cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Event synchronization analysis for debugging parallel programs

One of the major difficulties of explicit parallel programming for a shared memory machine model is detecting the potential for nondeterminacy and identifying its causes. There will often be shared variables in a parallel program, and the tasks comprising the program may need to be synchronized when accessing these variables. This paper discusses this problem and presents a method for automatically detecting non-determinacy in parallel programs that utilize event style synchronization instructions, using the Post, Wait, and Clear primitives. With event style synchronization, especially when there are many references to the same event, the difficulty lies in computing the execution order that is guaranteed given the synchronization instructions and the sequential components of the program. The main result in this paper is an algorithm that computes such an execution order and yields a Task Graph upon which a nondeterminacy detection algorithm can be applied. We have focused on events because they are a frequently used synchronization mechanism in parallel versions of Fortran, including Cray [Cray87], IBM [IBM88], Cedar [GPHL88], and PCF Fortran [PCF88].
Diapause induction in the oblique-banded leafroller Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Role of photoperiod and temperature

Induction of diapause in the larval stage of the oblique-banded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was found to be dependent on both photoperiod and temperature. At constant temperatures of 24, 20 and 16°C, short photoperiods induced diapause. The critical photoperiod was between 14–15 h of light per day at 20 and 16°C. At 14 h light: 10 h dark, all larvae expressed diapause. Temperature had a modifying effect, and slightly shifted the larval response to diapause-inducing photoperiods. High constant temperatures of 28°C and above induced diapause in some individuals (< 20%), while fluctuating temperatures of 32 and 16°C in a 12-h cycle resulted in 67% diapause induction, suggesting that diapause could also be induced by fluctuating temperatures, particularly if the higher temperature exceeds 25°C. The first- and the second-instar larvae were the only two stages sensitive to diapause induction. Exposure of adult, egg and third, fourth, and fifth-larval instars to diapause-inducing conditions did not produce diapause. Although diapause was induced in the first or the second instars, it was always expressed in the third or fourth instar.
An elementary proof of a theorem of Erdös on the sum of divisors function

Abstract Let σ(n) be the sum of the positive divisors of the positive integer n. We give an elementary proof of the following theorem due to P. Erdos: If, g(x), is the number of positive integers, m, such that, σ(m) ≤ x, then there is a positive constant, csuch that, g(x) = cx + o(x). In addition we derive c= Π p {(1− 1 p )(1 +( 1 p + 1) + ( 1 p 2 + p + 1) + ( 1 p 3 + 1 p 2 + p + 1) + …)} .
Vibrational and Electronic Properties of RbC60 Thin Films

In situ Raman scattering, UPS and HREELS measurements have been used to study the fee to orthorhombie phase transition in RbCeo thin films. Large changes in the Raman spectra are interpreted in terms of increased interfullerene coupling in the orthorhombie phase. However, the data do not support the proposed polymer model for this phase. Photoemission measurements indicate only small differences in the electronic states between the two phases in contrast with photopolymerized Ceo where additional states are observed. Low energy metallic-like excitations and screening of intramolecular vibrations are observed in HREELS.
Estrogen-TNF interactions and vascular inflammation.

cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease (CHD), is by far the leading cause of death in women ([29][1], [40][2]). As the prevalence of these diseases increases after menopause, much effort has been devoted to determining whether endogenous estrogen confers a protective effect
Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE:To review the pathophysiology and psychology of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and describe potential prevention and treatment strategies for the disorder.DATA SOURCES:Articles identified from a MEDLINE search (1966–June 2002) using the term female sexual dysfunction. Additional references were obtained from cross referencing retrieved articles.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:After evaluating various review articles, clinical trials, and investigational studies, all information that was deemed relevant by the reviewers was included.DATA SYNTHESIS:FSD is a multicausal and multidimensional problem combining biological, psychological, and interpersonal factors. The American Foundation for Urological Disease classifies FSD into 4 broad categories: sexual desire disorders, arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorders. Depending on specific individual characteristics and category of disorder, a variety of potential treatments are available. Pharmacists can play a role in identif...
Vibratory Regime Classification of Infant Phonation

Summary Infant phonation is highly variable in many respects, including the basic vibratory patterns by which the vocal tissues create acoustic signals. Previous studies have identified the regular occurrence of nonmodal phonation types in normal infant phonation. The glottis is like many oscillating systems that, because of nonlinear relationships among the elements, may vibrate in ways representing the deterministic patterns classified theoretically within the mathematical framework of nonlinear dynamics. The infant's preverbal vocal explorations present such a variety of phonations that it may be possible to find effectively all the classes of vibration predicted by nonlinear dynamic theory. The current report defines acoustic criteria for an important subset of such vibratory regimes, and demonstrates that analysts can be trained to reliably use these criteria for a classification that includes all instances of infant phonation in the recorded corpora. The method is thus internally comprehensive in the sense that all phonations are classified, but it is not exhaustive in the sense that all vocal qualities are thereby represented. Using the methods thus developed, this study also demonstrates that the distributions of these phonation types vary significantly across sessions of recording in the first year of life, suggesting developmental changes. The method of regime classification is thus capable of tracking changes that may be indicative of maturation of the mechanism, the learning of categories of phonatory control, and the possibly varying use of vocalizations across social contexts.
Time evolution of initially localized states in two-dimensional quantum dot arrays in a magnetic field

