cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward Psychologies of Liberation. By Mary Watkins and Helene Shulman. 408 pp. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. $76

Mary Watkins and Helene Shulman's book Toward Psychologies of Liberation arrives in a time of ongoing upheaval and transformation, as an invitation to a conversation that has emerged from among those at the margins of political interpellation, the last hundred years of struggle and reflection in the wake of 500 years of colonization and increasing globalization. This conversation cuts across the usual economic and political divides of North and South, First and Third worlds by recognizing the changing nature of social struggle as seen in the proliferation of poverty and destitution around the world and the cycles of psychological, economic, and physical violence that leave no clear distinction between oppressor and oppressed. It sees the changing nature of the social struggle as well in the development of new structures of subjectivity, which cannot be framed as belonging either to the powerful or the powerless, but instead remain caught in the middle ground of apathy, ignorance, and a... Language: en
Automated nucleic acid isolation and purification from soil extracts using renewable affinity microcolumns in a sequential injection system

We have combined affinity purification concepts with novel renewable-surface microcolumns in a sequential injection system for the automated and rapid isolation and purification of nucleic acids directly from crude soil extracts. Geobacter chapellii DNA was spiked at femtomolar concentrations into clean solutions or crude soil extracts containing picomolar concentrations of competitive DNA, humic acids and other soluble soil constituents. The 16S rDNA targets (indigenous and spiked) were purified and eluted in less than 20 min in a form suitable for direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection. The extraction efficiency of the automated system was equivalent to a 4-h batch reaction using identical reagents. The estimated efficiency of isolation and purification was maximally 30% under the conditions employed here, with levels comparable to those obtained with soils/sediments processed by standard techniques, and a detection limit of 1.7 attamoles (10(6) copies) Geobacter target in a soil extract containing a competitive background of 10(9) genomes. This manuscript represents the first report of automated nucleic acid purification from an environmental sample using sequential injection fluidic systems and renewable microcolumn technology, and provides an excellent platform from which to optimize and accelerate the development of an integrated microbial/nucleic acid detector.
Enhancement by LDL of transfer of L-4F and oxidized lipids to HDL in C57BL/6J mice and human plasma

The apoA-I mimetic peptide L-4F [(Ac-D-W-F-K-A-F-Y-D-K-V-A-E-K-F-K-E-A-F-NH2) synthesized from all L-amino acids] has shown potential for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Here, we demonstrate that LDL promotes association between L-4F and HDL. A 2- to 3-fold greater association of L-4F with human HDL was observed in the presence of human LDL as compared with HDL by itself. This association further increased when LDL was supplemented with the oxidized lipid 15S-hydroxy-5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 13E-eicosatetraenoic acid (15HETE). Additionally, L-4F significantly (P = 0.02) promoted the transfer of 15HETE from LDL to HDL. The transfer of L-4F from LDL to HDL was demonstrated both in vitro and in C57BL/6J mice. L-4F, injected into C57BL/6J mice, associated rapidly with HDL and was then cleared quickly from the circulation. Similarly, L-4F loaded onto human HDL and injected into C57BL/6J mice was cleared quickly with T(1/2) = 23.6 min. This was accompanied by a decline in human apoA-I with little or no effect on the mouse apoA-I. Based on these results, we propose that i) LDL promotes the association of L-4F with HDL and ii) in the presence of L-4F, oxidized lipids in LDL are rapidly transferred to HDL allowing these oxidized lipids to be acted upon by HDL-associated enzymes and/or cleared from the circulation.
Fast multiple reference frame motion estimation for H.264

Multiple reference frame motion compensation is a new feature introduced in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC to improve video coding performance. However, the computational cost of multiple reference frame motion estimation (MRF-ME) is very high. We propose an algorithm that takes into account the correlation/continuity of motion vectors among different reference frames. We also show that the algorithm effectively reduces the computations of MRF-ME, and achieves similar coding gain compared to the full-search approach.
Nanoscale SOI MOSFETs: a comparison of two options

We have carried out extensive numerical modeling of nanoscale SOI MOSFETs in order to compare two basic options for ultimate scaling. Both devices are double-gate MOSFETs with ultra-thin undoped (intrinsic) channel, and highly doped electrodes; they differ only in the way the channel is connected to the source and drain. Transistors of the first type feature channels connected directly to elevated (‘‘bulk’’) electrodes, while in MOSFETs of the second type the channel has thin doped extensions. Our numerical model of the devices takes into account the two most important factors limiting the device scaling, namely the gate field screening by source and drain, and quantum-mechanical sourceto-drain tunneling along the channel. The results show that the decrease of the gate length L leads to a gradual device performance degradation, including voltage gain reduction, power dissipation increase, and (most importantly) an exponentially growing sensitivity to parameter variations. The degradation is comparable in devices of both types if L of transistors with thin channel extensions is in-between L and the channel length Lc ¼ L þ 2tox (with oxide thickness tox )o f MOSFETs with bulk electrodes. However, the total (‘‘bulk-to-bulk’’) length LBB of the latter devices is always smaller than that of their thin-extension counterparts (at comparable performance), making the transistors with bulk electrodes the most preferable option for ultimate CMOS scaling. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Exploiting the MAC layer flexibility of WiMAX to systematically enhance TCP performance

