cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REJOINDER: natural monopoly and the Bell system: response to Charnes, Cooper, and Sueyoshi

Our study of the Bell System cost function shows that it is possible to reject the hypothesis that AT&T was a natural monopoly. Our study is based on a regression analysis of a translog cost function estimated on 1947–1977 data. Charnes, Cooper, and Sueyoshi (Charnes, A., W. W. Cooper, T. Sueyoshi. 1988. A goal programming/constrained regression review of the bell system breakup. Management Sci. 34 1–26.) claim that they reverse our conclusion when they use goal programming estimators of a translog cost function estimated on exactly the same data that we use. This claim is false. There is no basis for comparing our estimates with their estimates because they, in fact, use different data than we use and estimate a different cost function than we estimate. Moreover, when goal programming estimates and regression estimates based on the same data and similar cost function specifications are compared, they yield similar estimates and produce the same inference about natural monopoly.
Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomavirus testing of fine needle aspiration cytology of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for 25% of HNSCCs and frequently presents with neck lymph node metastases. We investigated utilizing cytology needle rinse material for HPV DNA testing by Hybrid Capture 2 molecular testing (HC2) as an alternative to p16 immunohistochemistry. Methods Twenty-two cases of HNSCC presenting with neck lymph node metastasis were prospectively identified by assessment of Diff Quik stained cytology smears. An aliquot of the needle rinse material from the lymph node was analyzed for HPV status using standard HC2 protocol. P16 status was determined with immunohistochemistry on the cell block and/or surgically obtained tumor. Results The mean age of patients with p16 negative HNSCC was 7 years older than p16 positive disease (Table 1). Primary tumor subsites were as follows: 17 oropharynx, 1 hypophayrnx, 3 larynx, and 1 oral cavity (Table 2). All ten p16 negative patients had a history of smoking compared with 33% of p16 positive. Only 3 (25%) of p16 positive tumors demonstrated keratinization, whereas 90% of the p16 negative tumors keratinized (Fig. 1). Twelve of 22 HNSCC cases (55%) were p16 positive, of which 7 (58%) tested positive for HPV by HC2. Ten cases (45%) were negative for p16, all of which were negative for HPV by HC2 (Table 3). Conclusion Molecular testing for HPV using HC2 on needle rinse material of FNA of HNSCC is a useful method of determining HPV status in HNSCC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:683–687. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the functional and numerical responses of resistant versus non-resistant populations of the copepod Acartia hudsonica fed the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense

The functional and numerical responses of grazers are key pieces of information in predicting and modeling predator‐prey interactions.Ithas beendemonstrated thatexposure totoxicalgae canlead toevolvedresistancein grazerpopulations.However,the influence of resistance on the functional and numerical response of grazers has not been studied to date. Here, we compared the functional and numerical responses of populations of the copepod Acartia hudsonica that vary in their degree of resistance to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense. In common environment experiments carried out after populations had been grown under identical conditions for several generations, female copepods were offered solutions containing different concentrations of either toxic A. tamarense or the non-toxic green flagellate Tetraselmis sp. ranging from � 25 to 500 mgC L � 1 , and ingestion and egg production rates were measured. Throughout most of the range of concentrations of the toxic diet, copepod populations that had been historically exposed to toxic blooms of Alexandrium exhibited significantly higher ingestion and egg production rates than populations that had little or no exposure to these blooms. In contrast, there were no significant differences between populations in ingestion or egg production for the non-toxic diet. Hence, the between population differences in functional and numerical response to A. tamarense were indeed related to resistance. We suggest that the effect of grazer toxin resistance should be incorporated in models of predator and toxic prey interactions. The potential effects of grazer toxin resistance in the development and control of Alexandrium blooms are illustrated here with a simple simulation exercise. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Reverse modeling of microwave circuits with bidirectional neural network models

Neural networks have been been developed into an alternative modeling approach for the microwave circuit-design process. In this paper, we describe a neural network-based microwave circuit-design approach that implements the solution-searching optimization routine by a modified neural network learning process. Both the development of a microwave circuit model and the searching of a design solution can thus take advantage of a hardware neural network processor, which is significantly faster than a software simulation. In addition, a systematic simulation-based approach to convert conventional circuit models into neural network models for this design process is described. The development of a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) amplifier model and its applications are demonstrated.
In the shadow of misperception: assistive technology use and social interactions

