cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building capacity: Organizational competence and critical theory

Public administration and organization management features numerous references to the development and maturation of individuals within organizations not only as a means of self‐fulfillment but also as a primary component of meeting the larger goals of the organization. Successful articulation of individual needs, theory, practice, and programmatic objectives requires the maturation of the organization as a “competent” entity capable of providing enhanced opportunities for the development of individual potential as well as stakeholder and client satisfaction. Organizations building competence seek to synthesize effective management theory and quality of service delivery within a procedural framework which interrelates unsublimated needs satisfaction, management practice and agency mission. An organizational competency model constructed through the use of critical theory offers greater employee and client satisfaction, more effective and efficient service delivery through improved agency self‐actualization and performance, and expanded community involvement through a redefined public interest.
Transformations of chemically fixed liquid anhydrous ammonia by soil microorganisms

The application of liquid anhydrous NH3 to soil leads to chemical fixation of NH3 by organic matter and of NHinf4sup+by clay minerals. A laboratory study was conducted to ascertain the biological transformations of newly fixed liquid anhydrous 15NH3 in a Drummer silty clay loam by incubation of the 15N-labelled soil with glucose for 0, 7, 30, and 90 days and by sequential extraction of organic-matter-fixed 15NH3 with 0.15 M Na4P2O7, 0.15 M KOH, 0.1 M NaOH, and acidified dimethyl sulfoxide. About 16% of the 15NH3 injected was fixed, of which 52% was accounted for by clay fixation. The various humic fractions (fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin) were obtained, and the distribution patterns of the fixed 15NH3-N in these fractions were compared. The potential availability of the fixed 15NH3-N was also estimated. The percentage of the 15NH3 recovered as organic-matter-fixed 15NH3 decreased as the length of incubation increased (to 28% after 90 days); the decrease was attributed in part to an increase in the amount recovered as clay-fixed NHinf4sup+(from 52 to 64%). Changes in the distribution of the organic-matter-fixed 15NH3-N in the humic fractions included: (1) an increase in the relative amount of the fixed 15NH3 as humic acid in both the Na4P2O7 and KOH extracts, (2) an increase in the percentage of organic-matter-fixed 15NH3-N in the fulvic acid fractions as high-molecular-weight components (determined by dialysis) or as generic fulvic acid (determined by sorption-desorption from XAD-8 resin), and (3) an increase in the percentage of the organic-matter-fixed 15NH3 as humin. The potential availability of the organic-matter-fixed 15NH3-N decreased as the length of the incubation increased, from 22 to 4% over the 90-day incubation period, and was correlated significantly (0.05 level) with Na4P2O7-extractable N. These results suggest that organic-matter-fixed liquid anhydrous NH3 is initially more labile than the native soil N but becomes less labile with time.
Maximal Limit Spaces, Powerspaces, and Scott Domains

Abstract We explore an area that connects classical Hausdorff topology and the Scott domain theory and serves as a foundation for a denotational semantics of numerical programs. Our key notion is that of a maximal limit space, a T 0 space ( X, T ) in which every net that has a limit point has a unique limit point maximal in the specialization order induced by T . Maximal limit spaces combine features of Hausdorff spaces and domains and form a bridge between those two categories. Every Hausdorff space is a maximal limit space, and maximal limit spaces are preserved under product, closed subspace, and function space constructions. A topological version of the lifting construction, familiar in domain theory, makes a maximal limit space into a compact maximal limit space. The upper powerspace construction makes a locally compact maximal limit space into a c.b.c. domain (continuous directed-complete partial order that is bounded-complete, i.e., any subset with an upper bound has a least upper bound) that is pointed (has a bottom element) if the original space was compact. C.b.c. domains are locally compact maximal limit spaces. The space of continuous functions from a locally compact topological space to a pointed c.b.c. domain is a pointed c.b.c. domain. The topology of pointwise convergence and the compact-open topology are identical on such function spaces. The upper powerspace construction is functorial and behaves well in relation to function space formation.
Optical-wavelength-domain code division multiplexing using an AOM-based ultrafast optical pulse-shaping approach

