cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enigmatic Distribution, Evolution, and Function of Inteins

Inteins are mobile genetic elements capable of self-splicing post-translationally. They exist in all three domains of life including in viruses and bacteriophage, where they have a sporadic distribution even among very closely related species. In this review, we address this anomalous distribution from the point of view of the evolution of the host species as well as the intrinsic features of the inteins that contribute to their genetic mobility. We also discuss the incidence of inteins in functionally important sites of their host proteins. Finally, we describe instances of conditional protein splicing. These latter observations lead us to the hypothesis that some inteins have adapted to become sensors that play regulatory roles within their host protein, to the advantage of the organism in which they reside.
The interpersonal basis of stereotype-relevant self-views

Recent research examining the interpersonal basis of self-stereotyping is considered from the perspective of Cognitive-Affective Personality System (CAPS) theory. The reviewed work shows that individuals tend to see themselves in a stereotypic manner when interacting with someone who engenders affiliative motivation and is thought to hold stereotypic views of their group. Evidence suggesting that this context-dependent self-stereotyping is extended temporally through future psychologically similar interactions and the invocation of significant others thought to endorse stereotypes is also discussed. These findings and the theoretical framework that stimulated them strongly resonate with the notion of if...then contingencies of the self articulated in CAPS theory. The implications of each viewpoint for the other are discussed.
Fluorescent Particle Image Tracking Procedure for Shallow Water Flow Tracing

In this paper, the feasibility of tracing shallow water flows in illuminated light conditions by using buoyant fluorescent particles is investigated. An automated image analysis-based procedure is developed for on-line detection and real-time tracking of particles using a computationally inexpensive algorithm implemented on recorded videos. The methodology is validated through experiments conducted in a custom-built miniature channel specifically developed for simulating controlled shallow water conditions. Experimental findings suggest that the proposed methodology could be successfully integrated in field flow tracing systems for overland flow velocity.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Carbon monoxide intoxication in cigar smokers

This report combines the known effects of carbon monoxide with a heretofore unreported source of exposure. The role of carbon monoxide intoxication from smoking has been little emphasized in producing decreased arterial oxygen saturation particularly as determined by the present laboratory methods and may well be more common than recognized in polycythemia.
Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.

Only a decade ago, it was anathema to most parathyroid surgeons not to perform bilateral exploration to evaluate all glands in each patient. Many things have changed in surgery during this time, however, and especially striking has been the trend toward less invasive procedures. In parathyroid surgery, several developments have allowed for a change in the traditional paradigm. One of these has been the advent of a more reliable preoperative imaging technique, sestamibi scanning. Another was the development of an intraoperative assay to confirm normalization of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after the removal of parathyroid glands. Others have used a hand-held gamma probe to help to localize the abnormal parathyroid glands, and some have applied videoendoscopic techniques to neck exploration. These factors have made more surgeons comfortable with unilateral exploration in most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), which has allowed for smaller incisions, shorter operative times, and the use of monitored sedation instead of general anesthesia. The goal of this article is to review how each of these areas has evolved to bring about the current changes in the approach of many endocrine surgeons to the treatment of primary HPT.
Red Edge Shift and its Implication for Buried Ore Prospecting a Case Study of Shujigou Copper Mine, Liaoning, P.R.China

It is difficult for ore prospecting by conventional methods of geologic mapping and geophysical or geochemical methods in highly vegetated terrain. High resolution spectral measurement is an excellent tool. In this paper, the reflectance spectra of oak leaves and larch leaves in Shujigou Copper Mine, P.R. China, were measured by ASD Fieldspec®3 portable spectroradiometer and red edge positions are obtained by derivative method. The results indicate that the “blue shift” of foliage of both species is spatially well in accordance with the ore bodies, despite of the ore vein buried or not and the depth of ore-bury. The research provides the theoretical basis for the ore exploration in vegetated terrain by hyperspectral remote sensing method.
Ultrasound of Acute Pancreatitis

Sonography is important in imaging patients with clinically suspected acute pancreatitis. All patients who present with acute pancreatitis for the first time should have sonography to evaluate the biliary tree for gallstones as a cause of pancreatitis. Sonography can also determine if bile duct dilatation, suggestive of obstruction, is present. However, the most sensitive prognostic indicator in patients with acute pancreatitis is quantification of pancreatic gland necrosis, which currently cannot be accurately assessed with ultrasound.
Ca(1-x)NixO catalytic thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Ca[sub (1[minus]x)]Ni[sub x]O solid-solution films with varying stoichiometry have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition from sintered targets of NiO and CaO. X-ray diffraction data indicate that the structure of the films is that of the sodium chloride. The lattice constants for different stoichiometries vary with film composition. Using the Madelung energy as the binding energy between anions and cations and assuming that nickel and calcium ions are distributed randomly in lattice sites, the lattice constants were calculated and found to compare with experimental results. This study investigated the compositional changes that occur during the target sintering process and the pulsed laser deposition of films. Using these data, a target composition can be prepared to produce Ca[sub (1[minus][ital x])]Ni[sub [ital x]]O thin films with any desired lattice constant.
Engineering perspectives on healthcare delivery: Can we afford technological innovation in healthcare?

