cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Biases Associated with Caging, Tethering, and Trawl Sampling of Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)

We provide an example of the type of bias assessment that should, but often is not, used in ecological studies using techniques such as caging, tethering, and trawl sampling. Growth rates of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) from cage enclosures were compared to those from mark-recapture trials, and prey types (identified through stomach content analysis) compared between caged fish and wild fish collected from nursery sites over a 2-yr period. Site-specific growth rates estimated from the caging method were similar (± 15%) to those estimated from the mark-recapture trials. Prey types were nearly identical between caged and wild fish, although selectivity may have varied quantitatively. Caging summer flounder will generally be an appropriate tool with which to measure growth rates in the wild, but comparisons with an independent measurement method are necessary for validation. In tethering trials, predation was significantly greater on tethered than on untethered fish, indicating that tethering is not an appropriate tool with which to measure absolute rates of predation on juvenile summer flounder. The lack of effects of substrate (sand versus mud) and fish origin (hatchery-reared versus wild) on predation of tethered versus untethered fish indicates that tethering trials will not indicate treatment-specific differences when none exist. Tethering may be an acceptable method for comparing relative rates of predation on different substrates and between hatchery-reared and wild juvenile summer flounder in the field, although true differences in treatment levels could be masked by tethering. Beam trawl efficiency estimates for juvenile summer flounder were similar between beach and marsh habitats, but differed significantly between marsh sites, indicating that site-specific trawl efficiency estimates may be critical to accurately assess juvenile flounder the appropriateness of comparisons of size-frequency information between the sites and habitats used in this study. Caging, tethering, and beam trawl sampling are appropriate tools for measuring ecological parameters of juvenile summer flounder, but only if possible biases of each method are identified and compensated for when interpreting data collected using these methods.
Validity of an algebraic-variational approach to the theory of collective motion for an exactly soluble shell model with R(5) symmetry

Abstract An algebraic-variational approach to the theory of collective motion previously applied in variant forms to pairing and monopole interaction models is here developed for an exactly soluble shell model Hamiltonian with R(5) symmetry. The spectrum of this class of Hamiltonian operators has previously been shown to represent a two-dimensional vibrator-rotator. The approximation scheme developed yields almost exact results up to the two-phonon level in the spherical region and goes over smoothly into a theory of the lowest states of the ground state rotational band in the deformed regime.
Behavior of 14C oryzalin in soil and plants

Abstract Radiochemical studies of field soil treated with 14C oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide) indicated that the compound was readily degradable. One year after soil treatment with oryzalin, 45% of the original radioactivity had dissipated, 25% was extractable, and 30% was “soil bound”. The extractable fraction contained oryzalin and several degradation products, some of which were isolated and identified. No single degradation product accounted for more than 3% of the applied oryzalin. The “soil-bound” radioactivity was extractable with hot alkali. No significant radioactive residues were detectable in either seed or forage of soybean and wheat plants. No specific metabolites of oryzalin were identified in soybean plants. Trace amounts of radioactivity found in plant tissue appeared to be associated with the various plant constituents.
The Deep Tensor Neural Network With Applications to Large Vocabulary Speech Recognition

The recently proposed context-dependent deep neural network hidden Markov models (CD-DNN-HMMs) have been proved highly promising for large vocabulary speech recognition. In this paper, we develop a more advanced type of DNN, which we call the deep tensor neural network (DTNN). The DTNN extends the conventional DNN by replacing one or more of its layers with a double-projection (DP) layer, in which each input vector is projected into two nonlinear subspaces, and a tensor layer, in which two subspace projections interact with each other and jointly predict the next layer in the deep architecture. In addition, we describe an approach to map the tensor layers to the conventional sigmoid layers so that the former can be treated and trained in a similar way to the latter. With this mapping we can consider a DTNN as the DNN augmented with DP layers so that not only the BP learning algorithm of DTNNs can be cleanly derived but also new types of DTNNs can be more easily developed. Evaluation on Switchboard tasks indicates that DTNNs can outperform the already high-performing DNNs with 4-5% and 3% relative word error reduction, respectively, using 30-hr and 309-hr training sets.
Quantitative micromagnetics: electron holography of magnetic thin films and multilayers