Optical wavelength domain code-division multiplexing access (WD-CDMA) using an AOM-based ultrafast optical pulse shaping approach is proposed and demonstrated experimentally at 1550 nm. This new multiplexing technique utilizes wavelength domain codes that are essentially different optical spectral patterns in order to achieve CDMA. In addition to the advantages of the conventional CDMA technique, WD-CDMA can make full use of the entire optical bandwidth without requiring faster optical switches or modulators. This approach also drastically reduces sensitivity to fiber dispersion. Experimentally, we demonstrate an optical spectral encoder using ultrafast optical pulse shaping with 16 wavelength bits over an optical bandwidth of 5 THz. The spectrally-encoded optical pulse generated with the spectral encoder is then decoded with different WD-CDMA codes in the spectral domain. Different code-division channels can thus extract their own bit information while sharing the same spectral-encoded laser pulse as their common carrier. These spectral-encoded pulses are shown using the cross- correlation technique to be confined within a time slot of 15 ps. A larger number of WD bits is also achievable with our system.
Comparison of usefulness of tissue Doppler imaging versus brain natriuretic peptide for differentiation of constrictive pericardial disease from restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tissue Doppler imaging may distinguish restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCMP) from idiopathic constrictive pericardial disease (CP). However, their comparative efficacy is unknown for patients with CP from secondary causes (e.g., surgery or radiotherapy). We compared the efficacy of tissue Doppler imaging and BNP for differentiation of RCMP (n = 15) and CP (n = 16). BNP was higher in patients with RCMP than CP (p = 0.008), but the groups overlapped, particularly for BNP
Análisis de la Fecundidad Adolescente en Colombia, 2010

Colombia presenta una de las mayores tasas de fecundidad adolescente de America Latina. En este reporte se elabora un analisis de la fecundidad adolescente en el pais para el ano de 2010, en el cual se incluye un analisis regional, permitiendo asi identificar los sectores geograficos en los cuales se presenta la mayor prevalencia de maternidad adolescente. Tambien, se elabora un diagnostico de los patrones de uso de metodos anticonceptivos asi como de los grupos en los cuales se concentran las mayores Necesidades No Satisfechas de Anticoncepcion (NNSA), con el fin de determinar el nivel de acceso y uso de metodos que reportan las adolescentes colombianas.
A new phase-shifterless beam-scanning technique using arrays of coupled oscillators

A method for electronic beam scanning in linear arrays of antenna-coupled oscillators is introduced which eliminates the need for phase shifters. It is shown that a constant phase progression can be established by slightly detuning the peripheral array elements, while maintaining mutual synchronization. This unusual nonlinear behavior is explained using coupled Van der Pol equations. A stability analysis provides theoretical limitations on the achievable interelement phase shift. When the phase of the coupling is zero, the theory predicts an interelement phase shift that can be varied continuously over the range -90 degrees > Delta theta >
An adaptive algorithm for conversion from quadtree to chain codes

Abstract An adaptive algorithm is presented for converting the quadtree representation of a binary image to its chain code representation. Our algorithm has the advantage of constructing the chain codes of the resulting quadtree of the Boolean operation of two quadtrees by re-using the original chain codes. This algorithm is adaptive because it can adjust the total number of internal nodes to be stored and retrieve it later in the reconstruction stage. The algorithm possesses parallelism and is suited for pyramid architecture. Our algorithm requires time O(H+L) in sequential and time O(N) in parallel, where H is the height of the quadtree, L is the length of the chain code sequence generated, and N×N is the size of the input image.
Leveraging online virtual worlds for upper extremity Rehabilitation

Virtual environment based systems have been used for rehabilitation of individuals following a stroke. They can be customized to provide specific rehabilitation motor therapy goals, but can be costly to develop and deploy. This paper describes a low cost alternative using commonly available technologies to quickly create interesting virtual environments for upper extremity rehabilitation. The Nintendo Corporation's (Kyoto, Japan) Wiimote, and Linden Labs' (San Francisco, CA) multiplayer online game Second Life can be combined to form the basis for a flexible and extendible rehabilitation environment. To evaluate the feasibility of rapid game creation using these low cost elements, a "Concentration"-like memory-matching game was created where players must match pairs of like-colored spheres floating in 3D space. The resulting environment was created in approximately 20 hours and provides a functional interface that can be further modified to target gross or fine motor control activities.
Quality Improvement and Learning in Productive Systems

Recent interest in product quality suggests that effort devoted to improving the quality of manufactured products may reduce unit costs. This conjecture-that improving quality can lower costs-challenges the traditional assumption that unit costs increase with increased quality assurance activities and has significant implications for quality management. By introducing the idea of a quality-based learning curve, this paper links the previously disjoint literatures of quality control and learning curves to explain why high quality and low costs need not be inconsistent. When costs are affected by a quality-based learning curve, product quality favorably influences the rate of cost reduction due to learning. Thus, costs decline more rapidly with the experience of producing higher quality products. Two formulations of the quality-based learning phenomenon are presented. The first assumes that quality-based experience affects direct manufacturing costs. For this formulation, the optimal quality level is decreasing over time, but is always larger than the optimal base-case quality level. The optimal production quantity is constant if the interest rate is zero and increasing in time when the interest rate is positive. The second formulation assumes that quality-based experience affects quality control costs. In this case, the optimal quality level is always increasing over time. The optimal quantity behavior is qualitatively similar to the first formulation. A key feature of the second quality-based model is that it resolves the controversy between the economic conformance level model of Juran, which asserts that one should use cost-tradeoff analysis to find the optimal quality level, and the claims of Deming and Crosby, that zero defects is always the optimal quality level. For certain parameter values, the optimal quality policy in the second model conforms to the economic conformance level model but the dynamics of the model demonstrates the optimality of always pushing towards zero defects.
Spontaneous Verbal Elaboration in Gifted and Non-Gifted Youths

