cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concerning doubly charged negative ions of iodine in the gas phase

Abstract Using a test facility similar to one used by other investigators who reported observation of doubly charged negative ions of iodine and other elements the negative ion spectrum of iodine was examined for evidence of I−2. A spectrum similar to one observed by others with a mass peak at 63.5 was obtained. The presence of such a peak has previously been attributed to I−2, however, application of radioactive tracer techniques show that this peak in our apparatus was not due to iodine, but to some impurity.
Further evidence on the transmission of shocks across REIT markets: an examination of REIT sub-sectors

This note examines the transmission of shocks across REIT sub-sector returns: apartments, industrial, lodging, manufactured homes, office, and regional malls. Though the respective return indices are integrated of order one, Johansen–Juselius cointegration tests suggest that REIT sub-sectors are not cointegrated. Granger-causality and Wald tests are presented to examine the short-run dynamics among REIT sub-sector returns. Generalized impulse response analysis suggests that shocks are transmitted to the other REIT sub-sectors rather quickly with the initial impact decaying towards zero before the second month. Also, lodging returns tend to have the largest initial response due to innovations in the other REIT sub-sector returns and manufactured homes the smallest.
Using a Single Item to Measure Burnout in Primary Care Staff: A Psychometric Evaluation

Background Burnout affects nearly half of all U.S. nurses and physicians, and has been linked to poor outcomes such as worse patient safety. The most common measure of burnout is the well-validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). However, the MBI is proprietary and carries licensing fees, posing challenges to routine or repeated assessment.
Restocking Refugee Pastoralists in the Horn of Africa

Repeated and lingering famine in the Horn of Africa has produced enormous pastoralist refugee populations in a region where livestock production is a major form of land use. Permanently settling destitute pastoralists has a record of failure. It can disrupt host land-uses, causing social and ecological problems, and prevent the utilization of very large grazing areas where pastoralism may be the only ecologically and economically sustainable land-use. Herd reconstitution should be considered an option in relief and rehabilitation programmes for pastoralists. This paper examines a design where the most proven and immediate way of sustaining stockless pastoralists - farming - can be used to facilitate restocking objectives. Using data gathered in Somalia, estimates of livestock carrying capacity are linked with forage resources, land area, livestock units, and the frequency of good, average, and poor (drought) water years, to explore the possibilities for incorporating restocking into refugee rehabilitation efforts.
Experimental Investigation of Anisotropy in Asphalt Concrete

Accurate multiaxial characterization of asphalt concrete requires a thorough understanding of its anisotropic behavior. For that purpose a study has been conducted to examine the anisotropic properties of asphalt concrete in the linear viscoelastic range, with growing damage, and during volumetric deformation. Tests were conducted on specimens cored in the vertical and horizontal directions from gyratory-compacted specimens. Anisotropy was found to have no effect on the linear viscoelastic properties of the material. This finding is supported by subsequent results from monotonic constant crosshead rate uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression tests. It was also found that anisotropy contributes greatly to the behavior of asphalt concrete in compression, but shows little, if any, effect on tensile properties. In addition, the strong dependence of anisotropy on temperature and strain rate is presented. Finally, promising results from a simplified method of extracting the anisotropic behavior of asphalt concrete with the use of the hydrostatic test are also introduced.
A Phenomenological Approach to Assessing a DUI/DWI Program:

In an effort to find a more proactive solution to the problem of drunk driving, a midwestern city has implemented a Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Impaired (DUI/DWI) Court program, a derivative of the popular drug courts. Eligible participants are those who have had two or more drunk-driving offenses but who have not been convicted of a violent offense. Participants volunteer for a 36-week program in exchange for a suspension of their prison sentence. Program elements include drug/alcohol monitoring, support groups, counseling, and extensive supervision. Using a phenomenological approach, this article describes the challenges faced by 20 participants, how they navigated the program requirements, their key realizations about their conditions, and their views on the viability and effectiveness of the program. The article uses qualitative interviews of participants and stakeholders collected for a process evaluation of the DUI program, and official records collected for programming purposes. Fi...
Estimated elasticities from regulated and unregulated cost functions

