cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Almost-digital multiphase frequency mixing

This work presents a compact, almost-digital frequency mixer that produces a sinusoidal signal at frequency ω 1 ±ω 2 when driven by two digital periodic signals of frequencies ω 1 and ω 2 . The mixer uses multiple phases of the input signals to suppress higher order intermodulation products and increase the spurious free dynamic range of the output. A circuit implementation has been realized using an FPGA and it was used to derive spectral measurements demonstrating the feasibility and performance of the architecture.
Critical Current Density Measurements In High Tc "Insitu" YBa2Cu3O7-8 Superconducting Thin Films

Critical current density measurements have been made on in-situ processed and patterned, laser deposited thin films.These films were deposited on LaA103 and KTa03 with substrate temperatures ranging at from 500-650°C. Epitaxial growth was achieved as targets of Y (123) and Y (123) Ag3 were ablated by an excimer laser in an oxygen ambient atmosphere. A steel mask was placed near the substrate to pattern the films. Transport critical current density was measured as a function of temperature in order to ascertain any role flux pinning may play in determining critical current density.
Inhibition of the fertilizing capacity of rabbit spermatozoa by sialoproteins.

Abstract Partially purified Cowper's gland mucin of the boar, fetuin and sialyl lactose inhibited fertilization of rabbit ova by capacitated spermatozoa in vitro . The mucin and fetuin also inhibited fertilization in vivo , but sialyl lactose failed to do so. A dose response was observed between the amount of glycoprotein and inhibition of fertilization. Removal of sialic acid from glycoproteins reduced their antifertility effect. Corona penetrating enzyme was completely inhibited by the mucin and fetuin. These studies provide the first experimental evidence for glycoprotein inhibitors of fertilization.
Screening for Mental Disorder Among Primary Care Patients: Usefulness of the General Health Questionnaire

• The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a structured psychiatric interview (lifetime version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia) were administered to a sample of primary care patients in the United States. Responses to the GHQ tended to form factors that have substantive interpretations, such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and social functioning. However, there seems to be little gain in using subscale scores to help identify persons with different types of psychiatric disorders.
Bit depth and sample rate tunable digital to analog converter using conversion/dispersion based delays

We experimentally demonstrate a bit depth and sample rate tunable and reconfigurable optical digital to analog converter (DAC) using conversion/dispersion based delays with optical multicasting and multiplexing. 4-bit 10-GSample/s optical DAC is realized with ∼2% and ∼5.6% error from theory for electrical and optical multiplexing, respectively.
Punishment and the Principle of Fair Play

What I call the Just Distribution theory of punishment holds that the justification of punishment is that it rectifies the social distribution of benefits and burdens which has been upset by the offender. I argue that a recent version of this theory is no more viable than earlier versions. Like them, it fails in its avowed intention to deliver fundamental intuitions about crime and punishment. The root problem is its foundation in Hart's Principle of Fair Play, a foundation which, I argue, is inappropriate for a theory of punishment.
An Approach to Primary Prevention of Drug Abuse Among Children and Youth-Parental Influence.

Parental influence is the source of primary prevention of drug use by children and youth in this country today. Parents may feel helpless to combat the use of drugs by their children as a way of coping with the responsibilities of daily living. Guidelines for effective parent-child relationships are offered as one approach to insure a positive future for our nation's children and youth, and revive the potency of parents as sources of positive influence.
Illicit and nonmedical drug use among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, and mixed-race individuals

Abstract Background The racial/ethnic composition of the United States is shifting rapidly, with non-Hispanic Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHs/PIs), and mixed-race individuals the fastest growing segments of the population. We determined new drug use estimates for these rising groups. Prevalences among Whites were included as a comparison. Methods Data were from the 2005–2011 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. Substance use among respondents aged ≥12 years was assessed by computer-assisted self-interviewing methods. Respondents’ self-reported race/ethnicity, age, gender, household income, government assistance, county type, residential stability, major depressive episode, history of being arrested, tobacco use, and alcohol use were examined as correlates. We stratified the analysis by race/ethnicity and used logistic regression to estimate odds of drug use. Results Prevalence of past-year marijuana use among Whites increased from 10.7% in 2005 to 11.6–11.8% in 2009–2011 (P Conclusions Findings reveal alarmingly prevalent drug use among NHs/PIs and mixed-race people. Research on drug use is needed in these rising populations to inform prevention and treatment efforts.
Intergenerational Child Abuse and Coping

