cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gravitational effects of global strings.

We have obtained the gravitational field, in the weak-field approximation, of cosmic strings formed in a phase transition in which a global symmetry is broken (global strings). The effect of this field on light rays passing a global string is found, and the resulting formation of double images and production of discontinuities in the microwave background temperature compared with the corresponding results for gauge strings. There are some differences in the case of global strings, reflecting the fact that the space surrounding such strings is not purely conical. However, the differences between gauge and global strings with masses suitable to explain galaxy formation are small, and the task of distinguishing them observationally appears difficult at best.
Spread and volatility in spot and forward exchange rates

Abstract This paper is concerned with modeling the conditional heteroscedasticity of the prediction error of foreign exchange rates. As spot and forward rates are cointegrated we use a system of error correction models for mean prediction. To predict the variance we use a vibariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model as a function of the spread. Using daily series for seven currencies, we find that unmodeled conditional heteroscedasticity by GARCH can generally be explained by the squared spread. This indicates that as the spread is bigger the exchange rates are more volatile. (JEL F31, C32).
Human factors investigation of manual and loadable data comm messages in NextGen

Honeywell Aerospace performed a research study on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen Human Factors Division to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of manual entry as compared to loadable entry of uplinked clearances into the B-777 flight management system (FMS). Five flight crews flew an experimental scenario with Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances that included a mix of single uplink messages and concatenated messages. The mean flight crew response time across all conditions was 36.7 seconds without outliers, and 44.5 seconds with outliers. Additionally, 83% of the flight crew responses were received in less than one minute, while 100% percent of their responses were received in less than two minutes. When available, flight crews used the load function (direct loading of a loadable ATC clearance into the FMS) 74% of the time. Flight crew response times for manual versus loadable ATC clearances were not statistically different. The mean response time for concatenated messages was statistically higher than for non-concatenated. Based on the study results, flight deck human machine interface (HMI) recommendations address improvements to (i) the salience of a loadable message; (ii) button logic and menu structure; and (iii) integration of the data communications and FMS interface for clearances containing required times of arrival, including the potential need for flight crew decision support. The study results and recommendations support FAA NextGen operational and certification guidance development by providing information for data communications operational approval considerations, aircraft certification considerations and air traffic operational procedures considerations.
Aerodynamic Coefficients and Deformation Measurements on Flexible Micro Air Vehicle Wings

This paper documents the elastic deformations and corresponding aerodynamic coefficients of flexible wings used for micro air vehicles (MAVs). These low-aspect ratio wings, developed and fabricated at the University of Florida, incorporate an elastic latex membrane skin covering a thin carbon fiber skeleton. The wings were tested in a unique low-speed wind tunnel facility integrating a visual image correlation (VIC) system with a six-component strain gauge sting balance. Model characteristics are presented, along with the appropriate specimen preparation techniques and wind tunnel instrumentation. The static response characteristics, including full-field displacements and plane strain measurements, for three distinct MAV wing designs are presented. The full-field deformation results show how passive wing flexibility preferably affects aerodynamic performance when compared to a rigid model of similar geometry.
Vitamin D Status in Older Adults at Senior Nutrition Centers in Rural Georgia

Abstract Nutrition assessments were conducted in elders referred by Senior Nutrition Centers in rural northeast Georgia (n = 63, age=77 + 8, 76% female, 86% Caucasian, 14% African American). Elders either attended nutrition centers or had meals delivered to their homes. Assessments were conducted between June and September. The 1997 recommendations for vitamin D intake are 10 jig/day for adults aged 51 to 70 and 15 ng/day for adults > 70. However, only 6% of these elders consumed > 10 |j,g vitamin D from foods daily and only 28% consumed two or more servings of dairy foods daily (milk + yogurt + cheese). Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentrations were deficient in 11% ( 10 and 20 ng/ml). Serum vitamin D concentrations were not associated with age, gender, receiving meals on wheels, or serum albumin concentrations, but were significantly lower (p
Identification of a 4.5S-Like Ribonucleoprotein in Maize Mitochondria

Escherichia coli has a ribonucleoprotein complex that is composed of a 114 nucleotide 4.5S RNA and a 48 kDa polypeptide (P48) that has been demonstrated to function in translation and in the secretion of periplasmic polypeptides. A small RNA of approximately 220 nucleotides has been identified in maize mitochondria that includes sequence identity with the highly conserved domain of the bacterial 4.5S RNA. The transcript is mitochondrially encoded and maps to a region upstream of the gene for ATP synthase subunit I. The mitochondrial 4.5S-like RNA has 15 nucleotides of sequence identity with the highly conserved region of the bacterial 4.5S RNA. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of a maize mitochondrial lysate demonstrated that the 4.5S RNA is a component of a high molecular weight complex under native conditions, and could be disrupted by phenol. Anti-P48 immune serum immuno-precipitated a mitochondrial protein of approximately 48 kDa, and RNA gel blot analysis of the immunoprecipitation reaction indicated that the 4.5S-like RNA co-immuno-precipitated with the 48 kDa polypeptide. The mitochondrial 4.5S ribonucleoprotein complex could function in translation or protein targeting.
Experiments on the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability: single-scale perturbations on a continuous interface

