cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circuit modeling of the electrical impedance: II. Normal subjects and system reproducibility.

Part I of this series showed that the five-element circuit model accurately mimics impedances measured using multi-frequency electrical impedance myography (MFEIM), focusing on changes brought on by disease. This paper addresses two requirements which must be met if the method is to qualify for clinical use. First, the extracted parameters must be reproducible over long time periods such as those involved in the treatment of muscular disease, and second, differences amongst normal subjects should be attributable to known differences in the properties of healthy muscle. It applies the method to five muscle groups in 62 healthy subjects, closely following the procedure used earlier for the diseased subjects. Test–retest comparisons show that parameters are reproducible at levels from 6 to 16% (depending on the parameter) over time spans of up to 267 days, levels far below the changes occurring in serious disease. Also, variations with age, gender and muscle location are found to be consistent with established expectations for healthy muscle tissue. We conclude that the combination of MFEIM measurements and five-element circuit analysis genuinely reflects properties of muscle and is reliable enough to recommend its use in following neuromuscular disease.
Self-efficacy as an antecedent of cognition and affect in technology acceptance

Purpose – This paper aims to examine whether self-efficacy plays an important role in shaping the effect of cognition and affects in high technology adoption. It also examines whether cognition and affect mediate the effect of self-efficacy on attitude toward adoption. Design/methodology/approach – Using an experimental survey to collect data, subjects performed two different tasks (utilitarian and hedonic) to make sure that they had cognitive and affective experiences to draw upon as they developed attitudes toward the focal innovation. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the model. Findings – The result shows that self-efficacy influenced cognitive perceptions and emotional reactions. Specifically, self-efficacy was found to play a substantive role in shaping individuals’ attitudes via a cognitive route (perceived usefulness and ease-of-use) and an affective one (pleasure, arousal and dominance). Research limitations/implications – The study of self-efficacy as an external variable provides...
Procedure for lung engineering.

Lung tissue, including lung cancer and chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cumulatively account for some 280,000 deaths annually; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States1. Contributing to this mortality is the fact that lungs do not generally repair or regenerate beyond the microscopic, cellular level. Therefore, lung tissue that is damaged by degeneration or infection, or lung tissue that is surgically resected is not functionally replaced in vivo. To explore whether lung tissue can be generated in vitro, we treated lungs from adult rats using a procedure that removes cellular components to produce an acellular lung extracellular matrix scaffold. This scaffold retains the hierarchical branching structures of airways and vasculature, as well as a largely intact basement membrane, which comprises collagen IV, laminin, and fibronectin. The scaffold is mounted in a bioreactor designed to mimic critical aspects of lung physiology, such as negative pressure ventilation and pulsatile vascular perfusion. By culturing pulmonary epithelium and vascular endothelium within the bioreactor-mounted scaffold, we are able to generate lung tissue that is phenotypically comparable to native lung tissue and that is able to participate in gas exchange for short time intervals (45-120 minutes). These results are encouraging, and suggest that repopulation of lung matrix is a viable strategy for lung regeneration. This possibility presents an opportunity not only to work toward increasing the supply of lung tissue for transplantation, but also to study respiratory cell and molecular biology in vitro for longer time periods and in a more accurate microenvironment than has previously been possible.
Activity in single hippocampal pyramids.

Euler, C. V. and J. D. Green. Activity in single hippocampal Pyramids. Activity from single pyramidal cells of dorsal hippocampus has been studied in rabbits under light urethane anaesthesia or with encephale isole. Capillary microelectrodes were used for recording. Respiratory and cardiovascular movements of the brain were reduced by using a ‘closed system’. Extracellular biphasic positive-negative spikes of large amplitude were frequently recorded. The shape of the extracellular spikes indicate that the soma spikes are usually not followed by excitation of the dendritic membrane. However, occasionally spikes with negative-positive potential sequence indicating somatofugal excitation of the dendrites, have been recorded after a burst of positive-negative spikes. This occurred in response to prolonged repetitive stimulation and in after-discharges. Spikes were normally not recorded in the dendritic layer. Repetitive stimulation, however, elicited sharp spikes in the apical dendrites increasing in number and amplitude with increasing stimulus strength and duration. Action potentials and slow changes in membrane potential were commonly recorded with big attenuation but without other signs of serious injury. Polarizing hippocampal neurones with minute currents in the order of 2 × 10-9A through the recording microelectrode stimulated or inhibited that cell from which the activity was extracellularly recorded. The hippocampus is an uncomplicated cortical structure with a relative uniform and simple lamination. These and other features make the Ammon's horn a suitable site for studies of cortical properties (see e. g. Euler, Green and Ricci 1958). This paper presents an analysis of the spontaneous activity in single hippocampal pyramids and a component analysis of spike potentials recorded extracellularly. A subsequent paper (Euler and Green 1960) deals with the activity patterns which can be elicited through afferent stimulation. A ‘positive’ wave with rapidly declining ‘positive’ spikes proved to be a pattern entity of possible significance for the ‘brain waves’ of the hippocampus. Although no successful intracellular records of this phenomenon were obtained, the experimental data presented in the present paper lend themselves to the conclusion that the spikes and the wave originate in the same neurone and that the phenomenon thus may be identified as the ‘inactivating process’ of Granit and Phillips (1956).
Characterization of constraint of fully plastic crack-tip fields in non-hardening materials by the three-term solution

