cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health status and awareness of chronic disease among residents in Xiaoshan

Objective To know about the awareness and attitude of chronic disease(NCD)among residents in Xiaoshan,in order to improve measures of disease control and prevention.Methods Stratified random sampling method was used.A total of 250 residents of 15～69 years old were investigated with questionnaires and measured of height and weight.ResultsThe perceived health statuses were proved to have significant differences among residents of different sex,age,education and their physical health levels were not ideal in general.The rates of examination of blood pressure,blood sugar and serum lipid were high.The harm of the NCD was widely awared of but only more than 20% of the hyperlipidemia patients took medications.The mobidity rates of hypertension,diabetes and hyperlipidemia were higher in overweight population than in normal people but the cognition of the obesity was low.Conclusion Through community-management,the awareness of the NCD has improved.We should enlarge the kinds of diseases managed to improve the perceived health status of people.
Photonic Orbital Angular Momentum in Turbulence: Three Experiments at Starfire Optical Range

The results of three experiments sampling distinctly different conditions for turbulence-induced photonic orbital angular momentum are compared and contrasted.
Accessibility is Becoming Mainstream

Since 1976, when California State University Northridge (CSUN) began its Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, there have been specialized conferences with an accessibility theme. The first ACM ASSETS Conference was held in 1994 when 22 papers were presented. The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) began its conference in 1979. The first biennial International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (under a different name) was held in 1988. Accessibility focused journals have existed since at least 1986. This history demonstrates that accessibility has grown into a separate field in research and practice. While this is true, more and more, accessibility has become mainstream. The mainstreaming of accessibility can be seen in its integration into academic computing departments, HCI conferences, and conferences in supporting fields such as computer vision and natural language processing. Most importantly, accessibility can be seen in products and services provided by mainstream industry. One early example of this is the standardization of closed captioning for television. We now have built-in screen readers for iOS and Android devices and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are being supplemented by lower cost AAC apps on mainstream touchscreen tablets. Technologies like video chat, personal texting, speech recognition, optical character recognition, and speech synthesis have their roots in solving accessibility problems. Slowly, accessibility is moving into the academic curriculum in computing departments [1]. Web design and development courses are starting to cover accessibility in the WCAG 2.0 and ARIA standards. There are capstone courses that focus on accessibility at several universities. There will always be a need for specialized accessibility related devices and services, but moving forward accessibility will be provided by mainstream companies and accessibility solutions will become valuable to everyone, disabled or not. Mainstream technology companies are asking for more people with disabilities to join their diverse workforces.
Pseudo-direct sums and wreath products of loose-coherent algebras with applications to coherent configurations

Abstract We introduce the notion of a loose-coherent algebra, which is a special semisimple subalgebra of the matrix algebra, and define two operations to obtain new loose-coherent algebras from the old ones: the pseudo-direct sum and the wreath product. For two arbitrary coherent configurations C , D and their wreath product C ≀ D , it is difficult to express the Terwilliger algebra T ( x , y ) ( C ≀ D ) in terms of the Terwilliger algebras T x ( C ) and T y ( D ) . By using the concept and operations of loose-coherent algebras, we find a very simple such expression. As a direct consequence of this expression, we obtain the central primitive idempotents of T ( x , y ) ( C ≀ D ) in terms of the central primitive idempotents of T x ( C ) and T y ( D ) . Many results in [4] , [6] , [10] , [12] are special cases of the results in this paper.
Two Stable Modes of Southern Ocean Winter Stratification

Abstract The Southern Ocean is responsible for most of the world ocean's deep water characteristics. Cold Southern Ocean water masses are produced as buoyancy is removed by the polar atmosphere, usually in association with sea ice formation. Great amounts of sea ice formed within coastal polynyas are continually swept away by coastal winds, exposing the ocean surface to the cold antarctic atmosphere and further ice formation. Salt rejection forms dense shelf water masses, a key ingredient of Antarctic Bottom Water. In recent years a greater appreciation of winter processes over the deep ocean had developed. The extensive winter sea ice cover of the Southern Ocean is limited in its thickness by mixed layer entrainment of relatively warm and salty deep water. The same processes quickly disposes of the ice cover in the austral Spring. A network of negative feedbacks produces quickly disposes of the ice cover in the austral Spring. A network of negative feedbacks produces a relatively stable but thin veneer of sea ice. The sea ice cover and ocean static stability are maintained by salinity: this is referred to as the saline mode. The saline mode can be upset. The Weddell Polynya of the mid-1970's is a dramatic example of another stable mode. In the polynya condition the ocean stratification is destroyed and vigorous convection persists, eliminating the sea ice cover. This configuration is driven by the temperature instability and is referred to as the thermal mode. The conversion of the saline mode of the thermal mode requires the mixed layer salinity to become sufficiently high to force free convection with the deep water. It is unlikely that the Winter can be cold or long enough to force this conversion. Enhanced wind-induced sea ice divergence could accomplish this task, though that is difficult to reconcile a localized atmospheric effect with the repeated occurrences of small site specific polynyas. It is likely that the formation of offshore polynyas is driven by ocean processes, perhaps associated with circulation interaction with bottom topography. The persistent Weddell Polynya of the mid-1970s altered the thermohaline stratification of the water column to 3000 meters. Smaller, recurring polynyas observed since then are likely associated with sporadic convection events. These events slightly alter thermohaline stratification by injection low salinity water into the mid-water column.
Infusing Visual Programming and Interactive Learning to Teach an Introductory Programming Course with Positive Learning Outcomes: (Abstract Only)