We report on experiments to measure the shock-induced growth of sinusoidal perturbations on thick interfaces separating two gases of different densities. The results show that the growth rates are reduced as the interface thickness is increased. A model that accounts for the growth rate reduction caused by the presence of a finite density gradient on the interface is proposed and good agreement is obtained with the experimental results.
Paresthesias and EEG potentials evoked by stimulation of the dorsal funiculi in man.

Abstract The EEG potentials evoked by stimulation of the dorsal funiculi of the spinal cord were recorded in patients who had electrodes implanted subdurally for self-stimulation for the control of chronic pain. The waveform of these potentials was similar to that evoked by peripheral nerve stimulation; their maximal amplitude was near the vertex (point Cz). The very short latency of the first component of these potentials raises the possibility of the existence of fibers conducting faster than 100 m/ sec in the human spinal cord. Electric stimulation of the dorsal funiculi is unlike stimulation of peripheral nerves in that even very strong and high frequency stimuli do not cause pain, even though they do become distressingly unpleasant. But dorsal funicular stimulation is more like stimulation of peripheral nerves than that of the ventrobasal thalamus or cortex in two respects: stimuli strong enough to evoke an EEG potential are invariably consciously perceived by the subject, even at rates of 1/sec; and the threshold intensities of paresthesias were practically identical for frequencies ranging from 1/sec to 200/sec.
Surgical navigation using preoperative and intraoperative imaging devices

ABSTRACT Surgical navigation embodies the use of landmarks to guide a surgeon along a specified course. Often this course is chosenthrough the careful analysis of the patient's anatomy using accurate images obtained before surgery begins. The very natureof an invasive surgical procedure involves the alteration of the patients anatomy during the course of the procedure and as aresult the preoperative images do not accurately reflect the state of the patient that the surgeon is attempting to navigatethrough once the procedure has begun. We have developed a system to augment the preoperative imaging data with that ofimaging data acquired intraoperatively. This provides a more accurate reflection of the surgeon's current position andorientation with respect to the patient's anatomy and enables a more agressive approach to the clinical procedure.Keywords: Surgical Navigation, Intraoperative Imaging, Ultrasound Imaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, SurgicalPlanning, Image Guided Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery
Increasing Marital Satisfaction as a Resilience Factor Among Active Duty Members and Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

Supportive relationships are protective against a number of prevalent health risks among military populations, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Increasing marital satisfaction and strengthening that relationship is an important avenue for maintaining health among returning service members and their families. The current study builds upon two earlier studies that were limited to National Guard personnel from one state. An exploratory survey was employed to identify variables that influenced marital satisfaction among Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. Using regression analysis, the statistically significant predictive model included five variables. In addition to the identification of this predictive model, other variables found to be non-predictive are reported.
Diagnosis of sinusitis in adults: History, physical examination, nasal cytology, echo, and rhinoscope

The symptoms of sinusitis are common and overlap other diseases ranging from common colds to perennial rhinitis. When symptoms are prolonged and interfere with daily living, an appropriate set of investigations are indicated. The workup is designed to detect both the presence and extent of any disease in the paranasal sinus cavities. In chronic sinusitis, a constellation of nonspecific symptoms such as facial pressure, headache, nasal obstruction, and drainage may occur. Physical examination is important to exclude anatomic causes of symptoms. A negative physical examination does not rule out the diagnosis. Adjunctive tests in selected cases include nasal cytologic studies, ultrasound studies, and the use of flexible or rigid nasal endoscopes, in addition to imaging tests such as radiology and computed tomography.
Thinning of a liquid film as a small drop or bubble approaches a solid plane

When a small drop or bubble approaches a solid surface, a thin liquid film forms between them, drains, until an instability forms and coalescence occurs. A hydrodynamic theory is developed for the first portion of this coalescence process: the drainage of the thin liquid film while it is still sufficiently thick that the effects of London-van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces can be ignored. This theory describes the time rate of change of the film profile, given only the drop radius and the required physical properties. Predictions are compared with profiles measured by Platikanov (1964) for gas bubbles. It is concluded that, even with only a trace of surfactant present, the liquid-gas interface may be nearly immobile (tangential components of velocity are zero) and the surface viscosities will have little effect upon the drainage rate.
On comparison of NCR effectiveness with a reduced I/sub DDQ/ vector set

