cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel sucrose esters from Nicotiana gossei: effective biorationals against selected horticultural insect pests

Leaf-surface extracts of Nicotiana gossei Domin, N. benthamiana Domin, and N. bigelovii (Torrey) Watson were the most active of those from 17 species of Nicotiana evaluated against late second/early third instars of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Four chromatographically purified sucrose esters of N. gossei resulted in 88-94% mortality of late second/early third instars of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). A less purified mixture of the four compounds was effective at 1.0 mg/ml (wt:vol) against nymphs of both whitefly species and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and it deterred feeding and oviposition by the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urlicae Koch. These sucrose esters were not active against whitefly eggs; neonates of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); or second instars of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). The selective activity against immature insects, and the feeding and ovipositional deterrence to spider mites suggest pesticidal activity. Activity of 1.0 mglml (wt:vol) aqueous mixtures of the four compounds was comparable with, or better than, label rates of currently available biorational products or pesticides. The purified product was stable for 1 yr.
Fee disbursements and the local acceptance of unconventional gas development: Insights from Pennsylvania

Abstract This paper explores the extent to which local public support for an unconventional gas development (UGD) project is associated with public revenues disbursed to county and municipal governments where UGD occurs. Pennsylvania adopted “impact fees” in 2012, which have raised more than $400 million for use by county and municipal governments that host UGD. We designed a public opinion survey (N = 453) that oversamples residents in UGD counties in Pennsylvania to test whether residents in counties and municipalities that received impact fees are more supportive of a hypothetical UGD project than residents in counties and municipalities that received less or no impact fee revenue. We found that impact fee revenue is positively associated with support for the UGD project. Further, the level of government receiving the funds (county versus municipality) is related to public support for UGD: impact fee revenue disbursed to municipal governments is associated with a higher rate of public support than comparable amounts disbursed to county governments, conditional on the respondent being aware of fracking prior to the survey. Our findings are consistent with the literature on public trust in local government and have implications for understanding the social feasibility of UGD in the United States and internationally.
Molecular characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in food

Objective To understand the virulence genes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from food in Shenzhen. Methods A total of 420 VP isolates from food during 2010-2012 were serotyped. Real-time PCR was used to detect the virulence genes tdh,trh and tlh. Results All theVP strains were PCR positive for tlh,while 4 strains were trh positive and the positive rate was 0. 95 %. None of the strains had tdh gene. Conclusion In Shenzhen,all the VP isolates from food have tlh,few of them have trh and none of them have tdh. The virulence genes had large difference in VP strains from external environment.
Advances in the Research on Environmental Risk Factors of Childhood Cancers

Epidemiological studies of cancers in children have examined that the environmental risk factors of the childhood cancers include physical factors,chemical factors,biological factors and individual susceptibility.These overall etiological researches of childhood leukemia during recent years were summarized here.Knowledge of the particular risk factors can be used to support measures to reduce potentially harmful exposures and decrease the risk of disease.
Losses into Art

Critic Elizabeth Petrino makes the case that while Emily Dickinson seemed to be following various conventions of nineteenth century women’s poetry, especially in the lyrics of loss, death, and love, she frequently “transformed” those conventions (Petrino 210). Four of Dickinson’s 1858 poems about death, for example, illustrate the ways she often chose to reach such a sense of transformation.
Calcium and phosphorus requirement of swine from weaning to market weight: II. Development of response curves for bone criteria and comparison of bending and shear bone testing.

Three trials involving 251 crossbred pigs were conducted to establish response surfaces for effects of Ca/P levels (70, 85, 100, 115 and 130% of NRC [1979] estimated requirements) and time (weaning to market) on bone criteria and to compare bending and shear bone testing. Nine replicates, each consisting of five pigs, were used over the three trials. One pig per replicate was slaughtered every 4 wk following the start of the trials. Third metacarpals and metatarsals (3M) and fourth metacarpals and metatarsals (4M) were collected at slaughter; the bone length, bending or shear stress, and dry, fat-free ash percentage (DFF%) were determined. Most bone criteria increased (P less than .01) at a decreasing rate (P less than .05) in response to increasing dietary Ca/P intake and increased linearly (P less than .01) with time on test, although bone length and stress increased at a decreasing rate with time on test. Asymptotic models relating continuous effects of total Ca + P intake ratio (CAP; expressed as a percentage of NRC) and number of days on test before slaughter to bone measurements were fit to least squares slaughter time by diet means. Bone length and DFF% reached 98% maximum at or near 100% the NRC estimated CAP level; however, to reach 98% of maximum bone shear and breaking stress higher CAP levels were required. Shear testing of bones was more desirable than bend testing as a method of determining bone strength due to reduced variability, better discrimination of Ca/P and time effects and ease of calculation.
Generative Modeling of Pseudo-Whisper for Robust Whispered Speech Recognition