A core challenge in introductory programming courses during the freshmen year is getting students to understand how a static textual representation (source code) maps to a highly dynamic process (program execution). Most students nowadays are visual learners who learn programming concept better through web-based visual and interactive learning instead of learning from traditional black board lecturing styles. This presentation will report our experience with positive learning outcomes in teaching an introductory programming course in Python by using a dynamic visual programming development environment based on flow-charts (RAPTOR) and active learning with an interactive eBook (zyBook). In this study, eleven sections of COSC 111 were included over three semesters as control and experimental groups. Analysis showed a marginally significant difference (F (1,5) = 5.87; p = 0.060) between sections taught via the traditional method and sections taught with the proposed pedagogical innovation. We also found that there are statistically significant positive correlations in between uses of the interactive book (eBook) and performances of students in tests. To add to our understanding of what students were experiencing, we also administered a survey to students at the end of the course. Regarding learning styles and tools, survey result showed that the eBook was helpful in understanding programming concepts (71.5%), that the instant feedback that the online book provided was helpful (82.9%), that the class discussion and interaction were helpful (85.7%). Overall, it seems that the proposed pedagogical approaches have made a positive difference by increasing student motivation and engagement, and reducing failure rates.
Resistance as a Problem for Practice and Theory

“Resistance” is one of the most problematic and potentially counterproductive concepts in the entire field of psychotherapy. It is at the same time one of the most crucial, pointing toward perhaps the single most important factor—or, more accurately, set of factors—in determining the success or failure of the therapeutic enterprise. Drawing on the articles by Davis and Hollon, Prochaska and Prochaska, Reid, and Eagle in this issue, as well as on the author's own perspective, this paper explores this seeming contradiction in order to point toward an integrative resolution of the differing perspectives on resistance and related phenomena.
The Other Side of Callitrichine Gummivory

Gummivory is rare among mammals. Within primates, however, there are species from many different taxa that feed on gums and other plant exudates (Nash, 1986). Why primates appear to be predisposed to gummivory is an intriguing question. Gum would not be considered an intrinsically high quality food. It is difficult to obtain and presumed to be difficult to digest (Van Soest, 1982). It generally contains little protein, no fat and no vitamins. Gums can contain tannins, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals that have potential adverse effects for animals that ingest them (Wrangham and Waterman, 1981; Nash and Whitten, 1989). Gums do provide complex carbohydrates, and often contain significant quantities of nutritionally important minerals. But on balance, gums would not appear to be particularly good food.
Microbubble Drag Reduction on an Axisymmetric Body under an Applied Axial Pressure Gradient

The influence of both a favorable and unfavorable axial pressure gradient on the reduction of skin friction drag on a 87 mm diameter microbubble body has been studied at the 12-inch diameter water tunnel at ARL Penn State. The unfavorable gradient separated the flow at approach speeds above 4.6 m/s. The gas flow rate at which separation ensued was roughly independent of tunnel speed. The favorable pressure gradient was found to inhibit the drag reduction mechanism substantially.
Games crafters play

In this paper, we seek to extend the definition and scope of discourse surrounding creative games and play by looking outside the communities traditionally represented in the conception of "gamer" and game studies. Through an examination of games popular in craft communities, particularly that of the textile craft spaces dominated by women, we propose a new model for merging craft play with existing representations and understanding of "craft" and craft systems as a part of gaming. Drawing upon the community-oriented, challenge-centered models we discuss in this paper, we offer potential avenues for game designers to pursue inclusive, feminist design and rethinking creative modalities of play.
ARGONAUT-I: Activity of Cefiderocol (S-649266), a Siderophore Cephalosporin, against Gram-Negative Bacteria, Including Carbapenem-Resistant Nonfermenters and Enterobacteriaceae with Defined Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases and Carbapenemases

The activity of the siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol is targeted against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the activity of cefiderocol against characterized carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae strains was determined by microdilution in iron-depleted Mueller-Hinton broth. The MIC90s against A. baumannii, S. maltophilia, and P. aeruginosa were 1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/liter, respectively. Against Enterobacteriaceae, the MIC90 was 1 mg/liter for the group harboring OXA-48-like, 2 mg/liter for the group harboring KPC-3, and 8 mg/liter for the group harboring TEM/SHV ESBL, NDM, and KPC-2.
Mathematics Through Visual Problems.

