cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CVD diamond grown by microwave plasma in mixtures of acetone/oxygen and acetone/carbon dioxide

Abstract Diamond has been deposited on silicon and molybdenum substrates by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique in acetone/oxygen and acetone/carbon dioxide mixtures. A narrow C/O ratio around 1:1 was found necessary for diamond to be deposited under our deposition conditions. Diamond of good quality was deposited at rates exceeding 25 μm/h. By the use of high power density microwave plasmas, diamond deposition using these two mixtures has been achieved at substrate temperatures up to around 1300°C. A comparison between the diamond deposition process using these two mixtures without additional hydrogen gas and the traditional diamond deposition process using the mixture of methane and hydrogen will be made.
Statistical Performance of MUSIC-Like Algorithms in Resolving Noncircular Sources

This paper addresses the resolution of the conventional and noncircular MUSIC algorithms for arbitrary circular and noncircular second-order distributions of two uncorrelated closely spaced transmitters observed by an arbitrary array. An explicit closed-form expression of the mean null spectrum of the conventional and noncircular MUSIC algorithms is derived using an analysis based on perturbations of the noise projector instead of those of the eigenvectors. Based on these results, theoretical and approximate interpretable closed-form expressions of the threshold array signal-to-noise ratios (ASNR) at which these two algorithms are able to resolve two closely spaced transmitters along the Cox and the Sharman and Durrani criteria are given. It is proved that the threshold ASNRs given by the conventional MUSIC algorithm do not depend on the distribution of the sources including their noncircularity, in contrast to the noncircular MUSIC algorithm for which they are very sensitive to the noncircularity phase separation of the sources. This threshold ASNR given by the noncircular MUSIC algorithm is proven to be comfortably lower than that given by the conventional MUSIC algorithm except for weak phase separations of the sources for which the resolving powers of these two algorithms are very close. Finally, these results are analyzed through several illustrations and Monte Carlo simulations.
Adsorption of ethyl alcohol on silica gel

This work utilizes the developments of the foregoing paper (10) to analyze adsorption data, in the form of breakthrough curves, for ethyl alcohol on silica gel at 90° to 155°C. It was found that for the smallest particle size, and in the lower part of the temperature range, the overall rate was determined by the surface adsorption process. At other conditions intraparticle diffusion was also a significant resistance in the overall process. The theoretical breakthrough curves agreed well with the experimental ones, so that the surface rate constant and diffusivity could be calculated. Analysis of the diffusivity results showed that surface migration on the pore walls was the predominant contribution rather than gas-phase diffusion in the pore volume.
Global analysis of TDP-43 interacting proteins reveals strong association with RNA splicing and translation machinery.

TDP-43 is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family of proteins. Recently, TDP-43 was shown to be a major disease protein in the ubiquitinated inclusions characteristic of most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), tau-negative frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and inclusion body myopathy. In these diseases, TDP-43 is redistributed from its predominantly nuclear location to ubiquitin-positive, cytoplasmic foci. The extent to which TDP-43 drives pathophysiology is unknown, but the identification of mutations in TDP-43 in familial forms of ALS and FTLD-U suggests an important role for this protein in pathogenesis. Little is known about TDP-43 function and only a few TDP-43 interacting proteins have been previously identified, which makes further insight into both the normal and pathological functions of TDP-43 difficult. Here we show, via a global proteomic approach, that TDP-43 has extensive interaction with proteins t...
An efficient numerical interface between FDTD and Haar MRTD-formulation and applications

A hybrid finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)/Haar multiresolution time-domain (MRTD) technique for the time-domain analysis of microwave structures is proposed in this paper. The salient features of the presented algorithm are, first, its inherent stability that stems from the matching of the dispersion properties of FDTD and Haar MRTD and, second, its applicability to arbitrarily high wavelet order MRTD schemes. Thus, the application of the MRTD technique to the modeling of open structures and inhomogeneous circuit geometries is facilitated. In particular, the straightforward implementation of perfectly matched layer type and Mur's absorbing boundary conditions is attained. The fact that the proposed interface involves no spatial or temporal interpolations or extrapolations indicates its potential to efficiently connect FDTD and Haar MRTD.
Separation of transitions with two quantum jumps from cascades

We consider the general scenario of an excited level |i> of a quantum system that can decay via two channels: (i) via a single-quantum jump to an intermediate, resonant level |m>, followed by a second single-quantum jump to a final level |f>, and (ii) via a two-quantum transition to a final level |f>. Cascade processes |i>->|m>->|f> and two-quantum transitions |i>->|m>->|f> compete (in the latter case, |m> can be both a nonresonant as well as a resonant level). General expressions are derived within second-order time-dependent perturbation theory, and the cascade contribution is identified. When the one-quantum decay rates of the virtual states are included into the complex resonance energies that enter the propagator denominator, it is found that the second-order decay rate contains the one-quantum decay rate of the initial state as a lower-order term. For atomic transitions, this implies that the differential-in-energy two-photon transition rate with complex resonance energies in the propagator denominators can be used to good accuracy even in the vicinity of resonance poles.
Formation of extinction sets in monkeys