This article considers the national challenge of controlling healthcare costs. It is argued that this system-level challenge is better addressed with an engineering approach rather than from the perspective of medical science that, quite rightly, is tailored to address clinical practice. The engineering approach is outlined and three models are proposed for controlling the costs of healthcare so that the growth of these costs tracks the growth of gross domestic product. These models provide insights into the magnitude of efficiency gains needed to accomplish this goal. Possible ways to achieve these gains are discussed. Copyright # 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tryptophan binding to nuclei of rat liver and hepatoma

Abstract This study was conducted to determine whether L-tryptophan binding to nuclei of rat transplantable hepatomas (5123 and 19) differed from that in host liver or normal liver of rats. Binding of L-tryptophan to rat hepatic nuclear proteins has been demonstrated to be saturable, stereospecific, and of high affinity and the nuclear envelope binding protein has been purified and characterized. Using an in vitro 3 H-tryptophan binding assay, the total and specific L-tryptophan binding was appreciably less in nuclei of hepatoma than in nuclei of host liver or normal liver. On Scatchard analyses, the K D values were similar for nuclei of hepatoma and of host liver but the B max values were less in hepatoma than in host liver. Free L-tryptophan levels and nuclear poly(A)polymerase activity levels in hepatoma were higher than those of host liver. Using compounds (L-tryptophan implicated in the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, D,L-β-(1-naphthyl)alanine, chlordiazepoxide, and 3-methylindole) that had earlier been found to diminish in vitro 3 H-tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclei, similar inhibitory effects were observed with nuclei of hepatoma or with nuclei of host liver. Using polyclonal antibodies raised against the L-tryptophan binding protein of rat hepatic nuclear envelopes, immunoblot assay was performed on nuclei of hepatoma and of normal liver. The receptor protein (67kD) was present in both preparations.
Federalism and Compounded Representation: Key Concepts and Project Overview

Interested in bringing togetherfederalism and political representation as two distinct areas of research in comparative politics, this edition ofPublius: The Journal of Federalism introduces a collaborative research project that raised questions about the impact of institutional arrangements on strategies for political representation. Definitions of the project's two key concepts of federalism and compounded representation are briefly addressed initially. Summaries are presented of how these two concepts are empirically applied in the studies by the five scholars presented in this volume.
QUORUM: quality of service routing in wireless mesh networks

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) can provide seamless broadband connectivity to network users, with the advantage of low setup and maintenance costs. To support next-generation applications with real-time requirements, however, these networks must provide improved Quality of Service guarantees. Most current mesh network routing protocols are adapted from MANET protocols, and do not optimize for mesh network properties. In this paper, we propose QUORUM (QUality Of service RoUting in wireless Mesh networks ), a routing protocol optimized for WMNs that addresses these drawbacks. QUORUM integrates a novel end-to-end packet delay estimation mechanism with stability-aware routing policies, allowing it to more accurately follow QoS requirements while minimizing misbehavior of selfish nodes.
The changing geography of gender in India

This paper examines the changing distribution of where women and girls live in India at the smallest possible scale: India’s nearly 600,000 villages. Village India is becoming more homogeneous in its preferences for boys even as those preferences becomes more pronounced. A consequence is that more than two thirds of girls now grow up in villages where they are the minority. Most Indian women move on marriage, so parents’ sex selection decisions are felt well beyond the village. Yet marriage migration does not have an equalizing influence on sexual imbalances across villages. Linking all villages across two censuses, I show that changes in village infrastructure such as roads, power supplies, or health clinics are not related to changes in child sex. Geographically close villages reinforce each other’s preferences. The results suggest that there are no easy policy solutions for addressing the increasing masculinization of Indian society.
Wavelet-based Rician noise removal for magnetic resonance imaging

It is well known that magnetic resonance magnitude image data obey a Rician distribution. Unlike additive Gaussian noise, Rician "noise" is signal-dependent, and separating signal from noise is a difficult task. Rician noise is especially problematic in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes where it not only causes random fluctuations, but also introduces a signal-dependent bias to the data that reduces image contrast. This paper studies wavelet-domain filtering methods for Rician noise removal. We present a novel wavelet-domain filter that adapts to variations in both the signal and the noise.
Crack tip fields in strain gradient plasticity

