cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Unified Geolocation Channel Model--Part II (Multi-path Distribution)

Indoor geolocation systems have emerged and have attracted a wide audience recently. There are three important components that constitute an indoor geolocation system: (1) transmitter, (2) receiver, and (3) indoor channel model. To some extent the primary transmitter design requirements are transmit power and a frequency or a set of frequencies of operation. The receiver is designed to operate at a certain distance from the transmitter and at the same frequency or set of frequencies of operation. Hence, any indoor channel model must take into account these two important design requirements. The indoor channel is perhaps very intriguing because multipath is ubiquitous due to high signal scattering, reflection, and refraction. It is been widely accepted in the literature that the two primary channel effects are (1) path loss and (2) multipath distribution. First, the path loss model is currently accepted to be a function of the transmitter and receiver geometry and frequency of operation. Second, the most widely used and accepted indoor channel multipath distribution models are Rayleigh, Rician, and lognormal. As indicated in the paper the Rayleigh distribution is wider than Rician and Rician is wider than lognormal. This implies that the Rayleigh fading channel is the most severe and Rician fading is more severe than lognormal and lognormal is the least severe channel. Unfortunately, the dependency of the path factor on the frequency of operation in the context of a unified channel model is overlooked in the literature.
Plant community composition mediates both large transient decline and predicted long‐term recovery of soil carbon under climate warming

[1] We integrated two methods, experimental heating and observations across natural climate gradients, to elucidate both short- and long-term climatic controls on ecosystem carbon storage and to investigate carbon-cycle feedbacks to climate in montane meadows. A 10-year heating experiment warmed and dried heated plot soils and substantially decreased (by ∼200 ± 150 g C m−2) the amount of carbon stored in soil organic matter, a positive feedback to warming. In situ CO2 flux measurements, laboratory soil incubations, and a heating-induced shift in vegetation community composition from high- to low-productivity species indicate that a decline in community productivity and resultant decrease in soil inputs from plant litter caused most of the soil carbon decrease. An alternative widely hypothesized mechanism for soil carbon decrease under warming is stimulation of soil respiration, but we observed no increase in seasonally integrated soil respiration in our experiment (soil drying inhibited microbial decomposition even as soil warming stimulated it). To extend our analysis from the short-term transient response represented by the heating experiment to the presumed long-term approximate steady state represented by natural climate gradients, we tested a hypothesized relation between vegetation community composition (which controls both litter input rate and average litter quality) and soil carbon along the climate gradient. The gradient analysis implies that the experimentally induced decline in soil carbon is transient and will eventually reverse as lower quality litter inputs from the increasingly dominant low-productivity species reduce soil respiration losses. This work shows that ecological processes can control both short- and long-term responses to climate change, confirming some model-based predictions about the importance of vegetation shifts, but challenging the widely held hypothesis that the effect of temperature change on respiration will dominate soil carbon changes.
eBlocks: an enabling technology for basic sensor based systems

We describe the development of a set of embedded system building blocks, known as eBlocks. An eBlock network can be viewed as a basic form of sensor network that can be developed by non-programming engineers, scientists, and others. Each eBlock has a defined function, either one of a few predefined combinational or sequential functions, a custom-programmed function defined by an automated tool, or by user with programming skills. A user creates an application simply by connecting blocks, and possibly performing simple configuration via dials and switches. We have built over 100 physical eBlock prototypes, and tested their usability with over 100 non-programming users to date. We will describe the architecture of the blocks, including design tradeoffs we considered and the benefit of an exploration tool that we developed to help optimize the power and performance of the design. We have also built a graphical eBlock simulator that users can utilize to quickly build and test systems before deployment, and that we have used in experiments with over 300 non-programming users to help us define intuitive block functions and interfaces. We will describe the simulator architecture, as well as a tool that automatically converts a user's eBlock network into a much smaller network of programmable blocks with accompanying automatically generated programs.
Particle filtering for geometric active contours with application to tracking moving and deforming objects

Geometric active contours are formulated in a manner which is parametrization independent. As such, they are amenable to representation as the zero level set of the graph of a higher dimensional function. This representation is able to deal with singularities and changes in topology of the contour. It has been used very successfully in static images for segmentation and registration problems where the contour (represented as an implicit curve) is evolved until it minimizes an image based energy functional. But tracking involves estimating the global motion of the object and its local deformations as a function of time. Some attempts have been made to use geometric active contours for tracking, but most of these minimize the energy at each frame and do not utilize the temporal coherency of the motion or the deformation. On the other hand, tracking algorithms using Kalman filters or particle filters have been proposed for finite dimensional representations of shape. But these are dependent on the chosen parametrization and cannot handle changes in curve topology. In the present work, we formulate a particle filtering algorithm in the geometric active contour framework that can be used for tracking moving and deforming objects.
Improbable but Potentially Pivotal Oppositions: Privatization, Capitalists, and Political Contestation in the Post-Soviet Autocracies