Discrimination-sophisticated Old World monkeys received 108 two-choice problems, each containing 4 to 8 discrimination trials followed by 4 extinction trials for four animals and by 10 extinction trials for four animals. Following this, they received 108 additional problems with extinction trial length reversed. With 10 extinction trials per problem, an orderly increase in the efficiency of extinction occurred, with one-trial extinction occurring in a large proportion of problems. Virtually no tendency to extinguish occurred with four extinction trials per problem. There was a marked increase in responses to the formerly negative stimulus on the second extinction trials.
Multi-Faceted Post-Transcriptional Functions of HIV-1 Rev

Post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 gene expression is largely governed by the activities of the viral Rev protein. In this minireview, the multiple post-transcriptional activities of Rev in the export of partially spliced and unspliced HIV-1 RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, in the translation of HIV-1 transcripts, and in the packaging of viral genomic RNAs are reviewed in brief.
Effect of Na2O/K2O Ratio on Chemical Durability of Alkali‐Lime‐Silica Glasses

The chemical resistance of mixed-alkali glasses to water was measured by determining the sodium, potassium, calcium, and silicon ions extracted instead of evaluating it from the alkalinity of the mixed-alkali extracts. In glasses of the composition K2O and Na2O 18, CaO 10, and SiO2 72% the minimum extraction of alkali (maximum durability) occurred for a K2O/-Na2O ratio of 2.6/1.0 (by weight). Based on an ionic-composition analysis of the results, an empirical index is suggested for determining the relative degree of ion-exchange and network-breakdown modes of reactions that occur when such mixed-alkali glasses are attacked by water.
Application of hyperspectral vegetation indices to detect variations in high leaf area index temperate shrub thicket canopies

Abstract Accurate measurement of leaf area index (LAI), an important characteristic of plant canopies directly linked to primary production, is essential for monitoring changes in ecosystem C stocks and other ecosystem level fluxes. Direct measurement of LAI is labor intensive, impractical at large scales and does not capture seasonal or annual variations in canopy biomass. The need to monitor canopy related fluxes across landscapes makes remote sensing an attractive technique for estimating LAI. Many vegetation indices, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tend to saturate at LAI levels > 4 although tropical and temperate forested ecosystems often exceed that threshold. Using two monospecific shrub thickets as model systems, we evaluated the potential of a variety of algorithms specifically developed to improve accuracy of LAI estimates in canopies where LAI exceeds saturation levels for other indices. We also tested the potential of indices developed to detect variations in canopy chlorophyll to estimate LAI because of the direct relationship between total canopy chlorophyll content and LAI. Indices were evaluated based on data from direct (litterfall) and indirect measurements (LAI-2000) of LAI. Relationships between results of direct and indirect ground-sampling techniques were also evaluated. For these two canopies, the indices that showed the highest potential to accurately differentiate LAI values > 4 were derivative indices based on red-edge spectral reflectance. Algorithms intended to improve accuracy at high LAI values in agricultural systems were insensitive when LAI exceeded 4 and offered little or no improvement over NDVI. Furthermore, indirect ground-sampling techniques often used to evaluate the potential of vegetation indices also saturate when LAI exceeds 4. Comparisons between hyperspectral vegetation indices and a saturated LAI value from indirect measurement may overestimate accuracy and sensitivity of some vegetation indices in high LAI communities. We recommend verification of indirect measurements of LAI with direct destructive sampling or litterfall collection, particularly in canopies with high LAI.
Incidental Pancreatic Cysts: Do We Really Know What We Are Watching?

Background: Most cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNPs) are incidentally discovered. Their management continues to be debated and preoperative diagnosis is often inaccurate. <i&
Nanoparticles and Nanowires for Cellular Engineering