In two experiments, differences were investigated between gifted youths and comparison groups with respect to: (a) performance on paired-associate tasks involving meaningful and nonmeaningful words...
UHF and microwave phase-shift measurements

A phase-shift standard, a measurement system, and the techniques for determining the corresponding limit of uncertainty are all required for obtaining the phase-shift characteristics of UHF and microwave components. Differential phase-shift standards measurement techniques, and measurement uncertainties are all discussed in a general sense and a comprehensive bibliograpby is included to supplement the general discussion.
Memory: Neural Organization and Behavior

The sections in this article are: 1 Definitions: From Synapses to Behavior 2 What is Memory? Neurobiological Questions 2.1 The Nature of Synaptic Change 2.2 Neurons Versus Synapses 2.3 Competition 2.4 Remembering and Forgetting 3 What is Memory? Neuropsychological Questions 3.1 Memory Determined by Information Processing 3.2 A Taxonomy of Memory 3.3 Summary 4 Where is Memory? 4.1 Two Historical Views: Localized Versus Distributed Memory 4.2 Locating the Engram 4.3 Summary 5 How is memory organized? 5.1 Modulation of Memory by Neurotransmitters and Hormones 5.2 Amnesia: A Selective Clinical Syndrome 5.3 Amnesia as a Window on Normal Function 5.4 Prefrontal Cortex 5.5 Specific Events Versus Cumulative Experience 5.6 Summary
Direct Estimation of the Bulk Modulus of the Frame In a Fluid-saturated Elastic Medium By Biot Theory

An explicit, generalized formulation is derived for estimation of the bulk modulus (K ) of the dry frame of a porous elastic $* me lum. The derivation is based directly on Biot theory. Estimated bulk moduli are reliable only if realistic V /V ratios are used, especially at very lowpan very high porosities. Experimental bulk moduli for both waterand gas-saturated sediments as functions of porosity, are reasonably well predicted by the theoretical calculations.
Eye Movements during Information Processing Tasks: Individual Differences and Cultural Effects

The eye movements of native English speakers, native Chinese speakers, and bilingual Chinese/English speakers who were either born in China (and moved to the US at an early age) or in the US were recorded during six tasks: (1) reading, (2) face processing, (3) scene perception, (4) visual search, (5) counting Chinese characters in a passage of text, and (6) visual search for Chinese characters. Across the different groups, there was a strong tendency for consistency in eye movement behavior; if fixation durations of a given viewer were long on one task, they tended to be long on other tasks (and the same tended to be true for saccade size). Some tasks, notably reading, did not conform to this pattern. Furthermore, experience with a given writing system had a large impact on fixation durations and saccade lengths. With respect to cultural differences, there was little evidence that Chinese participants spent more time looking at the background information (and, conversely less time looking at the foreground information) than the American participants. Also, Chinese participants' fixations were more numerous and of shorter duration than those of their American counterparts while viewing faces and scenes, and counting Chinese characters in text.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome type B with His depolarization occurring after the QRS. Further evidence that WPW-QRS is a fusion beat.

His bundle electrograms were recorded in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (type B) during atrial pacing studies and during the induction of premature atrial depolarization at varying coupling intervals. Early ventricular depolarization (preexcitation) occurred simultaneously with the His depolarization, suggesting that conduction occurred via both the Kent and the normal A-V nodal-His-Purkinje pathway during sinus rhythm. Atrial pacing at increasing rates showed progressive advance of the His spike into the QRS and increasing duration of the delta wave until the appearance of broad bizarre QRS complexes with prolonged P-J intervals, suggesting major, if not total, depolarization of the ventricle by the Kent pathway. PAD'S induced at coupling intervals of 360, 330, and 300 msec caused progressive delay of the His bundle depolarization, with the His spike occurring after the QRS at S 1 -H intervals of 230, 265, and 325 msec, respectively, and Q-H intervals of 123, 160 and 220 msec, respectively. These findings suggest that during sinus rhythm the QRS was a fusion beat. With early premature atrial stimulation, conduction occurred solely via the Kent pathway, with conduction via the normal A-V nodal pathway encountering increasing delay. The finding of His depolarization occurring after the QRS suggests retrograde myocardial-His block, and may explain the absence of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias in this patient.
Single-Particle/Single-Cell Ion Microbeams as Probes of Biological Mechanisms

