cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Puddle Dynamics and Air-to-Fuel Ratio Compensation for Gasoline-Ethanol Blends in Flex-Fuel Engines

Ethanol is being increasingly used as an alternative fuel to petroleum-based gasoline and diesel derivatives. Currently available flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can operate on a blend of gasoline and ethanol in any concentration of up to 85% ethanol (93% in Brazil) with minimum hardware modifications. This flexibility is partly achieved through the closed-loop air-to-fuel ratio control which maintains automatically operation around the stoichiometric ratio. Precise transient air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) control depends however on a feedforward compensator that reduces the transient effects of fuel puddle dynamics. An accurate and tunable model of the fuel puddle dynamics for gasoline-ethanol blends is, thus, necessary for the purpose of AFR control. In this paper, we propose a physics-based fuel puddle model that may be used for control purposes in flex-fuel vehicles. In particular, the gasoline-ethanol blend is modeled using several chemical compounds and is parameterized by ethanol content. The model consists of a droplet evaporation model and a single-puddle vaporization model. The droplet evaporation model is simulated offline to generate port wall-impacting factors of injected fuel to be used in a single-puddle vaporization model. The single-puddle vaporization model is a cycle-based model that may be simulated online to characterize fuel puddle dynamics in port fuel injected engines. To verify the validity of the model, simulation results are compared with limited experimental data. A transient fuel compensator based on the proposed model is also formulated.
Prominent amphibian (Xenopus laevis) tadpole type III interferon response to the Frog Virus 3 ranavirus

Ranaviruses (Iridoviridae) are posing an increasing threat to amphibian populations, with anuran tadpoles being particularly susceptible to these viral infections. Moreover, amphibians are the most basal phylogenetic class of vertebrates known to possess both type I and type III interferon (IFN)-mediated immunity. Moreover, little is known regarding the respective roles of the IFN mediators in amphibian antiviral defenses. Accordingly, we transcriptionally and functionally compared the amphibian Xenopus laevis type I (IFN) and III (IFN-λ) IFNs in the context of infections by the ranavirus frog virus 3 (FV3). X. laevis IFN and IFN-λ displayed distinct tissue expression profiles. In contrast to our previous findings that X. laevis tadpoles exhibit delayed and modest type I IFN responses to FV3 infections compared to the responses of adults, here we report that tadpoles mount timely and robust type III IFN gene responses. Recombinant forms of these cytokines (recombinant X. laevis IFN [rXlIFN] and rXlIFN-λ) elicited antiviral gene expression in the kidney-derived A6 cell line as well as in tadpole leukocytes and tissues. However, rXlIFN-λ was less effective than rXlIFN in preventing FV3 replication in A6 cells and tadpoles and inferior at promoting tadpole survival. Intriguingly, FV3 impaired A6 cell and tadpole kidney type III IFN receptor gene expression. Furthermore, in A6 cultures rXlIFN-λ conferred equal or greater protection than rXlIFN against recombinant viruses deficient for the putative immune evasion genes, the viral caspase activation and recruitment domain (vCARD) or a truncated vIF-2α gene. Thus, in contrast to previous assumptions, tadpoles possess intact antiviral defenses reliant on type III IFNs, which are overcome by FV3 pathogens. IMPORTANCE Anuran tadpoles, including those of Xenopus laevis, are particularly susceptible to infection by ranavirus such as FV3. We investigated the respective roles of X. laevis type I and type III interferons (IFN and IFN-λ, respectively) during FV3 infections. Notably, tadpoles mounted timely and more robust IFN-λ gene expression responses to FV3 than adults, contrasting with the poorer tadpole type I IFN responses. However, a recombinant X. laevis IFN-λ (rXlIFN-λ) conferred less protection to tadpoles and the A6 cell line than rXlIFN, which may be explained by the FV3 impairment of IFN-λ receptor gene expression. The importance of IFN-λ in tadpole anti-FV3 defenses is underlined by the critical involvement of two putative immune evasion genes in FV3 resistance to IFN- and IFN-λ-mediated responses. These findings challenge the view that tadpoles have defective antiviral immunity and suggest, rather, that their antiviral responses are predominated by IFN-λ responses, which are overcome by FV3.
Unsupervised image classification, segmentation, and enhancement using ICA mixture models

An unsupervised classification algorithm is derived by modeling observed data as a mixture of several mutually exclusive classes that are each described by linear combinations of independent, non-Gaussian densities. The algorithm estimates the data density in each class by using parametric nonlinear functions that fit to the non-Gaussian structure of the data. This improves classification accuracy compared with standard Gaussian mixture models. When applied to images, the algorithm can learn efficient codes (basis functions) for images that capture the statistically significant structure intrinsic in the images. We apply this technique to the problem of unsupervised classification, segmentation, and denoising of images. We demonstrate that this method was effective in classifying complex image textures such as natural scenes and text. It was also useful for denoising and filling in missing pixels in images with complex structures. The advantage of this model is that image codes can be learned with increasing numbers of classes thus providing greater flexibility in modeling structure and in finding more image features than in either Gaussian mixture models or standard independent component analysis (ICA) algorithms.
Distributed Coordination of First Responders

