cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of image spatial and spectral characteristics on mapping semi-arid rangeland vegetation using multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA)

article i nfo Encroachment of invasiveshrubsintograsslandareas onrangelands inthe southwesternUnitedStatesthreatens the viability of livestock production and can severely alter hydrology and biodiversity. Novel remote sensing technologies may provide useful information for monitoring and remediating this threat. The objectives were to investigate multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) as an approach to map rangeland vegetation using hyperspectral remote sensing imagery and to test the sensitivity of MESMA to alternative image spatial resolutions and spectralwavebandcombinations.Datafrom twoAirborneVisible/InfraredImaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)overflights attheJornada ExperimentalRange insouthwesternNew Mexico wereusedin the analysis. Endmember spectra were selected from a library of ground-based spectral observations collected with a field spectroradiometer. A 4-endmember MESMA was conducted for both AVIRIS images at their native spatial resolutions using 113 10-nm wavebands from 422 to 2339 nm. Additional MESMAs were conducted at 10 multiples of the images' native spatial resolution and for 6 alternative combinations of spectral waveband subregions. Maps of endmember fractional cover for green shrub vegetation, nonphotosynthetic grass vegeta- tion, and bare soil were comparable to an earlier vegetation classification map of Jornada. MESMA fractional cover estimates for the green vegetation endmember were positively correlated with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.58. Correlation coefficients between the sum of the green and nonphotosynthetic vegetation endmembers and the cellulose absorption index (CAI) were greater than 0.59. Correlation coefficients between MESMA fractional green vegetation cover and NDVI from independent multispectralimageswere greater than 0.57. Despite losses inspatial detailat coarserimage spatial resolutions, MESMA results for images with spatial resolution degraded by a factor of 10 (~150 m) were similar to aggregated results for MESMA at the native spatial resolution (~15 m). Additionally, MESMA results were shown to be substantially more sensitive to the spectral wavebands used in the analysis as compared to the spatial resolution of the images. Considered together, the MESMA results at Jornada indicated that fine spectral resolution with hyperspectral remote sensing was substantially more important than incremental changes in image spatial scale from 15 m to 150 m.
Cultural factors in help‐seeking for child behavior problems: Value orientation, affective responding, and severity appraisals among Chinese‐American parents

This study explored the relationships between cultural values, appraisal of child behavior problems, and associated help-seeking intentions among Chinese-American parents. Questionnaires were administered to 120 Chinese-American parents of elementary-school-aged children. Parents were asked how they might respond if their child displayed the behavioral problems depicted in a hypothetical vignette. Influences of Chinese value orientation, severity appraisal, and affective reactions on help-seeking intentions were examined using regression analyses and structural equation modeling. The study examined three hypotheses regarding the nature of the influence of cultural value orientation on help-seeking intentions: (a) a direct effect model, (b) an indirect effect through cultural differences in severity appraisal, and (c) an indirect effect through cultural differences in affective responding. Results supported the hypothesis that cultural value orientation exerted an indirect effect on help-seeking intentions through its influence on affective responding. Those parents who had more traditional Chinese values responded with more feelings of shame to child behavior problems and, in turn, reported lower intentions to seek help. Findings are discussed with reference to the literature on help-seeking among Asian Americans. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Arginine-rich histones do not exchange between human and mouse chromosomes in hybrid cells

Abstract Following division of HeLa-3T3 heterokaryons, human and mouse chromosomes occupy distinct regions within the resulting hybrid nuclei. This favorable orientation of genomes has allowed us to determine whether histones exchange between chromosomes in vivo. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins from HeLa cells labeled with 3 H-arginine during S phase showed that the core histones were labeled preferentially, constituting 30% of the total cellular tritium and 50% of the label in a crude nuclear fraction. Autoradiographic analysis of cells formed by fusion of 3 H-arginine-labeled HeLa cells and 3T3-4E cells showed that 3 H-arginine-labeled proteins did not migrate between nuclei in heterokaryons; hybrid cells formed from such heterokaryons contained nuclei in which 3 H proteins occupied a sector within the nucleus; "sectored nuclei" could persist for at least 4 days; and the unequal distribution of 3 H proteins did not change during DNA synthesis. Electron microscopic examination of hybrid nuclei failed to reveal a physical partition between human and mouse chromosome sets. Sectored nuclei were also observed in synkaryons derived from 3 H-arginine-labeled HeLa and unlabeled HeLa cells, indicating that the unequal distribution of 3 H-arginine-labeled proteins in HeLa-3T3 hybrid cells did not result from species-specific binding of proteins and DNA. The persistent unequal distribution of 3 H-arginine-labeled proteins within hybrid nuclei in the apparent absence of a barrier between mouse and human chromosomes indicates that histones, the principal 3 H-arginine-labeled proteins, do not dissociate from DNA in vivo.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of dofetilide in mouse, rat, dog and man.

