cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In search of moderators and mediators of hyperglycemia with atypical antipsychotic treatment

Signal detection methods were used to identify values of metabolic variables that predict development of prediabetes or diabetes before (moderators) or associated with treatment (mediators), utilizing data from two multi-center clinical trials of patients with schizophrenia, treated for 6 months with olanzapine (OLZ) or ziprasidone (ZIP). At baseline, participants were often overweight/obese (63% with a body mass index >or=25.0kg/m(2)), dyslipidemic [more than one-third had elevated triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations], and prediabetic (20%). Weight gain was significantly greater in OLZ-treated patients, as was accentuation of dyslipidemia. However, there were no significant correlations between weight gain and lipid changes from baseline to weeks 2, 4, 8 or to last observation. Type 2 diabetes developed in 4% and prediabetes in 18% of the population. Significant baseline predictors of diabetes were a HDL-C concentration or=58-years-old if HDL-C concentration was >or=28mg/dL. Baseline plasma glucose concentration >or=92mg/dL was the only significant predictor of developing prediabetes, accounting for 60% of cases. Post-treatment increments in plasma TG concentrations >or=145mg/dL or >or=59mg/dL were significant predictors of diabetes (23%) or prediabetes (27%), respectively. If the increase in TG was or=6.1kg in 2 weeks predicted development of diabetes (18%). These findings provide a quantitative approach to identify those at greatest treatment-associated risk to develop glucose intolerance, and emphasize the need to address co-morbid medical disorders in these patients.
Studies on the mechanism of desensitization of the cyclic AMP response to TSH stimulation in a cloned rat thyroid cell line.

Abstract We examined aspects of the mechanism of desensitization of adenylate cyclase activation by TSH in a cloned line of rat thyroid cells (FRTL). Increasing FRTL intracellular cAMP concentrations by preincubation for 6 h in either 1 mM dBcAMP or 100 μM forskolin did not induce TSH desensitization. Forskolin stimulation was unimpaired in TSH-desensitized cells, indicating ‘uncoupling’ of the adenylate cyclase catalytic unit from the TSH receptor. Stimulation by the N i inhibitory pathway of adenylate cyclase by epinephrine (10 −6 M-10 −4 M in the presence of 10 −4 M propranolol) was unaltered in cells previously desensitized to TSH. That is, N i -mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase was additive to TSH desensitization. Pre-exposure of FRTL cells for 18 h to 50 ng/ml pertussis toxin did not prevent the induction of TSH desensitization. TSH desensitization was prevented by cycloheximide or actinomycin D added during the last 3–4 h of a 6 h period of TSH stimulation. The rates of turnover of the putative desensitization protein and its mRNA therefore appear to be similar.
Eucalyptus and Populus short rotation woody crops for phosphate mined lands in Florida USA

Abstract Our short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) research in central and southern Florida is (1) developing superior Eucalyptus grandis (EG), E. amplifolia (EA), and cottonwood ( Populus deltoides , PD) genotypes, (2) determining appropriate management practices for and associated productivities of these genotypes, and (3) assessing their economics and markets. Reclaimed clay settling areas (CSA) and overburden sites in phosphate mined areas in central Florida are a potential land base of over 80,000 ha for SRWC production. On CSAs, PD grows well in the absence of cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica ) but is not as productive as the non-invasive EG and EA. SRWC establishment on CSAs requires strict implementation of the following cultural practices: thorough site preparation through herbiciding/disking and bedding, superior trees, watering/packing seedlings, fertilization with ammonium nitrate at planting and annually thereafter as feasible, high planting density possibly including double row planting, and winter harvesting so that coppice regeneration suppresses weeds. PD cultural requirements, that may require post-planting weed control to suppress herbaceous competition, exceed those of the eucalypts. EG SRWCs on CSAs are at risk of blowdown 3–4 years after planting or coppicing; younger PD, EG, and EA SRWCs appear much less susceptible to wind damage. Genetic improvement must continue if EG, EA, and PD are to increase in commercial feasibility. SRWC cost competitiveness will depend on establishment success, yield improvements, harvesting costs, and identifying/using incentives. Strong collaboration among public and private partners is necessary for commercializing SRWCs in Florida.
Constant and Progressive Time Delay Procedures for Teaching Children with Autism: A Literature Review

A review of 22 empirical studies examining the use of constant (CTD) and progressive (PTD) time delay procedures employed with children with autism frames an indirect analysis of the demographic, procedural, methodological, and outcome parameters of existing research. None of the previous manuscripts compared the two response prompting procedures. This review suggests that the effectiveness of the two procedures is similar on some variables. However, the CTD procedure resulted in more errors to criterion, a greater magnitude of procedural modifications, and in a delayed moment of transfer of stimulus control than in the PTD studies. Conclusions may influence clinical and educational practices and indicate a need for research.
Rehabilitating a biological notion of race? A response to Sesardic

