cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proactive Sensor Fusion for Urban (SASO) Operations

Current urban operations require intelligent methods for integrating data and transmitting fused information to users. In this paper, we evaluate the capability to deliver accurate and timely data to both a commander and the user on the ground. The ground user requires data on immediate threats for rapid reaction, whereas the commander has time to reason over information on potential threats for preventative action. Using predicted data and information affords proactive decision making on anticipated threats. Proactive action includes gathering new information, relocating for safety, and hindering the opposition from action. Complexities abound with urban operations and sensor fusion strategies, which revolve around delivering quality information (i.e. timely, accurate, confident, high throughput, and minimal cost). New strategies are needed to account for high density targets, sensor obscurations, and rapid response to meet Sustainable and Security Operations (SASO). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the inherent responsibility of the fusion system to deliver a consistent and succinct set of information over the appropriate time window. This paper with highlight (1) proactive use of sensor resources, (2) integration of users with fielded system, and (3) communication and decision making modeling to meet operational timeliness needs.
Recursive formulas for the partial fraction expansion of a rational function with multiple poles

Two simple recursive formulas are derived for obtaining the coefficients of the partial fraction expansion with multiple poles. The entire process is pure algebraic operation without any differential calculus and is readily adapted to a digital computer.
A new sequence isomer of AB-polybenzimidazole for high-temperature PEM fuel cells

A new sequence isomer of AB-polybenzimidazole (AB-PBI) was developed as a candidate for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. A diacid monomer, 2,20-bisbenzimidazole-5,50-dicarboxylic acid, was synthesized and polymerized with 3,30,4,40-tetraaminobiphenyl to prepare a polymer that was composed of repeating 2,5-benzimidazole units. In contrast to previously prepared AB-PBI, which contains only head-to-tail benzimidazole sequences, the new polymer also contains head-to-head and tail-to-tail benzimidazole sequences. The polymer was prepared in polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and cast into membranes using the sol–gel PPA process. Membranes formed from the new AB-PBI were found to be mechanically stronger, possessed higher acid doping levels, and showed improved fuel cell performance, when compared to the previously known AB-PBI. VC 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 50: 306–313, 2012
Two class minimax distance transform correlation filter.

A new correlation filter formulation (that we refer to as the minimax distance transform correlation filter (MDTCF) is presented that minimizes the average squared distance from the filtered desired (or true-) class training images to a filtered reference image while maximizing the mean squared distance of the filtered undesired (or false-) class training images to this filtered reference image. This approach increases the separation between the false-class correlation outputs and the true-class correlation outputs. Classification can be performed using the squared distance of a filtered test image to the chosen filtered reference image. We show that the previously introduced distance classifier correlation filter (DCCF) is similar to a special case of MDTCF. We also examine the differences between the DCCF and the MDTCF, and show that MDTCF can offer increased discrimination performance. Also, MDTCF performance is evaluated on two different face databases.
Reliability of semiconductor laser packaging in space applications

A typical set up used to perform lifetime tests of packaged, fiber pigtailed semiconductor lasers is described, as well as tests performed on a set of four pump lasers. It was found that two lasers failed after 3200 and 6100 hours under device specified bias conditions at elevated temperatures. Failure analysis of the lasers indicates imperfections and carbon contamination of the laser metallization, possibly from improperly cleaned photo resist. SEM imaging of the front facet of one of the lasers, although of poor quality due to the optical fiber charging effects, shows evidence of catastrophic damage at the facet. More stringent manufacturing controls with 100% visual inspection of laser chips are needed to prevent imperfect lasers from proceeding to packaging and ending up in space applications, where failure can result in the loss of a space flight mission.
Identification of Francisella tularensis Genes Affected by Iron Limitation

Cells of an attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS) of F. tularensis grown under iron-restricted conditions were found to contain increased quantities of several proteins relative to cells of this same strain grown under iron-replete conditions. Mass spectrometric analysis identified two of these proteins as IglC and PdpB, both of which are encoded by genes located in a previously identified pathogenicity island in F. tularensis LVS. Regions with homology to the consensus Fur box sequence were located immediately in front of the iglC and pdpB open reading frames (ORFs), and in silico analysis of the F. tularensis Schu4 genome detected a number of predicted 5' untranslated regions that contained putative Fur boxes. The putative Fur box preceding Francisella iron-regulated gene A (figA) had the highest degree of identity with the consensus Fur box sequence. DNA microarray analysis showed that nearly 80 of the genes in the F. tularensis LVS genome were up- or down-regulated at least twofold under iron-restricted growth conditions. When tested for possible siderophore production by means of the Chrome Azurol S assay, a wild-type F. novicida strain produced a large reaction zone whereas its figA mutant produced very little reactivity in this assay. In addition, a cross-feeding experiment demonstrated that this siderophore-like activity produced by the wild-type F. novicida strain could enhance the ability of the F. novicida figA mutant to grow under iron-restricted conditions. This study provides the first identification of iron-regulated genes in F. tularensis LVS and evidence for the production of a siderophore-like molecule by F. novicida.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal E --> Z isomerization of tiglic acid in a supramolecular framework.