Abstract The J - A 2 three-term asymptotic solution for a crack in a power-law hardening material has been successfully used to interpret the constraint effects due to finite specimen geometry and loading configurations. In the current paper, we study the mechanics behavior of the J - A 2 solution for a plane strain mode-I crack in very low hardening materials. The objective is to investigate the validity of the J - A 2 characterization, in an approximate sense, for the fully plastic crack-tip fields in non-hardening materials. In particular, the constraints at the crack tip for several conventional specimen geometries and loading configurations in non-hardening materials are studied under the framework of the J - A 2 description. The results indicate that within the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip the three-term solution can capture the essential features of fully plastic fields in various finite size specimens in non-hardening materials. Consequently A 2 can be effectively used as a constraint parameter in characterizing the crack-tip field in non-hardening materials.
Theoretical investigation of very high quantum efficiency, segmented, crystalline detectors for low-contrast visualization in megavoltage cone-beam CT

Megavoltage cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using active matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) is a promising candidate for providing image guidance in radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the practical clinical implementation of this technique is limited by the relatively low detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of conventional megavoltage AMFPIs. This limitation is due to the modest thickness of the phosphor screen employed to convert incident x-rays to optical photons and the trade-off that exists between phosphor thickness and spatial resolution. Recently, our group has begun pursuing the development of thick crystalline segmented scintillating detectors as x-ray converters for AMFPIs so as to circumvent this limitation. In order to examine the potential of such detectors for providing soft-tissue visualization by means of CBCT at megavoltage energies, a Monte Carlo-based method was used to simulate the acquisition of projection images of a contrast phantom. These images were used to perform CT reconstructions by means of a Feldkamp-based algorithm. In this study, various detector configurations involving CsI and BGO scintillators at thicknesses of 10 mm and 40 mm were evaluated. In addition, since the simulations only considered energy deposition, and did not include optical phenomena, both segmented and non-segmented (continuous) detector configurations were evaluated. For the segmented CsI detectors, septal wall materials with densities lower, equivalent and higher than that of the scintillator were considered. Performance was quantified in terms of the contrast-to-noise ratio obtained for lowcontrast, soft-tissue-equivalent objects (i.e., liver, brain, and breast) embedded in the phantom. The results obtained from these early studies suggest that such segmented converters can provide visualization of soft-tissue contrast in tomographic images at clinically practical doses. It is anticipated that the realization of optimized segmented detector designs will lead to clinically useful megavoltage AMFPIs exhibiting impressive performance.
Structure of Protein Geranylgeranyltransferase-I from the Human Pathogen Candida albicans Complexed with a Lipid Substrate

Protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I (GGTase-I) catalyzes the transfer of a 20-carbon isoprenoid lipid to the sulfur of a cysteine residue located near the C terminus of numerous cellular proteins, including members of the Rho superfamily of small GTPases and other essential signal transduction proteins. In humans, GGTase-I and the homologous protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) are targets of anticancer therapeutics because of the role small GTPases play in oncogenesis. Protein prenyltransferases are also essential for many fungal and protozoan pathogens that infect humans, and have therefore become important targets for treating infectious diseases. Candida albicans, a causative agent of systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals, is one pathogen for which protein prenylation is essential for survival. Here we present the crystal structure of GGTase-I from C. albicans (CaGGTase-I) in complex with its cognate lipid substrate, geranylgeranylpyrophosphate. This structure provides a high-resolution picture of a non-mammalian protein prenyltransferase. There are significant variations between species in critical areas of the active site, including the isoprenoid-binding pocket, as well as the putative product exit groove. These differences indicate the regions where specific protein prenyltransferase inhibitors with antifungal activity can be designed.
A branch and bound algorithm for maximum likelihood paired comparison ranking