Many studies have investigated the consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) but few have examined the intergenerational effects of poly- victimization and maladaptive coping. The purpose of this investigation was to examine patterns of maltreatment and maladaptive coping among second-generation CSA survivors. It is hypothesized that: (a) maternal CSA history would be associated with a higher incidence of poly-victimization and maladaptive coping and (b) experiencing more forms of abuse would mediate the relation between maternal CSA history and maladaptive coping behaviors. The method used was a chart review of 139 sexually abused females aged 12 to 17, examining maternal abuse history, maladaptive coping behaviors, and child maltreatment. The results showed that poly-victimization differed as a function of maternal CSA history but maladaptive coping did not. Experiencing more types of abuse was associated with both self-injurious behaviors and substance use. In conclusion, results support the hypothesis that second generation CSA survivors are more likely to experience poly-victimization. Future research should address how intergenerational patterns of abuse might affect presenting symptomatology and treatment outcome.
A Quasi-Planar Conical Antenna With Broad Bandwidth and Omnidirectional Pattern for Ultrawideband Radar Sensor Network Applications

A quasi-planar conical antenna with broad bandwidth (more than 10:1) and omnidirectional radiation pattern has been designed. In order to achieve mechanical stability, conical radiator is realized through thin metallic coating over a cavity etched into a dielectric slab. Due to dielectric loading, the conical antenna in this paper is quasi-planar, low-cost, light, mechanically robust, and easy to fabricate, integrate, and re-configure. A simulation tool based on the Method of Moments is developed to analyze the quasi-planar antenna. With simulation results as the guideline, the dielectric loading's material and geometries are optimized to attain wideband input impedance and omnidirectional radiation pattern. Three antenna prototypes are fabricated by using high density polyurethane foam as the dielectric loading material. Simulation and measurement data show excellent agreements. Input impedance bandwidths of all the three prototypes are greater than 10:1; and all of them show omnidirectional patterns in the azimuth plane. These quasi-planar conical antennas can be readily applied to ultrawideband communication and radar applications. In this paper, an ultrawideband radar sensor network testbed is constructed using one of the three prototype designs. Target localization is successfully demonstrated by five radar nodes with the aid of grid based location estimation algorithm.
The mechanisms of human hotdog-fold thioesterase 2 (hTHEM2) substrate recognition and catalysis illuminated by a structure and function based analysis.

The focus of this paper is the hotdog-fold thioesterase THEM2 from human (hTHEM2; Swiss-Prot entry Q9NPJ3). In an earlier communication (Cheng, Z., Song, F., Shan, X., Wei, Z., Wang, Y., Dunaway-Mariano, D., and Gong, W. (2006) Crystal structure of human thioesterase superfamily member 2, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 349, 172−177) we reported the apo crystal structure of hTHEM2. Herein, we report the results of an extensive hTHEM2 substrate screen, the structure determination of hTHEM2 complexed with the inert substrate analogue undecan-2-one-CoA (in which O═C−CH2−S substitutes for O═C−S) and the kinetic analysis of active site mutants. The work described in this paper represents the first reported structure−function based analysis of a human hotdog-fold thioesterase. The catalytic mechanism proposed involves the Asp65/Ser83 assisted attack of a water molecule at the Gly57/Asn50 polarized thioester C═O and the Asn50 assisted departure of the thiolate leaving group. Thioesterase activity was observed wit...
Effects of daptomycin in combination with other antimicrobial agents: a review of in vitro and animal model studies

This review summarizes the in vitro and animal model data available on antibiotic combinations with daptomycin. The majority of studies focus on the clinically relevant combinations of daptomycin with rifampicin or with gentamicin. These studies demonstrate that daptomycin does not adversely affect the activity of other antimicrobial agents that may be administered concomitantly. Overall, additive or indifferent effects with daptomycin combinations were observed; however, synergy was observed for certain isolates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci when exposed to daptomycin and rifampicin. Unexpected synergy was demonstrated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by daptomycin and beta-lactams. Most importantly, no in vitro antagonism of daptomycin with any other agent tested was confirmed in these studies. The most striking in vivo effects were noted in two different complicated infection models; i.e. osteomyelitis and implant infections, where rifampicin combinations with daptomycin increased efficacy and reduced the incidence of rifampicin resistance.
Short Interfering RNA against Bax Attenuates TNFα-Induced Ototoxicity in Rat Organ of Corti Explants:

ObjectiveEvaluate the effectiveness of short interfering RNA against Bax (Bax siRNA) as a treatment for tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–induced auditory hair cell (HC) loss in rat organ of Corti (OC) explants.Study DesignBasic science.SettingBasic science laboratory, University of Miami Ear Institute.MethodsOrgan of Corti explants dissected from 3-day-old rats were cultured in control media, TNFα, and TNFα + Bax siRNA at 0, 48, and 72 hours in vitro. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, HC viability studies, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy were performed. Analysis of variance with post hoc testing was used with P < .05 considered significant.ResultsThe TNFα-damaged explants demonstrated significant decreases in viable HCs in the basal turn with corresponding increased levels of Bax gene and protein expression, compared with control explant levels. The levels of viable HCs and Bax gene and protein expression in TNFα + Bax siRNA-treated explants approached level...
Disengagement of the Aged Population and Response Differentials in Survey Research