Few research studies focus on how the use of assistive technologies is affected by social interaction among people. We present an interview study of 20 individuals to determine how assistive technology use is affected by social and professional contexts and interactions. We found that specific assistive devices sometimes marked their users as having disabilities; that functional access took priority over feeling self-conscious when using assistive technologies; and that two misperceptions pervaded assistive technology use: (1) that assistive devices could functionally eliminate a disability, and (2) that people with disabilities would be helpless without their devices. Our findings provide further evidence that accessibility should be built into mainstream technologies. When this is not feasible, assistive devices should incorporate cutting edge technologies and strive to be designed for social acceptability, a new design approach we propose here.
Combined studies of power electronics and communication networks for the smart grid

The modernization of the current power grid has brought forward many requirements in order to make possible the vision of a smarter grid. This paper presents these challenges and the current achievements in order to aid in its transformation. It identifies developing applications within the power network; from centralized generation to distribution in terms of power electronics, power systems, and communications. A summary of the current undergoing studies in a lab setting geared towards solving the needs of the smart grid is described. Furthermore, a case study which emphasizes the communication, control, and simulation aspects for the smart grid is expressed and results are displayed in detail.
Palm or Cell? Comparing Personal Digital Assistants and Cell Phones for Experience Sampling Research

Personal digital assistants (PDA), particularly Palm Pilots, are popular data collection devices in experience sampling research. The declining availability of such devices, however, has prompted researchers to explore alternative technologies for signaling participants and collecting responses. The present research considers interactive voice response (IVR) methods, which can deliver questions and collect data using common cell phones. Participants completed an experience sampling study using either a PDA (n = 428) or a cell phone under three different conditions (IVR condition n = 98; IVR Callback condition n = 93; IVR Callback Comeback condition n = 94). We found that response rates were higher when people used PDAs (69%) than when they used their cell phones (IVR condition = 51%), but response rates increased when people could call back within a few minutes of missing a signal (IVR Callback condition = 58%) and had a face-to-face meeting with a researcher midweek (IVR Callback Comeback = 64%). The daily life ratings were similar across the conditions. The findings are encouraging for researchers interested in using IVR cell phone methods for ecological momentary assessment, but more work is needed to develop procedures or incentives that increase response rates.
Family-Operated Farms: Their Compatibility with Technological Advance

Concepts and measurements were developed to test the hypothesis of the compatibility of the family farm with the postwar economic and technological changes in the organization of farm production. The results suggest that both static and dynamic economic forces continue to influence the patttern of this organization. Although the present family and larger-than-family farms only remotely resemble those in the past, they continue their coexistence in approximately the same proportions. Thus, despite profound changes, farms continue to be mostly family-operated and family-owned businesses, and family labor continues to be dominant in farming. However, in some traditional locations in California, Florida and a few other States, farm production comes mostly from larger-than-family farms—with hired labor as the dominant labor force.
Derivation Algebras and Multiplication Algebras of Semi-Simple Jordan Algebras

In this note we investigate the Lie algebra of derivations and the Lie algebra \( \mathfrak{L} \) generated by the multiplications in any semi-simple Jordan algebra (with a finite basis) over a field of characteristic 0. We show that the derivation algebra \( \mathfrak{D} \) possesses a certain ideal \( \mathfrak{F} \) consisting of derivations that we call inner and that \( \mathfrak{F} \) is also a subalgebra of the Lie multiplication algebra \( \mathfrak{L} \). For semi-simple algebras we prove that \( \mathfrak{F} = \mathfrak{D} \) This result is a consequence of a general theorem (Theorem 1) on derivations of semi-simple non-associative algebras of characteristic 0. It can be seen that another easy consequence of our general theorem is the known result that the derivations of semi-simple associative algebras are all inner.1 Our method can be applied in other cases, too (for example, alternative algebras), but we shall not discuss these here.
Changes caused by a mandibular removable partial denture opposing a maxillary complete denture