Reflecting a chiefly economic approach to understanding political outcomes, a burgeoning literature on post-Soviet political economy finds a strong link between privatization and political pluralism in the region. To test whether the political promise of economic liberalization and the logic of modernization that underlies it hold true, I draw on existing and original data on privatization, pluralism, and opposition movements throughout the region from early independence to the present. The data reveal a fundamentally different formulation of the relationship between economics and politics than that found in the standard causal account. Contrary to approaches that stress the “the primacy of economics” in determining political outcomes, numerous cases of post-Soviet capitalist defection to the political opposition clearly point to “the primacy of politics”: the tangible ways that formal and informal institutions structure economic opportunities and ultimately impinge on individual calculations to comply with, oppose, or seek refuge from the regime.
Placement of 3D ICs with thermal and interlayer via considerations

Thermal problems and limitations on interlayer via densities are important design constraints on three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs), and need to be considered during global and detailed placement. Analytical and partitioning-based techniques are developed to explore the tradeoff between wirelength, interlayer via counts, and thermal effects. This method allows wirelengths to be minimized for any desired interlayer via density and temperatures to be reduced while minimizing deleterious effects on wirelength and interlayer via counts. Wirelength reductions within 2% of the optimal can be achieved using 46% fewer interlayer vias. Temperatures can be reduced by about 20% with only 1% higher wirelengths and 10% more interlayer vias.
Processing and Sorting of the Prohormone Convertase 2 Propeptide

The prohormone convertases (PCs) are synthesized as zymogens whose propeptides contain several multibasic sites. In this study, we investigated the processing of the PC2 propeptide and its function in the regulation of PC2 activity. By using purified pro-PC2 and directed mutagenesis, we found that the propeptide is first cleaved at the multibasic site separating it from the catalytic domain (primary cleavage site); the intact propeptide thus generated is then sequentially processed at two internal sites. Unlike the mechanism described for furin, our mutagenesis studies show that internal cleavage of the propeptide is not required for activation of pro-PC2. In addition, we identified a point mutation in the primary cleavage site that does not prevent the folding nor the processing of the zymogen but nevertheless results in the generation of an inactive PC2 species. These data suggest that the propeptide cleavage site is directly involved in the folding of the catalytic site. By using synthetic peptides, we found that a PC2 propeptide fragment inhibits PC2 activity, and we identified the inhibitory site as the peptide sequence containing basic residues at the extreme carboxyl terminus of the primary cleavage site. Finally, our study supplies information concerning the intracellular fate of a convertase propeptide by providing evidence that the PC2 propeptide is generated and is internally processed within the secretory granules. In agreement with this localization, an internally cleaved propeptide fragment could be released by stimulated secretion.
NAD(P)H Oxidase–Derived Superoxide Mediates Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Leukocyte–Endothelial Cell Adhesion

Experimental animals placed on a high-cholesterol diet for 2 or more weeks exhibit an inflammatory response in postcapillary venules. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether superoxide mediates the hypercholesterolemia-induced inflammatory response and (2) whether leukocyte and/or vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to this response. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to quantify leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion in cremasteric postcapillary venules of wild-type (WT) mice, CuZn-superoxide dismutase transgenic (SOD TgN) mice, and mice heterozygous (p47(phox)+/-) or homozygous (p47(phox)-/-) for NAD(P)H oxidase placed on either a normal diet or high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 2 weeks. The number of adherent and emigrated leukocytes in postcapillary venules of WT HCD mice was significantly higher than that detected in venules of their normal-diet counterparts. However, the HCD-induced recruitment of adherent and emigrated leukocytes was not observed in SOD TgN mice. Whereas hypercholesterolemic p47(phox)+/- and WT mice exhibited similar inflammatory responses, p47(phox)-/- mice did not. Bone marrow chimeras were developed to selectively delete p47(phox) from either the vessel wall or circulating leukocytes. Whereas WT marrow transplanted into WT mice produced a normal inflammatory response of venules to HCD, chimeric mice with p47(phox) deficiency in either the vessel wall or leukocytes exhibited an attenuated inflammatory response to HCD that was comparable with that observed in p47(phox)-/- HCD mice. Our findings indicate that enhanced superoxide production is a critical event that initiates the leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion in postcapillary venules of HCD mice. NAD(P)H oxidase appears to be an important source of this superoxide.
Modeling shoulder function in high level tetraplegia

Individuals with high level spinal cord injury retain little or no voluntary control over their arm musculature, limiting their ability to perform activities of daily living. The feasibility of restoring shoulder function for an individual with C3 tetraplegia has been evaluated with the use of a musculoskeletal model.
An Effective Memory Optimization for Virtual Machine-Based Systems