The single-crystal-to-single-crystal E → Z photoisomerization of tiglic acid (2,3-dimethylacrylic acid) occurs in the supramolecular crystals CECR–HTA·2MeOH·1.5H2O (1) (where HTA = tiglic acid, CECR = C-ethylcalix[4]resorcinarene) with the preservation of the crystal lattice, indicating the `scaffolding effect' of the molecular framework, which holds the crystal together notwithstanding the change in shape of the embedded guest molecules. A photostationary state is reached at a concentration of ca 30% of the Z isomers. A kinetic analysis shows the Z → E back-reaction to proceed with a larger rate constant than the E → Z isomerization.
Coronoid-temporalis pedicled rotation flap for orbital floor reconstruction of the total maxillectomy defect.

Objectives: Total maxillectomy creates a significant defect in the supporting framework of the orbit. Successful reconstruction of the deficit requires repair of the orbital floor to prevent early and late complications. This paper describes the recreation of the orbital floor using a coronoid-temporalis sling. Study Design: Retrospective review of two patients who underwent total maxillectomy and subsequent coronoid-temporalis sling reconstruction of the surgical defect. Methods: The charts of two patients who underwent coronoid-temporalis reconstruction of the orbital floor were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were evaluated. The authors present a method for reconstruction of the orbital floor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method. Results: Two patients underwent successful reconstruction of the orbital floor with a coronoid-temporalis sling procedure. Both patients display acceptable functional and cosmetic results. Conclusion: Coronoid-temporalis sling is a readily available and easily modified tissue for reconstruction of the orbital floor. It offers similar results to those previously described techniques in this area without need for further extensive surgery.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Based on Network Coding

Network coding is a promising enhancement of routing to improve network throughput and provide high reliability. It allows a node to generate output messages by encoding its received messages. Peer-to-peer networks are a perfect place to apply network coding due to two reasons: the topology of a peer-to-peer network is constructed arbitrarily, thus it is easy to tailor the topology to facilitate network coding; the nodes in a peer-to-peer network are end hosts which can perform more complex operations such as decoding and encoding than simply storing and forwarding messages. In this paper, we propose a scheme to apply network coding to peer-to-peer file sharing which employs a peer-to-peer network to distribute files resided in a web server or a file server. The scheme exploits a special type of network topology called combination network. It is proved that combination networks can achieve unbounded network coding gain measured by the ratio of network throughput with network coding to that without network coding. The scheme encodes a file into multiple messages and divides peers into multiple groups with each group responsible for relaying one of the messages. The encoding scheme is designed to satisfy the property that any subset of the messages can be used to decode the original file as long as the size of the subset is sufficiently large. To meet this requirement, we first define a deterministic linear network coding scheme which satisfies the desired property, then we connect peers in the same group to flood the corresponding message, and connect peers in different groups to distribute messages for decoding. Moreover, the scheme can be readily extended to support topology awareness to further improve system performance in terms of throughput, reliability and link stress. Our simulation results show that the new scheme can achieve 15%-20% higher throughput than Narada which does not employ network coding. In addition, it achieves good reliability and robustness to link failure or churn.
A Self‐Adjuvanting Supramolecular Vaccine Carrying a Folded Protein Antigen

This work illustrates a strategy for the design of molecularly defined immunotherapies, using a blend of supramolecular peptide self-assembly and active site-directed protein capture.
Performance analysis of a QAM adaptive receiver for 1.6 Mbps digital subscriber line transmission

The asymmetric digital subscriber line service attempts to provide 1.6 Mb/s data transmission over a single twisted-pair copper loop for distances up to 18000 ft. The authors investigate the various system components necessary to realize such a system on a single integrated circuit. They discuss the modulation format, adaptive equalization and its convergence, and system sensitivity to sampling phase error. A comparison of conventional quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) schemes is presented. It is concluded that a QAM-based system can meet the system objectives. The use of fractionally spaced equalization and error prediction as means of improving SNR and reducing the hardware complexity is investigated for such a system. It is shown that with 6 T/2-spaced feedforward equalizer taps, eight decision-feedback equalizer taps, and two error predictor taps, the proposed digital QAM system can achieve performance close to that of an ideal infinite-length equalizer. >
Social Support Knowledge of Infant Development, and Maternal Confidence Among Adolescent and Adult Mothers