Abstract Almost inevitable degenerative changes develop in the edentulous regions of wearers of complete upper and partial lower dentures. We have followed six patients over a three-year period with cephalometric radiographs to determine if these changes could be detected. In all six subjects, early changes that could become gross changes were apparent. In one of them degenerative clinical change is beginning to appear. This problem might be solved with treatment planning to avoid the combination of complete upper dentures against distal-extension partial lower dentures. The alternative of complete maxillary and mandibular dentures is not attractive to patients. Preserving posterior teeth to serve as abutments to support lower partial dentures and to provide a more stable occlusion is a better alternative. Ill-fitting dentures have been blamed for all of the lesions of the edentulous tissues, yet the most perfect denture will be ill-fitting after bone is lost from the anterior part of the ridge. Removable dentures need periodic attention at least as often as the natural teeth.
Low-Salt Diet Enhances Vascular Reactivity and Ca2+ Entry in Pregnant Rats With Normal and Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure

Salt moderation is often recommended to prevent excessive increases in blood pressure during pregnancy, particularly in women who are prone to pregnancy-induced hypertension; however, the vascular effects of low dietary salt intake during pregnancy are unclear. We investigated whether a low-salt diet during pregnancy alters the mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction. Active stress and (45)Ca(2+) influx were measured in endothelium-denuded aortic strips of virgin and normal pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and a hypertensive pregnant rat model produced by reduction in uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), fed either a normal-sodium (NS, 1% NaCl) or low-sodium diet (LS, 0.2% NaCl) for 7 days. The mean arterial pressure was as follows: virgin/NS 108 +/- 8, virgin/LS 117 +/- 7, pregnant/NS 102 +/- 3, pregnant/LS 117 +/- 4, RUPP/NS 119 +/- 3, and RUPP/LS 133 +/- 6 mm Hg. Phenylephrine (Phe) caused concentration-dependent increases in active stress and (45)Ca(2+) influx that were greater in RUPP rats than in normal pregnant or virgin rats and were enhanced in pregnant/LS and RUPP/LS compared with pregnant/NS and RUPP/NS, respectively. High KCl (16 to 96 mmol/L), which stimulates Ca(2+) entry from the extracellular space, also caused increases in active stress that were greater in RUPP than in normal pregnant, in pregnant/LS than in pregnant/NS, and in RUPP/LS than in RUPP/NS rats. The Phe-induced (45)Ca(2+) influx--active stress relation was greater in RUPP/NS than in pregnant/NS and was enhanced in pregnant/LS and RUPP/LS compared with pregnant/NS and RUPP/NS, respectively. In Ca(2+)-free (2 mmol/L ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid) Krebs, stimulation of intracellular Ca(2+) release by Phe (10(-5) mol/L) or caffeine (25 mmol/L) caused a transient contraction that was not significantly different in all groups of rats. Thus, a low-salt diet in pregnant and RUPP rats is associated with increases in vascular reactivity that involves Ca(2+) entry from the extracellular space but not Ca(2+) release from the intracellular stores. The enhancement of the Phe-induced Ca(2+) influx--active stress relation in pregnant and RUPP rats on a low-salt diet suggests activation of other vascular contraction mechanisms in addition to Ca(2+) entry. Although it is difficult to extrapolate the experimental data in rats to clinical data in women, the increased vascular reactivity and Ca(2+) entry and the possible enhancement of additional vascular contraction mechanisms with a low-salt diet suggest that reduction of dietary salt intake should be carefully monitored during pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Sensitivity of particle deposition to changes in deposition velocity

Abstract A simple two-dimensional numerical model is used to study the sensitivity of particle deposition to changes in deposition velocity. Diurnal variations in wind speed, stability and surface resistance are considered. For the relatively small values of deposition velocity normally attributed to small particles, it was found that depletion of material exhibits a strong dependence upon the magnitude of the deposition velocity and the cycle of stabilities encountered. These results are in contrast to some other findings valid for small surface resistance values.
The 3′-untranslated regions of cytoskeletal muscle mRNAs inhibit translation by activating the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR

Cytoskeletal proteins are associated with actin in the microfilaments and have a major role in microfilament assembly and function. The expression of some of these proteins has been implicated in cell growth and transformation. Specifically, the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of tropomyosin, troponin and cardiac actin can induce muscle cell differentiation and appear to function as tumor suppressors. These RNA sequences are predicted to fold to form secondary structures with extended stretches of duplex. We show that the 3'-UTRs of the cytoskeletal mRNAs interact with the RNA-binding domain of the RNA-activated protein kinase PKR. Correspondingly, these RNAs activate PKR in vitro and inhibit globin translation in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate translation system. These data are consistent with a mechanism whereby PKR mediates the differentiation- and tumor-related actions of the cytoskeletal 3'-UTR sequences.
Penetrating neck trauma : sensitivity of clinical examination and cost-effectiveness of angiography

