cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How “American” is Barack Obama? The Role of National Identity in a Historic Bid for the White House

Against the backdrop of the 2008 presidential election, we examined the extent to which the American identity was implicitly and explicitly associated with Barack Obama compared to Tony Blair (Study 1), Hillary Clinton (Study 2), and John McCain (Studies 3 and 4). When conscious control was relatively limited and targets were categorized based on race, the American identity was less strongly associated with Obama than with the other candidates. This effect was stronger than when the candidates were categorized based on their personal identity (Studies 1–4), gender (Study 2), political affiliation (Study 3), or age (Study 4). In addition, the extent to which candidates were differentiated in terms of implicit and explicit associations with the American identity predicted the relative willingness to actively support them. Throughout the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama’s national identity underwent intense scrutiny. Concerns about Obama’s lack of patriotism were raised when he declined to wear a flag pin and failed to salute the U.S. flag on one occasion. Opponents emphasized his foreign-sounding middle name (Hussein) and ties with Indonesia and Kenya in order to weaken his perceived Americanness. And in the most direct challenge to Obama’s national identity, the so-called “birthers” vocally alleged Obama is not a U.S. citizen. Some claimed that he was born in Hawaii before it became part of the United States, while some maintained that he was actually born in Indonesia. Even well into his presidency, attempts to invalidate Obama’s citizenship persist. In an effort to put this issue to rest, the White House released the Long Form Birth Certificate of President Obama on April 27, 2011. Despite this, the issue of President Obama’s place of birth has flared up yet again during his reelection campaign. One could attribute these instances to the adversarial rhetoric of political contests; however, the sentiment that Obama is not truly American might also be symptomatic of a pervasive difficulty people have in granting American status to non-White Americans. Indeed, researchers have shown that the American identity is more strongly associated with Americans of European descent than with African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/as, and even Native Americans (Devos & Banaji, 2005; Devos, Gavin, & Quintana, 2010;
Nuclear Interaction of Oxygen with Oxygen

Striking and regular gross structure has been observed in excitation functions for the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$+${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ elastic scattering interaction in the oxygen-ion laboratory energy range from 20 to 80 MeV. Excitation functions have been measured simultaneously at five c.m. angles from 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}; systematic angular-distribution measurements have been carried out at narrow energy intervals spanning the gross-structure peak in the 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} excitation function for $19\ensuremath{\le}{E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}\ensuremath{\le}22$ MeV and at intervals throughout the remainder of the energy range studied. The gross structure is reproduced surprisingly well by a Woods-Saxon optical model having an unusually shallow real well depth ($V=17$ MeV) and an energy-dependent imaginary well depth ($W=0.4 \mathrm{MeV} +0.1 {E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$). Extensive scans have demonstrated that this is the lowest member of a discrete set of equivalent Woods-Saxon potentials; it is the only one of these, however, which provides a reproduction of the experimental data without requiring a marked and complex energy dependence of the real potential-well depth. The effects of adding a repulsive core to this lowest Woods-Saxon potential were studied in some detail; it has been found that the model predictions are quite sensitive to the core---a somewhat surprising result, perhaps reflecting the apparent long mean free path of the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ ions under the present conditions. An ambiguity in the imaginary well depth has been examined in some detail; the present data do not permit resolution of this ambiguity, but throw into question the physical significance of this long mean free path. The addition of a core does not provide significantly improved fits to the experimental data. This does not preclude the the existence of the core, but suggests further study with different well parameters and shapes. A phase-shift analysis of the 28 angular distributions spanning the gross-structure peak provided no evidence for underlying resonances; no compelling explanation for the intermediate (\ensuremath{\sim}200-keV) width structure superposed on the gross-structure peak is yet available. Finer-grained excitation-function structure is present and is attributed to statistical fluctuations in the usual way. Extensive theoretical studies stimulated by, and concurrent with, these experimental studies have demonstrated that these heavy-ion data may provide unique information on the nuclear-matter problem in finite systems, including an experimental determination of the effective nuclear compressibility.
Identity and Excellence: Role Models for City Managers

Citizens, practitioners, scholars, and elected officials continue to debate the range of skills, policy areas, responsibilities, roles, values, and work habits forming the city manager's identity. This study develops detailed profiles of three city managers identified by their peers as the best in their respective states. Seven specific recommendations are offered providing a "more coherent image " of the city manager. These profiles serve as role models (a) guiding the education of city managers, (b) orienting elected officials to the city manager' job, (c) enhancing the public's understanding and acceptance of this leadership position, and (d) testing theories of council-manager government.
The LLNL HFTF-a flexible superconducting test facility for fusion magnet development