The Cumming and Henry hypothesis that aging involves disengagement from interaction with others is related to response differentials in survey research in this paper. Within the aged population, differentials in family structure, type of housing unit, and size of housing unit were found suggesting that the aged who refused to be interviewed were more "disengaged" than those who were cooperative. On the other hand, no major differences were found in the extent of political participation and general level of social participation. If adjustments are made for age, then socioeconomic, social participation, and political participation differences are relatively minor. The findings, then, were equivocable insofar as the disengagement hypothesis is concerned. Also, it was concluded that age response differentials are important enough to warrant a correction factor for age bias when precise population estimates are needed.
Can whisker spot patterns be used to identify individual polar bears

Studies of population dynamics, movement patterns and animal behavior usually require identification of individuals. We evaluated the reliability of using whisker spot patterns to noninvasively identify individual polar bears Ursus maritimus .W e obtained the locations of polar bear whisker spots from photographs taken in western Hudson Bay, tested the independence of spot locations, estimated the complexity of each spot pattern in terms of information and determined whether each whisker spot pattern was reliable from its information content. Of the 50 whisker spot patterns analyzed, 98% contained enough information to be reliable, and this result varied little among observers. Photographs taken o50 m from polar bears were most useful. Our results suggest that individual identification of polar bears in the field based on whisker spot pattern variations is reliable. Researchers studying polar bear behavior or estimating population parameters can benefit from this method if proximity to the bears is feasible.
Effects of airway distension on leukocyte recruitment in the mouse tracheal microvasculature.

We have shown previously that excessive distention of the rat trachea during mechanical ventilation results in enhanced leukocyte recruitment to the airway (Lim LH and Wagner EM. Am J Respir Crit C...
Rapid, Presumptive Identification of Torulopsis (Candida) Glabrata and Candida Krusei Using Calcofluor White

Background: Torulopsis glabrata and Candida krusei are both resistant to fluconazole; therefore, rapid identification of these species may prevent unnecessary prescribing of this commonly-used antifungal agent. Methods: A total of 290 organisms were examined for their fluorescent appearance using epi-illumination with ultra-violet excitation and their fluorescence was compared. Results: Incorporating the fluorochrome calcofluor white at a concentration of 0.0025% in a peptone/glucose medium, and in sera for the germ tube test with Candida albicans, enhances the recognition of germ tubes. Several other species of yeast-like organisms were found to have characteristic fluorescent appearances in these and in aqueous solutions at this concentration. Conclusion: The use of these appearances as a rapid (in minutes) identification criteria for Torulopsis glabrata and Candida krusei is described. This may be of value as infections with these 2 species are often not treatable with fluconazole. Received 11.22.06 | Revisions Received 12.12.06 | Accepted 12.12.06
A distributed process scheduling algorithm based on statistical heuristic search

The problem of process distribution in a computer network can be formulated as a distributed search process. The goal is to find those processors which can execute the processes in the most cost-efficient way. We present a modified version of the AO* algorithm using statistical data as a heuristic function. Based on previous observations of processors' efficiency in process execution the search will focus on the most promising search path to locate appropriate processors.
In Vitro Transformation of Murine Bone Marrow Cells with a v-raf/v-myc Retrovirus Yields Clonally Related Mature B Cells and Macrophages

Observations by various laboratories have indicated that lymphoid and myeloid cells derive from distinct precursors (Abramson, et al. 1977; Williams, et al. 1984) while other analyses have suggested that the differentiative programs of B cells and macrophages may be closely related. Some tumors (Davidson, et al. 1984; Neame et al. 1985; Strong, et al. 1985) and perinatal spleen and bone marrow cells were shown to coexpress putative B and myeloid lineage specific antigens (Holmes and Morse III, 1984), and tumors of B cell precursors have differentiated into cells with characteristics of mature macrophages (Boyd and Schrader, 1982; Holmes et al. 1986; Davidson et al. 1988). The demonstration of shared immunoglobulin heavy and light chain gene rearrangements in myeloid and B tumor cell lines have also suggested a close developmental relationship between these lineages (Holmes et al. 1986; Davidson et al. 1988; Bauer et al. 1986).
Radiological Reasoning: 88-Year-Old Man With Abdominal Pain and Dilated Biliary Tree and Pancreatic Duct