1. Pharmacokinetics of dofetilide were studied in man, dog, rat and mouse after single i.v. and oral doses of dofetilide or 14C-dofetilide.2. Dofetilide was absorbed completely in all species. Low metabolic clearance in man resulted in complete bioavailability following oral administration. Higher metabolic clearance in rodents, and to a lesser extent dogs, resulted in decreased bioavailability because of first-pass metabolism.3. Following i.v. administration, the volume of distribution showed only moderate variation in all species (2˙8–6˙3***1/kg). High plasma clearance in rodents resulted in short half-life values (mouse 0˙32, male rat 0˙5 and female rat 1˙2 h), whilst lower clearance in dog and man gave longer terminal elimination half-lives (4˙6 and 7˙6 h respectively).4. After single i.v. doses of 14C-dofetilide, unchanged drug was the major component excreted in urine of all species with several metabolites also present.5. Metabolites identified in urine from all species were formed by N-oxidation o...
PSEUDORANDOM ENCODING FOR REAL-VALUED TERNARY SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS

Pseudorandom encoding with quantized real modulation values encodes only continuous real-valued functions. However, an arbitrary complex value can be represented if the desired value is first mapped to the closest real value realized by use of pseudorandom encoding. Examples of encoding real- and complex-valued functions illustrate performance improvements over conventional minimum distance mapping methods in reducing peak sidelobes and in improving the uniformity of spot arrays.
Memories of Hugh E. Huxley (1924–2013)

The field of structural biology lost a giant on July 25, 2013, when Hugh E. Huxley passed away at age 89. At the time of his death, he was professor emeritus of biology at Brandeis University. But for much of his career, he was at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Huxley joined the American Society for Cell Biology in 1982. In 1983, along with Joseph Gall, he won the prestigious E. B. Wilson Medal, the highest honor awarded by the society.
Nosocomial Outbreak of Microbacterium Species Bacteremia among Cancer Patients

To date, only 6 sporadic Microbacterium species (formerly coryneform Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] groups A-4 and A-5) infections have been reported. The source, mode of transmission, morbidity, mortality, and potential for nosocomial transmission of Microbacterium species remain unknown. From 26 July through 14 August 1997, 8 episodes of coryneform CDC group A-5 symptomatic bacteremia occurred in 6 patients on the oncology ward at the Maine Medical Center. One patient died. All isolates were identified at CDC as Microbacterium species and had identical DNA banding patterns by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. To assess risk factors for Microbacterium species infection, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. The presence of a central venous catheter was the strongest risk factor (6/6 vs. 22/48; relative risk, 3.2; P <.0001). This outbreak demonstrates significant Microbacterium species-associated morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised populations and confirms the potential for epidemic nosocomial transmission.
Role of Joule Heating on Current Saturation and Transient Behavior of Graphene Transistors

We use simulations to examine current saturation in sub-micron graphene transistors on SiO2/Si. We find that self-heating is partly responsible for current saturation (lower output conductance) but degrades current densities above 1 bmA/μm by up to 15%. Heating effects are reduced if the supporting insulator is thinned or, in shorter channel devices, by partial heat sinking at the contacts. The transient behavior of such devices has thermal time constants of ~ 30-300 ns, which is dominated by the thickness of the supporting insulator and that of the device capping layers (a behavior also expected in ultrathin-body SOI transistors). The results shed important physical insight into the high-field and transient behavior of graphene transistors.
Epidemiology and the Macrosocial Determinants of Health

In the past two decades, public health researchers have taken renewed interest in investigating the role of social factors in health. This holds substantial promise in terms of identifying manipulable social factors that are amenable to policy intervention. Most existing empirical and conceptual epidemiologic work, however, has focused on the more proximal social determinants, such as interpersonal relations. These factors, although perhaps easier to study epidemiologically, are much less relevant to policy makers than more “macrosocial” factors such as taxation policies. Limited epidemiologic attention to macrosocial determinants of health is ironic given that macrosocial factors such as the rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century contributed to the organization of public health practice and, tangentially, to academic public health research. We suggest here that greater investment in the study of macrosocial determinants has the potential to make a significant and unique contribution to the greater public health agenda and should be a prominent aspect of social epidemiologic inquiry in the coming decades.
A Low‐Level, High Stakes Dilemma: Political Accountability and Interstate Compacts

Making officials accountable for their actions or decisions is difficult enough in situations involving high profile actors, but what about agencies that are created through the compact clause of the Constitution? What problems arise in keeping such a bureaucracy politically accountable? This analysis proceeds by examining Nebraska's experience with the Central Interstate Compact, the authorizing legislation for the Compact Commission and a key Supreme Court decision invalidating part of the 1980 Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act. Powerful to the extent they have limited oversight or conduct their business in “obscure” areas, low-level radioactive waste compacts are problematic from a political perspective. Granted the force of federal law, compacts operate supra state authority and have the legal authority to compel state action. State legislatures and the Supreme Court failed to appreciate the importance diverting revenues required for participation, the preoccupation with its affairs, and importantly, the lack of political accountability.
Impact of hydronephrosis and renal function on treatment outcome: antegrade versus retrograde endopyelotomy.