The sections in this article are Introduction Biological Opportunities at the Nanoscale Nanostructures and Cells Nanoparticle and Nanowire Synthesis for Biological Systems Nanoparticle Synthesis Nanowire Synthesis Surface Passivation Strategies Bioconjugation Conjugation Strategies to Promote Non-specific Cellular Affinity Biomolecular Recognition Conjugation Strategies for Antibody-mediated Recognition Conjugation Strategies for Protein- and Peptide-mediated Recognition Toxicity (see also Volume 5 of this Series) Nanostructures to Modify Cell Adhesion and Migration Cell Adhesion at the Nanoscale Cell Adhesion and Nanoscale Physical Topography Cell Adhesion and Nanoscale Chemical Patterns Cytoskeletal Manipulation Future Applications of Nanostructures for Cell Adhesion and Migration Future Physical Nanostructures for Cell Adhesion Future Chemical Patterns for Cell Adhesion Active Investigation of the Cytoskeleton Nanostructure Cellular Entry Biology of Molecular Delivery Nanostructure Endocytotic Delivery Other Methods of Cellular Entry Nanoparticle Intracellular Sensing Semiconductor Quantum Dots Magnetic Nanoparticles Future Directions Nanostructure Intracellular Delivery Intracellular Sensing Intracellular Transport of Nanostructures Biology of Intracellular Transport Actin-based Nanostructure Transport Microtubule-based Nanostructure Transport Future Directions Biomolecule Delivery Using Nanostructures Biology of Controlled Delivery Drug Delivery Gene Therapy Drug Delivery Cell Targeting In Vivo Drug Delivery for Cancer Treatment Gene Therapy Silica Nanocarriers Gold Nanocarriers Magnetic Nanocarriers Future Directions Drug Delivery Gene Therapy Protein Manipulation Biology of Protein Manipulation Manipulation of Free Proteins: Enzymes Manipulation of Bound Proteins: Receptors and Ion Channels Future Directions Summary and Conclusions Summary Conclusions
Regulation of cloned ATP-sensitive K channels by adenine nucleotides and sulfonylureas: interactions between SUR1 and positively charged domains on Kir6.2.

KATP channels, comprised of the pore-forming protein Kir6.x and the sulfonylurea receptor SURx, are regulated in an interdependent manner by adenine nucleotides, PIP2, and sulfonylureas. To gain insight into these interactions, we investigated the effects of mutating positively charged residues in Kir6.2, previously implicated in the response to PIP2, on channel regulation by adenine nucleotides and the sulfonylurea glyburide. Our data show that the Kir6.2 “PIP2-insensitive” mutants R176C and R177C are not reactivated by MgADP after ATP-induced inhibition and are also insensitive to glyburide. These results suggest that R176 and R177 are required for functional coupling to SUR1, which confers MgADP and sulfonylurea sensitivity to the KATP channel. In contrast, the R301C and R314C mutants, which are also “PIP2-insensitive,” remained sensitive to stimulation by MgADP in the absence of ATP and were inhibited by glyburide. Based on these findings, as well as previous data, we propose a model of the KATP channel whereby in the presence of ATP, the R176 and R177 residues on Kir6.2 form a specific site that interacts with NBF1 bound to ATP on SUR1, promoting channel opening by counteracting the inhibition by ATP. This interaction is facilitated by binding of MgADP to NBF2 and blocked by binding of sulfonylureas to SUR1. In the absence of ATP, since KATP channels are not blocked by ATP, they do not require the counteracting effect of NBF1 interacting with R176 and R177 to open. Nevertheless, channels in this state remain activated by MgADP. This effect may be explained by a direct stimulatory interaction of NBF2/MgADP moiety with another region of Kir6.2 (perhaps the NH2 terminus), or by NBF2/MgADP still promoting a weak interaction between NBF1 and Kir6.2 in the absence of ATP. The region delimited by R301 and R314 is not involved in the interaction with NBF1 or NBF2, but confers additional PIP2 sensitivity.
The self-segregation of Asians and Hispanics: The role of assimilation and racial prejudice

This study examines the predictors that determine Asians’ and Hispanics’ preferences for living in ethnically homogeneous communities. I hypothesize that individuals who have low socioeconomic status, are less acculturated, and have greater ethnic affiliation with co-ethnics are more likely to prefer living in a co-ethnic neighborhood. The findings show that the lack of English ability is one of the most important predictors of preferring a co-ethnic community among both Asians and Hispanics. Another striking result that emerges from the analysis is that the race of the neighbors is the most important influence on preferences for living in co-ethnic neighborhoods.
Religious outlook and students’ attitudes towards school science

Science and religion both describe the way things are, and both refer to the source of authority behind ‘truth’. Personal beliefs about science and religion can affect attitudes towards science and the learning of science. This paper reports the results of two exploratory studies: a qualitative study and a quantitative survey study on the interactions between scientific and religious ideas, particularly the influence of descriptive and authoritarian beliefs on attitudinal differences among academic and social groups of high school students from a Hindu Himalayan region of India. These beliefs are not domain dependent and are less likely to be affected by an increased emphasis on the nature of science in school curriculum.
Centrin-2 is required for centriole duplication in mammalian cells.