Abstract Estimates of the Allen partial elasticities of substitution (AES) for a regulated cost function [Smith (1981)] are compared with those obtained from an unregulated cost function. The AES for capital and variable inputs are reasonably similar, but those between variable inputs differ significantly.
Structural analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 2 of the precursor ribosomal RNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Full-length precursor ribosomal RNA molecules were produced in vitro using as a template, a plasmid containing the yeast 35 S pre-rRNA gene under the control of the phage T3 promoter. The higher-order structure of the 5'-external transcribed spacer (5' ETS) sequence in the 35S pre-rRNA molecule was studied using dimethylsulfate, 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)-carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate, RNase T1 and RNase V1 as structure-sensitive probes. Modified residues were detected by primer extension. Data produced were used to evaluate several theoretical structure models predicted by minimum free-energy calculations. A model for the entire 5'ETS region is proposed that accommodates 82% of the residues experimentally shown to be in either base-paired or single-stranded structure in the correct configuration. The model contains a high degree of secondary structure with ten stable hairpins of varying lengths and stabilities. The hairpins are composed of the Watson-Crick A.T and G.C pairs plus the non-canonical G.U pairs. Based on a comparative analysis of the 5' ETS sequence from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, most of the base-paired regions in the proposed model appear to be phylogenetically supported. The two sites previously shown to be crosslinked to U3 snRNA as well as the previously proposed recognition site for processing and one of the early processing site (based on sequence homology to the vertebrate ETS cleavage site) are located in single-stranded regions in the model. The present folding model for the 5' ETS in the 35 S pre-rRNA molecule should be useful in the investigations of the structure, function and processing of pre-rRNA.
Advancing age within established Gleason score categories and the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM).

Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? There is limited data that suggests that men aged >70 years have a higher proportion of Gleason 8-10 prostate cancer than men aged Objective To determine if advancing age is a risk factor for high-grade prostate cancer due to occult high-grade disease in elderly men with Gleason score 6 or 7 prostate cancer. We investigated whether advancing age is associated with the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) within established Gleason score categories adjusting for known predictors of PCSM. Patients and methods Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database between 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007, 166 104 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer were identified and formed the study cohort. • Within established Gleason score categories, Fine and Gray's multivariable competing risk regressions were used to evaluate whether increasing age at diagnosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of PCSM, adjusting for prostate-specific antigen level and T-category at diagnosis and whether treatment was curative or non-curative. Results After adjusting for treatment and prognostic factors, Gleason score 8-10 and 7 as compared with ≤6 was associated with an increased risk of PCSM (P 70 years having Gleason score 6 (AHR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.13, P Conclusions PCSM increases with advancing age in men with Gleason score 6 and 7 but not 8-10 prostate cancer. • Techniques to reduce biopsy sampling error in men, particularly those aged >70 years and healthy with Gleason score 6 and 7 disease deserve further study.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease was initially described in the 16th century and was the first animal pathogen identified as a virus. Recent FMD outbreaks in developed countries and their significant economic impact have increased the concern of governments worldwide. This review describes the reemergence of FMD in developed countries that had been disease free for many years and the effect that this has had on disease control strategies. The etiologic agent, FMD virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is examined in detail at the genetic, structural, and biochemical levels and in terms of its antigenic diversity. The virus replication cycle, including virus-receptor interactions as well as unique aspects of virus translation and shutoff of host macromolecular synthesis, is discussed. This information has been the basis for the development of improved protocols to rapidly identify disease outbreaks, to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals, and to begin to identify and test novel vaccine candidates. Furthermore, this knowledge, coupled with the ability to manipulate FMDV genomes at the molecular level, has provided the framework for examination of disease pathogenesis and the development of a more complete understanding of the virus and host factors involved.
Panic disorder during pregnancy

Panic disorder is common in women during the childbearing years. The few and conflicting reports regarding the course of panic disorder during pregnancy underscore the need for prospective studies in this area. This paper reviews possible ways in which pregnancy-induced physiological and psychological changes, life stress, and increases in hormones, especially progesterone, may affect anxiety and panic symptoms. The management of panic disorder and the use of antipanic medication during pregnancy are discussed.
Ion transport and regulation of respiratory tract fluid output in dogs

To investigate the regulation of respiratory tract fluid output (RTFO), we collected the RTFO in an anesthetized canine model after a series of pharmacological interventions (inhibition of Na+-K+-A...
Geography of Public Participation: Using Geographic Information Systems to Evaluate Public Outreach Program of Transportation Planning Studies

How effective are public involvement programs in reaching a representative and sufficient sampling of public input for a planning study? While evaluations of public involvement programs are traditionally qualitative, this paper shows how geographic information systems (GIS) can provide an appropriate and productive means of quantitatively evaluating the effectiveness of an agency's outreach program. This study used both mailing list and comment data from the Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project Environmental Impact Statement of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to evaluate the agency's outreach program. The data were analyzed to determine the project's effectiveness in informing and receiving feedback from potential stakeholders. The analysis showed that 50% of the mailing list members lived within 1/2 mi of the proposed project. "Inclusion rates" were calculated, with household participation rates in census block groups near the project ranging from 0 to 82%. The Tysons Corner se...
Ab Initio Computations of Electronic, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of ZrB2 and HfB2

A comprehensive ab initio analysis of the ultra high temperature ceramics ZrB2 and HfB2 is presented. Density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed for the electronic, mechanical, thermal, and point defect properties of these materials. Lattice constants and elastic constants were determined. Computations of the electronic density of states, band structure, electron localization function, etc. show the diverse bonding types that exist in these materials. They also suggest the connection between the electronic structure and the superior mechanical properties. Lattice dynamical effects were considered, including phonon dispersions, vibrational densities of states, and specific heat curves. Point defect (vacancies and antisites) structures and energetics are also presented.
Genetic susceptibility to lung cancer—light at the end of the tunnel?