A new method for the absolute measurement of magnetic microstructure at nanometer spatial resolution in magnetic materials has been developed by implementing off-axis electron holography in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The holography modes permit quantitative measurement of magnetic induction and magnetization, the determination of equimagnetization lines in domains and straightforward determination of domain wall and flux vortex profiles. STEM holography accompanied by the conventional techniques has been applied to the characterisation of thin magnetic films, magnetic multilayer structures and small magnetic particles. This combination of micromagnetic analysis techniques in one instrument provides a valuable tool for the investigation of magnetic microstructure and microscopic structure in magnetic materials with high sensitivity (/spl sim/10/sup -15/ emu) and at nm spatial resolution.
GENDER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONSENT IN CHILD-ADULT SEXUAL CONTACT Beyond Gender Neutrality and Male Monopoly

Neither legalistic gender-neutral categories nor prior feminist theories adequately capture all of the gender dynamics of child sexual abuse. Surveys of 923 young adults, 88 of whom reported sexual contact with adults before they were 16, complemented by intensive follow-up interviews with 18 reporting contact, reveal that gendered constructions of sexuality and dominance make the experience of abuse significantly different for boys and girls. Girls nearly always had contact with men and tended to experience it as harmful abuse. Boys were more likely to have contact with women than with men; they generally interpreted contact with women as consensual, but their contact with men as abusive. Extensions of feminist gender analysis are required to explain these patterns.
Temporal delays among place cells determine the frequency of population theta oscillations in the hippocampus

Driven either by external landmarks or by internal dynamics, hippocampal neurons form sequences of cell assemblies. The coordinated firing of these active cells is organized by the prominent “theta” oscillations in the local field potential (LFP): place cells discharge at progressively earlier theta phases as the rat crosses the respective place field (“phase precession”). The faster oscillation frequency of active neurons and the slower theta LFP, underlying phase precession, creates a paradox. How can faster oscillating neurons comprise a slower population oscillation, as reflected by the LFP? We built a mathematical model that allowed us to calculate the population activity analytically from experimentally derived parameters of the single neuron oscillation frequency, firing field size (duration), and the relationship between within-theta delays of place cell pairs and their distance representations (“compression”). The appropriate combination of these parameters generated a constant frequency population rhythm along the septo–temporal axis of the hippocampus, while allowing individual neurons to vary their oscillation frequency and field size. Our results suggest that the faster-than-theta oscillations of pyramidal cells are inherent and that phase precession is a result of the coordinated activity of temporally shifted cell assemblies, relative to the population activity, reflected by the LFP.
Geologic, structural, and thermochronologic constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Sierra Mazatán core complex, Sonora, Mexico: New insights into metamorphic core complex formation

[1] The Sierra Mazatan in northwestern Mexico is the southernmost metamorphic core complex in the North American Cordillera. Large-magnitude Tertiary extension at Sierra Mazatan involved both ductile and brittle slip along a major normal fault that presently dips 10°–15° west. Extension was polyphase and involved an early period of extension from 25 to 23 Ma followed by major slip from 21 to 16 Ma. Total slip was ≤20 km and occurred at rates of 3–4 mm/a. This extension predated the plate boundary change to transtension at ∼12 Ma and was largely decoupled from relative Pacific–North American plate motion. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the presently low-angle normal fault initiated at a steep dip (50°–60°) and was rotated to lower angles during slip. When corrected for this tilting, fault corrugations at Sierra Mazatan had a similar geometry to the segmentation of many active normal faults, which is compatible with their origin as primary fault features. Many aspects of the Sierra Mazatan are comparable to large active normal faults, indicating that this core complex formed owing to prolonged extension on an otherwise typical high-angle normal fault. Therefore, core complexes need not represent a fundamentally unique mode of crustal extension.
Examining the Relationship Between Processes of Care and Selected AHRQ Patient Safety Indicators Postoperative Wound Dehiscence and Accidental Puncture or Laceration Using the VA Electronic Medical Record

This study examines whether Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) Postoperative Wound Dehiscence (PWD) and Accidental Puncture or Laceration (APL) events refle...
An end-to-end simulation of radar signatures from the HI-RES 1 rip feature

Examines the origin of the strong radar signatures from the rip-like feature observed during the First High Resolution Remote Sensing (HIRES-1) experiment, based on an "end-to-end" strategy in which radar signatures are modelled from a full-spectrum wave approach, using surface and subsurface currents, derived from the underlying hydrodynamics. The authors find that it is necessary to include wave-breaking (WB) effects to obtain satisfactory agreement with experiment for the magnitude of the observed radar signature. They accomplish this using an earlier WB model and by introducing an improved WB model. The new model combines the statistically-based, composite model of radar backscatter with a deterministic, feature model that relates the predominant backscatter from breaking waves to a particular geometrical model of a spilling breaker. This is accomplished by using localized WB criteria, based on critical crest acceleration /spl Lambda//sub c/ information, to determine the probability of breaking, and by extending the feature model so that its assumed geometry may be determined statistically. This allows the authors to eliminate all of the unknown parameters of the feature model using calculations of wave-height spectra.
Effect of carbon monoxide on Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis

The intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is exposed to multiple host antimicrobial pathways, including toxic gases such as superoxide, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide (CO). To survive, mycobacteria evolved mechanisms to resist the toxic environment, and in this review we focus on a relatively new field, namely, the role of macrophage heme oxygenase and its enzymatic product CO in Mtb pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on (i) the induction of heme oxygenase during Mtb infection and its relevance to Mtb pathogenesis, (ii) the ability of mycobacteria to catabolize CO, (iii) the transcriptional reprogramming of Mtb by exposure to CO, (iv) the general antimicrobial properties of CO and (v) new genetic evidence characterizing the ability of Mtb to resist CO toxicity. Developing a complete molecular and genetic understanding of the pathogenesis of Mtb is essential to its eventual eradication.
Neurocognitive Correlates of Socioeconomic Status in Kindergarten Children.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is strongly associated with cognitive ability and achievement during childhood and beyond. Little is known about the developmental relationships between SES and specific brain systems or their associated cognitive functions. In this study we assessed neurocognitive functioning of kindergarteners from different socioeconomic backgrounds, using tasks drawn from the cognitive neuroscience literature in order to determine how childhood SES predicts the normal variance in performance across different neurocognitive systems. Five neurocognitive systems were examined: the occipitotemporal/visual cognition system, the parietal/spatial cognition system, the medial temporal/memory system, the left perisylvian/language system, and the prefrontal/executive system. SES was disproportionately associated with the last two, with low SES children performing worse than middle SES children on most measures of these systems. Relations among language, executive function, SES and specific aspects of early childhood experience were explored, revealing intercorrelations and a seemingly predominant role of individual differences in language ability involved in SES associations with executive function.
Monitoring early age property of cement and concrete using piezoceramic bender elements

Ultrasonic waves are commonly used for non-destructive evaluation of concrete structures. For fresh concrete, ultrasonic waves have also been used to monitor concrete setting and strength development at early ages. However, the conventional ultrasonic test set-up typically needs access to the two opposite sides of concrete structures, which is not always possible for in situ field testing. In this paper, embedded piezoceramic bender elements are proposed to measure ultrasonic shear (S) waves in fresh cement paste, mortar and concrete. The shear wave velocities are obtained from B-scan images of a collection of recorded signals over time. Experimental results indicate that the shear wave velocity is closely related to the setting time, and this relationship is independent of air void content and w/c of cement pastes. The low cost bender elements can also be of use to monitor the setting of fresh concrete and the long term evaluation of hardened concrete. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
General linear codes for fault-tolerant matrix operations on processor arrays

Various checksum codes have been suggested for fault-tolerant matrix computations on processor arrays. Use of these codes is limited due to potential roundoff and overflow errors. Numerical errors may also be misconstrued as errors due to physical faults in the system. The authors identify a set of linear codes which can be used for fault-tolerant matrix operations such as matrix addition, multiplication, transposition, and LU-decomposition, with minium numerical error. Encoding schemes are given for some of the example codes which fall under the general set of codes. With the help of experiments, the authors derive a rule of thumb for the selection of a particular code for a given application. Since the overall error in the code will also depend on the method of implementation of the coding scheme, they suggest the use of specific algorithms and special hardware realizations for the check element computation. >
Evidence for a Zinc Uptake Transporter in Human Prostate Cancer Cells Which Is Regulated by Prolactin and Testosterone

The glandular epithelial cells of the human prostate gland have the unique capability and function of accumulating the highest zinc levels of any soft tissue in the body. Zinc accumulation in the prostate is regulated by prolactin and testosterone; however, little information is available concerning the mechanisms associated with zinc accumulation and its regulation in prostate epithelial cells. In the present studies the uptake and accumulation of zinc were determined in the human malignant prostate cell lines LNCaP and PC-3. The results demonstrate that LNCaP cells and PC-3 cells possess the unique capability of accumulating high levels of zinc. Zinc accumulation in both cell types is stimulated by physiological concentrations of prolactin and testosterone. The studies reveal that these cells contain a rapid zinc uptake process indicative of a plasma membrane zinc transporter. Initial kinetic studies demonstrate that the rapid uptake of zinc is effective under physiological conditions that reflect the total and mobile zinc levels in circulation. Correspondingly, genetic studies demonstrate the expression of a ZIP family zinc uptake transporter in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells. The rapid zinc uptake transport process is stimulated by treatment of cells with physiological levels of prolactin and testosterone, which possibly is the result of the regulation of theZIP-type zinc transporter gene. These zinc-accumulating characteristics are specific for prostate cells. The studies support the concept that these prostate cells express a unique hormone-responsive, plasma membrane-associated, rapid zinc uptake transporter gene associated with their unique ability to accumulate high zinc levels.
Diversity and abundance of understorey plants on active and abandoned nests of leaf-cutting ants (Atta cephalotes) in a Costa Rican rain forest.