In a disaster scenario, first responders must be able to perform multiple functions in a coordinated way. At all levels of the task - from integrating heterogeneous systems to addressing response tasks and allocating resources - responders must be able to make decisions in a globally optimal fashion. Automated coordination mechanisms can help, but they still face several challenges that researchers must address to make them effective and useful. This article discusses the application of distributed constraint optimization in disaster management coordination.
Cellular Growth in the Organs of the Hypopituitary Dwarf Mouse

To investigate the role of the anterior pituitary gland in cellular growth, genetic hypopituitary dwarf mice were compared to littler mate controls. Total organ weight, DNA, RNA and protein were determined in 12 organs (brain, liver, lung, kidney, heart, skeletal muscle, tongue, submaxillary gland, pancreas, stomach, spleen and thymus). No biochemical differences were found between organs of homozygous and heterozygous normal animals. However, all organs from homozygous dwarf animals contained less DNA from 15 through 51 days of age than organs from normal litter mates. This is due at least in part to a premature cessation of cell division. All dwarf organs failed to incorporate 14Cthymidine into DNA after the 26th day, whereasorgans of normal animals continued to incorporate beyond 51 days. Protein/DNA ratios were normal in certain organs (lung, liver, salivary gland, pancreas, stomach, spleen and thymus) and reduced in others (brain, kidney and muscular tissues). Thus, after 15 days all organs of dwarf ...
Audit committee performance: ownership vs.independence – Did SOX get it wrong?

This study documents a positive relationship between audit committee stock ownership and firm performance in large US firms from 1998 to 2008. This study also finds a positive relationship between changes in ownership and performance. These results persist throughout the sample period, do not weaken after Sarbanes–Oxley and are robust to controlling for endogeneity between ownership and performance. After testing shows that there is no relationship between audit committee independence and firm performance, these findings suggest that audit committee stock ownership is an important corporate governance mechanism and potentially a more relevant variable than audit committee independence from a policy perspective.
The Effects of Electrode Size and Orientation on the Sensitivity of Myoelectric Pattern Recognition Systems to Electrode Shift

Myoelectric pattern recognition systems for prosthesis control are often studied in controlled laboratory settings, but obstacles remain to be addressed before they are clinically viable. One important obstacle is the difficulty of maintaining system usability with socket misalignment. Misalignment inevitably occurs during prosthesis donning and doffing, producing a shift in electrode contact locations. We investigated how the size of the electrode detection surface and the placement of electrode poles (electrode orientation) affected system robustness with electrode shift. Electrodes oriented parallel to muscle fibers outperformed electrodes oriented perpendicular to muscle fibers in both shift and no-shift conditions (p <; 0.01). Another finding was the significant difference (p <; 0.01) in performance for the direction of electrode shift. Shifts perpendicular to the muscle fibers reduced classification accuracy and real-time controllability much more than shifts parallel to the muscle fibers. Increasing the size of the electrode detection surface was found to help reduce classification accuracy sensitivity to electrode shifts in a direction perpendicular to the muscle fibers but did not improve the real-time controllability of the pattern recognition system. One clinically important result was that a combination of longitudinal and transverse electrodes yielded high controllability with and without electrode shift using only four physical electrode pole locations.
The Determination of Anisotropic Surface Impedance in Electromagnetic Scattering

We consider the inverse scattering problem of determining the anisotropic surface impedance of a bounded obstacle from far eld measurements of the electromagnetic scattered eld due to incident plane waves. Such an anisotropic boundary condition can arise from surfaces covered with patterns of conducting and insulating patches. We show that the anisotropic impedance is uniquely determined if sucient data is available, and characterize the non-uniqueness present if a single incoming wave is used. We derive an integral equation for the surface impedance in terms of solutions of a certain interior impedance boundary value problem. These solutions can be reconstructed from far eld data using the Herglotz theory underlying the Linear Sampling Method. We complete the paper with preliminary numerical results.
Intranasal phenylephrine-surfactant treatment is not beneficial in otitis media with effusion

