cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a Probabilistic Analysis for Conditionals and Unconditionals.

The thesis that the probability of a conditional Open image in new window is the corresponding conditional probability of C, given A, enjoys wide currency among philosophers and growing empirical support in psychology. In this paper I ask how a probabilisitic account of conditionals along these lines could be extended to unconditional sentences, i.e., conditionals with interrogative antecedents. Such sentences are typically interpreted as equivalent to conjunctions of conditionals. This raises a number of challenges for a probabilistic account, chief among them the question of what the probability of a conjunction of conditionals should be. I offer an analysis which addresses these issues by extending the interpretation of conditonals in Bernoulli models to the case of unconditionals.
Correction to: Inverse Estimation of Cohesive Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Using an Optimization Approach

The following correction should be noted: On page 642, in the seventh line of the third paragraph, the phrase “the Poisson’s Ratio is taken as v = 0.33” should be replaced with “the Poisson’s Ratio is taken as v = 0.25 for the asphalt mastic group and v = 0.16 for the aggregate group”.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Vapor Shielding Mechanism for Surfaces Subjected to High Heat Fluxes

The self protecting nature of the vapor shield mechanism is important for prediction of surface damage caused by disruptions or run away events in tokamaks. The authors report on detailed modeling and experimental analysis of the vapor shield (VS) mechanism. The energy transmission factor through the VS boundary layer is found to be surprisingly low (about 10%) which may reduce estimates for the surface damage.
Morphology of Toxic versus Non-Toxic Strains of Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae

In an attempt to distinguish toxic from non-toxic forms of the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, observations were made of several morphological features characteristic of these cells. Both field collections and laboratory cultures were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Performance Without Limit Numbers

ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 is a widely used attributes acceptance sampling system. The latest revision of the standard makes optional the use of limit numbers for reduced inspection. This paper presents a Markov model of the sampling system without limit numbers. T..
Pattern Similarity in Time Interval Sequences

The extraction of temporal patterns from biomedical data is central in facilitating clinical decision support and enabling proactive interventions. Despite several approaches have been proposed for efficiently mining temporal patterns, most of the current solutions offer limited flexibility in addressing the noise in the data. To this end, we propose a similarity measure for temporal patterns in time interval sequences, we develop two mining approaches and conduct a preliminary evaluation on a real world dataset.
Semi-aquatic spider silks: transcripts, proteins, and silk fibres of the fishing spider, Dolomedes triton (Pisauridae).

To survive in terrestrial and aquatic environments, spiders often rely heavily on their silk. The vast majority of silks that have been studied are from orb-web or cob-web weaving species, leaving the silks of water-associated spiders largely undescribed. We characterize transcripts, proteins, and silk fibres from the semi-aquatic spider Dolomedes triton. From silk gland RNAseq libraries, we report 18 silk transcripts representing four categories of known silk protein types: aciniform, ampullate, pyriform, and tubuliform. Proteomic and structural analyses (scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, contact angle) of the D. triton submersible egg sac reveal similarities to silks from aquatic caddisfly larvae. We identified two layers in D. triton egg sacs, notably a highly hydrophobic outer layer with a different elemental composition compared to egg sacs of terrestrial spiders. These features may provide D. triton egg sacs with their water repellent properties.
On the effectiveness of generic malware models

Malware detection based on machine learning typically involves training and testing models for each malware family under consideration. While such an approach can generally achieve good accuracy, it requires many classification steps, resulting in a slow, inefficient, and potentially impractical process. In contrast, classifying samples as malware or benign based on more generic â€œfamiliesâ€ would be far more efficient. However, extracting common features from extremely general malware families will likely result in a model that is too generic to be useful. In this research, we perform controlled experiments to determine the tradeoff between generality and accuracyâ€”over a variety of machine learning techniquesâ€”based on n-gram features.
Aquaculture Technology: Flowing Water and Static Water Fish Culture