AJR 2010;194:S46–S50 0361–803X/10/1946–S46 © American Roentgen Ray Society Objective Marked intraand extrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation and a questionable pancreatic mass were incidentally discovered on CT of an 88-year-old man. The most important diseases to be considered in this case scenario are pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and chronic pancreatitis. We will focus our review on the dilatation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts and assess each entity separately.
A Port Ontology for Conceptual Design of Systems

During conceptual design of systems, the emphasis is on generating the system architecture: the configuration of sub-systems and the interactions between them. Ports, as locations of intended interaction, play an important role at this stage of design. They are convenient abstractions for representing the intended exchange of signals, energy or material; they can be applied at different levels of detail, across different energy domains, and to all aspects of design: form, function, and behavior. But to play this versatile role, ports need to be represented in an unambiguous yet flexible fashion, accommodating the differences in vocabulary and approach across different disciplines and perspectives. In this article, we introduce the semantic structure for such an unambiguous representation: a port ontology. The ontology formalizes the conceptualization of ports such that engineers and computer aided design applications can reason about component connections and interactions in system configuration. It defines ports in terms of form, function and behavior attributes and further includes axioms that can be used to support a variety of engineering design tasks, such as port refinement, port compatibility checking, and the instantiation of interaction models. A LEGO example is used to illustrate the ontology and its applications in conceptual design. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1778191#
Cultivating Consensus and Creating Conflict International Institutions and the (De)Politicization of Economic Policy in Postcommunist Europe

In Central and Eastern Europe, economic reform consistent with Bretton Woods and European Union (EU) demands has replicated not only the rules and institutions that prevail in Western societies but...
Estimation of carbon flux to dovekies (Alle alle) in the North Water

We modeled the energy demand of seabirds in the North Water, focusing on the planktivorous dovekie (Alle alle), the dominant species in the polynya. For the dovekie we provided an estimate of carbon flux that included aspects of spatial and temporal variability. We estimated the density, diet, and carbon consumption of dovekies throughout the polynya, from the time of their arrival in mid-May until they began to migrate south in September. Our model showed that this species is responsible for 92-96% of the energy demand and therefore carbon flux to seabirds. Dovekies consumed 73.7-147 × 103 mt C yr-1 in the North Water. Average flux rates to dovekies in the polynya were 0.74 g C m-2 yr-1, with a maximum estimated rate of 24 mg C m-2 d-1 in the eastern portion of the study area in May. However, when averaged over the entire polynya and period of occupancy, the proportion of pelagic primary production that went to dovekies was negligible (0.3-0.6%). Our observations of dovekie distribution, indicate that the major flux of carbon to seabirds occurred close inshore along the Greenland coast. There in May, carbon flux to dovekies was estimated to be 5-14% of the potential particulate export of phytoplankton. Our estimates of the spatial distribution of carbon flux to birds suggest the extraordinary importance of production along the west coast of Greenland. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thoughtfulness and the Rule of Law

The rule of law is sometimes associated with the precision and determinacy of legal rules, and the predictability of the environment that they provide. But it is important also to think about the various ways in which law helps to make us more thoughtful and reflective, governing us through standards and principles rather than through the robotic precision of rules. Whether in private law (with standards of reasonable care), or in human rights law (with norms prohibiting inhuman and degrading treatment), law sometimes invites its subjects to make thoughtful judgments about their behavior or about the situations that they face, structuring and channeling those judgments in various ways. The paper focuses on three ways in which law itself sponsors thoughtfulness and argumentation: (1) first, in its use of standards (as well as rule); (2) secondly in the way legal procedures structure and facilitate argumentation; (3) in the way precedents provide shared premises for argument. It would be a pity if we were to lose sight of these functions of law; and equally it would be a pity to distinguish too sharply between these key features of law and the aide of the rule of law. This paper reflects in general terms on the circumstances in which law's facilitation of thoughtfulness is appropriate, and on the dangers of losing sight of this aspect of the rule of law.
Combined, independent small molecule release and shape memory via nanogel-coated thiourethane polymer networks

Drug releasing shape memory polymers (SMPs) were prepared from poly(thiourethane) networks that were coated with drug loaded nanogels through a UV initiated, surface mediated crosslinking reaction. Multifunctional thiol and isocyanate monomers were crosslinked through a step-growth mechanism to produce polymers with a homogeneous network structure that exhibited a sharp glass transition with 97% strain recovery and 96% shape fixity. Incorporating a small stoichiometric excess of thiol groups left pendant functionality for a surface coating reaction. Nanogels with diameter of approximately 10 nm bearing allyl and methacrylate groups were prepared separately via solution free radical polymerization. Coatings with thickness of 10-30 μm were formed via dip-coating and subsequent UV-initiated thiol-ene crosslinking between the SMP surface and the nanogel, and through inter-nanogel methacrylate homopolymerization. No significant change in mechanical properties or shape memory behavior was observed after the coating process, indicating that functional coatings can be integrated into an SMP without altering its original performance. Drug bioactivity was confirmed via in vitro culturing of human mesenchymal stem cells with SMPs coated with dexamethasone-loaded nanogels. This article offers a new strategy to independently tune multiple functions on a single polymeric device, and has broad application toward implantable, minimally invasive medical devices such as vascular stents and ocular shunts, where local drug release can greatly prolong device function.
Location and Price Movement of Residential Properties: An Empirical Approach Using the Hedonic Price Method