TCP performance over wireless network has been extensively studied in the literature and many cross-layer optimization schemes are proposed. Nevertheless, new technologies such as WiMAX, based on IEEE 802.16, offer new dimensions for system optimization that limited research has explored. In this paper, we show that the flexible WiMAX MAC layer allows cross-layer optimization to be done at the fine granularity of each connection or each service class. We also highlight that in a WiMAX broadband wireless access network, aggregate system performance is more important than the performance of an individual application instance, particularly from a network operator point of view. To this end, we propose an asymmetric link adaptation strategy for TCP-based applications. Coupled with ARQ, the aggregate system performance is enhanced without significantly compromising the performance of individual TCP flow. In addition, we argue that schedulers should be designed specifically for different service classes. We propose a scheduler for TCP-based best-effort service class that achieves both good aggregate throughput and fairness. The proposed design concepts not only help to achieve a good end-to-end TCP performance along with enhanced spectral efficiency, but also open many possibilities for optimizing the performance of other applications with similar techniques in WiMAX
Ductal dilatation and stenting for residual hepatolithiasis: A promising treatment strategy

Background and aims—Hepatolithiasis is prevalent in south-east Asia and presents a difficult management problem. Intrahepatic strictures with or without awkward ductal angulation of the biliary tree are the main reasons for the reported high incidence of postoperative residual stones. Without proper treatment, biliary strictures and residual stones can lead to repeated episodes of cholangitis, liver abscess, secondary biliary cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and death from sepsis or hepatic failure. The purposes of our treatment strategy were to achieve complete clearance of the stones and relief of bile stasis. Methods—From January 1991 to July 1992, 90 patients with residual postoperative hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic strictures were treated. Postoperative ductal dilatation with percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy tube stenting through a mature T tube tract was performed. Choledochoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy was applied when impacted or large stones were encountered. Results—Complete clearance of stones was achieved in 78 patients (87%). Mild haemobilia occurred in five patients (5.5%) and fever developed in seven patients (7.7%), and these patients recovered after conservative treatment. The rate of stone recurrence after a mean follow up of 43 months was 8%. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma developed in one patient (1.1%). Conclusion—Postoperative ductal dilatation and stenting, combined with endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy when indicated, is an effective and safe treatment with a low recurrence rate for complicated residual hepatolithiasis with biliary stricture. Keywords: hepatolithiasis; biliary stricture; electrohydraulic lithotripsy
Epidemiology and outcome of acute kidney injury in New Zealand children.

Objectives: To determine the aetiology, incidence and short-term outcomes of New Zealand children with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) over a 6-year period. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all children requiring RRT for AKI from January 2001 to December 2006 at Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand was conducted. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Results: A total of 226 children required RRT for AKI over the 6-year study period. The annual incidence was 4.0 per 100 000 total population under 15 years of age. The commonest causes of AKI were post cardiac surgery (58%), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (17%), sepsis (13%) and glomerulonephritis (4%). The survival rate to hospital discharge was 89%. A total of 40% of all surviving children had one or more abnormalities at the time of discharge suggestive of ongoing renal dysfunction (hypertension, continuing need for antihypertensive medication, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or abnormal urinalysis). More Maori and Pacific Island children were treated for AKI than would be expected from population data (P < 0.0001). Sepsis and glomerulonephritis were seen more commonly as causes of AKI in Maori and Pacific Island children compared with New Zealand European children. Conclusion: In our study, 40% of surviving children had evidence of short-term renal dysfunction at discharge following AKI. This suggests that all children should undergo a period of follow-up after any episode of AKI to look for resolution or further development of signs of renal injury.
Efficiency Tradeoffs in Estimating the Trend and Error Structure of the Linear Model

Assume that the observed time series has been generated by the model Yt=a + bt + yt, t=l,...,T (1) yt = pyt-i+YiAyt-i+-.--h'p-i^yt-p+i+Â£t, st~i.i.d.(0,c^) (2) where A denotes the first difference operator and p e (-1,1] is the largest autoregressive root in the autoregressive representation of yt implied by (2). Thus, yt can be an 1(1) or an 1(0) process according to whether p = 1 or p e (-1,1), respectively. If p e (-1,1), the Grenander and Rosenblatt (1957) result implies that the ordinaiy least squares (OLS) estimator of (a,b) in (1) is asymptotically equivalent to the generalized least squares (GLS) estimator of (a,b) using (1) and (2). If p = 1, the parameter a is not identified and although the OLS estimator of b is consistent, it is not asymptotically efficient. In this case, the sample mean of Ayt is an asymptotically efficient estimator of b, being equivalent to the GLS estimator. We will refer to the f sample mean of Ayt as the first-difference estimatorof b. Of course, in practice we do not know a priori whether p is equal to or less than one.
Trading off Mistakes and Don't-Know Predictions

