cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posterior cross-bites in the deciduous and mixed dentitions.

Abstract In this study, 515 children 3 to 9 years of age were examined and forty were found to have posterior cross-bite in the deciduous or mixed dentition, for an over-all prevalence of 1:13 or 7.7 per cent. It was evident from the observations of treated and untreated cases that posterior cross-bite is not self-correcting, that untreated deciduous-dentition cross-bite is followed by mixed-dentition cross-bite, and that treatment of deciduous-dentition cross-bite favors development of normal occlusion in the mixed dentition. The diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral cross-bite remains largely empirical in the absence of reliable reference points for determining the correct lateral position of the mandible. The use of interincisal midlines for this purpose is questioned.
Fuzzified Viterbi algorithm for hour-ahead wind power prediction

This paper presents a new fuzzy stochastic method for very short-term (1 hour) wind prediction to address both the stochastic and linguistic uncertainties of wind power prediction in electrical power systems.. Past wind farm power production data are required to develop a hidden Markov model (HMM) of the power network. The transition probabilities of the HMM are estimated using a fuzzy stochastic approach that improves the quality of the estimates. The fuzzy estimation can use a variety of membership functions and the effect of the choice of membership function on the estimation is investigated by comparing the results for interval and triangular membership functions. State prediction is achieved using a fuzzy Viterbi algorithm (VA) derived using the extension principle. Computer simulations using Northwestern weather recordings from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) website show good correlation between our predictions and the actual data.
Boosting inductive transfer for text classification using wikipedia

Inductive transfer is applying knowledge learned on one set of tasks to improve the performance of learning a new task. Inductive transfer is being applied in improving the generalization performance on a classification task using the models learned on some related tasks. In this paper, we show a method of making inductive transfer for text classification more effective using Wikipedia. We map the text documents of the different tasks to a feature space created using Wikipedia, thereby providing some background knowledge of the contents of the documents. It has been observed here that when the classifiers are built using the features generated from Wikipedia they become more effective in transferring knowledge. An evaluation on the daily classification task on the Reuters RCV1 corpus shows that our method can significantly improve the performance of inductive transfer. Our method was also able to successfully overcome a major obstacle observed in a recent work on a similar setting.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Children in the Washington, DC Area

Objective.— To determine the prevalence and reasons for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among children in primary pediatric care practice in the Washington, DC area. Design.— Cross-sectional survey of parents at 4 Children's National Medical Center Pediatric Research Network (PRN) practices from July 1998 through November 1998. Survey information included demographics, child health problems, satisfaction with health care, and CAM use over the past year. Results.— Parents completed 348 surveys. Forty percent (138) of parents were CAM users themselves, whereas 21% (72) had treated their child with CAM over the past year. Factors positively associated with child CAM use included parents' use of CAM (P Conclusion.— Treatment of children with CAM is common and is frequently undertaken by parents without the knowledge or advice of their pediatrician.
High Stakes Accountability and Policy Implementation: Teacher Decision Making in Bilingual Classrooms in Texas

This article contributes to an emerging body of literature on the impact of high stakes testing accountability policies on implementation and teaching practice. It uses a theory of implementation, sense-making, to highlight the process by which policy and context shape teacher decision making. We focus on teachers in bilingual classrooms in an urban district in Texas where we found that teachers make decisions in an environment that exerts both formal and informal pressures to limit the curriculum they offer their students and privilege test preparation. Teachers struggle to reconcile their context, constituted by their students’ specific pedagogical and linguistic needs, with the pressures of their high stakes testing environment.
Vesicle-mediated protein transport: regulatory interactions between the Vps15 protein kinase and the Vps34 PtdIns 3-kinase essential for protein sorting to the vacuole in yeast.

A membrane-associated complex composed of the Vps15 protein kinase and the Vps34 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-kinase) is essential for the delivery of proteins to the yeast vacuole. An active Vps15p is required for the recruitment of Vps34p to the membrane and subsequent stimulation of Vps34p PtdIns 3-kinase activity. Consistent with this, mutations altering highly conserved residues in the lipid kinase domain of Vps34p lead to a dominant-negative phenotype resulting from titration of activating Vps15 proteins. In contrast, catalytically inactive Vps15p mutants do not produce a dominant mutant phenotype because they are unable to associate with Vps34p in a wild-type manner. These data indicate that an intact Vps15p protein kinase domain is necessary for the association with and activation of Vps34p, and they demonstrate that a functional Vps15p-Vps34p complex is absolutely required for the efficient delivery of proteins to the vacuole. Analysis of a temperature-conditional allele of VPS15, in which a shift to the nonpermissive temperature leads to a decrease in cellular PtdIns(3)P levels, indicates that the loss of Vps15p function leads to a defect in activation of Vps34p. In addition, characterization of a temperature-sensitive allele of VPS34 demonstrates that inactivation of Vps34p leads to the immediate missorting of soluble vacuolar proteins (e.g., carboxypeptidase Y) without an apparent defect in the sorting of the vacuolar membrane protein alkaline phosphatase. This rapid block in vacuolar protein sorting appears to be the result of loss of PtdIns 3-kinase activity since cellular PtdIns(3)P levels decrease dramatically in vps34 temperature-sensitive mutant cells that have been incubated at the nonpermissive temperature. Finally, analysis of the defects in cellular PtdIns(3)P levels in various vps15 and vsp34 mutant strains has led to additional insights into the importance of PtdIns(3)P intracellular localization, as well as the roles of Vps15p and Vps34p in vacuolar protein sorting.
New approach to robust optics for HEL systems