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether premiums exist for residential properties within planned communities based on location, and if so, indicate who receives the premium: the builder or subsequent owners. Our empirical results indicate that developers receive a premium for properties adjacent to open spaces but appear to sell properties on interior streets at a discount. Our results also show that the sales price of interior properties not adjoining an open space tend to appreciate faster over the first two years, 24% and 48% respectively than all other properties in the development. This finding implies that developers tend to sell these interior properties below market value. Appreciation for those properties is, therefore, captured by subsequent owners.
Red State/ Blue State: An Update of Correlations Beteeen the 2008 Presidential Elections and State Social Characteristics

The paper runs correlations btween state statistics, mostly taken from the Census,The data show that there are significant differences between the Obama and McCain states in education, income, and income distribution.
Synthesis of (Ga1-xZnx)(N1-xOx) with Enhanced Visible-Light Absorption and Reduced Defects by Suppressing Zn Volatilization.

(Ga1–xZnx)(N1–xOx) (GZNO) particles with enhanced optical absorption were synthesized by topotactic transformation of Zn2+/Ga3+ layered double hydroxides. This outcome was achieved by suppressing Zn volatilization during nitridation by maintaining a low partial pressure of O2 (pO2). Zn-rich (x > 1/3) variants of GZNO were achieved and compared to those prepared by conventional ammonoylsis conditions. The optical absorption and structural properties of these samples were compared to those prepared in the absence of O2 by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction methods. Notably, suppression of Zn volatilization leads to smaller-band-gap materials (2.30 eV for x = 0.42 versus 2.71 eV for x = 0.21) and reduced structural defects. This synthetic route and set of characterizations provide useful structure–property studies of GZNO and potentially other oxynitrides of interest as photocatalysts.
Van Gogh in the Rice Paddies

The phenomenon of large-scale public art projects has gone viral. From corn mazes in agricultural lands and rice paddies planted in imitation and emulation of classical paintings to choreographed flocks of sheep, these projects often reveal a sophisticated degree of communal organization and the expenditure of sometimes vast amounts of human energy and resources. The widespread distribution of videos about these memetic projects on YouTube and other digital media networks means that they are familiar to millions around the world and engender others. To what end? In this article, Dr. Hipolito Rafael Chacon, Professor of Art History and Criticism at The University of Montana (USA), analyzes the rich gamut of projects that are currently documented online. He describes how these works resonate with traditions of land-based art known to art history and archeology, specifically how they relate to the land art, pop, and mass culture movements of the last quarter of the 20th century. Most importantly, he demonstrates how their diffusion via electronic media reveals a new and increasingly global culture, while pointing to the insufficiency of these media.
P.14.9 Functional redundancy of MyD88-dependent signaling pathways in a murine model of histidyl-tRNA synthetase-induced myositis

We have previously shown that intramuscular administration of bacterially expressed murine histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HRS) triggers florid muscle inflammation (relative to appropriate control proteins) in various congenic strains of mice. Because severe disease develops even in the absence of adaptive immune responses to HRS, we sought to identify innate immune signaling components contributing to our model of HRS-induced myositis. In vitro stimulation assays demonstrated HRS-mediated activation of HEK293 cells transfected with either TLR2 or TLR4, revealing an excitatory capacity exceeding that of other bacterially expressed fusion proteins. Corresponding to this apparent functional redundancy of TLR signaling pathways, HRS immunization of B6.TLR2−/− and B6.TLR4−/− single knockout mice yielded significant lymphocytic infiltration of muscle tissue comparable to that produced in C57BL/6 WT mice. In contrast, concomitant elimination of TLR2 and TLR4 signaling in B6.TLR2−/−.TLR4−/− double knockout mice markedly reduced the severity of HRS-induced muscle inflammation. Complementary subfragment analysis demonstrated that amino acids 60–90 of HRS were absolutely required for in vitro as well as in vivo signaling via these MyD88-dependent TLR pathways—effects mediated, in part, through preferential binding of exogenous ligands capable of activating specific TLRs. Collectively, these experiments indicate that multiple MyD88-dependent signaling cascades contribute to this model of HRS-induced myositis, underscoring the antigenic versatility of HRS and confirming the importance of innate immunity in this system.
PHENOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF MODEL AND MIMIC SALAMANDERS.