SUMMARY A very simple algorithm for obtaining maximum likelihood rankings of k objects which have been compared pairwise is presented. After some preliminary calculations, only addition and subtraction are required so that it is possible to rank as many as ten objects using only a desk calculator. This is not practical with the linear programming algorithm proposed in an earlier paper, deCani (1969), where ranking ten objects requires the solution of a linear program with 120 constraints in 165 variables in addition to upper bound constraints. The algorithm proposed here is one of a class of algorithms called branch and bound algorithms. 1. INTRODIUCTION In an earlier paper, deCani (1969), we showed that the problem of ranking n objects on the basis of a paired comparison experiment can be formulated as a linear programming problem. When n objects are to be ranked, the linear program involves 'en(n - 1) (n -2) constraints in I(n + 1) n(n - 1) variables restricted to the values 0 or 1. Preparing such a program for the computer can be rather tedious, even when only a few objects are to be ranked, and it is tempting to try to do it 'by hand'. Ranking five objects, for example, requires a linear program with ten constraints and twenty variables, exclusive of upper bound constraints. If upper bound constraints are included, the program has thirty constraints in forty variables. Hand computation for such a program might call for 1 or 2 hours at a desk calculator. We have found a simple algorithm which is more suited to hand computation than linear programming. After some preliminary computations, only additions and subtractions are required. Five objects can easily be ranked in less than half an hour, and we have ranked as many as ten objects in less than 2 hours. Our algorithm is one of a class of algorithms called branch and bound algorithms. These algorithms are ideally suited for maximizing, or minimizing, a function defined on a set of permutations. Since a ranking is a permutation, branch and bound can be used to solve the problem of finding the ranking which maximizes the likelihood of the experimental outcomes. Agin (1966) gives a very clear description of branch and bound algorithms in general. Ours is a very simple special case.
Patient Knowledge and Perspective on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Development of a Survey Instrument

A questionnaire measuring patient knowledge of, and concerns about, irritable bowel syndrome could improve patient care. The aims of this study were to operationalize the constructs used by patients to understand their symptoms and to develop a reliable, validated questionnaire. A total of 153 patients with irritable bowel syndrome completed the questionnaire. 119/153 (77.8%) completed a second identical questionnaire. Questions with high reliability and validity had responses with similar metrics. Reliability was more easily established in questions where the responses had no option for uncertainty. Test–retest reliability had a mean concordance of 0.8. Alternate form reliability had a mean concordance of 0.97. Inter-item reliability had Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.57 to 0.86. The survey instrument was found to be reliable, valid and usable. It provides descriptive data on patient knowledge, fears, and concerns surrounding irritable bowel syndrome. This easily administered questionnaire should provide novel information to improve patient care.
Differential interactions of two introduced piscivorous salmonids with a native cyprinid in lentic systems: implications for conservation of roundtail chub.

Abstract The effects of multiple nonnative piscivore species on native prey species in lentic systems are poorly understood. We studied the relative predation risks posed by two piscivorous salmonids (brown trout Salmo trutta and lake trout Salvelinus namaycush) to endemic roundtail chub Gila robusta in two lakes within the upper Colorado River basin. Gill nets were set in various habitat types to study habitat use by the three species before and after the onset of summer stratification. Roundtail chub and brown trout were mainly associated with shallow-water habitats, and this association did not change with thermal period. By contrast, lake trout habitat use changed with thermal period as fish moved from shallow areas in the spring to deepwater habitat after stratification. These habitat use patterns indicate that roundtail chub are more susceptible to predation by brown trout than by lake trout because both roundtail chub and brown trout occupy the littoral zone for a prolonged period. Diet data indica...
Muscle fatigue – from motor units to clinical symptoms

Reductionist approaches have provided little insight on the fatigue experienced by humans during activities of daily living. Some of the reasons for this lack of progress include the persistence of outdated concepts, the misinterpretation of experimental recordings, and a failure to embrace a global perspective on fatigue. This paper summarizes the three examples of these limitations that were discussed in the 2011 Muybridge Award lecture: motor unit types and muscle fatigue, myoelectric manifestations of fatigue, and fatigue and fatigability. Although the motor units in a population do exhibit a range of fatigability values, there are not distinct groups of motor units and the concept that some motor units are resistant to fatigue emerged from protocols in which motor units were activated by electrical stimulation rather than voluntary activation. The concept of distinct motor unit types should be abandoned. The second example discussed in the lecture was the use of surface EMG signals to assess fatigue-related adjustments in motor unit activity. The critical assumption with this approach is that the association between surface EMG amplitude and muscle force remains constant during fatiguing contractions. Unfortunately, the relation does not remain constant and a series of computational studies demonstrate the magnitude of the discrepancy, including the absence of an association with the activation signal emerging from the spinal cord and that received by the muscle. The third example concerned the concepts of fatigue and fatigability. It has long been recognized that fatigue involves both sensations and impairments in motor function, and the final part of the lecture urged the integration of the two constructs into a single scheme in which fatigue can be modulated either independently or by interactions between perceptions of fatigue and the mechanisms that establish levels of fatigability. The expectation is that such critical evaluations of the concepts and approaches to the study of fatigue will provide a more effective foundation from which to identify the factors that contribute to fatigue in health and disease.
A Model for Exploring the Optimal Trade‐off between Field Processing and Transport

Archeologists have long assumed that transport considerations have been important in structuring various aspects of the archeological record. An optimality model, derived from the principles of evolutionary ecology, is presented to investigate the trade-off between field processing and transport for central place foragers. The model implicates (1) the time required to make a round-trip and (2) the relationship between time spent field processing and increase in the utility of the transported load as the two critical factors determining what parts of resources are likely to be returned to a residential camp.
Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology: impact on fellowship training.