problems that incorporate an inductive procedure that can be motivated through the mental manipulation of physical objects. The problems have four things in common: (1) solutions exist at several levels of sophistication, (2) each solution depends on visualizing a physical situation, (3) generalized solutions can be obtained through an inductive process, and (4) the problems can be used to initiate an intuitive study of the function concept. The problems presented in this article are by no means original. However, they have been used successfully by the authors in stimulating students on many different levels into thinking mathematically. The problems seem to have a charismatic quality, for they entice each person in the class to attempt a solution. These problems have been used with students in the middle grades, as well as with junior and senior high school students, prospective elementary school teachers, and even college calculus students. Each time they have bee used, the problems have captured the attention of all of the students in the class these problems are interesting. The levels of sophistication of a solution and the open-endedness of the problems will be evident in the discussions that
Vitamin E Acetate as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-related Illness.

The United States Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working with state investigators on reported cases of lung illnesses linked to e-cigarette or vaping products. Symptoms of difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pains, gastrointestinal sickness leading to serious lung damage and death has been linked to the risk behavior of using vaping products bought on the streets in healthy young people. CDC has detected vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with the lung injury. Vitamin E acetate is a condensing agent in vaping products, and all injured lung fluid samples appear to harbor this agent. The mysterious outbreak is identified in individuals vaping within the 90 days, ranging over a few days to developing over several weeks. There is growing evidence that vaping is hazardous to your health including immediate health dangers such as death from respiratory causes, long term health effects, cardiovascular events, depression which increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide. This review article summarizes the growing knowledge of acute respiratory complications associated with vaping.
Incidence and characteristics of hospitalization for proximal aortic surgery for acute syndromes and for aneurysms in the USA from 2005 to 2014

OBJECTIVES The effectiveness of proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) surgery in preventing acute aortic syndromes, such as dissection and rupture, is unknown at the populational level. This study evaluated trends in acute aortic syndrome operation incidence relative to proximal aortic surgical volume in the USA. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample in 2005-2014 was performed. Acute aortic syndrome and TAA were identified with International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition diagnosis codes. Proximal aortic surgery was defined as the diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome or TAA with an aortic procedure and either cardioplegia, cardiopulmonary bypass or other cardiac operation. Annual rates of acute aortic syndrome surgery and proximal thoracic aneurysm surgery were adjusted for US population. Trends were evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS We identified 38 442 operations for acute aortic diagnoses and 74 953 operations for TAAs. Case volume for acute aortic syndromes increased from 0.93 to 1.63 per 100 000 (P = 0.001), and aneurysm surgery increased from 1.75 to 3.19 per 100 000 (P < 0.001). Patient and hospital characteristics differed between acute aortic and aneurysm operations, with black patients being most notably underrepresented in the aneurysm population (4.9% vs 17.0%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Acute aortic syndrome operative volume increased from 2005 to 2014 despite increasing rates of proximal aortic aneurysm surgery. Patient characteristic discrepancies were observed between the 2 groups of hospitalizations, highlighting the need for continued efforts to minimize sociodemographic disparities.
AdS$_{4}$/CFT$_{3}$ for unprotected operators

We consider the four-point function of the lowest scalar in the stress-energy tensor multiplet in $$ \mathcal{N}=8 $$ ABJ(M) theory [1, 2]. At large central charge cT ∼ N3/2, this correlator is given by the corresponding holographic correlation function in 11d supergravity on AdS4 × S7. We use Mellin space techniques to compute the leading 1/cT correction to anomalous dimensions and OPE coefficients of operators that appear in this holographic correlator. For half and quarter-BPS operators, we find exact agreement with previously computed localization results. For the other BPS and non-BPS operators, our results match the $$ \mathcal{N}=8 $$ numerical bootstrap for ABJ(M) at large cT, which provides a precise check of unprotected observables in AdS/CFT.
Recognizing Perceived Emotions from Facial Expressions

Expression recognition has seen an increase in research in past years, however, little work has been on recognizing perceived emotion (i.e. subject self-reporting of emotion). Considering this, we investigate the perceived emotion of subjects that perform tasks meant to elicit emotion. To facilitate this investigation, we use the BP4D+ multimodal spontaneous emotion corpus. We first statistically analyze the subject’s perceived emotions across 10 tasks available in BP4D+. We show the percentage of subjects that felt specific emotions for each of the tasks. This is done across all tested subjects, as well as male and female subjects independently. Along with our statistical analysis, we also propose a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to recognize multiple emotions felt for each task sequence. We report accuracy, Fl-binary and AUC for all subjects, as well as male and female subjects.
Managing Embodied Misconduct: Burping and Spitting in Family Mealtime Interactions