Utilizing the popular virtualization technology (VT), users can benefit from server consolidation on high-end systems and flexible programming interfaces on low-end systems. In these virtualization environments, the intensive memory multiplexing for I/O of Virtual Machines (VMs) significantly degrades system performance. In this paper, we present a new technique, called Batmem, to effectively reduce the memory multiplexing overhead of VMs and emulated devices by optimizing the operations of the conventional emulated Memory Mapped I/O in Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM)/hypervisor. To demonstrate the feasibility of Batmem, we conduct a detailed taxonomy of the memory optimization on selected virtual devices. We evaluate the effectiveness of Batmem in Windows and Linux systems. Our experimental results show that 1) for high-end systems, Batmem operates as a component of the hypervisor and significantly improves the performance of the virtual environment, and 2) for low-end systems, Batmem could be exploited as a component of the VM-based malware/rootkit (VMBR) and cloak malicious activities from users' awareness.
When Outgroups Fail; Phylogenomics of Rooting the Emerging Pathogen, Coxiella burnetii

Rooting phylogenies is critical for understanding evolution, yet the importance, intricacies and difficulties of rooting are often overlooked. For rooting, polymorphic characters among the group of interest (ingroup) must be compared to those of a relative (outgroup) that diverged before the last common ancestor (LCA) of the ingroup. Problems arise if an outgroup does not exist, is unknown, or is so distant that few characters are shared, in which case duplicated genes originating before the LCA can be used as proxy outgroups to root diverse phylogenies. Here, we describe a genome-wide expansion of this technique that can be used to solve problems at the other end of the evolutionary scale: where ingroup individuals are all very closely related to each other, but the next closest relative is very distant. We used shared orthologous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 10 whole genome sequences of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever in humans, to create a robust, but unrooted phylogeny. To maximize the number of characters informative about the rooting, we searched entire genomes for polymorphic duplicated regions where orthologs of each paralog could be identified so that the paralogs could be used to root the tree. Recent radiations, such as those of emerging pathogens, often pose rooting challenges due to a lack of ingroup variation and large genomic differences with known outgroups. Using a phylogenomic approach, we created a robust, rooted phylogeny for C. burnetii. [Coxiella burnetii; paralog SNPs; pathogen evolution; phylogeny; recent radiation; root; rooting using duplicated genes.].
Infantile hemangioendothelioma of the thymus with massive pleural effusion and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome : Histopathological, flow cytometrical analysis of the tumor

Infantile hemangioendothelioma of the thymus is a rare disease. We describe a patient who developed a large anterior mediastinal mass, severe thrombocytopenia and massive pleural effusion at 1 month of age. Glucocorticosteroid and irradiation therapy had no effect on either the tumor size or clinical symptoms and the tumor was resected subtotally. Three months after the subtotal resection, the remaining tumor had almost disappeared and the symptoms had resolved. The patient has now been well for 1 year after surgery without evidence of recurrence. The tumor tissue was characterized by prominent vascular endothelial proliferation intermixed with a normal thymic structure, producing a picture consistent with that of an infantile hemangioendothelioma in the thymus. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed positive staining for vimentin, factor VIII and CD34. The DNA stemline and proliferative activity were examined by flow cytometry, which revealed a diploid stemline with a low growth fraction. DNA content and cell cycle analyses of the tumor tissue may be useful for predicting the biological behavior of the tumor.
BLOOMS OF SURF‐ZONE DIATOMS ALONG THE COAST OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA, WASHINGTON. VI. DAILY PERIODICITY PHENOMENA ASSOCIATED WITH CHAETOCEROS ARMATUM IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT1,2

SUMMARY Microscope observations of chains of Chaetoceros T. armatum T. West, collected, from its natural habitat, at Copalis Beach, Washington, have been made. A regular daily periodicity in the occurrence of cell division stages and length of the chains was found on each occasion (November, February, April, May, August). During the night, short chains of 3 cells predominated. In early morning hours, average chain lengths increased due to cell elongation, and nuclear and protoplast division occurred. This correlated with the time of day when cell masses of C. armatum first appeared at the surface of the water. In the late afternoon, the new silica valves of the daughter protoplasts were formed. Formation of special bristle-bearing end valves effected the separation of long chains into shorter chains composed predominantly of 3 cells. (Cultured material was used to verify some of these stages.) This correlated with the time of day when cell masses disappeared from the water surface and dispersed.
Monotonicity properties of a class of stochastic inventory systems

We consider inventory systems which are governed by an (r,q) or (r,nq) policy. We derive general conditions for monotonicity of the three optimal policy parameters, i.e., the optimal reorder level, order quantity and order-up-to level, as well as the optimal cost value, as a function of the various model primitives, be it cost parameters or complete cost rate functions or characteristics of the demand and leadtime processes. These results are obtained as corollaries from a few general theorems, with separate treatment given to the case where the policy parameters are continuous variables and that where they need to be restricted to integer values. The results are applied both to standard inventory models and to those with general shelf age and delay dependent inventory costs.
Interleukin 6 Mediates Myocardial Fibrosis, Concentric Hypertrophy, and Diastolic Dysfunction in Rats

