efficacy, cost, and risks of such treatment in broadly applied screening and treatment programs should be considered before a standard of care is established.
A Low-Cost Scalable 32-Element 28-GHz Phased Array Transceiver for 5G Communication Links Based on a $2\times 2$ Beamformer Flip-Chip Unit Cell

This paper presents a scalable 28-GHz phased-array architecture suitable for fifth-generation (5G) communication links based on four-channel ( $2\times 2$ ) transmit/receive (TRX) quad-core chips in SiGe BiCMOS with flip-chip packaging. Each channel of the quad-core beamformer chip has 4.6-dB noise figure (NF) in the receive (RX) mode and 10.5-dBm output 1-dB compression point (OP1dB) in the transmit (TX) mode with 6-bit phase control and 14-dB gain control. The phase change with gain control is only ±3°, allowing orthogonality between the variable gain amplifier and the phase shifter. The chip has high RX linearity (IP1dB = −22 dBm/channel) and consumes 130 mW in the RX mode and 200 mW in the TX mode at P1dB per channel. Advantages of the scalable all-RF beamforming architecture and circuit design techniques are discussed in detail. 4- and 32-element phased-arrays are demonstrated with detailed data link measurements using a single or eight of the four-channel TRX core chips on a low-cost printed circuit board with microstrip antennas. The 32-element array achieves an effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 43 dBm at P1dB, a 45-dBm saturated EIRP, and a record-level system NF of 5.2 dB when the beamformer loss and transceiver NF are taken into account and can scan to ±50° in azimuth and ±25° in elevation with < −12-dB sidelobes and without any phase or amplitude calibration. A wireless link is demonstrated using two 32-element phased-arrays with a state-of-the-art data rate of 1.0–1.6 Gb/s in a single beam using 16-QAM waveforms over all scan angles at a link distance of 300 m.
#republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media

In #republic, author Cass R. Sunstein explores how information filtering and, in turn, creating echo chambers leads to negative society-level effects. Rather than focus on the notion of the daily m...
Resident Participation in Fixation of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures: Analysis of the NSQIP Database.

BACKGROUND Future generations of orthopaedic surgeons must continue to be trained in the surgical management of hip fractures. This study assesses the effect of resident participation on outcomes for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. METHODS The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2010 to 2013) was queried for intertrochanteric hip fractures (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 820.21) treated with either extramedullary (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 27244) or intramedullary (CPT code 27245) fixation. Demographic variables, including resident participation, as well as primary (death and serious morbidity) and secondary outcome variables were extracted for analysis. Univariate, propensity score-matched, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate outcome variables. RESULTS Data on resident participation were available for 1,764 cases (21.0%). Univariate analyses for all intertrochanteric hip fractures demonstrated no significant difference in 30-day mortality (6.3% versus 7.8%; p = 0.264) or serious morbidity (44.9% versus 43.2%; p = 0.506) between the groups with and without resident participation. Multivariate and propensity score-matched analyses gave similar results. Resident involvement was associated with prolonged operating-room time, length of stay, and time to discharge when a prolonged case was defined as one above the 90th percentile for time parameters. CONCLUSIONS Resident participation was not associated with an increase in morbidity or mortality but was associated with an increase in time-related secondary outcome measures. While attending surgeon supervision is necessary, residents can and should be involved in the care of these patients without concern that resident involvement negatively impacts perioperative morbidity and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
FINITE AMPLITUDE STABILITY OF A CONTAMINATED LIQUID FILM

Abstract The effect of insoluble surface-active agents on the stability of a falling liquid layer subjected to finite amplitude filtered waves is investigated. The mechanism of non-linear stability is elucidated by investigating the effects of surfactants on the energy transfer between the mean flow and the finite amplitude disturbances.
Nitrate Photochemistry in the Context of Water Reclamation

Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is common in water reclamation. Certain common types of UV sources emit wavelengths in the 200–240 nm range (e.g. medium-pressure mercury vapor lamps) and can interact with nitrate in water to generate hydroxyl radicals. These radicals are potent oxidizers and contribute to attenuation of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in treated water. This chapter discusses the chemistry basics of the process and the potential for using it at wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities for TrOC treatment. Nitrate at concentration >5 mg N/l can be as effective as 5–10 mg/l of hydrogen peroxide (a conventional hydroxyl radical source in advanced oxidation processes). Up to 60% contaminant oxidation can be achieved by hydroxyl radicals alone (excluding direct photolysis) for most organic contaminants at common advanced oxidation levels UV fluence of 2000 mJ/cm2, but little oxidation is expected at current disinfection doses.
Regimento das escolas municipais de Novo Hamburgo/RS (1952)

Este documento foi localizado na ocasiao da pesquisa do curso de doutorado e, que se encontra no Arquivo da Secretaria de Planejamento e Gestao da Prefeitura Municipal de Novo Hamburgo, Diretoria de Expediente.
Sexual Orientation Minority Rights and High-Tech Conversion Therapy

The ‘born this way’ movement for sexual orientation minority rights is premised on the view that sexual orientation is something that can neither be chosen nor changed. Indeed, current sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) appear to be both harmful and ineffective. But what if ‘high-tech conversion therapies’ (HCT) are invented in the future that are effective at changing sexual orientation? The conceptual basis for the movement would collapse. In this chapter, we argue that the threat of HCT should be taken seriously, motivating a change in tactics for proponents of sexual orientation minority rights. We also discuss some of the practical-ethical and public-policy issues surrounding HCT, in case the technology is one day developed.
Applying Lanchester’s laws to the interspecific competition of coral reef fish

Lanchester’s laws of combat are a mathematical framework describing the relative contributions of individual fighting ability and group size to overall group fighting ability. Since 1993, several studies have attempted to apply this framework to interspecific dominance relationships between nonhuman animals. However, this prior work addressed only the corollaries of Lanchester’s laws rather than the laws themselves. Here, we directly test Lanchester’s linear and square law to explain interspecific competition of coral reef fish. First, we analyzed the relationship between body size and dominance to find a biologically accurate proxy of individual fighting ability. We then tested whether group fighting ability was linearly (linear law) or quadratically (square law) related to group size while accounting for the different fighting abilities of competing species. We found support for the linear law; however, both laws were outperformed by a simpler model that only included body size. After accounting for possible outliers and data limitations, we suggest that Lanchester’s linear law may prove useful for explaining interspecific competition in marine ecosystems. Dominance hierarchies develop among fishes based on several factors such as group size and body size, whose interplay remains poorly understood. We investigated whether the relative contributions of these factors to overall competitive success can be quantified using Lanchester’s laws of combat, a mathematical framework that was originally developed to analyze human warfare. We found that for differently sized groups of coral reef fishes, Lanchester’s linear law can predict displacement outcomes.