Summary Background Otitis media is the most common reason for non-well-child visits to the primary care physician. Various treatments are in use to try to ameliorate the pain arising from Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. One such treatment is topical phenylephrine spray, despite clinical evidence disputing its use. Previous research by this laboratory has demonstrated the beneficial effect of topical surfactant treatment in reducing ET opening pressure, allowing the tube to open. This study is designed to test the effectiveness of topical phenylephrine, delivered with surfactant, in reducing days of effusion in OME, in an animal model. Methods OME was generated by injecting Klebsiella pneumoniae lipopolysaccharide into the right bullae of 28 gerbils. After frank OME resulted, the animals were divided into four groups. Group 1 received no treatment or propellant spray alone (placebo). Group 2 received intranasal surfactant spray once daily. Group 3 received intranasal surfactant-phenylephrine spray once daily. Group 4 received intranasal surfactant-phenylephrine spray twice daily. All animals were evaluated on a daily basis by both otomicroscopy and tympanometry, and treatment was ceased when the ear returned to normal appearance. Evaluations were continued for a total of 30 days. Chi-squared analysis with significance set at .05 was performed. Results In the untreated and placebo groups, middle ear effusion resolved at 16.25 days by otomicroscopy and 28.26 days by tympanometry. In Group 2 (surfactant alone), effusion resolved at 10.57 days and 15.71 days, respectively. In Group 3 (surfactant-phenylephrine once daily), effusion resolved at 15.67 days and 28.33 days. In Group 4 (surfactant-phenylephrine twice daily), effusion resolved at 18.67 days and 28.33 days. These results were statistically significant. Conclusions Intranasal phenylephrine-surfactant treatment is shown to be at least ineffective, and possibly detrimental, in the resolution of OME, in this animal model. The hypothesis is that surfactant potentiates the drying effect of phenylephrine at the ET by allowing it to get to the ET more easily; in addition, the drying effect of phenylephrine prevents full surfactant action. We believe that these results can be extrapolated to humans and that phenylephrine should be avoided in these cases.
The risk of fallacious conclusions from autopsy data on the incidence of diseases with applications to heart disease.

Abstract Berkson has shown how the bias that makes hospital populations unrepresentative of the general population of sick persons vitiates conclusions from hospital populations regarding the relationships of diseases to each other. In order to demonstrate how this fallacy can occur in autopsy data a simplified example was constructed, involving diseases A , B , and X , with different case fatality rates. Disease X in the general population was assumed present in equal proportions of A 's and B 's, but B 'killed a lower proportion of patients than A , leaving more B 's to be killed by X . Consequently there was at autopsy a higher percentage frequency of X in the B 's than in the A 's. Under actual conditions, numerous factors besides fatality rates can produce the same effect, such as age, sex, race, socio-economic level, disease incidence rates, the factors that determine admission to a hospital and those that cause selection of deceased patients for autopsy. Competition among these selection rates is very complex, and only a small part of the resulting bias can be measured or avoided. Therefore, if an investigator wishes to use autopsy data on disease incidence as a possible clue to the etiology or interrelationships of diseases, he should first make a list of his assumptions regarding the absence or unimportance of bias from the various sources. He should use the method merely as a first step toward more reliable methods (for example, histopathology, histochemistry, animal experimentation, or long-term clinical investigation), and he should note that the bias may mask a real association as well as create a fallacious one.
Comparative in vitro Sliding-wear Study of Conventional, Microfilled, and Light-cured Composite Restoratives

The sliding-wear behavior of a number of commercially available microfilled and light-cured composite restoratives has been investigated and compared with the wear characteristics of conventional composites. The surface profiles of the composite restoratives, both pre- and post-test, have also been examined in order to study material attrition processes. The results indicate that: (1) microfilled composites are significantly more resistant to sliding wear than are restoratives containing conventionally-sized filler particles; (2) light-cured, microfilled composites exhibit a lower rate of sliding wear than do self-curing, microfilled restoratives; and (3) the wear process leads to an increase in surface roughness for all materials tested, but microfilled materials display lower surface roughness values, both before and after sliding-wear tests, than do restoratives containing conventional-sized filler particles.
Pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in foals after i.v. and oral dose and disposition into phagocytes

The properties of azithromycin suggest that it may be an alternative to erythromycin for treatment of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals. To investigate this possibility, the disposition of azithromycin in plasma, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and alveolar cells was examined after a single administration in foals. Azithromycin suspension was administered orally (p.o.) at a dose of 10 mg/kg to five healthy 2-3-month-old foals. Two weeks later, azithromycin for injection was administered by intravenous (i.v.) infusion at a dose of 5 mg/kg to the same foals. Plasma samples were collected after p.o. and i.v. administration. Peripheral blood PMN and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and alveolar cells were collected after p.o. administration. Azithromycin concentrations were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with coulometric electrochemical detection. Azithromycin p.o. absorption was variable with a mean systemic availability of 39% (+/-20%). The plasma half-life was 16 and 18.3 h after i.v. and p.o. administration, respectively. Azithromycin had a very large volume of distribution (V(d)) of 11.6 L/kg [V(d(ss))] and 12.4 L/kg [V(d(area))]. The large V(d) can be attributed to high tissue and intracellular concentrations, exhibited by the high concentration of azithromycin in PMN and alveolar cells. The PMN half-life was 49.2 h. Dosage of 10 mg/kg of azithromycin p.o. once daily for foals with R. equi pneumonia is recommended for further study.
The intervention system for mental and social deviants in Malaysia