Although there is a correlation between hypertension and levels of interleukin (IL) 6, the exact role this cytokine plays in myocardial remodeling is unknown. This is complicated by the variable tissue and circulating levels of IL-6 reported in numerous experimental models of hypertension. Accordingly, we explored the hypothesis that elevated levels of IL-6 mediate adverse myocardial remodeling. To this end, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with IL-6 (2.5 microg . kg(-1) . h(-1), IP) for 7 days via osmotic minipump and compared with vehicle-infused, aged-matched controls. Left ventricular function was evaluated using a blood-perfused isolated heart preparation. Myocardial interstitial collagen volume fraction and isolated cardiomyocyte size were also assessed. Isolated adult cardiac fibroblast experiments were performed to determine the importance of the soluble IL-6 receptor in mediating cardiac fibrosis. IL-6 infusions in vivo resulted in concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, increased ventricular stiffness, a marked increase in collagen volume fraction (6.2% versus 1.7%; P<0.001), and proportional increases in cardiomyocyte width and length, all independent of blood pressure. The soluble IL-6 receptor in combination with IL-6 was found to be essential to producing increased collagen concentration by isolated cardiac fibroblasts and also played a role in mediating a phenotypic conversion to myofibroblasts. These novel observations demonstrate that IL-6 induces a myocardial phenotype almost identical to that of the hypertensive heart, identifying IL-6 as potentially important in this remodeling process.
Effect of Single Versus Repeated Exposure to 1,1,1-Trichloroethane on Rat Operant Behavior

A design feature of most dose-response studies involving schedule-controlled operant behavior is the repeated administration of different doses of the test substance to the same experimental animal. Repeated dosing raises the question of whether or not an animal's initial exposure to a chemical agent alters its behavioral response to subsequent exposures. To address this question, a dose-response curve for the effect of inhaled 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TRI) on the rate of lever-pressing for milk delivery was generated with repeatedly exposed rats (i.e., a within-subject design) and compared to dose-response data obtained from rats receiving a single inhalation exposure to TRI (i.e., a between-group design). Relative to that generated with singly exposed rats, the dose-response curve generated by repeated exposure was shifted to the left. This suggests that the behavioral effects of rate-decreasing concentrations of TRI are augmented by previous exposures. This residual effect is apparently not due to the accumulation ofpharmacologically active substances or to the development of an aversion to responding, since TRI is rapidly eliminated following exposure and solvent-free responding was unaffected 24 h postexposure. Instead, the results of this study support the well-established belief that an animal's response to a drug or chemical agent can be modified by its prior behavioral and exposure history. Thus, comparisons of single and repeated exposures may be necessary for fully accurate interpretations of the behavioral consequences of solvent exposure.
No direct or indirect benefits to cryptic female choice in house crickets (Acheta domesticus)

Cryptic female choice in crickets occurs through the premature removal of a male’s spermatophore after copulation, which terminates sperm transfer. Although it is known that this behavior can directly influence the paternity of offspring, its effects on female fitness have not been directly assessed. We tested the hypothesis that spermatophore removal by female house crickets (Acheta domesticus) confers fitness benefits on females, by randomly assigning mates to females but permitting some females to freely remove spermatophores after mating (cryptic-choice treatment) while forcing others to accept complete ejaculates (nochoice treatment). Although there was about a two-fold difference in the volume of ejaculate received by females of the two treatments, there were no significant differences in female longevity, reproductive output, or offspring quality, as measured by offspring mass and developmental time. Although differential spermatophore removal by females imposes strong sexual selection on males, the absence of a clear treatment effect suggests that females obtain no direct or indirect genetic benefits through their postcopulatory mating preferences. Key words: Acheta domesticus, crickets, cryptic female choice, indirect genetic benefits, offspring fitness, spermatophore, sexual selection. [Behav Ecol]
Mitochondrial Haplotypic Diversity of Pine Cone Beetles (Scolytinae: Conophthorus) Collected on Food Sources