Solutions are presented for mode I and mode II crack tip fields for plane strain deformations of an elastic-plastic solid whose constitutive behavior depends on both strains and strain gradients. The constitutive law is the simplest generalization of the J2 deformation theory of plasticity to include strain gradient effects. Only one new constitutive parameter enters, a length parameter characterizing the scale over which gradient effects become important. The formulation is cast within the framework of coupled stress theory. Crack tip solutions are obtained which display the transition from the HRR fields, governing behavior in an intermediate region with the plastic zone, to the dominant fields at the tip. The dominant fields are obtained in closed form, and finite element methods have been used to produce the solution over the entire field. Some of the difficulties encountered in arriving at an accurate numerical scheme are detailed. Implications of the solutions for fracture are discussed, as are avenues for further research.
The hippocampal formation as a source of the slow endogenous potentials

Magnetic fields were detected with a SQUID sensor at the temporal and occipital areas of the head in response to a frequent and an infrequent attended visual stimulus. The time-course of the magnetic field for the infrequent stimulus correlated highly with the simultaneously measured electrical potential that showed the commonly observed N2-P3 complex. Analysis of the pattern of the magnetic field showed that the sources of N2 and P3 lay deep in the brain within the hippocampal formation.
Eddy–Mean Flow Interaction in Zonal Oceanic Jet Flow along Zonal Ridge Topography

Abstract Motivated by satellite altimeter observations of enhanced sea level variability near steep topographic slopes in the Southern Ocean, effects of topography on the spatial distribution of mesoscale eddies and on eddy–mean flow interaction are investigated using a two-layer, wind-forced, quasigeostrophic channel model. The principal topography, a zonal ridge with a zonal modulation of ridge height and width, is an idealized version of a segment of the Southeast Indian Ridge along the path of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Geosat altimeter observations in this region suggest that spatial variations of eddy energy are related to alongstream modulations of ridge morphology. The time-mean flow and distribution of time-dependent eddies in the model are sensitive to relatively subtle alongstream variations of topography. Topographic steering leads to alongstream variations of time-mean baroclinic and barotropic shear and to alongstream variations in the meridional position of the jet relative to the c...
GKM: A Group Dynamics Aware Key Management Scheme for Multicast Communications in Ad-hoc Sensor Networks

Multicast communications are crucial to support collaborative information processing and dissemination in ad hoc sensor networks (ASNs). The unique characteristics, including the severe resource constraints of sensor nodes and the lack of infrastructure, make it highly challenging to secure the multicast communications in these networks. To this end, we propose a novel key pre-distribution based scheme, referred to as GKM, for secure multicasting in ASNs. Prior to network deployment, each node is assigned with a set of keys. After nodes are deployed and a multicast group is formed, a group tree is distributively constructed among the group members, by utilizing group dynamics such as hop distance between group members. The group keys are then established and updated through the group tree. Unlike existing key predistribution schemes, GKM does not rely on non-group intermediate nodes to manage group keys dynamically. As a result, GKM achieves higher levels of security than existing key pre-distribution schemes.
Epithermal neutron beams for clinical studies of boron neutron capture therapy: a dosimetric comparison of seven beams

Abstract Binns, P. J., Riley, K. J. and Harling, O. K. Epithermal Neutron Beams for Clinical Studies of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: A Dosimetric Comparison of Seven Beams. Radiat. Res. 164, 212–220 (2005). A comparison of seven epithermal neutron beams used in clinical studies of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in Sweden (Studsvik), Finland (Espoo), Czech Republic (ReZ), The Netherlands (Petten) and the U.S. (Brookhaven and Cambridge) was performed to facilitate sharing of preclinical and clinical results. The physical performance of each beam was measured using a common dosimetry method under conditions pertinent to brain irradiations. Neutron fluence and absorbed dose measurements were performed with activation foils and paired ionization chambers on the central axis both in air and in an ellipsoidal water phantom. The overall quality of each beam was assessed by figures of merit determined from the total weighted dose profiles that assumed the presence of boron in tissue. The in-air specific be...
Associations between measures of socioeconomic status and low birth weight, small for gestational age, and premature delivery in the United States

We compared associations between five indicators of socioeconomic status (maternal education, paternal education, maternal occupation, paternal occupation, family income) and three reproductive outcomes (low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm delivery) in a representative sample of US births. We used data from the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey to estimate odds ratios for relationships between the socioeconomic indicators and birth outcomes, separately by race, after controlling for parity, maternal height, marital status, and maternal age. Nearly all socioeconomic indices were associated with low birth weight among both black and white women. However, there was no consistent pattern between the socioeconomic indices and the other outcomes. Maternal and paternal education levels were the best overall predictors. Magnitudes of association differed between black and white women. To accurately assess the impact of low socioeconomic status on reproductive health, definitions of both status and outcome must be made as explicit as possible.
Magnetospheric magnetic field of Mercury