The point Sesardic (Biol Philos 25: 143–162, 2010) makes about the possibility of distinguishing groups for which there is a lot of within-group variation is not sufficient to rehabilitate a biological concept of race. In this note, I sketch a number of issues that quickly arise once we delve more deeply into the relevant scientific knowledge, concepts, methods, and questions for inquiry.
Organizing Schools into Small Learning Communities

Small learning communities require accommodations from all school stake-holders. This article describes the reorganization efforts of two middle level and two high schools in rural and urban environments into small learning communities. Routine collaborative problem-solving and learning processes are needed to carry the long-term burden of developing structures and practices that challenge taken-for-granted organizational values and assumptions.
Pharmaceutical pictograms: A model for development and testing for comprehension and utility

Abstract Background With concerns about the medication literacy skills of patients comes the need to develop various types of information materials that will enhance understanding and drug use. Objectives To review pictogram development projects and to propose a model for pharmaceutical pictogram development and testing for comprehension and use. Methods Previous efforts in developing specific types of pictograms in engineering and safety as well as in health care and pharmacy are collected and summarized in terms of level of comprehension and recall. The impact of pictogram-enhanced medication information materials on knowledge acquisition, information retention, and adherence is assessed. Results and conclusions Pictograms are a key component in re-designing medication information to improve comprehension, recall, and adherence. Many types of pictograms still produce low levels of comprehension and the impact of pictograms on medication knowledge is inconsistent. Prior training through patient counseling on the intended meaning and use of pictograms greatly increases their effectiveness. A model for the development and testing of pictograms and pictogram sequences for comprehension and use in medication information is presented and discussed.
Quality of digital x-ray images.

SIR, – I would like to comment on the increasing number of x-ray digital images that are being submitted to me and others for second opinion from general practice. These frequently seem to demonstrate problems with interpretation. The initial impression is that the quality of many digital images
Scheduling coupled tasks

Consider a set of task pairs coupled in time: a first (initial) and second (completion) tasks of known durations with a specified time between them. If the operator or machine performing these tasks is able to process only one at a time, scheduling is necessary to insure that no overlap occurs. This problem has a particular application to production scheduling, transportation, and radar operations (send-receive pulses are ideal examples of time-linked tasks requiring scheduling). This article discusses several candidate techniques for schedule determination, and these are evaluated in a specific radar scheduling application.
Analytic Element Modeling of Embedded Multiaquifer Domains

An analytic element approach is presented for the modeling of multiaquifer domains embedded in a single-aquifer model. The inside of each domain may consist of an arbitrary number of aquifers separated by leaky layers. The analytic element solution is obtained through a combination of existing single-aquifer and multiaquifer analytic elements and allows for the analytic computation of head and leakage at any point in the aquifer. Along the boundary of an embedded multiaquifer domain, the normal flux is continuous everywhere; continuity of head across the boundary is met exactly at collocations points and approximately, but very accurately, in between. The analytic element solution compares well with an existing exact solution. A hypothetical example with a river intersecting two embedded domains illustrates the practical application of the proposed approach.
Components of interannual ozone change based on Nimbus 7 TOMS data

A multiple regression statistical model is applied to estimate the latitude and seasonal dependences of the solar cycle, quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and anthropogenic trend components of stratospheric total ozone change using 13.2 years of Nimbus 7 TOMS data. The characteristics of the linear trend component are in agreement with earlier studies. The QBO regression coefficient is significantly different from zero at high southern latitudes in the Austral spring supporting earlier evidence that the Antarctic ozone depletion is modulated by the QBO. The existence of a solar cycle component is indicated by empirical studies of model residuals and by the approximate agreement of the derived global mean solar coefficient amplitude with photochemical calculations. Initial estimates for the latitude dependence of the solar coefficient suggest higher amplitudes with increasing latitude, especially in the Southern Hemisphere in spring. The statistical model predicts a return to more rapid ozone depletions during the next 4 years as solar minimum is approached.
Heterojunction vertical FETs revisited: potential for 225-GHz large-current operation

The high-speed operation of submicrometer Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As/GaAs unipolar heterojunction transistors is examined using two-dimensional time-dependent self-consistent ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. Careful device design can significantly increase ballistic injection over the heterojunction in steady state by eliminating retarding gate-induced space-charge reversal there. Design for optimal large-signal transient operation must also avoid gate-voltage-dependent ballistic injection. General design principles for optimizing high-speed operation are proposed. The resulting VFETs show cutoff frequencies of 225 GHz at large drain currents at 300 K, with frequency-independent two-port y parameters. >
Outbreaks and recession populations of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forsk.).