Abstract Background: Centrosomes are the favored microtubule-organizing framework of eukaryotic cells. Centrosomes contain a pair of centrioles that normally duplicate once during the cell cycle to give rise to two mitotic spindle poles, each containing one old and one new centriole. However, aside from their role as an anchor point for pericentriolar material and as basal bodies of flagella and cilia, the functional attributes of centrioles remain enigmatic. Results: Here, using RNA interference, we demonstrate that "knockdown" of centrin-2, a protein of centrioles, results in failure of centriole duplication during the cell cycle in HeLa cells. Following inhibition of centrin-2 synthesis, the preexisting pair of centrioles separate, and functional bipolar spindles form with only one centriole at each spindle pole. Centriole dilution results from the ensuing cell division, and daughter cells are "born" with only a single centriole. Remarkably, these unicentriolar daughter cells may complete a second and even third bipolar mitosis in which spindle microtubules converge onto unusually broad spindle poles and in which cell division results in daughter cells containing either one or no centrioles at all. Cells thus denuded of the mature or both centrioles fail to undergo cytokinesis in subsequent cell cycles, give rise to multinucleate products, and finally die. Conclusions: These results demonstrate a requirement for centrin in centriole duplication and demonstrate that centrioles play a role in organizing spindle pole morphology and in the completion of cytokinesis.
Hemagglutination and Its Inhibition

If antigens on the surface of erythrocytes react with their homologous antibodies, agglutination of the red blood cells will be observed. This hemagglutination may be inhibited if isolated antigens of the erythrocyte membrane are first incubated with the antiserum. This will block the receptor sites of the antibodies, thus inhibiting their capacity to cause hemagglutination.
Chapter 28 Cyclic AMP in Regulation of Renal Transport: Some Basic Unsolved Questions

Publisher Summary Transport across epithelial membranes in kidney and other transporting epithelia is mostly under hormonal control, which exerts their effect mediated by cyclic nucleotides—namely, cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This chapter provides evidence for the role of cAMP as a second messenger and the potential function of cAMP as an intercellular mediator in the kidney and argues that mammalian kidneys are not all equal. Basic experimental criteria for establishing the role of cAMP as a second messenger for a given hormone—for example, the hormone should stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in a cell-free preparation from the target tissue—are given. Many hormonal agents, besides vasopressin (VP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), have been shown to influence renal cAMP formation, thereby suggesting the role of cAMP as a second messenger; however, the link to their respective functions is still missing. In most instances the effects of cAMP are confined to the interior of the cell in which it is synthesized, and cAMP, which enters the extracellular fluids from cells and tissues via either passive diffusion out of the cell or active extrusion, is not expected to have a functional effect on other cells. Knowledge of the differences between man and the various species of animals may be of practical importance by preventing results obtained from one experimental animal model from being applied to the specific functions of mammalian kidney. Thus, the existence of species differences in the cellular mechanism of hormone action on renal transport may provide unexpectedly important information on the mechanism of how individual nephron subsegments contribute to overall kidney function.
Secure and privacy preserving data processing support for active authentication

Keystroke dynamics and mouse movements are effective behavioral biometric modalities for active authentication. However, very little is done on the privacy of collection and transmission of keyboard and mouse data. In this paper, we develop a rule based data sanitization scheme to detect and remove personally identifiable and other sensitive information from the collected data set. Preliminary experiments show that our scheme incurs on average 5.69 % false negative error rate and 0.64 % false positive error rate. We also develop a data transmission scheme using the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) to guarantee privacy during transmission. Using these two schemes as a basis, we develop two distinct architectures for providing secure and privacy preserving data processing support for active authentication. These architectures provide flexibility of use depending upon the application environment.
Occupational Lead Exposure and Strabismus in Offspring: A Case-Control Study

The authors conducted a population-based case-control study to investigate the association between strabismus and parental occupational lead exposure. Cases were children diagnosed with nonrestrictive strabismus between 1985 and 1986 at Baltimore, Maryland-area pediatric ophthalmology practices and clinics (n = 377). Controls were matched for age and hospital of birth (n = 377). Jobs held by parents were assessed for lead exposure by industrial hygienists. The time window for lead exposure was defined as the period from conception through age 9 months. The unadjusted odds ratio for maternal lead exposure and the esotropic form of strabismus was 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-27). Unadjusted odds ratios for paternal occupational lead exposure and esotropia were 1.0 (95% CI 0.5-2.1) for low exposure, 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.3) for moderate exposure, and 1.2 (95% CI 0.4-3.3) for high exposure. The study results suggest the possibility of a weak association between paternal lead exposure and strabismus in offspring.
Autonomy and Blameworthiness

Certain cases emphatically motivate the view that personal autonomy — autonomy as self-government — is a necessary condition of moral blameworthiness. The cases, that is, suggest that one cannot be morally blameworthy for performing an action unless one is autonomous with respect to that action, or one is autonomous with respect to the motivational underpinnings (the desires perhaps) that figure in the etiology of the action. Here is a typical, fanciful example. Unbeknownst to Bond, a minute electronic device has been implanted in his brain. Maxine can use the device to induce desires or intentions in Bond without her electronic manipulations being ‘felt’ or detected by Bond. Suppose Maxine implants in Bond a powerful desire to kill Oskar, a distant associate of Bond, together with the belief that the desire is irresistible. Though the electronically induced desire is not in fact irresistible, Bond could resist it only with a great deal of difficulty and only at the expense of suffering considerable psychological damage; Bond, to his astonishment, acts on this desire and does away with Oskar. This case (call it ‘Secret Agent’) is one in which Bond, it appears, is not morally blameworthy for killing Oskar. According to one strand of thought, the judgment that Bond is not blameworthy rests squarely on the view that Bond acts on a desire that is not truly his own;1 Bond is not his own master with respect to the implanted desire that causes him to kill Oskar.
Abstract 52: Brainstem Infarction is Associated with Sleep Apnea: The BASIC Sleep Project