Abstract Objectives To compare, in a single-surgeon, single-institution study, the efficacy of antegrade and retrograde endopyelotomy in terms of success rate and morbidity and to identify which risk factors affect treatment outcomes. Methods The results were retrospectively reviewed for 88 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction treated with endopyelotomy. Antegrade endopyelotomy was performed with a hook knife, scissors, or cutting balloon device. Retrograde endopyelotomy was performed with a cutting balloon device. Objective results were based on intravenous urogram and/or diuretic nuclear renal scan findings, and subjective results were based on direct patient query and questionnaire. Results Ninety-three endopyelotomy procedures, 64 antegrade and 29 retrograde, were performed. The mean follow-up was 37.0 months (range 5 to 76). The overall success rates between antegrade and retrograde endopyelotomy (81.3% versus 75.9%) were not statistically different ( P = 0.553). Patients with massive hydronephrosis and poor initial renal function were less likely to have successful endopyelotomy. Antegrade endopyelotomy, however, was more successful than retrograde endopyelotomy in patients with massive hydronephrosis (66.7% versus 20.0%; P = 0.046). The average operative time for antegrade and retrograde endopyelotomy was 93.9 and 32.7 minutes ( P P Conclusions Both antegrade and retrograde endopyelotomy are effective treatments for ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with minimal morbidity. Antegrade endopyelotomy appears to be more successful in patients with high-grade hydronephrosis. Retrograde endopyelotomy results in a shorter hospital stay, a shorter operative time, and less postoperative pain.
Percutaneous intervention for infrainguinal occlusive disease in women: equivalent outcomes despite increased severity of disease compared with men.

Objectives Experience with open surgical bypass suggests similar overall outcomes in women compared with men, but significantly increased risk of wound complications. Percutaneous treatment of lower extremity occlusive disease is therefore an attractive alternative in women, although it is not clear whether there is a difference in outcomes between women and men treated with this technique. We sought to determine the results and predictors of failure in women treated by percutaneous intervention. Methods Percutaneous infrainguinal revascularization was performed on 309 women between 2001 and 2006. Procedures, complications, demographics, comorbidities, and follow-up data were entered into a prospective database for review. Patency was assessed primarily by duplex ultrasonography. Outcomes were expressed by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank analysis. Results A total of 447 percutaneous interventions performed in 309 women were analyzed and compared with 553 interventions in men. Mean age in women was 73.2 years; comorbidities included hypertension (HTN) (86%), diabetes melitus (DM) (58%), chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) (15%), hemodialysis (7%), hypercholesterolemia (52%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (42%), and tobacco use (47%). Indications in women included claudication (38.0%), rest pain (18.8%), and tissue loss (43.2%). Overall primary & secondary patency and limb-salvage rates for women were 38% ± 4%, 66% ± 3%, and 80% ± 4% at 24 months. In this patient sample, women were significantly more likely than men to present with limb-threatening ischemia (61.6% vs 47.3%, P P Conclusions Percutaneous infrainguinal revascularization is a very effective modality in women with lower extremity occlusive disease. Although women in this sample were more likely to present with limb-threat than men, patency and limb-salvage rates were equivalent between genders, even in high-risk subsets such as diabetics or those with lesions of increased TASC severity.
Scalable Hardware Architecture for Real-Time Dynamic Programming Applications

This paper introduces a novel architecture for performing the core computations required by dynamic programming (DP) techniques. The latter pertain to a vast range of applications that necessitate an optimal sequence of decisions to be issued. An underlying assumption is that a complete model of the environment is provided, whereby the dynamics are governed by a Markov decision process (MDP). Existing DP implementations have traditionally been realized in software. Here, we present a method for exploiting the data parallelism associated with computing both the value function and optimal action set. An optimal policy is obtained four orders of magnitude faster than traditional software-based schemes, establishing the viability of the approach for real-time applications
Touchdowns and test scores: exploring the relationship between athletics and academics

This article examines the relationship between college football success and SAT scores using an updated data series on football winning percentages. The finding here of a positive and significant relationship supports the idea that collegiate athletics, namely football, serves the institution's admissions process. Selective institutions are able to enhance the quality of their student populations. 1 Some studies (e.g. Tucker, 1992; Tucker and Amato, 1993; Bremmer and Kesselring, 1995; Shulman and Bowen, 2001) and surveys (e.g. Art & Science Group of Baltimore, 1991; American Council on Education, 1991) indicate that there is little, or no, relationship between athletic success and the university's educational mission (see Marklein, 2001). The spinoff benefit of winning teams is such a well-known phenomenon among university administrators that they even have a name for it – ‘the Flutie factor,’ for the 33 percent increase in applications that Doug Flutie helped bring Boston College when he was a football s...
High fat diet intake during pre and periadolescence impairs learning of a conditioned place preference in adulthood