A new material for optics is being developed that promises to be far more robust than alternative materials. It is a photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass in which Bragg gratings (holograms) can be written in the interior (not the surface) of the glass. The gratings are permanent as they are not removed by illuminating them with light at other wavelengths or by heating unless the temperature exceeds 400 degree(s)C. This technology can be used to make diffractive elements such as spatial filters, attenuators, switches, modulators, beam splitters, beam samplers, beam deflectors, selectors of particular wavelengths (notch filters, add/drop elements), spectral shape formers (gain equalizers), spectral sensors, angular sensors, Bragg spectrometers, and transverse and longitudinal mode selectors in a laser resonator. The PTR Bragg grating has been exposed to a 100 W, 1096 nm beam focused to 100 kW/cm2 spot for 10 minutes without exhibiting any temperature rise. The pulsed laser damage threshold has been measured to be within 30% of that of the best silica glass used in high power 1064 nm systems. The useful spectral range of this glass is from 350 nm to 2.8 microns.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A new predictive flow control scheme for efficient network utilization and QoS

In this paper we develop a new predictive flow control scheme and analyze its performance. This scheme controls the non-real-time traffic based on predicting the real-time traffic. The goal of the work is to operate the network in a low congestion, high throughput regime. We provide a rigorous analysis of the performance of our flow control method and show that the algorithm has attractive and useful properties. From our analysis we obtain an explicit condition that gives us design guidelines on how to choose a predictor. We learn that it is especially important to take the queueing effect into account in developing the predictor. We also provide numerical results comparing different predictors that use varying degrees of information from the network.
Integrated voice and haptic support for tele-rehabilitation

Rapid technological advances have changed how many existing tasks are performed. For example, the combination of virtual environments and the Internet is presenting a powerful opportunity in the area of medical training and rehabilitation. Here we present our design and preliminary experience with a telehaptic environment augmented with a voice conferencing system. Initial tests are encouraging and reveal the promise of our system.
Designing and Implementing a Virtual 3D Microcontroller Laboratory Environment

Laboratory instruction is a major component of undergraduate curriculums throughout the United States. The laboratory experiences represent fundamental instructions for all technology students. Traditional laboratory instruction is hampered by several factors including limited access to resources by students, high laboratory maintenance cost and the inability to delivery the laboratory content of a course at distance. This paper describes the development of an interactive, photorealistic 3D computer-simulated laboratory for undergraduate instruction in microcontroller technology. The virtual lab operates and produces results equal to the physical laboratory. In addition, it includes an extremely realistic representation of devices and components, thus providing the students with the mental engagement necessary to successfully complete the experiments outside the confines of a traditional laboratory. The 3D virtual lab can solve the majority of the problems associated with traditional laboratory instruction, and can provide students with the same level of understanding of the experiments as a real laboratory environment.
Relationship between foveal cone structure and clinical measures of visual function in patients with inherited retinal degenerations.

PURPOSE. To study the relationship between cone spacing and density and clinical measures of visual function near the fovea. METHODS. High-resolution images of the photoreceptor mosaic were obtained with adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy from 26 patients with inherited retinal degenerations. Cone spacing measures were made close to or at the foveal center (mean [SD] eccentricity, 0.02 [0.03] degree; maximum eccentricity, 0.13 degree) and were converted to Z-scores, fraction of cones, and percentage-of-cones-below-average compared with normal values for each location (based on 37 age-similar visually normal eyes). Z-scores and percentage of cones below average were compared with best-corrected visual acuity (VA) and foveal sensitivity. RESULTS. Visual acuity was significantly correlated with cone spacing (Spearman rank correlation q ¼� 0.60, P ¼ 0.003) and was preserved (‡80 letters), despite cone density measures that were 52% below normal. Foveal sensitivity showed significant correlation with cone spacing (q ¼� 0.47, P ¼ 0.017) and remained normal (‡35 decibels), despite density measures that were approximately 52% to 62% below normal. CONCLUSIONS. Cone density was reduced by up to 62% below normal at or near the fovea in eyes with VA and sensitivity that remained within normal limits. Despite a significant correlation with foveal cone spacing, VA and sensitivity are insensitive indicators of the integrity of the foveal cone mosaic. Direct, objective measures of cone structure may be more sensitive indicators of disease severity than VA or foveal sensitivity in eyes with inherited retinal degenerations. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254605.)
Major oligomeric structural proteins of the HeLa nucleus