Key features: Takes a quantitative approach to the science of aquaculture Covers the complete landscape of the scientific basis of fish culture Promotes problem solving and critical thinking Includes sample problems at the end of most chapters Guides the reader through the technical considerations of intensive aquaculture, including fish growth rates, hydraulic characteristics of fish rearing units, oxygen consumption rates in relation to oxygen solubility and fish tolerance of hypoxia, and water reconditioning by reaeration and ammonia filtration. Discusses the environmental effects of aquaculture Includes a chapter on hatchery effluent control to meet receiving water discharge criteria Aquaculture Technology: Flowing Water and Static Water Fish Culture is the first book to provide the skills to raise fish in both a flowing water and a static water aquaculture system with a pragmatic and quantitative approach. Following in the tradition of the author’s highly praised book, Flowing Water Fish Culture, this work will stand out as one that makes the reader understand the theory of each type of aquaculture system; it will teach the user "how to think" rather than "what to think" about these systems. The book presents the scientific basis for the controlled husbandry of fish, whether it be in a stream of water or a standing water pool. Part 1, Flowing Water Fish Culture, is a major revision of the author’s initial book and includes greatly expanded coverage of rearing unit design criteria, fish growth and the use of liquid oxygen, hatchery effluent control, and recirculating systems. Part 2, Static Water Fish Culture, presents the scientific basis of fish culture in standing water systems including nutrient and dissolved gas dynamics, pond ecology, effects of fertilization and supplemental feeding, water quality management and representative static water aquacultures. Aquaculture Technology conveys the science in a manner appropriate for use by university students and teachers and others involved in fish production and aquaculture research and development worldwide. It will enable the reader to adapt to changing technologies, markets, and environmental regulations as they occur.
Fifteen-minute consultation: A practical approach to developmental regression in children

Developmental regression is an important red flag in any child's developmental performance and should be recognised promptly. It is the loss of previously acquired skills and can affect any sphere of childhood development. Presentation and underlying causes are heterogeneous in nature, in turn presenting many clinical challenges. While broad, the causes of regression can be categorised based on clinical findings, so that investigation and management options can be tailored appropriately. It is extremely important to try and make a definitive diagnosis if possible. This allows appropriate initiation of treatment for potentially reversible causes and for specific therapies, which may alter disease progression and improve quality of life in some cases. This article outlines a systematic approach to the evaluation of a child with suspected regression, covering the nature of presentation, key differential diagnoses, first-line investigations and management.
Deporter-in-Chief: Obama v. Trump

President Barack Obama was dubbed “Deporter-in-Chief” by immigrant rights advocates for good reason. During his eight years in office, his administration formally removed more than three million noncitizens, compared to two million during George W. Bush’s tenure and about 900,000 under the Bill Clinton administration. At the time he left office, Obama was definitely the reigning Deportation Champion. Enter Donald Trump. Given the immigration enforcement exploits of President Trump and his administration, Obama’s clutch on the title of “Deporter-in-Chief” is in serious jeopardy. In spite of court actions constraining Trump’s travel ban and Congress’s hesitance to fund the construction of a border wall or a deportation army, Trump’s enforcement henchmen have initiated a frightening deportation campaign with resources that were already in place. Interior enforcement is up, and his threat to local law enforcement officials to take away federal funds if they refuse to cooperate is working. Between his tweeting and the unleashing of mean-spirited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, noncitizens in the country are scared as hell. Trump is easily on his way to yanking the deportation champ moniker away from Obama. A central focus of this book is on an important segment of Obama’s removal priority at the border that helped him earn the Deporter-in-Chief title—the apprehension, detention, and removal prioritization of women and children fleeing violence in Central America. In my view, those efforts were reprehensible and cast a dark shadow on Obama’s legacy, even though he took some remarkably courageous steps on behalf of immigrants as well. He deserves credit for DACA, however, Obama’s policy on women and children fleeing Central America has visited great and unnecessary hardship and trauma on migrants victimized by violence. I was moved to develop this project because the story needs to be told about what in my view is a tragic mistake in so-called immigration enforcement—a mistake that began at the hands of President Barak Obama. While much of the migrant rights community’s attention understandably has been focused nationally on the escalation of immigration enforcement under Donald Trump and internationally on the serious refugee crises like those involving Syrians and the Rohingya, our own humanitarian crisis in this hemisphere has been grossly mishandled starting long before President Trump took office. While the project began as an effort to shed light on the dark side of Barack Obama’s immigration legacy, the evolution to a more comparative work given Donald Trump’s no-holds-barred harsh immigration enforcement strategies was necessary. His full court attack on immigrants—from Mexicans, to Muslims and those who would be regarded as “low priority” by Obama—has been constant. There is no denying that immigrants and their advocates are constantly on call under Trump.
Two-Dimensional Non-periodic Metasurface for Dual Polarization Retroreflection

Traditionally., retroreflection (or blazing) of an obliquely incident wave can be realized by periodic blazed gratings. In this work, the non-periodic design method is used to achieve retroreflection for both TE and TM plane wave. We discretize the finite surface into subwavelength elements and characterize the element with its phase response. The scattering response of the entire surface (demonstrated by retroreflection case in this paper) can then be determined by optimizing the local phase response for both polarizations. The computation cost is low, and the algorithm can be easily adjusted to reach more flexible objectives. This theoretical method has been verified by both full-wave simulation and measurement at 10 GHz.
Experimental study of wall nucleation characteristics in flow boiling under subatmospheric pressures in a vertical square channel