Abstract As observed during a 2-year mental health study in Malaysia, the intervention systems for mental and social deviants operate through two distinct channels: in one, primarily medical and psychiatric, the village folk healer ( bomoh ) plays a pivotal role; in the other, for the criminal and insane the village headman ( ketua ), police, and higher government officers are most influential. When the folk system of response to crises is insufficient, then these extraordinary caretakers become involved. However, folk healers are gradually being discredited, and a lack of trained mental health personnel to fill their roles and a tendency to incarcerate harmless urban deviants are becoming apparent.
Statistical Characteristics of Fatigue Damage Accumulation in Flexible Pavements

A closed form probabilistic formulation is presented for the determination of the fatigue deterioration of flexible pavements. This formulation is based on the simple phenomenological models which use Miner's law. The expected value and variances of the measure of damage are related to the statistical characteristics of the loading patterns and materials properties. A spatial coefficient of correlation is determined for the measure of damage and is used to determine the typical size of the cracked areas. This study emphasizes the need for obtaining more complete material characterization procedures which do include measurements for spatial variabilities.
A magnetic mineral record of Late Quaternary tropical climate variability from Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana

Abstract We report magnetic hysteresis results from sediment cores obtained from Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana. As a hydrologically closed basin, the water budget of Lake Bosumtwi is extremely sensitive to changes in the precipitation/evapotranspiration balance. Lake Bosumtwi lies in the path of the seasonal migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ); hence, the lake is ideally situated to study monsoon variability in West Africa. Five distinctive magnetic mineral zones (A–E) were identified in the 11-m-long sediment cores that span the last 26,000 calendar years. Prior to 12 calendar (cal) ka, low concentrations of multidomain, high-coercivity magnetic minerals are present. Three prominent shifts towards very high concentrations of high-coercivity iron sulfide (greigite) magnetic minerals are centered at 12,470, 17,290, and 22,600 calendar years during the last glacial period (magnetic zones D1–3). Between 12 and 3.2 cal ka, there is an abrupt shift to moderately high concentrations of mixed multidomain and single-domain, low-coercivity minerals and an organic-rich sapropel lithology. Since 3.2 cal ka, the magnetic mineral parameters reveal a shift to increased amounts of high-coercivity magnetic minerals. These magnetic mineral zones document tropical climate variability on a variety of temporal scales. Glacial age sediments have a high-coercivity magnetic mineralogy due to increased aeolian dust transport from the Sahel to Lake Bosumtwi as well as postdepositional reductive diagenesis. During the last glacial period, the increased strength of Harmattan and North African continental trade winds, the southward depression of the ITCZ, and weakened summer monsoon strength resulted in increased regional aridity and greater dust flux out of Sahel source regions. The greigite-bearing D magnetic zones correspond to brief lowstands in the level of Lake Bosumtwi and likely represent periods of intensified aridity in West Africa. The D magnetic zones closely resemble the timing and duration of Heinrich events and suggest a hemispheric-scale climatic coupling between the tropics and poles. The well-documented African humid period (AHP) is characterized by abrupt shifts in magnetic parameters between 12 and 3.2 cal ka. Dust flux to Lake Bosumtwi is inferred to be very low during this humid interval due to the strengthening of the summer monsoon. Since 3.2 cal ka, the magnetic mineral parameters suggest increased aridity as compared to the AHP. This work demonstrates that the magnetic properties of Lake Bosumtwi sediment are a sensitive recorder of abrupt climate change of global significance.
IS REPRODUCTION BY TREE SWALLOWS COST FREE

Abstract We manipulated brood sizes of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) in 1996 and 1997 to test for the existence of intra- and intergenerational costs of reproduction. Modal clutch size was six eggs, but experimental brood sizes ranged from two to nine young. Nestling starvation was higher in 1996 (and dependent on brood size) than in 1997, but in both years enlargement of brood size resulted in increased productivity. Nestling mass near fledging was negatively correlated with brood size, but tarsus length and wing chord were not. Food deliveries by parents increased steadily between broods of two to six young but then remained constant between broods of six to nine young. The loss of female mass between incubation and the end of the nestling period was positively related to the pair's total feeding effort, and female mass near fledging declined with increasing brood size. The latter decline disappeared, however, when broods of nine were omitted. Adult return rate (1996 to 1997) was highest among bir...
Gene-targeted mice reveal importance of L-selectin-dependent rolling for neutrophil adhesion

It has not been determined whether L-selectin-mediated rolling can promote leukocyte adhesion in vivo independent of P- and E-selectin. We used intravital microscopy of E- and P-selectin double-mut...
Sensitivity and Stability

Of the many coefficients and parameters used to specify rates and interactions in the Narragansett Bay model, few, if any, may be assigned a numerical value with a high degree of certainty. While Narragansett Bay is one of the most intensively studied estuaries in the world, numerous critical details about the bay system and the functioning of its components are not yet available. Thus, it was often necessary to draw on literature from more or less distantly related systems. Unfortunately, there is a wide range in many of the measurements that have been reported (e.g., see Table 8). This uncertainty is not unexpected if one considers the large amount of biological, spatial, and temporal variability that is characteristic of natural systems. In addition, there are numerous technical difficulties that one encounters when trying to assess biological processes in the laboratory or in the field. For these reasons, the choice of any one value for a coefficient may be questioned. While we have tried to provide reasonable justification for the values used in the standard run of the Narragansett Bay model, we were also curious to find out how sensitive the simulation was to those particular choices. The process of varying coefficients, forcing functions, initial conditions or certain aspects of the computer program not only provides insight into the behavior of the model, but into the more complex natural system as well. It also serves as a crucial feedback loop in suggesting sensitive areas where additional research is needed. In theory, it may also discourage the collection of redundant or peripheral data.
A neural network approach for nearly optimal control of constrained nonlinear systems