PURPOSE To evaluate penetrating neck trauma for (a) sensitivity of the clinical examination as an indicator of clinically significant vascular injury, and (b) cost-effectiveness of performing screening diagnostic angiography. METHODS The medical records of all patients with penetrating neck trauma presenting at our institution over 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. Injuries were classified into one of three anatomic zones and classified into four mutually exclusive groups based on the extent of vascular injury; (a) no vascular injury; (b) minor vascular abnormality; (c) major vascular abnormality without a change in clinical management; or (d) any injury requiring a change in clinical management. Cost data were also obtained for each patient9s hospitalization. RESULTS There were 111 patients with penetrating neck trauma. No statistically significant difference between the sensitivities of the clinical examination or angiography for the detection of vascular injury were detected. Of the 48 patients who had vascular injuries, 45 had an abnormal clinical findings (93.7% sensitivity). None of the remaining 3 patients with vascular injury and normal clinical findings would have had their treatment altered by the results of angiography. The calculated cost of using angiography as a screening tool for vascular injury in patients with normal clinical findings was approximately $3.08 million per central nervous system event prevented. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that in patients with zone II penetrating neck injuries the clinical examination is sufficient to detect significant vascular lesions and that screening angiography may not be indicated. Because our sample size was relatively small and the mean follow-up only 13.3 days, further investigation is needed to demonstrate definitively the lack of usefulness of screening angiography.
The relationship between self-reported professionalism and student involvement in pharmacy organizations at one college of pharmacy: An exploratory analysis

Abstract Objective To explore potential correlations between student involvement in pharmacy organizations and self-reported professionalism. Methods A cross-sectional, prospective, print-based questionnaire was submitted to students in their last didactic year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at one University. The questionnaire was administered during a well-attended, regularly scheduled class and students self-assessed their professionalism on the Behavioral Professionalism Assessment. Results The questionnaire was completed by 78 of 84 students (a 93% response rate). A significant positive correlation between self-reported professionalism and involvement (i.e., the number of brown bags/health fairs and organizational meetings attended, p Conclusions A relationship was identified between self-reported professionalism and some measures of involvement in professional organizations in this exploratory study. Further research should be conducted at other Colleges of Pharmacy to determine whether these data can be generalized to the larger pharmacy student population.
Group Argument A Structuration Perspective and Research Program

This article reviews and assesses the structuration program of research on group argument that has evolved over more than two decades. The authors first position group argument research in relationship to argument studies across many disciplines and especially at the intersection of three research traditions in communication. Acknowledging structuration theory foundations, the authors explicate their conceptualization of argument and explain the theoretical foundations of their approach. They next describe the methods that have been used to analyze group argument, including participants, data collection procedures, coding scheme and process, and contexts that have been employed in past investigations. They also survey the findings of this research program and how they have enhanced understanding of argument processes in groups and group argument—outcome linkages. The authors then offer a critique of the program, including challenges and unanswered questions. They note projects currently under way and conc...
Acoustic echo cancellation using subband technique for teleconferencing applications

In acoustic echo cancellation, the conventional adaptive FIR filter can have many taps, resulting in a large computational complexity and slow convergence of the algorithm. Multi-rate techniques can be used to overcome these disadvantages by adapting several shorter filters in subbands at a reduced rate. However, the down sampling process introduces aliased version of the original signals, especially when signals are critically down sampled. In this paper, the nonoverlapping filter banks with decimated auxiliary subbands are employed to alleviate distortion due to aliasing and spectral gaps, while a low computational load is maintained.
Should Teachers Use the Teachers' Choices Books in Science Classes?