A description is given of the High-Field Test Facility providing the capabilities needed to develop the superconducting magnet systems of next-generation fusion machines. The magnet system of the HFTF comprises six superconducting solenoids, a quench detection system and energy dump circuitry. The superconducting coil set in HFTF has been operated successfully; the magnet system was designed to be fully cryostable and has never quenched. A new cryostat for the coil set allows the magnet system to remain cold indefinitely so that the system is available on short notice to provide high fields (about 11 T) inside a reasonably large test volume (0.3-m diam). The test volume is isolated physically and thermally from the coil volume allowing test articles to be inserted and removed without disturbing the coil cryogenic volume. The separate test volume also allows reduced-temperature operation without the expense and complication of subcooling the entire coil set (about 20-t cold mass). >
α-Haloenones from secondary alkynols

α-Iodoenones and α-bromoenones are formed from secondary alkynols by the use of the appropriate N-halosuccinimide and a catalytic amount of certain Lewis acids. For example, 3-hexyn-2-ol (1) was converted to (Z)-4-iodo-4-hexen-3-one (2) in 85–95% yields with an equimolar quantity of NIS and tenth molar (hydroxy (toxyloxy) iodo) benzene (3) in methanol or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolididone
Oral cancer and its detection. History-taking and the diagnostic phase of management.

ABSTRACT Background Comprehensive patient evaluation begins with an accurate analysis of all factors of the patient's history before the physical examination is performed. Risk factor identification is particularly important in most cases of oral mucosal dysplasia and carcinoma, as it alerts the clinician to an increased susceptibility for such alterations. The armamentarium of the dentist, which ranges from noninvasive indicators to a scalpel biopsy, permits a thorough evaluation of any observed mucosal changes. Newer additions to this armamentarium have been developed and are emerging that aid in the process of characterizing lesions, thereby facilitating appropriate management. Methods The author presents methods of assessing and analyzing a patient's oral health status. He discusses carcinogens and cofactors, as well as dietary considerations, in the development of oral mucosal pre-cancer and cancer. He also presents details of the clinical evaluation, which can lead the clinician to possible further evaluation and analysis by an expanding array of diagnostic tools. Results The article identifies the factors a clinician should consider when evaluating the dental patient, from initial presentation and risk factor identification to the use of traditional assessment parameters. New and evolving diagnostic tools, coupled with cell and tissue characterization by an oral and maxillofacial pathologist, remain critical in terms of patient management and in maintaining optimum standards of care. Conclusions and Clinical Implications A comprehensive oral examination must include integration of each patient's in-depth health history and the physical findings. Appreciation of subtle surface changes as a possible harbinger of pathology and the traditional process of observation combined with new and emerging tools now allow for earlier diagnosis that will translate into improved outcomes.
Issues related to iron replacement in chronic kidney disease.

Recent epidemiologic studies show that iron deficiency occurs in the vast majority of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients with CKD, increased iron losses and, to a lesser extent, poor oral absorption, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Correction of iron-deficiency anemia Is preferable by the oral route, however, data on oral iron use are limited in this population. In CKD patients, parenteral iron administered with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), is the best potential option for the correction of anemia. Nondextran Iron preparations are preferable because of a reduced incidence of serious adverse events. Parenteral Iron In CKD patients may not be entirely innocuous and, although commonly used, have not received Food and Drug Administration approval for use in this patient population. Exposure to intravenous (IV) Iron may lead to oxidative stress, renal injury, Infection, cardiovascular disease, and osteomalacia. Studies are needed to confirm the existence and magnitude of these complications. The current data suggest that the overall risk-benefit ratio favors use of IV iron when compared with untreated or partially treated Iron-deficiency anemia.
Region of Interest Reconstruction in X-Ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography for Negligible Attenuation

X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is a synchrotron-based imaging modality employed for mapping the distribution of elements within slices or volumes of intact specimens. A pencil beam of external radiation is used to stimulate emission of characteristic X-rays from within a sample, which is scanned and rotated through the pencil beam in a first-generation tomographic geometry. One limitation of XFCT is the long image acquisition time required to acquire a complete set of line integrals one-by-one. Typically, even if only a portion of a slice through the object is of interest, measurement lines are acquired spanning the entire object at every projection view over 180 degrees to avoid reconstructing images with so-called truncation artifacts. In this paper, we show that when attenuation is negligible, recent developments in tomographic reconstruction theory can be used to reduce the scanning effort required to reconstruct regions of interest within the slice. The new theory provides explicit guidance as to which line integrals must be measured for a given ROI and also provides a backprojection-filtration reconstruction algorithm that averts the truncation artifacts that typically plague filtered backprojection reconstructions from truncated data. This is demonstrated through simulation studies and with real synchrotron-based XFCT data.
Extension of control Lyapunov functions to time-delay systems