A rigorous computationally effective algorithm to find nearly optimal controllers in state feedback form for general nonlinear systems with constraints is presented that approaches the problem of constrained optimisation from a practical engineering tractable point. The control is given as the output of a neural network. Conditions under which the theory of successive approximation applies were shown. Several numerical examples were discussed and simulated. This algorithm requires further study into the problem of increasing the region of asymptotic stability. Moreover, adaptive control techniques can be blended to formulate adaptive optimal controllers for general nonlinear systems with constraints and unknown system dynamics. In this chapter, we study the constrained optimal control problem through the framework of the HJB equation. We show how to systematically obtain approximate solutions of the HJB equation when nonquadratic performance functions are used. The solution of the HJB equation is a challenging problem due to its inherently nonlinear nature. For linear systems, this equation results in the well-known Riccati equation used to derive a linear state feedback control. But even when the system is linear, the saturated control requirement makes the required control nonlinear, and makes the solution of the HJB equation more challenging.
V-String Swing Angle Derivation, Design Considerations, and Structure Design Impacts

The use of V-string insulator hardware assemblies has been utilized on transmission line structures for their control of conductor position, clearance to supporting structure, and structural advantage. In designing V-strings, a critical design criterion consideration is insulator leg compression. Specifically, the weather (wind) condition that induces V-string insulator compression impacts the V-string interior angle, arm lengths, drop bracket length, pole shaft diameter, and foundation reactions. This paper provides insight into V-string analysis methodology and comparisons of different conductors, wind loadings, wind and weight span ratio limits, and V-string internal angle configurations. Wind loading effects on insulator leg compression are specifically examined for multiple weather cases ranging from 4 to 21 psf. Also examined is the inefficiency of a set parameter design (line angle range, conductor type, wind and weight span, etc.) compared to the potential design envelope, which can be utilized with design software such as Power Line Systems PLS-CADD.
Assessment of the use of xerogenic medications for chronic medical and dental conditions among adult day health participants.

Objectives To describe the health conditions, dental problems, and use of xerogenic medications among dental patients in adult day health (ADH) centers. Design Cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting ADH centers in King County, Washington. Population ADH clients who were patients of a mobile dental service. Interventions Pharmacist-conducted chart reviews and in-person medication reviews with patients. Main outcome measures Demographic description, mean numbers of medical and dental problems, medications, xerogenic medications used per subject, and identification of xerogenic medications by therapeutic class. Results At five sites, 97 patients were interviewed (average age 73.8 +/- 11.8 years, 61% female); ethnicities included: Asian-American (37.1%), Caucasian (30.9%), Russian (29%), and African-American (3%). Mean numbers of chronic health problems, medications, and xerogenic medications per patient were 5.2 +/- 2.7, 10.9 +/- 4.4, and 3.3 +/- 1.8, respectively. Antidepressants were the most commonly used xerogenic medication, followed by antipsychotics, antiemetics, analgesics, and antihistamines. Among 74 patients who received dental treatment, 33 (44.6%) wore dentures. Among 58 patients with teeth, a mean number of 2.8 dental problems per patient was identified. Dental caries (51.7%) was the most prevalent problem, followed by periodontitis (29.3%), soft tissue lesions (10.3%), gingivitis (5.2%), and candidiasis (3.4%). Conclusion Multiple systemic diseases, use of multiple xerogenic medications, and poor oral health were prevalent among the ADH clients in this study. However, self-reports of dry mouth were unrelated to number of xerogenic medications or oral conditions. Further research is needed to determine the association between self-reported dry mouth, chronic health conditions, use of xerogenic medications, tooth loss, and/or denture use.
California indian reactions to the franciscans

he entrance of the Spanish into California and the founding of the Franciscan mission system has been described in many books both by those sympathetic apologists for the missions and the Spanish as bringing "civilization" to barbarous rude savages lacking any knowledge of God (Englehardt 1912, and others) and by those who disapproved of the mission system but approved of the Spanish conquest of California (Bancroft 1884, 1886, and others). The Indian cultures which were destroyed by the Spanish and later American settlers have also been described many times, first by those who unquestioningly accepted the Spanish view of these people as simply taking what nature produced. This viewpoint gives justification to the conquerors because "they could use the land better." More recently a number of researchers have been reading the Spanish descriptions of what they actually saw and have ignored the Spanish assumptions, but read the descriptions of the environment with the ecological knowledge necessary to recognize the existence of a man-made environment, not a "natural" environment. They have discovered evidence of complex hierarchical stratified social systems which were ignored because the Spanish assumed they were not present (Kehoe 1981, Shipek 1981a). Others interviewed surviving Indians and have explored areas of Indian knowledge never explored before simply because it was assumed that they had no such knowledge. For example, it has been discovered that all groups had the knowledge of and worshipped a high creator God whose name was so sacred that it must not be mentioned except in the proper sacred areas and during the sacred ceremonies dedicated to the Creator.
An Epidemiological Survey Report of Tuberculosis of Dingxi City,Gansu Province in 2010

