cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Protein A on the Surface of Staphylococcus aureus

Surface proteins of Staphylococcus aureus fulfill many important roles during the pathogenesis of human infections and are anchored to the cell wall envelope by sortases. Although the chemical linkage of proteins to cell wall cross bridges is known, the mechanisms whereby polypeptides are distributed on the staphylococcal surface have not been revealed. We show here that protein A, the ligand of immunoglobulin, is unevenly distributed over the staphylococcal surface. Upon removal with trypsin, newly synthesized polypeptide is deposited at two to four discrete foci. During subsequent growth, protein A appears to be slowly distributed from these sites. When viewed through multiple focal planes by laser scanning microscopy, protein A foci are arranged in a circle surrounding the bacterial cell. This pattern of distribution requires the LPXTG sorting signal of protein A as well as sortase A, the transpeptidase that anchors polypeptides to cell wall cross bridges. A model is presented whereby protein A deposition at discrete sites coupled with cell wall synthesis enables distribution of protein A on the staphylococcal surface.
Increased microparticle tissue factor activity in cancer patients with Venous Thromboembolism.

Cancer patients exhibit a high rate of thromboembolism (VTE). In this study, we analyzed levels of microparticle (MP) tissue factor (TF) activity in cancer patients with or without VTE. Blood was collected from cancer patients within 24 h of objectively diagnosed VTE (n=53) and from cancer patients without VTE (n=13). MPs were isolated from platelet poor plasma by centrifugation at 20,000g for 15 min. MP TF activity was measured using a two-stage chromogenic assay. Cancer patients with VTE had a significantly higher mean MP TF activity compared with cancer patients without VTE (1.7±3.8 pg/mL vs 0.6±0.4 pg/mL, p<0.05). Further prospective studies are required to determine if levels of MP TF activity may be a useful biomarker to identify patients at increased risk for VTE.
A chamber for separating visual and physical prey access from predators

A chamber is described that provides automated separation of various phases of depredation dynamics. Two solenoid actuated doors control visual and physical access to prey items. A lever operandum is programmable to require differential response outputs by the predator. Search lever responses open one door and allow detection which may then be followed by pursuit lever responses and ultimate access for capture. The chamber is suitable for such medium sized predators as foxes and coyotes.
Demo: real-time object tagging and retrieval

We propose an augmented reality system on off-the-shelves smartphones which allows random physical object tagging. At later times, such tags could be retrieved from different locations and orientations. Our approach does not require any additional infrastructure support, localization scheme, specialized camera, or modification to smartphone's operating system. Designed and developed for current generation smartphones, our application shows promising initial results with retrieval accuracy of 82% in indoor environment without noticeable impact on the user experience.If made commercially available, such system could be used in city tourism, infrastructure maintenance, and enabling new kind of social interactions.
Cocaine triggers epigenetic alterations in the corticostriatal circuit.

Abstract Acute and repeated exposure to cocaine induces long-lasting alterations in neural networks that underlie compulsive drug seeking and taking. Cocaine exposure triggers complex adaptations in the brain that are mediated by dynamic patterns of gene expression that are translated into enduring changes. Recently, epigenetic modifications have been unveiled as critical mechanisms underlying addiction that contribute to drug-induced plasticity by regulating gene expression. These alterations are also now linked to the heritability of cocaine-induced phenotypes. This review focuses on how changes in the epigenome, such as altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, regulate transcription of specific genes that contribute to cocaine addiction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:Addiction circuits.
The Genetics of Dopa Decarboxylase in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER . II. Isolation and Characterization of Dopa-Decarboxylase-Deficient Mutants and Their Relationship to the α-Methyl-Dopa-Hypersensitive Mutants

Of 84 lethals isolated over the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) deficiency Df(2L)50, 8 have been identified as DDC-deficient alleles on the basis of their effect on DDC activity when heterozygous over the Cgamma-O balancer chromosome with activities ranging from 28% to 53% of controls. Some of the Ddc-deficient alleles exhibit intracistronic complementation. Most of the complementing pairs of alleles are much reduced in viability, e.g. less than 5% of expected, and express a common syndrome of mutant phenes which can reasonably be inferred to derive from inadequately sclerotinized cuticle. Individuals heterozygous for the noncomplementing allele, Ddcn7, over the 12-band DDC deficiency, Df (2L)130, die at the end of embryogenesis as unhatched larvae with unpigmented mouth parts. The Ddc alleles and the l(2) amd alpha-methyl dopa (alphaMD) hypersensitive alleles are both located within the 11 band region 37B10-C7. The l(2) and locus is immediately to the right of hk(2-53.6). Ddc has been mapped within 0.004 Map Units to the right of l(2) and with a maximum estimated recombination frequency of 0.01%. None of the Ddc/CgammaOstrains are sensitive to the dietary administration of alpha-methyl dopa (alphaMD), and complementation occurs between the Ddc deficient alleles and the l(2) amd alleles both on the basis of viability and DDC activity. No effect on DDC by the amd alleles has been found to date. Even in the complementing heterozygote, amdH1/amdH89, the level of activity, thermostability, and in vitro alphaMD inhibition of DDC remains unaffected. Although no biochemical phene has yet been established for the alphaMD hypersensitive amd alleles, it seems likely that the two groups of mutants are functionally related.
Microstructure of amorphous and crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate)