Using literature in science instruction has the potential to increase student motivation and to improve student achievement in both literacy and science. The process of identifying high-quality picture books, however, can be challenging and time consuming for teachers. The authors identified 74 science-based picture books from the annual Teachers' Choices booklists and analyzed their science content, visual features, and genres. Their findings suggest that the majority of these books are engaging and provide accurate science content. However, they provide somewhat limited coverage of topics set out in the U.S. National Science Education Standards: Over 75% of the books analyzed support instruction in the area of life science, but very few are dedicated to physical science. All of the books make appropriate use of illustrations and photographs as a means of enhancing and extending the text, but fewer incorporate visual features such as graphs, charts, or differentiated text. Finally, an examination of genre indicates a move away from storybooks containing science concepts toward narrative and nonnarrative information texts. Overall, the analysis indicates that the Teachers' Choices books can be used as a resource for identifying high-quality picture books useful in elementary and middle school science instruction.
Limits to Penetration of Meridional Circulation below the Solar Convection Zone

We show that meridional circulation, such as that observed at the top of and in the solar convection zone (CZ) by direct doppler and helioseismic techniques, cannot penetrate significantly below the bottom (~0.7 R☉) of the overshoot layer at the bottom of the CZ. Therefore, solar dynamo models that rely on penetration as deep as to 0.6 R☉ are ruled out. The analysis we carried out to reach this conclusion elucidates two boundary layers, one of which we have not seen applied to astrophysical problems before. This analysis should be relevant to understanding interfaces between convective and radiative zones in stellar interiors generally.
DNA Methylation Modulates Nociceptive Sensitization after Incision

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism controlling DNA accessibility and gene expression. Blockade of DNA methylation can significantly affect pain behaviors implicated in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, the role of DNA methylation with regard to postoperative pain has not yet been explored. In this study we sought to investigate the role of DNA methylation in modulating incisional pain and identify possible targets under DNA methylation and contributing to incisional pain. DNA methyltranferase (DNMT) inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine significantly reduced incision-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal sensitivity. Aza-2′-deoxycytidine also reduced hindpaw swelling after incision, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Global DNA methylation and DNMT3b expression were increased in skin after incision, but none of DNMT1, DNMT3a or DNMT3b was altered in spinal cord or DRG. The expression of proopiomelanocortin Pomc encoding β-endorphin and Oprm1 encoding the mu-opioid receptor were upregulated peripherally after incision; moreover, Oprm1 expression was further increased under DNMT inhibitor treatment. Finally, local peripheral injection of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone significantly exacerbated incision-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. These results suggest that DNA methylation is functionally relevant to incisional nociceptive sensitization, and that mu-opioid receptor signaling might be one methylation regulated pathway controlling sensitization after incision.
What Determines Internet Diffusion Loci in Developing Countries: Evidence from China and India

This paper examines the current stages of Internet and e-commerce development in China and India. Although China exceeds or equals India in several dimensions of Internet diffusion used in this and past studies, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) puts India in the group of "E-business followers" and China in the group of "E-business laggards". This paper investigates these seemingly inconsistent facts. The analysis indicates that influence of Marxist labor theory and the Post-Mao reform in China resulted in self-dependence in IT products and heavy investment in and reengineering of telecom sector, which mainly contributed to China's better performance in Internet penetration. India's democratic tradition, English language advantage and recent liberalization, on the other hand, make it better prepared for the e-business. A causal model is also proposed to explain Internet diffusion in developing countries.
Site-specific distribution of large-bowel adenomatous polyps. Emphasis on ethnic differences.

The anatomic distribution of adenomatous polyps occurring in the large intestine of 98 consecutive patients was studied. Fifty-two of the patients were black and 46 were white. Seventy-nine percent of lesions in whites were found in the distal colon and rectum, whereas in blacks this occurred in only 47 percent. The difference was significant (P<.01). Black patients also displayed a greater frequency of synchronous polyps and had a higher incidence of previous colorectal polyps. The findings suggest that the total colonic surveillance is essential in black patients to adequately screen for large-bowel neoplasia.
CLINICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING. A Deficient Diagnosis.

A previously healthy boy, 2 1/2 years old, presented with a 6-week history of progressive inability to bear weight on his right leg. His mother noted no recent trauma. His medical history was notable only for speech delay.
Is outpatient robotic pyeloplasty feasible