I/sub DDQ/ test-based outlier rejection becomes difficult for deep sub-micron technology chips due to increased leakage and process variations. The use of neighbor current ratio (NCR) that uses wafer-level spatial correlation for identifying outlier chips has been proposed earlier as a means of coping with these issues. Due to the slow speed of I/sub DDQ/ test, there is a strong motivation to reduce the number of test vectors without compromising the fault coverage. In this paper, we examine the effectiveness of neighbor current ratio using a reduced I/sub DDQ/ vector set and industrial test data.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy with Low-Income Ethnic Minority Clients: An Empowering Intervention

In this article the author discusses how to engage low-income ethnic minority clients in psychotherapy. She proposes the empowering model of clinical intervention, which views clients and their difficulties in the context of their cultural identities, and social backgrounds and intervenes within a framework that is ecological and empowering. Further, clinicians need to clearly identify clients’ abilities and cultural needs in order to accurately assess and utilize their strengths and resources. The empowering model of clinical intervention is described as culturally sensitive and ecologically valid. The model provides a structured and predictable format that maintains client safety and control while addressing the challenges of race, class, sexual orientation, and other client differences.
Interesting things and curious people: Exploration and engagement as transient states and enduring strengths.

Curiosity, interest, and intrinsic motivation are critical to the development of competence, knowledge, and expertise. Without a mechanism of intrinsic motivation, people would rarely explore new things, learn for its own sake, or engage with uncertain tasks despite feelings of confusion and anxiety. This article explores two sides of interest: momentary feelings (the emotion of interest) and enduring traits (the character strength of curiosity). Recent theories in emotion psychology can explain why and when people experience feelings of interest; recent research has illuminated the role of curiosity in cultivating knowledge, meaning in life, close relationships, and physical and mental resilience. The problem for future research – and for social and personality psychology more generally – is how to bridge the dynamics of everyday experience with stable, lifespan aspects of personality.
Near-Field Calibration of Isolated Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters for Nanomanufacturing Applications

This paper reports the development of an apparatus, technique, and method for calibrating the field emission phenomena’s dependence on both the voltage applied between the anode and cathode and the electrodes gap. A precise knowledge of the electrodes gap is required for calibrating field emitters. The I-V characteristic of isolated carbon nanotube field emitter is a strong function of the electrodes gap distance. A consolidated IV curve is obtained by calculating the current density and the local electric field with the field enhancement factor taken into consideration. The field enhancement factor and emitting area are unique for each electrodes gap distance. We also found that the turn-on voltage decreases as the electrodes gap distance decreases.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of a single vs multiple bouts of exercise on glucose control in women with type 2 diabetes

The Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that multiple bouts of exercise can be accumulated throughout the day in lieu of the more traditional single, longer bout of exercise. Yet, conclusive evidence does not exist suggesting these 2 training modes provide similar health-related benefits on metabolic control, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in glucose control when preceded by one 30-minute or three 10-minute bouts of exercise in women with type 2 diabetes. Nine individuals with type 2 diabetes (53 ± 6 years old) and 6 control women (49 ± 4 years old) completed 3 randomly ordered oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Two of the OGTTs were preceded the day prior by moderate exercise (∼60% of Vo2peak), either one 30-minute or three 10-minute bouts, whereas the third OGTT was used as a control day with no exercise performed 3 days prior. Glucose and insulin were measured every 30 minutes for 4 hours during the OGTT. Individuals with type 2 diabetes exhibited a greater overall glucose response than the controls (P < .05), but the glucose response to the OGTT was not different between the 3 conditions within each group (2-hour glucose: multiple bout, 14.3 ± 3.2 vs 5.0 ± 1.7; single bout, 14.1 ± 3.0 vs 4.7 ± 1.5; control day, 14.6 ± 2.7 vs 4.9 ± 4.9 mmol/L). Glucose area under the curve analysis resulted in similar findings. As expected, the group with type 2 diabetes had greater fasting insulin levels compared with the control group for all exercise conditions (multiple bout: 4.5 ± 1.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.2; single bout: 6.4 ± 1.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.4; control day: 5.7 ± 1.8 vs 1.5 ± 0.6 pmol/L; P < .05). Exercise or no exercise did not alter the insulin response to the OGTT for either group. Despite a higher glucose response to the glucose load in T2D, an acute exercise bout (single or multiple bouts) did not appear to alter glucose control the following day in either the individuals with type 2 diabetes or the control group.
Tributaries influence recruitment of fish in large rivers