Abstract The evolution of non-stationary localized states | Ψ ( t = 0 ) 〉 is investigated in two-dimensional tight binding systems of N potential wells with and without a homogeneous field perpendicular to the plane. Most results are presented in analytical form, what is almost imperative if the patterns are as complex as for rings in a magnetic field, where the qualitatively different features arise depending on rational or irrational numbers. The systems considered comprise finite linear chains ( N = 2 , 3 ) , finite rings ( N = 3 –6), infinite chains, finite rings ( N = 3 –6) in a magnetic field, and rings with leads attached to each ring site. The position of the particle at time t is described by the projection of the wave function P m ( t ) = | 〈 m | Ψ ( t ) 〉 | 2 onto the localized basis function at site m. For finite chains and rings with N = 3 , 4 , 6 the time evolution is periodic, whereas it is non-periodic for N = 5 and N greater then 6. Rings in a magnetic field show a rich spectrum of different features depending on N and the number of flux quanta through the ring, including periodic oscillation and rotation of the charge as well as non-periodic charge fluctuations.
Respiratory dysfunction and management in spinal cord injury.

Respiratory dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in spinal cord injury (SCI), which causes impairment of respiratory muscles, reduced vital capacity, ineffective cough, reduction in lung and chest wall compliance, and excess oxygen cost of breathing due to distortion of the respiratory system. Severely affected individuals may require assisted ventilation, which can cause problems with speech production. Appropriate candidates can sometimes be liberated from mechanical ventilation by phrenic-nerve pacing and pacing of the external intercostal muscles. Partial recovery of respiratory-muscle performance occurs spontaneously. The eventual vital capacity depends on the extent of spontaneous recovery, years since injury, smoking, a history of chest injury or surgery, and maximum inspiratory pressure. Also, respiratory-muscle training and abdominal binders improve performance of the respiratory muscles. For patients on long-term ventilation, speech production is difficult. Often, practitioners are reluctant to deflate the tracheostomy tube cuff to allow speech production. Yet cuff-deflation can be done safely. Standard ventilator settings produce poor speech quality. Recent studies demonstrated vast improvement with long inspiratory time and positive end-expiratory pressure. Abdominal binders improve speech quality in patients with phrenic-nerve pacers. Recent data show that the level and completeness of injury and older age at the time of injury may not be related directly to mortality in SCI, which suggests that the care of SCI has improved. The data indicate that independent predictors of all-cause mortality include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cigarette smoking, and percent-of-predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second. An important clinical problem in SCI is weak cough, which causes retention of secretions during infections. Methods for secretion clearance include chest physical therapy, spontaneous cough, suctioning, cough assistance by forced compression of the abdomen (“quad cough”), and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. Recently described but not yet available for general use is activation of the abdominal muscles via an epidural electrode placed at spinal cord level T9-L1.
Retromer Maintains Basolateral Distribution of the Type II TGF-β Receptor via The Recycling Endosome

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is critical for the development and maintenance of epithelial structures. Because receptor localization and trafficking affect the cellular and organismal response to TGF-β, the present study was designed to address how such homeostatic control is regulated. To that end, we identify a new role for the mammalian retromer complex in maintaining basolateral plasma membrane expression of the type II TGF-β receptor (TβRII). Retromer and TβRII associate in the presence or absence of TGF-β ligand. After retromer knockdown, although TβRII internalization and trafficking to a Rab5-positive compartment occur as in wild-type cells, receptor recycling is inhibited. This results in TβRII mislocalization from the basolateral to both the basolateral and apical plasma membranes independent of Golgi transit and the Rab11-positive apical recycling endosome. The data support a model in which, after initial basolateral TβRII delivery, steady-state polarized TβRII expression is maintained by retromer/TβRII binding and delivery to the common recycling endosome.
P02.29. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging to test effects of Lifewave energy enhancer patch on microvascular regulation

Purpose LifeWave Corp has developed non-transdermal energy enhancer patches that stimulate acupuncture points in order to heighten energy by enhancing the autonomic regulation of blood vessels and hence improving circulation. A laser Doppler perfusion imager was used to determine microvascular perfusion of the index, middle and ring finger tips pre and post application of the patches on wrist acupuncture points TB5 and P6. It was hypothesized that application of the patches would significantly alter perfusion in fingertips.
Stereotyped pathway selection by growth cones of early epiphysial neurons in the embryonic zebrafish