An ion microbeam is a very narrow beam of charged particles, typically protons, alpha particles, or heavier, of micrometer/submicrometer size, corresponding to cellular/subcellular dimensions. Together with integrated techniques for locating live cellular or subcellular targets, they allow rapid sequential irradiation of these targets. This review covers both the technology involved in modern single-cell microbeams, as well as some current applications. The recent explosion of interest in microbeams was initially driven by interest in the domestic radon problem, in which target cells are exposed either to zero or one alpha particle. Microbeams allow cells to be individually irradiated with exact numbers of particles. As microbeams were built, refined, and used, the biological questions that were addressed with them have considerably broadened, to encompass many aspects of damage signal transduction. Two areas in particular have attracted much interest: One is the use of microbeams to address the sensitivity of subcellular targets, such as the cytoplasm or mitochondria. The other reflects the ability of the microbeam to irradiate some cells, but not others, allowing a direct investigation of the so-called bystander effect, where signals from irradiated cells can apparently cause biological responses in neighboring unirradiated cells.
Model-based Bayesian clustering (MBBC)

Motivation: The program MBBC 2.0 clusters time–course microarray data using a Bayesian product partition model. Results: The Bayesian product partition model in Booth et al. (2007) simultaneously searches for the optimal number of clusters, and assigns cluster memberships based on temporal changes of gene expressions. MBBC 2.0 to makes this method easily available for statisticians and scientists, and is built with three free computer language software packages: Ox, R and C++, taking advantage of the strengths of each language. Within MBBC, the search algorithm is implemented with Ox and resulting graphs are drawn with R. A user-friendly graphical interface is built with C++ to run the Ox and R programs internally. Thus, MBBC users are not required to know how to use Ox, R or C++, but they must be pre-installed. Availability: A self-extractable zip file, MBBC20zip.exe, is available at the MBBC webpage www.stat.ufl.edu/~casella/mbbc/, which contains MBBC.exe, source files, and all other related files. The current version works only in the Windows operating system. A free installation program and overview for Ox is available at www.doornik.com. A detailed installation guide for Ox is provided by MBBC, and is accessible without installing Ox. R is available at www.r-project.org/. Contact: casella@stat.ufl.edu
Scaling in a cellular automaton model of earthquake faults

We present theoretical arguments and simulation data indicating that the scaling of earthquake events in models of faults with long-range stress transfer is composed of at least three distinct regions. These regions correspond to three classes of earthquakes with different underlying physical mechanisms. In addition to the events that exhibit scaling, there are larger ``breakout'' events that are not on the scaling plot. We discuss the interpretation of these events as fluctuations in the vicinity of a spinodal critical point.
How Institutions Mediate the Impact of Cash Cropping on Food Crop Intensification: An Application to Cotton in Sub-Saharan Africa

Summary It is widely agreed that smallholder-led agricultural growth would contribute most to improved food security and reduced poverty. Yet, how to achieve broader and more sustainable access by smallholder farmers to productivity-enhancing inputs for food crop production remains a largely unsolved riddle. In light of the great institutional diversity across cotton sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, this study investigates whether cotton can be used to spur the intensification of smallholder food production. First, a conceptual framework linking cotton institutional structures to food crop intensification is developed. Then, predictions from the conceptual framework are compared with empirical evidence from different countries.
Control of mole‐rats, Spalax ehrenbergi, with calcium phosphide pellets1

Control of the mole-rat, Spalax ehrenbergi, by Polytanol calcium phosphide pellets in field crops and hothouses was evaluated in 11 localities. A dosage of 10–120 g pellets per insert was needed to achieve complete control, in one operation or in 2–3 repetitions. The treatment sites were near mole-rat mounds or near signs of new damage in the crop. The question of safety in hothouses is discussed.
Dependence of Optical Transition Energies on Structure for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Suspension: An Empirical Kataura Plot

Spectrofluorimetric data for identified single-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous SDS suspension have been accurately fit to empirical expressions. These are used to obtain the first model-independent prediction of first and second van Hove optical transitions as a function of structure for a wide range of semiconducting nanotubes. To allow for convenient use in support of spectral studies, the results are presented in equation, graphical, and tabular forms. These empirical findings differ significantly from Kataura plots computed using a simple tight-binding model. It is suggested that the empirically based results should be used in preference to conventional model-based predictions in spectroscopic nanotube research.
Direct impacts on local climate of sugar-cane expansion in Brazil

Expanding biofuel production into agricultural land reduces the need to clear natural ecosystems and can benefit the global climate through reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. A remote-sensing study of the Brazilian cerrado now provides empirical evidence that sugar-cane expansion also cools local climate directly by altering surface reflectivity and evapotranspiration.
Early evolution of gas adsorption chromatography part II: Elution chromatography matures

This, the second part of our review on the early development of gas-adsorption chromatography discusses the activities of E. Cremer at the University of Innsbruck and J. Janak in Czechoslovakia, as well as of the Russian school on adsorption (A.A. Zhukhovitskii, N.M. Turkel'taub and A.V. Kiselev). In the First Part a of of review we have already discussed the beginnings of elution-type analysis. This work then matured in the activities of E. Cremer and J. Janak, leading to the use of gas adsorption chromatography in routine analysis. Figure 11 is a rare historical photo showing three of the key scientists discussed in this article, in 1959, at a meeting.
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of intelligent tutoring systems on K–12 students’ mathematical learning.