Abstract Experiments have been conducted in a vertical square channel to investigate wall nucleation characteristics in subcooled boiling flows under subatmospheric pressure. The objective of this work is to provide a unique dataset to evaluate the scalability of existing models of nucleation characteristics for flow boiling conditions below atmospheric pressure as the performance of these models has not been investigated under these conditions. The experimental data is presented as a parametric study of the effects of important dimensionless groups on nucleation characteristics, specifically boiling number, Jakob number, and density ratio. Bubble departure diameters and departure frequencies are measured and compared to existing models. Some existing models are shown to predict departure diameter well but mainly overpredict departure frequency at low pressure.
Development of Monitoring Techniques for Endangered Spring Endemic Invertebrates: An Assessment of Abundance

We monitored Roswell springsnail (Pyrgulopsis roswellensis), Koster's springsnail (Juturnia kosteri), and Noel's amphipod (Gammarus desperatus), three endangered aquatic invertebrates, from 2014 through 2017 at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chaves County, New Mexico. We initiated the effort to develop baseline abundance estimates in a rigorous, repeatable framework, and to inform long-term monitoring efforts. Surveys were focused on three spring systems. Density estimates for the two species of springsnails combined ranged from 7870 ± 1693 SE snails per m2 (CV = 22%) to 39,704 ± 10,035 SE snails per m2 (CV = 25%) in the three systems combined. Noel's amphipod density estimates ranged from 144 ± 42 SE individuals per m2 (CV = 29%) to 404 ± 109 SE individuals per m2 (CV = 27%). We can detect a proportional change (α = 0.1, power = 0.8) in density ranging from 30% to 60% in Bitter Creek, Sago Springs, and the Snail Unit. We predicted increases in statistical power that could be gained from increases in survey effort. Because of seasonal changes in density in some systems, year-to-year evaluation of trends must be focused on a given season. Likewise, seasonal changes in spring flows may impact density estimates. We provide estimates of density, precision, and power that can inform future efforts to monitor both species status and restoration efforts.
Chemical Preservatives and Natural Food Antimicrobials

Food antimicrobials are chemical preservatives added to or present in foods that retard growth of or kill microbes, but they do not include therapeutic antibiotic-type compounds used for growth promotion or disease treatment in food animals. These compounds are divided into the traditional and the naturally occurring. Antimicrobials are classified as traditional when they (i) have been used for many years, (ii) are approved by many countries and/or regulatory bodies for inclusion in foods as antimicrobial agents, or (iii) are produced by synthetic processes as opposed to being natural extracts (e.g., industrial fermentation of nisin from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis). Ironically, many synthetic and traditional food antimicrobials are found in nature; examples include acetic acid from vinegar and lactoperoxidase in fluid milk. The use of natural antimicrobials will likely continue to grow in popularity. Additional research is needed to determine the levels of natural antimicrobials required for successful inhibition of foodborne pathogens, their mechanisms of action, and their safety. The development of novel applications of existing antimicrobials, including encapsulation, incorporation into edible polymers and the use of combinations of antimicrobials capable of synergistic inhibition of foodborne microorganisms, is being investigated. Major challenges in future applications include demonstrating the efficacy of antimicrobial compounds in food products at concentrations that do not have adverse sensory effects, as well as controlling the cost of these interventions.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN UPPER EXTREMITY 'SWING COUNT' and Performance Measures in NCAA Division I Volleyball Players over A COMPETITIVE SEASON.

Background Monitoring the volume of activity (i.e. pitch counts) and tracking upper extremity (UE) performance changes is common in overhead athletes; however, a lack of evidence exists for volleyball players.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in shoulder mobility, strength, and pain, along with UE swing count volume in Division I collegiate female volleyball athletes over a competitive season.Study Design: Observational, longitudinal study. Methods Swing count data was collected during two separate days of practice during weeks 1, 7, and 14 of the competitive season. Perceived swing counts were collected after each practice from athletes and two coaches. Actual swing counts were tallied by retrospective viewing of video footage. Dominant shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength, along with UE pain, were assessed on five occasions: baseline, in-season (weeks 1, 7, 14) and post-season (week 22). Results Five Division I female volleyball athletes participated. Perceived UE swing counts among coaching staff were significantly correlated with actual swing count (r = 0.93 - 0.98, p<.05), while athlete perceived swing count was moderately correlated and was not statistically significant (r = 0.64, p = .25). Shoulder IR ROM decreased from baseline to week 14 (-5.6 ± 10.6, 95% CI: -18.76, 7.6; p = .03), with a large effect size (d = 1.0). Large effect sizes were observed for increases in UE pain, shoulder ER ROM, and IR strength (d = 0.8 - 2.3). An increase in shoulder IR strength occurred from baseline to week 14 (p = .001), but decreased during the eight weeks of post-season relative rest (p = .02). Conclusions UE swing count estimates by coaching staff demonstrated higher correlation with actual swing counts obtained through video recording, as compared to volleyball athlete self-report. This cohort experienced increased shoulder IR strength and ER ROM over a competitive season. Shoulder IR ROM decreased during the first 14 weeks with a large effect size. Monitoring UE performance changes and swing count volume may have implications for injury prevention and program development for volleyball athletes. Level of Evidence Level 2B.
Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumors

The sinonasal and skull base regions are comprised of complex anatomical sites and give rise to widely varied lineage tumors. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of these entities often pose diagnostic and management challenges. The chapter presents a systematic approach for the substratification of these tumors. A simplified stratagem integrating morphologic and marker profiling in the final categorization of the tumors is detailed for efficient and timely diagnosis. The chapter also introduces newly accepted entities and addresses their implications in the characterization and management of patients with these entities.
Archimedean Principles and Mathematical Heritage: A Synthesis

This paper aims to provide an updated synthesis on the works of Archimedes and the fundamental impact these have had on subsequent mathematical practice. The influence his mathematical processes have had on modern mathematics and how these have helped develop the field is discussed in historical perspective. Some of the recent investigations into the Archimedes Palimpsest are discussed and synthesized, namely, how they alter our understanding of some of his earlier works, and how Archimedean principles are seen to have laid the foundations of possible new branches of mathematics.
Self-reported depression and social support are associated with egocentric network characteristics of HIV-infected women of color

We explore the social network characteristics associated with depressive symptoms and social support among HIV-infected women of color (WOC). Network data were collected from 87 HIV-infected WOC at an academic Infectious Disease clinic in the United States (US) south. With validated instruments, interviewers also asked about depressive symptoms, social support, and treatment-specific social support. Linear regression models resulted in beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for the relationships among network characteristics, depression, and support provision. Financial support provision was associated with lower reported depressive symptoms while emotional support provision was associated with increased reported social support. Talking less than daily to the first person named in her network, the primary alter, was associated with a nearly 3-point decrease in reported social support for respondents. Having people in their social network who knew their HIV status was also important. We found that both functional and structural social network characteristics contributed to perceptions of support by HIV-infected WOC.
Clinic study on distribution and transition and drug resistance of bacteria in children with lower respiratory tract infection

Objective To investigate the distribution,transition and changes of drug resistance of bacteria in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) of Kunming by conducting a consecutive clinical study of 9 years.Methods Sputum specimens for bacterial cultures were collected from children with ALRI who had been admitted to ICU and general wards of Kunming Children's Hospital from Jan 2002 to Dec 2010.Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed after bacteria had been identified.Results Pathogenic bacteria distribution:(1) total positive rate of pathogenic bacteria was 18.52％ (3006/16 229) ;gramnegative bacteria accounted for 75.35％ ; gram-positive bacilli accounted for 20.23％ ; fungi accounted for 4.42％ ;Escherichia coli was the most common pathogenic bacteria in children with ALRI,followed by Klebsiella pneumonia,Streptococcus pneumoniae,Hemophilus,Enterobacter cloacae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa.(2) Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the two most common bacteria in ICU,Staphylococcus aureus was the most common gram-positive bacteria in ICU;while Hemophilus took the palace of Klebsiella pneumonia as the second most common gram-negative bacteria in general wards;Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common gram-positive bacteria in general wards.Drug resistance:compared with the years of 2002 ～ 2006,the rate of drug resistance between 2007 and 2010 had increased,and multiple drug resistance status was present.Resistant strains to imipenem and vancomycin were not found.Constituent ratio and proportion of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended spectrum β-lactamases showed the trend of increase by years.Conclusion Gram-negative bacilli were the main bacteria pathogens in children with ALRI in Kunming between 2002 and 2010,among which escherichia coli was the most common pathogen.Bacteria distribution and transition were different in different wards.The drug resistance of bacteria showed the trend of increase in the recent years. Key words: Acute low respiratory infection; Pathogenic bacteria; Antibiotics; Drug resistance
Novel Pyrrolopyridone Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Motif (BET) Inhibitors Effective in Endocrine-Resistant ER+ Breast Cancer with Acquired Resistance to Fulvestrant and Palbociclib