Conophthorus Hopkins attack, oviposit, and feed in immature cones of many pine (Pinus) species. They are a serious pest of pine seed orchards and can destroy up to 100% of the cone crop. Beetles can plague orchards over many years because emerging beetles tend to attack cones of the same or a nearby tree. However, fluctuating pine cone production suggests that beetles may disperse from their natal tree stand to find second-year cones for oviposition. These dispersal behaviors may influence population level genetic diversity, that is, populations may exhibit low or high diversity. In this study, we assess the mitochondrial haplotypic diversity among 10 populations of Conophthorus representing four species. Furthermore, the haplotypic diversities are compared with published haplotypic diversities of other scolytine species to assess the influence of fluctuating food resources on Conophthorus haplotype diversity. Conophthorus haplotypic diversity ranged between 13 and 70%, which was similar to population level haplotypic diversities of other scolytines. The tendency of the emerging brood to reinfest the same tree has little influence on haplotype composition of populations and haplotype diversity is likely more influenced by beetles in search of pine cones.
SWITCHING OF A MATING-TYPE a MUTANT ALLELE IN BUDDING YEAST SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Aimed at investigating the recovery of a specific mutant allele of the mating type locus (MAT) by switching a defective MAT allele, these experiments provide information bearing on several models proposed for MAT interconversion in bakers yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hybrids between heterothallic (ho) cells carrying a mutant MAT a allele, designated mata-2, and MAT alpha ho strains show a high capacity for mating with MATa strains. The MAT alpha/mata-2 diploids do not sporulate. However, zygotic clones obtained by mating MAT alpha homothallic (HO) cells with mata-2 ho cells are unable to mate and can sporulate. Tetrad analysis of such clones revealed two diploid (MAT alpha/MATa):two haploid segregants. Therefore, MAT switches occur in MAT alpha/mata-2 HO/ho cells to produce MAT alpha/Mata cells capable of sporulation. In heterothallic strains, the mata-2 allele can be switched to a functional MAT alpha and subsequently to a functional MATa. Among 32 MAT alpha to MATa switches tested, where the MAT alpha was previously derived from the mata-2 mutant, only one mata-2 like isolate was observed. However, the recovered allele, unlike the parental allele, complements the matalpha ste1-5 mutant, suggesting that these alleles are not identical and that the recovered allele presumably arose as a mutation of the Mat alpha locus. No mata-2 was recovered by HO-mediated switching of MAT alpha (previously obtained from mata-2 by HO) in 217 switches analyzed. We conclude that in homothallic and heterothallic strains, the mata-2 allele can be readily switched to a functional MAT alpha and subsequently to a functional MATa locus. Overall, the results are in accord with the cassette model (HICKS, STRATHERN and HERSKOWITZ )977b) proposed to explain MAT interconversions.
Therapeutic Abortion and Sterlization Committee. A 3 years experience.

Abstract The urgent need for, the organization of, and the review of the first 3 years' function of the Therapeutic Abortion-Sterilization Committee at Newark Beth Israel Hospital have been presented. The disposition of the 272 requests for permission to perform therapeutic abortion and/or sterilization has been analyzed. The performance incidence of therapeutic abortions (1:236 deliveries) and sterilizations (1.28 per cent of the number of deliveries) compares favorably with the figures quoted from other large series. The impartial, anonymous, efficient performance of this Committee permits complete recommendation of such an organization to handle the requests for therapeutic abortion and sterilization at any hospital.
Flame radiation and liner heat transfer in a tubular-can combustor

Heat transfer within a combuster were examined. Total and spectral flame radiation in a tubular can combustor at a series of parametric operating conditions was measured. Radiation measurements were taken for a range of inlet air pressures from 0.34 to 2.0 MPa, inlet air temperatures from 533 to 700 K, with two different fuels, Jet-A and ERBS. Measurements of liner temperatures combined with the parametric radiation results allowed a calculation of the combustor liner heat loads. Flame emissivity was determined from the spectral measurements.
Nonpathologizing trauma interventions in abnormal psychology courses

Because abnormal psychology courses presuppose a focus on pathological human functioning, nonpathologizing interventions within these classes are particularly powerful and can reach survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators. Interventions are needed to improve the social response to trauma on college campuses. By applying psychodynamic and feminist multicultural theory, instructors can deliver nonpathologizing interventions about trauma and trauma response within these classes. We recommend class-based interventions with the following aims: (a) intentionally using nonpathologizing language, (b) normalizing trauma responses, (c) subjectively defining trauma, (d) challenging secondary victimization, and (e) questioning the delineation of abnormal and normal. The recommendations promote implications for instructor self-reflection, therapy interventions, and future research.
The Biomechanics of Throwing

The shoulder is a complex joint that affords the most degrees of freedom of any joint in the body. As such, there are several static and dynamic structures that act on the shoulder with every shoulder motion to maintain the humeral head in proper position. The overhead athlete, specifically the baseball pitcher, faces a multitude of forces about the shoulder with each athletic encounter. These forces can often lead to chronic, attritional injuries that manifest as decreases in both velocity and accuracy over several months, or less frequently, as acute, traumatic injuries. To understand how to manage the different pathology that arises in the shoulder of the overhead athlete, it is first imperative to understand the biomechanical forces that act on the athlete׳s shoulder with varying shoulder motions, specifically the baseball pitch. The baseball pitch, commonly divided into 6 distinct phases, is a classic example of the shoulder forces experienced by an overhead athlete, and serves as a basis for understanding shoulder biomechanics in these players. Football quarterbacks, javelin throwers, swimmers, and other athletes also experience similar significant forces about the shoulder. With a complete understanding of shoulder kinetics and kinematics in the overhead athlete, one can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment of subtle pathologies seen in this patient population.
Sounding boards. Where is the popular mandate