This paper presents a model for the magnetospheric magnetic field of Mercury in which the external field is represented by an image dipole and a tail field and the internal field includes a dipole, a quadrupole, and an octupole. The dipole moment estimated by this model is approximately 2.4 x 10 to the 22nd G cu cm, tilted 2.3 degrees from the normal to the planetary orbital plane and having the same directional sense as that of the earth. The dipole, quadrupole, and octupole moment intensities are in the approximate ratios 1:0.4:0.3, respectively. All planetary field lines of the model magnetosphere are confined to a magnetospherelike region. Results are obtained which show the geometry, field line configuration, and field isointensity contours inside the magnetosphere of Mercury.
Knife-edge scanning microscopy for connectomics research

In this paper, we will review a novel microscopy modality called Knife-Edge Scanning Microscopy (KESM) that we have developed over the past twelve years (since 1999) and discuss its relevance to connectomics and neural networks research. The operational principle of KESM is to simultaneously section and image small animal brains embedded in hard polymer resin so that a near-isotropic, sub-micrometer voxel size of 0.6 µm × 0.7 µm × 1.0 µm can be achieved over ∼1 cm3 volume of tissue which is enough to hold an entire mouse brain. At this resolution, morphological details such as dendrites, dendritic spines, and axons are visible (for sparse stains like Golgi). KESM has been successfully used to scan whole mouse brains stained in Golgi (neuronal morphology), Nissl (somata), and India ink (vasculature), providing unprecedented insights into the system-level architectural layout of microstructures within the mouse brain. In this paper, we will present whole-brain-scale data sets from KESM and discuss challenges and opportunities posed to connectomics and neural networks research by such detailed yet system-level data.
The Taliban's 'other' crimes

This paper explores possible legal responses to the Taliban's 'other' crimes--those inflicted against Afghans during Taliban rule. This criminality largely has been rendered invisible by virtue of the international community's focus on punishing the Taliban's support of transnational terrorists, in particular al-Qaeda. This invisibility is problematic given that carefully constructed prosecutions of these 'other' crimes could play an important role in post-conflict reconciliation and national reconstruction in Afghanistan. Such reconciliation and reconstruction can legitimise a representative post-conflict state and curb terrorist recidivism.
An optimal concentration of phosphoric acid as an etching agent. Part II: Microleakage studies

plaque and chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 10:172, 1983. 29. Attstrbm, R., Matsson, L., Edwardsson, S., Willard, L-O., and Klinge, B.: The effect of Octaginol on dentogingival plaque and development of gingivitis. III: Short term studies in humans. J Periodont Res 18:445, 1983. 30. Westfelt, E., Nyman, S., Lindhe, J., and Socransky, S. S.: Use of chlorhexidine as a plaque control measure following surgical treatment of periodontal disease. J Clin Periodontol 10:22, 1983. 31_ Ciancio, S. G., and Genco, R_ J.: The use of antibiotics in periodontal diseases. Int J Periodont Rest Dent 6:55, 1983. 32. Slots, J., Mashimo, P, Levine, M_ J., and Genco, R. J_: Periodontal therapy in humans. I. Microbiological and clinical effects of a single course of periodontal scaling and root planing as an adjunct to tetracycline. J Periodontol 50:495, 1979_ 33. Slots, J., Zamhon, J. J_, Rosling, B. G., Reynolds, H. S_, Christensson, L. A., and Genco, R. J.: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in human periodontal disease: Association, serology, leubotoxicity, and treatment. J Periodont ges 17:447, 1982. 34. Kornman, K. S., and Karl, E. H.: The effect of long-term, low-dose tetracycline therapy on the subgingival microflora in refractory adult periodontitis. J Periodontol 53:557, 1982_ 35. Saglie , R., Newman, M. G., and Carranzal Jr_, F. A.: Bacterial invasion of gingiva in advanced periodontitis in humans. J. Periodontol 53:217, 1982. 36. Moskow, B. S., and Lubarr, A.: Histological assessment of human periodontal defect after durapatite ceramic implant. J Periodontol 54:455, 1983. 37. Fernybaugh, W., and Page, R. C.: Attachment, growth and synthesis in human gingival fibroblasts on demineralized or fibronectin treated normal and diseased tooth roots. J Periodontol 54:133, 1983.
CCK-B/Gastrin receptor transmembrane domain mutations selectively alter synthetic agonist efficacy without affecting the activity of endogenous peptides.