Whisper is a common means of communication used to avoid disturbing individuals or to exchange private information. As a vocal style, whisper would be an ideal candidate for human-handheld/computer interactions in open-office or public area scenarios. Unfortunately, current speech technology is predominantly focused on modal (neutral) speech and completely breaks down when exposed to whisper. One of the major barriers for successful whisper recognition engines is the lack of available large transcribed whispered speech corpora. This study introduces two strategies that require only a small amount of untranscribed whisper samples to produce excessive amounts of whisper-like (pseudo-whisper) utterances from easily accessible modal speech recordings. Once generated, the pseudo-whisper samples are used to adapt modal acoustic models of a speech recognizer toward whisper. The first strategy is based on Vector Taylor Series (VTS) where a whisper “background” model is first trained to capture a rough estimate of global whisper characteristics from a small amount of actual whisper data. Next, that background model is utilized in the VTS to establish specific broad phone classes’ (unvoiced/voiced phones) transformations from each input modal utterance to its pseudo-whispered version. The second strategy generates pseudo-whisper samples by means of denoising autoencoders (DAE). Two generative models are investigated—one produces pseudo-whisper cepstral features on a frame-by-frame basis, while the second generates pseudo-whisper statistics for whole phone segments. It is shown that word error rates of a TIMIT-trained speech recognizer are considerably reduced for a whisper recognition task with a constrained lexicon after adapting the acoustic model toward the VTS or DAE pseudo-whisper samples, compared to model adaptation on an available small whisper set.
A surface mount vector modulator for PCS

Adjusting the amplitude and phase of a signal is the purpose of the vector modulator which has applications in feedforward power amplifiers, beamforming networks and other networks requiring phase and amplitude adjustments. The vector modulator designed here is a variable resistive device consisting of three, 3dB hybrid couplers, a Wilkinson power divider, four PIN diodes and DC biasing circuitry. The device designed is controlled by two independent current sources that allow between 6dB and 26dB attenuation and full 360° phase shift. Analysis of the entire network and the importance of the parasitics in the PIN diodes are described along with measured results of the implementation of linearizing the PIN diodes.
359 MORTALITY RATES IN METFORMIN USERS VERSUS NON-METFORMIN USERS IN VETERANS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Objective There are conflicting reports concerning metformin use and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metformin use and all-cause mortality in veterans with T2 DM. Research Design and Methods We studied a cohort of 2,186 veterans treated for T2 DM at the VAMC using the CPRS database in the calendar year 2000. All-cause mortality was compared among cohorts of metformin users ( n = 1,207) versus non-metformin ( n = 999) users on an intention to treat basis. Patients in the metformin cohort were treated with metformin alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs. Glyburide was the most commonly used hypoglycemic agent in the cohort of non-metformin users. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality after adjusting for age, race, insulin use, use of ACEI/ARBs or statins, GFR, and HbA 1C . Results The average length of follow-up in metformin and non-metformin users was 61.7 ± 16.8 and 60.7 ± 17.9 months, respectively. Both groups were similar in age, race, and baseline GFR. Metformin users had higher exposure to insulin, ACEI/ARB, and statins and had higher HbA 1C . Crude mortality rates were similar in both groups: 266 (22%) metformin users and 253 (25.3%) non-metformin users died ( p = NS). Univariate analysis demonstrated that age (HR 1.051) and insulin exposure (HR 1.34) were independent predictors of decreased months of survival. Race (HR 0.71) and GFR (HR 0.988) had a protective effect. There was a trend for improved survival with metformin use (HR 0.85, p 1C , exposure to ACEI/ARBs or statins, metformin users had significantly decreased all-cause mortality compared with the non-metformin users cohort (adjusted HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.64-0.93], p p Conclusion In this study, treatment of T2 DM with a regimen containing metformin alone or in combination with other hypoglycemic agents was associated with reduced all-cause mortality compared with an antidiabetic regimen without metformin.
Why the eye becomes dry: a cornea and lacrimal gland feedback model.