Abstract Objectives To report the impact of a new robotic surgery program on the surgical training of gynecologic oncology fellows over a 12 month period of time. Methods A robotic surgery program was introduced into the gynecologic oncology fellowship program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in June 2007. A database of patients undergoing surgical management of endometrial and cervical cancer between July 2007 and July 2008 was collected and analyzed. Changes in fellow surgical training were measured and analyzed. Results Fellow surgical training for endometrial and cervical cancer underwent a dramatic transition in 12 months. The proportion of patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery increased from 3.3% (4/110 patients) to 43.5% (47/108 patients). Fellow training transitioned from primarily an open approach (94.4%) to a minimally invasive approach (11% laparoscopic, 49% robotic, 40% open) for endometrial cancer stagings, and from an open approach (100%) to an open (50%) and robotic (50%) approach for radical hysterectomies. Fellow participation in robotic procedures increased from 45% in the first 3 months to 72% within 6 months, and 92% by 12 months. The role of the fellow in robotic cases transitioned from bedside assistant to console operator within 3 months. Conclusions Fellow surgical training underwent a dramatic change with the introduction of a robotic surgery program. The management of endometrial and cervical cancer was impacted the most by robotics. Robotic surgery broadened fellowship surgical training, but balanced surgical training and standardized fellow training modules remain challenges for fellowship programs.
Clinical significance of HIV-associated bone loss: when and how to intervene

Moderate decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) occur after initiation of several antiretroviral regimens. However, BMD appears to stabilize over time. Alendronate and zoledronate therapy decreases bone turnover markers and increases BMD in HIV-positive subjects with low BMD. Low BMD is a common problem, but whether this translates into increased incidence or prevalence of fragility fractures is uncertain. Screening and treatment of osteoporosis in HIV-positive individuals should follow guidelines for the general population. When there is a strong indication to treat, bisphosphonates should be considered as first-line therapy as studies have demonstrated their short-term efficacy for increasing BMD and their tolerability in HIV-infected individuals. In this article, we review recent publications on bone loss, fractures and treatment of osteoporosis in HIV-positive individuals.
A simplified approach to optimum diversity combining and equalization in digital data transmission

We present simplified derivations of some results given by Balaban and Salt (see ibid., vol.40, no.5, p.885-894 and p.895-907, 1992). We propose an equivalent single channel representation of linear diversity channels. Based on J. Salz's earlier work (1973), we obtain a simple method to derive various forms of optimum diversity combining and equalization in digital data transmission. >
Innovation Diffusion and E-Collaboration: The Effects of Social Proximity on Social Information Processing

Organizational arrangements such as telework are often believed to disrupt workers’ social networks. This raises a concern regarding teleworkers’ abilities to adjust to technological changes in organizations. Based on innovation diffusion theory, this chapter considers telework and interdependence as parallel dimensions of social proximity that may be expected to affect the diffusion of innovation in terms of users’ social information processing (i.e., their technology beliefs, communication channels, and information sources). This proposition is investigated in a field-study conducted during the migration of a business unit to a new communications system. Technology users at the business unit were surveyed three times over a 12-week period— right before the conversion to the new system and at two six-week intervals following the conversion. These surveys assessed the impact of telework on respondents’ beliefs toward the communication technology. Findings partially supported our hypotheses regarding the negative effect of remoteness on beliefs about technology. Users were then surveyed to investigate the media and sources they utilized to stay informed about the new technology. As anticipated, telework was related to an increased use of electronic media and of individual and authority information sources. Contrary to our expectations, though, results indicated a positive effect of telework on the use of collective sources and face-to-face media. Therefore, we conclude that teleworkers make a special effort to preserve their social networks.
The Lost Archives of Noriega: Emancipating Panamanian Human Rights Documents in U.S. Military Custody