This chapter explores parents’ responses to young children’s ostensibly intentional and unintentional episodes of ‘spitting’ and ‘burping’. Drawing on a discursive psychological approach, and utilizing the tools of conversation analysis, analysis reveals how parents deploy a range of interactional techniques in responding to children’s activities of spitting/dribbling and burping. Close attention to the sequential location of embodied practices allows analysis to explore their role in withholding more invasive admonishing turns in favour of less controlling formulations. From a discursive psychological perspective, we can start to see how parental practices of behaviour management can serve to interactionally instantiate children’s thoughts, feelings, intentions, and ultimately their traits and dispositions, in particular ways, developing new directions for conversation analytic literature on socialization.
Size Effects in Hysteresis of Electrochemically Deposited Ni-Mn-Sn Heusler Alloy Films

Understanding the effect of small characteristic length scales on phase transformations requires microscopic observations to identify mechanisms which may influence the progression of the transformation. Here, we report thickness-dependent hysteresis in electrochemically deposited Ni-Mn-Sn Heusler alloy films, as observed by optical microscopy. This approach allows for analyzing size dependent phase transformation behavior within individual grains from films with decreasing thickness. Hysteresis is not correlated with grain size, but increases with decreasing film thickness following a power law relationship. This behavior is attributable to internal friction-induced energy dissipation at the film-substrate interface in microscale alloy films.
Promoting Voice and Agency Among Forcibly Displaced Children and Adolescents: Participatory Approaches to Practice in Conflict-Affected Settings

Globally, large numbers of children and adolescents are displaced by armed conflict, which poses significant threats to their mental health, psychosocial well-being, and protection. Although humani...
In vitro identification of a soluble protein:geranylgeranyl transferase from rat tissues.

The gamma subunit of mammalian trimeric G proteins has been shown previously to be modified in vivo on a cysteine residue situated at the carboxyl-terminal sequence-Cys-Ala-Ile-Leu-COOH by a 20-carbon prenyl moiety geranylgeranyl (Mumby, S. M., Casey, P. J., Gilman, A. G., Gutowski, S., and Sternweis, P. C. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 5873-5877; Yamane, H. K., Farnsworth, C. C., Xie, H., Howald, W., Fung, B. K-K., Clarke, S., Gelb, M. H., and Glomset, J. A. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 5866-5872). A biotinylated peptide acceptor comprising the eight carboxyl-terminal amino acids of the gamma subunit and tritiated geranylgeranyl diphosphate were utilized to monitor a protein:prenyl transferase activity in rat organs of varying age. The transferase activity was dependent upon the presence of divalent metal ions and maximal activity was achieved with either 1 mM ZnCl2 or 20 mM MgCl2. Activity was shown to be linear with respect to time, protein concentration, substrate concentration, and the pH optimum was 7.5. Protein:geranylgeranyl transferase activity was detected in all rat organs studied with the highest specific activity in brain S100. No activity was detected in the membrane fraction. The specific activity in brain, liver, kidney, and heart increased with age. Radioactivity incorporated into the peptide acceptor from both [1-3H]geranylgeranyl diphosphate and [5-3H]mevalonate by 21-day-old rat brain S100 was released by treatment with methyl iodide, and in both cases, analysis of the cleavage products by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography showed a peak of radioactivity co-eluting with a geranylgeraniol standard which was well resolved from a farnesol standard. This indicated that the rat brain S100 contained not only the protein:geranylgeranyl transferase but also geranylgeranyl synthetase activity and that the peptide acceptor was specific for geranylgeranyl under the conditions tested.
ROLE OF IONIC STRENGTH IN BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLUBLE FISH PROTEINS ISOLATED FROM CRYOPROTECTED PACIFIC WHITING MINCE

Biochemical characteristics of Pacific whiting muscle proteins extracted at acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions were investigated as affected by various ionic strength levels. The protein solubility at pH 4 declined, as NaCI was added up to 200 mM, due to protein aggregation through hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, at pH 7 and 10, solubility increased as NaCI was added up to 400 mM after which it remained constant. Changes in total SH content and S o were highly related to the different molecular weight distributions of the soluble proteins. At pH 4, myosin heavy chain (MHC) was soluble as evidenced by the presence of MHC in the soluble fraction, even though degraded molecules were shown at IS 10-100 mM, and became completely insoluble at IS ≥150 mM. At pH 10, the density of the MHC band gradually increased as IS increased and the formation of high MW polymers was observed at IS ≥ 150 mM.
Potential Characteristics and Applications of X-Ray Lasers,