In this study, we meta-analyzed empirical research of the effectiveness of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) on K–12 students’ mathematical learning. A total of 26 reports containing 34 independent samples met study inclusion criteria. The reports appeared between 1997 and 2010. The majority of included studies compared the effectiveness of ITS with that of regular classroom instruction. A few studies compared ITS with human tutoring or homework practices. Among the major findings are (a) overall, ITS had no negative and perhaps a small positive effect on K–12 students’ mathematical learning, as indicated by the average effect sizes ranging from g = 0.01 to g = 0.09, and (b) on the basis of the few studies that compared ITS with homework or human tutoring, the effectiveness of ITS appeared to be small to modest. Moderator analyses revealed 2 findings of practical importance. First, the effects of ITS appeared to be greater when the interventions lasted for less than a school year than when they lasted for 1 school year or longer. Second, the effectiveness of ITS for helping students drawn from the general population was greater than for helping low achievers. This finding draws attentions to the issue of whether computerized learning might contribute to the achievement gap between students with different achievement levels and aptitudes.
Nutritional status: A continuous quality improvement approach

Intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) has been used as nutritional repletion in severely malnourished patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study presents a retrospective look at hemodialysis patients with malnutrition who were followed-up in the process of continuous quality improvement (CQI). The costs of intravenous supplies, hospitalizations, and morbidity are reviewed. The application of continuous quality improvement was used to identify and follow-up malnourished patients. There were significant decreases in number of hospitalizations and days in the hospital.
Assertiveness Training with Outpatients: The Effectiveness of Skill and Cognitive Procedures

Forty-four community mental health outpatients participated in an assertiveness training program in which three treatment methods were compared. Skill training aimed at training specific assertive responses by means of instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, feedback, and homework assignments. Cognitive training focused on altering the irrational cognitions which theoretically inhibit the expression of assertive responses. A third group (Cognitive–Skill) received both forms of training simultaneously, and a fourth group (Waiting List) was included as a control. A behavioral roleplaying test (B.R.P.T.) and the Social Fear Scale were administered prior to and immediately following four individual training sessions occurring at one week intervals for all three treatment groups. Analyses of covariance of assertive content ratings made by independent judges for B.R.P.T. responses revealed that all three treatment groups evidenced significantly more assertive and effective responses on both refusal and behavior change situations when compared to the Waiting List control. Analyses of paralinguistic dimensions of the B.R.P.T. revealed training generally to be more successful for the Skill group.
Architecture of FAME: fuzzy address matching environment

There have been a considerable number of developments and applications of fuzzy set theory in the database area. In this paper the use of databases with imprecise information for matching and correcting of addressing is described. The context for the motivating application is that of correcting ordinary postal addresses. However other correction applications such as independent shippers, phone numbers from inexact information etc. are also feasible. The basic components of an appropriate application are that it is possible to understand the structure of an imprecise input and then to be able to match such an input to a set of highly structured patterns which themselves have some uncertainties. The paper looks at the basic architecture of a fuzzy information system prototype for address matching and discusses the main approaches to components of the architecture. >
Altered differentiation of hepatocytes in a transgenic mouse model of hepatocarcinogenesis

Transgenic mice carrying the SV40 T antigen (TAg) gene, which develop hepatocellular and biliary cell tumors by 4 mo of age, show ductular structures in the neonatal liver. Coexpression of c-myc with TAg increases the extent and persistence of ductular lesions and also accelerates tumor development. To analyze possible links between altered gene expression and cell differentiation and to determine the relationship between the ductular structures and tumor development in these mice, ductular cells in single (TAg) and bitransgenic (TAg X c-myc) mice were characterized for biliary and hepatocellular differentiation, transgene expression, and proliferation activity. The results show that the ductular cells in these transgenic mice have characteristics of biliary cells, including basement membrane formation, positive laminin staining, and bile duct-specific lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin and peanut agglutinin) binding, and characteristics of hepatocytes, including albumin expression and ultrastructural f...
Using Legal Principles to Guide Geoengineering Deployment