In this report we have examined the development of one of the earliest projections in the embryonic zebrafish brain, that from the epiphysis. Epiphysial axons and growth cones were labelled anterogradely in whole-mounted brains, using either the carbocyanine dye, diI, or horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Some embryos were also either stained with anti-acetylated tubulin or HNK-1 antibodies to reveal other axons in the brain, or were secondarily sectioned for light and electron microscopy. The epiphysial axons have a very specific projection pattern and virtually all axons grow precisely to their target regions without error. The first epiphysial growth cone extends ventrally from the epiphysis into the dorsoventral diencephalic tract at 19–20 h post-fertilisation (h PF). Several hours later, it turns rostrally to grow alongside axons in the tract of the postoptic commissure. The morphology of the leading growth cone changes in predictable ways at different locations along its pathway and these changes correlate with differences in the local environment that it encounters. In contrast to other published descriptions of other developing systems, the epiphysial growth cone is no more complex either when pioneering a pathway, or when encountering divergent axonal pathways. Indeed, it is most complex (i.e. has the greatest number of processes) when it first starts to follow the tract of the postoptic commissure. The presence and selective retention of filopodia within other axonal pathways suggests that growth cones have access to these pathways but do not select them. These observations support the notion that local guidance cues exist within the early scaffold of brain tracts. Subsequent epiphysial axons form a tight fascicle within the dorsoventral diencephalic tract, but abruptly defasciculate from each other upon turning rostrally into the tract of the postoptic commissure. Epiphysial growth cones that enter this tract at abnormal locations still turn in the appropriate direction. Therefore, guidance cues are not restricted solely to the normal intersections but may be distributed along the length of the tracts. The epiphysial growth cones and axons have very characteristic spatial relations to other axons in the tracts of the developing brain. They are restricted to the dorsal region of the tract of the postoptic commissure and the rostral region of the postoptic commissure. At early developmental stages, the epiphysial axons are the only axons within the dorsoventral diencephalic tract and they are located very superficially within the neuroepithelium. At later stages, they are displaced to deeper regions of the neuropil by non-epiphysial axons.
Tres tesis sobre la educación universitaria en la segunda década del siglo XXI

Nos parecia que apenas se estaban acallando las fanfarrias que anunciaron el nuevo milenio y apagandose los fuegos artificiales que saludaron el siglo xxi, cuando nos sorprendio la conciencia de que ya se nos fue toda una decada. Ahora nos sorprende la conciencia de que, mas alla del riquisimo y variadisimo acontecer cotidiano, en la universidad norteamericana —a la que siempre miramos— y en la universidad colombiana —a la que el resto de la sociedad no mira— parece que en toda esa decada no sucedio nada nuevo. Y ?de la proxima, que?...
Rapid verification of embedded systems using patterns

Verification pattern (VP) is a new technique to test embedded systems rapidly, and it has been used to test industrial safety-critical embedded systems successfully. The key concept of this approach is to classify system scenarios into patterns, and use the same code template to test all the scenarios of the same pattern. In this way, testing effort can be greatly reduced. This paper extends VPs so that they can fully interoperate with a formalized scenario model ACDATE. In this way, various static and dynamic analyses can be performed on system scenarios as well as on system patterns. Furthermore, this paper provides a mapping from system scenarios into temporal logic expressions. In this way, a practitioner can specify system constraints in scenarios, and follow the mapping to obtain the temporal logic expressions easily to perform formal model checking. This paper also provides an OO framework to support automated test script development from VPs. In this way, VPs can be used in an integrated process where both semi-formal analyses and formal techniques can be used together to develop mission-critical embedded applications.
Dietary flavonoid intake and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk.

Background: The role of dietary factors in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk is not yet well understood. Dietary flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds proposed to be anticarcinogenic. Flavonoids are well-characterized antioxidants and metal chelators, and certain flavonoids exhibit antiproliferative and antiestrogenic effects. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that higher flavonoid intake is associated with lower NHL risk. Design: During 1998-2000, we identified incident NHL cases aged 20-74 y from 4 US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries. Controls without history of NHL were selected by random-digit dialing or from Medicare files and frequency-matched to cases by age, center, race, and sex. Using 3 recently developed US Department of Agriculture nutrient-specific databases, flavonoid intake was estimated from participant responses to a 117-item food-frequency questionnaire (n = 466 cases and 390 controls). NHL risk in relation to flavonoid intake in quartiles was evaluated after adjustment for age, sex, registry, education, NHL family history, and energy intake. Results: Higher total flavonoid intake was significantly associated with lower risk of NHL (P for trend < 0.01): a 47% lower risk in the highest quartile of intake than in the lowest (95% CI: 31%, 73%). Higher intakes of flavonols, epicatechins, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins were each significantly associated with decreased NHL risk. Similar patterns of risk were observed for the major NHL subtypes-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 167) and follicular lymphoma (n = 146). Conclusion: A higher intake of flavonoids, dietary components with several putative anticarcinogenic activities, may be associated with lower NHL risk.
Direction finding estimation for linear chirp signal