Models and mimics may be temporally isolated as long as both model and mimic are contacted by a single predator that learns to avoid the model and subsequently contacts and avoids the mimic. Bobisud (1978) developed a mathematical model to explain the advantage to the mimic in delaying its activity, and Huheey (1980) extended the same idea to explain the benefit of an early emergence to models. Previous papers documenting seasonal differences in activity periods of models and mimics have dealt with insects; these all represent differences in emergence dates of the adult stage (Rothschild, 1963; Waldbauer and Sheldon, 1971; Sbordoni et al., 1979). I present information on a possible mimetic relationship involving seasonal differences in activity of longlived models and mimics. This study investigated the abundance of presumed mimetic morphs of Desmognathus ochrophaeus in salamander communities with differing numbers of the presumed models, Eurycea bislineata and Plethodon cinereus, and determined the seasonal activity patterns of models and mimics.
Evaluation of trans-national marketing risk for domestic petroleum technology service corporations based on BP network

The change of marketing environment has exposed most domestic petroleum technology service companies to great risk.As a result,from the standpoint of international petroleum technology market analysis under new situation,this paper builds a risk evaluation model for domestic petroleum technology service corporation based on BP artificial network,and use the artificial neural network NNTOOL of MATLAB software to realize the training and testing of the evaluation model.Finally,an example is used to verify the practicability and feasibility of the evaluation model introduced in this paper.
Analysis of Internet Properties

This paper analyzes Internet properties gives general definition of Internet space validity and time validity, and defines two property parameters——network density and Internet traveling diameter formally based on quantitative analysis. After proving mathematical relationships between the two parameters, a definition of Internet validity factor is put forward. It gives a combined judge of Internet validity by connecting formula of Internet space validity and time validity. A mathematical model of validity factor based on time-evolvement analysis is given, which makes it possible to forecast and estimate the development of Internet in the future.
Optimal Allocation of Leaf‐Level Nitrogen: Implications for Covariation of Vcmax and Jmax and Photosynthetic Downregulation

The maximum rate of carboxylation, Vcmax, and the maximum rate of electron transport, Jmax, describe leaf-level capacities of the photosynthetic system and are critical in determining the net fluxes of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the terrestrial biosphere. Although both Vcmax and Jmax exhibit high spatial and temporal variability, most descriptions of photosynthesis in terrestrial biosphere models assume constant values for Vcmax and Jmax at a reference temperature ignoring intra-seasonal, inter-annual, and water stress-induced variations. Although general patterns of variation of Vcmax and Jmax have been correlated across groups of species, climates, and nitrogen concentrations, scant theoretical support has been provided to explain these variations. We present a new approach to determine Vcmax and Jmax based on the assumption that a limited amount of leaf nitrogen is allocated optimally among the various components of the photosynthetic system in such a way that expected carbon assimilation is maximized. The optimal allocation is constrained by available nitrogen, and responds dynamically to the near-term environmental conditions of light and water supply and to their variability. The resulting optimal allocations of a finite supply of nitrogen replicate observed relationships in nature, including the ratio of Jmax/Vcmax, the relationship of leaf nitrogen to Vcmax, and the changes in nitrogen allocation under varying water availability and light environments. This optimal allocation approach provides a mechanism to describe the response of leaf-level photosynthetic capacity to varying environmental and resource supply conditions that can be incorporated into terrestrial biosphere models providing improved estimates of carbon and water fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum.
The Lost Art of Discovery: The Case for Inductive Methods in Occupational Health Science and the Broader Organizational Sciences

This paper makes a case for the necessity of inductive and abductive approaches to research in occupational health science and the broader organizational sciences. Three forms of scientific inference are described: induction (exploratory research that generalizes from observations), abduction (deriving explanations for observations), and deduction (confirmatory research that tests theory-derived hypotheses). It is argued that the current deductive exclusiveness in the major journals of many fields has created unintended challenges to research integrity of confirmation bias, p-hacking, HARKing, and the chrysalis effect. Recommendations are given for writing and reviewing research papers that adopt an inductive and/or abductive approach.
Weather is not significantly correlated with destination-specific transport-related physical activity among adults: A large-scale temporally matched analysis