Objective To explore the influence of social support and knowledge of infant development on maternal confidence in performing infant care tasks among adolescents and adults. Design Descriptive, exploratory. Setting A large urban teaching hospital in the midwestern United States. Participants 116 adolescent mothers (ages 13 to 19 years); 101 adult mothers (ages 20 to 41 years). Main Outcome Measures Adult mothers reported higher levels of knowledge about infant development than did adolescent mothers. For both adolescent and adult mothers, social support and knowledge of infant development were significantly correlated with confidence in providing infant care. For adolescents, knowledge of infant development explained 15% of the variance in maternal confidence scores, and the number of people in the adolescent's household explained an additional 5%. For adults, parity explained 10%, social support explained 9%, and knowledge of infant development explained 4% of the variance in maternal confidence scores. Conclusions An adolescent's knowledge of infant development significantly affects her confidence in providing infant care. Given the learning needs of new mothers and the time constraints for inhospital postpartum teaching, nurses may need to adjust content and teaching methods for all new mothers, but especially to meet the needs of adolescent mothers.
Interference Rings in Ruby Maser Beams

Interference rings are observed when a ruby maser beam falls on a photographic plate placed normal to the beam, without the use of any lenses. The rings produced by several different ruby rods at distances of 40–700 cm from the ruby rods have been studied. Measurements of the ring radii along with other observations are in good agreement with a simple theory which predicts such ring fringes. The interpretation given here is that these fringes arise from the interference of “off-axis” rays produced by scattering of light in the axial modes at the surfaces or within the ruby rod.
Epilogue, Consensus Recommendations: Alcohol and Cancer

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides leadership in the national effort to reduce alcohol-related diseases by conducting and supporting research in a wide range of scientific areas, including health risks and benefits of alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking is associated with an increased risk for cancers of several organs including the esophagus, oral cavity, liver, breast, and colon. Our knowledge of the mechanisms by which alcohol induces cancer is largely incomplete, and by understanding how alcohol causes cancer we can integrate this knowledge to design medications for cancer.
Beyond 30-day mortality: aligning surgical quality with outcomes that patients value.

Because of their strong sense of responsibility for the lives of patients, surgeons frequently struggle to withdraw postoperative life supporting treatments when patients or their families request it.1 Although surgeons experience this as therapeutic optimism or the emotional pull of error and responsibility, these forces are accentuated by the increasing emphasis on 30-day mortality reporting. Recent expansion of outcomes profiling imposes an unconscious bias in these critical decisions: surgeons who report concern about physician profiling are more likely to decline to operate on a patient who prefers to limit life support, or refuse to withdraw life support postoperatively, than surgeons who perceive less pressure from outcomes reporting.2,3 Public reporting of 30-day mortality may motivate surgeons and hospitals to improve outcomes and theoretically empowers patients to make informed choices.4 However, use of this single metric unintentionally fails to accommodate patients who might benefit from palliative surgery, or patients who would prefer death to prolonged postoperative treatment in the intensive care unit or long-term chronic care after a major complication. Surgeons should be able to offer informed patients a risky but potentially beneficial surgical option and then allow patients to refuse aggressive treatments if they have become overly burdensome or when patients’ goals for surgery are no longer possible. Reconciling the effects of an approach designed to ensure high quality surgical care with the needs of vulnerable patients is challenging, particularly for high-risk operations where hard outcomes like mortality are easily observed and other important outcomes are more difficult to assess. Strategies to mitigate the impact of 30-day mortality reporting through consideration of alternative quality metrics are required to protect the needs of surgical patients and the practices of surgeons who could make a valuable contribution to their patients’ quality of life.
The Photosynthetic Action Spectrum of the Bean Plant

The photosynthetic action spectrum of the bean plant leaf, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (variety Red Kidney), has been determined with a diffraction grating illuminated by a 6500-watt xenon arc. An infrared CO2 analyzer was used to determine the gross photosynthetic rate of the terminal leaflet of the first trifoliate leaf. The rate was measured as a function of the light intensity at steps of 12.5 nanometers which approximates the length of the leaflet used. Twenty-five curves between 400 and 700 nanometers were used to establish the action spectrum. All light curves were some linear function of the incident intensity, and all were extrapolated to zero. The action spectrum shows the following features. (a) there are two peaks (i.e., at about 670 and 630 nanometers) and a shoulder between 600 and 612 nanometers in the red region where the highest rate of photosynthesis is found. Lower peaks in descending order are found in the blue (at about 437 nanometers) and the green (at about 500 nanometers) regions. (b) There are two small minima at about 650 nanometers and between 470 and 480 nanometers, and a broad minimum is found between 540 and 530 nanometers. (c) The photosynthetic rate declines rapidly above 680 nanometers, reaching the lowest value at 700 nanometers. (d) At wave lengths below the blue maximum, the rate decreases progressively to 400 nanometers.
A fundamental model proposed for material removal in chemical-mechanical polishing