We discuss an online learning framework in which the agent is allowed to say "I don't know" as well as making incorrect predictions on given examples. We analyze the trade off between saying "I don't know" and making mistakes. If the number of don't-know predictions is required to be zero, the model reduces to the well-known mistake-bound model introduced by Littlestone [Lit88]. On the other hand, if no mistakes are allowed, the model reduces to KWIK framework introduced by Li et. al. [LLW08]. We propose a general, though inefficient, algorithm for general finite concept classes that minimizes the number of don't-know predictions subject to a given bound on the number of allowed mistakes. We then present specific polynomial-time algorithms for the concept classes of monotone disjunctions and linear separators with a margin.
Correlates of fat intake among urban, low income African Americans.

OBJECTIVE: To test a dietary intervention for high risk African American adults with small children. METHODS: Using telephone data, logistic regression was used to identify association of low-fat eating behaviors, fat calories, and frequency of sweets/oils/fats with personal and environmental variables. RESULTS: Education and income were associated with low-fat eating behaviors, fat calories, and frequency of fat/oils/sweets. Availability, price, and policy were related to low fat eating behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Effectiveness of dietary interventions relies upon environments that support changes by the individual. Focusing on high-risk populations should be a priority in this research.
The detection and interpretation of long-term changes in ozone from space

Long-term measurements of backscattered ultraviolet radiances, now being acquired by orbiting monochromators, will provide the basis for seeking trends in atmospheric ozone. The unambiguous detection of ozone trends on decadal time scales demands a data set that is essentially free of instrument drifts. Periodic flights of an ultraviolet monochromator on the space shuttle will provide an independent means of evaluating the long-term stability of identical instruments operating on free-flying satellites. A successful calibration of the free-flying sensors using the shuttle instrument places strict demands on calibration repeatability from one flight to the next. In addition, spatial and temporal variability in cloud cover could pose further complications in carrying out these in-flight calibrations.
Noniterative learning in perceptrons implemented by an ultrafast-learning character-recognition scheme

As we studied in the last five years, for an artificial perceptron consisting of hard-limited neurons, the connection matrix to meet a given input-output mapping can actually be obtained noniteratively in one step if the given mapping satisfies a certain PLI condition. Whenever the given mapping satisfies this condition, generally there exists infinitively many solutions for the connection matrix. One can then select an optimum solution such that in the recognition mode, the recognition of any untrained input vectors becomes optimally robust. The "learning" here (or the obtaining of the connection matrix from the given mapping) should be very fast because the learning process is noniterative and one-step. The recognition of untrained inputs here should be optimally robust because the optimum analysis here is independent of the learning method we use. This paper reports the theoretical analysis of this noniterative learning scheme and the design and the experiment of a practical ultrafast-learning, character-recognition scheme derived from this theory.
Using pathway modules as targets for assay development in xenobiotic screening

Toxicology and pharmaceutical research is increasingly making use of high throughout-screening (HTS) methods to assess the effects of chemicals on molecular pathways, cells and tissues. Whole-genome microarray analysis provides broad information on the response of biological systems to chemical exposure, but is not practical to use when thousands of chemicals need to be evaluated at multiple doses and time points, as well as across different tissues, species and life-stages. A useful alternative approach is to identify a focused set of genes that can give a coarse picture of systems-level responses and that can be scaled to the evaluation of thousands of chemicals and diverse biological contexts. We demonstrate a computational approach to select in vitro expression assay targets that are informative and broadly distributed in biological pathway space, using the concept of pathway modularity. Canonical pathways are decomposed into subnetworks (modules) of functionally-related genes based on rules such as co-regulated expression, protein-protein interactions, and coordinated physiological activity. Pathway modules are constructed using these rules but are then restricted by the bounds of canonical pathways. We demonstrate this approach using a subset of genes associated with tumor development and cancer progression. Target genes were identified for assay development, and then validated by using independent, published microarray data. The result is a targeted set of genes that are sensitive predictors of whether a chemical will perturb each pathway module. These selected genes could then form the basis for a battery to test for pathway-chemical interactions under many biological contexts using throughput expression-based assays.
The SHIFT programming language for dynamic networks of hybrid automata