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers in the world. The major socio-environmental risk factor involved in the development of lung cancer is cigarette smoking. Additionally, there are multiple genetic factors, which may also play a role in lung cancer risk. Early work focused on the presence of relatively prevalent but low-penetrance alterations in candidate genes leading to increased risk of lung cancer. Development of new technologies such as genomic profiling and genome-wide association studies has been helpful in the detection of new genetic variants likely involved in lung cancer risk. In this review, we discuss the role of multiple genetic variants and review their putative role in the risk of lung cancer. Identifying genetic biomarkers and patterns of genetic risk may be useful in the earlier detection and treatment of lung cancer patients.
Examining the relationship between gender and drug-using behaviors in adolescents: The use of diagnostic assessments and biochemical analyses of urine samples

The present study examined the relationship between gender and drug-use among adolescents using diagnostic assessments and biochemical analyses of urine samples. The data were collected in the context of a referral and assessment program for adolescents suspected of using drugs, using the Adolescent Substance Battery [1]. A six-month random sample of 20 percent of adolescents assessed for drug use were targeted for biochemical assay. Compliance for urine delivery was relatively high at 91 percent. Urine samples were quantitatively screened for pharmaceuticals using a standard thin-layer chromatography (TLC) technique [2]. Statistical significance was found in the relationship between gender and marijuana use (p = .05). This study confirms that gender and drug-using behaviors among adolescents need additional research and evaluation.
Only large amounts of powdered sugar applied directly to brood cells harms immature honey bees

SUMMARYWe applied measured amounts of powdered sugar directly to honey bee brood combs containing eggs and larvae of known age groups. 24 h later, we compared powdered sugar-treated brood with similarly aged cohorts of immature bees that did not receive powdered sugar. Low and high doses of powdered sugar (0.3 and 0.6 g per 151.5 ± 1.0 cells, respectively) caused significant egg removal of 62.2 ± 5.1% and 86.1± 5.1%, respectively, when compared to eggs that received no powdered sugar (t = 16.91; df = 29; P = 0.0001). Powdered sugar had no effect on 5-day-old honey bee larvae (t = 0.74; df = 29; P = 0.4668), but caused a significant percentage of 8-day-old larvae (18.5 ± 4.5%) to be removed when applied at the high dose (t = 4.10; df = 29; P = 0.0003).
The Role of Blood Pressure and Aldosterone in the Production of Hemorrhagic Stroke in Captopril-Treated Hypertensive Rats

Background and Purpose We tested the hypothesis that the lowering of plasma aldosterone levels contributed to the antistroke effects of captopril treatment in Wistar Kyoto stroke-prone spontaneousl...
American Attitudes toward Japan and China, Decades of Polls

Gathering polling items about China and Japan from 1937 to 2011, we examine how Americans think about these two powerful East Asian countries. Our study investigates American attitudes from two perspectives. First, we analyze the content of polling items asked in the US about China and Japan to track changes in salient issues over a period of over 60 years. Second, by tracking repeated items, we show how American attitudes toward China and Japan have changed over time, both in long-term general favorability, and shorter-term perception of geopolitical, ideological, and economic threat in response to historical events. Key Words:China, Japan, United States, Economy, Polling, Public Opinion, Trends, Favorability, Public Sentiment, Public Perception ____________________ All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Faith Laken at the University of Chicago, 1111 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637 USA or by email at Laken-Faith@norc.org.
A general method for the preparation of benzylic α,α-difluorophosphonic acids; non-hydrolyzable mimemtics of phosphotyrosine

Abstract Methodology is presented for the preparation of heretofore unreported benzylic α,α-difluorophosphonic acids. Oxidation of benzylic α-hydroxyphosphonates using MnO 2 , provided a new route for the synthesis of benzylic α-oxophosphonates, which were then fluorinated using DAST. Hydrolysis of ester protecting groups yielded α,α-difluorophosphonic acids. These represent non-hydrolyzable mimetics of arylphosphates which could be of value in the study of cellular phosphotyrosine-utilizing signal transduction pathways.
Population Genetics of the Rubber-Producing Russian Dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz)