Background: Despite hypotheses that brainstem infarction is associated with sleep apnea (SA), no specific site of infarction has been associated with post-stroke SA in existing studies, which have been relatively small. Within a larger, population-based study, we assessed the association between infarction location and SA presence and severity. Methods: Ischemic stroke patients in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project had SA screening performed (median 13 days after stroke) with a validated portable respiratory monitor (ApneaLink Plus) (n=355). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was used to measure SA severity; SA was defined conservatively as an AHI ≥10. Acute infarction location was determined based on review of CT and MRI reports by board-certified neurologists and dichotomized into brainstem involvement or none. Logistic and linear regression models were used to test the associations between brainstem involvement and SA or AHI in unadjusted and adjusted models. Results: Median ag...
Some Thoughts on Dean Nancy B. Rapoport's is 'Thinking Like a Lawyer' Really What We Want to Teach?

Are law schools failing the profession by not incorporating “skills,” in the broadest sense of the word, throughout the curriculum? And if we are failing the profession, are we not then failing the clients whom our graduates will represent and serve? To a large extent, I agree with Dean Rapoport’s analysis that traditional legal education has placed greater emphasis on “thinking” like a lawyer rather than “doing” like a lawyer, leaving the practical training to the law firms and practicing bar. Even though I share many of her views about the limits of traditional legal education, I believe that law schools have changed significantly in the more than twenty years I have been involved in legal education—and even more so in the thirty years since I graduated from law school. However, if law schools are to do even more in skills training, then they must change the composition of their faculties and the content of their courses. The meaning of “thinking like a lawyer” has expanded over time. We expect lawyers to have a wider variety of mental abilities in addition to the analytical skills Dean Rapoport has described. Today, thinking like a lawyer probably includes problem solving and strategic thinking. In my view, it also includes the ability to analyze, organize, and explain, either orally or in writing, large amounts of complex information. Our increasingly complex society requires lawyers to deal with huge quantities of information. (Hence, the new legal specialty of “complex commercial litigation”—with the emphasis on complex.) Traditional law school courses, with their heavy reading loads and all-or-nothing final exams, may effectively teach this skill to at least some of our students. Whether and to what extent faculty members have expanded the content of their courses to include the other mental abilities that Dean Rapoport describes is unclear to me. Dean Rapoport identifies several reasons why law schools continue to adhere to the “thinking” rather than “doing” model. Of the reasons that she offers in her paper, I think the self-replicating nature of law school faculties is the primary explanation. Law school faculties and their hiring committees largely choose people just like themselves (very good grades at a top-rated law
An Epidemic of Downy Mildew caused by Peronospora destructor on Vidalia Sweet Onions in Georgia in 2012

The first reported occurrence of onion downy mildew (ODM) on Vidalia sweet onions in Georgia was in 1999. Although the disease is not common every year, two epidemics have occurred since 1999. The ...
Concurrent SPECT/PET-CT imaging as a method for tracking adoptively transferred T-cells in vivo

The ability of T-cells to traffic to and penetrate tumors impacts the clinical efficacy of T-cell therapy therefore methods to track transferred T-cells in vivo are needed. In this preliminary report, we evaluated the use of concurrent SPECT/PET-CT imaging to monitor the egress of HER-2/neu specific T-cells in a breast cancer patient with extensive bone-only metastatic disease. Indium (In-111) labeled T-cells demonstrated similar or greater viability than unlabeled T-cells at either a low or high dose of In-111 over a 24-h incubation period in vitro. The function of labeled or unlabeled T-cells was not significantly different (p > 0.05) at either dose. T-cells trafficked to all sites of metastatic disease and infiltrated the tumor as assessed by SPECT imaging. In-111 uptake at 24 h after infusion varied from 3.8 (right proximal humerus) to 6.3 (right sacrum) background corrected counts per pixel and remained elevated at 48 h. Concurrent PET-CT imaging demonstrated a fluorodeoxyglucose flare, measured by increase in tumor site uptake as high as 32 % and at most sites of disease at 48 h. This flare was associated with focal pain after T-cell infusion at metastatic sites. The patient had stable disease for 18 months after completion of T-cell therapy. Concurrent SPECT/PET-CT imaging, over a 48-h period after T-cell infusion, provided evidence of T-cell homing to all disease sites as well as a tumor metabolism flare response. This technique may be useful for monitoring T-cell trafficking after autologous as well as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell infusion. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00791037 , registered 13 November 2008.
Epidemiological analysis of non-occupational pesticide poisoning in Huaian City, 2007-2013