So far there is no consensus on the fundamental mechanism of material removal in chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP). Some researchers model the CMP process based on the mechanism proposed by Kaufman et al. [1], who attribute the material removal from the wafer surface to chemistry-aided mechanical abrasions. Other researchers develop models for the CMP process based on a chemical tooth mechanism conjectured by Cook [2], who emphasizes the role of chemical reactions on the wafer surface. However, there is much evidence that both mechanisms are flawed. To clarify these issues, and reconcile the apparently contradictory conjectures [1,2], and provide a framework for further detailed modeling, a unified mechanism of material removal is proposed: the material at the wafer surface is removed by the strong shear stress from the non-Newtonian slurry flow in-between the wafer surface and the pad. Based on the proposed mechanism, a brief mathematical formulation is introduced to qualitatively describe the material removal rate. The proposed mechanism can be readily applied to explain the edge or the doming effect associated with non-uniform material removal for polishing blanket or patterned wafers.
Detection of Agreement and Disagreement in Broadcast Conversations

We present Conditional Random Fields based approaches for detecting agreement/disagreement between speakers in English broadcast conversation shows. We develop annotation approaches for a variety of linguistic phenomena. Various lexical, structural, durational, and prosodic features are explored. We compare the performance when using features extracted from automatically generated annotations against that when using human annotations. We investigate the efficacy of adding prosodic features on top of lexical, structural, and durational features. Since the training data is highly imbalanced, we explore two sampling approaches, random downsampling and ensemble downsampling. Overall, our approach achieves 79.2% (precision), 50.5% (recall), 61.7% (F1) for agreement detection and 69.2% (precision), 46.9% (recall), and 55.9% (F1) for disagreement detection, on the English broadcast conversation data.
Preferential Utilization of the Glucosyl Moiety of Sucrose by a Cariogenic Strain of Streptococcus mutans

The utilization of sucrose by a cariogenic strain of Streptococcus mutans was studied. The soluble and cell-bound sucrose-dependent, polymer-forming sucrase activities constitutively produced by the bacteria during growth on glucose were measured. About eight times more dextransucrase activity was present than levan-sucrase activity. During various states of growth on sucrose, S. mutans accumulated two to five times more insoluble and water-soluble dextran than levan. Although more of the fructosyl moiety of sucrose was therefore available to the cells, the glucosyl portion of the disaccharide was preferentially incorporated into cellular macromolecules. Glucose was shown to inhibit the utilization of fructose by S. mutans.
Competitive status influences tree-growth responses to elevated CO2 and O3 in aggrading aspen stands

1. Competition effects on growth of individual trees were examined for 4 years in aggrading, mixed-clone stands of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) at the Aspen-FACE free-air Co2 and O3 enrichment facility in northern Wisconsin, USA. During each growing season stands received one of four combinations of atmospheric [CO2] (ambient vs~56 Pa) and [O3] (ambient vs~1.5 x ambient). 2. Non-destructive measurements of annual tree growth were compared within and among clones and treatments in relation to an index of competitive status based on the difference between a tree's height and that of its four nearest neighbours. Competitive status strongly influenced tree growth, and the positive growth response to elevated [CO2] was greater for competitively advantaged individuals than for disadvantaged individuals of most clones. 3. The magnitude of O3 effects on growth depended on clone and competitive status: for some clones, negative O3 effects were stronger with competitive advantage while others showed stronger O3 effects with competitive disadvantage. The interactive effects of CO2 and O3 differed among clones, with negative effects of O3 amplified or ameliorated by elevated CO2, depending on clone and competitive status. 4. Treatments modified competitive interactions by affecting the magnitude of growth differences among clones. These modifications did not alter clone rankings of competitive performance, but when CO2 and 03 were both elevated, the differences in competitive performance among clones decreased.
Observation of Linear Electro-Optic Effect in Cubic Silicon Carbide

We report the first observation of linear electro-optic effect of cubic silicon carbide (β - SiC). Thin films of silicon carbide are grown on silicon (Si) substrates. A high electric field is produced in the material by a reverse biased Schottky barrier. The electro-optic coefficient is measured along the [100] crystal direction. At the wavelength of 633nm, the value of the electro-optic coefficient of β - SiC is determined to be (2.7 ± 0. 5) × 10−12 m/V which is about 1.7 times larger than that in GaAs measured at 10.6μm. The half-wave voltage of 6.4 kV for β - SiC is obtained. Besides this favorable electro-optic property, we demonstrate the possibility of fabricating a waveguide as a light switch in epitaxial β - SiC. It is shown that β - SiC is a promising candidate in electro-optic applications for high optical intensity in the visible region.
Letting Go of JuNK by Disassembly of Adhesive Complexes

Immature neural circuits form excessive synaptic connections that are later refined through pruning of exuberant branches. In this issue, Bornstein et al. identify a role for JNK signaling in selective axon elimination through disassembly of cell adhesion complexes.
Inhibition of cytochrome-c oxidase activity during prolonged hypoxia

During acute (< 30 min) hypoxia, cellular respiration is independent of the O2 concentration as long as PO2 remains above a critical value (5–10 Torr). Similarly, state 3 respiration by isolated mi...
Distance-redshift and growth-redshift relations as two windows on acceleration and gravitation: Dark energy or new gravity?