In this paper, we propose a fast maximum likelihood estimation (FMLE) to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) /spl theta/ and the frequency sweeping rate (FSR) /spl alpha/ of a linear chirp signal impinging upon an M-elements linear sensor array from a far-field source. The estimators /spl theta/ and /spl alpha/ of a chirp signal can be estimated by globally maximizing the likelihood function on the /spl theta//spl sim//spl alpha/ plane. The global maximum is located on a ridge of the 2-D /spl theta//spl sim//spl alpha/ plane. To reduce the heavy 2-D ML computation, we propose an algorithm of 1-D FMLE to search for the global maximum only along the ridge. >
Molecular cloning and characterization of an α1,3 fucosyltransferase, CEFT-1, from Caenorhabditis elegans

We report on the identification, molecular cloning, and characterization of an alpha1,3 fucosyltransferase (alpha1,3FT) expressed by the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans . Although C. elegans glycoconjugates do not express the Lewis x antigen Galbeta1-->4[Fucalpha1-->3]GlcNAcbeta-->R, detergent extracts of adult C.elegans contain an alpha1,3FT that can fucosylate both nonsialylated and sialylated acceptor glycans to generate the Lexand sialyl Lexantigens, as well as the lacdiNAc-containing acceptor GalNAcbeta1-->4GlcNAcbeta1-->R to generate GalNAcbeta1-->4 [Fucalpha1-->3]GlcNAcbeta1-->R. A search of the C.elegans genome database revealed the existence of a gene with 20-23% overall identity to all five cloned human alpha1,3FTs. The putative cDNA for the C.elegans alpha1,3FT (CEFT-1) was amplified by PCR from a cDNA lambdaZAP library, cloned, and sequenced. COS7 cells transiently transfected with cDNA encoding CEFT-1 express the Lex, but not sLexantigen. The CEFT-1 in the transfected cell extracts can synthesize Lex, but not sialyl Lex, using exogenous acceptors. A second fucosyltransferase activity was detected in extracts of C. elegans that transfers Fuc in alpha1,2 linkage to Gal specifically on type-1 chains. The discovery of alpha-fucosyltransferases in C. elegans opens the possibility of using this well-characterized nematode as a model system for studying the role of fucosylated glycans in the development and survival of C.elegans and possibly other helminths.
An a posteriori error reduction scheme for the three-dimensional finite element solution of Maxwell's equations

The accuracy of the finite element method (FEM) depends on the properties of the mesh which covers the problem geometry. The accuracy can usually be improved by increasing the element density in the mesh or the order of the shape functions in the elements at the expense of a significant increase in computation time. Instead, in this paper an a posteriori error reduction scheme is applied to improve the accuracy in the solution of three-dimensional electromagnetic boundary value problems. In this scheme, first the FEM, solution is generated by the use of lower-order shape functions. Then the numerical error is expressed in terms of higher-order shape functions and calculated on an element-by-element basis from information derived from the FEM solution. Finally, this error is added to the FEM solution to improve its accuracy. The degree of error reduction which is achieved with the application of this scheme is demonstrated by means of several simple electromagnetic boundary value problems. >
Aspirin treatment and outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: is there a role for pharmacodynamic testing?

Aspirin is an irreversible inhibitor of the platelet cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 enzyme, which in adjunct to a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, represents the cornerstone of treatment for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) [(1)][1]. Despite the clinical benefits, ischemic events may
The Effect of Clinical Chorioamnionitis on Cesarean Delivery in the United States.

Objective To examine the association of clinical chorioamnionitis on cesarean delivery in a national sample of hospital discharges. Data Source Hospital discharge data from the 1998–2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Study Design We performed a cross-sectional study and general linear modeling was used to determine the association of clinical chorioamnionitis on risk of cesarean delivery. Principal Findings A total of 10,843,682 deliveries and 51,799,431 nationally weighted deliveries were identified. Clinical chorioamnionitis was present in 2.9 percent of cesarean and 1.3 percent of vaginal deliveries (p < .001). In multivariate analysis, clinical chorioamnionitis was associated with a 1.39-fold increased risk of cesarean delivery. Compared with women without clinical chorioamnionitis at an urban/teaching hospital, women with clinical chorioamnionitis at an urban/teaching, urban/nonteaching, and rural hospital were 1.4–1.5 times more likely to have cesarean delivery. Compared with women without clinical chorioamnionitis in the Midwest, the relative risk for cesarean in women with clinical chorioamnionitis was 1.54 for women in the South, 1.47 in the Northeast, 1.39 in the Midwest, and 1.34 in the West. Conclusions Women with clinical chorioamnionitis were more likely to have cesarean delivery than those without clinical chorioamnionitis, and the risk of cesarean delivery varied significantly by hospital location, teaching status, and U.S. region.
REFINED THEORETICAL MODELING OF A NEW-GENERATION PRESSURE-OPERATED SOFT SNAKE