The Russian dandelion, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), is a perennial species native to Central Asia that produces high quality, natural rubber. Despite its potential to help maintain a stable worldwide rubber supply, little is known about genetic variation in this species. To facilitate future germplasm improvement efforts, we developed simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers from available expressed-sequence tag (EST) data and used them to investigate patterns of population genetic diversity in this nascent crop species. We identified numerous SSRs (1,510 total) in 1,248 unigenes from a larger set of 6,960 unigenes (derived from 16,441 ESTs) and designed PCR primers targeting 767 of these loci. Screening of a subset of 192 of these primer pairs resulted in the identification of 48 pairs that appeared to produce single-locus polymorphisms. We then used the most reliable 17 of these primer pairs to genotype 176 individuals from 17 natural TKS populations. We observed an average of 4.8 alleles per locus with population-level expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.28 to 0.50. An average pairwise FST of 0.11 indicated moderate but statistically significant levels of genetic differentiation, though there was no clear geographic patterning to this differentiation. We also tested these 17 primer pairs in the widespread common dandelion, T. officinale, and a majority successfully produced apparently single-locus amplicons. This result demonstrates the potential utility of these markers for genetic analyses in other species in the genus.
Effect of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy in older men

Background: Minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) has been rapidly adopted over the last decade, however, little is known about outcomes in older patients. Objective: To examine the outcomes of MIRP vs. open radical prostatectomy (OPRP) stratified by age. Subjects and methods: We examined the Surveillance, End Results and Epidemiology-Medicare database between years 2004 and 2009 for men with nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Our cohort (n ¼ 12,092) was subdivided into 2 groups—MIRP vs. OPRP, and by patient age Z70 years (n ¼ 6,660) vs. 66 to 69 years (n ¼ 5,432). Multivariate analysis and multiple Cox proportional hazard models evaluated the influence of surgical approach and other variables on perioperative and postoperative complications in each age group. Results: The use of MIRP increased over the 6-year time span (14.8%–73.3%; o70 y) and 15.1%–69.8%; Z70 y). OPRP was associated with a higher risk of blood transfusion and postoperative respiratory or genitourinary (GU) complications. Patients who underwent MIRP were more likely to have a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence compared to OPRP (56.9% vs. 42.2% and 53.9% vs. 43.2%, respectively; P o 0.0001). Patients who underwent MIRP were less likely to have an anastomotic stricture or require additional cancer therapy. Men aged Z70 years, who underwent MIRP had higher rates of transfusion, GU complications, length of stay, incontinence, and anastomotic stricture rates compared with those of men aged 66 to 69 years. However, older men undergoing MIRP had 10% lower rates of erectile dysfunction compared with that of men aged 66 to 69 years of age. Conclusions: MIRP increased to 470% of all procedures performed in 2009. MIRP is associated with lower blood transfusion rates, postoperative respiratory or GU complications, anastomotic stricture diagnoses, and additional cancer therapies. This suggests that MIRP is a successful prostate cancer treatment for older patients. r 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The Quantified Community and Neighborhood Labs: A Framework for Computational Urban Planning and Civic Technology Innovation

This paper presents the conceptual framework and justification for a “Quantified Community” (QC) and a networked experimental environment of neighborhood labs. The QC is a fully instrumented urban neighborhood that uses an integrated, expandable, and participatory sensor network to support the measurement, integration, and analysis of neighborhood conditions, social interactions and behavior, and sustainability metrics to support public decision-making. Through a diverse range of sensor and automation technologies -- combined with existing data generated through administrative records, surveys, social media, and mobile sensors -- information on human, physical, and environmental elements can be processed in real-time to better understand the interaction and effects of the built environment on human well-being and outcomes. The goal is to create an “informatics overlay” that can be incorporated into future urban development and planning that supports the benchmarking and evaluation of neighborhood conditions, provides a test-bed for measuring the impact of new technologies and policies, and responds to the changing needs and preferences of the local community.
Multilevel design optimisation of a vehicle-dummy model under crash, vibration and injury criteria

A decomposed formulation and solution approach is presented for multidisciplinary vehicle design optimisation under crashworthiness, occupant safety, mass, and vibration design criteria. The vehicle model, equipped with a dummy and occupant restraint system, is used in nonlinear transient dynamic finite element simulations of both full frontal impact (FFI) and side impact (SI) for calculation of multiple injury criteria. A body-in-white vehicle model based on the corresponding crash finite element model is used for vibration analysis. The hierarchically decomposed multilevel optimisation problem consists of an injury criteria minimisation problem at the system level and separate mass minimisation problems subject to FFI and SI criteria at the subsystem level. Key aspects of the multilevel optimisation methodology are presented with the results showing a mass reduction of 8.7 kg in the vehicle model along an 8% improvement in the injury index with no loss of vehicle rigidity relative to the baseline model.
Tobacco Flea Beetle Overwintering and Spring Emergence in Cages