Nests of leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) are abundant disturbances in Neotropical rain forests, and could affect the plant community both while the nests are active and after they are abandoned. We measured the diversity and abundance of understorey plants (>1 m in height) in the area around active and abandoned nests of leaf-cutting ants (Atta cephalotes) at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Sampel quadrats on active nests had reduced diversity (number of morphospecies) and abundance of both small (height >10 cm) and large (10 cm–1 m) understorey plants, when compared to the nearby forest floor (3 and 13 m from the nest edge). Abandoned nests had greater diversity and marginally greater abundance of small understorey plants relative to nearby forest; there was no difference in diversity or abundance of large understorey plants. Leaf-cutting ant nests create gaps in the plant understorey when active, but serve as centres of recruitment for small plants after they are abandoned. Thus, like canopy gaps, ant nests could play an important role in recruitment of new individuals and maintenance of plant species diversity in tropical forests.
The semantics of blocking and nonblocking send and receive primitives

Current message-passing parallel computers provide send and receive primitives with a wide variety of blocking, synchronization, selectivity and ordering properties. Unfortunately, the interactions between the different properties of the send and receive primitives can be extremely complex, and as a result, the precise semantics of these primitives are not well understood. In this paper we present formal models for message-passing systems that provide both synchronous and asynchronous sends, both blocking and nonblocking sends and receives, and a variety of ordering properties. In addition, the receive primitives are very general in that they can specify the desired source and/or tag value of a message. Our models apply to all message-passing programs, including ones with errors, and they apply to parallel computers with arbitrary amounts of buffering. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such rich message-passing models have been defined formally. In addition to presenting the formal models, we also give a number of theorems that capture the properties of the models. >
Is Anyone Listening? An Ecological Systems Perspective on Veterans Transitioning From the Military to Academia

Using an ecological systems model, this qualitative phenomenological study describes the experiences of 11 student veterans while they were in the military, as they transitioned to a private university, and as they adopted the student role. Results indicated that technology allowed military personnel to remain in multiple networks simultaneously with varied consequences. Results also indicated that the transition experiences and student experiences of these vets who served on active duty during the post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq were similar to experiences of returning World War II vets. Targeted services, even at institutions with limited student-veteran enrollment, are needed.
Enzyme Catalysts for the Stereo and Regio Selective Oxyfunctionalization of Organic Substrates

From the viewpoint of enzyme technology, oxygenases, which incorporate molecular oxygen directly into organic substrates, are particularly intriguing since selective, direct oxygenation of organic substrates has traditionally been an unresolved challenge to organic chemistry. We have focused on oxygenase-catalyzed heteroatom oxygenation, epoxidation, hydroxylation, and ketonization of simple organic substrates (Fig. 1). These represent basic, synthetically important reactions. In all cases, the reactions involve highly stereo and regio selective insertions of molecular oxygen into organic substrates. Although we illustrate these three oxyfunctionalization reaction types for a few specific cases, work in progress indicates that several other enzymes, heretofore considered simple hydroxylases, also readily carry out these three processes with regio and stereo specificity.
Swift's Laputians as a Caricature of the Cartesians

The prevalent view that Book III of Gulliver’s Travels satirizes the Royal Society overlooks the fact that this book contains two satires, one on the Laputians and one on the Balnibarbians. The first of these satires gains point if we regard it as aimed at the Cartesians, interpreting Laputa as France, the land of the Cartesians, and Balnibarbi as England, the land of the Newtonians, characterizations made by Voltaire in his Lettres philosophiques. The Laputians’ fear of the extinction of the sun is fully justified by the cosmology of Descartes’s Principes; their musical mania exaggerates only slightly that of the Cartesian popularizer Marin Mersenne; their influence on the Balnibarbians, inspiring them to build the Academy of Lagado, represents the influence of Descartes on the Royal Academy, an influence that has been hitherto underestimated.
Fast Thrust Response for Improved Flight/Engine Control under Emergency Conditions