Small distortions in the observed shapes of distant galaxies, a cosmic shear due to gravitational lensing, can be used to simultaneously determine the distance-redshift relation, $r(z)$, and the density contrast growth factor, $g(z)$. Both of these functions are sensitive probes of the acceleration. Their simultaneous determination allows for a consistency test and provides sensitivity to physics beyond the standard dark energy paradigm.
Associations of Abdominal Muscle Area with 4-Year Change in Coronary Artery Calcium Differ by Ethnicity Among Post-Menopausal Women.

Objective: To examine the association of abdominal muscle area with coronary artery calcium (CAC) presence, extent, and pro­gression in a multi-ethnic cohort of older, community-dwelling post-menopausal women. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional and longitudinal population-based cohort. Participants: The sample comprised 179 non-Hispanic White women, 116 Filipina women and 144 African American women, all without known CVD, who underwent chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans twice about four years apart for abdominal muscle and fat, as well as CAC. Main Outcome Measures: CAC presence, extent and progression. Results: There was a significant interaction of ethnicity with baseline oblique muscle area (p-for-interaction .01), and marginally significant interactions with baseline total and paraspinal muscle for change in CAC (p-for-interactions both .09). Among Fili­pina women, each standard deviation (SD) greater total muscle area was associated with a 26% (95% CI (-43%, -4%), P =.02) reduced rate of change in CAC; higher paraspinal and oblique muscle area were associated with a 24% (-38%, -6%, P =.01) and a 37% (-53%, -16%, P =.0002) reduced rate of change in CAC, respectively. These associations were not significant in African American or non-Hispanic White women. There were no significant associations of abdominal muscle with CAC presence or extent, nor were there significant ethnicity by muscle interactions in these models. Conclusions: Among Filipina women, greater abdominal muscle mass is associated with a decreased rate of CAC progression. Higher muscle mass may be important for this group in reducing CVD outcomes. Ethn Dis. 2015;25(4):435-442; doi:10.18865/ ed.25.4.435
Acute ischemic optic neuropathy with extended prone position ventilation in a lung transplant recipient

Prone position ventilation (PPV) improves mortality in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but outcomes following its use in lung transplant recipients are not known. We report the case of a 42-year-old Caucasian man who presented with severe ARDS from Bordetella pertussis, 5 years after bilateral sequential lung transplant for cystic fibrosis. He was managed with PPV for 22 days and had a prolonged ICU stay complicated by hypoxic ischemic optic neuropathy leading to blindness. Since his discharge from the ICU 6 months ago, his FEV1 has recovered to 47% predicted compared to his pre-ICU peak FEV1 of 85% predicted, suggesting recovery of lung function. This is the first report of optic nerve damage and vision loss in patients undergoing PPV. Our report also suggests that, in appropriately selected lung transplant recipients, severe hypoxemia could potentially be managed with prone ventilation.
Fibromyalgia Pathogenesis and Treatment Options Update

This review article presents and summarizes up-to-date literature on the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment options for fibromyalgia patients. First, the most recent diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, as put forth by the American College of Rheumatology will be summarized. Clinical features, including chronic widespread pain, hyperalgesia, mood disorders, anxiety, and disturbed sleep patterns will be explored in-depth. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia involves alterations in multiple ascending and descending central nervous system pathways, as well as peripheral pathways, leading to heightened pain sensitivity. Risk factors have been studied extensively, and the most recent research focuses on various genetic influences and the contributions of stress and poor sleep. Lastly, the discussion in this article focuses on treatment options for fibromyalgia; some have been mainstay options for many years. Pharmacological agents include tricyclic antidepressants, anti-epileptic drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine/serotonin reuptake inhibitors, as well as some investigational agents. The evidence behind non-pharmacologic treatments, including massage therapy, exercise, and acupuncture, are discussed.
Draft Evasion in the North during the Civil War, 1863–1865