The microstructures of amorphous and crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) homopolymers have been determined in terms of their trans and gauche conformational isomer contents by using a combination of infrared and density characterization techniques. The effects of isothermal crystallization (from the glassy state between 105–150°C), as well as the effects of different monomer units in the polymerization process, have been investigated. Results indicate that samples, polymerized from different monomer and catalyst systems, show different microstructures in terms of trans and gauche isomers.These variations result in significant differences in PET optical properties. Further investigations find that these dissimilar behaviors accompany conformational isomer variations in the amorphous phase, suggesting different transformation mechanisms of trans and gauche isomers at early stages of crystallization. These unlike microstructural transformation processes give rise to further changes, which are evident in terms of the intensity of Vv light scattering, haze values, thermal properties, and FTIR spectral results. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 70: 1965–1976, 1998
Effect of Decorin and Dermatan Sulfate on the Mechanical Properties of a Neocartilage

Decorin is known to influence the size of collagen fibrils in ligaments and tendons and it has been hypothesized to provide a structural link between collagen fibrils in connective tissues, including cartilage. Coincidently, mechanical properties of skin, ligament, and tendons are altered in decorin knockout mice, suggesting it may influence the structural properties of tissue or tissue matrix organization. To further examine the role of decorin in the extracellular matrix development and subsequent material properties of cartilage, tissue (neocartilage) was grown in a 3D culture model using a pure population of genetically modified chondrocytes stably overexpressing decorin (DCN) or decorin lacking dermatan sulfate (MDCN). An empty vector (CON) served as a virus control. Following generation of the cartilage-like tissues, mechanical properties in tension and compression, collagen fibril diameter, matrix organization, and biochemistry of the tissue were determined. There were no differences between CON an...
A micromechanistic model of the combustion synthesis process: Mechanism of ignition

a micromechanistic model of the combustion synthesis has been extended to study the detailed mechanism and influential parameters of a combustion synthesis process, as well as the development of ignition criteria in the nb–c system. the case of constant heat-flux ignition conditions has been used to illustrate the details of the ignition process, in order to elucidate the various physical and chemical processes that take place during the initial stages of the combustion synthesis process; however, the results of this study can be generally extended to the other modes of the ignition process. the results showed that the ignition criteria for the nb–c system corresponded to the establishment of a proper balance between the rates of enthalpy redistribution within the sample, and to the establishment of a kind of positive feedback loop during the ignition process that is necessary for self-propagation to occur. if the heat supplied from an external source to initiate the combustion synthesis process is less than a certain critical value, the combustion wave stops at a certain short distance from the ignition surface. otherwise, the reaction proceeds in a self-propagating manner.
Photobleached refractive index tapers in electrooptic polymer rib waveguides

Photobleached refractive index tapers in electrooptic polymer rib waveguides, which act as two-dimensional optical mode transformers, are investigated. One taper method involves a discrete step mask-shifting scheme with a fixed intensity UV light source. A second method utilizes a gray-scale mask to precisely control the intensity of UV light reaching each portion of the taper. Using a gray-scale mask, adiabatic refractive index tapers can be inscribed into electrooptic polymer waveguides in a single fabrication step with no scanning parts. Optimized taper profiles are derived and applications for their incorporation into passive-to-active waveguide transitions are described.
Tragacanth solutions. I. The relation of method of preparation to the viscosity and stability.

Various factors which influence the viscosity of tragacanth solutions are discussed. The effects of homogenization and heat on solutions of the gum are reported. The degree of initial hydration of the gum is related to the viscosity changes that occur during aging. This viscosity may first increase and then decrease, or it may solely decrease. Studies of the viscosity changes that occur over relatively long periods of time show that the magnitude of such changes may be predicted by methods which are outlined in this paper.
Auditory thresholds in schizophrenics versus normal controls

Abstract We studied acuity for various auditory frequencies in 53 schizophrenics and 40 normal controls. Schizophrenics had significantly higher left and right ear thresholds and a greater L:R summed auditory threshold ratio than controls. These differences remained after accounting for subject age, gender, handedness, and drugs received at time of testing. There were no significant left v right ear threshold differences within groups. We interpret our findings as consistent with bilateral cerebral dysfunction in schizophrenia, with left-sided accentuation.
Resolving conflict: Methods used by TV characters and teenage viewers