Abstract : This is primarily a limited review lof research on X-ray lasers and of the applications which may be possible when a source is available which emits short, monochromatic and intense pulses as coherent X-rays. Some of the progress toward producing short-wavelength coherent radiation, either by direct laser action or by frequency manipulation, is summarized. Reports of X-ray laser action and spectroscopic evidence for relevant population inversions are discussed. Potential X-ray laser characteristics, which are derived from the work to date and which will determine applications, are discussed. Included is a comparison with two other bright X-ray sources, namely multi-million degree plasma and GeV electron storage rings. One section is concerned with the heating which will occur when an X-ray laser pulse strikes condensed matter. A simple calculational technique and some results are given there. Possible areas of X-ray laser usage are reviewed. The final section discusses geometries which may be favorable for production of X-ray laser action, and multi-layer reflectors which may make possible short-wavelengths resonators.
LOCALIZATION OF ULTRA-COLD PARTICLES OVER ROUGH SUBSTRATES

Localization and diffusion parameters are calculated for particles adsorbed over inhomogeneous substrates for discrete and quasicontinuous spectra of the adsorbed states. The results are expressed via the angular harmonics of the correlation function of surface roughness. The problem is solved analytically in the limiting cases of longwave particles and large correlation radii of surface inhomogeneities. Elsewhere, the problem is solved numerically for Gaussian correlation of inhomogeneities. Applications to electrons on helium films, mobile adsorbed hydrogen atoms and molecules, ultra-cold neutrons in gravitational or magnetic field, etc., are discussed.
Genetic Contributions of the Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer Metastasis

Biological Sciences: 2nd Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)
Extracellular Matrix: The Networking Solution

First page of article Keywords: extracellular matrix; basement membrane; integrin; differentiation; three-dimensional
Optical Visualization of Acoustical Holograms by Area Heterodyning

A new acoustic holography detection mode is described which uses an expanded, premodulated laser beam to interrogate a mirrored plexiglas faceplate. Fresnel diffraction detects the acoustic field pattern, and a scanned array of discrete photodiodes using line subtraction processing picks up the resulting image. Expressions are derived to describe the principles of operation of the system. Experimental results are presented which show the real time visualization of the acoustic hologram, of an off-axis point source. Sensitivity improvement through the use of line subtraction processing is demonstrated.
A Comparative Evaluation of Sequential Feature Selection Algorithms

Several recent machine learning publications demonstrate the utility of using feature selection algorithms in supervised learning tasks. Among these, sequential feature selection algorithms are receiving attention. The most frequently studied variants of these algorithms are forward and backward sequential selection. Many studies on supervised learning with sequential feature selection report applications of these algorithms, but do not consider variants of them that might be more appropriate for some performance tasks. This paper reports positive empirical results on such variants, and argues for their serious consideration in similar learning tasks.
CMOS VLSI implementation of a digital logarithmic multiplier

A fast multiplier based on the logarithmic number system is implemented in a VLSI chip. Multiplication in the decimal number system is equivalent to an addition in the logarithmic number system, thus, the use of logarithms reduce the operation of multiplication to simple addition. Multiplication of two binary numbers can be achieved by adding the binary logarithms of the two numbers and then deriving the antilog of the result. The approximate logarithm of a binary number can be found from the number itself through a process of shifts and counting. This is a simpler design process as compared to storing the logarithms on an on-chip ROM which results in complex hardware as the word length increases. The logarithmic approximation results in some error in the product. This is reduced using an error reduction technique. The presence of error limits the application of this multiplier to applications in signal processing where it is not critical. The design is implemented using a 2.0 micron double metal process.
John Locke: Theorist of Empire?

Even twenty-five years ago, it might have been eccentric to ask whether John Locke was a theorist of empire. Within the shorthand histories of political thought, Locke was the grandfather of liberalism; in the standard histories of philosophy, he was the exemplar of empiricism. Liberalism had long been assumed to be inimical to empire, and the main links between empiricism and imperialism were found in the work of Francis Bacon and the seventeenth-century Royal Society. However, as the preceding chapter has shown, a generation of recent scholars have fundamentally revised understandings of liberalism’s relation to empire and in particular of Locke’s relationship to settler colonialism in North America and beyond. The impact of their work has been so widespread that, alongside Locke the founder of liberalism and Locke the pivotal empiricist, we now find the figure of ‘Locke, the champion of big property, empire, and appropriation of the lands of Amerindians’. Locke has finally joined the canon of theorists of empire: but how much does he deserve his place there? What it might mean to be a theorist of empire was profoundly shaped by the experience and practices of imperialism in the two centuries after 1757: that is, from the beginnings of European military dominance in South Asia to the first great wave of formal decolonisation outside Europe. James Tully has succinctly summarised Europe’s imperial vision in this period: It is ‘imperial’ in three senses of this polysemic word. It ranks all non-European cultures as ‘inferior’ or ‘lower’ from the point of view of the presumed direction of European civilisation towards the universal culture; it serves to legitimate European imperialism, not in the sense of being ‘right’ . . . but, nevertheless, in being the direction of nature and history and the precondition of an eventual, just, national and world order; and it is imposed on non-European peoples as their cultural self-understanding in the course of European imperialism and federalism.
On the high resolution and unbiased frequency estimates of sinusoids in white noise--A new adaptive approach