Abstract The three predominant polypeptides of the insoluble proteinaceous fraction from the HeLa cell nucleus polymerize in vitro upon oxidation of intrinsic sulfhydryl groups. The ease and specificity of this reaction indicate that these polypeptides exist as ordered oligomers in vivo. The comparable insoluble fraction from the rat liver nucleus also contains three predominant polypeptides of the same molecular weights, 65,000 71,000, and 75,000. The insoluble protein of the avian erythrocyte nuclear envelope consists principally of the 71,000- and the 75,000-dalton polypeptides. Indeed, in the avian erythrocyte nucleus these are the predominant polypeptides of the entire nucleus (Shelton, K., Cobbs, C., Povlishock, J. and Burkat, R., 1976, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 174 , 177). Further, these avian polypeptides each form homogeneous covalently linked oligomers upon sulfhydryl oxidation (Cochran, D., Cobbs, C. and Shelton, K., 1977, J. Cell Biol. 75 , 151a). The insolubility, oligomeric disposition, and relative prominence of these polypeptides in a wide variety of cells indicate a fundamental structural role in the nucleus. Morphological features which may reflect this structural or skeletal role could be the nuclear envelope, the fibrous lamina, or perhaps an intrachromatinic matrix. The metabolism of the oligomeric polypeptides has been investigated in HeLa cells. Turnover of the HeLa insoluble nuclear protein is similar to that of the histones which are known to be stable proteins. The insoluble protein, including the oligomeric polypeptides, is synthesized in G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle. This metabolic behavior indicates that the oligomeric polypeptides are reutilized in successive cell cycles and that synthesis accompanies nuclear and cellular expansion rather than deoxyribonucleohistone synthesis. This suggests that neither degradation nor selective synthesis of oligomeric polypeptides at a particular phase of the cell cycle are responsible for the breakdown and reformation of the interphase cell morphological features that occur during mitosis.
Estimation and identification of nonlinear dynamic systems

A technique is presented for processing noisy state-observable time domain measurements of a nonlinear dynamic system in order to optimally estimate both the state vector trajectory and any model error that may be present. The model error estimate may be used subsequently to accurately identify the parameters in the differential equation model of the nonlinear dynamic system. The method is demonstrated by application to several examples and is shown to be accurate and robust with respect to 1) large errors in the original assumed differential equation model, including an assumed linear model, 2) low measurement frequency, 3) low measurement accuracy (i.e., large measurement noise), and even 4) low total number of measurements.
The influence of hydride blisters on the fracture of Zircaloy-4

Abstract The fracture behavior under near plane-strain deformation conditions of Zircaloy-4 sheet containing solid hydride blisters of various depths has been examined at 25 and 300 °C. The study was based on material with either model ‘blisters’ having diameters of 2 and 3 mm or a continuous layer of hydride; in all cases, the substrate material contained discrete hydride precipitates. The fracture strains decrease rapidly with increasing hydride blister/layer depth to levels of about 100 μm deep, and then remain roughly constant. For a given blister depth, the material is significantly more ductile at 300 °C than at room temperature although measurable ductility is retained even at 25 °C and for large blister depths. The material is somewhat more ductile if the hydride is in the form of a blister than in the form of a continuous layer (rim). The hydride blisters/layers are brittle at all temperatures, and crack shortly after yielding of the ductile substrate. Consequently, both experimental evidence and analytical modeling indicate that fracture of the sheet is controlled by the crack growth resistance of the substrate at 25 °C. At elevated temperatures, the hydride particles within the substrate are quite ductile, inhibit crack growth, and failure eventually occurs due to a shear instability.
Method for including societal issues in transportation decisions

A method for including societal and institutional issues in transportation decisions is demonstrated through the use of the multiorganization decision analysis (MODA) process. A modification of decision risk analysis methods that have been successfully used in corporate environments, MODA takes into consideration the diversity of decision makers in transportation implementation decisions who come from public and private sectors and include a mix of agencies, institutions, and interest groups. The MODA process structures a set of interactions among a decision-making team, an analysis team, and facilitators. The steps of MODA include development of a shared vision statement, framing of the problem, generation of alternative solutions, analysis of alternatives, and a decision. Consensus by decision makers is required at each step of the process. The MODA process was demonstrated on the decision of whether a hypothetical community, representative of those in southeastern Michigan, should upgrade its paratransit service to include the use of intelligent transportation system technology. Through the MODA process, the factors and interrelationships relevant to the decision makers were identified. MODA accommodated their disparate views and disagreements, enabling them to agree on one solution in a relatively short period of time.
An adjusted pharmacokinetic equation for predicting drug levels in vivo based on in vitro square root of time release kinetics.