The concept of control Lyapunov function has been proven a useful tool for designing robust control laws for nonlinear systems. This concept has been extended to time-delay systems in the form of control Lyapunov Razumikhin functions. We further develop this extension by introducing control Lyapunov Krasovsky functionals and show their use for robust stabilization of time-delay nonlinear systems. To further motivate the new concept we establish robustness properties for several control laws based on control Lyapunov Krasovsky functionals.
An iterative inversion algorithm with application to the polarimetric radar response of vegetation canopies

The retrieval of scene parameters from polarimetric radar data using an iterative inversion approach is considered. The theoretical development of a general, model-based iterative algorithm for inversion of polarimetric radar data is presented. Factors relevant to its implementation, such as sensor configuration, algorithm optimization and computational structure are discussed. The algorithm is applied to the specific problem of inverting the vector radiative transfer model for a simplified, representative vegetation canopy consisting of vertical trunks, leaves, and a rough ground surface. The results of this inversion are in excellent agreement with simulated data generated using the radiative transfer model. The convergence properties of the algorithm are evaluated, and it is found that successful convergence is achieved in about 90% to 95% of the cases tested for the implementation used in this work. An error analysis is presented which considers the effect of both systematic and measurement derived errors. Typical error bounds for the current application are approximately /spl plusmn/3%, allowing for /spl plusmn/0.5 dB accuracy in the measured radar data. >
Image reconstruction from TE scattering data using equation of strong permittivity fluctuation

Compared to the TM case, the inverse scattering problem for the TE incident field is more complicated due to its stronger nonlinearity. This work provides an effective method for the reconstruction of two-dimensional (2-D) inhomogeneous dielectric objects from TE scattering data. The algorithm applies the distorted Born iterative method to the integral equation of strong permittivity fluctuation to reconstruct scatterers with high-permittivity contrast. Numerical simulations are performed and the results show that the distorted Born iterative method (DBIM) for strong permittivity fluctuation (SPF-DBIM) converges faster and can obtain better reconstructions for objects with larger dimensions and higher contrasts in comparison with ordinary DBIM. A frequency hopping technique is also applied to further increase the contrast.
Parameterization of fast and accurate simulations for complex supply networks

More efficient and effective control of supply networks is conservatively worth billions of dollars to the world economy. Adopting an approach by which the basic disciplines of industrial engineering, control engineering, system simulation and business re-engineering are integrated into one comprehensive system has been known to produce impressive results. This paper discusses a modular approach to develop a discrete event simulation model that has the appropriate level of abstraction to capture the inherent complexities that exist in a supply chain and is yet simple, fast and produces results of high fidelity. It discusses a method to parameterize each module by fine-tuning a few parameters to make it represent an entire factory, a warehouse or a transportation link.
Serum sphingolipids - relationships to insulin sensitivity and changes with exercise in humans

Ceramides and sphingolipids are a family of lipid molecules that circulate in serum and accumulate in skeletal muscle, promoting insulin resistance. Plasma ceramide and dihydroceramide are related to insulin resistance, yet less is known regarding other ceramide and sphingolipid species. Despite its association with insulin sensitivity, chronic endurance exercise training does not change plasma ceramide and sphingolipid content, with little known regarding a single bout of exercise. We measured basal relationships and the effect of acute exercise (1.5 h at 50% Vo2 max) and recovery on serum ceramide and sphingolipid content in sedentary obese individuals, endurance-trained athletes, and individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Basal serum C18:0, C20:0, and C24:1 ceramide and C18:0 and total dihydroceramide were significantly higher in T2D and, along with C16:0 ceramide and C18:0 sphingomyelin, correlated positively with insulin resistance. Acute exercise significantly increased serum ceramide, glucosylceramide, and GM3 gangliosides, which largely decreased to basal values in recovery. Sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingomyelin did not change during exercise but decreased below basal values in recovery. Serum C16:0 and C18:0 ceramide and C18:0 sphingomyelin, but not the total concentrations of either of them, were positively correlated with markers of muscle NF-κB activation, suggesting that specific species activate intracellular inflammation. Interestingly, a subset of sphingomyelin species, notably C14:0, C22:3, and C24:4 species, was positively associated with insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Together, these data show that unique ceramide and sphingolipid species associate with either protective or deleterious features for diabetes and could provide novel therapeutic targets for the future.
Mind, Number, and the Infinite

Proclus spoke for antiquity in branding the infinite as incomprehensible and unknowable, remarking that “the imagination recognizes the infinite by not understanding it.” Philosophers long maintained the incomprehensibility of the infinite — according to Descartes, “incomprehensibility is comprised within the. formal concept of the infinite” — though they later tried to explain it by reference to the limitations of the human mind. Hume still spoke for many when he said that “the capacity of the human mind is limited, and can never attain a full and adequate conception of infinity”, where by ‘adequate conception’ he meant a clear and distinct image in the mind. Hobbes had already elaborated this thesis as follows: Whatsoever we imagine is fiinite. Therefore there is no idea or conception of anything we call infiinite. No man can have in his mind an image of infinite magnitude, nor conceive infinite swiftness, infinite time, infinite force, or infinite power. When we say anything is infinite, we signify only that we are not able to conceive the ends and bounds of the thing named, having no conception of the thing but of our own inability ([131], p. 36).
Short-wavelength light enhances cortisol awakening response in sleep-restricted adolescents.

Levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, follow a daily, 24-hour rhythm with concentrations reaching a minimum in the evening and a peak near rising time. In addition, cortisol levels exhibit a sharp peak in concentration within the first hour after waking; this is known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR). The present study is a secondary analysis of a larger study investigating the impact of short-wavelength (λmax ≈ 470 nm) light on CAR in adolescents who were sleep restricted. The study ran over the course of three overnight sessions, at least one week apart. The experimental sessions differed in terms of the light exposure scenarios experienced during the evening prior to sleeping in the laboratory and during the morning after waking from a 4.5-hour sleep opportunity. Eighteen adolescents aged 12‐17 years were exposed to dim light or to 40 lux (0.401 W/m 2 )o f 470-nm peaking light for 80 minutes after awakening. Saliva samples were collected every 20 minutes to assess CAR. Exposure to short-wavelength light in the morning significantly enhanced CAR compared to dim light. Morning exposure to short-wavelength light may be a simple, yet practical way to better prepare adolescents for an active day.
Two assessments of American usage frequencies for ninety-seven sentence complement-taking nouns.

Two studies documented the American English usage frequencies for ninety-seven nouns that occur with sentence complements (e.g., "rumor," "The rumor that the student cheated..."). An established usage preference methodology was used (see Connine, Ferreira, Jones, Clifton, & Frazier, 1984; Kennison, 1999). In Study 1, participants completed short fragments that did not contain the overt complementizer "that," as in "The rumor..." In Study 2, participants completed short sentence fragments that contained the overt complementizer, as in "The rumor that..." The results showed that when the complementizer was absent (Study 1), bare (i.e., unmodified) usages and prepositional phrase usages were frequently observed. In contrast, sentence complement and relative clause usages were rarely observed. When the complementizer was present (Study 2), the frequency of sentence complement and relative clause usages varied. The estimates of usage frequency obtained in these studies are intended to be a resource for language comprehension researchers.
Ellipsoids and Ellipsoid-Shaped Fuzzy Sets as Natural Multi-Variate Generalization of Intervals and Fuzzy Numbers: How to Elicit Them from Users, and How to Use Them in Data Processing ?

In this paper, we show that ellipsoids are natural multi-variate generalization of intervals and ellipsoid-shaped fuzzy sets are a natural generalization of fuzzy numbers. We explain how to elicit them from users, and how to use them in data processing.
Adaptive Mutation: The Uses of Adversity

When populations of microorganisms are subjected to certain nonlethal selections, useful mutants arise among the nongrowing cells whereas useless mutants do not. This phenomenon, known as adaptive, directed, or selection-induced mutation, challenges the long-held belief that mutations only arise at random and without regard for utility. In recent years a growing number of studies have examined adaptive mutation in both bacteria and yeast. Although conflicts and controversies remain, the weight of the evidence indicates that adaptive mutation cannot be explained by trivial artifacts and that nondividing cells accumulate mutations in the absence of genomic replication. Because this process tends to produce only useful mutations, the cells appear to have a mech- anism for preventing useless genetic changes from occurring or for eliminating them after they occur. The model that most readily explains the evidence is that cells under stress produce genetic variants continuously and at random, but these variants are immortalized as mutations only if they allow the cell to grow.
Some properties of blocked and unblocked foldovers of 2k-p designs

In this article, we focus on the theoretical properties of the foldover design and the resulting combined design obtained by augmenting an initial design by its foldover. We prove that there are 2 p distinct ways to fold over a 2 kp design. Optimal foldover plans are also discussed. We investigate the impact of the inclusion of a blocking variable to the design. We show that the minimum aberration foldover design with the presence of the blocking effect is the same as the one without blocking.
On regularity of generalized Hermite interpolation

Abstract In this note we study the regularity of generalized Hermite interpolation and compare it to that of classical Hermite interpolation. While every Hermite interpolation scheme is regular in one variable, the “classical Hermite interpolation schemes” in several variables are regular if and only if they are supported at one point. In this note we exhibit some regular generalized Hermite interpolation schemes supported at two points and study some limitation of existence of such schemes. The existence of such schemes provides a class of counterexamples to a conjecture of Jia and Sharma.
Central nervous system therapy and combination chemotherapy of childhood lymphocytic leukemia.