Weather is an element of the natural environment that could have a significant effect on physical activity. Existing research, however, indicates only modest correlations between measures of weather and physical activity. This prior work has been limited by a failure to use time-matched weather and physical activity data, or has not adequately examined the different domains of physical activity (transport, leisure, occupational, etc.). Our objective was to identify the correlation between weather variables and destination-specific transport-related physical activity in adults. Data were sourced from the California Household Travel Survey, collected in 2012-3. Weather variables included: relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Transport-related physical activity (walking) was sourced from participant-recorded travel diaries. Three-part hurdle models were used to analyze the data. Results indicate statistically or substantively insignificant correlations between the weather variables and transport-related physical activity for all destination types. These results provide the strongest evidence to date that transport-related physical activity may occur relatively independently of weather conditions. The knowledge that weather conditions do not seem to be a significant barrier to this domain of activity may potentially expand the universe of geographic locations that are amenable to environmental and programmatic interventions to increase transport-related walking.
Distinct mechanisms obviate the potentially toxic effects of inverted-repeat Alu elements on cellular RNA metabolism

RNA-binding proteins are shown in two independent studies to mediate distinct and beneficial effects to cells by binding to the extensive double-stranded RNA structures of inverted-repeat Alu elements. One study reports stress-induced export of ADAR1p110 to the cytoplasm where it binds inverted-repeat Alu elements so as to protect many mRNAs encoding anti-apoptotic proteins from degradation; the other demonstrates binding of the nuclear helicase DHX9 to inverted-repeat Alu elements embedded within RNAs to minimize defects in RNA processing.
C4A mRNA expression in PBMCs predicts the presence and severity of delusions in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis

Altered immune function is an established finding in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis, though its role in their development and progression remains to be understood. Evidence suggests altered JAK-STAT1 pathway activity in peripheral blood cells from participants with schizophrenia compared to controls. Activation of this pathway leads to increased expression of complement component 4A (C4A), which has recently been implicated in schizophrenia. Here, we examine mRNA expression of C4A in peripheral blood cells from participants with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and controls. STAT1 and IRF-1 mRNA expression are included as measures of JAK-STAT1 pathway activation in the same participants. Further, we examine the association of each genes mRNA expression with clinical symptom measures using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS). We demonstrate that C4A, STAT1 and IRF-1 mRNA expression levels are correlated across the entire sample, indicating shared transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Further, we show that C4A mRNA expression alone is positively associated with psychotic symptomatology, specifically the presence and severity of delusions. These findings are noteworthy given recent findings that demonstrate a critical role for complement proteins in synaptic pruning, alterations of which are proposed to contribute to psychopathology in psychosis.
Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging with lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel node biopsy in head and neck melanoma.

Abstract Background Head and neck melanoma is associated with a high false negative (FN) sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) rate. If techniques are developed that can decrease FN SLNBs, better prognostic information will be obtained, and it may be possible to improve overall survival as patients are assigned to the appropriate adjuvant management. Our group previously demonstrated that the combination of lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-based technology was feasible for SLNB in primary melanoma. Methods Consecutive head and neck cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent radioisotope lymphoscintigraphy and ICG-based fluorescence imaging by the senior author (B.G.) from 2012 to 2015 were prospectively enrolled for analysis. Patients were followed postoperatively by the multidisciplinary melanoma team. Main outcome variables were FN rate of SLNB. Length of follow-up was date of surgery to the date of last follow-up/death. Results There were 10 positive SLNBs, 51 true negative SLNBs, and one FN SLNB. False negative rate was 9.1%, false negative incidence was 1.6%, sensitivity was 91%, and specificity was 100%. Mean follow-up was 27.6, 17.6, and 16.5 mo for true negative, true positive, and FN patients, respectively. Conclusions We report the largest cohort of patients with head and neck cutaneous melanoma undergoing SLNB using both a combination of radioactive tracer, gamma probe, and ICG-based fluorescence identification. Our results demonstrate that using concomitant gamma probe–based radioactivity detection and ICG-based fluorescence for SLN identification in head and neck melanoma is reliable, reproducible and, thus far, has produced a low rate of FN SLNB.
Olecranon Osteotomy-Facilitated Elbow Release (OFER).

Background The olecranon osteotomy-facilitated elbow release (OFER) is a safe and effective method for releasing severe posttraumatic elbow contractures. The OFER procedure is easier, faster, and relatively less invasive, and appears to offer superior outcomes, compared with more traditional techniques. Description An olecranon osteotomy provides a trapdoor through which the surgeon will have circumferential access to the joint and will be able to address all intrinsic and extrinsic causes of contracture. Access from the posterior to the anterior compartment is achieved by detaching the origin of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and hinging the joint from medially to laterally, pivoting around the intact lateral collateral ligament. Once the olecranon and MCL are repaired, the elbow is stable enough for the patient to participate in intensive rehabilitation protocols. Alternatives The first line of treatment for elbow contracture is physical therapy, focusing on range of motion and using modalities such as static-progressive and dynamic splinting protocols. In some select cases, there is also a role for manipulation under anesthesia. When nonoperative methods fail, elbow contractures may be treated surgically, using either open or arthroscopic techniques. Authors have described open release involving medial, lateral, and anterior approaches. The first outcome report of a posterior approach to treat elbow contractures has recently been published1. Rationale An open approach usually utilizes 1 or possibly 2 large incisions and involves invasive dissection through muscle and nerve mobilization. This may result in a postoperative hematoma and usually substantial pain, posing a challenge for rehabilitation. Arthroscopic techniques are less invasive, with potentially fewer complications, but are far more technically challenging. Also, most extrinsic and some intrinsic causes cannot be adequately addressed through the arthroscope. The outcomes of OFER have been found to be superior to those reported after either arthroscopic or more conventional open procedures. In addition, we believe that the OFER procedure is substantially faster and technically easier than either other open or arthroscopic releases, although we are not aware of any studies addressing this topic.
Identification of hospitalized tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients in administrative data.