New evidence on the nature of recession populations of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsk.), and on the nature and role of its outbreaks is presented. It is shown that the hopper bands and swarms reported during the 1963–67 recession differed qualitatively and quantitatively from those characteristic of plague periods and were numerically much smaller than some low density non-swarming populations. Gregarisation frequently occurs in the latter and may be on a scale sufficient to give rise to an outbreak; in turn outbreaks may lead to plague upsurges.
Segmenting the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic musculature on CT scans combining atlas-based model and active contour model

Segmentation of the musculature is very important for accurate organ segmentation, analysis of body composition, and localization of tumors in the muscle. In research fields of computer assisted surgery and computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), muscle segmentation in CT images is a necessary pre-processing step. This task is particularly challenging due to the large variability in muscle structure and the overlap in intensity between muscle and internal organs. This problem has not been solved completely, especially for all of thoracic, abdominal and pelvic regions. We propose an automated system to segment the musculature on CT scans. The method combines an atlas-based model, an active contour model and prior segmentation of fat and bones. First, body contour, fat and bones are segmented using existing methods. Second, atlas-based models are pre-defined using anatomic knowledge at multiple key positions in the body to handle the large variability in muscle shape. Third, the atlas model is refined using active contour models (ACM) that are constrained using the pre-segmented bone and fat. Before refining using ACM, the initialized atlas model of next slice is updated using previous atlas. The muscle is segmented using threshold and smoothed in 3D volume space. Thoracic, abdominal and pelvic CT scans were used to evaluate our method, and five key position slices for each case were selected and manually labeled as the reference. Compared with the reference ground truth, the overlap ratio of true positives is 91.1%±3.5%, and that of false positives is 5.5%±4.2%.
Structural damage identification using co‐evolution and frequency response functions

A new damage identification strategy is presented in which damage scenarios and optimal tests are searched simultaneously. The proposed strategy, called Estimation-Exploration Algorithm (EEA), is based on co-evolutionary principles. Co-evolution is a biological process where populations of interacting individuals challenge each other in an ongoing cycle of adaptation. In EEA, a population of damage hypotheses evolves to predict physical tests that have been performed on a structure, while tests evolve to create discrepancy among current damage hypotheses that can explain the observed data. This co-evolutionary approach leads to physical experiments that carry optimal information and results in a fewer number of tests needed for the correct identification of the current damage state of a structure. EEA was introduced by the authors in the context of static testing and is extended in this work to steady-state dynamics. In this context, changes in frequency response functions are used to locate and quantify damage, while structural tests are defined by the location of excitation forces and sensors position. This work shows that EEA is a feasible methodology to alleviate the ill-posedness of inverse damage detection problems by providing an intelligent strategy for selecting tests that maximize information. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rockfalls at Augustine Volcano, Alaska: The Influence of Eruption Precursors and Seasonal Factors on Occurrence Patterns 1997-2009

Abstract Rockfalls have been recorded in seismic data at Augustine Volcano from 1997 to the present. Typical events last about 30 s and have frequencies > 4 Hz on stations within 5 km of the summit. Many rockfalls are well recorded on summit seismic stations, suggesting that they originate from the steep summit dome. Typical background years such as 2003 or 2004 had several dozen events in the summer and fall (June to November) that were strong enough to trigger an automatic event detection system. For example, 17 rockfalls were recorded in 2003; mostly in late summer when air temperatures were warm and rainfall rates were highest, and 28 events were recorded in 2004, also in late summer. In 2005, about eight months before the onset of the eruption of Augustine in January 2006, there was a significant increase in the number of rockfalls detected. This increase of surface rockfall activity occurred at nearly the same time as precursory earthquake activity increased beneath Augustine. Overall there were more than 340 rockfalls in 2005, consisting of both short (less than 30 s) and long (greater than 30 s) duration events. The high rate of rockfalls in 2005 constitutes a new class of precursory signal that needs to be incorporated into long-term monitoring strategies at Augustine and elsewhere. During the eruption, numerous rockfalls continued to occur, and block-and-ash flows dominated the seismic records when the volcano began a phase of dome growth and collapse. The high rates of rockfalls continued after the eruption ended, due the new unstable lava dome and adjacent tephra at the summit. As of 2009 the rockfall rates are still high, but are declining steadily.
Inner products and orthogonality in color recording filter design

We formalize ideas of orthogonality and inner products implicit in the development of a number of figures of merit (FOM) of color recording filters. We show that, in negligible measurement noise, the data dependence of each FOM based on linear color correction is equivalent to a choice of inner product (and hence of orthogonality). Further, we show that optimal sensors with respect to noise sensitivity are simply defined as orthogonal with respect to this inner product. We also develop the idea of a generalized Q-factor by generalizing the Euclidean inner product to include all inner products. Simulations demonstrate the utility of our analytical results.
Elasticity in the response of nuclei