Purpose: Many explanations have been offered for why a large segment of the population develops dry eye. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new unifying theory of dry eye that incorporates all of these causes. Methods: Data from the Department of Ophthalmology, University of lowa Hospitals and Clinics was analyzed from 520 patients with dry eye, blepharitis and other conditions to assess the relationship between dry eye and blepharitis. This data was reviewed in terms of the relationship between dry eye, menopause, and aging. Also examined in detail were many of the proposed causes for dry eye in the literature. Results: A close relationship between corneal damage and lacrimal gland function is hypothesized. Not only does decreased lacrimal gland output damage the ocular surface, but also damage to the corneal surface creates a negative feedback loop and damage to the lacrimal gland. There are probably several mechanisms by which this feedback occurs. One mechanism results from interruption or damage to the sensory corneal nerves. Damage to the nerves within the lacrimal gland may be another mechanism. Alteration of growth factor levels in the lacrimal gland, which occurs following corneal damage, represents another possible mechanism. Contact lenses and corneal refractive surgery are additional elements that may create negative feedback to the lacrimal gland. Conclusion: The ocular surface and the lacrimal gland functions as a tightly integrated unit. Dry eye conditions damage the ocular surface and this in turn leads to further damage to the lacrimal gland.
Obesity Is Independently Associated With Early Aseptic Loosening in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Obesity affects millions of patients in the United States and is associated with several complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The effect of obesity on the rate and mode of primary THA failure remains poorly understood, especially given other potentially confounding patient characteristics. We hypothesized that, among patients with a failed primary THA, obesity is independently associated with aseptic loosening and a higher rate of early revision. Methods Six hundred eighty-four consecutive cases with failed THA referred to a single academic center for revision during a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent association between obesity and the timing as well as cause of THA failure. Results The rate of primary THA failure before 5 years was 48.8% in obese and 37.1% in nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, P = .010). Primary THA failure before 5 years was more likely with increasing body mass index (BMI) (BMI: 35-40 kg/m2, OR = 2.31, P = .008; BMI >40 kg/m2, OR = 2.51, P = .049). The rate of primary THA failure for aseptic loosening before 5 years was 30% in obese and 18% in nonobese patients (OR = 1.88, P = .023). Obesity was not a risk for revision for infection, whereas an American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 was independently associated with primary THA failure for infection (OR = 2.33, P Conclusion Among patients with a failed THA, comorbidities may account for the risk of revision due to infection in obese patients. Obesity is independently associated with early primary THA failure for aseptic loosening.
Style-Level Feedback Trading and Noise Trader Demand

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) attract style switchers that naively allocate more (less) money to styles that have recently performed well (poorly). I find strong evidence of short-term style momentum trading in ETF flows. Institutional (13-F) investors that use ETFs do not, as a group, trade against style switchers. Instead, I find significant evidence of style momentum trading among institutions classified as having low active share or high portfolio turnover. Short-term style-level demand for ETFs also predicts style-level return reversals, which is distinct from fund-level return predictability. These findings suggest that noise-trader demand for investment styles sometimes pushes prices away from fundamentals.
What If a Resident or Medical Student Is Raped? Hospitals’ and Academic Medical Centers’ Title IX Obligations

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects medical students and residents from all forms of sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault. Hospitals that train residents as well as medical students must follow Title IX mandates, including investigating and addressing all reports of sexual discrimination, harassment, or violence. While these processes can help eliminate potential barriers to women in medical training, the pressure to participate in an internal investigation can discourage some medical students and residents from seeking help. Hospitals should work closely with university Title IX officials to design and implement effective policies and procedures to both prevent and address all types of sexual discrimination as well as to support trainees who have been victimized.
Micro-Raman Technology to Interrogate Two-Phase Extraction on a Microfluidic Device.

Microfluidic devices provide ideal environments to study solvent extraction. When droplets form and generate plug flow down the microfluidic channel, the device acts as a microreactor in which the kinetics of chemical reactions and interfacial transfer can be examined. Here, we present a methodology that combines chemometric analysis with online micro-Raman spectroscopy to monitor biphasic extractions within a microfluidic device. Among the many benefits of microreactors is the ability to maintain small sample volumes, which is especially important when studying solvent extraction in harsh environments, such as in separations related to the nuclear fuel cycle. In solvent extraction, the efficiency of the process depends on complex formation and rates of transfer in biphasic systems. Thus, it is important to understand the kinetic parameters in an extraction system to maintain a high efficiency and effectivity of the process. This monitoring provided concentration measurements in both organic and aqueous p...
Gait Regulation and Feedback on a Robotic Climbing Hexapod

This paper proposes a novel method of applying feedback control for legged robots, by directly modifying pa- rameters of a robot's gait pattern. Gaits are a popular means of producing stable locomotion for legged robots, through the use of cyclic feedforward motion patterns, while requiring little to no sensory information. We are interested in incorporating feedback with these systems, and make use of salient parameters, found in gait patterns, to produce behaviors that span the space of possible gaits. These concepts are applied to a robotic hexapod, which, through the use of compliant microspines on its feet, is capable of climbing hard vertical textured surfaces, such as stucco. Experimental results are obtained comparing the use of a purely feedforward gait pattern to a behavior that actively modifies gait parameters while climbing, based upon sensory data. I. INTRODUCTION
Food Engineering Problems in Rheology and Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