Acquired resistance to fulvestrant and palbociclib is a new challenge to treatment of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. ER is expressed in most resistance settings; thus, bromodomain and extra-terminal protein inhibitors (BETi) that target BET-amplified ER-mediated transcription have therapeutic potential. Novel pyrrolopyridone BETi leveraged novel interactions with L92/L94 confirmed by a cocrystal structure of 27 with BRD4. Optimization of BETi using growth inhibition in fulvestrant-resistant (MCF-7:CFR) cells was confirmed in endocrine-resistant, palbociclib-resistant, and ESR1 mutant cell lines. 27 was more potent in MCF-7:CFR cells than six BET inhibitors in clinical trials. Transcriptomic analysis differentiated 27 from the benchmark BETi, JQ-1, showing downregulation of oncogenes and upregulation of tumor suppressors and apoptosis. The therapeutic approach was validated by oral administration of 27 in orthotopic xenografts of endocrine-resistant breast cancer in monotherapy and in combination with fulvestrant. Importantly, at an equivalent dose in rats, thrombocytopenia was mitigated.
Disparities in the treatment of brain metastases from breast cancer: Insights from the National Cancer Database.

2037Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women accounting for over 300,000 cases per year. Unfortunately, brain metastases are found in a sub-group of patients with breast can...
Developing a Concept Map for Rasch Measurement Theory

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the key concepts of Rasch measurement theory (Rasch G, Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests. Danish Institute for Educational Research, Copenhagen. (Expanded edition, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980), 1960/1980). There have been several taxonomies describing item response theory (Kim S-H et al., A taxonomy of item response models in Psychometrika. In: Wiberg M, Culpepper S, Janssen R, Gonzales J, Molenaar D (eds) Quantitative psychology: 83rd annual meeting of the Psychometric Society. Springer, New York City, pp 13–23, 2019; Thissen D, Steinberg L, Psychometrika 51:567–577, 1986; Wright BD, Masters GN, Rating scale analysis: Rasch measurement. MESA Press, Chicago, 1982), and this paper extends these ideas with a specific focus on Rasch measurement theory. Rasch’s measurement work reflects a key milestone in a paradigmatic shift from classical test theory to item response theory (van der Linden WJ, Handbook of item response theory, volume 1: models. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2016). We include a categorization of measurement models that are commonly viewed as Rasch models (dichotomous, rating scale, partial credit, and many-faceted), as well as extensions of these models (mixed, multilevel, multidimensional, and explanatory models). Georg Rasch proposed a set of principles related to objectivity and invariance that reflect foundational concepts underlying science. Rasch measurement theory is the application of these foundational concepts to measurement. Concept maps provide useful didactic tools for understanding progress in measurement theory in the human sciences, and also for appreciating Rasch’s contributions to current theory and practice in psychometrics.
Characterization of the Interfacial Material in Asphaltenes Responsible for Oil/Water Emulsion Stability

This study aimed at a better understanding of the structure and properties of the most interfacially active asphaltenes responsible for the stability of oil/water emulsions. Interfacial material (I...
Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites for Solar Cell Applications: A Theoretical Perspective

In recent years, significant efforts have been paid to develop Pb-free halide perovskite and perovskite derivative absorber materials for solar cell applications. However, so far, solar cells based on these materials showed significantly inferior performances as compared to their Pb halide perovskite counterparts. Here, we provide a theoretical perspective on lead-free metal halide perovskites and derivatives for solar cell applications. We first show a theoretical understanding of the origins of the superior photovoltaic properties of Pb halide perovskites. We then show that Pb-replacing leads to reduced structural and electronic dimensionality, degrading the superior photovoltaic properties in Pb-free metal halide perovskites and perovskite derivatives.
The PregCard study: assessing the impact of routine management strategies on reproductive performance of beef herds in the upper Great Plains

Summary data from pregnancy examinations were submitted by participating veterinarians over a 2-year period to assess the impacts of routine management decisions on reproductive performance in beef herds. Upon completion of pregnancy examination, the PregCard was completed by indicating the number of females evaluated, number non-pregnant, female age (cows, heifers, or both), number and age (yearling, mature, or mixed) of bulls used, breeding season dates, and whether groups were exposed to artificial insemination. Data were reported by 8 clinics and included 242,967 females in 1,782 groups. Number of females/bull and breeding season were calculated for each group. Each group was also assigned to categories for females/bull, breeding group size, breeding season length, and age class of breeding bulls. Groups consisting of only cows had greater (P less than or equal to 0.01) reported pregnancy rates compared with groups consisting of only heifers (90.1% and 86.6%, respectively). Reported pregnancy rates were also influenced (P less than or equal to 0.01) by breeding group size, breeding season length, and bull age. Females/bull decisions were impacted (P less than or equal to 0.01) by breeding system (artificial insemination or natural service), and reported pregnancy rates were impacted by a breeding system x females/bull interaction (P less than or equal to 0.001). The PregCard system provided an excellent platform to gather benchmarking data and to assess the impact of routine management practices on reported pregnancy rates in beef herds in the upper Great Plains.
Dietary patterns and risk of rectal cancer