From the RPA equations of motion, we derive macroscopic equations for the vibrations of nuclei. These equations imply the Tassie model of form factors and yield an energy for the quadrupole vibration 30% lower than the empirical. We interpret the modes as the classical vibration of an elastic solid.
Raman Optical Activity of Small Peptides and Terpene Molecules

Raman optical activity (ROA), the circular intensity difference between right and left circularly polarized incident and/or Raman scattered radiation, provides a unique conformational probe of biological molecules in aqueous solution.1,2 In the classical measurement of ROA, the polarization of the incident laser radiation is modulated between the two circular polarization states, keeping the scattered linear polarization fixed, resulting in ICP-ROA. More recent methods developed in our laboratory include modulation only of the Raman scattered radiation, denoted SCP-ROA, or dual circular polarization modulation of both the incident laser and the Raman scattered radiation, either in- or out-of-phase, denoted DCPI- and DCPII-ROA, respectively. The depolarized backscattering DCPI-ROA measurement has been found to be particularly advantageous for biological samples. One emphasis of our recent research is to explore the sensitivity of ROA to locallized vs. longer range vibrational modes and to local vs. long-range stereochemistry. In addition, comparison of results from the various forms of measurement of ROA provides information on the relative importance of magnetic dipole vs. electric quadrupole mechanisms for ROA intensity. Two classes of molecules have been surveyed. Studies of simple peptides provide the opportunity to investigate the degree of localization of ROA features on specific residues and the effects of vibrational coupling among residues.3
Surgical management of the biconcave (B2) glenoid

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis produces a wide spectrum of glenoid pathology. The B2 glenoid is defined by asymmetric posterior bone loss with the development of a biconcavity and posterior translation of the humeral head. Progressive bone loss results in increasing glenoid retroversion, which must be corrected during anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. The goals of arthroplasty should also include centering the humeral head and restoring the normal glenoid joint line. When there is minimal bone loss, this may be accomplished with a standard glenoid component and asymmetric reaming. More significant bone loss requires bone grafting or the use of an augmented glenoid component. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is also an option for older patients or patients with severe bone loss.
The effects of inorganic lead on cholinergic transmission.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of inorganic lead on cholinergic transmission. Low levels of inorganic lead chronically administered during critical periods of development result in behavioral alteration and neurochemical changes. Among the changes seen consistently are alterations in central and peripheral cholinergic function. Administration of several drugs that influence cholinergic metabolism influences the behavioral effects of lead. In the peripheral nervous system, lead in vitro has been shown to impair cholinergic function in several different experimental models. Lead inhibits the release of ACh from the superior cervical ganglion of the cat during stimulation of the preganglionic fibers, decreases the size of the end-plate potential in frog and rat neuro muscular preparations, and reduces the force of muscle contraction during nerve stimulation. The pharmacological evidence obtained in the studies on whole animals and direct measurements of ACh release and turnover indicate that the release of ACh in the central and peripheral nervous systems is impaired by both acute in vitro and by chronic in vivo exposure to lead.
Impact of multimodal therapy in locally recurrent rectal cancer

Background The practice of salvaging recurrent rectal cancer has evolved. The aim of this study was to define the evolving salvage potential over time among patients with locally recurrent disease, and to identify durable determinants of long-term success. Methods The study included consecutive patients with recurrent rectal cancer undergoing multimodal salvage with curative intent between 1988 and 2012. Predictors of long-term survival were defined by Cox regression analysis and compared over time. Re-recurrence and subsequent treatments were evaluated. Results After multidisciplinary evaluation of 229 patients, salvage therapy with curative intent included preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (73·4 per cent; with 41·3 per cent undergoing repeat pelvic irradiation), surgical salvage resection with or without intraoperative irradiation (36·2 per cent), followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (38·0 per cent). Multivisceral resection was undertaken in 47·2 per cent and bone resection in 29·7 per cent. The R0 resection rate was 80·3 per cent. After a median follow-up of 56·5 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 50 per cent in 2005–2012, markedly increased from 32 per cent in 1988–1996 (P = 0·044). Long-term success was associated with R0 resection (P = 0·017) and lack of secondary failure (P = 0·003). Some 125 patients (54·6 per cent) developed further recurrence at a median of 19·4 months after salvage surgery. Repeat operative rescue was feasible in 21 of 48 patients with local re-recurrence alone and in 17 of 77 with distant re-recurrence, with a median survival of 19·8 months after further recurrence. Conclusion The long-term salvage potential for recurrent rectal cancer improved significantly over time, with the introduction of an individualized treatment algorithm of multimodal treatments and surgical salvage. Durable predictors of long-term success were R0 resection at salvage operation, avoidance of secondary failure, and feasibility of repeat rescue after re-recurrence.
A simulation analysis of the vehicle axle and spring assembly lines