An adjusted pharmacokinetic equation that predicts in vivo plasma drug profiles for controlled release (CR) dosage forms having square root of time drug release kinetics has been derived. The CR hydrogel tablets containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were formulated with theophylline and Fast Flo® lactose, to produce tablets with HPMC K100MP content of 30% w/w. Plasma profiles in vivo were determined from four male beagle dogs. Tablet gel strength (Γ) was measured as previously reported. Results show drug release in vitro follows square root of time kinetics for the formulation in all media (purified H2O, 0.1 N HCl, and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer). The Γ values were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the tablets in different dissolution media, with absolute values in DI H2O of 6600 erg/cm3, which is above the minimum threshold value of Γ (≈6000 erg/cm3) needed for acceptable in vitro/in vivo correlation. Comparison of predicted and observed plasma profiles in vivo, using the adjusted square ...
Aerosol composition and source apportionment in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area with PIXE/PESA/STIM and multivariate analysis

Aerosols play an important role in the atmosphere but are poorly characterized, particularly in urban areas like the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). The chemical composition of urban particles must be known to assess their effects on the environment, and specific particulate emissions sources should be identified to establish effective pollution control standards. For these reasons, samples of particulate matter ?2.5 ?m (PM2.5) were collected during the MCMA-2003 Field Campaign for elemental and multivariate analyses. Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), Proton-Elastic Scattering Analysis (PESA) and Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy (STIM) measurements were done to determine concentrations of 19 elements from Na to Pb, hydrogen, and total mass, respectively. The most abundant elements from PIXE analysis were S, Si, K, Fe, Ca, and Al, while the major emissions sources associated with these elements were industry, wind-blown soil, and biomass burning. Wind trajectories suggest that metals associated with industrial emissions came from northern areas of the city whereas soil aerosols came from the southwest and increased in concentration during dry conditions. Elemental markers for fuel oil combustion, V and Ni, correlated with a large SO2 plume to suggest an anthropogenic, rather than volcanic, emissions source. By subtracting major components of soil and sulfates determined by PIXE analysis from STIM total mass measurements, we estimate that approximately 50% of non-volatile PM2.5 consisted of carbonaceous material.
Status and Trends of Amphibian Declines and Extinctions Worldwide

The first global assessment of amphibians provides new context for the well-publicized phenomenon of amphibian declines. Amphibians are more threatened and are declining more rapidly than either birds or mammals. Although many declines are due to habitat loss and overutilization, other, unidentified processes threaten 48% of rapidly declining species and are driving species most quickly to extinction. Declines are nonrandom in terms of species' ecological preferences, geographic ranges, and taxonomic associations and are most prevalent among Neotropical montane, stream-associated species. The lack of conservation remedies for these poorly understood declines means that hundreds of amphibian species now face extinction.
Nonlinear optical properties of dehydrobenzo[18]annulenes: expanded two-dimensional dipolar and octupolar NLO chromophores

The optical and second-order nonlinear optical response of a series of donor–acceptor substituted dehydrobenzo[18]annulenes is reported. The resultant β values, determined by the HRS method, are comparable or superior to that for DANS.
Anorexia Nervosa, "Futility," and Category Errors.

“Philosophical problems arise when language goes on holiday.” (Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations) futile (adj.) “incapable of producing result,” 1550s, from Middle French futile or ...
Vascular invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma.

A man from Barbados was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of progressive lethargy and confusion. His medical history was remarkable for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, alcohol abuse, and cirrhosis of the liver. He had not received any medical care for many years and was brought to the United States by his family 2 months before admission. At presentation, he was jaundiced and obtunded. Physical examination documented grade III hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, hepatomegaly, and a bruit in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory evaluation was consistent with advanced liver failure; tests revealed an international normalized ratio (INR) of 3 (reference range, #1); serum albumin, 16 g/L (reference range, 35– 50 g/L); and total bilirubin, 121.41 mmol/L (7.1 mg/ dL) (reference range, 5–21 mmol/L [0.1–1.0 mg/dL]). Abdominal ultrasound revealed massive ascites and a mass in the right lobe of the liver. The patient’s serum a-fetoprotein level was 320 000 mg/L (reference range, 0–10 mg/L). The patient was treated with oral lactulose with minimal clinical improvement and died in the hospital 48 hours later. At autopsy, the liver revealed a large, multinodular, and focally necrotic yellow mass replacing 90% of the right lobe and 40% of the left lobe. The tumor was extending and eroding into the lumen of the inferior vena cava (Figure 1). There was invasion and thrombosis of the portal and hepatic veins by the mass (Figure 2). Microscopic examination confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising in a background of micronodular cirrhosis (Figure 3). The tumor cells were arranged in trabecular and solid patterns with nuclear pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, and scant basophilic cytoplasm. There was extensive invasion of intrahepatic vascular channels (Figure 4). Multiple metastatic nodules were identified within the lung parenchyma.
The REALM vs. NVS: A Comparison of Health Literacy Measures in Patients with Diabetes