Climate change will be unavoidable, long-lasting, and potentially catastrophic. While mitigation is critical, it can no longer enable us to avoid many of the consequences of climate change. Not surprisingly, many nations and their scientists are beginning to study the feasibility of engineering the climate. Indeed, earlier this year the United States’ National Research Council concluded that the likelihood that society will need to deploy some form of geoengineering is becoming increasingly likely. Nevertheless, no one has begun determining what principles society should apply when deciding whether to deploy geoengineering. This article identifies and reviews legal concepts that can inform this decision. Then, it determines which legal principles should be used and which can be discarded. Next, it applies decision-making theories to determine the best approach to utilize these principles. With this background, it proposes a prioritization of the principles – cost-benefit analysis, consideration of alternatives, intergenerational equity, regional equity, reversibility of consequences, and containment of effects. Finally, it demonstrates the value of the principles by applying them to some of the most promising climate engineering technologies to determine, based upon present information, which would be the most acceptable to deploy.
Mitochondrial Mutations in Parkinson's Disease and Dystonias

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the principles of mitochondrial genetics, and discusses the evidence for a role for mtDNA mutations in Parkinson's disease (PD). The chapter also explores the possibility that the accumulation of somatic mtDNA mutations may account for the mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. Following this, it presents the mtDNA mutations that have been linked to certain forms of dystonia, with a discussion of the possible role of mtDNA mutations in the more common late-onset forms of focal dystonia. The basal ganglia are a common site of pathology in relatively rare classic mitochondrial disorders such as Leigh syndrome. Mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA mutations also may play a role in more common basal ganglia disorders such as PD and dystonia. MtDNA mutations can be associated with parkinsonism in rare patients, but inherited pathogenic mtDNA mutations are absent in the majority of idiopathic PD patients. Further studies are needed to address the possibility that the accumulation of somatic mutations may play a role in PD. mtDNA mutations also can cause rare forms of dystonia, but the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA mutations in more common forms of dystonia is uncertain.
Graphene Ambipolar Nanoelectronics for High Noise Rejection Amplification.

In a modern wireless communication system, signal amplification is critical for overcoming losses during multiple data transformations/processes and long-distance transmission. Common mode and differential mode are two fundamental amplification mechanisms, and they utilize totally different circuit configurations. In this paper, we report a new type of dual-gate graphene ambipolar device with capability of operating under both common and differential modes to realize signal amplification. The signal goes through two stages of modulation where the phase of signal can be individually modulated to be either in-phase or out-of-phase at two stages by exploiting the ambipolarity of graphene. As a result, both common and differential mode amplifications can be achieved within one single device, which is not possible in the conventional circuit configuration. In addition, a common-mode rejection ratio as high as 80 dB can be achieved, making it possible for low noise circuit application. These results open up new...
The E-Choupal Initiative

An international corporation’s agricultural business division reviews its seven-year-old IT initiative among rural Indian farmers. Suitable for learners at all levels, the case is ideal for modules on strategic change, transformational change in a value chain, and development at the bottom of the pyramid. It also provides excellent insight into how corporations can improve both profits and lifestyles in developing nations while bolstering their worldwide competitiveness. The e-Choupal initiative provides Internet access to connect and unite farmers by teaching them more efficient farming methods and wholesaler accountability strategies. Should the company expand the initiative throughout the country? Given India’s size and the various challenges involved, expansion would not be an easy task.
Diagnostic usefulness of flow cytometry for immunophenotyping classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

To the Editor We read with interest the comprehensive evaluation of the value flow cytometric evaluation of fine-needle aspirate (FNA) specimens by Savage and coworkers.1 In this study, the authors demonstrated the clinical usefulness of flow cytometry (FC) for the workup of FNAs, specifically demonstrating overall FC sensitivity and specificity of 85.8% and 92.9%, respectively, when compared with a “gold standard” of histologic examination of a subsequent excisional biopsy specimen, FNA diagnosis, or clinical course. However, we respectfully disagree with one of the authors’ assertions in the discussion section that “…it is nearly universally …
Using hints to improve inline block-layer deduplication

Block-layer data deduplication allows file systems and applications to reap the benefits of deduplication without requiring per-system or per-application modifications. However, important information about data context (e.g., data vs. metadata writes) is lost at the block layer. Passing such context to the block layer can help improve deduplication performance and reliability. We implemented a hinting interface in an open-source block-layer deduplication system, dmdedup, that passes relevant context to the block layer, and evaluated two hints, NODEDUP and PREFETCH. To allow upper storage layers to pass hints based on the available context, we modified the VFS and file system layers to expose a hinting interface to user applications. We show that passing the NODEDUP hint speeds up applications by up to 5.3× on modern machines because the overhead of deduplication is avoided when it is unlikely to be beneficial. We also show that the PREFETCH hint accelerates applications up to 1.8× by caching hashes for data that is likely to be accessed soon.
Self-Assembly of Layered Aluminum Silsesquioxanes: Clay-Like Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites

A series of layered silicate-like structures with a wide range of Si/AI ratios that have an organic functionality directly bonded to the structural Si atom by Si-C bond were prepared by template sol-gel synthesis at room temperature and pressure. XRD patterns indicate that organic functionalities in the interlayers are in paraffin-like arrangement and do not interpenetrate. Structural ordering is primarily governed by the assembly of the organic functionalities into lamellar micelles. Nanocomposites were studied by solid state 29 Si and 27 AI NMR to determine the degree of condensation of inorganic framework. The results indicate that Si-O-Al linkages do not form in gels precipitated at low pH. Stable Si-O-Al linkages form when pH of the precipitates is raised. The highest degree of Si-O-Al bonding is obtained when Al solutions are prehydrolyzed prior to the addition of silane.
Expression of nephrin in kidney tissue of diabetes rats

Objective To investigate the expression of nephrin and the effect of rosiglitazone on kidney tissue of diabetes rats.Methods Twenty-eight male adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups randomly,8 rats in the nomal feed group and others were high fat feed group.The latter group was injected streptozotocin(STZ)after given high fat feed for six weeks.Glucose tolerence was proceed after two weeks.Eighteen rats were up to the standard of American Diabetes Association in 1997 in the high fat feed group,which were divided into diabetes mellitus group and treatment group by rosiglitazone,9 in each group.The expression of nephrin in kidney tissue and the treatment group were studied by Western Blot.The medical statistics and correlation analysis were done by using SPSS 11.5 analysis software.Results The level of expression of nephrin in the diabetes mellitus group was less than that in the normal group markedly,but the level of expression in rosiglitazone group was just the reverse compared with the diabetes mellitus group.Conclusion Nephrin should be regard as an important indicator of monitoring the diabetic neohropathy and the kidney damage.Rosiglitazone may reduce ptoteinuria to treat the kidney damage by induce the expression of nephrin.
Design and implementation of front-end subsystem real-time database for power dispatch automation

Front-end communication subsystem is the basis of power dispatch automation system.The features of data communication and processing in various application systems of power dispatch automation are analyzed and a front-end data communication model based on UML(Unified Modeling Language) is put forward.It is defined and saved in the commercial database,such as Oracle.The real-time database of the fourth generation front-end subsystem is the real-time data buffer created in the shared memory,where data is directly accessed according to pointer to meet the requirements of application systems for efficiency and reliability.The front-end application data model consists of 5 packages,i.e.the substation,device,protocol,measurement and register packages.Each package further consists of several classes.The design and implementation of real-time data communication model and real-time data buffer are explained in detail.
Probe into the Influence of Two Types of Wind Turbine on Three-phase Symmetrical Short-circuit Current

The impact of short-circuit capacity on power grid is an important issue to consider after wind power integration.Because of the difference between wind turbine and traditional synchronous turbine,this paper introduces induction motor based constantspeed wind turbine and doubly-fed generator based variable-speed wind turbine,particularly introduces the constant power factor control mode about the doubly-fed generator.This paper also simulates the fault about the three-phase symmetrical short-circuit under wind power integration circumstance,the results show that the adjustment capacity of the doubly-fed generator is superior to that of the induction motor.
A Screening Study on Serum Biomarkers of Children Asthma by SELDI-TOF-MS

[Objective]To select the specific biomarkers in serum of children asthma using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time of flight mass spectrometry(SELDI-TOF-MS)protein chip technology.[Methods] Serum samples from 40 children asthma patients,40 healthy children with matched gender and age were analyzed using CM10 protein chip to screen potential biomarkers. Proteomic spectra were generated by mass spectrometry.[Results] Six high expressed potential biomarkers were identified with the relative molecular weights of 5 339,5 639,5 908,4 718,5 847 and 9 300. Nine low expressed potential biomarkers were identified with the relative molecular weights of 5 164,3 767,15 314,3 656,15 135,14 978,4 178, 5 219 and 3 488. When the critical point was set as 1.758,the sensitivity of the protein 5 339 for diagnosing asthma was 75.61% and specificity was 72.05%. When the critical point was set as 2.258,the sensitivity of 5 339 for diagnosing asthma was 70.73% and specificity was 92.50%. The sensitivity for diagnosing asthma was 80% and the specificity was 70% by applying this protein fingerprint pattern validation.[Conclusion] SELDI-TOF-MS protein chip technology is a quick,easy,convenient and high-throughput analyzing method,which is capable of selecting several specific,potential biomarkers from the serum of children asthma patients. It may be used clinically.
Residents’ preferences for historic preservation criteria and their determinants: an American example