Abstract – Recent work demonstrates that tributary inputs are important community reorganisation points for river biota; however, no studies have examined the long-term effects of tributary inputs on fish population dynamics. This study examines nearly 40 years of young-of-year (yoy) paddlefish recruitment data to investigate the hypothesis that tributaries influence mainstem fish population dynamics. We generated hydrological variables from daily mean flow data (1965–2007) from an impounded reach of the mainstem Missouri River and from the Niobrara River, a relatively unaltered tributary, using Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software. Three multiple regression models using natural-log transformed catch per unit effort (log cpue) as the response variable were created using (1) Missouri River-only flow variables, (2) Niobrara River-only flow variables and (3) Missouri River and Niobrara River flow variables. Flow variables from the Niobrara River explain a greater proportion of yoy paddlefish log cpue variability demonstrating that tributaries can positively impact fish population dynamics in altered rivers.
Assessment in Engineering Education: Evolution, Approaches and Future Collaborations

This article examines the current state of assessment in engineering education in the United States as reflected in the Journal of Engineering Education. We begin with a brief review of recent developments in the assessment of engineering education and the events that have inspired change. Next, we explore assessment methodologies that have been used repeatedly in the evaluation of engineering courses, curricula, and research investigations as well as some methods that have not been used extensively but are likely to be informative. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of establishing collaborations between researchers in engineering education and educational research. Throughout this paper we highlight examples of sound and rigorous assessments in engineering education.
High-Quality Tissue Imaging Using a Catheter-Based Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Systems With an Integrated Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

We present the analysis and characteristics of an optical fiber catheter-based swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system for tissue imaging. A quadrature Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on multiport fiber couplers and a semiconductor optical amplifier were employed in our SS-OCT system in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, therefore improving image quality deeper within the tissue. We demonstrate OCT images of human skin and arterial tissue acquired with our OCT engine. The results show that this OCT system is an effective imaging modality for real-time diagnosis and in vivo biological applications.
Diagnosis as a Function of Race Pairing and Client Self-Disclosure:

This study investigated the effects of "therapist" observer-client race pairing and client use of self-disclosure on observers' descriptive and attitudinal ratings of clients. Results indicated that (1) client disclosure produced variations in observers' judgments on five out of nine dimensions;(2) client race produced variations in favor of black clients on the Friendliness and Attitude scales; (3) a significant interaction of observer race and client race occurred on the Depression scale, revealing observers' bias in favor of their own racial grouping; and (4) a significant interaction of client race and client disclosure occurred on the Assessment Scale such that high-disclosing clients of both races were evaluated more favorably than low-disclosing clients, and the low-disclosing black client was evaluated more favorably than his or her low-is closing white client counterpart.
Succession, Sapling Density and Growth in Canopy Gaps Along a Topographic Gradient in a Second Growth East Tennessee Forest

Abstract Canopy gaps in a second growth forest in East Tennessee were studied to document succession, sapling species partitioning in individual gaps and possible sapling adaptations for gap colonization. Ten gaps (64 to 309 m2, mean = 186 m2) and four closed canopy plots (200 m2 each) were surveyed. All trees were identified and located, extension growth of the leader stem of saplings (n = 933) was measured and diameter at breast height (dbh) of trees > 3 m tall (n = 504) was measured. Sapling composition in gaps was dominated by Fagus grandifolia Ehrh., Acer rubrum L. and A. saccharum Marsh., indicating that several species in the current canopy, dominated by Quercus spp, Pinus spp, Liriodendron tulipifera L. and F. grandifolia Ehrh., will eventually be replaced. There was little evidence of within gap partitioning either between the north and south portions of gaps or between their centers and edges, perhaps due to a history of instability in disturbance regimes. All three dominant sapling species show...
Preparing for Power in Elite Boarding Schools and in Working-Class Schools

Elite boarding schools endeavor to instill in their students elite-class solidarity, strong beliefs in both meritocracy and the essential rightness of the status quo, and practical political know-how. Each of these objectives is wholly compatible with the self-interest of their students and their families. In the vast majority of working-class schools, class-consciousness is discouraged, individual effort is valorized, and collective effort is denigrated; faith in meritocracy and the rightness of the status quo go unchallenged, and practical political know-how is replaced by a naive, Disneyland concept of American democracy. None of this is compatible with the self-interest of working-class students, and, therefore, they remain unmotivated and experience little school success. Weekend schools for children run by the American Socialist Party from 1900 to 1920 were based on assumptions compatible with working-class self-interest and offer a model for motivating and educating working-class students today.
Theory of the mixed convective combustion of a spherical fuel particle

Abstract An analysis is developed for the mixed, forced and free, convective combustion of a spherical fuel particle. A mixed convection parameter (( 3Re 2 ) 4 + Gr 2 ) 1 8 is introduced in the nondimensionalization of the governing boundary layer equations which provides solutions as a function of a Froude number-related parameter φ = Gr ( 3Re 2 ) 2 that are uniformly valid from one convective limit to the other. Explicit expressions for the local mass burning rate and overall regression rate are obtained in terms of these two parameters and the thermophysical properties of the fuel and oxidizer. The predicted dependences on the Reynolds, Grashof, and mass transfer numbers agree well qualitatively with existing experimental data. It appears that a single explicit expression for the particle regression rate will suffice over the whole range of mixed flow intensity.
A Relational View of Organizational Restructuring: The Case of Transitional China