OBJECTIVE To determine tuberculosis epidemiological situation,evaluate the effects of tuberculosis control in the past and provide scientific bases for developing the Tuberculosis Control Programme from 2011 to 2020.METHOD In accordance with"the fifth national epidemiological survey of tuberculosis program and the implementation of the program"conducted in three counties in Dingxi City.RESULTS The actual examined population in this survey was 4 485 and occupied 96.16% of the eligible population.The prevalence rate of active pulmonary tuberculosis was 133.78/ lakh,the prevalence rate of smear positive pulmonary TB was 22.30/lakh,the prevalence rate of bacteriological positivepulmonary TB was 44.59/lakh.Than in 2000,the fourth national epidemiological survey of the active pulmonary TB prevalence rate of 367.00/lakh,smear positive and bacteriological positive prevalence rate was 122.00/ lakh and 160.00/lakh,the prevalence rate of active pulmonary tuberculosis,smearpositivedand bacteri0logicalpositivepulmonarytuberculo siswasdecreased by 63.55%,81.72%,72.13%,average descent rate was 7.06%,9.08%,8.01%.TB study population knew the core information TB rate about 80.69% of total.CONCLUSION Dingxi tuberculosis decreased,indicating to control Source of infection focus on the integrated control strategy is correct and effective,as long as the strict implementation of its intended target is achievable.
Social Work Introduction to Worker Management of Modern Enterprise under Strengths Perspective

Employees are the core role of enterprise.To respect workers’requirement and appeal for the opportunity equality and development,to manage enterprise humanization and integrated development angle are important channel and ultimate goal of modern enterprise management.The strengths perspective of social work is one kind of the new pattern that strengthens strategic weakening of the main issues.What’more,it pays more attention to the social worker's capability and his own strengths.This article,with the aid of the strengths perspective,analyzes the strengths perspective to intervene modern enterprise worker management specific contents and conducting process,which not only elevates employees'initiative for working,but also establishes interpersonal harmonious and coopera-tion within the whole enterprise organization and achieve win-win of the labor and capital-owner,finally,achieves enterprise’s sus-tainable development.
An APC/C-Cdh1 Biosensor Reveals the Dynamics of Cdh1 Inactivation at the G1/S Transition

B-type cyclin-dependent kinase activity must be turned off for mitotic exit and G1 stabilization. B-type cyclin degradation is mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C); during and after mitotic exit, APC/C is dependent on Cdh1. Cdh1 is in turn phosphorylated and inactivated by cyclin-CDK at the Start transition of the new cell cycle. We developed a biosensor to assess the cell cycle dynamics of APC/C-Cdh1. Nuclear exit of the G1 transcriptional repressor Whi5 is a known marker of Start; APC/C-Cdh1 is inactivated 12 min after Whi5 nuclear exit with little measurable cell-to-cell timing variability. Multiple phosphorylation sites on Cdh1 act in a redundant manner to repress its activity. Reducing the number of phosphorylation sites on Cdh1 can to some extent be tolerated for cell viability, but it increases variability in timing of APC/C-Cdh1 inactivation. Mutants with minimal subsets of phosphorylation sites required for viability exhibit striking stochasticity in multiple responses including budding, nuclear division, and APC/C-Cdh1 activity itself. Multiple cyclin-CDK complexes, as well as the stoichiometric inhibitor Acm1, contribute to APC/C-Cdh1 inactivation; this redundant control is likely to promote rapid and reliable APC/C-Cdh1 inactivation immediately following the Start transition.
The Association Between Operating Room Personnel and Turnover With Surgical Site Infection in More Than 12 000 Neurosurgical Cases

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) contributes significantly to postoperative morbidity and mortality and greatly increases the cost of care. Objective: To identify the impact of workflow and personnel-related risk factors contributing to the incidence of SSIs in a large sample of neurological surgeries. Methods: Data were obtained using an enterprisewide electronic health record system, operating room, and anesthesia records for neurological procedures conducted between January 1, 2009, and November 30, 2012. SSI data were obtained from prospective surveillance by infection preventionists using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. A multivariate model was constructed and refined using backward elimination logistic regression methods. Results: The analysis included 12 528 procedures. Most cases were elective (94.5%), and the average procedure length was 4.8 hours. The average number of people present in the operating room at any time during the procedure was 10.0. The overall infection rate was 2.3%. Patient body mass index (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.04) and sex (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.07-1.72) as well as procedure length (odds ratio, 1.19 per additional hour; 95% CI, 1.15-1.23) and nursing staff turnovers (odds ratio, 1.095 per additional turnover; 95% CI, 1.02-1.21) were significantly correlated with the risk of SSI. Conclusion: This study found that patient body mass index and male sex were associated with an increased risk of SSI. Operating room personnel turnover, a modifiable, work flow-related factor, was an independent variable positively correlated with SSI. This study suggests that efforts to reduce operating room turnover may be effective in preventing SSI. Abbreviations: OR, operating roomSSI, surgical site infection.
Characterization of 14-3-3β Expression during Differentiation of the Megakaryocytic Cell Line MEG-01