Background: Brain regions that mediate learning of a conditioned place preference (CPP) undergo significant development in pre and periadolescence. Consuming a high fat (HF) diet during this developmental period and into adulthood can lead to learning impairments in rodents. The present study tested whether HF diet intake, consumed only in pre and periadolescence, would be sufficient to cause impairments using a CPP procedure. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to consume a HF or a low fat (LF) diet during postnatal days (PD) 21-40 and were then placed back on a standard lab chow diet. A 20-day CPP procedure, using HF Cheetos ® as the unconditioned stimulus (US), began either the next day (PD 41) or 40 days later (PD 81). A separate group of adult rats were given the HF diet for 20 days beginning on PD 61, and then immediately underwent the 20-day CPP procedure beginning on PD 81. Results: Pre and periadolescent exposure to a LF diet or adult exposure to a HF diet did not interfere with the development of a HF food-induced CPP, as these groups exhibited robust preferences for the HF Cheetos ® foodpaired compartment. However, pre and periadolescent exposure to the HF diet impaired the development of a HF food-induced CPP regardless of whether it was assessed immediately or 40 days after the exposure to the HF diet, and despite showing increased consumption of the HF Cheetos ® in conditioning. Conclusions: Intake of a HF diet, consumed only in pre and periadolescence, has long-lasting effects on learning that persist into adulthood.
Ineffective esophageal motility phenotypes following fundoplication in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is associated with reflux disease, but its natural history is unclear. We evaluated patients undergoing repeat esophageal high resolution manometry (HRM) for symptomatic presentations after antireflux surgery (ARS) to understand the progression of IEM. Methods Patients with repeat HRM after ARS were included. Ineffective esophageal motility was diagnosed if ≥5 sequences had distal contractile integral (DCI) <450 mmHg cm s. Augmentation of DCI following multiple rapid swallows (MRS) was assessed. The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was interrogated using the EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI). Esophageal motor function was compared between patients with and without IEM. Key Results Sixty-eight patients (53.9 ± 1.8 years, 66.2% female) had pre- and post-ARS HRM studies 2.1 ± 0.19 years apart. Esophagogastric junction-CI augmented by a mean of 26.3% following ARS. Four IEM phenotypes were identified: 14.7% had persistent IEM, 8.8% resolved IEM after ARS, 19.1% developed new IEM, and 57.4% had no IEM at any point. Patients with IEM had a lower DCI pre- and post-ARS, lower pre-ARS EGJ CI, and lower pre-ARS-integrated relaxation pressure (p ≤ 0.02 for all comparisons); presenting symptoms and other EGJ metrics were similar (p ≥ 0.08 for all comparisons). The IEM phenotypes could be predicted by MRS DCI response patterns (p = 0.008 across groups); patients with persistent IEM had the least DCI augmentation (p = 0.007 compared to no IEM), while those who resolved IEM had DCI augmentation comparable to no IEM (p = 0.08). Conclusions & Inferences Distinct phenotypes of IEM exist among symptomatic reflux patients following ARS. Provocative testing with MRS may help identify these phenotypes pre-ARS.
Geographic distribution of Leptogenys elongata (Buckley) and Leptogenys manni Wheeler (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ponerinae)

Leptogenys elongata and Leptogenys manni (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ponerinae), the only described Leptogenys known from the continental US, were recently included on a list of exotic ants established in North America. To evaluate this possibility, I compiled and mapped published and unpublished specimen records of L. elongata and L. manni. Leptogenys elongata records have an essentially continuous distribution through central and eastern Texas (65 counties), southern Oklahoma (one county), and western Louisiana (eight parishes), south through much of Mexico (nine states), plus one questionable record from Colorado and one almost certainly erroneous record from the District of Columbia. Leptogenys manni records are known from much of Florida (22 counties), plus one isolated record from Georgia that needs corroboration. I found no credible evidence that L. elongata or L. manni have established populations anywhere beyond their native ranges.
Ethics and Law in FDA Decisionmaking

The Food and Drug Administration, the agency responsible for regulating drugs and devices, determines their approval based exclusive on whether these products are safe and effective. This Article argues that the FDA's singular reliance on these cost/benefit criteria is a mistake for "enhancement" products that treat no medical condition or departure from normal functioning. Agency review of products to improve mood, sharpen memory, smooth wrinkles, and increase height requires richer analysis than safety and efficacy alone allow. I argue the safety/efficacy framework, codified long before federal lawmakers anticipated the biomedical enhancements on the market today, misses a constellation of concerns that cannot be filtered through the narrow lens of safety and efficacy. I draw on a number of case studies to demonstrate that, however careful the FDA's scrutiny of clinical data about side effects and success rates, its safety/efficacy framework crowds out powerful concerns about subtle coercion, group prejudice, social conformity, competitive fairness, and collective self-defeat. I reject sweeping bans on approval, prescription, off-label use, or direct-to-consumer advertising of enhancement products in favor of reforms that equip administrators to ask the right questions and account for the relevant arguments.
Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase

This chapter discusses the importance of extracellular superoxide dismutases (EC-SOD) which play a significant role in the microbicidal activity of neutrophils. There are three superoxide dismutases in mammalian tissues. EC-SOD usually occurs in several variant forms, one of which binds tightly to heparin. The heparin-bound form retains its activity. It is composed of four identical 30-kDa subunits. The human placental EC-SOD has been cloned and sequenced. Each subunit is composed of 222 amino acids, with 18 additional amino acids which represent the putative signal sequence that is removed before secretion. Along with this, the rat enzyme exhibits a lower heparin affinity than the EC-SOD in other mammalian species. Despite these differences, the rat enzyme has an overall homology with the human enzyme of 68% and a higher homology with the catalytic active site and the heparin binding site of the human enzyme. This chapter also describes several observations which implicate the sequence as the heparin binding domain of EC-SOD. Fractions A, B and C of EC-SOD increasingly exhibit affinities for heparin.
Redefining the Unacceptable

Measurement may not be the most important means of acquiring knowledge and wisdom, but it is essential for many forms of relatively objective comparison required to enhance understanding. Comparison, after all, provides the usual basis for “redefining the unacceptable.” We conclude that some state of affairs is unacceptable when contrasted with what went before, what might be, or with conditions elsewhere. These conclusions motivate politicians, the public, and the medical profession to change priorities and practices. Sooner or later, recognition of unacceptable states drives most measures to improve the public’s health.
Cdc6 degradation requires phosphodegron created by GSK-3 and Cdk1 for SCFCdc4 recognition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To ensure genome integrity, DNA replication takes place only once per cell cycle and is tightly controlled by cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1). Cdc6p is part of the prereplicative complex, which is essential for DNA replication. Cdc6 is phosphorylated by cyclin-Cdk1 to promote its degradation after origin firing to prevent DNA rereplication. We previously showed that a yeast GSK-3 homologue, Mck1 kinase, promotes Cdc6 degradation in a SCF(Cdc4)-dependent manner, therefore preventing rereplication. Here we present evidence that Mck1 directly phosphorylates a GSK-3 consensus site in the C-terminus of Cdc6. The Mck1-dependent Cdc6 phosphorylation required priming by cyclin/Cdk1 at an adjacent CDK consensus site. The sequential phosphorylation by Mck1 and Clb2/Cdk1 generated a Cdc4 E3 ubiquitin ligase-binding motif to promote Cdc6 degradation during mitosis. We further revealed that Cdc6 degradation triggered by Mck1 kinase was enhanced upon DNA damage caused by the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate and that the resulting degradation was mediated through Cdc4. Thus, Mck1 kinase ensures proper DNA replication, prevents DNA damage, and maintains genome integrity by inhibiting Cdc6.
Religion and Political Change in Northern Ireland

Studies conducted in industrial societies generally suggest that partisans of social change are unlikely to be religiously oriented, whereas research in Third World countries demonstrates a common tendency for demands for change to be linked with religious ideologies. This paper reports on the relationship between religion and social change as reflected in the development of a social movement in Northern Ireland, a partially modernized society. The members of this movement are shown to be strikingly disaffiliatedfrom religion. It is suggested that this lack of religious identity may be a key factor in explaining the group's inability to secure mass support. Some generalizations concerning the relationship between religion and social change in societies of this sort are tentatively proposed. There has been extensive consideration among sociologists of the relationship between religious commitment and change-oriented political activism. Although the theoretical roots of this debate go back at least as far as Marx (Easton and Guddat, 1967), recent writing in the area derives largely from perspectives raised by Glock and Stark (1965:185-226). These authors present substantial empirical evidence drawn from a variety of industrialized societies to suggest that, especially among the working classes, persons who are in favor of significant social change are unlikely to be church attenders or strongly oriented toward religious perspectives. The primary explanation offered for this finding is that, in modern
Laser Accelerators

The use of lasers to accelerate particles to ultra-high energies is motivated by the very high electric fields associated with focused laser beams. A number of such schemes have been proposed: for example, microstructures driven by lasers operating in the optical-near infrared frequency range, laser-driven space charge plasma waves, inverse free-electron laser accelerator and the two-beam accelerator. Current status of these schemes is reviewed. Lasers may also find an application in improving the power sources and in focusing very high energy particle beams.
Absorption-phase duality in structured illumination transport of intensity (TIE) phase imaging