The basic objective of this paper is to discuss research needs in rheology and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics in the areas of aseptic processing, pipeline design and extrusion. The authors hope that discussions on these subjects will lead to novel approaches to the problems and collaborative research efforts.
Wang Fuzhi’s Philosophy of Principle (Li) Inherent in Qi

Wang Fuzhi 王夫之 (1619–1692), literary name Chuanshan 船山, is the most prolific philosopher in Chinese history. The Complete Posthumous Works of Chuanshan (Chuanshan yishu quanji 船山遺書全集) includes twenty-one volumes of his writings, and this is not even his complete oeuvre as some of his writings were destroyed or lost during the turmoil of his life.
Ballcourt Rites, Paradise, and the Origins of Power in Classic Veracruz

As this volume makes clear, origin places are much more than the spaces in which humans first appeared. The first instance of certain critical practices are often just as important as the creation of humans. For Mesoamericans in particular, the first fire, the first sunrise, and the first sacrifice are often major events in sacred narratives (Hamann, 2002). Tales of the origins of practice complement human creation tales by modeling behavior that is seen as integral to the functioning of human society (Lopez Austin, 1996:17–18). This chapter explores one such originary act, that of ballcourt sacrifice, in a specific Ancient Mesoamerican setting—the Classic Veracruz site of El Tajin. El Tajin was the capital of a regional culture that flourished in north central Veracruz (Mexico) from c. A.D. 650–1000. During that period, ballcourt construction and ballgame-related accouterments were a major facet of the regional culture. The center of El Tajin contained 11 masonry courts, and the regional culture produced large quantities of finely carved stone objects called yokes, palmas, and hachas that were closely associated with ballcourt ritualism. The imagery associated with these objects and courts emphasize the decapitation of a sacrificial victim in a ballcourt context. Numerous depictions of ballcourt sacrifice in Classic Veracruz public art show the victim dressed in ballplayer equipment, seated in the middle of the court, and decapitated. While the practice of decapitation associated with the ballgame can be traced back to the Late Preclassic in Central Veracruz (Daneels, 2006), during the Epiclassic (c. 650–1000), this codified ballcourt imagery featuring the decapitation ceremony appears on some of the most important ballcourt and ballcourt-related programs in the region, including Las Higueras and Aparicio as well as El Tajin. Interestingly, several other areas of Mesoamerica also participate in this specific ballcourt decapitation iconography at this time (Pasztory, 1972, 1978:138; Taube, 1994:228–229). In all these regions, the decapitation scene is often paired with signs of lush vegetation or large amounts of water. In the specific case of El Tajin, we also have depicted an elaborate round of ceremonies that framed the sacrificial act. These ceremonies led to the investiture of the ruler, and thus the right to govern
Comparison of two different methods of image analysis for the assessment of microglial activation in patients with multiple sclerosis using (R)-[N-methyl-carbon-11]PK11195

Chronic active multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions have a rim of activated microglia/macrophages (m/M) leading to ongoing tissue damage, and thus represent a potential treatment target. Activation of this innate immune response in MS has been visualized and quantified using PET imaging with [11C]-(R)-PK11195 (PK). Accurate identification of m/M activation in chronic MS lesions requires the sensitivity to detect lower levels of activity within a small tissue volume. We assessed the ability of kinetic modeling of PK PET data to detect m/M activity in different central nervous system (CNS) tissue regions of varying sizes and in chronic MS lesions. Ten patients with MS underwent a single brain MRI and two PK PET scans 2 hours apart. Volume of interest (VOI) masks were generated for the white matter (WM), cortical gray matter (CGM), and thalamus (TH). The distribution volume (VT) was calculated with the Logan graphical method (LGM-VT) utilizing an image-derived input function (IDIF). The binding potential (BPND) was calculated with the reference Logan graphical method (RLGM) utilizing a supervised clustering algorithm (SuperPK) to determine the non-specific binding region. Masks of varying volume were created in the CNS to assess the impact of region size on the various metrics among high and low uptake regions. Chronic MS lesions were also evaluated and individual lesion masks were generated. The highest PK uptake occurred the TH and lowest within the WM, as demonstrated by the mean time activity curves. In the TH, both reference and IDIF based methods resulted in estimates that did not significantly depend on VOI size. However, in the WM, the test-retest reliability of BPND was significantly lower in the smallest VOI, compared to the estimates of LGM-VT. These observations were consistent for all chronic MS lesions examined. In this study, we demonstrate that BPND and LGM-VT are both reliable for quantifying m/M activation in regions of high uptake, however with blood input function LGM-VT is preferred to assess longitudinal m/M activation in regions of relatively low uptake, such as chronic MS lesions.
Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Breeding: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an annual cereal crop domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago in the semiarid regions of China. It is primarily grown in India, Nigeria, Niger, and China. Proso millet is used in Europe and North America as fodder and birdseed despite its highly nutritive and health-promoting benefits. Recently, the high content of different minerals and amino acids along with a low glycemic index and gluten-free property of the grains have attracted the industry and scientific communities. Proso millet has been used as a rotational crop in the winter wheat-fallow cropping system in the western Great Plains of the USA owing to its high water-use efficiency. This practice not only prevents the loss of organic matter from the no-till soil but also reduces weed and disease pressure. Regardless of the impeccable environmental and health benefits of proso millet, it remains as an under researched and underutilized crop. Plant breeders across the globe are trying to develop superior varieties using both classical and advanced breeding procedures. However, the lack of a genetic map and adequate genomic resources has slowed the crop improvement process. Proso millet germplasm representing a wide genetic diversity is conserved in gene banks maintained by several countries. The rapid growth in genomic research in the form of a linkage map development, novel molecular marker identification and availability of next-generation sequencing, together with high-throughput phenotyping promise to accelerate proso millet breeding. The development of proso millet cultivars which are high yielding, lodging and seed-shattering tolerant, direct combine-ready and nutrient enriched, would promote its increased cultivation, and use in the food industry.
Effect of FACTS Devices on Congestion Management using Active & Reactive Power Rescheduling