A discrete event simulation model was developed to represent the current vehicle axle and spring assembly lines and understand their dynamics for an automotive company in need of production increase to accommodate expected demand growth. The aim of this study is to provide viable manufacturing plans to improve productivity, and we propose several alternative system component changes to reach the desired throughput level as well as determine the corresponding optimal system configurations. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to measure the effects of various factors such as arrival rate, batch size, and operator resource on throughput, and consequently to find the best scenario. The results of the proposed simulation model demonstrated potential impacts on production capacity increase by considering multiple operational factors while applying feasible improvement strategies.
What Motivates Men's Involvement in Gender-Based Violence Prevention? Latent Class Profiles and Correlates in an International Sample of Men

Data from an international sample of 392 men who had attended gender-based violence (GBV) prevention events were used to examine motivations for involvement in GBV prevention work. Participants responded to an online survey (available in English, French, and Spanish). The most commonly reported reasons for involvement included concern for related social justice issues (87 percent), exposure to the issue of violence through work (70 percent), hearing a moving story about domestic or sexual violence (59 percent), and disclosure of abuse from someone close to the participant (55 percent). Using a latent class analysis, we identified four profiles of men’s motivations: low personal connection (22 percent), empathetic connection (26 percent), violence exposed connection (23 percent), and high personal and empathetic connection (29 percent). Participants classified into these profiles did not differ in length of movement involvement but some differences on key ally variables and by global region did emerge. Imp...
Federal Revenue Forecasting

Federal revenue forecasts are crucial to debates about budget policy. But revenue forecasts are often very wrong despite being prepared by very talented analysts. This paper describes the forecasting process used by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and documents past errors. The errors tend to be serially correlated. That is to say, if CBO is too optimistic (pessimistic) one year, they are very likely to be too optimistic (pessimistic) the next year as well. The paper speculates about the reasons for this phenomenon. It concludes by arguing that the uncertainty of forecasts should play a much larger role in debates regarding budget policy.
The Anatomy Of EEOs Level Playing Field

The election of President Barack Obama, and the candidacies of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin raise the issue of whether we continue to need equal employment opportunity and/or affirmative action. The concept of a level playing field is carefully developed, and provides a basis for a more thorough analysis of the future of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
Conquering surface plasmon resonance loss in metallic nanoparticles

We have observed the compensation of loss in metal by gain in interfacing dielectric in the mixture of aggregated silver nanoparticles and rhodamine 6G dye, which is evidenced by six-fold enhancement of the Rayleigh scattering.
Mixed Method Social Network Analysis: Combining Inductive Concept Development, Content Analysis, and Secondary Data for Quantitative Analysis

This article outlines a mixed method approach to social network analysis combining techniques of organizational history development, inductive data structuring, and content analysis to offer a novel approach for network data construction and analysis. This approach provides researchers with a number of benefits over traditional sociometric or other interpersonal methodologies including the ability to investigate networks of greater scope, broader access to diverse social actors, reduced informant bias, and increased capability for longitudinal designs. After detailing this approach, we apply the method on a sample of 143 new ventures and suggest opportunities for general application in entrepreneurship, strategic management, and organizational behavior research.
Creation of Component Adsorption Isothermal Curve for Porous Media of Gas Reservoir

For the different adsorbates in the same adsorbent(porous media),the adsorption powers measured under the different temperatures are correlated with the adsorption potentials.The relative regression equations are given by matching the experimental adsorption data from adsorption potential theory and definition of Dubinin adsorption potential.The regression equation can be used to determine the average petrophysical parameters for a gas reservoir(Case2)and create the adsorption isothermal curves for various components under given gas-layer temperature in it.It provides significant basic data and research methods such as adsorption phase equilibrium simulation and oil-gas reservoir numerical simulation for study of adsorption processes in porous media.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Wuhou District of Chengdu,2013