With increased experience, many laparoscopic procedures have evolved from mandatory same-day admission to the outpatient setting. Given the shorter operative time and length of stay, the potential to perform robotic surgery as an outpatient procedure exists. We sought to describe our initial experience with performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RP) on children in an outpatient setting. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing RP from July 2012 to May 2014 by a single surgeon. All patients discharged home within 12 h of completion of surgery were included in the analysis. Prior to discharge the Wong–Baker Pain Scale 1–10 was reviewed and given to all patients. All patients were prescribed oxybutynin and phenazopyridine for bladder spasms and stent discomfort. Post-operative follow-up telephone calls were made inquiring about oral intake, pain control, constitutional symptoms, and voiding issues. Readmission rates and post-operative outcomes were reviewed. During the study period, 62 children underwent RP and 13 patients (21 %) were selected for outpatient management. These 7 boys and 6 girls had a mean age of 8.1 years old. Of the 13 patients, 11 patients had left-sided procedures and 2 had right; all had primary UPJO. Mean pain score was 2.7 in the first 12 h at home. Within 24 h, the pain score decreased to a mean of 2.2. No patient required opioid analgesics and no child required admission after surgery. At 3-month follow-up, 7 patients had resolved hydronephrosis, 5 had improved hydronephrosis and 1 was unchanged. MAG3 renal scan in the latter patient showed no sign of obstruction. Outpatient RP is feasible and appears to be safe. Great care must be taken when selecting which patients can be fast tracked.
BIM-Enabled Building Commissioning and Handover

Building commissioning is one of the most effective means to ensure the building systems and equipment will perform as designed in its lifecycle when handed over for operation. Current practice of commissioning is labor intensive and the commissioning deliverables are heavily 2-D documents and images that are inefficient and ineffective to utilize in operation and maintenance of the building. The research thus looked at BIM as a facilitator for a more viable approach for building commissioning. Per its definition, BIM is a lifecycle information repository of a construction project. With a project delivery embedded commissioning scenario, this BIM-enabled commissioning facilitated the commissioning process at each phase of the project lifecycle by accomplishing critical commissioning tasks, empowering enhanced project team collaboration and streamlining commissioning documentation generation. Two case studies were given at the end to demonstrate the best practices in the industry that used BIM for building commissioning and handover.
Analysis on sanitation quality of cake products in Panyu district from 2006 to 2008

Objective To survey on microbe contamination of cake in Panyu district.MethodsBy randomly sampling method,microbiological examinations were conducted from 2006 to 2008 among three types of cakes including bulk cake,shaped packing cake and cake decorated with cream flowers according to "Food sanitation inspection procedure microorganism part"(GB/T4789-2003).ResultsA total number of 1272 samples were examined from 2006 to 2008.1087 samples were eligible,qualified rate was 85.46%.The qualified rates of examination of colony,coliform bacterium and mold were 89.86%,98.11%,and 96.07%,respectively.In addition,staphylococcus aureus were detected in two samples.The qualified rate of shaped packing cake was lower than that of bulk cake,but there was no significant difference(x2= 0.29,P0.05).The qualified rate of cake decorated with cream flowers was significantly lower than that of bulk cake and shaped packing cake(x21=11.49,P0.05;x22=8.19,P0.05).The qualified rate of cake in village was lower than that of pastry in central city,and there was a significant difference(x2 = 31.86,P0.005).ConclusionThe results showed that there are still many problems with the quality of bakery products in Panyu district.Supervision and inspection for bakery factories in village should be strengthened.More attention should be paid to the existed sanitation problems of shaped packing cake.
High-Temperature Capture of CO2 by Strontium Oxide Sorbents

This article reports on the use of strontium oxide (SrO)-based sorbents for chemical sorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) at high temperatures (>1000 °C). Two different sizes of the SrO granules were tested as potential sorbent materials through cycles of carbonation and calcination at high temperature in a fixed-bed reactor, under flux of argon (Ar) and Ar/CO2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) assessed their carrying capacity and effectiveness at increasing numbers of cycles. Further investigation was dedicated to the SrO granules in combination with alumina or hydroxyapatite to prevent the material from sintering under high-temperature conditions and to improve the sorbent durability. A simple kinetic analysis was also performed on the basis of TGA data. The sorbent materials, before and after the cycling steps, were characterized through mercury intrusion porosimetry, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis to evaluate any change in the microstructure, thus including the ...
The impact of non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease on partners: understanding and application of chronic sorrow theory.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) can cause many emotions, including grief and a sense of isolation for both the person with PD (referred to as Parkinsonian) and their partner. Such ongoing grief and emotional turmoil can be termed chronic sorrow. The aim of this research is to present accounts of partners' perspectives, analysed in the context of chronic sorrow theory, to offer health professionals an insight into the impact of non-motor PD symptoms on partners. METHODS: A group of partners of Parkinsonians provided the data through individual stories. These stories were subjected to thematic analysis, using a seven-step process leading to the establishment of themes. FINDINGS: Caregiver burden and chronic sorrow is not related to providing physical care, but the emotional care of attempting to minimise the effect of PD, coping with disturbance to sleep, and helping the Parkinsonian to maintain as much independence as possible. Contributors to this article found chronic sorrow theory provided a framework for understanding their emotions. Sharing their experiences with others provided an opportunity to be heard, and enabled them to make sense of individual situations. CONCLUSION: Chronic sorrow theory provides a useful framework for both partners of Parkinsonians in understanding their emotional responses, and for health professionals in considering the challenges partners face in coping with living with a person with PD. KEYWORDS: Grief; Parkinson's disease; support group; support partners; symptoms
Increased Thermal Conductivity in Metal-Organic Heat Carrier Nanofluids