This study compared results of two measures of health literacy in subjects with diabetes: the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), which focuses on reading, and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), which focuses on numeracy. The sample was predominantly white (76%), older (mean age 63 years), and female (64%). Most had at least a college education (68%). For the REALM, 83% of participants scored at a high school level of reading proficiency and 55% achieved a perfect score. Testing revealed differences in REALM score by education but not by age (education: p=0.0013; age: p=0.67). For the NVS, 55% earned scores suggesting proficiency in health numeracy and 32% earned a perfect score. Testing indicated significant differences in NVS score by both age and education (age: p=0.022; education: p=0.0017). Our results support past findings that low health-related numeracy skill is not uncommon, even among well-educated patients with adequate reading skill.
Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in hospitalized patients

The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) varies widely based on the studied population. Currently, the prevalence of ASB in patients hospitalized in acute care institutions is unknown. Awareness of the prevalence of ASB in this setting would be useful in both medical decision-making as well as public reporting of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections. In this prevalence study, 200 consecutive patients admitted in April/May 2013 to a tertiary care academic center, had a urine sample collected for culture within 24 hours of being admitted. Data from the medical record was collected during their hospitalization up to 30 days post-enrollment. The objective was to determine the prevalence of ASB. Of the 200 patients, 17 were found to have ASB for a prevalence of 8.5%.
The Pea Aphid as an Alfalfa Pest in California

The recent outbreaks of pea aphid, Illinoia pisi Kalt., in southern California have followed mild winters with low rainfall, which allowed the survival of many viviparous females and their rapid multiplication with the advent of spring. The first growth of alfalfa in infested fields was destroyed, the second growth weakened, and weeds enabled to grow and mature in abundance as a result of the retardation of the alfalfa. The epidemics ended with the coming of hot weather, due to development of insect enemies, failure of food supply and shade, and direct killing effect of heat and low humidity. A number of artificial control methods were tested. Those of practical value were cultural practices for the purpose of eradicating winter alfalfa growth and attendant over wintering aphids in the fields, the use of burning machines, contact sprays or calcium cyanide for newly sprouted alfalfa, and early cutting. Those of no value were brush dragging, the Dudley aphidozer, and cultivation after active growth had commenced in the spring. Introduction of Hippodamia convergens lady-beetles was tried with negative though suggestive results.
Activation of upper airway muscles during breathing and swallowing

The upper airway is a complex muscular tube that is used by the respiratory and digestive systems. The upper airway is invested with several small and anatomically peculiar muscles. The muscle fiber orientations and their nervous innervation are both extremely complex, and how the activity of the muscles is initiated and adjusted during complex behaviors is poorly understood. The bulk of the evidence suggests that the entire assembly of tongue and laryngeal muscles operate together but differently during breathing and swallowing, like a ballet rather than a solo performance. Here we review the functional anatomy of the tongue and laryngeal muscles, and their neural innervation. We also consider how muscular activity is altered as respiratory drive changes, and briefly address upper airway muscle control during swallowing.
Self-Doubt During Emerging Adulthood: The Conditional Mediating Influence of Mindfulness

Emerging adulthood (EA) is a critical time for identity exploration and making decisions regarding the future. Although most thrive, some emerging adults struggle with the prominent developmental features of this time. Little is known about factors that may positively influence development during EA. This study examined the mediating impact of mindfulness on the relationship between normative emerging adult processes (identity exploration, experimentation/possibilities, negativity/instability, self-focus, and feeling in-between) and self-doubt, while simultaneously considering the moderating effect of age and gender. Using data from the EA Measured at Multiple Institutions project, reports from 1,293 participants were utilized. Mindfulness mediated the relationship between various aspects of development (negativity/instability, self-focus, and feeling in-between) and self-doubt with age and gender moderating aspects of these relationships. The findings highlight the importance of mindfulness during this i...
Effect of surface roughness and mulch on semi-arid revegetation success, soil chemistry and soil movement