This article addresses three questions concerning authority relations (personal relations with superiors) in transitional China. First, can superiors retain an organizational unit in order to save a protege's job? Second, has instrumental usage of particularistic relations, or guanxi, lost its importance? Third, has ‘principled particularism’, an integration of political loyalty and authority relations, continued to impact careers? Based on first-hand survey data, I find that state-owned enterprises in which managers had closer authority relations were less likely to be sold or discontinued, and close authority relations also reduced the likelihood of career blockage (demotion/layoff). The significant interactive effect of party membership and authority relations revealed the continuation of ‘principled particularism’. The study underlines institutional continuity during rapid social change, renders insights into the processes of organizational restructuring, and depicts the relational base of formal organizations.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGE ANALYSIS — A STATISTICAL APPROACH

Following the rapid advance in applications of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging, there is an upsurge in contemporary image analysis. Image analysis techniques are implemented in different ways in the various frameworks of image processing. This paper proposes a new statistical approach. It first analyzes statistical properties of MR data (bulk magnetizations, MR signals, and k-space samples); then based on these statistics and through MR image reconstruction, derives statistical properties of MR image (a single pixel, any two pixels, and a group of pixels — i.e. an image region); finally by using these image statistics establishes a new stochastic image model (the correlated Finite Normal Mixture (cFNM)) and develops a new statistical image analysis method (the extended Expectation-Maximization (eEM) algorithm). The results obtained by using this cFNM-eEM framework demonstrate promise. The novel feature of this approach is that it eliminates heuristic assumptions and ad-hoc conditions in currently employed image analysis techniques and therefore leads to more accurate image analysis results. Although this approach is developed for the conventional MRI, but, following the same strategy and with some modifications, it can be extended to more advanced MRI protocols and other medical imaging modalities.
Undergraduate Understanding of Climate Change: The Influences of College Major and Environmental Group Membership on Survey Knowledge Scores

A survey covering the scientific and social aspects of climate change was administered to examine U.S. undergraduate student mental models, and compare knowledge between groups based on major and environmental group membership. A Knowledge Score (scale 0–35, mean score = 17.84) was generated for respondents at two, central East Coast, U.S. universities (n = 465). Elements of student mental models examined include environmental issue confusion, skepticism, and self-reported understanding. This study finds that students frequently confuse climate change with other environmental issues, and that a substantial majority of students do not have an understanding of climate change that closely matches the scientific model. These misconceptions extend to their understanding of mitigation actions. Environmental group membership is shown to be a greater determinant of climate change knowledge than enrollment in a science major.
A completely isolated three-phase to three-phase induction motor/induction generation power conversion system

Two squirrel cage induction machines interconnected via a parallel resonant high-frequency AC link and associated switching pulse density modulated (PDM) converters are investigated, one operating as a generator and the other as a motor. The real power of the generator is controlled so as to maintain the proper link voltage and match the power between the input and output. Current regulated PDM converters operating via field-oriented controllers are used to control both induction machines. A zero voltage switching technique is utilized with the associated PDM converters. Low harmonic distortion waveforms have been obtained both at the input and at the output due to the 40 kHz high switching frequency. Link voltage buildup and regulation techniques are investigated. Computer simulation demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed system. >
Effect of buckwheat farmscapes on abundance and parasitism of Pieris rapae (L.) in Virginia collards

Abstract Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, with its abundant nectaries and long bloom period is often planted on vegetable farms, vineyards, and orchards to supply nectar and pollen to attract and conserve natural enemies. However, scientific data demonstrating the actual biological control benefit of such companion plantings are scarce. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of flowering buckwheat on the abundance and parasitism of imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), in collards, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC. In 2012 and 2013, buckwheat was planted in the center of 4 spatially-isolated 150 × 8 m collard fields. Lepidopteran pest abundance and larval parasitism were compared at distances of 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 m from the buckwheat. Pieris rapae (L.) was the predominant lepidopteran pest species comprising over 90% of the total larvae observed on collards. No differences were detected in the abundance or parasitism of P. rapae larvae with increasing distance from...
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PurposeThe purpose of this review article is to provide guidance to clinicians and diabetes educators regarding the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors as a therapeutic option ...
Constraints on the Problem Solving of Persons with Mental Retardation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses problem solving and information processing by people with mental retardation. It discusses the sources of intelligence-related variation in the problem solving of persons with mental retardation. The chapter also explores the evidence about the strategy production and transfer of persons with mental retardation and illustrates that the problem solving of persons with mental retardation is greatly influenced by constraints on functional working memory capacity. People with mental retardation can be productive when the interaction of the task environment and their processing capacities are taken into account, when the task is not too difficult, when they understand the task requirements, and when they have the content knowledge required for successful task performance. Each of these factors is affected by constraints on working memory capacity, and in turn, affects the functional capacity available to these persons. The slowness of information processing in persons with mental retardation limits the amount of information that can be kept active.
Superparasitism of House Fly, Musca domestica L., Pupae by Spalangia endius Walker (Hymenoptera: pteromalidae)