This parody of a popular song of Civil War America dramatizes the massive intrusion of the federal government into the personal lives of virtually all Northern families between 1863 and 1865. Between July 1863 and April 1865, four national drafts resulting in a call of 776,829 men took place. Of these men, only 46,347 actually were held to service in the Union army. A conbination of volunteers and substitutes, many of whom were paid large bounties to enlist, comprised the bulk of the one million soldiers who actually fought for the North. No other single action undertaken by the federal government from its inception so personally and immediately affected the lives of so many of its citizens. The bureaucracy and authority for this venture was embodied in the Enrollment Act approved by Congress in March 1863. Under its provisions all fit male citizens and aliens intent on becoming citizens between the ages of twenty and forty-five were liable for military service upon the request of the president. All men called to service could legally avoid it by obtaining one of a number of offered exemptions, the most common involving physical disability. Whether able to secure an exemption or not, all drafted men were guaranteed two other means of legally avoiding military service-substitution and commutation. By providing another person to take his place or by paying a $300 commutation fee, an individual who had been called to military service could stay at home.2
Use of PCR to detect schistosome infection

Schistosomiasis remains a serious threat to public health.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) is one of the most sensitive molecular biological techniques of analyzing DNA and is increasingly used in studies to detect and diagnose schistosomiasis.Although PCR techniques involve different samples,various target genes,and different levels of diagnostic efficiency in studies,PCR still has a higher sensitivity and specificity than do other methods of detection.This review summarizes the use of PCR techniques to detect schistosome infection.
Cephaloridine in septic abortion: Comparison with a conventional combined antibiotic regimen in a conservative program of management☆

Abstract Cephaloridine was compared with a conventional combined antibiotic regimen in the treatment of patients with septic abortion. The combination of penicillin and streptomycin was given to a group of 52 patients, 6 of whom also received chloramphenicol. Cephaloridine alone was administered to a second group of 44 patients. The approach to treatment in all cases was a conservative one, with deferment of curettage until infection had been controlled. Within the limitations of the study, cephaloridine was well tolerated and appeared to be equally effective in controlling sepsis due to a variety of organisms. Of special interest was the response to cephaloridine of 2 patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia, one of whom showed evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (Shwartzman-like reaction).
Organization of collagen in the lyophilized cornea.

Purpose To investigate the organization of collagen fibrils in the lyophilized cornea. Methods Freshly harvested porcine corneas (n = 10) were lyophilized and examined by synchrotron x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Results Collagen fibrils are highly compacted in lyophilized corneas. They become more widely spaced when the tissue is rehydrated, however, the distribution of imbibed water throughout the stroma is not necessarily homogeneous within an individual cornea, nor is it always similar in specimens that have been rehydrated to similar levels. In lyophilized corneas, the mean center-to-center interfibrilar spacing of the regularly arranged collagen reaches levels found in freshly thawed porcine corneas (between 74% and 78% water by weight) when between 74.3% and 81.6% of the rehydrated lyophilized cornea's weight is water. Conclusion Regularly arranged collagen fibrils are able to reapproximate their original spacings if lyophilized corneal tissue is rehydrated, although the manner in which imbibed water is distributed is somewhat unpredictable.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) grafting solution parameters for controlling temperature responsiveness in PET membranes fabricated using 248 nm KrF excimer laser

Abstract A fast, simple, and efficient method to fabricate thermo-responsive membranes using 248 nm KrF excimer laser has been reported. For that process, monomer and crosslinker concentration effects on hydrogel network formation were studied during 248 nm pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) on laser ablated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes. Water permeability of over 6 orders could be easily achieved, at room temperature, by appropriately tuning the hydrogel network parameters. The network growth could be controlled by reducing the monomer and crosslinker concentrations in the grafting solution. Caffeine diffusion studies established that controlled amounts of a model drug could be transported across the membranes. Crosslinker concentration had a more pronounced effect on the temperature responsivity of the grafted network across the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. A transition from positive to reverse temperature responsiveness was also observed for highly crosslinked grafted networks. Quantitative ATR-FTIR studies were performed to evaluate the relative amount of PNIPAM grafted in the membranes which was correlated to chain growth in pulsed laser polymerization.
It Starts Early: Toward a Longitudinal Analysis of Interracial Intimacy:

Researchers regard interracial intimacy as a mechanism for integration because of the assumption that the partners come from distinct social worlds (e.g., racially homogeneous friendship networks)....
Fast integral equation solvers based on the randomized cross approximation

This paper outlines a fast and fully algebraic integral equation method for the solution of electromagnetic scattering and radiation of perfect electric conducting structures via the Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) Boundary Element Method (BEM) discretization of the Electric Field Integral Equation (EFIE). The present single-level grouping implementation accelerates computations by exploiting the well documented rank deficiency of non-neighboring group BEM interactions. The rank-revealing computational kernel of the proposed method resembles that of the popular Adaptive Cross Approximation (ACA), but bypasses altogether the time-consuming adaptive partial-pivoting of rows and columns using a much simpler randomized scheme for selecting crosses, i.e. row and column pivots, and leveraging blocked linear-algebra operations. More importantly, the method borrows an essential, yet often understated, ingredient from the Fast Multiple Method (FMM), i.e. working with the Green's function instead of the fully assembled BEM matrix, thus strives to numerically factorize the integral equation kernel (Green's function). As a result, the proposed Randomized Cross Approximation (RCA) method delivers considerably lower ranks than ACA, and same memory and set-up time and matrix-vector multiplication time complexities as the single-level FMM while avoiding the low-frequency breakdown of FMM.
Anesthesia techniques in sheep and goats.