The 14-3-3 family of proteins is highly conserved among mammalian species which consists of seven homologous isoforms (β,e, γ, η, 𝛉, σ and ζ). They are involved in the regulation of most cellular processes including several metabolic pathways, redox-regulation, transcription, RNA processing, protein synthesis, protein folding and degradation, cytoskeletal organization, apoptosis, intracellular trafficking/targeting, and cell cycle. In a previous study, we identified several novel genes associated with hematopoietic lineage commitment and/or differentiation using a hematopoietic liquid culture system and a differential display methodology. One of these, TP-3 (thrombopoietin-stimulated clone-3) is selectively expressed in normal human megakaryocytic lineage cells. cDNA sequences analysis revealed 100% identity with the tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, beta polypeptide (YWHAB) gene that encodes for 14-3-3β protein. Accordingly, we set out to determine the role 14-3-3β may have in megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation. For this purpose, we employed the megakaryocytic precursor cell line, MEG-01, that can be induce to differentiate by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment. After TPA challenge, we detected an increase in the 14-3-3β mRNA expression in MEG-01 cells. Similarly, the phosphorylated form of 14-3-3β protein also was induced during MEG-01 cells differentiation by TPA treatment, while the total 14-3-3β protein levels did not reveal any differences between MEG-01 cells treated with or without TPA. To confirm the correlation between 14-3-3β expression and the megakaryocyte differentiation, we compared its expression patterns to that of the platelet-specific antigens GP IIb/IIIa and GP Ib which are known to be markers of maturation within the megakaryocyte lineage using flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining methods. After TPA treatment, the percentage of MEG-01 cells expressing GP IIb/IIIa and GP Ib significantly increased from 19% to 95% and from 0% to 27% (p
Lactic Acid Production by Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus cremoris in Milk Precultured with Psychrotrophic Bacteria.

Psychrotrophic organisms isolated from raw milk were inoculated into fresh raw milk and incubated at 7 C for 5 days. Half of each sample was autoclaved, the other half, pasteurized. Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus cremoris were individually inoculated into the milks and incubated at 21 C for 20 h. Acid production was measured at 2-h intervals. Lactic acid production was greater in milks precultured with added psychrotrophs or the normal flora than in pasteurized control milks. In most instances, pasteurized precultured milks had more acid than did autoclaved precultured milk. More titratable acid was produced in autoclaved rather than pasteurized control milks. Milks with the psychrotroph and lactic streptococci added simultaneously had more titratable acid than did control milk. When cell-free filtrates of psychrotrophic cultures were used instead of cells of psychrotrophs, results resembled those obtained with the bacteria. Simultaneous inoculation of milk with lactic acid bacteria and cell-free ...
The Role of Department Supports on Doctoral Completion and Time-to-Degree.

This study examined department supports that influence doctoral completion and time-to-degree among 5,001 doctoral programs at 212 universities in the United States. Multiple regression models were...
The Tension Between State Interests and Municipal Zoning Rights in the Realm of Fracking Regulations

ABSTRACTThis article examines whether local municipalities should have the capability to exercise their home rule authority to ban fracking within their jurisdiction, or whether state law should pr...
Aquatic antagonists: indirect nematocyst envenomation and acute allergic contact dermatitis due to nudibranchs.

It is well-known to swimmers, divers, and beachgoers that coelenterates such as the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis), true jellyfish such as the box jellyfish, sea anemone, true coral, and fire coral can inflict painful and sometimes fatal stings. As a result, these organisms are avoided by humans and most sea creatures; however, indirect contact with the skin may occur. For example, coelenterates may release toxic substances into the marine environment, leading to sensitization in swimmers even without contact with stinging tentacles.1 Subsequent contact with the same or crossreacting substance may lead to a severe episode of acute allergic contact dermatitis. The Portuguese man-of-war, true jellyfish, sea anemone, true coral, and fire coral (a hydroid) all contain nematocysts within their tentacles. Portuguese men-of-war may have tentacles up to 27-m long with as many as 1 million nematocysts.2 During severe storms, tentacles may break away from the primary organism and envenomate unsuspecting individuals. These reactions may be just as severe as attacks with live jellyfish, especially in sensitized individuals. Interestingly, the stinging nematocysts of coelenterates are not feared by all. In fact, there are several organisms that utilize these stinging cells for defense. In particular, Tremoctopus violaceus,3 a member of the blanket octopuses, tears off tentacles of P physalis for offensive and defensive purposes. Nudibranchs, also called sea slugs, take advantage of stinging nematocysts in a different and fascinating way. They actually incorporate the nematocysts as outgrowths on the body after eating portions of the Portuguese man-of-war tentacles. This review focuses on this nudibranch method of defense and how it pertains to human envenomation.
Cation exchange media provide a multi-stage, orthogonal catch and release method for MIDA boronates bearing basic centers