Objective To understand the status and epidemiological characteristics of hand- foot- mouth disease( HFMD) in Wuhou district of Chengdu,and thus to provide evidence for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods Descriptive statistical method was employed to analyze the surveillance data of HFMD in Wuhou district in 2013. Results Children aged 5 years or below accounted for87. 53 % of total cases and those 3 years old or below accounted for 75. 16 %. The infections occurred more in male than in female, with a male /female ratio of 1. 41 : 1. Scattered and preschool children accounted for 97. 16 % of the reported cases. Rural communities reported more cases than that of urban communities and the incidence rate was also higher in rural communities than that in urban communities. The incidences peaked in both May-June and October-November of the year. Conclusion Comprehensive measures, including epidemic surveillance, isolation and treatment and health education,should be conducted targeting key areas and populations.
Epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Liwan district, Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD) in Liwan District of Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011.Methods A descriptive epidemiologic analysis was made on the data of HFMD cases and outbreaks,documented by the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System and the Public Health Emergency Reporting and Information Management System in Liwan District of Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011.Results 1305 HFMD cases,2162 HFMD cases and 2267 HFMD cases were reported respectively in Liwan District of Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011.The morbidity rates were 184.8 per 100000 in 2009,305.0 per 100000 in 2010 and 319.2 per 100000 in 2011.Two peaks of incidence happened in the periods of April to July and September to December(the former period was the highest peak of the whole year).The children younger than 5 years old accounted for 96.32% of the total reported cases in 2009,94.68% in 2010 and 94.35% in 2011.The male to female ratios of morbidity were 1.74:1.00 in 2009,1.77:1.00 in 2010 and 1.74:1.00 in 2011.3 years reported cases so as to scattered children mainly,were 58.24%,64.38%,65.33%.3 years clusters of outbreaks have been reported 7,7,17,average attack rate for 2.48%,2.10%,2.33%.Conclusion Liwan District,in 2010 and 2011,the HFMD epidemic intensity were greater than 2009 and maintained a relatively high incidence level.HFMD prevention and control measures is to promote community interventions to strengthen community ～ based interventions,focusing on prevention and control work is scattered children.
Numerical simulation of inner flow field in hydrocyclone for oil water separation

The paper deals with the numerical simulation of oil and water phases flow in the hydrocyclone for oil water separation. Distribution law of its inner Flow Field and separation characteristic of oil and water phases flow were obtained according to the analysis of distribution of oil phase volume concentration, distribution of oil phase slip velocity and separation efficiency under different flux. The separation efficiency of simulation compared with the experimental data and the relative error is within ±7%, which proves that the numerical result is reliable.
Are human iNKT cells keeping tabs on lipidome perturbations triggered by oxidative stress in the blood

The central paradigm of conventional MHC-restricted T cells is that they respond specifically to foreign peptides, while displaying tolerance to self-antigens. In contrast, it is now becoming clear that a number of innate-like T cell subsets-CD1-restricted T cells, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, and MAIT cells-may operate by different rules: rather than focusing on the recognition of specific foreign antigens, these T cells all appear to respond to alterations to lipid-related pathways. By monitoring perturbations to the "lipidome," these T cells may be able to spring into action to deal with physiological situations that are of self as well as microbial origin. iNKT cells are a prime example of this type of lipidome-reactive T cell. As a result of their activation by self lyso-phospholipid species that are generated downstream of blood lipid oxidation, human iNKT cells in the vasculature may respond sensitively to a variety of oxidative stresses. Some of the cytokines produced by activated iNKT cells have angiogenic effects (e.g., GM-CSF, IL-8), whereas others (e.g., IFN-γ) are pro-inflammatory factors that can propagate vascular pathology by influencing the functions of macrophages and dendritic cells. Consistent with this, evidence is accumulating that iNKT cells contribute to atherosclerosis, which is one of the most common inflammatory pathologies, and one that is integrally related to characteristics of the lipidome.
Generalized Metric Spaces

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses generalized metric spaces. Any class of spaces defined by a property possessed by all metric spaces could be called a class of generalized metric spaces. The term is meant for classes that are close to metrizable spaces in some sense. They usually possess some of the useful properties of metric spaces, and some of the theory or techniques of metric spaces carries over to these wider classes. They can be used to characterize the images or pre-images of metric spaces under certain kinds of mappings. They often appear in theorems that characterize metrizability in terms of weaker topological properties. They should be stable under certain topological operations, such as finite or countable products, closed subspaces, and perfect mappings. This class has played an important role in the dimension theory of general spaces. The theory of generalized metric spaces is closely related to what is known as metrization theory.
Single versus combination intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotic therapy for people with cystic fibrosis.