A new adaptive algorithm is proposed to give an unbiased and high resolution frequency estimate of sinusoids in white noise. Base on the normalized Least-Squares (LS) lattice algorithm and the inverse power iteration method, the eigenvector associated with the minimum eigenvalue of the signal covariance matrix is estimated in the algorithm. The zeros of the "eigenvector polynomial" thus obtained are all on the unit circle and at the angles of the sinusoid frequencies. It is an adaptive realization of the Pisarneko's "harmonic retrieval" method. But differing from the adaptive method proposed by Thompson where the eigenvector is obtained through a gradient search in a constrained optimization formulation, in the new method the eigenvector is computed by an inverse power iteration. It enjoys all the advantages of the normalized LS lattice such as fast computations, low round-off noise and an easy stability check, etc. as well as fast convergence rate of the inverse power iteration method. Computer simulation results are shown.
Performance bounds for subspace estimation in array signal processing

Estimation of unknown parameters using arrays of passive sensors is a well-known problem in signal processing. This problem is studied via subspace estimation using geometric representations on Grassman manifolds. The variability on Grassman manifolds is modeled by a transitive action of a special unitary group and by using a Bayesian formulation on the space of unitary matrices. An a posteriori is used to derive an MMSE estimator and a lower-bound on the expected squared error. Empirical analysis using stochastic gradient processes is considered for numerical computation of the estimator and the lower bound.
A Task-Analytic Approach to the Temporal and Spatial Placement of Product Warnings

The effect of warning placement was investigated using a task-analytic approach to generate alternative warning locations. Within the context of a realistic task, 60 subjects used a consumer produc...
The coupled aeroelastic response of turbomachinery blading to aerodynamic excitations

An energy balance technique is developed to predict the coupled bending-torsion mode aerodynamically forced response of an airfoil. In this technique, the energy input to the airfoil system per cycle of oscillation is generated by gust forces and moments and, under certain conditions, the self-induced aerodynamic forces and moments. The energy dissipation per cycle is associated with the structural damping, the static moment term for coupled motions, and under certain conditions, the self-induced aerodynamic forces and moments. The effects of the various aerodynamic parameters on the coupled forced response are then considered.In particular, the effects of the inlet Mach number, the interblade phase angle, the level of structural damping, and the cascade geometry on the coupled bending-torsion aerodynamically forced response of a flat plate airfoil cascade are demonstrated.
Error-resilient coding technique for 3D graphic models

Existing techniques for coding a general 3D graphic model are very sensitive to errors. The coded bitstream can be easily ruined with even a single bit error in the topology structure part. As a result, the reconstruction of the original mesh becomes difficult or even impossible. In this research, we propose a new approach for error resilient coding of 3D graphic models, and reconstruct the original model to the maximum extent from corrupted 3D mesh data while maintaining a satisfactory compression performance. In the proposed scheme, the 3D mesh is first divided into a number of small pieces by using any standard mesh segmentation algorithm. A new structure, i.e. the joint boundary, is then retrieved from those divided pieces. It is used to stitch segmented pieces back to form the original model. We develop a new coding algorithm for the joint boundary. The coded joint boundary topology and the first 3 bit-planes of coded joint boundary geometry are protected using the forward error correction (FEC) code. They can be decoded free of error. Consequently, they provide the anchor-vertices and anchor-links in the 3D space, and form the key structure in error detection, recovery and concealment of corresponding pieces. It is demonstrated that the proposed coding scheme can achieve very good results for the bit error rate (BER) less than 10 -3 while maintaining high coding efficiency.
Tansformation Range Viscosity Measurements Using a Thermomechanical Analyzer

A commercial thermomechanical analyzer has been adapted to determine the transformation range viscosities of very small samples using a beam-bending configuration. Three viscosity standards—NBS-710, NBS-711, and NBS-717—have been used to determine the accuracy of this technique over a wide range of temperatures. The method yielded excellent results that were independent of sample size and heating rate. The largest deviation from National Bureau of Standards data was 3.8°C at 1010 Pa's for one sample of NBS-711; the average deviation at 1010 Pa's was approximately 2°C for all samples studied. In all cases, the activation energy for viscous flow was in excellent agreement with that calculated from National Bureau of Standards data.
Cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin: A case report and review of 12 cases