Overwintering and spring-emergence studies of Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer), conducted from 1966 to 1971, showed that few beetles emerged in cages during March, 50% emerged by the end of April, and about 95% had emerged by May 31. With the exception of 1967, the insect was not recovered in cages after June 20. Recovery of tobacco flea beetles placed in over wintering cages ranged from 48% in 1967 to a low of 13% in 1970. Peak emergence generally followed light rainfall and warm air temperatures. There appeared to be no direct relationship between the time the beetles were introduced into over wintering cages in the fall and the time of emergence in the spring, or on winter survival.
The Dynamic Equilibrium Between (AlOMe)n Cages and (AlOMe)n·(AlMe3)m Nanotubes in Methylaluminoxane (MAO): A First-Principles Investigation

Species likely to be present in methylaluminoxane (MAO) are studied via dispersion-corrected DFT, which we show is able to accurately predict thermochemical parameters for the dimerization of trimethylaluminum (TMA). Both cage-like, (AlOMe)n,c, and TMA-bound nanotubes, (AlOMe)n,t·(AlMe3)m, are found to be important components of MAO. The most stable structures have aluminum/oxygen atoms in environments whose average hybridization approaches sp3/sp2. The (AlOMe)n,t·(AlMe3)m isomers with the lowest free energies possess Al−μ-Me–Al bonds. At 298 K a novel Td-(AlOMe)16,c oligomer is one of the most stable structures among the six stoichiometries with the lowest free energies: (AlOMe)20,c·(AlMe3)2, Td-(AlOMe)16,c, (AlOMe)18,c, (AlOMe)20,c·(AlMe3), (AlOMe)10,t·(AlMe3)4, and (AlOMe)20,c. As the temperature rises, the abundance of (AlOMe)n,t·(AlMe3)m decreases, and that of (AlOMe)n,c increases. Because the former are expected to be precursors for the active species in polymerization, this may in part be the reaso...
Vortex Dynamics of a Tangent Ogive at a High Angle of Attack

The flowfield around an axisymmetric forebody at a moderate angle of attack (40 o < � < 60 o ) can produce a significant side force as the result of an asymmetric pres- sure distribution around the body. The asymmetry of the pressure distribution results from a steady, asymmetric vortex configuration around the body even though the body is axisymmetric. Unsteady laminar simulations were performed on a von Karman tangent ogive forebody with a fineness ratio of 3.5, angle of attack of 50 degrees, and a diameter based Reynolds number of 220,000. As a first step towards feedback flow control of the asymmetric vortex state, open-loop disturbances similar to those produced by a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuator near the tip of the model were simulated. The resulting side force from the open-loop simulations are compared to the unforced simu- lations. In the unforced case, a large side force was observed with maximum amplitudes similar to those observed in a companion experiment. However, the side force fluctuates between the port and starboard sides, in contrast to experimental observation where the side force is relatively steady. When forcing is turned on, the resultant asymmetric vortex state locks into one position where the magnitude of the side force is proportional to the strength of the applied forcing. These simulations, both forced and unforced, are used to develop a flow state database through Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) for the development of reduced order models. It is shown that the second POD mode (including the mean) captures the asymmetry of the different vortex states tested.
A new technique for the direct detection of HO 2 radicals using bromidechemical ionization mass spectrometry (Br-CIMS): initial characterization

Abstract. Hydroperoxy radicals (HO2) play an important part in tropospheric photochemistry, yet photochemical models do not capture ambient HO2 mixing ratios consistently. This is likely due to a combination of uncharacterized chemical pathways and measurement limitations. The indirect nature of current HO2 measurements introduces challenges in accurately measuring HO2; therefore a direct technique would help constrain HOx chemistry in the atmosphere. In this work we evaluate the feasibility of using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) and propose a direct HO2 detection scheme using bromide as a reagent ion. Ambient observations were made with a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS) in Atlanta over the month of June 2015 to demonstrate the capability of this direct measurement technique. Observations displayed expected diurnal profiles, reaching daytime median values of ∼ 5 ppt between 2 and 3 p.m. local time. The HO2 diurnal profile was found to be influenced by morning-time vehicular NOx emissions and shows a slow decrease into the evening, likely from non-photolytic production, among other factors. Measurement sensitivities of approximately 5.1 ± 1.0 cps ppt−1 for a bromide ion (79Br−) count rate of 106 cps were observed. The relatively low instrument background allowed for a 3σ lower detection limit of 0.7 ppt for a 1 min integration time. Mass spectra of ambient measurements showed the 79BrHO2− peak was the major component of the signal at nominal mass-to-charge 112, suggesting high selectivity for HO2 at this mass-to-charge. More importantly, this demonstrates that these measurements can be achieved using instruments with only unit mass resolution capability.
Research and Practice in Teaching of a Robotics Lesson