A variety of techniques can be used to anesthetize and restrain sheep and goats safely and humanely both in the clinic and in the field. The use of inhalational, injectable,and local anesthetic agents is discussed. Nontraditional agents (opioids and a-2 adrenergic agonists) for epidural analgesia also are reviewed because of their promising clinical application.
WELL POSEDNESS AND CONTROL IN MODELS BASED ON CONSERVATION LAWS

Consider a control problem based on a balance law, where a given cost, say an integral functional, needs to be minimized. Once suitable well posedness results are available, the existence of optimal controls easily follows. This presentation overviews several examples of this problem.
Does Every Good Behaviorist Deserve Favor? A Reply to Neil Jacobson

This is a response to Dr. NeilJacobson's article, “An Outsider's Perspective on Psychotherapy Integration,” which appears in this issue. It addresses the issue of the differences between eclecticism and psychotherapy integration as well as the possible advantages integration holds over a one-model therapy system. This article suggests that virtually all psychotherapy systems operate under an integrated three paradigm model, and offers some concrete examples of this explanation. It also suggests that the use of psychotherapy integration may lead to a better paradigm match between client and therapist, and ultimately to better outcome. This article concludes that psychotherapy integration possibly offers the best alternative in terms of reducing the biases of one's underlying treatment oaradiem.
Integer Linear Programming with Multiple Objectives

Although it may seem counterintuitive, a method for solving multiple criteria integer linear programming problems is not an obvious extension of methods that solve multiple criteria linear programming problems. The main difficulty is illustrated by means of an example. Then a way of extending the Zionts-Wallenius algorithm [6] for solving integer problems is given, and two types of algorithms for extending it are briefly presented. An example is presented for one of the two types. Computational considerations are also discussed.
Optimized Heptamethine Cyanines for Photodynamic Therapy

Over 10 near-IR fluorescent sensitizers were prepared to explore their properties relevant to potential applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Key properties of these compounds are that they c...
Cognitive Dysfunction in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Concept Analysis.

Although cognitive dysfunction is related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the concept has not yet been well defined. The purpose of this study was to define the concept of cognitive dysfunction...
The effect of age on short-term postoperative complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to assess short-term outcomes, including the rates of medical complications, non-home discharge, overnight hospital stay, and 30-day readmission, associated with patient age at the time of rotator cuff repair. Methods This study used National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to 2016 to analyze patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Patients were stratified into age cohorts of younger than 55 years, between 55 and 65 years, or older than 65 years. Outcomes including postoperative complications, discharge destination, and readmission were compared between the age cohorts using multivariate analysis. Results We identified 23,974 patients undergoing ARCR: 8344 patients (34.8%) were younger than 55 years, 9166 (38.4%) were aged between 55 and 65 years, and 6434 (26.8%) were older than 65 years. Older patients were more likely to be female patients and to have a lower body mass index, more medical comorbidities, shorter operative duration, dependent functional status, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Patients older than 65 years had a higher rate of total complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; P = .003), respiratory complications (OR, 2.99; P = .023), urinary tract infections (OR, 6.94; P Conclusions Patients older than 65 years have nearly double the odds of having a postoperative complication following ARCR and nearly 3 and 6 times the odds of having a respiratory complication and a urinary tract complication, respectively. Thorough preoperative optimization, including respiratory and urinary care, may be able to decrease complications in select, high-risk patients.
Using SWAT to Evaluate Streamflow and Lake Sediment Loading in the Xinjiang River Basin with Limited Data