3090 Background: Most research concerning diet and colorectal cancer has focused on individual nutrients and food groups, as opposed to dietary patterns which take into account the synergistic effect of foods and food constituents. There are few published studies on the epidemiology of diet and rectal cancer alone; fewer have examined dietary patterns and none have included a substantial number of African-Americans. Objective: The purpose of this report is to examine associations of dietary eating patterns with rectal cancer risk in Whites and African-Americans. Methods: Data are from the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study -Phase 2, a population-based case-control study of rectal cancer. Participants include rectal cancer cases (including sigmoid and rectosigmoid) diagnosed with a first primary adenocarcinoma between August 1, 2001 and October 30, 2006 and cancer-free controls. All participants were 40-79 years of age and resided in one of the 33 target counties. Data were collected on various demographic, lifestyle, and other risk factors for rectal cancer in person by trained nurse-interviewers. Diet was assessed using a validated Diet History Questionnaire developed by the National Cancer Institute, and assessed intake 1 year prior to diagnosis (cases) or interview (controls). Principal components analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained through logistic regression, examining combined and separate models for African-Americans and Whites. Results: Five dietary patterns were identified. The dietary patterns accounting for most of the total variance were labeled “Western”, “Vegetable”, “Fruit/Whole grain”, “Fish/poultry”, and “Cheese/nuts”. The “Western” dietary pattern was highly correlated with greater intake of total energy (Pearson’ r=0.70) and cholesterol (Pearson’s r=0.76), while the “Vegetable” dietary pattern was positively associated with folate and fiber intake. The “Western” dietary pattern, which primarily included refined grains, discretionary fat, red and processed meats, and added sugar, was associated with elevated rectal cancer risk (OR=1.24, 95%CI 1.02-1.52). The “Fish/poultry” dietary pattern, which consisted of high intakes of fish, poultry, and dark green vegetables, was associated with significantly reduced risk of rectal cancer (OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.68-0.85). There was effect modification by race for the relationship between the “Fruit/whole grain” and “Fish/poultry” dietary patterns and rectal cancer risk. Conclusions: Results from this study add to the evidence that consumption of a Western-style diet is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer, and that overall dietary patterns are related to rectal cancer.
The Status of Passive-Gravity-Gradient Stabilization

In the last few years significant advances have been made in the theory and implementation of passive attitude control systems for earth pointing satellites. In each of the systems that have evolved, the gravity-gradient provides a preferred orientation such that the axis of minimum moment of inertia points toward the center of the earth. Many techniques have been developed for damping attitude motions about this preferred orientation. This is usually accomplished by absorbing the energy of the relative motion between the stabilized body and one or more auxiliary bodies. The various damping techniques differ basically in the ambient field that determines the position of the auxiliary bodies. Systems have been devised in which the auxiliary bodies are oriented by solar, magnetic, aerodynamic, or gravity fields. Hardware for some of these systems is in an advanced state of development.
Near-infrared spectroscopy for fetal assessment during labour.

Background Over the past four decades, continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been increasingly employed to detect fetal acidaemia in labour, with a view toward prevention of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, permanent neurologic injury, and death. Although very sensitive, this technology has low specificity, and a high false positive rate. This false positive rate has resulted in operative intervention on behalf of many fetuses who were not in fact in danger of neurologic injury or death. Near-infrared spectroscopy has been developed to directly measure fetal cerebral oxygenation, with a view toward identification of those fetuses truly at risk. Objectives To determine the effects of the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to assess fetal condition during labour, on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (August 2009). Selection criteria Randomised trials comparing near-infrared spectroscopy with continuous EFM alone or continuous EFM and scalp pH. Data collection and analysis No trials were identified. If they had been, both authors would have assessed eligibility and trial quality. Main results No randomised trials were identified. Thus no studies were included. Authors' conclusions There is currently insufficient evidence to assess the efficacy of fetal surveillance by near-infrared spectroscopy.
A Hybrid Fractal Image Coding Method Based on a Nonlinear Model

In order to speedup fractal block coding, a rapid matching strategy based on matching in Range Block's Neighborhood is suggested in this paper. In order to guarantee the quality of decoding image, it is suggested that non-matching block should be coded by block truncation coding. In this paper, smooth block is coded by average coding. This coding method adopts three-level quad-tree coding scheme. Because of these strategies, the compression performance of this method is excellent
A multi-level framework for video shot structuring