Objective To understand the features and reasons of the non-occupational pesticide poisoning in Huaian City, so as to provide scientific evidences for developing effective measures of controlling and reducing occurrence of pesticides poisoning.Methods The data of cases from 2007 to 2013 in Huaian City were collected from health hazard surveillance system. The database was imported into Microsoft Excel, and the differences of the case fatality rate between different poisoning types, gender, years, and quarters were analyzed by SPSS17.0. Results From 2007 to 2013, there were a total of 2219 cases of non-occupational pesticide poisoning, among which, 142 patients died. The case fatality rate was 6.40%. Female patients accounted for the majority, and the average age was 41.90 years old, while 20-60 years old patients accounted for 70.30%. The peak period of poisoning was between July and September. 68.86% of the poisoning patients were caused by pesticides. Conclusion The non-occupational pesticide poisoning is a serious problem in Huaian City. The relevant department should strengthen the supervision and inspection on pesticides, and promote safety knowledge of using pesticide, and strengthen rescue measures of pesticide poisoning to formulate effective control countermeasure.
Impacts of Cattle Grazing of Corn Residues on Soil Properties after 16 Years

Corn (Zea mays L.) residue grazing can be an important component of crop–livestock systems, but its long-term impacts on soil properties are not well understood. Some producers are concerned that residue grazing can induce soil compaction and reduce crop yields. We assessed the 16-yr cumulative effect of cattle grazing of corn residues on soil compaction, structural quality, soil C, fertility, and microbial communities and studied their correlations with corn and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield in a sprinkler-irrigated no-till corn–soybean system on a Tomek silt loam in eastern Nebraska. Three treatments were studied: (i) fall grazing [4.4–6.2 animal unit-months (AUM) ha–¹], (ii) spring grazing (9.3–13.0 AUM ha–¹), and (iii) control (no grazing). Cattle grazing did not affect bulk density, wet soil aggregate stability, particulate organic matter, soil organic C, and nutrients except Ca and S. Spring grazing increased the cone index (soil compaction parameter) by 1.3 to 3.4 times relative to the control, but fall grazing had no effect. The increase in soil compaction caused by spring grazing was below the threshold limit (≤2 MPa) and did not reduce corn and soybean yields. Although grazing had a positive effect on the biomass of most microbial groups, the results were not significant, except for actinomycetes, which increased with residue grazing (p = 0.06). Overall, long-term corn residue grazing had little or no effect on soil properties and the small changes did not affect crop yields.
Automatic Methods for Online Review Classification: An Empirical Investigation of Review Usefulness—An Abstract

In recent years, academic and practitioner interest in consumer-generated online reviews (OCR) has increased. One of the potential reasons for such growth in interest is their categorization as a valuable source of information for consumers making buying decisions online (e.g., Archak et al. 2011).
Use of Sitagliptin With Closed-Loop Technology to Decrease Postprandial Blood Glucose in Type 1 Diabetes.

Background:Postprandial hyperglycemia poses a challenge to closed-loop systems. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, like sitagliptin, reduce postprandial glucose concentrations in patients w...
Differential function of VDR in the presence or absence of its ligand in breast cancer cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3807 Previous studies in the literature including our own have shown that CYP24, a target gene of VDR is upregulated when the cells are incubated with vitamin D and the receptor is liganded. The present study focused on the functional role of unliganded VDR by investigating the correlation between VDR protein-expression and basal mRNA expression level of CYP24 in breast cancer cell lines. Analysis of multiple breast cancer cell lines using western blot and quantitative RT-PCR techniques demonstrates the reverse correlation of VDR protein expression and CYP24 mRNA expression level. In MCF-7 cells, immunofluorescent staining shows that VDR is distributed in the nuclei in the absence of ligand and appears to be functional. VDR overexpression by transfection of VDR expression plasmid in MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB231 cells significantly decreased CYP24 mRNA expression levels, while knock-down of VDR using siRNA technique in MCF-7 and T47D cells significantly increased CYP24 mRNA expression. Through co-transfection of VDR expression plasmid and CYP24 promoter -reporter construct in MCF-7 cells, we also found that overexpression of VDR with a polymorphic site (FokI-FF) at its AF-1 domain which makes VDR shorter by three amino acids failed to repress CYP24 promoter activity. In addition, TSA (histone deacetylation inhibitor) treatment of MDA-MB231 cells decreased CYP24 mRNA expression by 37%; ChiP assay demonstrates that TSA treatment increased the binding of VDR to CYP24 promoter region. These results suggest a regulatory role of VDR on the catabolism of vitamin D in breast cancer cells (Supported by R03 CA121365 (XP) and R01 CA82316 (RGM)).
Geospatial analysis of nonmedical vaccine exemptions and pertussis outbreaks in the United States