Purpose: This article reviews the demographics, presentation, cause, clinical findings, and treatment of 12 cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 12 cases treated between 1987 and 1997 was done. Results: Most cases resulted from an abscessed mandibular molar. The most common significant medical conditions in the patient's history were diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and substance abuse. All patients were treated surgically within 24 hours of admission. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) was used as adjunctive treatment in all cases. The average length of hospital stay was 31 days. All patients recovered. Conclusion: Early surgical intervention and the use of HBO decreases morbidity and improves the clinical outcome.
The 105-kDa Polyprotein of Southern Bean Mosaic Virus Is Translated by Scanning Ribosomes

Abstract The cowpea strain of southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV-C) is a positive-sense RNA virus. Three open reading frames (ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3) are expressed from the genomic RNA. The ORF1 and ORF2 initiation codons are located at nucleotide (nt) positions 49 and 570, respectively. ORF1 is expressed by a 5′ end-dependent scanning mechanism, but it is not known how ribosomes gain access to the ORF2 initiation codon. In experiments described here, it was demonstrated that the translation of ORF2 was sensitive to cap analog in a cell-free extract. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the addition of one or more AUG codons between the 5′ end of the SBMV-C RNA and the ORF2 initiation codon reduced ORF2 expression and that elimination of the ORF1 initiation codon increased ORF2 expression. Altering the sequence context of the ORF1 initiation codon to one more favorable for translation initiation also reduced ORF2 expression in vivo. Nucleotide deletions and insertions between SBMV-C nt 218–520 did not abolish ORF2 expression. In most cases, these mutations resulted in reduced expression of both ORF1 and ORF2. These results are consistent with translation of ORF2 by leaky scanning.
The Classic: On Loose Bodies in the Joint

This Classic Article is a translation of the original work by Franz Konig, “Ueber freie Korper in den Gelenken” [On loose bodies in the joint]. Dtsch Z Chir. 1887;27: 90-109. available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-2824-y (Translated by Drs. Richard A. Brand and Christian-Dominik Peterlein). An accompanying biographical sketch of F. Konig is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-2823-z. A PDF of the original German is available as supplemental material. (ED Note: An attempt has been made to preserve some of the original wording while placing the material in a contemporary context. In some cases the author’s original intent was obscure.)
Characterizing and Predicting Pathologic Spine Fractures in Myeloma Patients With FDG PET/CT and MR Imaging

Objectives: To determine if FDG PET/CT scans can be used to discriminate between old and new pathologic spine fractures in myeloma patients and also to determine if there is any combination of PET/CT and MR imaging findings that may indicate an impending spine fracture. Materials and methods: Retrospective review, after IRB approval, by two musculoskeletal radiologists and one nuclear medicine physician was done. PET/CT database was searched to identify studies performed in myeloma patients, using the search terms myeloma, plasmacytoma, or plasma cell. Records, for this group of 176 patients, were searched for concurrent spine MR imaging and report of fracture. The SUVmax was recorded for each vertebral level from C2 through L5. All other imaging studies carried out in each patient (spine radiographs, spine CTs, and spine MRIs) and clinical records also were reviewed. Spine fractures were identified using the Genant system. MR imaging findings noted included signal intensity, pattern of involvement, as we...
The impact of organizational justice on correctional staff

Abstract Fairness and justice are fundamental concepts in society, including in the workplace where they are referred to as organizational justice. Distributive and procedural justice are two dimensions of organizational justice. It is theorized that organizational justice impacts the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of correctional staff. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated, factor analysis was performed, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression equations were computed from the results of a survey of staff at a midwestern correctional facility. It was found that distributive and procedural justice are distinct concepts among correctional staff, and both have significant positive effects on job satisfaction. Additionally, procedural justice, but not distributive justice, has a significant positive impact on organizational commitment.
Lack of association between repeated vaccination and thyroiditis in laboratory beagles

Background: Intensive vaccination protocols have been suggested as partially responsible for an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in dogs in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated routine vaccination in dogs is associated with an increased prevalence of thyroiditis. Methodology/principal findings: We conducted a prospective experimental study with 20 healthy purpose-bred Beagles. Five dogs were vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine and a rabies vaccine. Five dogs received only the multivalent vaccine, and 5 dogs received only the rabies vaccine. Five dogs were unvaccinated controls. The multivalent vaccine was administered at 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 26, and 52 weeks of age and every 6 months thereafter. The rabies vaccine was administered at 16 and 52 weeks of age and then once a year. Blood samples were collected 1 week before euthanasia for evaluation of thyroid profiles and measurement of antibodies directed against canine thyroglobulin. Dogs were euthanized at 5.5 years of age, and the thyroid glands were evaluated histopathologically. Thyroiditis was present in 8 of 20 (40%) dogs at postmortem examination. No association was found between a dog being vaccinated and the prevalence of thyroiditis at postmortem examination. However, the power of the study to detect such an association was low because of the unexpected high prevalence of thyroiditis in the unvaccinated control dogs. Thyroid function tests were abnormal in 2 of 8 dogs with thyroiditis but were normal in all dogs without thyroiditis. Conclusions/significance: There was no evidence to support an association between routine vaccination and thyroiditis at postmortem examination in beagle dogs after repeated vaccination.
Non-invasive management of primary phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor failure in patients with erectile dysfunction:

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) have become first line therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Most initial prescriptions for PDE5-i are by primary care practitioners. Urologists must now routinely manage the patient who has failed initial therapy with PDE5-i. Lifestyle modifications can be of benefit to patients. Patient education and optimization of the PDE5-i can result in a successful response. Interestingly, there are reports of up to 60% salvage after changing the PDE5-i utilized. Daily PDE5-i have shown benefit, and treatment of hypogonadism can enhance response to PDE5-i. We review the management of PDE5-i failures with emphasis on noninvasive approaches to gaining improved erectile response to these medications. An algorithm based on the reviewed strategies is proposed to guide clinicians in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
A programmable CCD driver circuit for multiphase CCD operation

A programmable CCD (charge-coupled device) driver circuit was designed to drive CCDs in multiphased modes. The purpose of the drive electronics is to operate developmental CCD imaging arrays for NASA's tiltable moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS-T) Four objectives for the driver were considered during its design: the circuit drives CCD electrode voltages between 0 V and +30 V to produce reasonable potential wells; the driving sequence is started with one input signal; the circuit allows programming of frame sequences required by arrays of any size; it produces interfacing signals for the CCD and the DTF (detector test facility). Simulation of the driver verified its function with the master clock running up to 10 MHz. This suggests a maximum rate of 400000 pixels/s. Timing and packaging parameters were verified. The design uses 54 TTL (transistor-transistor logic) chips. Two versions of hardware were fabricated: wirewrap and printed circuit board. Both were verified functionally with a logic analyzer. >
Ultrahigh Vacuum Instrumentation

A wide variety of instruments are available for measuring both the total pressure and the partial pressures of gases present in vacuum systems. Vacuum gages serve many purposes; some of them merely measure the range of the gas density. If it is desired to know the gas density within 5 percent or better, many details concerning ion gage calibration must be given careful consideration. (auth)
Restoration of ATP-induced contraction of “aged” mitochondria by phosphatidyl inositol

Abstract Mitochondria “pre-aged” for several hours or days at 2° in 0.25 M sucrose are not able to contract, below pH 7.4, upon addition of ATP, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Mg++ unless either a mitochondrial “contractile protein” or a second soluble protein fraction obtained from mitochondria is added ( Vignais et al 1963 ). These protein fractions lose their activity after their lipid components are removed by extraction with chloroform-methanol. In such lipid fractions the ratio moles of acyl esters: moles of lipid phosphate was approximately 2.4, indicating the presence of mainly phospholipids. This paper is concerned with the identification of lipids capable of restoring the ATP-linked contraction of “pre-aged” mitochondria.
Performance of DS spread spectrum systems

In a direct sequence (DS) spread spectrum communication system the processing gain is approximately the ratio of chip rate to the data rate. Here a more accurate formulation is obtained in terms of signaling, system, and noise parameters. It is useful for performance comparisons since it is valid for all possible parameter values.
Effect of Short-Chain Branching on the Rheology of Polyolefins

A series of carefully synthesized ethylene/butene copolymers (0.2−0.85 mole fraction butene) were synthesized using metallocene catalysts to probe the relationship between the chemical architecture of polyolefins and their rheology. The dependence of , the plateau modulus, on mb, the molecular weight per backbone bond, which we have seen previously for polyolefins is obeyed by these copolymers. Moreover, the modulus at the frequency at which G‘ = G‘ ‘ also scales with copolymer composition. We also show that the van Gurp−Palmen plots (|G*| vs δ) for these copolymers show a universal behavior, which could allow for the characterization of copolymer composition by rheology. We demonstrate that combining small-amplitude oscillatory shear data with stress relaxation experiments the theory of linear viscoelasticity allows us to determine low-frequency behavior much more rapidly. The zero shear viscosity of these ethylene copolymers also shows a regular dependence on the copolymer composition, and we propose a ...
Pseudobattering of Vietnamese Children (Cao Gio)

The case of a Vietnamese child who was subjected to the folk medicine practice of cao gio by his father after a routine dental extraction is described. The practice and the clinical appearance are discussed to distinguish it from child abuse.
PREPARATION OF THE NIOBIUM(IV) AND NIOBIUM(III) IODIDES

Abstract Conditions are reported for (1) the preparation of niobium(V) iodide, (2) the preparation and sublimation of niobium(IV) iodide by thermal decomposition of the pentaiodide and (3) the subsequent disproportionation to niobium(III) iodide. Properties and powder patterns are given for the three iodides.