In order to update teaching ideas and optimize teaching methods, the robotics teaching conditions of several famous universities are investigated. In accordance with the principal idea of "capability cultivating", the robotics teaching in Beihang University is innovated from teaching contents and teaching methods. The practice results show that the reformed teaching contents and teaching methods can efficiently improve the teaching quality and the practice ability of students.
Effect of protein source and fumaric acid supplementation on apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients by young pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility of DM and N by young pigs fed diets supplemented with different protein sources or organic acids. Pigs were surgically fitted with silicone cannulas at 2 wk of age. Following surgery, pigs were allowed to recuperate with their dams while suckling normally. After weaning at 24 d, pigs were assigned to treatment diets at 28 d of age. A 3-d adjustment and 4-d collection sequence was followed for the duration of the 4-wk experiment. Four treatment diets were fed in each experiment in a weekly rotation until each diet had been fed to each pig. Diet samples and digesta collected through the ileal cannulas were analyzed for chromic oxide (used as an indigestible marker), DM, and N. Pigs in Exp. 1 were fed isolysinic (1.0%) corn-based diets supplemented with casein, soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, or isolated soy protein. Casein addition resulted in improved DM (P less than .001) and N (P less than .05) digestibility but reduced gain (P less than .05) compared with the average of the soy protein sources. Nitrogen from diets formulated with soybean meal was digested more completely (P less than .05) than N from diets based on soy protein concentrate and isolated soy protein. Experiment 2 was an evaluation of the effect of dried skim milk (25%) and fumaric acid (2%) addition on apparent ileal digestibility of N and DM in corn-soybean meal diets. Addition of dried skim milk improved DM (P less than .01) and N (P less than .05) digestibility and daily gain (P less than .001). Fumaric acid supplementation did not affect nutrient digestibility or gain (P greater than .10).
Beyond Germs: Native Depopulation in North America. Amerind Studies in Anthropology. Edited by Catherine M. Cameron, Paul Kelton, and Alan C. Swedlund. Foreword by John Ware.

Beyond Germs: Native Depopulation in North America . Amerind Studies in Anthropology. Edited by Catherine M. Cameron, Paul Kelton, and Alan C. Swedlund. Foreword by John Ware. (Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2015. xi + 276 pp. Illustrations, maps, tables, chart, notes, index. $60.00.) B eyond Germs will appeal to historians of early America, the West, American Indians, and those interested in the history of disease. Determined to demonstrate that lack of immunity to novel diseases was only one component of the explanation for population decline, these scholars aim to if not overturn then at least dislodge virgin soil epidemics as the principle explanation for the cause of American Indian population decline. Their view is that virgin soil is both simplistic and, I would add, lazy. The claim that American Indian population demise is principally explainable because of their supposed lack of immunity to Old World … Cwm6w{at}eservices.virginia.edu
Using Political Scandal to Limit Social Justice

This chapter analyzes the use of political scandal to limit the power of social justice movements, focusing on the movement for civil rights and racial justice in the USA. This chapter relies on primary sources of letters that US citizens sent to their congressional representatives protesting social progress during the Civil Rights era. Attempts to “scandalize” Martin Luther King Jr., the Selma-to-Montgomery marchers, and the broader Civil Rights Movement are examples of how scandal is deployed by defenders of existing social and political hierarchies in an effort to maintain their status quo.
452 Establishing the nature of falls in children in an Urban Hospital in Kenya to prevent unintentional injuries

Background Nairobi, Kenya has a population of nearly 4 million with an annual growth rate of 4%. However despite the increased urbanisation across the city, healthcare provision ignores unintentional injuries including falls among children and adolescents. Methods The objective of the study was to establish the nature of falls among children aged 0–21 years presenting at the Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Nairobi, Kenya. The study was retrospective based on the review of hospital records from the year 2004 to 2013. The data was analysed based on age group most at risk for a fall, nature of the fall and the cause of the fall injury. Results A total of 11,137 children were treated for injuries over the study period. Of these, 5570 (50%) sustained fall-related injuries. The number of children admitted for falls annually increased by 332.82% from 259 in 2004 to 1,121 in 2013. The highest incidence of falls was among the 6–10 year age group (n = 2081; 37.4%) followed by the 11–15 year age group (n = 1502; 27%). The highest number of injuries were sustained by falls on the same ground level (n = 2361; 42.4%), a high place (n = 884; 15.9%) and from staircases (n = 776; 13.9%). The least number of injuries were from buildings (n = 3; 0.05%) and moving vehicles (n = 2; 0.04%). All injuries were classified by the nature of falls; majority were open and superficial wounds (n = 2703; 48.53%) and dislocation and strain of joints (n = 798; 14.3%) while the least were intracranial injuries (n = 9; 0.2%). Overall falls have not increased more than any other cause of injuries. Conclusions The clinical setting of a children’s hospital allows for easy identification of children most at risk of an unintentional injury. Interventions should be put in place in the communities they live in, and there should be more studies on the causes of fall injuries among children. These injuries may be serious enough to require hospital treatment and even result in disability.
Neuropsychiatric Outcomes after Mefloquine Exposure among U.S. Military Service Members