(1979). Resolving conflict: Methods used by TV characters and teenage viewers. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 285-300.
RAPID FIELD TECHNIQUE USING SPRAY ADHESIVE TO OBTAIN PEELS OF UNCONSOLIDATED SEDIMENT

A synthetic rubber base spray adhesive was used to obtain high-relief, rapidly drying peels of moist unconsolidated beach sand. Samples from vertical planar trench walls and box coring devices were obtained instantaneously and completely hardened in about fifteen additional minutes, with drying times dependent primarily on air temperature. This technique can also be used for preservation of sediment-core structures in the laboratory.
Observations on sperm formation in the centrurid scorpions with especial reference to the Golgi material

The Mexican scorpion Centruroides shows exactly the same type of chondriokinesis (by ring formation) as that hitherto known only in the related form Centrurus, as earlier reported by one of us ('31). The Golgi bodies show no trace of ring formation but are distributed by random assortment like that of the chondriosomes in other scorpions. The Golgi bodies, clearly visible in vivo, show the typical plate-like or lamellar structure characteristic of them in other forms. In the first division, after Weigl, there appear to be two metaphase stages, an earlier one in which the dictyosomes are irregularly scattered and a later one in which they tend to mass near the mitotic poles. In the same division, after Champy-Kull, the (presumable) dictyosomes are regularly massed near the poles and may be traced through the whole mitosis. The neural red bodies (‘vacuome’) undergo an irregular distribution and are cast out in the slough. The problem of distribution and localization in the sperm-cell formation are discussed with reference to the principle of genetic continuity in the germ cell.
Towards a Standard Modeling of Haptic Software System

Computer haptics refers to the discipline concerned with generating and rendering haptic stimuli to the human user. The last decade has witnessed a rapid progress in haptic applications software development. We envision a need for a standard for haptic application software modeling. This paper introduces the approach of the Unified Modeling Language based haptic software engineering. We present the rationale and a reference model for haptic software development, and propose the basic modeling technique that comprises modeling elements, notation, and methods for haptic software systems. A startup systematic engineering process that describes how a haptic software system could be developed is also presented. Finally, we summarize our findings and provide vision for future work
Compact distributed RLC interconnect models - part III: transients in single and coupled lines with capacitive load termination

For pt. II, see ibid., vol. 47, p. 2068-77 (2000). A new, complete physical model for the transient response of a high-speed global interconnect is rigorously derived. This work improves an earlier model by including a capacitive load termination to a distributed resistance-inductance capacitance (RLC) line, which more accurately models on-chip and off-chip high-speed global wires that drive large capacitive loads. In addition to key physical insight, the new transient expressions presented in this paper provide a quick and accurate estimation of interconnect time delay and crosstalk, which is necessary for rapid design space exploration for global wiring networks in future gigascale integration (GSI) systems.
Using dynamic branch behavior for power-efficient instruction fetch

Power consumption has become an increasing concern in high performance microprocessor design in terms of packaging and cooling cost. The fetch unit including instruction cache contributes a large portion of the total power consumption in the microprocessor The instruction cache itself suffers some hidden power consumption due to dynamic control flows. Although capturing the dynamic control flows to boost performance, conventional trace caches (CTC) may increase power consumption in the fetch unit due to its simultaneous access to both the trace cache and the instruction cache. By avoiding this simultaneous accesses, sequential trace caches (STC) achieve lower power consumption, but suffer a significant performance loss at the meantime. In this paper we propose dynamic direction prediction based trace cache (DPTC) which avoids simultaneous accesses to the trace cache and the instruction cache with the guide of fetch direction prediction. Experimental results show that dynamic prediction based trace cache can achieve 38.5% power reduction over conventional trace caches and an additional 7.2% reduction over STC, on average, while only trading a 1.8% performance loss compared to CTC.
Experimental Deterioration of Highway Concrete by Chloride Deicing Salts

Experiments were performed on five Iowa highway concretes to determine their resistance to deterioration by chloride deicer salts. Four-inch cores were obtained from the highways, and small blocks cut from the cores were experimentally subjected to wet/dry, freeze/thaw, and continuous soak conditions. Experiments were also performed with magnesium acetate and magnesium nitrate. Deterioration of the highway concretes resulted in: (a) crumbling; and (b) facturing. Crumbling was often accompanied by brown discoloration. Severity and type of deterioration depended chiefly on deicer cation and experimetnal conditions. Magnesium chloride was most destructive. Calcium chloride was next, and sodium chloride was relatively benign except under freeze/thaw cycling in 0.75M NaCl, and high temperature wet/dry cycling. Magnesium acetate produced severe crumbling and moderate fracturing, and magnesium nitrate caused moderate deterioration by crumbling. The major cause of deterioration by magnesium chloride was formation of non-cementitious magnesium silicate hydrates. (A)
Flight of Heliothis virescens males in the field in response to sex pheromone