Spalangia endius Walker superparasitized house fly pupae when hosts were supplied in numbers approximately equal to or slightly less than the maximum rate of attack by the parasitoid. There was no association between age of the pupae (24 vs. 48 h old) and rate of attack by the parasitoid. Females did not lay more than one egg per visit on a host. Females selected nearly at random hosts on which to drill, and some superparasitism occurred even when not all available pupae were parasitized. However, females did refrain from laying eggs in some already parasitized hosts, and the total number of eggs laid per female decreased as the number of available hosts decreased. Behavioral observations indicated that S. endius could not detect by means of external cues a previously parasitized host
An Evaluation on Immune Effect of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Newborns in Zoucheng City

OBJECTIVE An evaluation on hepatitis B (HB)vaccine immune effect in newborns in Zoucheng City during 1990—2000 was made. METHODS The newborns in Zoucheng have been vaccinated universally with hepatitis B vaccine since the expanded program on immunization(EPI)was carried out in 1990. The plasma-derived HB vaccine was used in 1990—1997, while the CHO cell recombinant HB vaccine was used in 1997—2000. The vaccine coverage rate was 91.11% in 1990, and a rising tendency was noticed since 1990.50～60 children were sampled randomly and the positive rate of protective anti-HBs was detected. Also, for evaluating the immune efficacy, the incidence of hepatitis B was surveyed. The positive rate of HBsAg was detected by ELISA. Meanwhile, the efficacy of boosting of HB vaccine was evaluated. RESULTS The positive rate of protective anti-HBs was 90.63% since the newborns were vaccinated universally, and there was no significant difference between the female and the male. The incidence of hepatitis B declined in 0 ～15 year old children when compared with the children of same age before immunization. The HBsAg carrier rate declined annually, especially evident in children. The average HBsAg carrier rate of these children in recent four years was 0.39%, it decreased by 97.03% as compared with 13.14% in children of the same age four years before immunization. The positive rates of protective anti-HBs and GMT had significant statistical difference between boosted and untoasted children. CONCLUSION the data indicated that the immune effect of HB vaccine was significant, and it is benefit to maintain a higher protective level of anti-HBs and GMT through boosting of HB vaccine.
Neurologic emergencies in pregnancy.

SUMMARY In all cases of neurologic crisis during pregnancy, careful monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach to these critically ill patients will substantially improve maternal and fetal outcome.
Características e Prevalência em Cuidados de Saúde Primários das Feridas Crónicas

Introduction: Wounds are a public health problem, with a strong impact on quality of life. They can be classified as chronic when they last more than six weeks. According to their origin, the most frequent are chronic pressure wounds, diabetic and vascular (arterial or venous) ulcers. A venous cause is found in about 80% of vascular wounds. This study aims to characterize chronic wounds from patients of ACeS PL area.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with an analytical component, using a convenience sample consisting of patients with chronic wounds, identified by nursing professionals, either at home or in primary care treatment rooms.Results: The prevalence of chronic wounds in the studied population is 0.84/1000, 1.1/1000 in men and 0.69/1000 in women (p < 0.05). Patients over 80 years of age have a prevalence of 5.68/1000, which is higher when compared to younger individuals (p < 0.05). Regarding their type, vascular wounds are the most common (36%) and of these, 77.7% have venous origin.Discussion and Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic wound is slightly lower than that found in other studies using the same methodology and is higher in men and in older ages. We found an excessive proportion of pressure ulcers of categories III and IV, verifying some nonconformity in their diagnosis and treatment. Hence, we suggest the creation of a wound consultancy and a multidisciplinary training group in the health service.
The Reusability Paradox

However, this is not a panacea as there are skeptics of reusable learning objects. David Wiley of Brigham Young University has developed the Reusability Paradox which has been summarized by D’Arcy Norman of the University of Calgary as:
Downstream Imaging Utilization After Emergency Department Ultrasound Interpreted by Radiologists Versus Nonradiologists: A Medicare Claims–Based Study