Abstract For the successful reclamation of disturbed land, the reduction of initial erosion risk must be balanced with later vegetation establishment. A combination of erosion control and revegetation practices was researched using commercial (full-sized) equipment on a semi-desert grassland site in southern Arizona, USA. Two soils with different parent materials were used to add a 30 cm cap on sites at two elevations: 1646 and 1403 m asl. There were two surface roughness treatments: smooth and rough. Three straw mulch treatments were applied: no mulch, mulch incorporated into the surface soil, and mulch tackified onto the surface. Plots were planted with a 10-species native mix dominated by perennial grasses. After two growing seasons, the incorporated mulch treatment resulted in significantly more seeded grass aboveground biomass than the no mulch treatment while the no mulch treatment had more forb and volunteer biomass than the surface mulch treatment. There was significantly higher erosion on the rough surface treatment compared to the smooth surface. Increasing perennial grass biomass was correlated with reduced erosion while forb and volunteer biomass showed no relationship with erosion. The smooth surface with surface mulch best established perennial grasses, minimized weeds, and reduced erosion. This combination of practices both minimized erosion as well as maximized vegetation establishment.
An Analysis of the Present Situation of Human Resources in Dalian's Non-public Enterprises

By using indicators,such as the amount of human resources,the equivalent amount of human resources,the density of human resources and the spatial distribution of human resources,this article discusses the population size,composition and distribution of industry of human resources in Dalian's non-public enterprises.The overall quality of human resources in Dalian's non-public enterprises is not high,the density of postgraduate students is low,and the proportion of female talents,especially those who possess high school records is small.The population size of talents in manufacturing industry,the wholesale retail trade and the field of construction is large,and the density of talents in information transmission,computer service and software industry,and the scientific research,technical service and geological prospecting industry is thick.
Hydropower Operation Modes of Large-scale Wind Power Grid Integration

In the background of rapid wind power development and its large-scale integration into the power grid in China,combining the wind power operating characteristic and the power grid safety demand,a principle of hydropower annual operation mode is proposed in the large-scale wind power integration.The mathematical model of hydropower operation and dispatching is established by considering the contribution of hydropower peak load regulation for the wind power integration.Taking Huairen Hydropower Plant in the Northeast China power grid as an example,the hydropower annual operation modes are calculated for different water incoming modes.The simulation results show that the method is beneficial for increasing the ratio of allowable clean energy in the power grid.
Biochemical effects of electroconvulsotherapy

ECT and ECS biochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological effects on Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, GABA and Opiates are reviewed. ECS and ECT seem to potentiate behavioral responses to Serotoninergic and Dopaminergic agonists, and up-regulate post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors. However, the mechanism of the antidepressant effect remains unknown and probably involves several interacting neurotransmitters.
Variational Principles with Linear Growth

Variational principles which exhibit only linear growth arise in several contexts. As a paradigm for the questions which these principles suggest, we take up here the study of the problem $$\mathop {\inf }\limits_{v \in {\cal{A}}} \left\{ {\int_\Omega {\phi (\nabla v)dx - \int_\Omega {fvdx} } } \right\}.$$ (0.1) Here ϕ : R n → R is a non-negative convex sufficiently differentiable function satisfying $$\phi (0) = 0,{\phi _p}(0) = 0,\;{\rm{and}}\;|p| - \lambda \le \phi \le |p|$$ (0.2) for some λ > 0, subject to $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{t \to \infty } \phi (tp)/t|p| = 1.$$ (0.3) The competing v belong to a suitable class A of functions from Ω to R where Ω is a bounded domain with sufficiently smooth boundary and f is given.
Wide Bandgap power devices and applications; the U.S. initiative

The U.S. offers multiple mechanisms for funding both small and large businesses to promote innovations in science and industry. However, dating back to the 80s many U.S. companies have chosen to take products created domestically and manufacture them overseas. This has been a particularly disturbing trend in the semiconductor business leading to the loss of jobs and technical expertise as students, educated in the U.S., leave for opportunities elsewhere. Efforts to reverse this tendency are being aggressively undertaken through new initiatives funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). Details of some of these activities, in regards to Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices and their applications, are discussed in this paper.
A Little Bug with a Big Bite: Impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestations on Forest Ecosystems in the Eastern USA and Potential Control Strategies

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand, HWA) remains the single greatest threat to the health and sustainability of hemlock in the eastern USA. The loss of hemlock trees leads to further negative impacts on the diversity and stability of ecosystems in the eastern part of North America. It is, therefore, urgent to develop effective control measures to reduce HWA populations and promote overall hemlock health. Currently available individual and integrated approaches should continue to be evaluated in the laboratory and in the field along with the development of other new and innovative methods.
F-16XL Simulations at Flight Conditions Using Hybrid Near-Body/Offbody Computational Fluid Dynamics

The F-16XL flight vehicle has been used extensively to study the aerodynamics of medium- to high-angle-of-attack flight. Flight-test data, including surface pressures, are available for a wide rang...
Broadband laser excitation of van der Waals polymers from a cold atomic gas