SHIFT is a programming language for describing and simulating dynamic networks of hybrid automata. Such systems consist of components which can be created, interconnected, and destroyed as the system evolves. Components exhibit hybrid behavior, e.g. continuous-time phases separated by instantaneous discrete-event transitions. Components may evolve independently, or they may interact through selected state variables and events. The interaction network itself may evolve. The SHIFT model and language were motivated by our need for tools that support dynamically reconfigurable hybrid systems. Our primary application is the specification and analysis of different designs for automatic control of vehicles and highway systems. From our previous experience in modeling, analysis, and implementation, we adopted the hybrid systems approach for modeling the system components. Since spatial relationships between vehicles change as they move, our application is characterized by a dynamically changing network of interactions between system components. SHIFT has also since been used in coordinated autonomous submarines, air traffic control systems, and material handling systems. We examine other work related to the SHIFT approach. In we describe the main features of the SHIFT language-states, inputs, outputs, differential equations, and algebraic definitions, discrete states, and state transitions. We give a simplified version of the SHIFT model. We discuss the models of a type, a component, and the world and give the formal semantics of the model.
Self-reported affective traits and current affective experiences of biological relatives of people with schizophrenia

Abstract Schizophrenia is characterized by self-reported trait anhedonia but intact hedonic responses during laboratory experiments. Affective traits of first-degree biological relatives may be similar to those of people with schizophrenia, and measures of hedonic response in relatives may be free of antipsychotic medication or cognitive confounds. Relatives also self-report increased anhedonia, yet it is unclear whether, like in patients, this anhedonia is paired with largely intact hedonic self-report. In this study, first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia ( n = 33) and nonpsychiatric controls ( n = 25) completed a wide range of questionnaires and tasks assessing social and physical anhedonia, positive and negative affective experience, and anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Valence, intensity, frequency, and the arousal of current emotion were assessed. Extraversion and current positive and negative affective state were also examined in relation to self-reported social anhedonia. Relatives evidenced the same disjunction of increased self-reported anhedonia and intact affective response observed in people with schizophrenia. Group differences in anhedonia were not better accounted for by decreased current positive affect, increased current negative affect, or decreased extraversion in relatives. Results suggest that, like people with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives report intact hedonic response on both questionnaire and laboratory measures despite significant elevations in self-reported social anhedonia.
Nonlinear output feedback control of chemical reactors

A nonlinear output feedback control strategy for chemical reactor models which are affine in the unmeasured state variables is proposed. The nonlinear controller design is based on input-output linearization. Online estimates of the state variables are provided by a nonlinear closed-loop observer with guaranteed stability properties. Simulation results for a simple chemical reactor model demonstrate the superior estimation and control performance that can be obtained with the proposed technique as compared to input-output linearization based on a linear observer.
Automated Support for Building and Extending Expert Models

Building a knowledge-based system is like developing a scientific theory. Although a knowledge base does not constitute a theory of some natural phenomenon, it does represent a theory of how a class of professionals approaches an application task. As when scientists develop a natural theory, builders of expert systems first must formulate a model of the behavior that they wish to understand and then must corroborate and extend that model with the aid of specific examples. Thus there are two interrelated phases of knowledge-base construction: (1) model building and (2) model extension. Computer-based tools can assist developers with both phases of the knowledge-acquisition process. Workers in the area of knowledge acquisition have developed computer-based tools that emphasize either the building of new models or the extension of existing models. The PROTEGE knowledge-acquisition system addresses these two activities individually and facilitates the construction of expert systems when the same general model can be applied to a variety of application tasks.
Universities of the future

In an address to the Industrial Research Institute, the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute outlines some of the failings of the present US higher education system for scientists and engineers. He expresses the view that attention needs to be directed to the quality and quantity of science and technology education, to the priorities of technological education, and to effective political lobbying for the improved funding of higher education. He envisages that 'universities of the future' will need to place greater emphasis on teaching than at present, and to develop a skilled approach to political influence.
Counting with the Ostrowski Numeration Systems

We will provide algorithmic implementation with proofs of existence and uniqueness for the Absolute and Alternating Ostrowski Numeration Systems.
Effects of dietary magnesium and short-duration transportation on stress response, postmortem muscle metabolism, and meat quality of finishing swine