Video shots provide the most basic meaningful segments for video analysis and understanding. In this paper, we present a detection and classification framework for the video shot segmentation in a coarse-to-fine fashion. The initial transitions are detected from a sub-sampled video space. These coarse segments are later refined in the original video space with the technique of illumination artifacts removal and transition finalization. The transition type (abrupt or gradual) are finally determined by exploiting the histogram intersection plot. The proposed method has been tested on a large amount of videos, which contain a variety of types of shot transitions. Accurate and competitive results have been obtained.
An empirical study on users' acceptance of speech recognition errors in text-messaging

Although speech recognition technology and voice synthesis systems have become readily available, recognition accuracy remain a serious problem in the design and implementation of voice-based user interfaces. Error correction becomes particularly difficult on mobile devices due to the limited system resources and constrained input methods. This research is aimed to investigate users' acceptance of speech recognition errors in mobile text messaging. Our results show that even though the audio presentation of the text messages does help users understand the speech recognition errors, users indicate low satisfaction when sending or receiving text messages with errors. Specifically, senders show significantly lower acceptance than the receivers due to the concerns of follow-up clarifications and the reflection of the sender's personality. We also find that different types of recognition errors greatly affect users' overall acceptance of the received message.
Comparison of Leaflets and Tendrils in Wild-Type and Homeotic Mutant Morphs of Pea by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis of Proteins

Using two-dimensional electrophoresis of denatured proteins, we compared near-isogenic lines of three mutants that modify leaf development in pea (Pisum sativum). The homeotic mutant afila (af) results in the replacement of leaflets with tendrils, and the tendril-less mutant (tl) replaces tendrils with leaflets. The stipule (st) mutant reduces stipule size. About 686 protein spots were resolved
Hispanic Media Use and Perceptions of Discrimination: Reconsidering Ethnicity, Politics, and Socioeconomics

This study utilizes data from the Latino National Political Survey to evaluate the relationship between several social and cultural variables, media use, and Hispanic perceptions of discrimination. We examine the effects that level of income and education, personal experience, ethnicity, and political party preference and media exposure have on these perceptions. The examination builds on social-psychological theories and media framing/cultivation arguments. The cross-section, regression analysis considers Hispanics as a whole and as various subgroups (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans), respectively. Contrary to conventional wisdom that media use is positively related to perceived discrimination, we find that socioeconomic and ethnic conditions are of greater import for understanding perceptions. Further, it appears that media use has little impact on perceptions of discrimination.
Abnormal pyramidal cell morphology and HCN channel expression in cortical dysplasia

Cortical dysplasia is often associated with intractable seizures. Studies in animal models have described changes in inhibitory and excitatory synaptic function that contribute to hyperexcitability. The role of changes in intrinsic excitability and abnormal dendritic properties has received less attention. Changes in hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cation (HCN) channels have been implicated in several models of epilepsy. Herein we review evidence for alterations in HCN channels and dendritic morphology in the rat freeze-lesion model of cortical dysplasia. Immunocytochemical HCN1 staining, typically seen in the apical dendrites of layer V pyramidal cells in normal cortex, was greatly reduced in the region adjacent to the freeze-induced microgyrus. Although staining was preserved in layer I, fewer dendrites were stained in upper cortical layers. Deeper cortical layers were virtually devoid of immunoreactivity. Examination of biocytin-labeled pyramidal cells revealed markedly altered dendritic trees in the lesioned animals. In addition, resting membrane properties were altered and a subpopulation of neurons with abnormal dendritic arbors was present. These changes are likely to interact with the previously reported synaptic changes in this model of cortical dysplasia. HCN channel alterations are a potentially important cellular mechanism underlying hyperexcitability in cortical dysplasia.
Exposure Effects on the Productivity of Commercial Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Quads During Bloom in Watermelon Fields

In light of population declines of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), research has refocused attention on alternative pollinators and their potential to fulfill pollination services within economically important agricultural crops. Bumble bees are one such alternative, and within the past 20 yr, these pollinators have been reared and sold as commercial pollinators. Investigation into their use has been limited and more research is needed to improve pollinator effectiveness in field settings. Quad pollination units of the commercially reared native bumble bee species, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson), were monitored and evaluated for productivity during peak watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunberg) Matsumura & Nakai] bloom in southern Delaware. Differing colony exposures including various shade structure designs and natural shade were compared to assess the quality of the shade in regards to bumble bee activity during watermelon bloom. Quads receiving different nest treatments were evaluated on the basis of foraging activity and colony weight gain. Results indicated that colonies within quads provided with artificial or natural shade had significantly more foraging activity, weighed more, and produced more cells than colonies in quads placed in the field with no shade. Colonies within quads provided with artificial and natural shade peaked later in terms of foraging and weight gain, suggesting that growers could extend harvest to take advantage of later markets and possible movement into fields that were planted later.
Optimal reconstruction technique after C-2 corpectomy and spondylectomy: a biomechanical analysis