In this article, we study the molecular states or polymer states excited from a broadband laser, in which case the dipole blockade will be suppressed. As expected, it is shown that more molecular s...
Conditioning Regimens for Cord Blood Transplantation

Conditioning regimens prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) serve to suppress the patient’s immune system to allow infused progenitor and stem cells to engraft and, in the case of malignant diseases, to target residual disease to reduce relapse risk. Conditioning regimens vary in intensity; higher-intensity regimens result in increased risk of acute toxicity and potential regimen-related mortality, while lower-intensity regimens result in increased risk of relapse and graft failure. This chapter reviews myeloablative, reduced-intensity, and nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens used in cord blood transplantation to treat nonmalignant and neoplastic diseases. Special consideration is given to questions related to the role of antithymocyte globulin in conditioning regimens as well as strategies to optimize engraftment.
No microphysical causation? No problem: selective causal skepticism and the structure of completeness-based arguments for physicalism

A number of philosophers have argued that causation is not an objective feature of the microphysical world but rather is a perspectival phenomenon that holds only between “coarse-grained” entities such as those that figure in the special sciences. This view seems to pose a problem for arguments for physicalism that rely on the alleged causal completeness of physics. In this paper, I address this problem by arguing that the completeness of physics has two components, only one of which is causal. These two components of completeness can be used in an argument for physicalism that is supported by strong inductive evidence even in the absence of microphysical causation.
Ocular features of multiple system atrophy.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to gain better understanding of the ocular manifestations of multiple system atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder rarely studied in terms of its ophthalmologic features. We performed a retrospective case series (1/1/05–12/31/14) to search for patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, who had mention of MSA in the medical record and an eye examination, which yielded 285 cases. Of the 285, we identified 39 cases of true MSA. Each of these 39 patients was further reviewed for ocular abnormalities potentially related to MSA. Ocular findings potentially attributable to MSA were found in 64% of patients. Most common were dry eye (N = 14), conjugate eye movement abnormalities (N = 13), and ocular misalignment (N = 7). One patient had dry eye and monocular diplopia from trichiasis due to cicatricial pemphigoid, one had bilateral optic atrophy, and one had Adie’s tonic pupil. Conjugate eye movement abnormalities (33%) and ocular misalignment (18%) were more common in patients with MSA-C. Patients with ocular findings, excluding dry eye, had a significantly shorter lifespan from time of initial neurologic symptoms to death. Our study confirms conjugate eye movement abnormalities and misalignment are common ocular findings in patients with MSA. Bilateral optic atrophy and cicatricial pemphigoid are possibly attributable to the disease. Ocular manifestations in MSA predict a poor prognosis as these patients have a significantly shorter lifespan. Therefore, we recommend patients with MSA have a comprehensive neuro-ophthalmologic exam at time of diagnosis, and thereafter, to screen for eye findings that may indicate a shorter lifespan.
Determinants and consequences of management accounting system choice: an empirical analysis

This paper develops and tests a descriptive model of management accounting system choice through an empirical analysis of the adoption of innovative cost accounting systems in not-for-profit hospitals. The logistic regression analysis indicates that management accounting system design is impacted by organi zational objectives, technological complexity, and other features of the organizational control system. Descriptive statistics indicate limited use of management accounting techniques common in manufacturing firms, such as standard costing and variance analysis. A cross-lagged model suggests that implementation of an innovative management accounting system may be causally linked to decreasing operating costs.
Environmental science and policy: A meta-synthesis of case studies on boundary organizations and spanning processes

We conducted a meta-synthesis of published qualitative articles to better understand how features and strategies of boundary organizations and spanning processes influence whether environmental science was utilized in politically oriented outcomes. Meta-synthesis is a peer-reviewed research technique which is becoming more prolific as disciplines compare qualitative research studies and generalize qualitative knowledge. In this work, thirty-nine published case studies were analysed through a systematic grounded theory approach and thirty-nine structured interviews were performed with authors to validate the results. Overall, forty-seven boundary spanning variables were evaluated using disaggregated statistics to determine correlation with policy outcomes. Our results develop the possibility that successful boundary spanning linkages may be less about utilizing formal boundary organizations and more about fostering the process through which science and policy are intermingled.
Sediment Removal with the Opuntia ficus-indica Cactus: A Water Purification Method for Communities in Latin America