Background Choice of antibiotic, and the use of single or combined therapy are controversial areas in the treatment of respiratory infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF). Advantages of combination therapy include wider range of modes of action, possible synergy and reduction of resistant organisms; advantages of monotherapy include lower cost, ease of administration and reduction of drug-related toxicity. Current evidence does not provide a clear answer and the use of intravenous antibiotic therapy in cystic fibrosis requires further evaluation. This is an update of a previously published review. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of single compared to combination intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotic therapy for treating people with cystic fibrosis. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 14 October 2016. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a single intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotic with a combination of that antibiotic plus a second anti-pseudomonal antibiotic in people with CF. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main results We identified 45 trials, of which eight trials (356 participants) comparing a single anti-pseudomonal agent to a combination of the same antibiotic and one other, were included. There was a wide variation in the individual antibiotics used in each trial. In total, the trials included seven comparisons of a beta-lactam antibiotic (penicillin-related or third generation cephalosporin) with a beta-lactam-aminoglycoside combination and three comparisons of an aminoglycoside with a beta-lactam-aminoglycoside combination. These two groups of trials were analysed as separate subgroups. There was considerable heterogeneity amongst these trials, leading to difficulties in performing the review and interpreting the results. The meta-analysis did not demonstrate any significant differences between monotherapy and combination therapy, in terms of lung function; symptom scores; adverse effects; and bacteriological outcome measures. These results should be interpreted cautiously. Six of the included trials were published between 1977 and 1988; these were single-centre trials with flaws in the randomisation process and small sample size. Overall, the methodological quality was poor. Authors' conclusions The results of this review are inconclusive. The review raises important methodological issues. There is a need for an RCT which needs to be well-designed in terms of adequate randomisation allocation, blinding, power and long-term follow up. Results need to be standardised to a consistent method of reporting, in order to validate the pooling of results from multiple trials.
Real-time measurement of size-resolved elemental composition ratio for flame synthesized composite nanoparticle aggregates using a tandem SMPS-ICP-OES.

ABSTRACTComposite nanoparticles find application in catalysis, drug delivery, and energy storage and require increasingly fine control of their physical properties and composition. While composite nanoparticles have been widely synthesized and characterized, little work has systematically correlated the initial concentration of precursors and the final composition of flame synthesized composite nanoparticles. This relationship is explored in a diffusion flame aerosol reactor by coupling a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). A framework for studying the relationship between the initial precursor concentrations of different elements and the final nanoparticle composition is explored. The size-resolved elemental composition was measured by directly injecting size-selected fractions of aggregated magnetite and silicon dioxide composite nanoparticles into the ICP-OES plasma. This work showed a correlation between precursor molar ra...
￼JOE DANTE, O HORROR E O BAIXO ORÇAMENTO: PIRANHAS, GRITOS DE HORROR E DESENHOS ANIMADOS

Neste artigo estudaremos os dois primeiros longas que Joe Dante realizou apos Hollywood Boulevard (codirigido por Allan Arkush), sua estreia no cinema: Piranha (1978) e Grito de horror (1981). Sao dois longas de horror, de baixo orcamento, que exploram duas vertentes distintas do genero: catastrofes naturais (provocadas por experimentos geneticos) e o filme de lobisomem. O primeiro teve producao da New World Pictures, de Roger Corman; o segundo, da Avco Embassy. Ambos mostraram o talento que o diretor iria desenvolver em projetos futuros, trabalhando com maior orcamento.
A Half Century of Fertility Change

Fertility change has been one of the most important foci of social science over the past half-century. The body of knowledge accumulated is impressive and can account for both the decline of fertil...
Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms

In Chapters 12 and 13, we have looked at mechanisms that might lead to an emulation of human reasoning capabilities. We approached this problem from a macroscopic point of view. In this chapter, we shall approach the same problem from a microscopic point of view, i.e., we shall try to emulate learning mechanisms as they are believed to take place at the level of neurons of the human brain and evolutionary adaptation mechanisms as they are hypothesized to have shaped our genetic code.
Parcellation of Human Amygdala Subfields Using Orientation Distribution Function and Spectral K-means Clustering.

Amygdala plays an important role in fear and emotional learning, which are critical for human survival. Despite the functional relevance and unique circuitry of each human amygdaloid subnuclei, there has yet to be an efficient imaging method for identifying these regions in vivo. A data-driven approach without prior knowledge provides advantages of efficient and objective assessments. The present study uses high angular and high spatial resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to generate orientation distribution function, which bears distinctive microstructural features. The features were extracted using spherical harmonic decomposition to assess microstructural similarity within amygdala subfields that are identified via similarity matrices using spectral k-mean clustering. The approach was tested on 32 healthy volunteers and three distinct amygdala subfields were identified including medial, posterior-superior lateral, and anterior-inferior lateral.
Do Positive Peer Relations Mitigate Transactions Between Depressive Symptoms and Peer Victimization in Adolescence