Current policies of the federal government include substantial cuts in government health expenditures and dismantling government regulations in the health and medical-care sectors. These policies are being pursued under an assumed popular mandate. The existence of such a mandate is also assumed among large sectors of the political, medical, and academic establishments in this country. There is, indeed, a belief among many leaders of medical academic and healthcare institutions that there is a popular mandate to cut government health expenditures, with particular emphasis on those that affect the poor and the elderly; and an anti-government mood in the country, with . . .
Analysis of Food-borne pathogens in Ankang 2010

Objective To understand the contamination of food-borne pathogens in food of Ankang city,and identify the food at high risk for bacterial contamination.Methods According to the Food Sanitation Microbial Examination Standard and national monitoring network on food-borne diseases,seven kinds of food pathogens in 12 types of food collected from several major markets in Ankang.Results 29 strains of food-borne pathogens were detected from 174 samples,detective rate was 16.67%(29/174),including L.monocytogenes 11.11%(12/108),Staphylococcus aureus 10.42%(10/96),salmonella 2.87%(5/174),V.parahaemolyticus 5.56%(2/36).Polluted rates of the cooked meat and frozen rice products were high,up to 28.57% and 16.67%.Conclusion Pathogens are detected in various food and main food-borne pathogens are L.monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the city.Therefore,pathogens in various types of food should be strengthened detection and taken appropriate preventive and control measures to prevent food-borne diseases.
Analysis on the results of snail survey in schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Hubei Province in 2007

Objective To understand the characteristics and rules of the distributions of snails and infected snails in Hu- bei Province.Methods According to the scheme of the Hubei Provincial Schistosomiasis Surveillance,74 schistoso- miasis surveillance sites(villages)were selected and established.The distributions of snails and infected snails were sur- veyed using systematic and environmental sampling.Results In the 74 surveillance sites,the density of living snail was 0.474/0.1 m~2,the density of infected snail was 0.000 51/0.1 m~2,and snail infection rate was 0.107%.The densities of living snail in surveillance village of inner embankment,riverway and preventing wave forest were 0.784/0.1 m~2,0.738/ 0.1 m~2 and 0.673/0.1 m~2,respectively.The density of infected snail in riverway was 0.003 36/0.1 m~2.The infected snails were found out in 2 out of 9 surveillance sites transmission controlled.Conclusion Compared with 2006.the en- demic situation of snail was descended,but the densities of living snail in surveillance village of inner embankment,river- way and preventing wave forest were still high,the density of infected snail in riverway was also high.So snail control, especially infected snail control should be enhanced.
Hepatic Hemosiderosis After Portacaval Shunt Surgery in Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Sometime Thing

Hemosiderin in liver sections from alcoholic cirrhotic men, obtained at the time of prophylactic or therapeutic portacaval shunt surgery, and again, on the average of 63 months later, was assessed histochemically. Stainable iron was present in 10% of the initial and 18% of the follow-up sections and had increased from an average grade of 0.20 + to 0.36 +. In this series hepatic hemosiderosis appeared to be an infrequent complication of portacaval anastomosis.
Interrater reliability of quantitative ultrasound using force feedback among examiners with varied levels of experience.

Background. Quantitative ultrasound measures are influenced by multiple external factors including examiner scanning force. Force feedback may foster the acquisition of reliable morphometry measures under a variety of scanning conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of force-feedback image acquisition and morphometry over a range of examiner-generated forces using a muscle tissue-mimicking ultrasound phantom. Methods. Sixty material thickness measures were acquired from a muscle tissue mimicking phantom using B-mode ultrasound scanning by six examiners with varied experience levels (i.e., experienced, intermediate, and novice). Estimates of interrater reliability and measurement error with force feedback scanning were determined for the examiners. In addition, criterion-based reliability was determined using material deformation values across a range of examiner scanning forces (1-10 Newtons) via automated and manually acquired image capture methods using force feedback. Results. All examiners demonstrated acceptable interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = .98, p .90, p < .001), independent of their level of experience. The measurement error among all examiners was 1.5%-2.9% across all applied stress conditions. Conclusion. Manual image capture with force feedback may aid the reliability of morphometry measures across a range of examiner scanning forces, and allow for consistent performance among examiners with differing levels of experience.
Is Literary Criticism an Illegitimate Discipline? A Fallacious Argument in Plato's Ion