This article analyzes an ongoing debate within the U.S. government about the legal status of thousands of boxes of documents U.S. forces seized from the regime of Manuel Noriega in 1989 that remain in U.S. military custody. The ongoing legal and diplomatic deliberations center on two questions: under both the law of armed conflict and U.S. records laws, (1) who owns these seized documents and (2) what should be done with them? Wartime seizures of foreign government documents raise unique issues of ownership given that "enemy" documents can be a source of intelligence information, while also forming part of the administrative, historical, and cultural heritage of a nation. This article argues that given the nature of the U.S. intervention in Panama, the U.S. government should treat the seized documents as Panamanian property under both international and U.S. law. The Noriega regime documents are also crucial for ongoing human rights work focused on unresolved cases of missing and disappeared persons. This article concludes that the United States should offer to repatriate the documents to Panama for the benefit of human rights researchers, historians, and attorneys on both sides of legal proceedings arising out Noriega's return to Panama in late 2011.
An overview of treatment strategies for cancer pain with a focus on interventional strategies and techniques

SUMMARY As the incidence of cancer increases, considerations for pain treatments become more important and varied. While traditional views on pain therapy are successful in treating the majority of cancer-related pain, a continuum has developed to include interventional strategies in addition to pharmacologic management. Further improvements in understanding anatomy in the context of imaging and pathophysiology of cancer-pain syndromes direct our current interventional pain management options. We discuss the current interventional treatment options regularly used in the cancer-pain population.
THE ADAPTIVE SELECTION OF FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC VARIABLES FOR USE WITH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Abstract It has been widely accepted that predicting stock returns is not a simple task since many market factors are involved and their structural relationships are not perfectly linear. Recently, a promising data mining technique in machine learning has been proposed to uncover the predictive relationships of numerous financial and economic variables. Inspired by the fact that the determinant between these variables and their interrelationships over stock returns changes over time, we explore this issue further by using data mining to uncover the recent relevant variables with the greatest predictive ability. The objective is to examine whether using the recent relevant variables leads to additional improvements in stock return forecasting. Given evidence of non-linearity in the financial market, the resulting variables are then provided to neural networks, including probabilistic and feed-forward neural networks, for predicting the directions of future excess stock return. The results show that redeveloped neural network models that use the recent relevant variables generate higher profits with lower risks than the buy-and-hold strategy, conventional linear regression, and the random walk model, as well as the neural network models that use constant relevant variables.
Responses of nitrogen metabolism in N-sufficient barley primary leaves to plant growth in elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide

Effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment on nitrogen metabolism were studied in barley primary leaves (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Brant). Seedlings were grown in chambers under ambient (36 Pa) and elevated (100 Pa) carbon dioxide and were fertilized daily with complete nutrient solution providing 12 millimolar nitrate and 2.5 millimolar ammonium. Foliar nitrate and ammonium were 27% and 42% lower (P ≤ 0.01) in the elevated compared to ambient carbon dioxide treatments, respectively. Enhanced carbon dioxide affected leaf ammonium levels by inhibiting photorespiration. Diurnal variations of total nitrate were not observed in either treatment. Total and Mg2+inhibited nitrate reductase activities per gram fresh weight were slightly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in enhanced compared to ambient carbon dioxide between 8 and 15 DAS. Diurnal variations of total nitrate reductase activity in barley primary leaves were similar in either treatment except between 7 and 10 h of the photoperiod when enzyme activities were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) by carbon dioxide enrichment. Glutamate was similar and glutamine levels were increased by carbon dioxide enrichment between 8 and 13 DAS. However, both glutamate and glutamine were negatively impacted by elevated carbon dioxide when leaf yellowing was observed 15 and 17 DAS. The above findings showed that carbon dioxide enrichment produced only slight modifications in leaf nitrogen metabolism and that the chlorosis of barley primary leaves observed under enhanced carbon dioxide was probably not attributable to a nutritionally induced nitrogen limitation.
A 14mW Fractional-N PLL Modulator with an Enhanced Digital Phase Detector and Frequency Switching Scheme

A 2.2GHz fractional-N synthesizer with a digital phase detector and a dual switching scheme is presented. An additional feedback loop incorporating phase oversampling helps to achieve a measured noise performance of -133dBc (-106dBc) at a 10MHz (1 MHz) offset. The MSK modulation rate is 927.5kb/s. The 0.7mm2 prototype IC, implemented in a 0.13mum CMOS process, consumes 14mW from a 1.4V supply.
Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought

Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought. By Melissa Victoria Harris-Lacewell. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004. 336p. $35.00. The central claims of this book are that the conversations ordinary black folk have with each other matter politically, and that there is a diverse range of ideological perspectives endorsed by African Americans. The author, Melissa Harris-Lacewell, supports these contentions by means of survey research, experimental studies, and ethnographic research. This comprehensive approach represents a significant accomplishment and, in combination with the theoretical contributions of the text, makes the book an invaluable addition to the African American politics canon.
10-Year prospective study of noise exposure and hearing damage among construction workers