Abstract Objective To study differences in imaging utilization downstream to initial emergency department (ED) ultrasound examinations interpreted by radiologists versus nonradiologists. Methods Using 5% Medicare Research Identifiable Files from 2009 to 2014, we identified episodes where the place of service was "emergency room hospital" and the patient also underwent an ultrasound examination. We determined whether the initial ultrasound was interpreted by a radiologist or nonradiologist and then summed all additional imaging events occurring within 7, 14, and 30 days of each initial ED ultrasound. For each year and each study window, we calculated the mean number of downstream imaging procedures by specialty group. Results Of 200,357 ED ultrasound events, 163,569 (81.6%) were interpreted by radiologists and 36,788 (18.4%) by nonradiologists. Across all study years, ED patients undergoing ultrasound examinations interpreted by nonradiologists underwent 1.08, 1.22, and 1.34 additional diagnostic imaging studies at 7, 14, and 30 days, respectively ( P P Conclusion Downstream imaging after an initial ED ultrasound is significantly reduced when the ultrasound examination is interpreted by a radiologist rather than a nonradiologist.
Physical Activity, Obesity, and Subclinical Myocardial Damage

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate the association of physical activity with chronic myocardial damage, assessed by elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), in individuals with and without obesity. Background Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of heart failure (HF), particularly among obese people. The role of chronic myocardial damage in this association is uncertain. Methods We studied 9,427 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study without cardiovascular disease, with body mass index >18.5 kg/m 2 . Physical activity was categorized per American Heart Association guidelines as recommended, intermediate, or poor. We evaluated cross-sectional associations of physical activity and obesity with elevated hs-cTnT (≥14 ng/l). In prospective analyses, we quantified the association of elevated hs-cTnT with HF risk within cross-categories of baseline physical activity and obesity. Results People with poor physical activity were more likely to have elevated hs-cTnT than those with recommended levels (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15 to 1.68). In cross-categories of physical activity and obesity, using the non-obese/recommended activity group as the reference, individuals with obesity and poor activity were most likely to have elevated hs-cTnT (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.91 to 3.19), whereas the obese/recommended activity group had a weaker association (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.21; p 0.20 for interaction). Conclusions Physical activity is inversely associated with chronic subclinical myocardial damage. Physical activity might lessen the association between obesity and subclinical myocardial damage, which could represent a mechanism by which physical activity reduces HF risk.
Collisions of cosmic F- and D-strings

Les progres theoriques recents et les mesures experimentales a venir rendent possibles les tests des predictions cosmologiques generiques de la theorie des cordes. Les modeles branaires et anti-branaires d'inflations sont des description cordistes prometteuses de la physique des l'univers primordial. Bien que variants dans leurs constructions, ces modeles ont tous la consequence generique et importante que les cordes cosmiques sont abondantes dans l'univers primordial. Ceci donne des effets detectables dans le rayonnement du fond cosmique, la physique des ondes gravitationnelles et les effets de lentille gravitationnelle. Des calculs detailles dans la cadre de la theorie des cordes des interactions entre les cordes cosmiques sont presentes, afin de differentier ces cordes cosmiques de celles des theories plus conventionnelles ; la probabilite de ces interactions peut etre tres differente des cordes conventionnelles en 4D, fournissant des possibilites de tests experimentaux de la theorie des cordes.
Cytokine Receptors and Signaling

Cytokines exert their effects after binding to specific cell surface receptors, which are composed of polypeptide chains. After the binding of the ligand to its receptor, there is an initiation of the signal transduction pathways culminating in the synthesis of new mRNA and protein synthesis, in most cases. Some of these pathways are unique targets for therapeutic manipulations in disease state. This chapter focuses on five families of cytokine receptors, which constitute immunoglobulin superfamily receptors, class I cytokine receptor family (hematopoietin receptor family), class II cytokine receptor family (interferon receptor family), TNF receptor family, and chemokine receptor family. Furthermore, cytokine receptor-associated transcription factors are discussed. Lastly, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, inhibitors of Janus kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, protein inhibitors of activated STATs (PIAS), and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are described. The inhibitors of Janus kinases, MAPK, and STAT5-associated ligands are clinically used to treat a variety of diseases.
Late-Onset Crohn's Disease Is A Subgroup Distinct in Genetic and Behavioral Risk Factors With UC-Like Characteristics.