The short Platonic dialogue, the Ion, has suffered a strange fate. Its authenticity has been doubted, and its content considered slight or repetitious. The greatest and most surprising setback the work has encountered is that critics have never even been able to agree on its subject. Therefore, an analysis of the dialogue requires that we first investigate whether the dialogue questions the knowledge of poets or critics, the two subjects proposed. Second, Socrates' argument denying an area of expertise to rhapsodes needs examination; and, finally, the implications of the Ion's argument, especially in regard to the connections between literary criticism and philosophy, deserve attention.The main argument of the Ion is anticipated by two questions posed at the beginning of the work. Socrates asks Ion whether he is as skilful (deinos) in discussing Hesiod and Archilochus as he claims to be in regard to Homer (531a1-2). When the rhapsode responds that his talent is limited to Homer, Socrates concludes that Ion's ability to speak about Homer is not based upon technical knowledge (tekhnē) or a scientific method (epistēmē) but upon divine inspiration. Shortly afterwards, Socrates asks whether Ion or a seer could better assess Homeric and Hesiodic passages about soothsaying (531b3-6). This question anticipates the argument in the last third of the dialogue where Socrates insists that Ion has no particular expertise in regard to the Homeric works and that in fact specialists in various technical fields are better qualified to judge Homeric passages. The question also prefigures the important role divination will play in the dialogue.
Human Bετα Defensin Type 3 Interaction with Chemokine Receptor CXCR4

Defensins are cationic cysteine-rich small molecules with molecular masses ranging from 3 to 5 kDa. In general, human β defensins (hBD) are produced by epithelial cells, and they are important to the human innate immune system. Among the identified hBDs, hBD type 3 (hBD-3) has 45 residues with three disulfide bonds formed between six cysteine residues. It can exert chemotactic effects on T-cells and immature dendritic cells, mediated via the C C chemokine receptors. hBD-3 was found to interact with C C chemokine receptor CXCR4 which contributes to inflammatory diseases and cancer, resulting in antagonism of T cell migration, thus inhibition of chemotaxis. But the exact inducing/inhibiting tumor mechanism is not yet known.In this project, the interaction and binding of hBD-3 with CXCR4 embedded in lipid bilayer was investigated using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations after the initial structures predicted using docking calculations. In total, three kinds of lipid membranes: POPC, POPS, POPG were set up. In order to consider the hBD-3 structure effect on the binding, besides hBD-3 wildtype, hBD-3 analog which has three disulfide bonds removed, were also studied. Since hBD-3 can form oligomers and CXCR4 can stay in monomer and dimer forms, the binding of hBD-3 in both monomer and dimer forms with CXCR4 in both monomer and dimer forms were investigated. The structure of CXCR4 in lipid membrane and the key residues on the binding interface between hBD-3 and CXCR4 agrees with experimental findings. hBD-3 analog shows more interaction with the lipid membrane than the wildtype. Moreover, in different lipid bilayers, the dynamics and the complex structures of hBD-3 and CXCR4 are different. Thus, it is expected that lipids can influence the chemotactic function of hBD-3 interacting with chemokine receptors.
Analytics in action: users and predictive data in the neonatal intensive care unit

As the data phenomenon has grown, researchers have increasingly recognized the need to investigate algorithmic and data-driven technology, practices, and culture. While a number of studies have inv...
A latitudinal phylogeographic diversity gradient in birds

High tropical species diversity is often attributed to evolutionary dynamics over long timescales. It is possible, however, that latitudinal variation in diversification begins when divergence occurs within species. Phylogeographic data capture this initial stage of diversification in which populations become geographically isolated and begin to differentiate genetically. There is limited understanding of the broader implications of intraspecific diversification because comparative analyses have focused on species inhabiting and evolving in restricted regions and environments. Here, we scale comparative phylogeography up to the hemisphere level and examine whether the processes driving latitudinal differences in species diversity are also evident within species. We collected genetic data for 210 New World bird species distributed across a broad latitudinal gradient and estimated a suite of metrics characterizing phylogeographic history. We found that lower latitude species had, on average, greater phylogeographic diversity than higher latitude species and that intraspecific diversity showed evidence of greater persistence in the tropics. Factors associated with species ecologies, life histories, and habitats explained little of the variation in phylogeographic structure across the latitudinal gradient. Our results suggest that the latitudinal gradient in species richness originates, at least partly, from population-level processes within species and are consistent with hypotheses implicating age and environmental stability in the formation of diversity gradients. Comparative phylogeographic analyses scaled up to large geographic regions and hundreds of species can show connections between population-level processes and broad-scale species-richness patterns.
D&I and Effective Global Citizenship

The diversity found in the classrooms of most higher education programs is a consequence of the globalized marketplace and worldwide immigration, with different nationalities coming together in a classroom environment to learn how to better perform in a market that is similarly multicultural and ethnically diverse. This learning environment now mandates that students develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of different cultures and ways of doing business in different parts of the world compared to earlier decades. This chapter discusses how educational institutions are addressing global awareness and citizenship, leading to a consequent employability improvement as well as providing the global community with future leaders and effective problem-solvers.
Analysis of the Size, Shape, and Modeled Age of Common Limpets (Patella vulgata) from Late Norse Middens at Sandwick, Unst, Shetland Islands, UK: Evidence for Anthropogenic and Climatic Impacts

Zooarchaeological faunal remains are commonly examined to investigate harvesting behavior. We determined limpet (Patella vulgata) shell size and shape, and estimated shell age from several middens ...
The role of arthroscopy in the treatment of lunotriquetral ligament injuries.