Objectives To characterise the effects of noise exposure, including intermittent and peaky exposure, on hearing damage as assessed by standard pure-tone thresholds and otoacoustic emissions, a longitudinal study was conducted on newly hired construction apprentices and controls over a 10-year period. Methods Among the 456 subjects recruited at baseline, 316 had at least two (mean 4.6) examinations and were included in this analysis. Annual examinations included hearing threshold levels (HTLs) for air conducted pure tones and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes. Task-based occupational noise exposure levels and recreational exposures were estimated. Linear mixed models were fit for HTLs and DPOAEs at 3, 4 and 6 kHz in relation to time since baseline and average noise level since baseline, while controlling for hearing level at baseline and other risk factors. Results Estimated L EQ noise exposures were 87±3.6 dBA among the construction workers. Linear mixed modelling demonstrated significant exposure-related elevations in HTL of about 2–3 dB over a projected 10-year period at 3, 4 or 6 kHz for a 10 dB increase in exposure. The DPOAE models (using L1=40) predicted about 1 dB decrease in emission amplitude over 10 years for a 10 dB increase in exposure. Conclusions The study provides evidence of noise-induced damage at an average exposure level around the 85 dBA level. The predicted change in HTLs was somewhat higher than would be predicted by standard hearing loss models, after accounting for hearing loss at baseline. Limited evidence for an enhanced effect of high peak component noise was observed, and DPOAEs, although similarly affected, showed no advantage over standard hearing threshold evaluation in detecting effects of noise on the ear and hearing.
Morality and ethics behind the screen: Young people’s perspectives on digital life

While emerging research illuminates how youth engage with digital media, relatively little attention has been given to moral and ethical issues. Drawing on interviews with 61 teens and young adults, we explored the extent to which youth’s approaches to online life include moral or ethical considerations. We report the prevalence of three ways of thinking about use of social networks, massive multiplayer games, Wikipedia, and downloading. We found that individualistic thinking (focusing on consequences for oneself) dominated participants’ thinking; moral thinking (considering known others) was somewhat prevalent; and ethical thinking (acknowledging unknown others and communities) was least prevalent. We explore the targets and triggers of these approaches to online life, discuss ethical lapses observed, and consider theoretical and practical implications.
Functionalized carbon onions, detonation nanodiamond and mesoporous carbon as cathodes in Li-ion electrochemical energy storage devices

Abstract Functionalization of carbon surface leads to the enhancement of ion storage capacity of carbon cathodes due to the additional pseudocapacitive reactions. In order to gain additional insights on the effects of the carbon specific surface area, porosity and oxygeni-containing functional groups on their electrochemical performance, we have investigated thick (>150 μm) electrodes based on carbon onion nanopowder with and without functional groups present on carbon surface as well as nanodiamond soot and mesoporous activated carbon. Oxidation of carbon onion surface was found to result in a 2.4–2.8-fold increase in their specific capacitance. The larger average pore size and the absence of micropores in carbon nanoparticles based electrodes resulted in a better rate performance compared to that of mesoporous activated carbon. However, significant self-discharge was observed in all the oxidized samples. The low electrode density combined with limited overall charge storage capacity of carbon samples resulted in a volumetric capacity of less than 23 mAh cm−3, compared to 450–700 mAh cm−3 offered by state of the art high-density cathodes used in commercial Li-ion batteries. Even with further improvements, our estimations suggest that porous carbon cathodes will unlikely be able to offer more than 15% of the energy density of traditional cathodes.
Autonomy, Liberty, and Utility*

Lawrence Haworth's book, Autonomy, discusses “Autonomy as a Psychological Idea”, and “Autonomy as a Normative Idea”. Part 1 discusses autonomy in relation to rationality, agency, and responsibility, defends it against Skinnerian sceptics, and outlines a theory of autonomous decision-making and the autonomous task environment. Haworth's conception of autonomy integrates and builds on the concepts of S. I. Benn, G. Dworkin, H. Frankfurt, and R. W. White. Part 2 centres on social/political theory, and not, despite the book's subtitle, on ethics as such. Haworth argues that only autonomy, and not liberty or happiness, is an intrinsic (non-moral) value, and fundamental right. His “autonomist” theory of liberty rights, a form of revisionary liberalism derived from the later idealists, is opposed to the classical liberal/libertarian theory. The arguments prompt a re-examination of the role of autonomy in the arguments for liberty (and happiness), but do not, in my view, make a persuasive case for “autonomism” against classical liberalism (hereafter liberalism). The book is chiefly noteworthy for its success in covering many important topics connected with autonomy, in an impressively short space, and in an always clear and often very insightful way.
Immune Responses to Measles and Mumps Vaccination of Infants at 6, 9, and 12 Months