Abstract An operationally simple and rapid purification of MIDA boronates is described. This method allows separation of MIDA boronates containing basic centers from those that are neutral as well as separation from species that do not contain the MIDA moiety using a single “catch and release” purification medium. Application of this method to the purification of reductive amination products is described. It is hoped that this facile, rapid and conceptually new isolation will stimulate further investigation of other functionalized silica gel media for the isolation of MIDA boronate building blocks.
Green Pea and Garlic Puree Model Food Development for Thermal Pasteurization Process Quality Evaluation

Development and selection of model foods is a critical part of microwave thermal process development, simulation validation, and optimization. Previously developed model foods for pasteurization process evaluation utilized Maillard reaction products as the time-temperature integrators, which resulted in similar temperature sensitivity among the models. The aim of this research was to develop additional model foods based on different time-temperature integrators, determine their dielectric properties and color change kinetics, and validate the optimal model food in hot water and microwave-assisted pasteurization processes. Color, quantified using a* value, was selected as the time-temperature indicator for green pea and garlic puree model foods. Results showed 915 MHz microwaves had a greater penetration depth into the green pea model food than the garlic. a* value reaction rates for the green pea model were approximately 4 times slower than in the garlic model food; slower reaction rates were preferred for the application of model food in this study, that is quality evaluation for a target process of 90 °C for 10 min at the cold spot. Pasteurization validation used the green pea model food and results showed that there were quantifiable differences between the color of the unheated control, hot water pasteurization, and microwave-assisted thermal pasteurization system. Both model foods developed in this research could be utilized for quality assessment and optimization of various thermal pasteurization processes.
STEM educational activities and the role of the parent in the home education of high school students

AbstractThis qualitative case study examined the homeschool STEM educational activities and the role of the parent in those activities. Twenty-nine homeschooling parents from within a purposefully ...
CARBON FLOW AND EFFLUENT VARIABILITY IN PHOSPHORUS-ACCUMULATING ACTIVATED SLUDGE CULTURES

ABSTRACT Effluent phosphorus variability from bench-scale activated sludge systems operated for biological phosphorus removal was correlated with the loading history of the sludge culture. Same-day loading rates could not be used to adequately describe/predict system phosphorus removal. Intermittent carbon supplementation was used to maintain long-term average total phosphorus levels below 1.0 mg/L. The frequency and magnitude of carbon supplementation was estimated using a three day weighted moving average of the organic loading rate. Batch studies using 14C labelled substrates verified that acetate would be an effective source of organic material for carbon supplementation and effluent quality enhancement. While other organic materials may be satisfactory sources of carbon, the use of acetate ensures that the greatest percentage of added carbon will be sequestered by the target microbial species.
Metabolism and Nutritive Role of Cholesterol in the Growth, Gonadal Development, and Reproduction of Crustaceans

Cholesterol is a major sterol in crustaceans that occurs in all cells and in the hemolymph, either in free form or combined with fatty acids. Unlike vertebrates, shrimps and other crustaceans are i...
Friends Forever: Sitcom Celebrity and Its Afterlives:

Following work by John Ellis and John Langer, scholars often define television stardom against film stardom, a dichotomy that depends on a view of television as lesser than film, and which impedes our understanding of television stardom. Taking Friends as a case study, this article argues that situation comedies freeze stars in time, limiting their abilities to work both outside their character type and as they age, while offering limitless possibilities for the circulation of the star in a media culture characterized by self-referentiality and intertextuality. While previous scholarship on stardom might suggest that this failure to transcend character makes television stardom less valuable, in the television economy, the character is more valuable than the actor who plays her. Following Derek Kompare’s argument that the rerun is the quintessential television form, stardom gained from a Nielsen-dominating sitcom with an ever-present afterlife may be the most valuable form of television stardom.
Altered metabolic response of iron-depleted nonanemic women during a 15-km time trial

In this double-blinded study, 37 women with iron depletion without anemia (age 19–36 yr) were randomly assigned to receive either an iron supplement (135 mg/day) or a placebo. Endurance capacity wa...
Signalling in the Nervous System

No one who has taken an introductory physiology course needs to read this chapter. It contains an attempt to explain in words the mathematical model theories of the ionic mechanisms of neural activity. Readers to whom this topic is new are urged to read current textbooks or, even better, the reviews of the pioneers of modern membrane theory, in order to get acquainted with the proper mathematical treatment of the subject.