Abstract This study's purpose was to evaluate whether two aspects of positive peer relations—having a friend and being well-liked—mitigate prospective transactions between depressive symptoms and peer victimization. Participants were early adolescents in fifth and sixth grades (N = 483; 50% girls; Mage in 5th grade spring = 11.10 years; SD = 0.40) and late adolescents in ninth and tenth grades (N = 444; 52% girls; Mage in 9th grade spring = 14.70 years; SD = 0.62). Data were collected in the spring annually. Depressive symptoms were assessed via parent-, teacher-, and self-reports (late adolescence only) and peer victimization by self-, peer-, and teacher-reports. Mutual friendship nominations and peer acceptance ratings indexed positive peer relations. Results showed that positive peer relations are protective: Depressive symptoms contributed to peer victimization for early and late adolescents without a friend; moreover, late adolescents high on acceptance were at decreased risk for peer victimization.
Neuroendocrine tumors of the head and neck: SEER analysis of survival and incidence.

e17051 Background: Head and neck neuroendocrine tumors are rare, with limited information regarding frequency, prognosis and significance of site. Methods: A case listing session of SEER 18 (1973-2...
Isolating and Purifying Genomic DNA of Rhizobia Using a Rapid Small-Scale Method

When Gram-negative bacteria are exposed to lysozyme, the integrity of the outer cell wall is affected by hydrolytic cleavage of complex polysaccharides. Some of the cell wall remains and the cell becomes spherical, protected mainly by the cell membrane. These cells are called spheroplasts and can be lysed to release the DNA by adding ionic detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium N-lauroylsarcosine (sarkosyl). This is followed by phenol extraction to remove the proteins from the nucleic acids. Phenol denatures proteins readily, but does not completely inhibit ribonuclease activity. Guanidine isothiocyanate disrupts the cell membrane and causes rapid protein denaturation. Also, the guanidinium cation and the isothiocyanate anion inactivate the ribonucleases by disrupting their tertiary structure.
Speculative Markets and Macroeconomic Controversy

During the past decade the areas of macroeconomics, speculative markets and international finance have been characterized by very sharp controversy. The main reason for the controversy is that the “conventional wisdom” has been found to be inconsistent with the empirical evidence. Consequently, the challenge is to formulate a more satisfactory theory. The basic problems in all these areas are interrelated, because of the crucial role of anticipations hypotheses. Recent work in speculative markets in general and, in particular futures markets in commodities, financial instruments, stock indexes and foreign exchange, has profound implications for the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic controversy. The purpose of this paper is to show how the study of microeconomic markets can evaluate the controversy surrounding the various macroeconomic models.
Case Study: Cefditoren Pivoxil: An Oral Prodrug of Cefditoren

There is a continual need for new broad-spectrum antibiotics and, with this in mind, Sakagami and coworkers developed cefditoren pivoxil (Spectracef®) as an orally available prodrug of cefditoren (1990). Cefditoren has a 2-aminothiazole methoxime ring that imparts gram-negative activity (Balbisi, 2002) and a methylthiazole-substituted vinyl group at C-3 that maintains gram-positive activity (Sakagami et al.,1990). However, the hydrophilic carboxyl group of the parent drug makes cefditoren orally inactive due to poor permeation across the intestinal mucosa (Kees and Grobecker, 1995; Stoeckel et al., 1995). Esterfication of the polar carboxyl group increases lipophilicity and allows intestinal absorption to occur (Kees and Grobecker, 1995). That is, cefditoren pivaloyl methyl ester is not biologically active, but after absorption esterases readily hydrolyze the prodrug to the biologically active cefditoren (von Daehne et al., 1970; Li et al., 1997; Brass et al., 2003).
Blood volume measurement using cardiovascular magnetic resonance and ferumoxytol: preclinical validation

The hallmark of heart failure is increased blood volume. Quantitative blood volume measures are not conveniently available and are not tested in heart failure management. We assess ferumoxytol, a marketed parenteral iron supplement having a long intravascular half-life, to measure the blood volume with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Swine were administered 0.7 mg/kg ferumoxytol and blood pool T1 was measured repeatedly for an hour to characterize contrast agent extraction and subsequent effect on Vblood estimates. We compared CMR blood volume with a standard carbon monoxide rebreathing method. We then evaluated three abbreviated acquisition protocols for bias and precision. Mean plasma volume estimated by ferumoxytol was 61.9 ± 4.3 ml/kg. After adjustment for hematocrit the resultant mean blood volume was 88.1 ± 9.4 ml/kg, which agreed with carbon monoxide measures (91.1 ± 18.9 ml/kg). Repeated measurements yielded a coefficient of variation of 6.9%, and Bland-Altman repeatability coefficient of 14%. The blood volume estimates with abbreviated protocols yielded small biases (mean differences between 0.01–0.06 L) and strong correlations (r2 between 0.97–0.99) to the reference values indicating clinical feasibility. In this swine model, ferumoxytol CMR accurately measures plasma volume, and with correction for hematocrit, blood volume. Abbreviated protocols can be added to diagnostic CMR examination for heart failure within 8 min.