Recent efforts have focused on identifying small nonpeptide molecules that can mimic the activity of endogenous peptide hormones. Understanding the molecular basis of ligand-induced receptor activation by these divergent classes of ligands should expedite the process of drug development. Using the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor (CCK-BR) as a model system, we have recently shown that both affinity and efficacy of nonpeptide ligands are markedly affected by amino acid alterations within a putative transmembrane domain (TMD) ligand pocket. In this report, we examine whether residues projecting into the TMD pocket determine the pharmacologic properties of structurally diverse CCK-BR ligands, including peptides and synthetic peptide-derived partial agonists (peptoids). Nineteen mutant human CCK-BRs, each including a single TMD amino acid substitution, were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells and characterized. Binding affinities as well as ligand-induced inositol phosphate production at the mutant CCK-BRs were assessed for peptides (CCK-8 and CCK-4) and for peptoids (PD-135,158 and PD-136,450). Distinct as well as overlapping determinants of peptide and peptoid binding affinity were identified, supporting that both classes of ligands, at least in part, interact with the CCK-BR TMD ligand pocket. Eight point mutations resulted in marked increases or decreases in the functional activity of the synthetic peptoid ligands. In contrast, the functional activity of both peptides, CCK-8 and CCK-4, was not affected by any of the CCK-BR mutations. These findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying activation of G-protein-coupled receptors by endogenous peptide hormones versus synthetic ligands may markedly differ.
Maternal-fetal conflict, genomic imprinting and mammalian vulnerabilities to cancer.

Antagonistic coevolution between maternal and fetal genes, and between maternally and paternally derived genes may have increased mammalian vulnerability to cancer. Placental trophoblast has evolved to invade maternal tissues and evade structural and immunological constraints on its invasion. These adaptations can be co-opted by cancer in intrasomatic selection. Imprinted genes of maternal and paternal origin favour different degrees of proliferation of particular cell types in which they reside. As a result, the set of genes favouring greater proliferation will be selected to evade controls on cell-cycle progression imposed by the set of genes favouring lesser proliferation. The dynamics of stem cell populations will be a particular focus of this intragenomic conflict. Gene networks that are battlegrounds of intragenomic conflict are expected to be less robust than networks that evolve in the absence of conflict. By these processes, maternal–fetal and intragenomic conflicts may undermine evolved defences against cancer.
The inheritance of red hair.

1. The proportions of red haired offspring within families in which one or both parents are red haired are too high to support the hypothesis that red hair is inherited as a simple recessive trait. 2. Family data and gene frequency analysis give strong support to the hypothesis that red pigment in human hair is dominant to its absence, and is hypostatic to brown and black.
Health practices of immigrant women: indigenous knowledge in an urban environment

This qualitative study of folk health practices of an indigenous Mexican immigrant community in New Brunswick, New Jersey investigates the barriers this community faces, and their effects on its members' everyday practice of health in a new urban environment. Facilitated by local community organizations, two focus group interviews were conducted with women from this community, along with a questionnaire and multiple field visits. Analysis revealed several themes related to health practices, including the role of food, and how indigenous knowledge influences the community's beliefs about, and practices of, health. Additionally, several environmental, communication, and systemic barriers also appeared to affect the community's health practices. This research indicates that providing healthcare access to immigrant communities is a complex issue extending beyond the availability of services and resources. A better understanding of immigrant communities' socio-cultural health practices may be a key to improving the community's healthy living and overall quality of life.
Designing feedback in an immersive videogame: supporting student mathematical engagement

This paper draws from and contributes to two bodies of research: how particular elements of game design support learning; and how particular characteristics of feedback impact student engagement. This paper reports findings from two rounds of a design-based research project that focuses on better understanding how feedback is integrated into, and impacts, students’ mathematical learning and engagement in the context of an immersive educational videogame. We examine whether and how an intentional change in the way that feedback was offered impacted the ways that students engaged with problem solving. Looking across two implementations, we found that consequential feedback appeared to support students’ mathematical engagement, and, specifically, that the timing of that feedback in relation to the entire problem solving process appeared to be important. Finally, we documented that changes in the design of the game were related to changes in the overall classroom activities. Overall, it seems likely that together, the game design change and the associated classroom practices change, resulted in the differences in student mathematical engagement that we observed.
The usability of computerized card sorting: a comparison of three applications by researchers and end users

This study reports on the usability of three commercially available electronic card sort applications (CardZort, WebSort, and OpenSort) by researchers (Study 1) and by end users (Study 2). Both groups of participants conducted a series of tasks representative of their user group with each program. Researchers focused on the set up and analysis of an open card sort exercise while end user participants conducted an open card sort. Task success, completion time, perceived difficulty, user satisfaction, and overall preference data was gathered for all participants. Results indicate different preferences for the two user groups. Researcher participants preferred WebSort for creating and analyzing the card sort, and end user participants preferred OpenSort for completing the card sort exercise. Usability issues related to each program are discussed.
Life History Traits of Chrysopa cornea and Chrysopa rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): Influence of Humidity