Deregulation has allowed lot of liberty to DISCOS and GENCOS to participate in power market. It has led power transmission congestion problems complex. In this process the scheduled power flows in the transmission line and spontaneous power exchanges have also risen sharply in recent years. Congestion management thus has become an important issue. Transmission congestion is nothing but an operating condition in which there is not enough transmission capability to implement all of the traded transactions. In this study FACTS Devices are used for congestion relieving by the NR Jacobian modification method and their cost comparison is also done so as to determine the most economical device. Congestion Cost is calculated by interfacing MATLAB with GAMS.
Social information affects Canada goose alert and escape responses to vehicle approach: implications for animal–vehicle collisions

Background Animal-vehicle collisions represent substantial sources of mortality for a variety of taxa and can pose hazards to property and human health. But there is comparatively little information available on escape responses by free-ranging animals to vehicle approach versus predators/humans. Methods We examined responses (alert distance and flight-initiation distance) of focal Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) to vehicle approach (15.6 m·s-1) in a semi-natural setting and given full opportunity to escape. We manipulated the direction of the vehicle approach (direct versus tangential) and availability of social information about the vehicle approach (companion group visually exposed or not to the vehicle). Results We found that both categorical factors interacted to affect alert and escape behaviors. Focal geese used mostly personal information to become alert to the vehicle under high risk scenarios (direct approach), but they combined personal and social information to become alert in low risk scenarios (tangential approach). Additionally, when social information was not available from the companion group, focal birds escaped at greater distances under direct compared to tangential approaches. However, when the companion group could see the vehicle approaching, focal birds escaped at similar distances irrespective of vehicle direction. Finally, geese showed a greater tendency to take flight when the vehicle approached directly, as opposed to a side step or walking away from the vehicle. Conclusions We suggest that the perception of risk to vehicle approach (likely versus unlikely collision) is weighted by the availability of social information in the group; a phenomenon not described before in the context of animal-vehicle interactions. Notably, when social information is available, the effects of heightened risk associated with a direct approach might be reduced, leading to the animal delaying the escape, which could ultimately increase the chances of a collision. Also, information on a priori escape distances required for surviving a vehicle approach (based on species behavior and vehicle approach speeds) can inform planning, such as location of designated cover or safe areas. Future studies should assess how information from vehicle approach flows within a flock, including aspects of vehicle speed and size, metrics that affect escape decision-making.
Lattice dynamics of α-uranium

The room-temperature lattice dynamics of ..cap alpha..-uranium has been investigated. The phonon dispersion curves along the orthorhombic high-symmetry directions have been measured using inelastic neutron scattering techniques. The dispersion curves in the (0zeta0) and (00zeta) directions are not very unusual. However, a depression and pronounced dips are observed in the (zeta00) direction. The slopes of the long-wavelength acoustic branches are in agreement with the slopes predicted from the elastic constants. A four-neighbor Born--von Karman general-tensor model, a 12-neighbor axially symmetric model, a simple shell model, and a simple Heine-Abarenkov pseudopotential model are unable to satisfactorily reproduce some of the (zeta00) branches. However, a modified form of the shell model which includes forces to six neighbors is found to reproduce most of the branches well, including those in the (zeta00) direction. A preliminary low-temperature experiment has revealed extra elastic scattering as well as significant phonon softening along the (zeta00) direction.
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Baoshan City Yunnan Province from 2000 to 2013