Robust phase retrieval is obtained by using structured illumination with the Transport of Intensity Equation (SI-TIE). By imposing a proportional relationship between the attenuation coefficient and the refractive index (known as the phase-absorption duality), we are allowed to reformulate the SI-TIE propagation equation to probably address both the transmission and diffraction signals using only a single shot of intensity measurement. The correlation between the phase and attenuation fixes the low frequency instability, resulting in robust phase imaging with enhanced sensitivity.
Status quo of family doctors in Xiaoshan district,Hangzhou city

Objective To find out the status quo and demand of family doctors in Xiaoshan.Methods Questionnaires were designed to inquire 473 family doctors about their basic information,working conditions and their needs.Results There were some defects in family doctors like aging,lower professional quality,great work pressure and so on.Conclusion We should take such measures as increasing finance input in public health,setting up training system and enhancing informationization to improve the professional quality of family doctors in Xiaoshan.
Determination of 3 organic cholorine and 16 pyrethroid pesticide residues in tea by GC

Objective The purpose of the test was to establish a method for determination of 3 organic cholorine and 16 pyrethroid pesticide residues in tea by GC. Methods Tea were ground and weighed 2. 0 g. Then samples were extracted with acetonitrile 20 ml by ultrasonic and oscillation. Subsequently,collected supernatant 10 ml after centrifugation. Supernatants were evaporated and purified by Cleanert PC / NH2 column and silicon magnesium column. The residues were dissolved to constant volume 1 ml with n- hexane,and then seperated with DM- 17 quartz capillary chromatographic column,and detected with electron capture detector( ECD). The external standard method was used for quantitative. The residual quantity of 19 organic cholorine and pyrethroid pesticide can be detected at the same time. Results The 19 kinds of pesticides were separated from each other very well. Good linearities were obtained. The average recovery rates were 65% ~ 123% and the relative standard derivation( RSD) was from 2. 5% ~ 7. 3%. The results of recovery and precision are good. This experiment can achieve the actual testing requirements. Conclusion This method is simple,rapid,accurate and reliable. It can be applied to determine multi-residues of organic chlorine and pyrethroid pesticide in tea.
Bilingual & Biliteracy Development: Language Policy & English Language Learners in Texas

Current language policies in the U.S. and Texas play a role in restricting the number of years students considered English Language Learners (ELL) are provided with native language support. This study examined the oral, reading and writing skills in Spanish and English of 44 ELLs in one inner-city school district. Based on the theory of transference and interdependence, it is hypothesized that students who acquire literacy development in their native language are able to transfer those skills when developing literacy in a second language (Cummins, 1979, 1984, 1991; Durgunoglu, 1998). Comprehensive Individual evaluation results were used to investigate the interdependence hypothesis, and to predict English literacy skills. Regression analysis results indicate the Spanish reading and writing skills were good predictors of English language development in these areas. Oral language skills in Spanish did not appear to be good predictors of oral language skills development in English. The ELL students in this sample did not appear to have developed sufficient skills in their native language to support a successful transfer into an English only curriculum.
Artificial donor insemination: fresh versus frozen semen; the patient as her own control*

The efficacies of fresh versus cryopreserved semen in the treatment of male factor infertility by artificial insemination by donor (AID) semen were directly compared by using the patient as her own control. In any one cycle, either fresh or frozen semen was used. The type of semen preparation was randomly assigned for the first cycle and varied thereafter according to donor availability. The same donor was used for a given patient in six consecutive cycles. We treated 381 patients in this way. In 676 cycles fresh semen was used and 128 pregnancies were achieved. Fecundability, the chance of getting pregnant per cycle of exposure, was 18.9% with fresh semen. In 1200 cycles cryopreserved semen was used and 60 pregnancies occurred, for a fecundability of 5.0%. Therefore, in our clinic, fresh semen is more than three times as likely to induce pregnancy as frozen semen. The design that has been used in this therapeutic protocol provides a technique for internal quality control of the cryopreservation process and for the investigation of other variables potentially affecting the success rates with AID.
Donation after circulatory death in pediatric patients: Current utilization in the United States

From the Cardiac Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado Heart Institute, Aurora, Colorado, USA; and the Congenital Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
Etablierung einer neuen humanen Pankreaskarzinomzellinie als in vitro und in vivo Modell für die adaptive Immuntherapie und zur Identifizierung tumorspezifischer Antigene beim Pankreaskarzinom

Fur Untersuchungen uber die adaptive Immuntherapie (AIT) beim malignen Melanom, einschlieslich der Identifizierung und Verwendung tumorassoziierter Antigene (TAA) zur Peptidstimulation, existieren Modelle [4]. Beim Pankreaskarzinom fehlt jedoch ein Modell zur Durchfuhrung der AIT oder der Identifikation neuer TAA.
The San1 Ubiquitin Ligase Functions Preferentially with Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme Ubc1 during Protein Quality Control.