Crossbred pigs, heterozygous for the halothane gene, were used to determine the effects of long-term dietary supplementation of magnesium mica (MM) and short-duration transportation stress on performance, stress response, postmortem metabolism, and pork quality. Pigs were blocked by weight, penned in groups (six pigs per pen), and pens (three pens per diet) were assigned randomly either to a control corn-soybean meal diet or the control diet supplemented with 2.5% MM (as-fed basis; supplemented at the expense of corn). Diets were fed during the early-finisher (0.95% lysine, as-fed basis; 43.7 to 68 kg) and late-finisher (0.85% lysine, as-fed basis; 68 to 103 kg) periods. At the conclusion of the 71-d feeding trial, 12 pigs from each dietary treatment were selected randomly and subjected either to no stress (NS) or 3 h of transportation stress (TS). Dietary MM had no effect (P > or = 0.40) on ADG or ADFI; however, G:F was improved (P or = 0.13); however, circulating lactate, cortisol, and glucose concentrations increased in TS pigs (transportation stress x time; P or = 0.15) nor TS (P > or = 0.11) altered the color or water-holding capacity of the LM and semimembranosus. The transportation model elicited the expected changes in endocrine and blood metabolites, but dietary MM did not alter the stress response in pigs. Conversely, although pork quality traits were not improved by dietary MM, delaying postmortem glycolysis and elevating 0- and 45-min muscle pH by feeding finishing diets fortified with MM may benefit the pork industry by decreasing the incidence of PSE pork in pigs subjected to short-duration, routine stressors.
Cost-Effectiveness/Cost-Benefit Analysis of Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immune Deficiency in Washington State

Objective To evaluate the expected cost-effectiveness and net benefit of the recent implementation of newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in Washington State. Study design We constructed a decision analysis model to estimate the costs and benefits of NBS in an annual birth cohort of 86 600 infants based on projections of avoided infant deaths. Point estimates and ranges for input variables, including the birth prevalence of SCID, proportion detected asymptomatically without screening through family history, screening test characteristics, survival rates, and costs of screening, diagnosis, and treatment were derived from published estimates, expert opinion, and the Washington NBS program. We estimated treatment costs stratified by age of identification and SCID type (with or without adenosine deaminase deficiency). Economic benefit was estimated using values of $4.2 and $9.0 million per death averted. We performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the influence of key variables on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of net direct cost per life-year saved. Results Our model predicts an additional 1.19 newborn infants with SCID detected preclinically through screening, in addition to those who would have been detected early through family history, and 0.40 deaths averted annually. Our base-case model suggests an ICER of $35 311 per life-year saved, and a benefit-cost ratio of either 5.31 or 2.71. Sensitivity analyses found ICER values Conclusions Our model suggests that NBS for SCID in Washington is likely to be cost-effective and to show positive net economic benefit.
Intelligent fuzzy controller for a solar energy wood dry kiln process

This paper presents the design of a hybrid intelligent fuzzy controller which combines optimal fuzzy controller (OFC), fuzzy controller (FC), and adaptive fuzzy controller (AFC). The controller was design algorithmically in which the membership functions were constructed based on the process' characteristics and the combined controllers' performance. The control algorithm is implemented in a solar energy wood drying kiln process and was developed using input-output data pairs. The membership functions were design in such a way that the process is stable and robust to variations on environment's weather and process' time constant or delay. The developed control system involves the control of temperature and ambient humidity at different operating zones. The model of the process was developed using system identification method based on online input/output data and knowledge that were accumulated through extensive tests. The basis for tuning the membership function is derived from the drying schedule of a specific wood specimen. The developed algorithm was implemented on a microcontroller AVR ATmega 128 using programming language bascom. The implementation results of the developed control algorithm show that the proposed approach for control system design has a great potential to improve the performance of wood dry kiln process.
Parallel Molecular Dynamics Code Validation Through Bulk Silicon Thermal Conductivity Calculations

We have implemented a parallel molecular dynamics algorithm, which incorporates the Stillinger-Weber interatomic potential. The code was parallelized using a ghost cell atomic division approach, ensuring scaling with the number of processors and a significant increase in speed with respect to the serial version. The methodology is validated by computing the thermal conductivity and phonon frequency spectra of bulk silicon single crystals for different domain sizes at 1000K. The predicted thermal conductivities are consistent with the experimental value at that temperature. In addition, the phonon frequency spectra capture the properties expected from the dispersion relations for silicon.© 2003 ASME
Evaluating the neurotoxic effects of Deepwater Horizon oil spill residues trapped along Alabama's beaches.

Abstract Aims The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (also known as the BP spill) is one of the largest oil spills in the U.S. history. To manage the spill, BP used an oil spill dispersant (Corexit 9500A) to disperse the oil. However, a portion of undispersed oil eventually got emulsified and interacted with near shore sediments along the Alabama shoreline and sank to the bottom forming tarmats, also known as submerged residual oil mats (SRMs). Natural shoreline transport processes have often broken these tarmats to form smaller oil fragments, known as surface residual oil balls (SRBs) or tarballs. The long-term human and the ecological health impacts of various toxic chemicals trapped in tarmat deposits are currently unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of the chemicals trapped in tarmat fragments using hippocampal (neuron), kidney (nephron) and epithelial cells. Main methods Water accommodated fraction (WAF) of tarmat fragments was used in this study. Cytotoxicity was elucidated by the MTT assay and cellular morphology assessment. Markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis were assessed to study the toxicity effects. Statistical analysis was performed using Sigma-stat. Key findings Tarmat WAF induced dose-dependent cellular toxicity. Chemicals trapped in tarmat WAF inhibited cell viability in the hippocampal (H19), kidney (HEK-293) and epithelial (MCF-10A) cells. Tarmat WAF also generated reactive oxygen species and increased activity of superoxide dismutase in hippocampal cells. Significance The study has provided preliminary data to elucidate the toxic potential of BP oil spill residues trapped along the Alabama shoreline.
Investigation on 146 Cases of Viral Encephalitis and Meningitis in Jianhu County of Jiangsu Province