In earlier combination chemotherapy regimens for childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia, nervous system leukemia terminated complete remission in over half the patients in a median time of 11 months. In the present study, cranial radiation (2400 R, 60Co) and intrathecal methotrexate given early in remission were added to combination chemotherapy in an attempt to prevent or delay central nervous system relapse and termination of complete remission. Of 35 consecutive children with previously untreated acute lymphocytic leukemia, 20 of 30 who attained remission and received all initial phases of therapy have been in continuous complete remission for 23 to 30 months. Complete remission was terminated by nervous system relapse in three patients and by hematological relapse in five. Two patients died in complete remission of viral infections and others experienced reversible drug toxicity. We conclude that this combined therapy reduces the incidence of nervous system relapse in the first 2 years and prolongs complete remission.
Estimating the number of covering relations in a formal concept lattice

Given data organized in a tabular form called a cross table, the multi-dimensional relationships in the data are represented by a directed acyclic graph called a formal concept lattice. For large sets of data, drawing the graph is not reasonable. We focus on quantitative characteristics of the lattice structure that lead to decreased computation time in the determination of nodes and edge sets on large lattices from big data. This work addresses the problem of recovering the covering relations, of a concept lattice, given the set of nodes. We implement one existing algorithm and formally prove that it correctly computes the covering relations of a given concept lattice from its nodes. We also discuss methods for estimating the number of covering relations in a lattice and offer a conjecture for an upper bound for this number. We present experimental results to predict edge frequency distribution for a range of cross table densities. Finally we discuss some open problems.
Unifying Within- and Between-Generation Bet-Hedging Theories: An Ode to J. H. Gillespie.

AbstractIn the 1970s, John Gillespie introduced two principles in which evolution selects for genotypes with lower variation in offspring numbers. First, if the variation in offspring number primarily occurs within generations, the strength of this selective force is inversely proportional to population size. Second, if this variation primarily occurs between generations, the strength of this selective force is proportional to the variance and independent of population size. These principles lie at the core of bet-hedging theory. Using the common currency of fixation probabilities, I derive a general principle for which within-generation correlation of individual fitness acts as a dial between Gillespie’s limiting cases. At low correlations, within-generation variation is the primary selective force. At high correlations, between-generation variation is the dominant selective force. As corollary of this general principle, selection for diversified bet-hedging strategies is shown to require higher within-g...
Modeling Airline Decisions on Route Planning Using Discrete Choice Models

We propose a model for the airlines’ decisions on route planning, i.e., the decision on selecting which route to add and delete, using discrete choice random-utility theory. The central hypothesis is that a discrete choice model can effectively model the airlines’ decisions on route selection , and thereby help model the evolution of the air transportation network. We first model the airlines’ utility function as a linear function of decision variables with interaction effects. The decision of route selection is then modeled using a binary choice model derived from the utility function. The preferences for each variable in the utility function are estimated using historical datasets. Advantages of this approach include the ability to use statistical techniques to quantitatively construct decision models as well as to account for the uncertainty in unobserved attributes of the decision model. The proposed model helps predict the airlines’ decisions on routes addition and deletion which affect the network topology of air transportation and its future evolution. This capability can be beneficial to other stakeholders, such as Federal Aviation Administration, who may need to make their decisions in response to those made by the airlines, but do not have access to the airlines’ true decision models.
Critical Resource Needs In the Geoscience Profession: Geoscience Student-to-Professional Transitions

The U.S. geoscience profession is at a critical juncture as half of its extant workforce is beginning to retire at an accelerating pace while only a trickle of geoscience graduates continue to transition into the core geoscience occupations, despite the projected 23 percent increase in geoscience jobs over the next decade and highly competitive salaries. Retaining and transitioning highquality geoscience students into core geoscience occupations is now a critical issue for the geosciences as the profession is starting to experience the loss of fundamental technical skills in the U.S, both within academia and in the applied sectors. Given the current trends, many core and specialty geoscience sub-disciplines that are also economically critical are at risk of extinction. Across all fields, future geoscientists will need solid fundamental skills in both geoscience and mathematics that can be applied to different geoscience challenges including water resources, energy, minerals, hazards and climate issues. Studies have shown that there are a set of specific experiences that students encounter that may contribute to increasing interest in and pursuit of the geoscience discipline (Houlton, 2010). Focusing recruitment and retention efforts towards these factors may yield a positive response for increasing students and professionals in academia as well as across all geoscience-employing industries.
Clinical features of 1047 cases of epilepsy in children.