Protein quality control (PQC) is a critical process wherein misfolded or damaged proteins are cleared from the cell to maintain protein homeostasis. In eukaryotic cells, the removal of misfolded proteins is primarily accomplished by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In the ubiquitin-proteasome system, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and ubiquitin ligases append polyubiquitin chains onto misfolded protein substrates signaling for their degradation. The kinetics of protein ubiquitylation are paramount as a balance must be achieved between the rapid removal of misfolded proteins versus providing sufficient time for protein chaperones to attempt refolding. To uncover the molecular basis for how PQC substrate ubiquitylation rates are controlled, the reaction catalyzed by nuclear ubiquitin ligase San1 was reconstituted in vitro. Our results demonstrate that San1 can function with two ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, Cdc34 and Ubc1. Although Cdc34 and Ubc1 are both sufficient for promoting San1 activity, San1 functions preferentially with Ubc1, including when both Ubc1 and Cdc34 are present. Notably, a homogeneous peptide that mimics a misfolded PQC substrate was developed and enabled quantification of the kinetics of San1-catalyzed ubiquitylation reactions. We discuss how these results may have broad implications for the regulation of PQC-mediated protein degradation.
Counseling About the Maternal Health Benefits of Breastfeeding and Mothers' Intentions to Breastfeed.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of counseling regarding the maternal health effects of lactation on pregnant women’s intentions to breastfeed. Methods Women seeking prenatal care at an urban university hospital completed surveys before and after receiving a 5-min counseling intervention regarding the maternal health effects of breastfeeding. The counseling was delivered by student volunteers using a script and one-page infographic. Participants were asked the likelihood that breastfeeding affects maternal risk of multiple chronic conditions using 7-point Likert scales. We compared pre/post changes in individual item responses and a summary score of knowledge of the maternal health benefits of lactation (MHBL) using paired t tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the impact of increases in knowledge of MHBL on participants’ intentions to breastfeed. Results The average age of the 65 participants was 24 ± 6 years. Most (72 %) were African-American and few (9 %) had college degrees. Half (50 %) had previously given birth, but few (21 %) had previously breastfed. Before counseling, few were aware of any benefits of lactation for maternal health. After counseling, knowledge of MHBL increased (mean knowledge score improved from 19/35 to 26/35, p < 0.001). Improvement in MHBL knowledge score was associated with increased intention to try breastfeeding (aOR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.02–1.42), of wanting to breastfeed (aOR 1.45, 95 % CI 1.13–1.86), and feeling that breastfeeding is important (aOR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.03–1.42). Conclusions for Practice Brief structured counseling regarding the effects of lactation on maternal health can increase awareness of the maternal health benefits of breastfeeding and strengthen pregnant women’s intentions to breastfeed.
Evaluation of anthropogenic secondary organic aerosol tracers from aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract. Products of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – 2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid, dicarboxylic acids, nitromonoaromatics, and furandiones – were evaluated for their potential to serve as anthropogenic SOA tracers with respect to their (1) ambient concentrations and detectability in PM2.5 in Iowa City, IA, USA; (2) gas–particle partitioning behaviour; and (3) source specificity by way of correlations with primary and secondary source tracers and literature review. A widely used tracer for toluene-derived SOA, 2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid was only detected in the particle phase (Fp = 1) at low but consistently measurable ambient concentrations (averaging 0.3 ng m−3). Four aromatic dicarboxylic acids were detected at relatively higher concentrations (9.1–34.5 ng m−3), of which phthalic acid was the most abundant. Phthalic acid had a low particle-phase fraction (Fp = 0.26) likely due to quantitation interferences from phthalic anhydride, while 4-methylphthalic acid was predominantly in the particle phase (Fp = 0.82). Phthalic acid and 4-methylphthalic acid were both highly correlated with 2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid (rs = 0.73, p = 0.003; rs = 0.80, p
Implementing smart energy systems: Integrating load and price forecasting for single parameter based demand response