Our pressure-operated soft snake robot promises inherent flexibility and versatility to operate on complex and unpredictable environments compared to traditional snake robots made of rigid linkage chains. We previously presented a theoretical framework to describe its unique dynamic behavior and experimentally verified the accuracy of this model. This previous work had some drawbacks; the maximum center of mass velocity of the previous soft snake was one tenth its body length per second and the dynamic model could not predict the behavior of the robot when following non-linear trajectories because of a lack of frictional torques. In this paper we introduce the next generation of our soft robotic snake we call the “WPI SRS”, which can locomote ten times faster than the previous version. Additionally, we present refinements to the dynamical model that can predict both linear and rotational motions of the robot. Finally, we demonstrate the accuracy of this refined model through experimentation.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Morbidity and Mortality in Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Following Surgical Care Improvement Project Guidelines.

Abstract Background Following evidence questioning the safety and efficacy of perioperative beta-blocker therapy in noncardiac surgery, the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) guidelines were retired in 2015. However, perioperative myocardial infarctions and cardiac complications remain leading causes of mortality following noncardiac surgery. The impact of the SCIP guidelines on reducing cardiac complications in patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been evaluated. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for 345,875 elective THA performed from 2003 to 2011. Patient demographics and morbidity as well as the incidence of nonfatal and fatal cardiac complications and overall mortality associated with cardiac complications were determined before and following SCIP implementation. Results Following the institution of the SCIP guidelines, the overall mortality following cardiac complications decreased by 41%. Although the incidence of nonfatal cardiac events after THA did increase 5% (primarily secondary to an increased incidence of nonfatal hypotension), the incidence of postoperative inpatient mortality, stroke, fatal hypotension, fatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal and fatal cardiac arrest significantly decreased. Conclusion Following the implementation of SCIP guidelines, there was a 41% reduction in mortality and a significant decrease in fatal cardiac complications, postoperative hypotension, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. Despite SCIP guidelines being retired in 2015, evidence supports continuation of perioperative beta-blockade in primary elective total adult hip and knee arthroplasty.
Excimer Laser Liftoff of Epitaxial Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Thin Films and Heterostructures

Epitaxial (100) and (111)-oriented Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based thin films and heterostructures have been transferred intact from their sapphire and MgO growth substrates to silicon and polymer substrates utilizing a novel laser liftoff process. The heterostructures, while on their growth substrate, were bonded to the receptor substrates using one of several bonding methods, including van der Waals bonding to an elastomer receptor, and transient liquid-phase Pd-In bonding to Si. A single 38 ns pulse from a KrF excimer laser ( 300 mJ/cm2), the sapphire or MgO substrate was detached. Because of the short pulse length and the low thermal conductivity of Pb-based perovskite phases, heating of the top surface of the heterostructure was minimal, thus permitting film transfer to thermally-sensitive receptor substrates. X-ray rocking curves revealed slight broadening of the principal PLZT diffraction peaks (∼10-20%), suggesting local relaxation of film stress.
Elastomeric Conductors for Electrical Contacts

Two new elastomeric electrical conductors were developed. One is silicone infiltrated tin foam containing 14 vol.% tin. The other is short nickel fiber silicone-matrix composites containing 3-12 vol.% fibers, fabricated by the impregnation of silicone into a nickel fiber preform. Both exhibited volume electrical resistivity of the order 10-4 ohm.cm.
The cleft team social worker

The birth of a child with significant medical problems poses challenges for most families. Congenital orofacial clefting is a common condition affecting families worldwide. Orofacial clefting requires long-term medical care and can affect multiple body systems. Having a child with a chronic medical condition such as cleft lip or palate creates many psychosocial ramifications for a family. This article describes the importance of medical social work involvement in the coordinated care for children with cleft lip and palate. Specific cases spanning prenatal care through adolescence are used to highlight the variety of complex psychosocial situations encountered in the multidisciplinary cleft team setting.
Secondary Arc Modeling for UHV Double Circuit Transmission Lines Based on the Improved Mayr Equation