The behaviour of Heliothis virescens males flying upwind in the field in a sex pheromone plume was videorecorded and analysed Males flew faster and straighter, with less counterturning, and heading more directly into the wind when they were 9- 11 m away from the odour source than when they were 1-3 m away Regardless of their distance from the source or the windspeed, they maintained an average groundspeed of c 200 cms-', except when they arrived within 1 m of the source, when their groundspeed slowed significantly Two or more males flying in the plume at the same instant often exhibited either extremely straight and directly upwind tracks or else zigzagging tracks with significant counterturning (as did males flying through the field of view of the cameras at slightly different times) The males' position, either in the centre of the plume's axis or along one side, might explain these differences in track straightness, which previous studies with H virescens have shown to be caused by higher frequencies of contact with plume filaments When a significant shift in wind direction occurred, males tended to make an initial movement in the direction of the shift, perhaps due to latencies of response in both the olfactory and visual systems associated with flying into clean air The males' behaviour in the field overall was similar to that observed in the wind tunnel, except that their airspeeds and groundspeeds were significantly higher than those observed in the laboratory The fact that they flew faster in the field can be explained both by the significantly higher windspeeds that males need to compensate for in the field to attain a preferred velocity of image motion, as well as by a higher height of flight over the ground in the field causing a slower apparent motion of images at a given groundspeed compared with the laboratory
FUEL LEWIS NUMBER EFFECTS IN UNSTEADY BURKE–SCHUMANN HYDROGEN FLAMES

ABSTRACT Flame response (as determined by temperature and flame thickness) to unsteady hydrodynamics has been measured in acoustically pulsed Burke–Schumann hydrogen flames at two different oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. The effect of fuel Lewis number (Le F) on flame dynamics is isolated by investigating steady and unsteady 40% H2/60% He (Le F > 1) and 40% H2/60% Ar (Le F 1 flame. Unsteadiness might qualitatively alter the effect of the fuel Lewis number. Notably, for Le F < 1 flames under oscillations of sufficiently high frequency and amplitude, the temperature at the flame tip is higher than that in the shoulder regions, and is different from the temperature field of both steady and low-frequency oscillation flames. This suggests that the effect of unsteady flame stretch may overwhelm that ...
Memory subsystem simulation in software TLM/T models

Design of Multiprocessor System-on-a-Chips requires efficient and accurate simulation of every component. Since the memory subsystem accounts for up to 50% of the performance and energy expenditures, it has to be considered in system-level design space exploration. In this paper, we present a novel technique to simulate memory accesses in software TLM/T models. We use a compiler to automatically expose all memory accesses in software and annotate them onto efficient TLM/T models. A reverse address map provides target memory addresses for accurate cache and memory simulation. Simulating at more than 10MHz, our models allow realistic architectural design space explorations on memory subsystems. We demonstrate our approach with a design exploration case study of an industrial-strength MPEG-2 decoder.
Multi-threaded Graph Partitioning

In this paper we explore the design space of creating a multi-threaded graph partitioner. We present and compare multiple approaches for parallelizing each of the three phases of multilevel graph partitioning: coarsening, initial partitioning, and uncoarsening. We also explore the differences in thread lifetimes and data ownership in this context. We show that despite the options for fine-grain synchronization and task decomposition offered by current threading technologies, the best performance is achieved by preserving data ownership and minimizing synchronization. In addition to this we also present an unprotected approach to generating a vertex matching in parallel with little overhead. We use these findings to develop an OpenMP based implementation of the Metis algorithms and compare it against MPI based partitioners on three different multi-core architectures. Our multi-threaded implementation not only achieves greater than a factor of two speedup over the other partitioners, but also uses significantly less memory.
The EflFects of Gonadal Steroids on Plasma Gonadotropins and Prolactin in the Rat1

The effects of single sc injections of various doses of estradiol benzoate (Eb) and testosterone propionate (Tp) on plasma levels of LH, FSH and prolactin have been reinvestigated in castrate rats of both sexes. Our results indicate that Eb or Tp inhibited release of LH in castrate rats of both sexes. Males were more sensitive to the inhibitor effect of the low dose of Tp than females. The steroids also lowered plasma FSH levels in spayed females; however, in castrated males Eb stimulated FSH release and a decrease in FSH followed the injection of only the highest dose (2 mg) of Tp. Eb and Tp had a synergistic effect in inhibiting FSH release in the male. Both steroids stimulated release of prolactin in castrate males and females (no sex difference in release of prolactin in response to Eb was observed; however, males appeared more sensitive to Tp treatment). Single injections of progesterone (P) in spayed females produced variable results. High doses inhibited LH release and elevated prolactin levels. Ef...
Comprehensive Analysis of Contributions from Protein Conformational Stability and Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II-Peptide Binding Affinity to CD4+ Epitope Immunogenicity in HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein

Helper T-cell epitope dominance in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 is not adequately explained by peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Antigen processing potentially influences epitope dominance, but few, if any, studies have attempted to reconcile the influences of antigen processing and MHC protein binding for all helper T-cell epitopes of an antigen. Epitopes of gp120 identified in both humans and mice occur on the C-terminal flanks of flexible segments that are likely to be proteolytic cleavage sites. In this study, the influence of gp120 conformation on the dominance pattern in gp120 from HIV strain 89.6 was examined in CBA mice, whose MHC class II protein has one of the most well defined peptide-binding preferences. Only one of six dominant epitopes contained the most conserved element of the I-Ak binding motif, an aspartic acid. Destabilization of the gp120 conformation by deletion of single disulfide bonds preferentially enhanced responses to the cryptic I-Ak motif-containing sequences, as reported by T-cell proliferation or cytokine secretion. Conversely, inclusion of CpG in the adjuvant with gp120 enhanced responses to the dominant CD4+ T-cell epitopes. The gp120 destabilization affected secretion of some cytokines more than others, suggesting that antigen conformation could modulate T-cell functions through mechanisms of antigen processing. IMPORTANCE CD4+ helper T cells play an essential role in protection against HIV and other pathogens. Thus, the sites of helper T-cell recognition, the dominant epitopes, are targets for vaccine design; and the corresponding T cells may provide markers for monitoring infection and immunity. However, T-cell epitopes are difficult to identify and predict. It is also unclear whether CD4+ T cells specific for one epitope are more protective than T cells specific for other epitopes. This work shows that the three-dimensional (3D) structure of an HIV protein partially determines which epitopes are dominant, most likely by controlling the breakdown of HIV into peptides. Moreover, some types of signals from CD4+ T cells are affected by the HIV protein 3D structure; and thus the protectiveness of a particular peptide vaccine could be related to its location in the 3D structure.
Force Dynamic Dimensions of Rhetorical Effect

This is an essay in Applied Cognitive Rhetoric. It seeks to establish a renewed connection between Cognitive Semantics and rhetorical theory at the level of pa-tient textual analysis. Sustained cognitive rhetorical analysis of canonical rhetorical texts has been a rare occurrence in Cognitive Linguistics forums, despite Turner’s (1991) seminal work in this area. In this essay, I apply Talmy’s (2000) system of Force Dynamics and Event Frames to two paragon rhetorical texts: the Preamble to President George W. Bush’s National Security Report and Abraham Lincoln’s Second Innaugural Address, the first an example of the deliberative genre, the second an example of the epideictic genre. After a brief discussion of the rhetorical situations to which these two texts were responding, I give a systematic overview of Talmy’s force dynamic and event frame systems. The remainder of the essay comprises a patient analysis of the schematic force dynamic patterns and support-ing event frames inherent in each text. The intent of each analysis is to reveal how these schematic patterns shape the logic and emotion of each argument.
Effect of Sodium on the AutoAnalyzer Flame Photometric Determination of Potassium in Serum

Apparent inaccuracies in serum potassium determinations have been detected consistently by our quality control program. These inaccuracies are caused by interference of Na+ in the K+ determination, and result from differences in Na+/K+ ratios of standards and controls (or specimens). Determined K+ values can be corrected by simple calculations if the differences between Na+ levels of standards and specimens are known. Accurate K+ values can also be obtained by using “radiation buffers,” and expected K+ values are obtained when standards and controls both contain 1,500 mEq. per 1. Na+ or 1,000 mEq. per 1. Cs+. Dilution with methanol (80:20 v/v) is equally effective in eliminating interference from sodium. Commercial abnormal control sera and aqueous standards have a variety of high–high, high–low, and low–low mixtures of Na+ and K+, respectively, even though statistical analyses of large numbers of random clinical specimens do not show any correlation between Na+ and K+. The widespread use of diverse standards undoubtedly contributes significantly to interlaboratory variance observed in laboratory surveys.
Np63 gene expression in esophageal squamous cancer

AIM: To detect the expression of △Np63 gene in esophageal squamous cancer. METHODS: Fifty fresh tissue specimens as well as 21 peripheral blood samples of esophageal squamous cancer without chemotherapy and radiation, 15 para-cancerous tissue specimens, 12 peripheral blood samples of gastric adenocarcinoma and 10 peripheral blood samples of healthy volunteer were used to detect △Np63 gene expression using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: △Np63 gene expression in cancer tissues was up-regulated compared with that in para-cancerous tissue at both mRNA and protein levels (96% and 60% respectively, P 0.01). △Np63 mRNA was detected in 38% of the peripheral blood samples in esophageal squamous cancer but not in gastric adenocarcinoma and healthy volunteer. CONCLUSION: △Np63 mRNA of peripheral blood can be used as a tumor marker of esophageal squamous cancer.
On the Strategy of Chinese Experts Participating in International Organization Activities