ObjectiveTo explore clinical features of epilepsy in children,using the newly proposed Report of the ILAE Commission on Classification and Terminology 2005-2009.MethodsA questionnaire study was conducted.The chil dren with epilepsy younger than 18 years old,recorded in our hospital from July 2005 to Janurary 2012,were include.Epi lepsy was classified into mode of onset,etiology,and syndrome.Data was analyzed with SPSS16(P = 0.05).Results(1)Clinical characteristic:male 686(65.5%),female 361(34.5%),male∶female = 1∶0.53.The mean age of onset was 2.85years.The onset ages of 53.6% patients were younger than 3 years;a peak age of onset was younger than 1 year old(27.5%).Average internal of the first and second seizure was 4.72 months(1d-95.4m)(.2)Etiology:Genetic,structur al-metaboli,and unknown epilepsy accounted for 38.0,37.1% and 24.9%,respectively.Prenatal and(or)perinatal fac tors were the most common causes of structural-metabolic epilepsy(78.4%).Among all symptomatic causes,the infection of central nervous syste,accounting for 57.7% of all postnatal factors,was a major postnatal factor of epilepsy in children.(3)Seizure type:Mode of onset was focal in 33.9%,generalized/bilateral in 32.1%,spasms in 4.5% and unknown in6.8%.Totally 412 cases(39.4%)could be classified into electroclinical syndrome.ConclusionThe focus of prevention and treatment of epilepsy is infants and young children. More than 90% of the patients have recurred one year after the first attack.The unknown etiology accounts for nearly a quarter. The percent of focal seizure is more than generalized sei zure.
Advances in molecular genetics in mitochondrial DNA-related diseases

L Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of common etiologies in degenerative diseases of children. This review summarizes the recent advances on molecular genetics in mitochondrial DNA related diseases. mtDNA mutation is divided into two groups: mutations affecting protein synthesis including rRNA or tRNA point mutation and protein encoding gene mutation. The mtDNA transfer technique is still an important one in investigating mtDNA mutation pathogenesis. Transmitochondrial cell model is found extensive application in evaluating the gene expression of mitochondrial genome at different level. The establishment of transmitochondrial model is introduction of exogenous mitochondria into mtDNA lacking ρ°cells using cell fusion or microinjection technique. The model has been widely used for evaluation of the pathogenesis of mtDNA mutation resulted from genetic or environmental factors in neurodegenerative disease.
Local detection of prostate cancer by positron emission tomography with 2-fluorodeoxyglucose: comparison of filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction with segmented attenuation correction.

Background. To compare filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction with segmented attenuation correction (IRSAC) in the local imaging of prostate cancer by positron emission tomography with 2-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET). Methods. We retrospectively identified 13 patients with primary (n-7) or recurrent (n=6) prostate cancer who had increased uptake in the prostate on FDG-PET performed without urinary catheterization, contemporaneous biopsy confirming the presence of active tumor in the prostate, and correlative cross-sectional imaging by MRI (n=8) or CT (n=5). FDG-PET images were reconstructed by FBP and IRSAC. Two independent nuclear medicine physicians separately rated FBP and IRSAC images for visualization of prostatic activity on a 4-point scale. Results were compared using biopsy and cross-sectional imaging findings as the standard of reference. Results. IRSAC images were significantly better that FBP in terms of visualization of prostatic activity in 12 of 13 patients, and were equivalent in 1 patient (p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). In particular, 2 foci of tumor activity in 2 different patients seen on IRSAC images were not visible on FBP images. In 11 patients who had a gross tumor mass evident on cross-sectional imaging, there was good agreement between PET and cross-sectional anatomic imaging with respect to tumor localization. Conclusions. In selected patients, cancer can be imaged within the prostate using FDG-PET, and IRSAC is superior to FBP in image reconstruction for local tumor visualization.
Arthroscopic Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint and Subacromial Bursa

SUMMARY A review of normal glenohumeral and subacromial anatomy and the clinical relevance of normal variants and pathologic conditions has been presented. This information will aid the arthroscopist in making accurate diagnoses and giving effective treatment.
Thrombosis and inflammation as multicellular processes: significance of cell-cell interactions.

Platelet activation as a result of vascular injury provokes endothelial cells to respond in a manner which limits or reverses the occlusive consequences of platelet accumulation. If the agonistic forces are strong, platelet accumulation is irreversible. In vitro data from our laboratory have repeatedly demonstrated that platelets become unresponsive to all agonists when in proximity to endothelial cells. This unresponsiveness is due to at least three separate endothelial "thromboregulatory" systems: eicosanoids, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF/NO), and most importantly an endothelial cell ecto-nucleotidase which metabolizes released platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) with consequent restoration of platelets to the resting state. This nucleotidase is operative in the complete absence of EDRF/NO and eicosanoids, indicating that the latter two are dispensable thromboregulators. We have solubilized the human endothelial cell ectoADPase, as well as that from placental tissue. Candidate proteins from a purified ADPase fraction are now being studied in further detail. An understanding of the molecular biology of the ADPase gene may lead to development of therapeutic agents such as soluble forms of the enzyme as well as approaches toward up-regulation of ectoADPase activity. This could result in "early thromboregulation", i.e. prevention and/or reversal of platelet accumulation at sites of vascular damage via immediate metabolic removal of the prime platelet agonist-ADP.
Effect of Having a Usual Source of Care on Health Care Outcomes Among Children With Serious Emotional Disturbance