Damaged aircraft have occasionally had to use differential thrust to maneuver as a consequence of losing hydraulic power needed to operate flight control surfaces. The lack of successful landings in these cases inspired research into methods of utilizing propulsion-only control more effectively. That research demonstrated that one of the major contributors to the difficulty in landing is the slow response of the engines as compared to using traditional flight control. To address this, research is being conducted into ways of making the engine more responsive under emergency conditions. This can be achieved by relaxing controller limits, adjusting schedules, and/or redesigning the regulators to increase bandwidth. Any of these methods will enable faster response at the potential expense of engine life, but there is also increased likelihood of stall. To reduce this risk, the use of a stall margin controller is proposed and discussed. It is explained why this new control mode will enable significantly faster engine response compared to standard Bill of Material control while still maintaining a safe stall margin.
Relief from anxiety using complementary therapies in the perioperative period: A principle-based concept analysis

Abstract Aims and objectives To analyze and clarify the concept of providing relief from anxiety using complementary therapies in the perioperative period utilizing the epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic and logical principles of a principle-based concept analysis to examine the state of the science. Background The majority of patients scheduled for surgery experience anxiety in the perioperative period. Anxiety has the potential to limit a patient's ability to participate in his or her care throughout their hospitalization. Although medications are the conventional medical treatment for anxiety in the perioperative period, the addition of a complementary therapy could be an effective holistic approach to providing relief from anxiety. Design Principle-based concept analysis. Methods In 2015, strategic literature searches of CINHAL and PUBMED using keywords were performed. Fifty-six full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Results Twelve studies were used in the final analysis to clarify the concept of relief from anxiety using complementary therapies in the perioperative period. Conclusion This analysis has clarified the maturity and boundaries, within the four principles of a principle-based concept analysis, of the concept of relief from anxiety using complementary therapies in the perioperative period. A greater understanding of relief from anxiety using complimentary therapies in the perioperative period as an adjunct to conventional medicine will allow perioperative nurses and anesthesia providers to modify and specify the plan of care for their surgical patients. The use of complementary therapies for relief in the perioperative period appears to be an area of promising research and treatment for patients, families and providers.
A Conferral of the Degree of Chin-Shih

(1964). A Conferral of the Degree of Chin-Shih. Monumenta Serica: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 351-371.
Research of Quantization Management Informatization of Hidden Danger of Coal Mine

The paper analyzed existed problems of current management system of hidden danger of coal mine and proposed a solution of quantization management informatization of hidden danger of coal mine.The scheme integrates closure processing,hidden danger analysis,connection between hidden danger and accident together organically,and uses hidden danger collector to complete closure management process of hidden danger of coal mine.The actual application showed that the scheme shortens processing time of hidden danger and improves processing quality of hidden danger,which reduces incidence of various accidents effectively.
Research of Novel Active Power Filter Based on RBF Neural Network

According to the characteristic and disadvantage of traditional methods,a RBF neural network controlling method was proposed which had high compensation precision and extensive.In order to decrease the wastage when apparatus open and close and advance the work efficiency of APF,the soft-switching was put into main circuit.The active power filter was simulated in Matlab and the results show that the new active power filter based on new methods is correct and can eliminate harmonic current effectively.
TENTATIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING STUDENTS IN ADVANCED GRADES OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IN TEACHERS COLLEGES

Teaching students in advanced grades ,especially of English department in teachers colleges, should emphasize developing the ability in listening ,speaking ,reading,writing,and translation so that they can apply what they have learned in actual situations.Thus,it is necessary to take measures which include changing `teacher-centeredness' into` student-centeredness' by letting them perform what they have learned in class, helping them participate in group work and pair work ,making them think and respond in English ,and changing undimensional testing into multidimensional one so that testing can show what they have obtained from teaching.
Study of Landfill Leachate by DTRO Process

The leachate has high concentration and complex composition, so it is difficult to deal with. Conventional biochemical treatment has disadvantages. Disc tube reverse osmosis(DTRO) is designed according to the characteristics of landfill leachate. It has good water quality, and it is hardly affected by water quality, so it is widely used in landfill leachate treatment in foreign garbage infiltration. Based on analyzing the process of DTRO, the processing method of two stage DTRO process, characteristics, mechanism and the concentrated liquid were discussed. It also analysizes the influence of operating parameters on the performance of DTRO membrane. Effects of various parameters on membrane performance trend of control system operation and membrane cleaning. The optimization of pretreatment process has a certain reference value to saving treatment cost and guiding similar process.
P-selectin and ICAM-1-dependent adherence reactions: role in the genesis of postischemic no-reflow.