Mefloquine was widely prescribed to U.S. military service members until 2009 when use was limited to personnel with contraindications to doxycycline and no contraindications to mefloquine. The need to estimate the occurrence of neuropsychiatric outcomes (NPOs) in service members prescribed mefloquine warranted a comprehensive evaluation of this issue. Active component service members filling a prescription for mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (A/P) between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2013, were included in the analysis. The risk of developing incident NPOs and the risk of subsequent NPOs among subjects with a history of the condition were assessed. A total of 367,840 individuals were evaluated (36,538 received mefloquine, 318,421 received doxycycline, and 12,881 received A/P). Among deployed individuals prescribed mefloquine, an increased risk of incident anxiety was seen when compared with doxycycline recipients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.12 [1.01-1.24]). Among nondeployed mefloquine recipients, an increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen when compared with A/P recipients (IRR = 1.83 [1.07-3.14]). An increased risk of tinnitus was seen for both deployed and nondeployed mefloquine recipients compared with A/P recipients (IRR = 1.81 [1.18-2.79]), 1.51 (1.13-2.03), respectively). Six percent of the mefloquine cohort had an NPO in the year before receiving mefloquine. When comparing individuals with a prior neuropsychiatric history to those without, the ratio of relative risks for adjustment disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD were higher (not statistically significant) for mefloquine compared with doxycycline. These findings emphasize the continued need for physicians prescribing mefloquine to conduct contraindication screening.
Improving Survival in Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Novel Therapies.

Abstract Background: Recent advances in the therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) have greatly increased the treatment options for this uniformly fatal plasma cell malignancy. It is not clear if introduction of novel therapies and the increased use of high dose therapy (HDT) in the past decade have translated into better outcome for patients (pts) with MM. Methods: We examined the outcome of two cohorts of pts seen at our institution. The first cohort consisted of 387 pts who relapsed after HDT and was examined for potential improvement in survival following relapse after HDT. These pts were divided into two groups; those who relapsed before or after December 31, 2000. The second cohort consisted of 2981 patients with newly diagnosed MM seen between January 1971 and December 2006 and was used to examine the trends in overall survival (OS). Results: Among those relapsing after HDT, there were 245 males (63%); median (range) age at HDT was 57 years (32.8–75.4) and the median time to HDT was 8.1 months (1–90 months) from diagnosis. The median time to relapse was 13.2 months (1.1 months-10.3 years) from HDT. In this cohort, a clear improvement in OS from time of relapse was seen over the past decade, with those relapsing after 2000 having a median OS of 23.9 months (95% CI; 19.8, 27.6) compared to 11.8 months (95% CI; 8.7, 14.9) for the rest (P 5.5 mg/dL. Pts who were treated with one or more of the newer drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib) had longer survival from relapse (30.9 months (95% CI; 23.6, 38.2) compared to 14.8 months (95% CI; 11.3, 18.4); P Conclusion: In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate definite proof for improved outcome in patients with myeloma, both in the relapsed setting as well as at diagnosis, a change that is likely to continue with increased use of these drugs. Download : Download high-res image (94KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure Download : Download high-res image (45KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure
First impressions of adults with autism improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism knowledge of peers

A practical consideration for many intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is whether to disclose their diagnostic status or try to mask their autistic characteristics to avoid judgment and discrimination. Here, we assessed first impressions of adults with ASD and typically developing controls (N = 40) made by typically developing observers (N = 215) when their diagnostic status was either withheld, accurately provided, or inaccurately provided. First impressions were less favorable for ASD participants compared to typically developing controls across a range of judgments, but were significantly more positive when accurately labeled as ASD compared to when no label was provided, when mislabeled as typically developing, or when mislabeled as having schizophrenia. For typically developing participants, ratings did not change when accurately labeled but improved when mislabeled as ASD. Greater autistic traits for the ASD and typically developing participants were associated with less favorable first impressions, and females were rated more favorably than males. Autism knowledge of the raters, but not age, IQ, or autistic traits, was positively associated with more favorable impressions of ASD participants. Collectively, these findings suggest that first impressions for intellectually able adults with ASD improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism understanding on the part of peers.
Inflammatory Mediators in Heart Failure

Abstract Heart failure represents a systemic disease with profound effects on multiple peripheral tissues. There is growing evidence that inflammation not only contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of a variety of cardiomyopathies, but also, the systemic syndrome of heart failure. Mechanistically, systemic and local inflammatory responses drive critical aspects of this pathology. In this chapter, we will discuss pathological mechanisms that drive inflammation and highlight clinical findings from trials that have investigated the role of inflammation in heart failure progression and outcomes. We will also describe emerging roles for distinct innate immune subsets that reside within the pediatric and adult heart focusing on the recently described embryonic and bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophage lineages. Within this context, we will discuss the how the immune mechanisms might be differentially targeted to modulate inflammation and tissue repair in children with heart failure.
Advances in Inorganic Fiber Developments