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Baoshan City from 2000 to 2013 so as to provide a basis for the prevention and control in Baoshan City for realizing the goal of eliminating malaria.Methods A descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted based on the epidemic monitoring data of malaria in Baoshan City from 2000 to 2013.Results A total of 23 270 malaria cases was reported in Baoshan City during the period from 2000 to 2013,The average incidence was 68.2/100 000,36cases were died with fatality rate of 0.15％.Among all malaria cases,16 734 cases were infected with P.vivax,while 5 326 cases with P.falciparum,1 case with P.ovale,4 cases with P.malariae,204 cases of mixed infection and 1 001 cases to be differentiated.The annual incidence was between 7.36 and 163.40 per 100 000 cases.The infection ratio of male/female was 11.13 ∶ 1.The majority of cases was young adult people,aged 20～40years old,accounted for 74.67％(17 375/23 270) of all cases.The major populations infected with malaria were farmers and migrant workers,accounting for 65.20％ and 32.05％ respectively.For county and district distribution,Tengchong County was the most endemic county,accounting for 57.28％ (13 328/23 270)of all cases,Changning County was of lowest infection rate,accounting for 1.39％ (323/23 270)of all cases.The imported cases was the majority,accounting for 96.79％ (22 524/23 270)of all cases.48.75％ (11 344/23 270)cases occurred from April to June in each year.Conclusion The majority of infection cases in Baoshan City was imported malaria,while the control effect was better.The infection rate has been declined continuously since 2006. Key words: Malaria ; Imported cases ; Epidemiological characteristics; Monitoring
Investigation of the effectiveness of a community-based parent education program to engage families in increasing language interactions with their children

Abstract The home language environment (HLE) is robustly associated with children's later language and literacy abilities. The present study used a quasi-experimental comparison design to examine the changes in LENA (Language ENvironment Analysis) estimates of the HLE for participants who completed a community-based parent-education program relative to participants who regularly visit the library, but did not participate in the program. Twenty-eight caregivers and their 0- to 30-month-old children made up the comparison sample. They were matched on key control variables using propensity score matching techniques to participants in the intervention sample. The intervention sample was 28 caregivers and their children drawn from the larger sample of participants who completed the educational program. Using longitudinal growth curve modeling, we found significant growth in weekly estimates in adult language input to children, conversational turn-taking, and child vocalizations for the intervention group, but not for the comparison group. Community-delivered interventions have the potential to engage caregivers to provide enriching language environments that lead to children's healthy language development.
Machine learning for helicopter accident analysis using supervised classification: Inference, prediction, and implications

Abstract The work is part of a larger effort whose end-objective is to contribute toward a better understanding of helicopter accidents and improving their safety track record. Herein, we extend the domain of application of Machine Learning (ML) to a new topic, namely helicopter accidents. Our objectives are twofold: (1) to benchmark the performance of different classifiers in examining our dataset, and (2) to leverage the best-in-class classifier to identify novel insights for improving helicopter accident analysis and prevention. Following the training and tuning of six different classifiers, we benchmark their predictive performance and identify the Deep Neural Network (DNN) as the best-in-class. We then leverage it to analyze the probability of helicopter accident by controlling for different features in the dataset, namely the number of main rotor blades, number of engines, rotor diameter, and weight. We identify and rank the best- and worst-in-class helicopter configurations in different weight categories, and we discuss the implications of our results. We found, for example, that for light helicopters, larger rotor diameters with increasing number of blades are associated with higher probability of accidents. We also identify regions in the configurations space where twin-engine helicopters are less safe than their single-engine counterparts. Overall, this work demonstrates signifcant opportunities for applying data-driven ML approaches to helicopter accident analysis and how to leverage these tools for extracting value out of datasets for novel insights and safety improvement.
Temporal variability of indoor dust concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds.

The determinants of the temporal variability of indoor dust concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) remain mostly unexplored. We examined temporal variability of dust concentrations and factors affecting dust concentrations for a wide range of SVOCs. We collected dust samples three times from 29 California homes during a period of 22 months and quantified concentrations of 47 SVOCs in 87 dust samples. We computed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) using three samples collected within the same house. We calculated correlation coefficients (r) between two seasons with similar climate (spring and fall) and between two seasons with opposite climate (summer and winter). Among 26 compounds that were detected in more than 50% of the samples at all three visits, 20 compounds had ICCs above 0.50 and 6 compounds had ICCs below 0.50. For 19 out of 26 compounds, correlation coefficients between spring and fall (r = 0.48-0.98) were higher than those between summer and winter (r = 0.09-0.92), implying seasonal effects on dust concentrations. Our study showed that within-home temporal variability of dust concentrations was small (ICC > 0.50) for most SVOCs, but dust concentrations may vary over time for some SVOCs with seasonal variations in source rates, such as product use.
In Memoriam Burns H. Weston (1933-2015)