This paper focuses on the characteristcis of the secondary arc of UHV double circuit transmission lines. Then the modified Mayr equation and the electromagnetic transient simulation software( ATP-EMTP) are adopted to set up a precise mathematical model for secondary arc. The nonlinear characteristics of the secondary arc current and voltage are studied through incorprating the model into EMTP software,and the distribution of secondary arc duration is analyzed. Emphatically,the relationship between the neutral reactor configuration scheme and the arcing time of the secondary arc is investigated. The research results provide a reference for the operation of the UHV double circuit transmission lines.
Non-destructive Inspection Methods for Elastic Modulus of Wood and Relevant Research Status

Modulus of elasticity(MOE) is one of the most important indicators of mechanical property of wood,closely linked with other mechanical indicators.How to detect wood modulus of elasticity nondestructively and quickly to provide reference for the estimate of other mechanical indicators has always been what relevant researchers have been working on.Some measures for detecting the elastic modulus of wood and relevant current research status are summarized.
The use of bone marrow-chimeric mice in elucidating immune mechanisms.

DNA vaccines hold promise for generating protective immunity against a wide variety of pathogens. Understanding the mechanism by which vaccine-encoded antigens are processed and presented to naive lymphocytes in the host is critical for rational design of efficacious vaccines. This chapter provides practical guide in making irradiation-induced bone marrow chimeric mice, which can be used to dissect a variety of aspects of antigen presentation by the hematopoietic vs nonhematopoietic compartments.
A Guide to Implementing Quantitative Bias Analysis

Estimates of association from nonrandomized epidemiologic studies are susceptible to two types of error: random error and systematic error. Random error, or sampling error, is often called chance, and decreases toward zero as the sample size increases and the data are more efficiently distributed in the categories of the adjustment variables. The amount of random error in an estimate of association is measured by its precision. Systematic error, often called bias, does not decrease toward zero as the sample size increases or with more efficient distributions in the categories of the analytic variables. The amount of systematic error in an estimate of association is measured by its validity.
Measurement Method For Determining Absorption Coefficients For Underground Mines

Previous studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have shown that approximately 90% of coal miners and 49% of metal/nonmetal miners had a hearing impairment by age 50. Mine workers are exposed to additional noise levels underground due to the reflection of machine generated noise that would otherwise dissipate in an above ground setting. Determining the sound absorption coefficients is essential in modeling the sound field in an underground mining environment. Sound absorption is a measure of the amount of acoustic energy that strikes a surface and is absorbed, rather than reflected. The acoustic environment that mining machines operate in is a critical factor affecting the sound pressure level exposure for mining machine operators. Impedance tube testing is an inappropriate method for determining underground absorption coefficients due to the brittle composition of some of the materials such as coal and slate. Classic absorption coefficient estimation using T60 measurements will not work well in an underground environment because the theory assumes: a finite room, a diffuse field, and relatively uniform absorption. None of these assumptions are true in an open-ended mine entry. This paper will present a method using a ray-tracing technique to determine absorption coefficients for underground mines. Absorption coefficients are determined and presented for octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz. The absorption coefficients will be essential for determining and predicting potential overexposure to machine operators in different mine environments.
Prevention of Neuroblast Migratory Disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the prevention of neuroblast migratory disorders. Several cerebral dysgeneses are characterized by predictable and relatively constant patterns of malformation that may be attributed primarily to disturbances in neuroblast migration during fetal life. The Miller–Dieker syndrome is associated with deletions or rearrangements involving the 17p 13.3 locus in the majority of cases, often requiring molecular cytogenetic techniques. Other cerebral dysgeneses more closely resemble type II lissencephaly and also have involvement of striated muscle as a congenital muscular dystrophy and/or ocular dysplasias. These include muscle-eye-brain disease, and the Fukuyama form of congenital muscular dystrophy, which is the second most common muscular dystrophy of Japanese children. Bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia presents as epilepsy in childhood or early adult life in girls. Nodules are demonstrated by MR imaging in the periventricular region of the lateral ventricles and cause bulges of the ventricular wall into the lumen. Cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) disease is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and results from decreased or absent peroxisomes, defective pipecolic acid metabolism, deficient biosynthesis of plasmalogens, and abnormalities in mitochondrial structure and function. It is found that disturbances in any developmental process that precedes neuroblast migration, such as neurulation, necessarily produces secondary effects on cell migration as a function of the distorted anatomical relations and often deficient neuronogenesis.
The influences of parental divorce and maternal-versus-paternal alcohol abuse on offspring lifetime suicide attempt.