Background Patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence are hospitalized more frequently and use more healthcare resources than other patients with complex chronic conditions. However, data to compare variation in hospitalization and resource use among patients in this population across the United States is deficient, partly due to the lack of structured methods to query national databases. Aim Determine the best method for identifying the subset of children with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence in Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Hypothesis A combination of identifiable characteristics coded in the PHIS database can be used to identify the population of patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence who are admitted to the hospital. Methods This cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study used established methods to extract data from PHIS and assessed the sensitivity and specificity of an algorithm to identify patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence as compared with a local registry of ventilator dependent patients. Results A newly created algorithm identified >90% of the 157 patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence hospitalized at our organization during 2014. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm to identify these patients was 91% and 99%, respectively. Conclusions This new algorithm can be used to reliably identify and further study healthcare utilization by this population of patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence. In addition, future work can determine the applicability of this algorithm to other administrative datasets.
Evolution of Aerosols Coupled to Environments: Verification of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC)

Applications of aerosol dynamics include modeling cloud formation and pollution in atmospheric sciences, inhalation and radiation doses in health physics, and particle transport and contamination i...
QNDE using Low-Frequency Acoustic Microscopy

An acoustic microscope operating at frequencies of 3 and 10 MHz has been built for the purpose of detecting subsurface defects in structural materials. Samples of fused quartz were examined with vertically- and horizontally-oriented seeded subsurface defects. By defocusing the transducer, it was possible to enhance detection of subsurface defects and to estimate their depth below the surface.
Analysis of Co-Localization of Glycolytic Enzymes in Flight Muscle and its Relation to Muscle Function in Drosophila

During the last several decades substantial evidence has been brought forward that suggests a structural organization in the cytoplasm, including those macromolecules that have often been labelled cytosolic, or “soluble”. The connotation of these labels has supported the view that the “soluble” class of macromolecules is freely diffusing within the cytoplasm and that their function should be thought of as being governed by principles of diffusion. If so, one would not expect that specific cytoplasmic locations are required for the functions of this set of molecules. However, recently it has been demonstrated that a variety of enzymes are found in specific associations either with other enzymes of the same pathway or with structural cytoplasmic elements. In our work, we are attempting extend these observations by bringing the power of genetic analysis, both classic and molecular, to bear on the issue of metabolic pathway organization in cytoplasm and its functional significance. The experimental goal is to identify structural patterns of organization, perturb these genetically and assess the phenotypic consequences. We are using enzymes of the glycolytic pathway of Drosophila as our experimental system.
SEM studies of vessels in ferns 14. Ceratopteris

Abstract SEM study of xylem macerations of Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. (Parkeriaceae, or Pteridaceae, tribe Ceratopterideae) has co-occurring vessel elements and tracheids in rhizormes and probably also in roots, a condition newly reported for ferns. Vessel elements with helical thickening in the root have perforation plates that consist of elliptical holes in primary walls, with no thinning or discontinuation of the gyres of secondary wall bands; groups of perforations alternate with smaller zones of intact primary wall. Perforations of this type are not visible with a light microscope, and thus the perforation plates differ from those previously figured for vascular plants [Bailey, I.W., 1944. Am. J. Bot. 31, 421–428] in which helical elements have perforation plates in which the bands show alterations with relation to the perforation plates. End wall facets of rhizome vessels that are perforation plates, have the same morphology as lateral walls; some perforation plates also occur on lateral walls. Weblike pit membranes that contain pores of various sizes are present on some perforation plates and in the transitions between perforation plates and intact lateral wall pitting. The presence of clearly differentiated vessels in Ceratopteris shows that vessels are present even in a submersed aquatic fern. The xylem of Ceratopteris opeus new questions about co-occurrence of vessel elements and tracheids in ferns, relative morphology, distribution, and abundance of the two cell types, and functional and evolutionary significance of vessel element presence in a fern that has maximal moisture availability.