Abstract Objective To determine the influence of a usual source of care (USC) on health care utilization, expenditures, and quality for Medicaid-insured children and adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance (SED). Methods Administrative claims data for 2011–2012 were extracted from the Truven Health MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid Research Database for 286,585 children and adolescents with a primary diagnosis of SED. We used propensity score-adjusted multivariate regressions to determine whether having a USC had a significant effect on utilization and expenditures for high-cost services that are considered potentially avoidable with appropriate outpatient care: physical and behavioral health inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmissions. Results Propensity score-adjusted regressions indicated that children with a USC had fewer inpatient admissions related to behavioral health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–0.97) and physical health (AOR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.89–0.93) and lower expenditures for behavioral health inpatient admissions, physical health ED visits, and readmissions. Having a USC also was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving quality health care for 4 physical health and 2 behavioral health measures. Conclusions Having a USC improved the health care of Medicaid-insured children and adolescents with an SED. However, despite having insurance, approximately one-fourth of this patient population did not appear to have a USC. This information can be used in developing programs that encourage connections with comprehensive health care that provides coordination among various providers.
Skin and Skin Appendage Regeneration

In this chapter we summarize recent progress in the characterization of different skin stem cell populations and their roles in epidermis, hair follicle, and sweat gland regeneration during homeostasis and injury. We discuss new discoveries in the differentiation capabilities of both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into functional keratinocytes, with their potential to regenerate skin. We also review how different skin stem cell populations integrate their regulation by intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss a new intrinsic layer of feedback that regulates stem cells in a cell-autonomous manner that, together with newly discovered stem cell niche components, creates a unique environment to host and maintain proper skin stem cell characteristics. These exciting advances in skin stem cells and stem cell niches have helped unravel new concepts in basic stem cell biology and have great translational potential to considerably impact regenerative medicine. Significantly, fully understanding the niche composition and the signals within the microenvironment will help accelerate the design of effective therapeutic strategies to promote stem cell self-renewal and stem cell–based therapies for the regeneration of functional skin with associated skin appendages after injury or in human inherited skin diseases.
In vitro analysis of partially hydrolyzed guar gum fermentation on identified gut microbiota.

Abstract Background Prebiotic dietary fibers resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and allow for stimulation of bacteria in the distal intestine and colon. Stimulation of bacteria among different individuals varies greatly, depending on a wide range of variables. Objective To determine the range of differences in response between individuals, a preclinical in vitro fermentation was conducted with six fecal donors. The primary objective was to compare the fecal microbiota of six individuals at baseline, 12 h and 24 h post-exposure to partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). Method Fecal donations were collected from six healthy individuals consuming a non-specific Western diet, free of antibiotic treatments in the past year, not affected by any GI diseases and not consuming any probiotic or prebiotic supplements. Fecal samples were exposed to 0.5 g of PHGG and measured for bacterial changes at 0, 12 and 24 h based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Results Parabacteroides increased from 3.48% of sequence reads to 10.62% of sequence reads after 24 h (p = 0.0181) and Bacteroidetes increased from 45.89% of sequence reads to 50.29% of sequence reads (p = 0.0008). Conclusions PHGG stimulates growth of Parabacteroides, a genus of bacteria that have been inversely associated with IBS and ulcerative colitis. PHGG provides stimulation of beneficial Bacteroidetes (Bacteroides and Parabacteroides), which may be correlated with many positive health markers and outcomes. PHGG is a prebiotic dietary fiber that is readily fermentable.
Therapeutic Inflammatory Monocyte Modulation using MARCO-Targeting Carboxylated Immune- Modifying Nanoparticles for Amelioration of Neuroinflammatory Disease

I monocyte-derived effector cells are speculated to play a major pathologic role in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory neurological diseases. However, no treatment option currently exists that is capable of specifically modulating these cells. We show that intravenously infused 500 nm diameter negatively-charged, biodegradable immune-modifying-nanoparticles (IMPs) formulated from the FDA-approved biopolymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), are specifically taken up by inflammatory monocytes, in an opsonin-independent fashion, via the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). Subsequently, these monocytes no longer trafficked to sites of inflammation, rather, IMP infusion caused their sequestration in the spleen (through apoptotic cell clearance mechanisms) and ultimately caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. Administration of IMPs immediately following disease initiation in mouse models of relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (R-EAE), acute spinal cord injury, epilepsy and lethal West Nile virus encephalitis, markedly reduced monocyte accumulation at CNS inflammatory foci, significantly reduced disease symptoms and promoted tissue repair. Together these data highlight the intricate interplay between scavenger receptors, the spleen and inflammatory monocyte function; indicate a major pathologic role for blood-borne inflammatory monocytes rather than CNS-resident microglia in a variety of infectious and non-infectious neuroinflammatory diseases; and support the translation of IMPs for therapeutic use in a range of neuroinflammatory diseases caused or potentiated by inflammatory monocytes.
Teamwork Planning and Learning in Adversarial Multi-Robot Domains