Introduction and aims Research indicates that parental divorce and parental alcohol abuse independently increase likelihood of offspring lifetime suicide attempt. However, when experienced together, only parental alcohol abuse significantly increased odds of suicide attempt. It is unclear to what extent differences in the effect of maternal versus paternal alcohol use exist on adult offspring lifetime suicide attempt risk. This study examined the influences of parental divorce and maternal–paternal histories of alcohol problems on adult offspring lifetime suicide attempt. Design and Methods The sample consisted of participants from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The simultaneous effect of childhood or adolescent parental divorce and maternal and paternal history of alcohol problems on offspring lifetime suicide attempt was estimated using a logistic regression model with an interaction term for demographics and parental history of other emotional and behavioural problems. Results Parental divorce and maternal–paternal alcohol problems interacted to differentially influence the likelihood of offspring lifetime suicide attempt. Experiencing parental divorce and either maternal or paternal alcohol problems nearly doubled the likelihood of suicide attempt. Divorce and history of alcohol problems for both parents tripled the likelihood. Discussion and Conclusion Individuals who experienced parental divorce as children or adolescents and who have a parent who abuses alcohol are at elevated risk for lifetime suicide attempt. These problem areas should become a routine part of assessment to better identify those at risk for lifetime suicide attempt and to implement early and targeted intervention to decrease such risk. [Thompson RG Jr,Alonzo D, Hu M-C, Hasin DS. The influences of parental divorce and maternal-versus-paternal alcohol abuse on offspringlifetime suicide attempt. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;00:000-000.]
Novel in situ forming hydrogel microneedles for transdermal drug delivery

Novel in situ forming hydrogel microneedles were evaluated for transdermal drug delivery using a biocompatible non-ionic triblock amphiphilic thermosensitive copolymer. The transition property of poloxamer from solution at room temperature to gel at skin temperature (32 °C) was utilized in preparation of in situ forming hydrogel microneedles. Methotrexate has been used to treat solid tumors, but because of its narrow safety margin, it requires sustained delivery within the therapeutic window. Formulations with and without poloxamer at different methotrexate concentrations were prepared and evaluated for drug permeation across skin using vertical Franz diffusion cell for 72 h. Sol-gel transition, skin resistance and thickness, microneedles geometry, microchannel depth, shape, formation and uniformity, viscoelasticity of skin, and in vitro drug permeation were characterized and tested. An average cumulative drug amount of 32.2 ± 15.76 and 114.54 ± 40.89 μg/cm2 for porcine ear skin and 3.89 ± 0.60 and 10.27 ± 6.98 μg/cm2 for dermatomed human skin from 0.2 % w/w and 0.4 % w/w methotrexate formulations was delivered by the in situ forming hydrogel microneedles. These in situ hydrogel microneedles embedded within the porated site of the skin provided a steady and sustained drug delivery.
Virtual Betti numbers and virtual symplecticity of 4-dimensional mapping tori, II

We show that if the fiber of a closed 4-dimensional mapping torus X is reducible and not S 2×S 1 or ℝP 3#ℝP 3, then the virtual first Betti number of X is infinite and X is not virtually symplectic. This confirms two conjectures made by Li and Ni (2014) in an earlier paper.
Abstract 239: MicroRNAs hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 Regulate Expression of Human Angiotensnogen Gene

Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs7079) in 3’UTR of human angiotensinogen (hAGT) gene is associated with elevated blood pressure. We have used TargetScan V6.0, miRanda miRNA prediction algorithms and found that two microRNAs hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 may bind differentially to rs7079 and alter the expression of hAGT gene. METHODS: The effect of hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 miRNAs on endogenous AGT expression levels in Hep3B cells were studied by transfection of individual miRNA mimics followed by quantitative real time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) of the hAGT gene. In addition, the 600 bp 3’UTR of hAGT gene containing either rs7079C or rs7079A was PCR amplified and cloned in to the multiple cloning site of pMIR-REPORT™ miRNA Expression Vector containing luciferase gene. These reporter constructs were then co-transfected with either miRNA mimics or inhibitors to study the effect of miRNAs on luciferase activity in Hep3B cells since these cells express hAGT gene. These experiments were also performed in HEK293 cells which do not express the hAGT gene. Results: Q-RT-PCR showed that hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 mimics at 50nM concentration reduced endogenous hAGT mRNA levels by 38% and 30% respectively compared to the mock (without any microRNA) or negative control (which does not have any binding site for eukaryotic 3’UTRs) in Hep3B cells. Furthermore hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 showed 40% and 25% reduced luciferase activity of the construct containing rs7079 C allele. On the other hand these miRNAs did not affect the luciferase activity in the presence of rs7079 A. When dose dependent anti miRNA inhibitors were transfected along with miRNA mimics, these mimics abolished the microRNA induced down-regulation of luciferase activity. Conclusion: hsa-miR-584 and hsa-miR-31 miRNAs bind strongly to the hAGT 3’UTR containing rs7079 C allele as compared to rs7079 A allele and may down regulate the expression of AGT gene containing rs7079 C allele. This may be one of the possible mechanism involved in association of rs7079 A allele with human hypertension.
Quantum Mechanical Path Integrals