The aim of this study was to determine whether immunoneutralization of P-selectin or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (endothelial cell adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte rolling an...
Immunohistochemical identification of prostatic acid phosphatase: correlation of tumor grade with acid phosphatase distribution.

Abstract The localization and distribution of prostatic specific acid phosphatase (PSAP) in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic prostates were studied by specific immunohistochemical methods. Strong and uniform PSAP staining was observed in the glandular epithelium of normal and hyperplastic prostates. In adenocarcinoma of the prostate, a correlation of the PSAP staining with the degree of differentiation and the ability of the tumor to form a gland was observed: more intense and uniform staining in well differentiated tumors and less intense and more variable stains in poorly differentiated tumors. The same correlation was also observed in tumors metastasized to lymph nodes and other organs.
Stem and Root Growth in Response to Hormones

After studying the anatomy of the stem as described in the last chapter, one might ask, “How does it all come about?” Unfortunately, we have little physiological information about how the intricate and detailed structures of a mature plant axis originate (much of the information at hand was presented in Chapter 6). We know that the basic pattern is cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation, and most investigation so far has been confined primarily to the second step in the pattern, cell enlargement or elongation. Also, the study of isolated roots can tell us something about growth in general.
Why Is Diagnosing Pediatric Malnutrition Important

The literature indicates that pediatric malnutrition is more common than the number of times it is actually diagnosed. A new pediatric malnutrition definition is now available with criteria to make the diagnosis. If pediatric malnutrition is present, it should be diagnosed for financial, educational, and research purposes as well as the effects on patient development and mortality. These reasons extend beyond the health of an individual patient to potential impacts on society as a whole. When all of these reasons are examined and added, making the diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition becomes an obligation of the pediatric caregiver.
Prevalence of Toxocara species infection in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014

Toxocariasis is one of the most common neglected infections of poverty in the U.S. with a reported National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) seroprevalence of 13.9% based on enzyme immunoassay testing. We reviewed NHANES data from 2011-2014 to assess current levels. Sera collected from NHANES 2011-2014 participants six years and older were tested for exposure using rTc-CTL-1 antigen, a more sensitive and specific recombinant antigen for IgG antibodies for Toxocara spp. These results were subdivided into children (age 6-17) and adults (age ≥ 18) and then compared between various sociodemographic characteristics. Given prior associations of Toxocara exposure with atopic disease and lead exposure, we also reviewed laboratory values including complete blood counts and blood and urine lead levels. Data from 13,509 individuals with Toxocara antibody results were examined including 3337 children (15.2%) and 10172 adults (84.8%). Overall seroprevalence was 5.1%. In adults increased antibody positivity occurred with non-White ethnicity, male gender, less than college-level education and lower income. Among children, increased antibody positivity was solely related to a lack of health insurance. Additionally, seropositivity was associated with increased blood lead and eosinophil levels in adults and both blood and urine lead levels in children. Relative to NHANES III (1988-1994), current data suggest an overall decrease in Toxocara spp. seroprevalence from 13.9% to 5.1%, however this may be artificially lowered due to difference in testing methods used. Persistent disparities appear to be associated with at-risk populations such as minority ethnicity and low socioeconomic status.
Optimizing Hypertension Management in Underserved Rural Populations

Rural populations across the United States have an increased likelihood of developing hypertension and diabetes, which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including stroke and myocardial infarction. Limited access to care due to geography or socioeconomic status significantly impairs control of hypertension in rural populations, resulting in poor health outcomes. Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and poor glycemic control are affected by race, increasing age, and residence in the rural southeastern United States. Optimization of the delivery of rural health care is needed to improve outcomes in patients with hypertension. New strategies such as programs targeting therapeutic inertia, home-based monitoring of blood pressure (BP), and Internet-based communication programs may significantly improve BP control rates among rural patients. Among hypertensive medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are recommended by consensus guidelines and may be particularly effective in rural, minority populations due to their secondary effects on decreasing CVD.
Proliferation and Preventive War: The Clash of Pseudo-Environments—The United States, Iran, and North Korea