Inorganic fiber based materials offer potential for the develpoment of next generation advanced materials beyond fiber reinforced plastics. Inorganic fiber needs and technology are briefly reviewed. The difference in structure and properties of alumina and alumina/silica fibers are discussed. The addition of silica to alumina increases the tensile strength but significantly lowers the modulus of the 100% alumina fibers. Next generation advanced aluminum alloys based on reactive Al-Li compositions are shown to be compatible with dense microstructure and relatively stable 100% alumina fibers to yield wellbonded alumina fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites having predicted mechanical properties. Examples of potential applications for inorganic fibers materials in aerospace and automotive are shown. An important milestone in inorganic fibers technology was recently reached with the introduction of the world’s first inorganic fiber reinforcedmetal matrix composite as a piston insert for an automotive diesel engine.
Robust Parameter Estimation

The problem of robust parameter estimation in image registration is discussed and various robust methods for estimating registration parameters under outliers and inaccurate correspondences are reviewed and compared. After reviewing ordinary least-squares and weighted least-squares estimation, robust estimators such as maximum likelihood (M), repeated median (RM), scale (S), least median of squares (LMS), least trimmed square (LTS), and rank (R) estimators are described and compared.
Review: Offering Domestic Partnership Health Benefits: An Economic Concern?

In the United States, employers are an important source of health insurance for citizens less than 65 years of age. Yet despite the country's increasing number of unmarried partner households, fewer than 1 in 4 workers are employed by firms that offer healthcare benefits to same-sex and/or opposite-sex domestic partners. This paper presents the main arguments, from societal and employer perspectives, for offering domestic partnership benefits. As the number of companies offering such benefits has grown, data on the direct costs of insurance have become available. The experience of insurers and employers suggests that adverse selection is not a substantial problem. Domestic partners usually account for only a small percentage of an employer's risk pool, which also limits the potential effect on total insurance costs. Although low enrollment attenuates their potential economic impact on national healthcare, domestic partnership health benefits remain important from a sociopolitical standpoint—acknowledging the value of equity and diversity in the workplace.
ENVIRONMENTAL ALTERATION OF CRACK TIP DISLOCATION CELL STRUCTURE AND MODE OF GROWTH DURING FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN FERRITIC STEEL

Observation of replicated crack tips is in accord with the above results. In particular, CTOD is reduced in air by a factor of more than two, while the larger CTOD found in dry N 2 agrees well with that predicted by fracture mechanics (which includes no environmental interaction). Finally, fractographic examination shows that the fracture surfaces are covered with ductile striations; however, the portion of the fracture surface created in the moist environment has some additional features. Some 30% of the surface is covered with fracture facets appearing to be transgranular cleavage, but inspection at higher magnification reveals that these facets are covered with brittle striations. Both
Longitudinal Course of Social Support Among Men in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Despite the attention to social supports as moderators between stress and stress outcomes, the picture we have to date is essentially static, showing only the relations among these three variables at a single point in time or over a limited follow-up period. Little is known about the longitudinal course of social supports; especially their vicissitudes or stability over the life span. Even less is known about the relations among social supports, enduring personality dispositions, and the course of life. This gap is particularly apparent to psychologists trained in a lifespan orientation.
Can Allocation-Based Water Rates Promote Conservation and Increase Welfare? A California Case Study

An allocation-based rate (ABR) is a special type of increasing block rate (IBR) price structure that is receiving increased attention from urban water suppliers in places like California where popu...
The Imaginative Ethnographer as Vagabond Bricoleur: Being Still, Being Quiet, Standing in Love and Paying Attention

This interview discusses the infinity of stories as an endless reservoir of imagining new forms of meaning, feeling and embodiment of fieldwork data. Thinking of ethnographic analysis and experience as a collaborative process of performance and creative expression is an alternative to the prevailing textocentric documentation that demands both a political economy of contexts and an ethics of loving attention.
The conditioning role of polarization in U.S. senate election outcomes: A direct-election era & voter-level analysis

Abstract Recent work finds that a decline in the incumbency advantage coincides with the rise of partisanship as a determinant of congressional electoral outcomes. While this work updates our view of congressional elections, it is unclear if this holds in the more candidate-centered and high-information electoral context of the U.S. Senate. In this paper, I address these two considerations by evaluating a theory positing that polarization conditions the influence of incumbency and partisanship as Senate election determinants. Using data on the entire direct-election Senate era and survey data, this paper finds that: (1) polarization provides a partisan advantage for candidates running in states in which they are members of the partisan majority and (2) polarization positively conditions the incumbency advantage for Senators representing states that favor the other party. These findings suggest that Senators may still successfully cultivate a personal brand in the face of growing ideological differences between the parties.