At high humidity (75% relative humidity [RH]), Chrysopa carnea Stephens and C. rufilabris Burmeister show no differences in the expression of any of the life history traits we tested except one: C. rufilabris' preimaginal developmental rate was slightly faster than C. cornea's. At low humidity (35% RH) and moderate humidity (55% RH), C. rufilabris (but not C. carnea ) had a prolonged preoviposition period, reduced rate of oviposition, reduced total egg production, increased preimaginal mortality, and a slow rate of preimaginal development. Thus, under humid conditions (75% RH), C. rufilabris' developmental potential is slightly higher than C. cornea's. However, low humidity substantially reduces C. rufilabris' developmental and reproductive potential but has no negative effects on C. carnea. These results are consistent with C. cornea's widespread distribution throughout North America, including those regions of the United States where humidity is generally low. They are also consistent with C. rufilabris' prevalence in the more humid southeastern United States. C. cornea's and C. rufilabris' differential responses to humidity may contribute to temporal or spatial partitioning of resources and thus may be important in allowing C. carnea and C. rufilabris to coexist in areas with high, but variable or patchy, humidity conditions. Thus, RH should be considered a primary abiotic factor when examining competitive interactions between the two species and when assessing their roles as biological control agents.
Occupational hazards monitoring and health examination results of workers in tobacco re-drying factory of Yunnan Province

[Objective]To understand the occupational hazards in a tobacco re-drying factory and its effect on health of workers.[Methods]A combination of methods,involving field investigation,sampling and analyzing of contaminations,and medical examinatino on tobacco workers,was made.[Results] Dusts and noises were found to be major workplace hazards.In terms of dust exposure,37.2 % of dusty operation spots exceeded the dust exposure limit.The total dust concentrations of tobacco ranged from 0.2-28.8 mg/m3,with 40.3 % of procedures related to dust hazards.As for noise hazards,33.7 % of noise operation spots exceeded the permissible exposure limit.Noise intensities varied from 62.5-96.7 dB(A),with 34.3 % of the posts identified for overexposure to noise.19.5% of the occupationally exposed workers suffered from hearing loss.Workers were more vulnerable to hearing loss among departments with high noise levels such as the threshing department,the re-drying department,and holding rooms.Positive correlation was also found between the length of service and the development of noise-induced hearing loss,with significant difference.Lung pathological change was positively related with high exposure of tobacco dust.[Conclusion]Industrial dusts and noises are main occupational hazards in this tobacco re-drying factory,causing adverse health effects to its employees.Therefore it is recommended for the factory to improve its occupational hygiene by enhancing its operating conditions and taking appropriate control measures.
A Survey on the Incidence of Juvenile Scoliosis in Quanzhou Area

Objective:To investigate the incidence of juvenile scoliosis in Quanzhou area and to enhance prevention and cure for scoliosis.Methods:From Sept.2002 to Mar.2005,21112 students from 11 primary and junior schools received mass screening for scoliosis with three-check method(physical examination,back angle measuring and X-ray).Results:The incidence of juvenile scoliosis in Quanzhou area was 0.748% and it went steadily higher from the age brackets of 7 to 10 years,11 to 14 years until the age of 15 to 18 years.There was lower incidence in males than in females and the ratio was 0.841:1.In the Cobb,s angle of more than 20°,female patients were much more than male patients and the ratio was 1:0.276.The main abnormality was idiopathic scoliosis(96.84%),congenital scoliosis(2.53%) and the paralytic scoliosis(0.63%).Conclusion:The incidence of juvenile scoliosis in Quanzhou area increased with the age,and females accounted for a bigger proportion and bigger angles,to which enough attention should be paid.General investigation of scoliosis among school-age population could be an effective way for early diagnosis and effective prevention.
Validity of the local approximation in iron pnictides and chalcogenides

We introduce a methodology to treat different degrees of freedom at different levels of approximation. We use cluster DMFT (dynamical mean field theory) for the ${t}_{2g}$ electrons and single site DMFT for the ${e}_{g}$ electrons to study the normal state of the iron pnictides and chalcogenides. In the regime of moderate mass renormalizations, the self-energy is very local, justifying the success of single site DMFT for these materials and for other Hunds metals. We solve the corresponding impurity model with CTQMC (continuous time quantum Monte Carlo) and find that the minus sign problem is not severe in regimes of moderate mass renormalization.
Deep venous thrombosis in umpires.