Object Primary spine tumors frequently involve the C-2 vertebra. Complete resection of the lesion may require total removal of the C-2 vertebral body, pedicles, and dens process. Authors of this biomechanical study are the first to evaluate a comprehensive set of reconstruction methods after C-2 resection to determine the optimal configuration depending on the degree of excision required. Methods Eight human heads (from the skull to C-6) from 4 males and 4 females with a mean age of 68 ± 18 years at death were cleaned of tissue, while leaving ligaments and discs intact. Nondestructive flexion and extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) tests were conducted using a nonconstraining, pure moment loading apparatus, and relative motion across the fusion site (C1–3) was measured using a 3D motion tracking system. Specimens were tested up to 1.5 Nm at 0.25-Nm intervals for 45 seconds each. The spines were instrumented using 3.5-mm titanium rods with a midline occipitocervical plate (4.0 × 1...
Association Between Family Variables and Mexican American Children’s Dietary Behaviors

Abstract Objective To examine the association between family variables and children’s diets. Design Cross-sectional study with households sampled using random-digit dialing. Children completed a one-time, self-administered survey, and mothers participated in a face-to-face structured interview. Setting Data collection occurred in southern San Diego County on the U.S.-Mexico border. Participants One hundred sixty-seven Mexican American children between 8 and 18 years of age and their mothers. Main Outcome Measures Diet: number of snacks, candies and sweets, and sodas consumed daily; dietary fat and fiber; and money spent weekly on fast food and snacks. Family variables: household size, family support for healthful eating, number of meals eaten together, availability of fast food in the home, food ads seen on television, and parent purchasing food products that children saw advertised on television. Data Analyses Regression analyses were used to examine the independent contributions of family variables on dietary intake. Statistical significance was set at P Results Greater family support for healthful eating was associated with fewer snacks and more fiber consumed. Children of parents who purchased food products that their children had seen advertised on television reported consuming more snacks and more fat, and they spent more money on fast food and snacks. Conclusions and Implications Family-based interventions are needed to moderate the potential influence of television-advertised food products on children’s requests for these food products.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas following radiation therapy alone for Hodgkin's disease

Summary We have recently treated three patients who developed a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after therapy with radiation alone for Hodgkin's disease. The secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas occurred 4 years (two patients) and 11.5 years after receiving irradiation. Thirteen additional cases have been reported and are reviewed with attention to the subsequent histology and response to treatment of these secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The pathogenesis is unknown, but, may be therapy-related or part of the natural history of the lymphocyte predominance subtype of Hodgkin's disease. Possible mechanisms will be discussed. A subset of the patients with secondary lymphomas following radiation therapy alone are curable with chemotherapy. New sites of disease after apparent control of Hodgkin's disease require pathology for confirmation of the disease process and appropriate therapy.
Relations between pores, throats and permeability: A petrographic/physical analysis of some carbonate grainstones and packstones

Some physical properties of carbonate rocks are sensitive to mineralogy, others are functions of porosity, and still others are related to the distribution and configuration of porosity. Properties associated with transmissivity (permeability, electrical conductivity) fall in the latter category. Porosity is distributed in rocks as a three-dimensionally interconnected network with large voids (pores) connected at small constrictions (pore throats). Thin sections carry only pore information. A new methodology termed Petrographic Image Analysis consists of a systematic procedure which determines pore/throat relationships. These data are sufficient to construct precise physical models for calculating permeability and formation factor. Petrographic Image Analysis involves: (1) acquisition of digital images of porosity from thin section, (2) measurement of the size and geometric complexity of that porosity, and (3) objective determination of pore types using a pattern-recognition/pore-classification procedure. Once classified, the size, relative proportions and number of pores per unit volume of each pore type can be calculated. Regression procedures provide a first-order model between mercury saturation as a function of pressure and pore type proportion, and thus between pore type and throat size. Analysis of the deviations from regression refine the throat-size assignments on a sample-by-sample basis. From this, permeability and electrical conductivity can be calculated based on Darcy’s and Ohm’s Laws respectively. The models agree with measured properties with high precision. Both models are additive in that the contribution of each pore type is calculated separately. Therefore, the relative mobility of phases occupying different portions of the pore system can be assessed. These principles are illustrated by analysis of the pore/throat system of a suite of carbonate pelletal packstones and peloidal grainstones from a Middle-East limestone reservoir, and the derivation of statistical and physical models estimating the permeability of these rocks. Derivation of formation factor (to be discussed in a later paper) can be done by a similar method due to the close relationship between Darcy’s Law and Ohm’s Law.