Background Age of onset is linked to variations in clinical phenotypes and natural history in Crohn's disease (CD). We aim to define etiologically more homogenous subgroups in CD based on ages of onset. Methods We examined the distribution of CD polygenetic risk score (PRS) across ages of diagnosis in a Caucasian cohort of 2344 independent CD patients. We identified subgroups with a distinct distribution of PRS and compared those groups in genetics, demographic characteristics, clinical subphenotypes, and serological markers. The results were replicated in an independent cohort of 13,065 CD patients from the International Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Genetic Consortium (IIBDGC). Results We identified a late-onset (LO) subgroup in CD (age at diagnosis ≥ 55 years) with significantly lower PRS compared with the intermediate group (age at diagnosis between 5 and 55 years) in both cohorts. Smoking cessation, a risk factor for ulcerative colitis (UC) and protective factor for CD, had a higher rate in this LO subgroup in comparison with the intermediate group. We also compared the LO group with the intermediate group, and, consistent with previous reports, the LO group more often had colonic CD, had less penetrating disease behavior, and had less need for surgery. Serological analysis showed that LO CD patients were more antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive and less antisaccharomyces cerevisiae antibody positive compared with the intermediate group. Variance component analysis indicated that overall genetic contribution to LO CD was lower relative to the middle group, and genetic heterogeneity testing indicated that LO CD was different from the middle group in underlying genetic architecture. Conclusions Late-onset CD is subgroup distinct in genetic and behavioral risk factors with UC-like characteristics. 10.1093/ibd/izy148_video1izy148.video15791413461001.
Condensation reactions of indole with acetophenones affording mixtures of 3,3-(1-phenylethane-1,1-diyl)bis(1H-indoles) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-methyl-1,3-diphenylcyclopent[b]indoles

Condensation of indole 1a with eight acetophenones 8a–h in ethanolic HCl afforded the corresponding mixtures of condensation products: 3,3-(1-phenylethane-1,1-diyl)bis(1H-indoles) 11a–h (2:1 conden...
All-Optical Wavelength-Bypassing Ring Communications Networks

We introduce an all-optical WDM packet communication network that performs wavelength bypassing at the routers. Packets that arrive at a wavelength (optical cross-connect) router at designated wavelengths are switched by the router without having their headers examined. Thus, the processing element of the router is bypassed by such packets. For packet traffic that uses wavelengths that do not bypass a switch, the headers of such packets are examined to determine if this switch is the destination for the flow. If latter is the case, the packet is removed. Otherwise, the packet is switched to a pre-determined output without incurring (network internal) queueing delays. We study a ring network with routers that employ such a WDM bypassing scheme. We present methods to construct wavelength graphs that define the bypassing pattern employed by the routers to guide the traffic flows distributed at each given wavelength. Performance is measured in terms of the network throughput and the average processing path length (i.e., the average number of switches not being bypassed). For a fixed total processing capacity, we show that a WDM bypassing ring network provides a higher throughput level than that exhibited by a non-bypassing ring network, using the same value of total link capacity. By using WDM bypassing, the average processing path length (and thus the packet latency) is reduced. We study a multitude of network loading configurations, corresponding to distinct traffic matrices and client-server scenarios. Higher throughput levels are obtained for network configurations driven by non-uniform traffic matrices. The demonstrated advantages of WDM bypassing methods shown here for WDM ring networks are also applicable to more general network topological layouts.
Digital transformation in journalism and news media: media management, media convergence and globalization

This is not a book you will read cover to cover. In fact, few who pick it up will read every word of its 555 pages. And that is fine.This is a collection of papers presented at a 2015 conference in...
Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury Among Critically Ill Patients With Brief Empiric Use of Antipseudomonal β-Lactams With Vancomycin.

Background Nephrotoxins contribute to 20%-40% of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases in the intensive care unit (ICU). The combination of piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) and vancomycin (VAN) has been identified as nephrotoxic, but existing studies focus on extended durations of therapy rather than the brief empiric courses often used in the ICU. The current study was performed to compare the risk of AKI with a short course of PTZ/VAN to with the risk associated with other antipseudomonal β-lactam/VAN combinations. Methods The study included a retrospective cohort of 3299 ICU patients who received ≥24 but ≤72 hours of an antipseudomonal β-lactam/VAN combination: PTZ/VAN, cefepime (CEF)/VAN, or meropenem (MER)/VAN. The risk of developing stage 2 or 3 AKI was compared between antibiotic groups with multivariable logistic regression adjusted for relevant confounders. We also compared the risk of persistent kidney dysfunction, dialysis dependence, or death at 60 days between groups. Results The overall incidence of stage 2 or 3 AKI was 9%. Brief exposure to PTZ/VAN did not confer a greater risk of stage 2 or 3 AKI after adjustment for relevant confounders (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for PTZ/VAN vs CEF/VAN, 1.11 [.85-1.45]; PTZ/VAN vs MER/VAN, 1.04 [.71-1.42]). No significant differences were noted between groups at 60-day follow-up in the outcomes of persistent kidney dysfunction (P = .08), new dialysis dependence (P = .15), or death (P = .09). Conclusion Short courses of PTZ/VAN were not associated with a greater risk of short- or 60-day adverse renal outcomes than other empiric broad-spectrum combinations.