We have been participating in the RoboCup robot soccer small-size league for more than ten years. Such multi-robot domain offers a variety of challenges, including perception, control, actuation, and teamwork. In this talk, I will present an overview of the advances we have made along these years, namely in efficient vision processing, in physics-based motion planning, in adapting to the opponent, and in coordination and teamwork. At the end, I will outline the directions of our current work, in particular in building large teams of small robots, and analyzing and learning from data logged from the robots fast execution.
The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Abstract Introduction Growth hormone (GH) increases lean body mass, decreases fat mass, increases exercise tolerance and maximum oxygen uptake, enhances muscle strength, and improves linear growth. Long-term studies of GH administration offer conflicting results on its safety, which has led to strict Food and Drug Administration criteria for GH use. The potential drawbacks of exogenous GH use are believed to be due in part to impaired regulatory feedback. Aim To review the literature on GH secretagogues (GHSs), which include GH-releasing peptides and the orally available small-molecule drug ibutamoren mesylate. Methods Review of clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of GHSs in human subjects. Main Outcome Measure Report on the physiologic changes from GHS use in human subjects including its safety profile. Results GHSs promote pulsatile release of GH that is subject to negative feedback and can prevent supra-therapeutic levels of GH and their sequelae. To date, few long-term, rigorously controlled studies have examined the efficacy and safety of GHSs, although GHSs might improve growth velocity in children, stimulate appetite, improve lean mass in wasting states and in obese individuals, decrease bone turnover, increase fat-free mass, and improve sleep. Available studies indicate that GHSs are well tolerated, with some concern for increases in blood glucose because of decreases in insulin sensitivity. Conclusion Further work is needed to better understand the long-term impact of GHSs on human anatomy and physiology and more specifically in the context of a diversity of clinical scenarios. Furthermore, the safety of these compounds with long-term use, including evaluation of cancer incidence and mortality, is needed. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:45–53.
Childhood Maltreatment and BMI Trajectory: The Mediating Role of Depression.

Introduction Childhood maltreatment is associated with later obesity, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which depression mediates the associations between childhood maltreatment and BMI in adolescence through adulthood. Methods Data on a cohort of 13,362 adolescents in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Wave I [1994–1995] to Wave IV [2008–2009]) were analyzed in 2015–2016. Classes of maltreatment experienced prior to age 12 years were statistically identified using latent class analysis. Gender-stratified latent growth curve analysis was used to estimate total effects of maltreatment classes on latent BMI trajectory (aged 13–31 years) and indirect effects of maltreatment classes that occurred through latent depression trajectory (aged 12–31 years). Results Four latent maltreatment classes were identified: high abuse and neglect; physical abuse dominant; supervisory neglect dominant; and no/low maltreatment. In girls, compared with no/low maltreatment, supervisory neglect dominant (coefficient=0.3, 95% CI=0.0, 0.7) and physical abuse dominant (coefficient=0.6, 95% CI=0.1, 1.2) maltreatment were associated with faster gain in BMI. Change in depression over time fully mediated the association of BMI slope with physical abuse dominant maltreatment, but not with supervisory neglect dominant maltreatment. In boys, high abuse and neglect maltreatment was associated with marginally greater BMI at baseline (coefficient=0.7, 95% CI= –0.1, 1.5); this association was not mediated by depression. Conclusions Although maltreatment was associated with depression and BMI trajectories from adolescence to adulthood, depression only mediated associations with physical abuse dominant maltreatment in girls.
Habermas on Modernity and Postmodernism

THE TITLE of this ambitious contribution to the interpretation of our times is carefully chosen: "discourse" here means the reflective thematiza tion of an issue that is up for critical discussion; "philosophical discourse" refers to an ongoing debate among philosophers; and "modernity" indi cates the topic of this discourse: the status of Western culture since the En lightenment. Furthermore, Habermas distinguishes philosophical moder nity from modernism in the arts and from a more casual sense of modern times.
Finite Element Analysis Of The Extrusion Of Metals

An investigation of the behavior of metals during asixymmetric extrusion using the finite element method is presented. Flow characteristics as functions of die shape. die-workpiece interface fricti...