SUMMARYI have reported the case of an umpire who had deep venous thrombosis. Specialized clothing may have been an etiologic factor.
SocialFX: Studying a Crowdsourced Folksonomy of Audio Effects Terms

We present the analysis of crowdsourced studies into how a population of Amazon Mechanical Turk Workers describe three commonly used audio effects: equalization, reverberation, and dynamic range compression. We find three categories of words used to describe audio: ones that are generally used across effects, ones that tend towards a single effect, and ones that are exclusive to a single effect. We present select examples from these categories. We visualize and present an analysis of the shared descriptor space between audio effects. Data on the strength of association between words and effects is made available online for a set of 4297 words drawn from 1233 unique users for three effects (equalization, reverberation, compression). This dataset is an important step towards implementing of an end-to-end language-based audio production system, in which a user describes a creative goal, as they would to a professional audio engineer, and the system picks which audio effect to apply, as well as the setting of the audio effect.
Applying Corrections in Single-Molecule FRET

Single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments can detect the distance between a donor and an acceptor fluorophore on the 3-10nm scale. In ratiometric smFRET experiments, the FRET efficiency is estimated from the ratio of acceptor and total signal (donor + acceptor). An excitation scheme involving two alternating lasers (ALEX) is often employed to discriminate between singly- and doubly-labeled populations thanks to a second ratiometric parameter, the stoichiometry S . Accurate FRET and S estimations requires applying three well-known correction factors: donor emission leakage into the acceptor channel, acceptor direct excitation by the donor excitation laser and the "gamma factor" (i.e. correction for the imbalance between donor and acceptor signals due to different fluorophore9s quantum yields and photon detection efficiencies). Expressions to directly correct both raw FRET and S values have been reported in (Lee et al. BJ2005) in the context of freely-diffusing smFRET. Here we extend Lee et al. work providing several expressions for the direct excitation coefficient and highlighting a clear interpretation in terms of physical parameters and experimental quantities. Moreover, we derive a more complete set of analytic expressions for correcting FRET and S. We aim to provide a clear and concise reference for different definitions of correction coefficients and correction formulas valid for any smFRET experiment both in immobilized and freely-diffusing form.
Coastal Resident Trust, Similarity, Attitudes, and Intentions Regarding New Marine Reserves in Oregon

ABSTRACTThis article examined coastal resident attitudes and behavioral intentions associated with new marine reserves (MRs) in Oregon, as well as resident perceived similarity and trust in the lead managing agency (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). Data were obtained from a survey of residents along the Oregon coast (n = 596). Most residents perceived moderate similarity and trust in the agency, had stronger attitudes toward potential advantages of MRs, and would vote in support for the establishment of these reserves. Those living nearest the reserves had the most positive attitudes and were most supportive. Residents who perceived themselves as similar to the agency were more likely to trust this agency, and those with higher trust had stronger attitudes toward advantages of MRs and less agreement with disadvantages of the reserves. Residents with stronger attitudes toward advantages were most likely to vote for MRs, whereas those who agreed with disadvantages were less supportive.
Sinoatrial node dysfunction after stereotactic ablative radiation therapy in the chest.

132Background: Sinoatrial node (SAN) injury following stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) in the chest has not been reported in the literature. We report SAN dysfunction as a potential toxicity of SABR in the chest. Methods: We examined the clinical courses and SABR plans of 47 patients treated for T1 or T2 non-small cell lung cancer of the right upper lobe, middle lobe, lower lobe, or hilum. After developing a contouring atlas for the SAN, based upon the junction between the superior vena cava and the right atrium, dose to the SAN was retrospectively determined for each patient. We identified 13 patients whose treatment imparted significant dose to the SAN, as defined by the SAN encompassed within the 10% prescription isodose (IDL) line. Biologically effective doses (BED), acute and chronic, were correlated with SAN toxicity. Results: Patients underwent SABR to the right lung to a dose of 40-50 Gy in 4 or 5 fractions, with mean acute BED (alpha/beta ratio = 10) of 100.2 Gy and late BED (alpha/...
Abstract 206: Incorporation Of Clinical Parameters To Morisky Medication Adherence Scale Assessment Improves Its Ability To Predict Non-adherence In Patients With Resistant Hypertension

Background: Morisky Medication Adherence scale (MMAS), a self-report questionnaire for screening non-adherence, has been validated in patients with uncomplicated hypertension. However, its accuracy...
Disaggregating Load by Type from Distribution System Measurements in Real Time

An electricity distribution network’s efficiency and reliability can be improved using real-time knowledge of the total consumption/production of different load/generator types (e.g., air conditioning loads, lighting loads, photovoltaic generation) within the network. This information could be gathered from additional device-level sensors and communication infrastructure. Alternatively, this information can be inferred using existing network measurements and some knowledge of the underlying system. This work applies two online learning algorithms, dynamic mirror descent (DMD) and dynamic fixed share (DFS), to separate (or disaggregate), in real-time, feeder-level active demand measurements into two components: (1) the demand of a population of residential air conditioners and (2) the demand of the remaining loads served by the feeder. The online learning algorithms include models of the underlying load types, which are generated using historical building-level or device-level data. We develop methods to incorporate model prediction error statistics into the algorithms, develop connections between DMD and Kalman filtering, adapt the algorithms for the energy disaggregation application, and present case studies demonstrating that the algorithms perform disaggregation effectively.
Phased helical antenna array design for CubeSat application