The development of international organizations has become a worldwide phenomenon of international relations nowadays,and it has profoundly influenced the world's peace and development.However,the impact of international organizations in China is comparatively weak at present,especially in such aspects as technology,education and culture.In light of this situation this paper proposes several feasible strategies to help Chinese experts participate in international organization activities and to improve the international status of China.
Problems Noticed in Data Processing of Strain Sensor Used in Monitoring Bridge

Based on comparative analysis to the measured and calculated data of a specific steel string type digital strain sensor embedded in a rigid frame bridge which is monitored in the course of construction,a conclusion is drawn that the raw data must eliminate the value caused by temperature change of measured points and the value caused by concrete shrinkage,otherwise,the measured values and the calculated values will have big error.In this paper,not only the statistical method for sensor strain reading values changing with temperature is introduced but also the temperature strain and the shrinkage strain of the sensor points are calculated after prestressing for each beam block,and these two kinds of strain values are rejected from the raw reading values of the sensor.At the same time,with the mechanical analysis method the theoretical values of the stress and strain of the corresponding working conditions are calculated,and are compared and analyzed with the measured values,some useful conclusions are drawn.At last,a method and basis are provided in order to correctly process sensor reading value in the bridge cantilever construction monitoring.
Trend analysis of acute respiratory infectious diseases before and after the impoundment of Yichang section (Three Gorges Reservior)

Objective To understand the trends of respiratory infectious diseases in Yichang,Three Gorges Reservoir,before and after the impoundment,in order to take timely measures.Methods The data of the respiratory infectious diseases in the Yichang surveillance site around the Three Gorges Dam area were consecutively collected.Results The monitoring result of the incidence rate of respiratory infectious diseases in Yichang,Three Gorges reservoir,suggested that the incidence rate before and after storing water had a rising trend(t=-2.73,P0.05).Tuberculosis took the largest proportion(67.21%) in respiratory infectious diseases(t=-5.80,P0.05).Conclusion Disease surveillance should be further strengthened to provide evidence for policy-making to effectively control respiratory infectious diseases.
Discussion on Vehicle Flow Density Factor in Tunnel Ventilation Design

The vehicle flow density factor in Specifications for Design of Ventilation and Lighting of Highway Tunnel was discussed,and the formula expressions of vehicle traveling distance in tunnel were deduced to conclude that the tunnel ventilation flow rate is not related to the vehicle flow density under certain traffic flow rate.Afterwards,the relationship between vehicle speed and traffic flow rate was discussed,which led to the point that the vehicle flow density factor is the amendment of traffic flow rate actually and its value should be reconsidered on the base of certain traffic flow theory.
Development of 10 kV Solid State Transfer Switch

A hybrid transfer switch composed of solid-state switch and high-speed mechanical switch in parallel was put forward.During normal operation,the line current was by-passed by the parallel mechanical switch.Thus the losses of power devices were negligible since the thyristors were conducted only during the few milliseconds of the transfer operation,this makes the hybrid transfer switch having a good prospect in industrial applications.Control strategy of solid state transfer switch(SSTS) was presented and opening characteristics of the parallel switch and current commutation characteristics from parallel switch to thyristors were analyzed by means of mathematical model.Tree-phase SSTS simulation model was established using the electro magnetic transients for DC(EMTDC) to investigate and analyze the whole transfer process.The simulative and experimental results verify the feasibility of the main power circuit and control scheme.
The abortion czar.

Two recent Supreme Court decisions highlight the difficulty in establishing a coherent policy towards regulating access to abortion. With the courts nearly even split on the issue of abortion the deciding vote has been relegated to Justice Sandra Day OConnor which has led some commentators to label her as the "Abortion Czar." OConnor has developed her own test for determining the constitutionality of statues regulating abortion which asks whether the measures "unduly burden" a womans right to an abortion. But the "unduly burden" test lacks consistency evident in two cases dealing with a minors access to abortion. Minnesota declared it illegal to perform an abortion on a minor without first notifying her parents at least 48 hours before the operation unless: 1) the minors life was at stake and there was not enough time to notify her parents; 2) the parents had previously consented in writing; or 3) the minor claimed that she was the victim of sexual abuse in which case the appropriate state agency should be notified. Minnesotas Federal District Court held the statute unconstitutional while the appeals court reversed the decision but struck down the 49-hour provision as unconstitutional. In reviewing the case the Supreme Court concluded that the 3rd provision allowing for a judicial bypass made the statute constitutional but held the requiring both parents to be notified was unconstitutional. In a companion case the court upheld an Ohio State that required the notification of only one parent and also allowed for a judicial bypass. The majority of justices concluded that this was not an unreasonable burden.
Aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta: replacement with the use of a shunt or bypass.