The fundamental equation of quantum mechanics for a single particle is generally taken to be a Schrodinger equation of the form $$i\hbar\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\psi(x, t) =\left[-\frac{{\hbar}^{2}}{2m} \frac{{\partial}^{2}}{{\partial}{x}^{2}}+{V (x, t)}\right] \psi(x, t),$$ subject to some initial condition such as $$\lim_{t \rightarrow t^\prime} \psi(x, t)= \psi (x, t^\prime).$$
Enhanced Hole Injection Into Single Layer WSe 2

Electronic devices with light-emitting regions composed of single layer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2), are of great interest due to the formation of a direct bandgap at the single layer limit. Furthermore, increasing injected hole current into the single layer WSe2 is of great importance due to the resulting increase in electroluminescence. In this paper, we demonstrate a $1000\times $ increase in injected hole current into the channel region of an FET composed of a single layer WSe2 channel by incorporation of a thicker (20–30 nm) multilayer WSe2 film under the metal source contact only. By fabrication and analysis of FETs composed of single layer, bi-layer, and tri-layer WSe2 channel regions, we correlate the increase in injected hole current to a decrease in the hole Schottky barrier height at the source contact due to incorporation of the multilayer WSe2 film.
[ATR] harmony in Turkana

This paper analyzes the [ATR] harmony system of Turkana (Eastern Nilotic). The principal claim made in this paper is that Turkana provides evidence for an underlying ternary contrast in the feature [ATR]. This claim is based on the observation that some suffixes alternate in [ATR] in agreement with a preceding root, while other sufflxes surface as either [+ATR] or [-ATR], regardless of the context in which they occur. The claim that non-alternating suffixes are specified for [ATR] is supported by the fact that they cause regressive assimilation: a [-ATR] root surfaces as [+ATR] if followed by a [+ATR] sufflx; a [+ATR] mid vowel root surfaces as [-ATR] if followed by a [-ATR] suffix. Turkana thus provides evidence that the feature [ATR] is ternary with the three values [+ATR], [-ATR] and [()ATR].
Building Social Cohesion in Latin America and the Caribbean

To help define a social cohesion agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean, this paper identifies some of the principal issues related to inequality, poverty and exclusion and addressed some of the available policy options and programs for their solution. As the evidence collected in the paper shows, inequality and exclusion impose severe costs on poverty reduction, growth, and social and political progress, ultimately detaining any effort to build social cohesion, and thus, should be a high priority for citizens, governments and the international community.
Is a dilated inguinal ring a good predictor of a hernia

Diagnosis of a groin hernia based on the size of the external inguinal ring is not always reliable. The external ring can be dilated without a hernia being present, or it can be of normal size when a hernia is present. All techniques of hernia repair attempt to reconstruct the posterior floor of the inguinal canal. The posterior approach allows visualization of the entire groin area, and any form of hernia can be defined and repaired without examining the external inguinal ring. The recurrence rate with this approach is less than 2%.
A Rapid Situational Awareness Development Framework for Heterogeneous Manned-Unmanned Teams

This paper presents a robust framework for configuring and deploying a heterogeneous team of smart unmanned systems and human agents in dynamic and un-modeled environments to rapidly build mission critical situational awareness with selective details of potential areas of interest, especially focusing on minimized cognitive loading of the human agents. Five key components, namely control, communication, artificial intelligence (AI), platform, and visualization, merge seamlessly into a holistic framework to deliver this rapid situational awareness development capability to the heterogeneous manned unmanned team (MUM-T). In this framework, the overall control is seen as a combination of agent level control and mission level control. A common software, Robot Operating System (ROS), is used to establish communication, and consequently consensus, among the heterogeneous swarm of unmanned systems. These unmanned platforms are customized with co-processing hardware that can execute advanced artificial intelligence machine learning (AI/ML) modules to not only deliver stable and cooperative performance of these unmanned platforms in the swarm but also support human-centric human robot interaction (HRI). Finally, to reduce the cognitive burden on the human agents, a triaged visualization scheme, enabled through mixed reality (MR) technology, is implemented. This paper presents a preliminary proof of concept study for the presented hybrid map (i.e. 2D mapping with 3D detailing) construction framework, tested with a heterogeneous swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of varying capabilities, teamed with a human operator.
Fabric-based composite materials containing ZnO-NRs and ZnO-NRs-AuNPs and their application in photocatalysis

Abstract This work demonstrates immobilization of ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) on the cotton fabric (CF) and subsequent modification of the ZnO-NRs with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs was ex-situ synthesized using citrate method followed by deposition of the same on ZnO-NRs immobilized on CF thereby generating CF@ZnO-NRs and CF@ZnO-NRs-AuNPs composites materials. The surface morphology of these composite materials probed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), XRD analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation of a model dye molecule in the presence of these composites materials scrutinized by UV–visible spectroscopy. The designed flexible composites materials demonstrated superior photocatalytic dye degradation and outstanding recyclability.