This memoriam honors the life of Burns H. Weston (1933-2015). All who knew him, as friend, colleague, student, or collaborator, marveled at his seemingly boundless energy and determination, his focused devotion to whatever project involved him, his deep intellect and flowing humor, his endless imagination for creating a better world, his talent at institution building, and his ongoing curiosity propelling a dedication to achieving progress in the human condition. His professional life featured an inexhaustible determination to use international law to protect human dignity around the world. A prolific scholar, Weston’s scholarship had a number of influences. He became involved with the campus chapter of the NAACP in its fight against racial discrimination while a college student, while also being exposed to international travel at an early age. His understanding of law and international law he attributed to his time at Yale Law School with Myres S. McDougal and Harold D. Lasswell and their Law, Science, and Policy jurisprudence. Weston was an esteemed faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Law, where he developed the international and comparative law program and contributed to Iowa Law’s national and global reputations. He co-founded the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, serving five years as its inaugural director, later returning as interim director, and serving as Senior Scholar until his death. Weston firmly believed that his human rights scholarship, as prolific and prominent as it was in devising and clarifying progressive rights protective processes under law, must necessarily be accompanied by his personal participation in situations of human rights “law in action,” and by, in his words, his “weighing in” on major contemporary human rights questions. His convictions coupled with his energy in this regard were strong, and he often exhibited personal courage in acting on them.
Structure sensitivity and its effect on methane turnover and carbon co-product selectivity in thermocatalytic decomposition of methane over supported Ni catalysts

Abstract Thermocatalytic decomposition of methane (TCD) is a promising approach for producing CO2-free hydrogen and solid carbon co-product. In this study, a series of Al2O3- and MgAl2O4-based Ni catalysts, prepared with varying synthesis and pretreatment methods, were evaluated for methane TCD performance at 650 °C and characterized before and after reaction to elucidate activity-structure relationships. We found that methane TCD turnover increases with Ni particle size. Further, large Ni particle sizes (i.e., >20 nm) are selective toward the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), while small Ni particle sizes (i.e.,
Detection and Sorting of Extracellular Vesicles and Viruses Using nanoFACS

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sub-micron-sized membranous spheres secreted by cells. EVs play a functional role as intercellular communicators and are associated with a number of diseases. Research into EVs is an area of growing interest due their many potential uses as therapeutic agents, as diagnostic and theranostic biomarkers, and as regulators of cellular biology. Flow cytometry is a popular method for enumerating and phenotyping EVs, even though the majority of EVs are below the detection sensitivity of most commercially available flow cytometers. Here, we present optimized protocols for EV labeling that increase the signal-to-noise ratio of EVs by removing residual antibody. Protocols for alignment of high-resolution jet-in-air flow cytometers are also provided. Published 2020. U.S. Government. Basic Protocol 1: Bulk EV staining with CFSE protein binding dye Basic Protocol 2: Antigen-specific staining of EV markers with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies Basic Protocol 3: Astrios EQ instrument setup and sample acquisition Basic Protocol 4: Counting particles and EVs on Astrios EQ with spike-in reference beads.
Monte-Carlo Localization on Metal Plates Based on Ultrasonic Guided Waves

In this work (This work is part of the BugWright2 project. This project is supported by the European Commission under grant agreement 871260 - BugWright2.), we propose a method based on a particle filter for the localization of an industrial robot on a large metal structure that leverages first-order reflections of acoustic waves on a metal plate edges. In our approach, the acoustic measurements are acquired in a (pseudo) pulse-echo mode using a co-localized emitter/receiver pair of piezoelectric transducers, and we assume a known size of the metal plate. To validate the method, the acquisition of acoustic data is made manually, but it is aimed to be performed by a robotic platform soon. The results demonstrate that with our approach, it is possible to recover the robot localization to a precision of a few millimeters.
Examining the Development of Operative Autonomy in Vascular Surgery Training and When Trainees and Program Directors Agree and Disagree.