This paper frames itself in the smart energy context where the power flow is controlled by price signals and elasticity models. In such a market, electricity prices dynamically vary and electricity consumers ought to respond with their electricity energy demand at specified time intervals. Initially load, and lately, price forecasting have been identified as essential technologies for market participants to design optimal demand response strategies. Thus, there are ongoing efforts in industry and academia to develop new methodologies that combine load and price forecasting tools. In this paper a methodology is presented for demand response in the smart energy context. The methodology couples price and load forecasting via an optimization based framework to enable automated demand response by smart grid participants. In particular, the methodology utilizes price forecasts to modify the initial forecasted load demand aiming at minimizing consumer's expenses. The proposed methodology minimizes human intervention in demand response by requiring only a single value to be entered by the consumer. We have evaluated the performance of the proposed single parameter demand response on a set of real world historical data taken from the New England area. Reported results promise a potential reduction of the consumption cost in all examined cases, while demonstrating validating the minimal human intervention in response decisions.
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Obesity is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in this population remain unclear. A database of 2,918 was retrospectively reviewed, yielding 22 (0.75%) severely obese patients with MS who underwent bariatric surgery. Sixteen surgical patients with complete follow-up data were matched to a nonsurgical control group of MS patients, based on age, BMI, MS subtype, and length of follow-up. MS relapse rates and trends in the timed twenty-five foot walk test (T25FW) were compared. In the surgical group (gastric bypass , sleeve gastrectomy ), preoperative BMI was 46.5 ± 7.2 Kg/m2 and average excess weight was 60.4 kg. Follow-up data was collected at 59.0 ± 29.8 months. There were two major and four minor complications. Five patients required readmission and there were no mortalities. Percent excess weight loss was 75.5 ± 27.0%. In the 16 patients with follow-up data, patients who underwent bariatric surgery were significantly faster on the T25FW compared to the nonsurgical population. In conclusion, bariatric surgery is relatively safe and effective in achieving weight loss in patients with MS. In addition, surgery may help patients maintain ambulation. Findings support the need for further studies on bariatric surgery and disease-specific outcomes in this population.
Pediatric Neurovascular Imaging (CT/MRI/Ultrasound)

Multiple vascular lesions may be encountered in newborns and children that are well known from the adult population. However, the incidence, etiology, behavior, clinical and neuroimaging presentation, prognosis, and management of pediatric neurovascular pathologies is significantly different compared to adults. Abnormal hemodynamics may have a significant impact on the development and maturation of the pediatric brain. Functional brain plasticity is more pronounced in children than in adults, frequently limiting or compensating functional deficits. Adequate and detailed information about the presenting vascular pathology is of essential importance. Multiple non-invasive neuroimaging techniques are currently available including trans-fontanellar ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including conventional and advanced sequences such as diffusion, perfusion, and susceptibility weighted imaging as well as multiple non-invasive angiographic techniques (CT- and MR-angiography).
Tinea Versicolor and Tinea Capitis

Some infections have unique clinical features and considerations in skin of color. Tinea capitis and tinea versicolor (TV) are two widespread fungal infections across the globe. Tinea capitis is extremely common in Black and Hispanic populations and has been described as endemic in some large metropolitan areas. TV is associated with marked dyschromia that is far more noticeable among darker skinned patients. The dyschromia can be long standing. In addition, the presentation can be unique; facial involvement of TV has been reported as more common in skin of color. Tinea nigra is important to identify in persons of color because it can resemble acral nevi and melanoma. This chapter outlines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, workup, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for these conditions with a focus on unique features in skin of color.
Associations of intimate partner violence with postnatal health practices in Bihar, India.

Reducing neonatal mortality is a global priority, and improvements in postnatal health (PNH) practices in India are needed to do so. Intimate partner violence (IPV) may be associated with PNH practices, but little research has assessed this relationship. A cross-sectional analysis of data from a representative household sample of mothers of neonates 0–11 months old in Bihar, India was conducted. The relationship between lifetime IPV experience (physical violence only, sexual violence only, or both physical and sexual violence) and PNH practices [clean cord care, kangaroo mother care, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), delayed bathing, receipt of a postnatal care visit, exclusive breastfeeding, and current post-partum contraceptive use] was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Over 45% of the 10,469 mothers experienced IPV in their lifetime. The three types of IPV experiences differentially related to PNH practices. Adjusted analyses revealed that compared to those who had never experienced IPV, women who experienced physical violence only (29.0%) had higher odds of skin-to-skin care (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.96) and delayed bathing (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.37), but lower odds of EIBF (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.70, 0.93) and exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.96). Mothers who had experienced sexual violence only (2.3%) had lower odds of practicing EIBF (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.76). Those who had both experiences of physical and sexual violence (14.0%) had increased odds of postpartum modern contraceptive use (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.71) and lower odds of delayed bathing (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.91). The results of this study found differing patterns of vulnerability to poor PNH practices depending on the type of IPV experienced. Efforts to increase access to health services for women experiencing IPV and to integrate IPV intervention into such service may increase PNH practices, and as a result, reduce neonatal mortality.
Mentoring Incarcerated Youth: A Community-Based Learning Experience

Recognizing the importance of university and community partnerships to address social issues, a mentoring program was implemented on a juvenile justice campus (JJC). A collaborative effort between a regional hispanic-serving university, the county probation department, and a non-profit agency resulted in the development and implementation of a mentoring program with incarcerated youth. Students assisted in the development and implementation of the mentoring program which incorporated life skills development, violence prevention, financial planning, parenting groups, needs assessments, and meditation. Student perceptions of their experience are explored using qualitative research methods. Educational benefits, the importance of collaboration, and the relationship between self-efficacy and placement satisfaction are discussed.