Because of increased numbers of recorded pertussis cases in the United States, this study sought to understand the role of nonmedical vaccine exemptions and waning immunity may have had on the resurgence of pertussis in the United States at the community level. We used geospatial scan statistics, SaTScan, version 9.4, to analyze nonmedical vaccine exemptions of children entering kindergarten in 2011 and 2012 and reported pertussis cases in 2012 for children in age groups 5 years and younger and 10 to 14 years. Eight statistically significant clusters of nonmedical vaccine exemptions in kindergarteners and 11 statistically significant clusters of pertussis cases in children and adolescents were identified and geospatially linked. Forty-five percent of the counties in the study had high rates of nonmedical vaccine exemptions. The proportion of kindergarteners with nonmedical vaccine exemptions was 2.8 times larger in the identified exemption clusters. In addition, 31 counties had geographic clusters of high rates of pertussis in children ages 10 to 14 years old, consistent with waning immunity. Our findings are consistent with the view that geographic clusters of nonmedical vaccine exemptions and waning immunity may have been factors contributing to community-level pertussis outbreaks.
The Participants in the Academic Promotion Process: Roles and Responsibilities

The process for academic promotion involves several individuals and committees both within the applicant’s academic department and in other units of the medical school. Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of the different individuals and groups involved helps applicants to access resources, direct questions to the most appropriate individuals, and prepare materials more effectively and efficiently.
Muscular and functional performance measurement is reduced in elderly after total hip arthroplasty: an observational study

Objectives To evaluate the functional and isokinetic muscular performance of the elderly after total and unilateral hip arthroplasty due to hip osteoarthritis OA Methods Twenty elderly with total hip arthroplasty THA and a matched control group were included Isokinetic muscular performance Biodex and gait speeds were measured GAITRite reg THA group completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index WOMAC questionnaire Results There were no differences between non operated and operated legs Significant differences between groups were evident for hip abduction p le knee flexion p le and knee extension p le movements At the fast gait speed statistical significant effects between groups were observed THA m s Control m s p THA elderly group showed lower scores in pain plusmn stiffness plusmn and function plusmn in WOMAC domains Conclusion Years after THA surgery due to OA the elderly were not restored to the same levels of strength and power of the hip and knee muscles as compared with a matched control group
Hope, Fantasy, and Communication in the ICU: Translating Frameworks into Clinical Practice.

In the target article “From ‘Longshot’ to ‘Fantasy’: Obligations to Patients and Families When Last Ditch Medial Efforts Fail” (Weiss and Fiester 2018), the authors elegantly highlight an important...
Leveraging Web 2.0 technologies to foster collective civic environmental initiatives among low-income urban communities

Abstract There are a number of challenges facing the low-income urban communities living in slums in most of the developing countries such as the Mathare slum. Provision of essential public basic services in the Nairobi slums is lower compared to what is offered to the rest of the City. But, services such as the garbage removal also requires participation of the residents for successful service delivery. The objective of this study was to investigate whether use of Facebook, as a Web 2.0 technology, can support the residents of Mathare slum to actively participate in civic environmental initiatives and to foster community activeness towards civic environmental protection. The study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate the problem. This was achieved through a preliminary survey (700 respondents) to collect data on use of Web 2.0 among the residents of Mathare slum, an experiment with 175 residents, who participated in a community civic environmental initiative using Facebook and a survey to measure continuance intentions on use of Web 2.0 technologies for collective community Web 2.0-mediated activities towards protecting the environment among low-income urban communities. The study constructed and successfully tested a model of Web 2.0 use and online environmental protection initiatives. Use of Web 2.0 technologies for environmental protection emerged as a significant predictor of online social capital, community environmental activeness and continuance intentions to participate in environmental initiatives, while perceived cost negatively moderates the relationship between Web 2.0 use and continuance intentions. Implications and recommendations for policy, practice and research are provided.
Unsticking from time to create a parasitologic amalgamation.

Abstract Parasitology is a relevant and integral part of veterinary medicine, and the WAAVP membership has skills ranging from morphological diagnostics and routine parasite control recommendations through the cutting edges of many disciplines, e.g., pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology and genomics. We regularly face a majority of students who want only the practical information useful the moment they enter the clinics. However, we are preparing them for careers lasting 30–50 years. Thus, we also must help them prepare for their futures. There is a constant squeeze on parasitology in the curricular footprint accompanying a mandatory need to cover the licensure basics. The basic material has stood the test of time, and until the agents are eradicated or the hosts extinct, they have value. But, a critical need is the interweaving of the marvels of modern science into the parasitology regularly presented. Often this has been done with boxes, highlights, or examples within classes or texts, but asides are mentally treated as such. Also, many of those teaching parasitology are unfamiliar with many of the concepts and details of this material, but these same folks remain a grand part of the profession. Also, it is hard to sneak this apparently unwarranted material past the clinically oriented veterinary student. Somehow, WAAVP needs to work with its membership to develop and assist faculty in the presentation of a curriculum that can meld the old and the avant guard into a fusion of tastes and flavours palatable to today’s veterinary student and tomorrow’s practitioner.
Global Harmonization of Securities Laws: The Achievements of the European Communities