Background Lack of autonomy in the operating room (OR) during general surgery residency is a major contributing factor to low confidence operating independently after graduation. Although attempts to address decreased autonomy and development of entrustment in the OR are being made in general surgery programs, this issue has not been examined thoroughly in vascular surgery. We sought to determine barriers and opportunities for developing operative autonomy during vascular surgery training by surveying program directors (PDs) and trainees (integrated residents and fellows) in U.S. vascular surgery training programs. Methods An anonymous electronic survey was sent via email to all PDs (n = 155) and trainees (n = 516) in United States vascular surgery training programs. Demographics, academic characteristics, and responses regarding factors impacting the development of entrustment were collected. Results Thirty-five PDs and 100 trainees completed the survey (22.5% and 19.4% response rate, respectively). Sixty percent of trainees were integrated residents and 40% were fellows. Twenty percent of PDs and 33% of trainees were female, and 5% of all PDs and trainees were from underrepresented minorities. The single most positive factor affecting the development of autonomy according to trainees and PDs is familiarity of the faculty with the trainee. Both PDs and trainees thought the trainee's preparation for the case positively affected development of autonomy; however, more PDs believed that involvement with preoperative preparation in particular (marking the patient, consenting the patient, filling out a history and physical, prepping and draping the patient) was important (P Conclusions Familiarity of the attending physician with the trainee is an important positive factor for development of entrustment and autonomy in vascular surgery trainees. Duty-hour limitations and belief of the need for hospital efficiency may negatively impact operative independence of trainees. An open discussion about balancing OR efficiency and trainees’ safe struggle is essential to address the growth of independent operative skills in vascular surgery trainees.
Selling Price and Marketing Time in the Residential Real Estate Market

This paper examines the complex relationship between selling price, listing price, housing features, housing market conditions, and marketing time in a large sample of single-family homes. A key fi...
A Computational Model of Emotional Response to Stories

In this paper, we consider the problem of computing the affective responses that humans experience when reading or watching stories. Evidence suggests that emotional responses result from recipient (reader, watcher, etc.) problem solving on behalf of story world characters when the recipient predicts undesirable narrative outcomes. Our system computes the level of tension a human recipient is expected to experience as a narrative unfolds. The system efficiently determines possible future outcomes, measures their utility, and estimates the probability that they will occur. The resultant estimate of tension is a function of expected utility.
The MBASE Life Cycle Architecture Milestone Package

This paper summarizes the primary criteria for evaluating software/system architectures in terms of key system stakeholders’ concerns. It describes the Model Based Architecting and Software Engineering (MBASE) approach for concurrent definition of a system’s architecture, requirements, operational concept, prototypes, and life cycle plans. It summarizes our experiences in using and refining the MBASE approach on 31 digital library projects. It concludes that a Feasibility Rationale demonstrating consistency and feasibility of the various specifications and plans is an essential part of the architecture’s definition, and presents the current MBASE annotated outline and guidelines for developing such a Feasibility Rationale.
Francisella tularensis tmRNA system mutants are vulnerable to stress, avirulent in mice, and provide effective immune protection.

Summary Through targeted inactivation of the ssrA and smpB genes, we establish that the trans-translation process is necessary for normal growth, adaptation to cellular stress and virulence by the bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis. The mutant bacteria grow slower, have reduced resistance to heat and cold shocks, and are more sensitive to oxidative stress and sublethal concentrations of antibiotics. Modifications of the tmRNA tag and use of higher-resolution mass spectrometry approaches enabled the identification of a large number of native tmRNA substrates. Of particular significance to understanding the mechanism of trans-translation, we report the discovery of an extended tmRNA tag and extensive ladder-like pattern of endogenous protein-tagging events in F. tularensis that are likely to be a universal feature of tmRNA activity in eubacteria. Furthermore, the structural integrity and the proteolytic function of the tmRNA tag are both crucial for normal growth and virulence of F. tularensis. Significantly, trans-translation mutants of F. tularensis are impaired in replication within macrophages and are avirulent in mouse models of tularemia. By exploiting these attenuated phenotypes, we find that the mutant strains provide effective immune protection in mice against lethal intradermal, intraperitoneal and intranasal challenges with the fully virulent parental strain.
Precision of neural timing: effects of convergence and time-windowing.

We study the improvement in timing accuracy in a neural system having n identical input neurons projecting to one target neuron. The n input neurons receive the same stimulus but fire at stochastic times selected from one of four specified probability densities, f, each with standard deviation 1.0 msec. The target cell fires if and when it receives m inputs within a time window of epsilon msec. Let sigma(n,m,epsilon) denote the standard deviation of the time of firing of the target neuron (i.e. the standard deviation of the target neuron's latency relative to the arrival time of the stimulus). Mathematical analysis shows that sigma(n,m,epsilon) is a very complicated function of n, m, and epsilon. Typically, sigma(n,m,epsilon) is a non-monotone function of m and epsilon and the improvement of timing accuracy is highly dependent of the shape of the probability density for the time of firing of the input neurons. For appropriate choices of m, epsilon, and f, the standard deviation sigma(n,m,epsilon) may be as low as 1/n. Thus, depending on these variables, remarkable improvements in timing accuracy of such a stochastic system may occur.