[Objective]To investigate the pathogenesis,epidemic regularity and features of Children with viral encephalitis in Jianhu County,and provide scientific evidence for its diagnosis,prevention and control. [Methods]Epidemiological investigation was performed on 146 children with clinical diagnosis of viral encephalitis in Jianhu People's hospital in 2009. [Results]Of 146 patients,82.88% were children under 10 years;69.18% of male,and 30.82% of female;the peak incidence appeared during May-July.The main clinical manifestation was sudden onset,75.3% of patients had the symptom of fever,with average of 3 days;89.7% had headache,80% with headache less than 3 days;68.5% had vomiting,mainly with spraying vomiting;43.2% had hypersomnia.Mild to moderate abnormity is dominating in electroencephalogram(EEG),17.0% showed normal hemogram,examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed 74.7% with intracranial pressure increased,18.1% with protein content increased,19.3% with cells increased. [Conclusion]A total of 146 cases of viral encephalitis and meningitis occurred in this county in August 2009 which should attach importance.Strengthening the monitoring is the key to prevention and control of viral encephalitis.
HYPERFINE STRUCTURE OF LASER CLADDING Fe-Si COATING

Fe-Si coating with high silicon content was prepared by laser cladding method on low silicon steel surface.Microstructure,hyperfine structure and structural transformation in laser cladding coating were investigated by SEM,TEM,MSssbauer spectroscopy and XRD.The results show that metallurgical bonding formed at the interface between Fe-Si coating and substrate,and existed planar,columnar and dendritic microstructures from the interface to the top surface of the coating.In the laser cladding coating,six different atom configurations of Fe atom are observed.The primary phase containing Si atom is corresponding to theα-Fe solid solution and its relative content is 69.6% (volume fraction).The isomer shift increases and the hyperfine magnetic field decreases as the number of nearest-neighboring Si atoms increases in theα-Fe phase.
System architectures for communication-aware multi-robot navigation

In this paper, we present a hybrid system architecture that enables a team of robots to self-organize into a multi-hop ad-hoc network allowing for the completion of a given task while providing the desired end-to-end data rates between designated robots. This architecture consists of a two stage feedback loop in which an outer loop provides infrequent global coordination and an inner loop, operating locally, controls the motion and network routing of each robot. The resulting system is able to operate dynamically in complex environments with minimal global coordination as demonstrated through multiple experiments. We conclude with a realistic application of our system, namely patrolling a set of hallways.
Effect of fiber supplements on the apparent absorption of pharmacological doses of riboflavin

The effect of dietary fiber from wheat bran and psyllium gum on the apparent absorption of riboflavin was studied in 12 healthy women. The test fiber was consumed in crackers that contained approximately 7.5 gm fiber from psyllium gum, wheat bran, or a combination of the two sources. Each subject was given a riboflavin load test after consuming one of the three different fiber supplements or a control supplement that contained 1.3 gm fiber. Fractional urine collections were made for 24 hours, and riboflavin was measured by fluorometric techniques. The psyllium gum and combination supplements reduced the 24-hour apparent absorption of riboflavin from 31.8% to 25.4% and 26.1%, respectively (p less than .01). No effect of the wheat bran supplement on riboflavin was detected.
An Introduction to Termites: Biology, Taxonomy and Functional Morphology

Termites are fully social insects, with an extraordinary range of morphological forms. It is now clearly established that they are a very specialised form of cockroach, with far more complex social systems than other cockroaches, and with a far wider range of diets. Termites all live in colonies, with reproductives (kings, queens, and nymphs), soldiers and “helpers” (true workers and also immature stages that assist within the colony to some extent). Termite morphological and anatomical adaptations are caste-specific, with structures evolving independently in reproductives (to allow dispersal, pair bonding and fecundity), workers (foraging and feeding, tending and feeding of immatures, nest construction) and soldiers (only defence). The modifications seen in termite societies are similar to those found in the somatic parts of multicellular organisms, leading to the idea that a termite colony is best thought of as a single organism (or, more controversially, a “superorganism”). The structures that termites build, the mounds and nests, might also be defined as part of this organism. Mounds and nests contribute greatly to the well-being of termite colonies by providing shelter, fortifications and climate control. Overall, termites have amongst the most complex social, anatomical and structural adaptations of any animal.
Study of hot electron generation using kilojoule-scale high power lasers in shock ignition relevant conditions