Immunizing infants against measles at the youngest age possible has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The ability of infants at 6, 9, or 12 months to respond to measles and mumps vaccines was evaluated by measuring T cell proliferation, interferon-gamma production, and neutralizing antibody titers before and after vaccination. Infants in all age groups had equivalent cellular immune responses to measles or mumps viruses, with or without passive antibodies when immunized. In contrast, 6-month-old infants without passive antibodies had low geometric mean titers of antibody to measles or mumps viruses and low seroconversion rates. Geometric mean titers of antibody to measles virus increased if infants were revaccinated at 12 months. Six-month-old infants had limited humoral responses to paramyxovirus vaccines, whereas cellular immunity was equivalent to that of older infants. T cell responses can be established by immunization with these live attenuated virus vaccines during the first year, despite the presence of passive antibodies.
A Review of Nutrition in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background Nutrition complications of HIV infection, including wasting syndrome, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic complications, have been well documented over the last 25 years. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using the keywords HIV; nutrition; nutrition support; vitamins A, B, C, and E; selenium; zinc; and glutamine through MEDLINE using Medscape and PubMed. Results Although no accurate prediction equations exist for determining energy needs in patients with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the Harris-Benedict equation with a 1.3 stress factor has been used for weight maintenance. Some experts recommend protein requirements of 1.0 to 1.4 g/kg for maintenance and 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg for anabolism. There is a general consensus that all individuals with HIV benefit from a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement at levels of 100% of the US recommended daily intake (RDI). Nutrition therapy for HIV wasting is similar to that for other chronic diseases and begins with nutrition counseling. For persistent weight loss, standard oral supplements may be useful. The benefit of specialized supplements has yet to be proven. Enteral and parenteral nutrition support has produced positive outcomes related to mortality and quality of life in patients with HIV. Conclusions Although the benefit of providing adequate amounts of calories, protein, and micronutrients for persons with HIV is well accepted, the exact amounts of nutrients and optimal feeding modalities are less clear. Long-term clinical trials are needed to provide more conclusive data on nutrition intervention in HIV infection, particularly related to supplementation of specific nutrients.
DEFORMED-CORE MODEL RESULTS FOR NUCLEAR BETA-MOMENTS

Abstract It is found that core-deformations, as treated by Nilsson, can account for a major part of the many types of discrepancy between simple shell-model expectations and observed trends in beta-decays rates, among very light as well as heavier nuclei. Not only are the well-known suppressions of normal allowed transitions relative to shell-model expectations treated, but similar suppressions among forbidden transitions, distinguished here for the first time. Significant confirmation for applications of the deformed-core picture even to mirror nuclei comes from a correlation discovered between certain l -forbidden decay enhancements and super-allowed decay suppressions.
Sister Chromatids Segregate at Mitosis Without Mother–Daughter Bias in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

There is evidence accumulating for nonrandom segregation of one or more chromosomes during mitosis in different cell types. We use cell synchrony and two methods to show that all chromatids of budding yeast segregate randomly and that there is no mother–daughter bias with respect to Watson and Crick-containing strands of DNA.
Report on grade assessment situation of the 12 prevention and control center pilot in Sichuan Province

目的 了解疾病预防控制机构（简称疾控机构）能力建设、经费保障、运行管理等情况，探索全省疾控等级评审方法和程序。方法 组织专家按照统一的评审标准对12家试点单位在政策环境、基础条件、疾病预防控制、检验检测、健康危害相关因素、信息化建设等7大类38个指标167个参数进行现场评审。结果 机构得分最高是自贡市，考核内容得分率较低的是检验检测和健康危害因素监测与控制，创建过程中各级政府对疾控机构在人、财、物方面均有不同程度的投入，A类和B类项目开展率有所增加，制定了疾控机构三级两等的评审标准。结论 疾控机构等级评审是疾控机构标准化建设和发展的有力抓手，通过评审能发现短板、弥补不足，增强政府在卫生防病方面的主体责任意识。
Genome structural variation discovery and genotyping—sequencing versus arrays

Structural variation of the genome is an important aspect in our understanding of human disease but has been difficult to systematically identify and genotype. Human genomes are particularly prone to structural variation when compared to other mammalian genomes due to idiosyncrasies in our genomic architectures. The recent application of massively parallel sequencing methods has led to an exponential increase in the discovery of smaller structural variation events. Significant global discovery biases remain, but the integration of experimental and computational approaches is proving fruitful for accurate characterisation of the copy, content, and structure of variable regions. I will present methods based on read-depth, split-read, and paired-end sequence approaches from both whole genome and exome sequence datasets and compare these to the utility of standard microarray approaches applied in the clinic. Next-generation sequencing platforms can assay copy and content of genes previously inaccessible by hybridisation-based methods but do not yet completely resolve the full complexity of structural variation.
P5-01-04: FOXP3 Positive Regulatory T Lymphocytes and Epithelial FOXP3 Expression in Synchronous Normal, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Invasive Cancer of the Breast.