The world’s fragmented, sovereign securities markets have been dramatically transcended by the forces of internationalization. Worldwide deregulation has collapsed many of the regulatory barriers to an integrated global marketplace. The most dynamic regulatory evolution has occurred in the European Communities (EC), where, by the year 1992, a single common market is to be achieved. This article provides a comprehensive overview of emergent, supranational corporate and securities regulation in the EC and an analysis of its implications for the continuing globalization of the world’s securities markets. The EC experience indicates that a substantial degree of regulatory harmony can be achieved regionally and globally. However, the author concludes that a European securities regulatory agency may be necessary to promote regulatory harmony through common standards.
Rapid method for detection of Aspergillus 5S ribosomal RNA using a genus-specific oligonucleotide probe.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is present in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Although sequences are conserved, variations in nucleic acid composition are known to be species specific. Formalin or Bouin’s fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 17 cases of culture proven Aspergillus sp infections were studied by a rapid (<30 minutes) in situ hybridization procedure using a biotinylated oligonucleotide DNA probe complementary to nucleic acids 1-22 of Aspergillus sp 5S rRNA sequence. Positivity was noted within fungal organisms in all 17 cases and was identified in both hyphal forms and within fruiting bodies. Signal was weak or absent within the center of Aspergillus abscess cavities with increasing signal located toward the periphery of the cavity, suggesting that rRNA in situ hybridization may detect viable fungal forms. In situ hybridization with the oligonucleotide probe on tissues containing several different organisms including Candida sp, Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis curinii, Pseudallescheria boydii , Fusarium sp, and Mucor were negative. Use of site specific oligonucleotide probes specific for a variety of rRNA sequences may aid in the diagnosis of several medically important bacterial, fungal, and protozoal pathogens.
Soft Error Rate from Planar to FinFETs On Bulk Vs SOI Processes

The Semiconductor scaling from planar to recent 3D Vertical FinFET process, have seen better than expected robustness against soft errors, in addition to significant performance and area scaling. This paper presents the SER scaling trends and comparison between earlier planar sub-micron nodes and FinFETs processes. The SER trends between Bulk Vs SOI processes on FinFET processes are also discussed using SRAM and Logic SER data collected using respective vehicles for comparisons. Also an analytical attempt made to validate if the earlier observed SOI Vs Bulk improvements seen on SER in Planar nodes and the scaling between them is still valid on FinFET processes.
Evaluation of Composted Poultry Litter as a Substrate Amendment for WholeTree, Clean Chip Residual, and Pinebark for Container Grown Woody Nursery Crops

Abstract WholeTree (WT) and clean chip residual (CCR) are potential new nursery substrates that are by-products of the forestry industry containing high wood content. Initial immobilization of nitrogen is one concern when using these new substrates; however the addition of composted poultry litter (CPL) to substrates containing high wood content could balance initial nitrogen immobilization and provide an inexpensive fertilizer source for growers. This study evaluated five woody nursery species being grown in WT, CCR, and pinebark (PB) with the addition of CPL or peat as a substrate amendment. Results indicate that these species can be grown successfully in WT and CCR substrates 6: 1 (by vol) with CPL. Use of CPL in WT and CCR substrates may provide an alternative to traditional PB plus peat based combinations in container plant production while providing poultry producers an environmentally sound means of waste disposal.
In-situ EBSD study on the cube texture evolution in 3 wt% Si steel complemented by ex-situ EBSD experiment — From nucleation to grain growth

Abstract Cube ( { 100 } 〈 001 〉 ) texture in steel sheet is preferable for magnetic applications since the easy magnetization axis 〈 001 〉 is parallel to the rolling and transverse directions which are common magnetic flux directions. Several advanced processes have been proposed to obtain the cube texture, such as severe cold rolling or vacuum annealing all requiring unconventional processing techniques. Here, we report a much simpler processing route leading to a strong cube texture in 3 wt% Si steel, which is based on conventional processing techniques. The cube orientation is developed by means of increasing the grain size before cold rolling. In this manuscript, the mechanism of the creation of the cube oriented grain is described with regards to nucleation and grain growth. Knowledge of the nucleation site of the cube oriented grains, determined by conventional ex-situ electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD), allowed to define the observation area for in-situ heating EBSD measurements to observe where cube oriented grains were formed. The following sequence of cube texture evolution is proposed: (i) grains with cube and near cube orientations are nucleated from fragments of deformed { 411 } 〈 148 〉 grains; (ii) these grains grow inside prior grain boundaries and their coarsening speed is higher than that of other grains with different orientations due to a higher relative grain boundary mobility; (iii) the cube oriented grains start to grow beyond the prior grain boundaries and become dominant due to the size effect. Nuclei for cube orientations were experimentally observed and an equation is derived to predict the relative grain bounday mobility as a function of misorientation angle and temperature.