The treatment of lunotriquetral interosseous (LTIO) ligament injuries is controversial. It is part of a spectrum of injuries involving the ulnar side of the wrist. Associated injuries may play a greater role in the outcome of treatment than does the LTIO injury. Arthroscopy is the most accurate diagnostic tool available for the evaluation of LTIO ligament injuries; it allows diagnosis and often treatment of associated injuries. This article describes the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of LTIO ligament injuries anti related use of arthroscopy.
Modernism and Cultural Conflict, 1880–1922: Mapping the middlebrow in Edwardian England

We are sick to death of the assorted panaceas, of the general acquiescence of artists, of their agreement to have perfect manners, and to mention absolutely nothing unpleasant. Realism in literature has had its run … The artist has been at peace with his oppressors for long enough. He has dabbled in democracy and he is now done with that folly … The aristocracy of commerce is decaying, the aristocracy of the arts is ready again for its service … And the public will do well to resent these “new” kinds of art. Ezra Pound, “The New Sculpture” Ezra Pound's essay for the Egoist on “The New Sculpture” in 1914 provides a useful point of departure for this chapter's consideration of an arena of literary production that the Joyce–Eliot–Pound nexus of modernism obscures entirely from history: the sphere of the middlebrow in Edwardian England. The work of Netta Syrett (1865–1943), a middlebrow writer of feminist women's fiction who published prolifically between 1895 and 1940, will provide the occasion in this chapter to register depth and subtle contrast in a terrain that her avant-garde contemporaries viewed only as a vast, flat wasteland. Before introducing her or looking closely at her work, however, it is helpful to unpack Pound's contribution to the controversy raging in 1914 over Jacob Epstein's sculpture.
Plasmid Incompatibility and Replication Control

Not all plasmids can stably coexist in a bacterial host cell. Two genetically distinguishable plasmids that cannot be stably maintained within a particular host are designated as members of the same incompatibility (Inc) group (19). Generally, if two plasmids are members of the same incompatibility group, the introduction of one of the two plasmids by conjugation, transformation, or transduction into a cell carrying the other plasmid destabilizes the inheritance of the resident plasmid. The placement of plasmids in various Inc groups has proved useful in classifying plasmid elements and identifying plasmids that are genetically related. The phenomenon of plasmid incompatibility is a consequence of two plasmids sharing common elements responsible for plasmid maintenance, namely, replication control and/or partitioning systems (63). It is also dependent on the fact that at least for those plasmids examined, representing plasmids from both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, the selection of individual plasmid molecules for replication and partitioning is carried out randomly from a common pool of molecules (5, 63, 82, 84).
EU Enlargement and State Capture in the Western Balkans

In 2018, the European Union (EU) enlargement process in the Western Balkans is at a crossroads. EU leaders have recommitted themselves to the process, but Western Balkan states in the membership queue are hobbled by the capture of the state by elites who favour rent-seeking and ethno-nationalist appeals over economic reform, media freedom and the rule of law. The EU’s renewed commitment is perhaps surprising given the democratic backsliding that has happened since 2010 in EU members that were once the front-runners of post-communist reform. In Hungary and Poland, the ascendance of rent-seeking elites who use ethno-nationalist appeals to legitimize the concentration of power has undermined liberal democracy—and in Hungary it has destroyed it. I argue in this chapter that for the EU there are nevertheless substantial geopolitical benefits including regional stability and democratic reform that motivate continued enlargement to the Western Balkan states. And for the candidates, there remain vast geopolitical and economic benefits of membership that continue to motivate at least uneven democratic reform, but sometimes falter also because the EU struggles with expertise, consistency and legitimacy in the pre-accession process. The conclusion reflects on how the illiberal turn inside the EU may shape enlargement going forward.
Human tularaemia associated with exposure to domestic dogs-United States, 2006-2016.

Dogs have been implicated in the zoonotic transmission of numerous pathogens. Whereas cats are known to transmit Francisella tularensis to humans via bite and other routes, the role of dogs in facilitating infection is much less understood. We reviewed tularaemia case investigation records collected through national surveillance during 2006-2016 to summarize those with dog involvement, characterize the nature of dog-related exposure and describe associated clinical characteristics. Among 1,814 human tularaemia cases, 735 (41%) supplemental case investigation records were available for review; and of those, 24 (3.3%) were classified as dog-related. Median age of patients was 51 years (range: 1-82); 54% were female. Two thirds (67%) of cases presented with ulceroglandular/glandular tularaemia; pneumonic (13%) and oropharyngeal (13%) illness occurred less frequently. Dog-related exposures were classified as follows: direct contact via bite, scratch or face snuggling/licking (n = 12; 50%); direct contact with dead animals retrieved by domestic dogs (n = 8; 33%); and contact with infected ticks acquired from domestic dogs (n = 4; 17%). Prevention of dog-related tularaemia necessitates enhanced tularaemia awareness and tick avoidance among pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and the general public.