The optimal method of protecting the spinal cord and viscera during resection of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta is controversial, and some surgeons have recently abandoned shunting and bypass techniques. We are concerned that this may not be the safest approach in most surgeons' hands and have reviewed our experience with a consecutive series of these aneurysms, all of which were done with either bypass or a shunt. Between 1965 and 1976, we performed 23 aneurysm replacements with femorofemoral bypass. From 1976 to 1980, we used the Gott shunt in 12 aneurysm operations. Atherosclerotic, traumatic, and dissecting aneurysms were all represented. Nineteen operations were elective and 16 were urgent. Three patients died in the hospital, for an 8.6% operative mortality. There were no cases of paraplegia in the entire series of 35 operations. The actuarial 5 year survival rate (including operative deaths) is 79%. We conclude that when the appropriate surgical technique of aneurysm replacement is combined with a shunt or bypass, an acceptable operative mortality and a very low incidence of paraplegia can be obtained.
Congressional Elections in Presidential Years: Presidential Coattails and Strategic Voting

This article analyzes voting for Congress in presidential election years. The national Democratic vote for the House increases with the Democratic vote for president but decreases with the Democrats' perceived chances of winning the presidency (anticipatory balancing). The evidence for coattails and for balancing become visible only when statistically controlling for the other. The aggregate evidence for coattails and balancing in presidential years is reinforced by the analysis of National Election Studies (NES) survey respondents. That analysis shows that politically informed voters are more likely to vote for Congress against the party that they believe will win the presidency.
World Prices for Agricultural Products: Real or Fictitious?

Two lines of argument are used to support protection of agriculture in a specific country or region. One is that the farmers of the country or region have some particular disadvantage, such as small farms, poor land or bad weather, that increases their costs compared with those who farm under more satisfactory conditions. A second argument is that the world market prices for farm products are significantly distorted and fail to reflect real cost conditions due to the use of export subsidies, production subsidies and import restrictions.1 Thus the argument can be made that no single country or region can afford to open its market to imports or it will be deluged with products that are priced unfairly and unreasonably low.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is widespread and remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is one of the strongest known risk factors for this malignancy. There is a high level of genetic diversity among H. pylori strains, and bacterial virulence factors play an important role in determining the risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma following colonization with H. pylori. Infection with strains that contain a cag pathogenicity island or type s1 vacA alleles confers increased risk compared to infection with other strain types. Additional risk factors for gastric cancer include dietary factors, such as a high-salt diet and iron deficiency. H. pylori can interact with stem cell populations and in this way may promote gastric carcinogenesis. Recent studies suggest that components of the microbiome may also influence H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis. In this review article, we discuss mechanisms by which H. pylori infection can lead to gastric cancer.
Robotic platform for monitoring underground cable systems

Accurate, real-time information about the aging status of the power distribution cable network can save the power industry millions of dollars lost due to line failures and premature replacement of cables. Hence, a novel, semi-autonomous robotic sensor platform has been developed for monitoring underground, power distribution cable systems. A segmented, legged modular configuration allows the robot to traverse cables with a diameter of four to eight centimeters and negotiate obstacles along its path. The design of platform consists of a multi-processor control board, a 900 MHz wireless communication module, and infrared, dielectrometry, and acoustic sensors. The robot is capable of fully autonomous operation or human tele-operation via a LAN or Internet connection. A prototype platform has been developed and tested with a 14 kV distribution cable. Currently, sensor integration is underway.
Interphase characterization in rubber nanocomposites

Abstract In composite mechanics, the interfacial interaction efficiency plays one of the most important roles in effective reinforcement. This chapter first reviews the interaction types between two phases. Various characterization methods of interphase or interfacial interaction are subsequently introduced. Mechanical, thermal, microscopic, and spectral analyses are reviewed respectively. Although fillers in rubber composites may be dispersed well, interfacial modifications are still necessary in some cases for property improvements. The two main methods of physical and chemical modification routines as well as property improvements are briefly reviewed.
Liquid Water- and Heat-Resistant Hybrid Perovskite Photovoltaics via an Inverted ALD Oxide Electron Extraction Layer Design

Despite rapid advances in conversion efficiency (>22%), the environmental stability of perovskite solar cells remains a substantial barrier to commercialization. Here, we show a significant improvement in the stability of inverted perovskite solar cells against liquid water and high operating temperature (100 °C) by integrating an ultrathin amorphous oxide electron extraction layer via atomic layer deposition (ALD). These unencapsulated inverted devices exhibit a stable operation over at least 10 h when subjected to high thermal stress (100 °C) in ambient environments, as well as upon direct contact with a droplet of water without further encapsulation.
Chirurgische Behandlung der Perforationen