Today’s proliferation crisis centers on the proliferation programs of North Korea and Iran. How have the actions of the United States after the attacks of September 11, 2001 been interpreted by the strategic culture of North Korea and Iran after being labeled inside the Axis of Evil. Although this idea has been forgotten by most Americans, the term still has resonance in Iran and North Korea. This chapter explores the pseudo-environment of all three countries and how each country’s perceptions have led them in the cases of North Korea and Iran to proliferation and in the case of the United States to actively try to thwart the efforts of the two small states. Using the synthesis of the theoretical framework developed in other chapters, we establish the activities of the Iranians and North Koreans are not strategic (the effort to blackmail or conquer another state), these activities are designed to improve each state’s international status in order to enhance domestic legitimacy. Therefore, the United States should be aware of the perception the Axis of Evil term produced and not rush in to create a crisis environment; which could turn into war.
Functions and Limits

Now that we are familiar with the real numbers, we can better understand some basic concepts of analysis: limits, convergence, and continuity. In particular, the absence of gaps in \(\mathbb{R}\) explains the absence of gaps in the graph of any continuous function. This, and other “obvious” properties of continuous functions, depends directly on the completeness of \(\mathbb{R}\).
Magnetic field influence on ionization zones in high-power impulse Magnetron Sputtering

Abstract High Power Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering (HPPMS) or High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) is a promising Ionized Physical Vapor Deposition (iPVD) technique that is capable of producing high quality, ultra-dense, wear-resistant, low-friction coatings with superior adhesion to the substrate. Despite the deposition of high quality films, HiPIMS suffer from lower deposition rates when compared to DC Magnetron Sputtering (dcMS). The cylindrically symmetric TriPack magnet pack which is the primary focus of this article has demonstrated increased deposition rates in HiPIMS compared to conventional magnet arrangement for the same average power. The observed difference in overall deposition rates, erosion area, voltage-current traces and pulsing parameters influence on deposition rates of TriPack from conventional magnet pack indicates that the plasma dynamics of TriPack is very different from the conventional magnet pack. In order to study the discharge dynamics of the cylindrically symmetric TriPack magnet pack, a gated ICCD camera was used to investigate the moving localized ionization zones in this magnet pack and conventional magnet pack for the same average power. Additionally, a simple HiPIMS ionization zone model was developed to predict the occurrence of ionization zones in TriPack and conventional magnetic field configurations under certain experimental/discharge conditions.
Use of Adair Four-Step Kinetics in Mathematical Simulation of Oxygen Transport in the Microcirculation

The Adair four-step kinetic model for the reactions of haemoglobin and oxygen recognizes five haemoglobin species, corresponding to deoxyhaemoglobin and one species for each level of oxygenation of the four haem groups. Thus, an oxygen transport problem involves a system of five simultaneous non-linear partial differential equations for diffusion with chemical reaction. This mathematical complexity has impeded application of the Adair model despite its theoretical advantages over the one-step model often used in practice. The Adair kinetic model has been incorporated into a simulation of microcirculatory oxygen transport. The results show that the usual one-step kinetic model is inaccurate in comparison with the Adair model. However, an empirical modification can be made to the one-step model to ensure compatibility with the equilibrium curve. This modified one-step kinetic model (the VRC model) is much more tractable mathematically than the Adair model. In the physiological range of fluxes, the VRC kinetic model appears to be of sufficient accuracy for most purposes, and the mathematical complexity of the Adair model is not required.
Visual Arts Education

Given the prevalence of the use of the image for communication in modern society, along with the rapid evolution of electronic tools to create such images and communicate through visual channels, it is easy to understand the dramatic changes that have occurred in teaching and learning in the visual arts. Technologies have evolved not only to provide unprecedented access to global resources for art education but also to offer new tools for the creation of art—thus representing both the medium of instruction as well as the resulting visual message produced by the developing artist. The adoption of electronic technology in art making has had a profound influence on approaches to visual arts instruction; other factors also have converged to impact present-day educational trends in this discipline. To understand the origins of these factors, a brief review of the history of visual arts education is provided. Following the historical overview, contemporary instructional design and technology trends are examined in relation to the teaching and learning of visual arts, as well as recent developments in educational research focused within this area of interest.
Endoscopic Diagnosis of Gastric Neoplasms

Gastric neoplasms account for the majority of all upper gastrointestinal neoplasms. Endoscopy is the most accurate means of diagnosis compared with radiologic or other diagnostic methods. Endoscopic biopsies are reliable for tissue diagnosis if such tumors are mucosal and less reliable for diagnosis of submucosal neoplasms. Specialized endoscopic methods such as fine needle aspiration, electrocautery snare biopsy, and endoscopic ultrasound may increase diagnosis. Gastric neoplasms are discussed, including an overview of their incidence and prevalence, clinical features, means of diagnosis (especially endoscopic), prognosis, and treatments, including endoscopic.
When to look at maps in navigation: metacognitive control in environment learning