Shock ignition1 (SI), an alternative high gain laser fusion scheme, achieves ignition by launching a spherically converging ignitor shock in the latest stage of the compression phase using a spike pulse with absorbed intensity of ∼5×1015 Wcm−2. Nonlinear laser plasma instabilities (LPI) and hot electrons are critical issues for SI. Spike pulse generated hot electrons with moderate energies (<150 keV) could potentially augment ablation pressure leading to gigabar shocks as demonstrated in recent OMEGA experiments2.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Study of Concanavalin A Binding to Self-assembled Monolayers of Mannosides on Gold Wire Electrodes

The interactions of the lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiolated mono-, di-, and tri-mannosides were studied on the surface of gold wires using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The SAMs of mannosides were prepared either pure or along with thiolated triethylene glycol (TEG) at different molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:9, and 1:19) to better understand and optimize the interaction conditions. The charge-transfer resistance of the [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox probe was compared before and after the interaction at different concentrations of Con A to determine the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) and limit of detection (LOD). Values of Kd were found in the nanomolar range showing multivalent interactions between mannosides and Con A, and LOD was found ranging from 4-13 nM depending on the type of mannoside SAM used. Analysis using the Hill equation suggests negative cooperativity in the binding behavior. Peanut agglutinin was used as a negative control, and cyclic voltammetry was used to further support the experiments. We have found that neither the pure nor the widely dispersed monolayers of mannosides provide the conditions for optimal binding of Con A. The binding of Con A to these SAMs is sensitive to the molar ratio of the mannoside used to prepare the SAM and to the structure of the mannoside. A simple cleaning method has also been shown to regenerate the used gold wire electrodes. The results from these experiments contribute to the development of simple, cheap, selective, and sensitive EIS-based bioassays, especially for lectin-carbohydrate interactions.
Vegetation response to logging residue removals in Great Lakes aspen forests: Long-term trends under operational management

Abstract Conservation of vegetation diversity has been integrated into forest management regimes as stands with high levels of diversity have been shown to possess enhanced ecological services and resilience to disturbance. Effects of intensified forest management and harvesting practices such as logging residue removals for bioenergy on vegetation diversity and community dynamics has been largely overlooked, however. We examined forest vegetation communities under residue removal treatments along a unique 40-yr chronosequence of commercial aspen ( Populus spp.) in Upper Michigan to examine potential impacts on species abundance metrics, community structure, and heterogeneity. We hypothesized that residue removals would negatively impact species diversity of both the over- and understory communities, and that these patterns would occur in parallel with shifts in community structure of both strata. Our results show no effect of residue treatment on overstory tree communities; however we did observe an increase in understory species richness, diversity, and evenness in stands where residues were harvested. The understory community structure was correlated with soil total nitrogen levels, yet this pattern was independent of harvest residue treatment. In addition, we observed higher levels of variance in species representation of the understory community when residues were removed, but did not detect any difference in community organization. Overall, our results suggest that the removal of harvest residues can increase variability in vegetation community relationships. We believe that these patterns can be attributed to increased site disturbance and soil scarification through additional equipment trafficking and subsequent changes in micro environmental conditions when residues are harvested.
A batch-manufacturable uniform current density metallic-shell hemispherical microelectrode

In this paper, we report on the simulation results for a batch-manufacturable uniform current density metallic-shell hemispherical microelectrode. These electrodes can be used for safe stimulation of neurons or neuromuscular junctions in a variety of research and clinical (neural prostheses) settings. Maxwell 3D/spl trade/ software package was used to simulate several microelectrode structures capable of providing a uniform current density profile. These included recessed planar, solid-metallic and metallic-shell hemispherical microelectrodes. Simulation results showed no significant difference between the solid metallic and metallic-shell hemispherical electrodes with the latter being more compatible with the integrated circuit and MEMS microfabrication technologies. In addition, both hemispherical microelectrodes yield improved current density distribution and profile compared with the recessed planar electrode.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Patients With Infrapopliteal Arterial Disease Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background— Contemporary outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions are not well characterized. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this approach in patients with advanced below-the-knee arterial disease. Methods and Results— MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for contemporary studies (2005–2015) on the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal lesions. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to analyze procedural (technical success, flow-limiting dissection, provisional stent placement) and long-term (primary patency, repeat revascularization, major amputation, all-cause mortality) outcomes. Ultimately, 52 studies encompassing 6769 patients with 9399 below-the-knee lesions were included in the analysis. Technical success was 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.8–93.0), and the incidence of flow-limiting dissections and bailout stenting was 5.6% (95% CI, 3.2–9.8) and 9.1% (95% CI, 6.3–12.9), respectively. Outcomes at 1 year were primary patency, 63.1% (95% CI, 57.3–68.6); repeat revascularization, 18.2% (95% CI, 14.5–22.6); major amputation, 14.9% (95% CI, 12.3–18.0); and all-cause mortality, 15.1% (95% CI, 12.8–17.7). Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed for most percutaneous transluminal angioplasty outcomes. Conclusions— Contemporary studies of the use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as primary treatment for patients with infrapopliteal arterial disease reveal suboptimal procedural and 1-year clinical outcomes.
The self-avoiding walk-jump (SAWJ) algorithm for finding maximum degree nodes in large graphs