In the past 12 years, advances have improved access to potable water for a significant portion of the world's population. Even with these efforts, however, 1 in 10 people are expected to remain with unimproved conditions in the year 2015. Currently, 10% of Latin America remains without access to clean water. In response to the growing attention drawn to water treatment methods for low-income communities, a variety of natural materials have been tested as potential flocculation tools, including bacterial by-products and plant-based materials. Of these, Opuntia ficus-indica cactus holds one of the greatest potentials to serve communities in Latin America because of its abundance, location, fast growth, and low cost. Opuntia ficus-indica , believed to have originated in Mexico, is commonly used by the communities there as a food source and is known for its high mucilage production. Previous studies have identified its mucilage as a flocculant for kaolin, arsenic, and bacteria. In this study, two fractions of mucilage gum were extracted from the cactus pads and tested as a flocculant for the removal of acid-washed kaolin. With the addition of gelling extracts (GEs) or nongelling extracts (NEs) mucilage, settling rates of kaolin (50 g l −1 ) suspended in surrogate hard water were determined to be 4 times GE and 12 times NE faster than controls. Increased particle removal was observed by determining the flocculation activity, and aggregated acid-washed kaolin particles were examined with a light microscope. The effect of additional cations on the mucilage-induced flocculation was also studied using Ca 2+ . In this study, Ca 2+ was not determined to significantly alter the settling rate, but it drastically increased suspended particle removal. Mucilage from O. ficus-indica has been demonstrated as a viable method for the aggregation and removal of suspended acid-washed kaolin. Its effectiveness combined with its abundance, accessibility, and low cost give it the potential to be a successful method for removal or reduction of suspended contaminants such as kaolin, arsenic, and bacteria, thereby improving water quality for low-income communities currently living without access to clean water.
Activation and Environmental Aspects of ARIES-ACT1 Power Plant

This paper reports the main results of the activation analysis of the ARIES-ACT1 power plant and its attractive environmental characteristics. The approach aims at examining several activation-rela...
Social Media and Worker Organizing Under U.S. Law

In recent years, a number of important social movements have emerged and grown rapidly through social media. Against that backdrop, this essay considers the promise and limitations of social media as a means for worker organizing under U.S. law. On the one hand, social media is a powerful tool of worker self-organization, and of building public support for workers’ rights. U.S. law also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for such self-organization or public speech, which should encourage workers to organize via social media. On the other hand, that prohibition is often more formal than real, and U.S. law makes it extremely difficult for workers to organize a union and begin collective bargaining. In other words, U.S. law encourages workers’ initial, nascent steps toward collective organization, and encourages them to build public support for their efforts, but discourages the actual formation of unions. Therefore, social media’s potential as a worker organizing tool will likely remain underdeveloped without reforms to strengthen and modernize our labor laws.
Correlation between real-time intraoperative and postoperative dosimetry and its implications on intraoperative planning

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to study the correlation between intraoperative and postimplant dosimetry. We investigated the correlation between prostate ( V 150 ) and urethra ( D 30 , D 5 ) dose limits, and whether it is possible to increase prostate D 90 and V 100 in intraoperative planning without violating postimplant urethra and rectum dose limits. Methods and Materials Seventy-nine patients who underwent real-time ultrasound-guided prostate implants using intraoperative planning from 2013 to 2017 were analyzed. Forty-one of the 79 implants were 125 I as monotherapy and the remainder was 103 Pd as boost to external beam radiation therapy or external beam radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy. Prescriptions followed the guidelines of AAPM TG-137. The urethra was catheterized during intraoperative implantation and postimplant imaging to facilitate the urethra identification. T2-cubed MRI and CT were acquired on the same day and about 1 month after the low-dose-rate procedure, and MRI was later fused with the CT scan for accurate delineation of the prostate and postimplant dosimetry evaluation. An institutionally based peer-review process and document procedure were established based on national recommendations. Correlation of dose parameters: D 90 , V 150 , V 100 of prostate, D 30 , D 5 of urethra, and V 100 of rectum between intraoperative and postimplant plans were evaluated. Results D 90 and V 100 declined for all implants between intraoperative and postimplant dosimetry. On average, D 90 declined by 17.5% and 21.7% for 125 I and 103 Pb implants, respectively. V 100 declined for all implants between intraoperative and postimplant dosimetry but less pronounced. Prostate V 150 and urethra D 30 and D 5 also showed different tendency of decline. Of the 79 implants, 60 did not meet the postimplant dosimetry target for prostate ( V 150 ≤ 50%), and 46 of the 60 implants met the optimal dosimetry targets for both D 30 ( D 5 ( D 30 or the D 5 limits. All the implants met the postimplant target dose for rectum: V 100 ≤ 1.3 cc . Conclusion Intraoperative implant dosimetry could not accurately predict postimplant dosimetry; however, to avoid underdosage of prostate, intraoperative D 90 should be close to 120% of prescribed dose and V 100 needs to be close to 100% of prescribed dose. Prostate V 150 > 50% does not necessarily indicate the violation of urethra D 30 and D 5 dose limits. For most of the implants, target intraoperative D 90 and V 100 could be raised without violating urethra D 30 and D 5 limits recommended by American Brachytherapy Society in postimplant evaluation.