People learn environments through direct experience with the environment and/or through map study. Further, the different perspectives taken while learning an environment influence the knowledge acquired. After all, different information about an environment is readily available through route (e.g. by navigation) and survey (e.g. with maps) perspectives. Having a choice between direct experience and map use, or between different perspectives, suggests a role of metacognitive control in environment learning. That is, when in a new environment, learners may exercise metacognitive control by selectively choosing and implementing specific learning strategies, such as switching between perspectives. Strategy choice may depend on specific constraints, such as perspective, range of view, or amount of time to learn (to name a few). For example, people may check a map (e.g. on smartphones or GPS devices) to complement developing route knowledge. The present review discusses the role of metacognition in environment learning and outlines new directions for research to bridge these fields by examining how strategic metacognitive control over perspective switching affects environment learning. Such explorations can inform real-world environment learning and navigational aids design.
Aspects of the parent–child relationship and parent metabolic outcomes

Much is known about the effect of parent–child relationships on child health; less is known about how parent–child relationships influence parent health. To assess the association between aspects of the parent–child relationship and parent metabolic outcomes, and whether these associations are moderated by parent gender. Five metabolic outcomes (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin) were assessed among 261 parents (45.83 ± 5.50 years) of an adolescent child (14.57 ± 1.072 years). Parents completed questionnaires assessing their child’s hassles and the quality of their days with their child. Parents’ perceptions of their child’s hassles were associated with parent heart rate (B = 2.954, SE = 1.267, p = 0.021) and cholesterol (B = 0.028, SE = 0.011, p = 0.010), such that greater perceived child hassles were associated with higher heart rate and cholesterol levels, on average. These associations were not moderated by parent gender (all ps > 0.30). Parent report of their day with their child was not associated with parent metabolic outcomes (all ps > 0.20). Parent gender moderated the association between parent report of their day with their child and parent systolic blood pressure (B = 13.861, SE = 6.200, p = 0.026), such that less positive reports were associated with higher blood pressure readings among fathers, but not mothers. This study suggests that parent metabolic health may in part be influenced by aspects of the parent–child relationship.
Mind the Gap! Making the Leap to Reach Distance Students Through On-Campus Events

When a mid-sized library at a private university held its first robust research-support event, a huge portion of the student body was noticeably absent – the distance population. The ACRL Standards...
Considerations of numerical analysis in a sequential quadratic programming method

This paper describes some of the important issues of numerical analysis in implementing a sequential quadratic programming method for nonlinearly constrained optimization. We consider the separate treatment of linear constraints, design of a specialized quadratic programming algorithm, and control of ill-conditioning. The results of applying the method to two specific examples are analyzed in detail.
Immune Pressure on Polymorphous Influenza B Populations Results in Diverse Hemagglutinin Escape Mutants and Lineage Switching

Mutations arise in the genomes of progeny viruses during infection. Mutations that occur in epitopes targeted by host antibodies allow the progeny virus to escape the host adaptive, B-cell mediated antibody immune response. Major epitopes have been identified in influenza B virus (IBV) hemagglutinin (HA) protein. However, IBV strains maintain a seasonal presence in the human population and changes in IBV genomes in response to immune pressure are not well characterized. There are two lineages of IBV that have circulated in the human population since the 1980s, B-Victoria and B-Yamagata. It is hypothesized that early exposure to one influenza subtype leads to immunodominance. Subsequent seasonal vaccination or exposure to new subtypes may modify subsequent immune responses, which, in turn, results in selection of escape mutations in the viral genome. Here we show that while some mutations do occur in known epitopes suggesting antibody escape, many mutations occur in other parts of the HA protein. Analysis of mutations outside of the known epitopes revealed that these mutations occurred at the same amino acid position in viruses from each of the two IBV lineages. Interestingly, where the amino acid sequence differed between viruses from each lineage, reciprocal amino acid changes were observed. That is, the virus from the Yamagata lineage become more like the Victoria lineage virus and vice versa. Our results suggest that some IBV HA sequences are constrained to specific amino acid codons when viruses are cultured in the presence of antibodies. Some changes to the known antigenic regions may also be restricted in a lineage-dependent manner. Questions remain regarding the mechanisms underlying these results. The presence of amino acid residues that are constrained within the HA may provide a new target for universal vaccines for IBV.