ABSTRACTFrom the perspective of local residents, who are the ultimate stakeholders and guardians of heritage preservation, this paper aims to explore the public perceptions and internal and external factors that can influence residents’ preferences for historic preservation criteria. The results of multiple regression analyses reveal that the three preservation criteria (physicality, human relationship, and actions and processes) are influenced by residents’ subjective perceptions and objective characteristics. Some management implications, including designing comprehensive interpretation systems to enhance cultural capital, are discussed.
Isotherm-Based Thermodynamic Models for Solute Activities of Organic Acids with Consideration of Partial Dissociation

Organic acids make up a significant fraction of the organic mass in atmospheric aerosol particles. The calculation of gas–liquid–solid equilibrium partitioning of the organic acid is therefore critical for accurate determination of atmospheric aerosol physicochemical properties and processes such as new particle formation and activation to cloud condensation nuclei. Previously, an adsorption isotherm-based statistical thermodynamic model was developed for capturing solute concentration–activity relationships for multicomponent aqueous solutions over the entire concentration range (Dutcher et al. J. Phys. Chem. C/A 2011, 2012, 2013), with model parameters for energies of adsorption successfully related to dipole–dipole electrostatic forces in solute–solvent and solvent–solvent interactions for both electrolytes and organics (Ohm et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2015). However, careful attention is needed for weakly dissociating semivolatile organic acids. Dicarboxylic acids, such as malonic acid and glutaric acid a...
Wideband image demodulation via bi-dimensional multirate frequency transformations.

Existing image demodulation approaches based on the two-dimensional (2D) multicomponent AM–FM model assume narrowband components that can be demodulated using energy operators, Hilbert transforms, or the monogenic image approaches. However, if the FM components are wideband, then these demodulation approaches incur significant errors. Recent work by the authors extended wideband FM demodulation in one dimension to accommodate large conversion factors using multirate frequency transformations. In this paper, we extend the multirate frequency transformations technique developed for one-dimensional signals to 2D and images in conjunction with a recently proposed 2D higher-order energy demodulation approach. This extension is applied to both synthetic and real images to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.
Molecular packing preferences in “bridge-flipped” isomeric aryl-2-pyridylhydrazones and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde arylhydrazones

The aryl-2-pyridylhydrazones, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde 2-(2-pyridinyl)hydrazone (1NNC), 4-bromobenzaldehyde 2-(2-pyridinyl)hydrazone (2NNC), 4-cyanobenzaldehyde 2-(2-pyridinyl)hydrazone (3NNC), and 4-cyanobenzaldehyde 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridinyl)hydrazone (4NNC), are found to assume solid-state molecular packing arrangements different from those of their “bridge-flipped” isomers, the 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde arylhydrazones, 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 2-(4-chlorophenyl)hydrazone (two polymorphs, 1CNNa and 1CNNb), 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 2-(4-bromophenyl)hydrazone (2CNN), 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 2-(4-cyanophenyl)hydrazone (3CNN), and 5-bromo-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 4-cyanophenylhydrazone monohydrate (4CNN). The isomers are structurally differentiated on the basis of preferred hydrogen bonding motif, with the “2-pyr-NNC” structures 1NNC, 2NNC, 3NNC, and 4NNC incorporating an R22(8) hydrogen-bonded dimer motif and the “2-pyr-CNN” structures 1CNNa, 1CNNb, 2CNN, and 3CNN incorporating a C(6) hydrogen-bonded chain motif. The hydrate 4CNN incorporates an R44(16) hydrogen bonding motif mediated by bridging water molecules. Examination of corresponding crystal structures retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database shows that these preferences are general and predictable for these two types of hydrazone and that hydrates among these compounds occur notably less frequently than among their aroylhydrazone analogues. Examination of these structures also shows a strong correlation between the R22(8) motifs and crystallographic inversion centers as well as a strong correlation between the C(6) chains and screw axes extending parallel to the chain axes. These results may prove useful in structure prediction and crystal engineering efforts directed toward these compounds.
Differential protective effects of motorcycle helmets against head injury.

ABSTRACTBackground: Although numerous observational studies have demonstrated a protective effect of motorcycle helmets against head injury, the degree of protection against specific head injury types remains unclear. Experimental biomechanics studies involving cadavers, animals, and computer models have established that head injuries have varying etiologies. This retrospective cross-sectional study compared helmet protection against skull fracture, cerebral contusion, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral concussion in a consecutive series of motorcycle operators involved in recent traffic crashes in Kentucky.Methods: Police collision reports linked to hospital inpatient and emergency department (ED) claims were analyzed for the period 2008 to 2012. Motorcycle operators with known helmet use who were not killed at the crash scene were included in the study. Helmet use was ascertained from the police report. Skull fracture, cerebral contusion, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral concussion were identifi...