In this paper we present a self-avoiding walk-jump (SAWJ) algorithm for finding a maximum degree node on a large assortative graph. We offer two contributions: i) we use the theory of absorbing Markov chains to effectively approximate the required search time as a function of the number of nodes, the edge density, and the assortativity, and ii) we measure the performance of our algorithm against competing algorithms (including star sampling) from the literature on the class of assortative Erdos-Renyi (AER) random graphs, and on six real-world large graphs from the Stanford SNAP dataset. In most cases SAWJ significantly outperforms the competing algorithms.
Checklist of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of Luzon, Philippines, with six new species and revised keys to the species of Oncotympana Stål and Psithyristria Stål

This paper provides the first faunal checklist for the family Cicadidae (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Luzon (including Marinduque), Philippines, comprising 33 species belonging to 12 genera. Six new species, Oncotympana grandis sp. nov., Oncotympana simonae sp. nov., Oncotympana brevis sp. nov., Oncotympana undata sp. nov., Psithyristria paratenuis sp. nov. and Psithyristria paracrassis sp. nov., are described. An unidentified species of Purana Distant is newly added to the cicada fauna of Luzon. Information on geographic distributions is provided. The genus Oncotympana Stal is diagnosed. Revised keys to the species of Oncotympana and Psithyristria Stal are provided.
Occupational Aspirations of Middle and High School Hispanic Females

The Occupational Aspiration Scale (OAS) (Miller & Haller, 1964) was used to obtain levels of occupational aspiration (LOA) of 7th through 12th grade Hispanic females (N = 133) who lived in a border city adjacent to MA©xico. MANOVA statistics with Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated significant differences between 8th and 9th - graders and between 9th and 10th -graders in Short Range, Realistic, and Short Range Realistic LOA and between 10th and 11th -graders in Idealistic LOA. Suggestions for future research and implications for practitioners are included.
The Bethe Permanent of a Nonnegative Matrix

It has recently been observed that the permanent of a nonnegative square matrix, i.e., of a square matrix containing only nonnegative real entries, can very well be approximated by solving a certain Bethe free energy function minimization problem with the help of the sum-product algorithm. We call the resulting approximation of the permanent the Bethe permanent. In this paper, we give reasons why this approach to approximating the permanent works well. Namely, we show that the Bethe free energy function is convex and that the sum-product algorithm finds its minimum efficiently. We then discuss the fact that the permanent is lower bounded by the Bethe permanent, and we comment on potential upper bounds on the permanent based on the Bethe permanent. We also present a combinatorial characterization of the Bethe permanent in terms of permanents of so-called lifted versions of the matrix under consideration. Moreover, we comment on possibilities to modify the Bethe permanent so that it approximates the permanent even better, and we conclude the paper with some observations and conjectures about permanent-based pseudocodewords and permanent-based kernels.
Effects of motion at sea on crew performance: A survey

Current efforts to minimize ship crews now more than ever require all persons on board to be fully functional and capable of conducting their prescribed duties and responsibilities. However, inherent in the nature of any maritime profession, ships and, therefore, people are exposed to a multitude of motions as a result of weather and sea conditions. Coincident with these motions are a host of physiological, biomechanical, and psychological responses that can quickly reduce even the best efforts of the crew to a fraction of their utility when performed on a stable platform. Ship motions limit a crew's ability to perform essential command, control, and communications functions, navigation tasks, maintenance responsibilities, and even the preparation of food. Additionally, and more importantly, emergency situations may become more threatening in a situation where only a portion of the crew is able to respond effectively. This survey is intended to provide a working knowledge of effects of ship motions on crew performance, fatigue, and motivation. This information can then be used to improve ship and equipment design, and lead to enhanced vessel effectiveness and performance and, more importantly, to enhanced safety of the individuals on board. As ship design evolves and crew sizes decrease, greater emphasis must be placed upon the human factor input in order to ensure safety and efficiency during both routine and emergency operations.