Soil erosion and lake sediment loading are primary concerns of watershed managers around the world. In the Xinjiang River Basin of China, severe soil erosion occurs primarily during monsoon periods, resulting in sediment flow into Poyang Lake and subsequently causing lake water quality deterioration. Here, we identified high-risk soil erosion areas and conditions that drive sediment yield in a watershed system with limited available data to guide localized soil erosion control measures intended to support reduced sediment load into Poyang Lake. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate monthly and annual sediment yield based on a calibrated SWAT streamflow model, identified where sediment originated, and determined what geographic factors drove the loading within the watershed. We applied monthly and daily streamflow discharge (1985–2009) and monthly suspended sediment load data (1985–2001) to Meigang station to conduct parameter sensitivity analysis, calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis of the model. The coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and RMSE -observation’s standard deviation ratio (RSR) values of the monthly sediment load were 0.63, 0.62, 3.8%, and 0.61 during calibration, respectively. Spatially, the annual sediment yield rate ranged from 3 ton ha−1year−1 on riparian lowlands of the Xinjiang main channel to 33 ton ha−1year−1 on mountain highlands, with a basin-wide mean of 19 ton ha−1year−1. The study showed that 99.9% of the total land area suffered soil loss (greater than 5 ton ha−1year−1). More sediment originated from the southern mountain highlands than from the northern mountain highlands of the Xinjiang river channel. These results suggest that specific land use types and geographic conditions can be identified as hotspots of sediment source with relatively scarce data; in this case, orchards, barren lands, and mountain highlands with slopes greater than 25° were the primary sediment source areas. This study developed a reliable, physically-based streamflow model and illustrates critical source areas and conditions that influence sediment yield.
Diet Quality Association with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Cirrhosis Status: The Multiethnic Cohort.

Background Epidemiological data on the role of overall dietary patterns in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited, especially from population-based prospective studies. Objectives We investigated the associations between dietary patterns assessed by predefined diet quality indexes (DQIs) and NAFLD risk by cirrhosis status in African Americans, Japanese Americans, Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and whites from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). Methods A nested case-control analysis was conducted within the MEC. NAFLD cases were identified by linkage to 1999-2016 Medicare claims. Four DQIs-Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, alternate Mediterranean diet score, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score-were calculated from a validated FFQ administered at baseline. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs with adjustment for multiple covariates. Results Analyses included 2959 NAFLD cases (509 with cirrhosis; 2450 without cirrhosis) and 29,292 matched controls. Higher scores for HEI-2015 (i.e., highest compared with lowest quintile OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.94; P for trend = 0.002) and DASH (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.89; P for trend < 0.001), reflecting favorable adherence to a healthful diet, were inversely associated with NAFLD risk. Whereas there were no differences by sex or race/ethnicity, the inverse association was stronger for NAFLD with cirrhosis than for NAFLD without cirrhosis (P for heterogeneity = 0.03 for HEI-2015 and 0.05 for DASH). Conclusions Higher HEI-2015 and DASH scores were inversely associated with NAFLD risk in this ethnically diverse population. The findings suggest that having better diet quality may reduce NAFLD risk with more benefit to NAFLD with cirrhosis.
The Cognitive and Psychological Effects of YouTube Video Captions and Subtitles on Higher-Level German Language Learners

This chapter reviews the psychological and cognitive role of using videos, YouTube videos and modes of text support in foreign language learning, with a focus on the effect that captioning and subtitling YouTube videos have on intermediate-high and advanced German language learners. The results of the study found that enhanced captioning plays a more positive role on the intermediate-high and advanced German learners’ motivation likely due to more efficient language processing; more specifically the videos are able to provide linguistic integrity, which allows the language learners to focus their incidental attention effectively. The findings provide useful insights into and enthusiasm for the effective use of YouTube videos for the curriculum development of higher-level German courses and hopefully contribute to establishing best practices in this emerging area.
New and Repeating Tipping Points: The Interplay of Fire, Climate Change, and Deforestation in Neotropical Ecosystems

A 370,000-year paleoecological history of fire spanning four glacial cycles provides evidence of plant migration in response to Andean climate change. Charcoal, an indicator of fire, is only occasionally observed in this record, whereas it is ubiquitous in Holocene-aged Andean records. Fire is a transformative agent in Amazonian and Andean vegetation but is shown to be rare in nature. As humans promote fire, fire-free areas become microrefugia for fire-sensitive species. A distinction is drawn between microrefugia resulting from fire-free zones and those caused by unusual climatic conditions. The importance of this distinction lies in the lack of warmer-than-modern microrefugia aiding upslope migration in response to warming, whereas fire-free microrefugia support tree species above modern tree line or in areas of Amazonia least used by humans. The synergy between fire, deforestation, and climate change could promote a state-change in the ecosystem, one where new microrefugia would be needed to maintain biodiversity. Past tipping points are identified to have occurred within ca. 1°C–1.5°C of modern conditions. The recent climatic instability in both Amazonia and the Andes is viewed in the context of ecological flickering, while the drought-induced and fire-induced tree mortality are aspects of critical slowing down; both possibly portending an imminent tipping point.
The random coefficients logit model is identified

The random coecients multinomial choice logit model, also known as the mixed logit, has been widely used in empirical choice analysis for the last thirty years. We prove that the distribution of random coecients in the multinomial logit model is nonparametrically identified.
The Dependence of Tropical Modes of Variability on Zonal Asymmetry

Tropical modes of variability, including the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the El Nino‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are challenging to represent in climate models. Previous studies sug...