Background: FOXP3 expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been associated with worse outcome in a number of malignancies, including breast cancer. In this study we evaluate the number of FOXP3 positive T lymphocytes as well as quantitating FOXP3 expression of epithelium in synchronous normal, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in order to determine whether FOXP3 expression increases with cancer progression. Materials and Methods: 32 cases containing concurrent normal, DCIS and IDC lesions of the breast were stained for FOXP3 (e-Bioscience) and CD3 (DAKO) using the Envision G/2 Double stain System (DAKO). Multiplex stains were separated by imaging using the CRi9s Nuance imager. The ratio of colocalized FOXP3 and CD3 pixels (Treg lymphocytes)/CD3 pixels (all lymphocytes) in adjacent stroma was used as a measure of FOXP3 positive Tregs. Epithelial FOXP3 expression was quantitated by Image J analysis. A subset of the cases (n= 13) were also stained by standard immunohistochemistry for FOXP3. The number of FOXP3 positive lymphocytes/total lymphocytes and the epithelial intensity were scored. Results: The mean patient age was 52 years. ER, PR and HER2 positivity in the invasive component was 94%, 84% and 16% respectively. One case was triple negative. The median fraction of FOXP3 lymphocytes increased from normal to DCIS to IDC (0.005, 0.019 and 0.030 respectively). Significant differences were seen for normal vs. IDC (p= For epithelial FOXP3 staining intensity, the median increased significantly from normal to DCIS (0.130 to 0.175, p= FOXP3 lymphocyte count had a positive correlation with FOXP3 epithelial intensity in the normal and invasive components (Spearman r=0.4343, p=0.0130 for normal and Spearman r=0.5456, p=0.0012 for IDC). FOXP3 lymphocyte fraction and FOXP3 epithelial intensity did not vary significantly with size of invasive tumor, nodal status, or stage of disease. Discussion: FOXP3 is expressed both by tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes as well as tumor epithelium. The significant increase in FOXP3 T regulatory lymphocytes and FOXP3 epithelial expression from normal to invasive cancer suggests a role of FOXP3 in breast carcinogenesis and progression. The significant correlation of FOXP3-T regulatory lymphocytes and FOXP3 epithelial expression in the normal and invasive components suggests expression of one may influence the other early in the breast cancer progression pathway. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-04.
Climate Downscaling Using Regional Regression and Physically Based Watershed Models

A typical approach to projecting climate change impacts on water resources systems involves statistically downscaling general circulation model (GCM) or regional climate model (RCM) outputs and forcing a watershed model to evaluate hydrologic impacts. Challenges associated with this approach include properly calibrating and verifying the watershed model and maintaining a consistent energy budget between the two models. An alternative approach, particularly appealing for ungauged basins or locations where record lengths are short, is to directly predict selected streamflow quantiles from regional regression equations that include physical basin characteristics as well as meteorological variables output by climate models (Fennessey 2011). We compare the two approaches for Maumee River basin in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, using readily available downscaled outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) as inputs to the Large Basin Runoff Model (LBRM) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regional regression models.
Pitch System Improvement of DFIG in LVRT Transforming Process

With the standards of wind power in China are published,all the doubly-fed induction generator( DFIG) wind turbines manufacturers in China are equipped with low voltage ride through( LVRT) ability. But some of the wind turbines are born with LVRT ability,the others are reformed by the manufacturers. So that the LVRT strategies of different wind turbines are all unlike,which make some of control strategies of wind turbines are not perfect,so that these turbines cannot meet the requires of recover power rate after the low voltage fault. In the same time,some control strategies of wind turbines may cause power saltation condition. If lots of wind turbines in a wind farm all use this strategy to proceed the LVRT,the voltage of this area will increase suddenly because of the power saltation,which will bring a secondary impact to the grid,and cause the wind turbines of this area into voltage-overtop status. But the wind turbines in China are not equipped with high voltage ride through( HVRT) ability,so that it will result in more wind turbines out of work. This paper proposed an elaborate control strategy for DFIG,which could both protect the crowbar system and get LVRT application.
The Impact of Social Class in the Hiring Process

Hiring managers often consider demographic factors when evaluating applicants. Using the theoretical framework of person organization (P-O) fit, we examine the impact of applicants’ social class du...
Orbital Hydrostatics and Hydrodynamics of 3He-A

The conditions for hydrostatic equilibrium in 3He-A and the equations that describe the non-linear orbital hydrodynamics are given.
Immunologic and viral factors in Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome is a multifactorial disease in which genetic and possibly viral factors play major roles. The recent development of an SS-like disease in patients infected with HIV-1 suggests a possible retrovirus.