Perforationen des Kolons unterscheiden sich in ihrem klinischen Erscheinungsbild betrachtlich. Tritt die Perforation langsam ein und ist das Kolon mit umgebenden Strukturen verklebt, entwickelt sich eher eine Fistel als eine Peritonitis. In anderen Situationen kann eine Perforation sofort von umgebendem Gewebe abgegrenzt werden und bildet so einen Abszes. Selten fuhrt eine Perforation durch Einbeziehung einer Mesenterialvene zu einer Pylephlebitis [2, 3, 7]. Auch uber subkutane Luftemphyseme wurde berichtet [9, 10]. In den meisten ernsten Fallen besteht jedoch eine freie Verbindung zwischen Darmlumen und Peritonealhohle, was zu einer kotigen Peritonitis fuhrt. Die Mortalitat ist bei diesen Fallen, wenn nicht sofort Masnahmen ergriffen werden, auserst hoch. In diesem Kapitel sollen die wichtigsten Perforationen besprochen werden.
Low-Temperature Activity of Lactic Streptococci Isolated from Cultured Buttermilk.

Psychrotrophic and mesophilic lactic streptococci were isolated from commercial cultured buttermilk to determine their potential effect on the quality of this product. These isolates consisted primarily of Streptococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis, with S. lactis, Streptococcus cremoris, and Leuconostoc spp. also being present. Psychrotrophic isolates of S. lactis subsp. diacetylactis were compared to mesophilic isolates in regard to their ability to grow and reduce diacetyl in acidified milk (pH 4.7) incubated at 7°C. There was no significant difference detected in the ability of the two groups to reduce diacetyl (P<.05). The mesophilic isolates grew more rapidly in acidified refrigerated milk than did the psychrotrophs, indicating that the psychrotrophic isolates were more acid sensitive. The psychrotrophic isolates exhibited generation times of 9 to 11 h when grown in skim milk (pH 6.7) at 7°C. Both psychrotrophic and mesophilic strains of S. lactis subsp. diacetylactis could rapidly reduce diacetyl in...
Tobacco use and outcome in radical prostatectomy patients

Cigarette smoking has been consistently associated with increased risk of overall mortality, but the importance of smoking for patients with prostate cancer (CaP) who are candidates for curative radical prostatectomy (RP) has received less attention. This retrospectively designed cohort study investigated the association of smoking history at RP with subsequent CaP treatment outcomes and overall mortality. A total of 1981 patients who underwent RP at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) between 1993 and 2014 were studied. Smoking history was considered as a risk factor for overall mortality as well as for currently accepted CaP treatment outcomes (biochemical failure, treatment failure, distant metastasis, and disease-specific mortality). The associations of smoking status with these outcomes were tested by Cox proportional hazard analyses. A total of 153 (8%) patients died during follow-up. Current smoking at diagnosis was a statistically significant predictor of overall mortality after RP (current smokers vs. former and never smokers, hazards ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–3.14). This association persisted for overall mortality at 3, 5, and 10 years (odds ratios 2.07 [95% CI: 1.36–3.15], 2.05 [95% CI: 1.35–3.12], and 1.8 [95% CI: 1.18–2.74], respectively). Smoking was not associated with biochemical failure, treatment failure, distant metastasis, or CaP-specific mortality, and the association of smoking with overall mortality did not appear to be functionally related to treatment or biochemical failure, or to distant metastasis. Smoking is a non-negligible risk factor for death among CaP patients who undergo RP; patients who smoke are far more likely to die of causes other than CaP.
Dreams of Democracy, or the Reasons for Hoosiers’ Enduring Appeal

Hoosiers has a special, undeniable appeal. This film tells the fictional story of a basketball team from a small high school in Indiana that defeats a team from a much bigger school to win the stat...
Use of Productivity Accounting in Financial Analysis

The use of quantitative standards is the most common manifestation of the application of productivity accounting to conventional cost accounting systems. Quantitative standards are specified in terms of desired ratios of input to output quantities. For example, a firm that employes L units of labor, and M units of materials to produce Y units of output would set quantitative standards of L/Y and 004D;/Y for labor and materials respectively. L and 004D; could be interpreted as the number of labor hours and the quantity of materials required to produce one unit of output. In other words, quantitative standards could be viewed as targets for input requirements (e.g., targets for quantities of inputs technically needed to produce one unit of output). The inverses of the quantitative standards ratios output per unit of labor, Y/L and output per unit of materials, Y/Μ, are known respectively as partial labor productivity and materials productivity indexes. Obviously, many occupational categories of labor and types of materials are commonly used in the production process. Accordingly, numerous quantitative standards are designed as integral parts of conventional cost accounting systems. Along with the quantitative standards, price standards (W for labor and 0056; for materials) are set as targets for the purchasing prices of labor and materials inouts. W&#x0302 interpreted as the standard compensation paid to an hour of labor, and 0056; is viewed as the standard price for which a unit of a certain material ought to be purchased.
Private Speech Moderates the Effects of Effortful Control on Emotionality

Research Findings: In addition to being a regulatory strategy, children’s private speech may enhance or interfere with their effortful control used to regulate emotion. The goal of the current stud...