The following study investigates the feasibility of a low power, high speed downlink connection for the purposes of Cubesat application. Using a 2×2 phased helical antenna array operating on the 802.11b standard protocol with cots parts, a low cost 1U system is conceived with beam steering functionality and 11 Mb/s down link capability; unprecedented in traditional Cubesat communication links that are typically slow as a result of their strict power, size, and cost limitations. Applying a steerable antenna array also allows a small satellite to better maintain a secure link connection, directly forming the beam to the ground station, where a small, low-cost attitude control system (as usually found in CubeSats) would be unable to provide accurate physical antenna pointing. Due to time restraints, this paper only seeks to establish what is reasonably achievable in a CubeSat form factor, and to provide a rudimentary systems design and RF analysis for proving the feasibility of such a system. No hardware development or physical testing was done. The course of the study began with a review of previous work, defining 1U CubeSat limitations to set target goals for power consumption, physical size, overall cost, and downlink speed. From there a preliminary systems architecture was developed, which included high level design, component selection, frequency/protocol usage, and power and link budget analysis. Once establishing system capability, the design was further refined, creating and modelling the helical antenna design, MATLAB modelling the phased array behavior, and constructing and simulating a Wilkinson RF power divider board layout. The overall 1U CubeSat communication system design was determined to be able to theoretically transmit up to 11Mb/s downlink speeds using an 802.11b module in CCK mode, utilizing a 60 degree range for the steerable beam. The helical antennas, designed to operate at 2.4 GHz in a 2×2 configuration fit snugly on one 10cm × 10cm face of a CubeSat, and the one-to-four RF power divider split the signal with only .3db losses below ideally split signal power. Perhaps most importantly however, all components accomplishing these specifications were low cost and within typical telemetry system power allocations of a 1U CubeSat, pulling less than 3.5W total. If implemented, this communication system design would be by far the most capable 1U CubeSat data link, and would be the first operating 1U CubeSat utilizing a phased array antenna. As such, the design allows for stronger signal reception at the ground station, pointing the beam directly where a low-cost CubeSat ADCS would fail to point the satellite and its antennas accurately.
Mohs micrographic surgery with melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) immunostaining for atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation.

Background The efficacy of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation (AIMP) is unknown. Objective To ascertain the frequency of diagnostic change to melanoma (upstaging) and the frequency of local recurrence after MMS for AIMP. A secondary outcome was the frequency of subclinical spread (defined as the requirement for >1 stage of MMS to achieve tumor-free margins). Methods Retrospective, cross-sectional study of 223 AIMP (with 92.4% located on the head, neck, hand, foot, or pretibial leg) patients treated with MMS with melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) immunostaining. Results Upstaging to unequivocal melanoma in situ or invasive melanoma was identified in 18.8% (42/223) of all AIMP patients. The local recurrence rate was 0% (0/223) with a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years (998 days). Subclinical spread was present in 23.8% (53/223) of AIMP patients. Limitations Single site, retrospective design, observational study, lack of objective criteria to diagnose AIMP. Conclusion MMS with MART-1 immunostaining achieves excellent local control of specialty site AIMP and permits definitive removal of subclinical spread before reconstruction. The central debulking excision should be evaluated with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded section staining, since a significant percentage of AIMP are reclassified as melanoma in situ or invasive melanoma.
The sedative action of “delvinal” sodium in disturbed psychiatric patients

1. “Delvinal” sodium is a new sedative which except in the most disturbed cases, is effective in relatively small doses and possesses a wide margin of safety. 2. Its action compares favorably with that of sodium amytal. 3. It is of value in disturbed psychotic patients because of the mild and relatively infrequent toxic effects which occur following its administration; because of the rapidity with which it induces a satisfactory length and degree of sedation and narcosis, even after continued administration; and because a comparatively slight degree of tolerance is developed. 4. The best therapeutic results are obtained in patients with psychoneuroses, manic-depressive manic or mixed psychoses, toxic or infectious psychoses—and, to a lesser extent, in patients with involutional melancholia.
Oil depletion in the world

Concern over inadequate oil supply has been in the news lately. In this article the basis for concern over future supply is discussed by analysing future production prospects using a model based on the logistic equation and past production data. The aim of the article is to make the use of the model transparent and to broadcast the result that, based on this method, peak oil production in the world is likely by the end of this decade.
The Catholic Health Association's Response to the Papal Allocution on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration

The Catholic Health Association supports the use of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services when making decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Using Real-World Examples to Enhance the Relevance of the Introductory Statistics Course

This paper discusses various cases, stories, and examples involving the use of statistics that can add excitement to an introductory statistics course. Teaching statistics as a mathematics course does not work for students interested in careers in business and accounting. What is needed, the authors feel, are attention-grabbing examples. The authors provide instructors with interesting material for making a statistics course exciting and relevant.