Metal-organic heat carriers (MOHCs) are recently developed nanofluids containing metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles dispersed in various base fluids including refrigerants (R245Fa) and methanol. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of MOHCs containing nanoMIL-101(Cr) and graphene oxide (GO) in an effort to improve the thermo-physical properties of various base fluids. MOHC/GO nanocomposites showed enhanced surface area, porosity, and nitrogen adsorption compared with the intrinsic nanoMIL-101(Cr) and the properties depended on the amount of GO added. MIL-101(Cr)/GO in methanol exhibited a significant increase in the thermal conductivity (by approximately 50%) relative to that of the intrinsic nanoMIL-101(Cr) in methanol. The thermal conductivity of the base fluid (methanol) was increased by about 20%. The increase in the thermal conductivity of nanoMIL-101(Cr) MOHCs due to GO functionalization is explained using a classical Maxwell model.
Basel II Has Been a Costly Distraction on the Road to Minimizing the Societal Cost of Bank Failures and Financial Crises

As is amply demonstrated in the ongoing financial turmoil, banking (depository and similar types of institutions) crises have proven costly throughout the world. As a result, the major objective of public policy with respect to banking now is to protect against the adverse externalities from large or multiple bank failures without at the same time reducing efficiency in the banking and financial systems. Inefficient or unlucky banks should be permitted to exit, but at little if any societal loss. As crossborder barriers to the flow of financial capital have been reduced in recent years, public policy to minimize the adverse externalities of, in particular, large bank failures has added an important international component. This was reflected in the wide-spread international adoption of the minimum regulatory risk-based capital ratio requirements developed by the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision, known first as “Basel I” and then in revised form as “Basel II.”
The Status of Palletized Transport of Perishable Commodities in the U.S.A.: Situation du transport par palettes des denrées périssables aux Etats-Unis

On trouve maintenant des palettes, des caisses a palettes et un materiel de manutention des palettes de diverses dimensions et divers types. Le materiel ferroviaire de transport des denrees perissables comprend les wagons refrigerants a panier de glace, les wagons frigorifiques, les wagons isothermes et les remorques et camionettes frigorifiques pour le transport rail-route, tous destines au transport par palette, sauf environ la moitie des 65.243 wagons a panier de glace. Environ 48.500 remorques frigorifiques routieres sont en circulation, la plupart etant appropriees au chargement par palettes.
Programmable Logic Devices

This chapter emphasizes the class of devices called programmable logic devices (PLDs) that can be thought of as universal logic implementers in the sense that they can be configured (actually programmed) by the user to perform a variety of specific logic functions. The option to use PLDs offers the logic designer a wide range of versatile devices that are commercially available for design purposes. Some PLDs are made to perform only combinational logic functions while others can perform both combinational and sequential logic functions. The chapter also identifies the PLDs that are capable of performing both combinational and sequential logic functions; however, it limits the exemplar applications to combinational logic design. Four commonly used PLDs that are considered by this chapter are the read-only memory (ROM) devices and their subgroups, the field programmable logic array (FPLA) devices, the programmable array logic (PAL) devices and their subgroups, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and subgroups. Other PLDs include erasable programmable logic devices (EPLDs), including erasable programmable ROMs; generic array logic (GAL) devices; and field programmable logic sequencers (FPLSs). Except for FPGAs, most of the PLDs mentioned have some commonality, namely a two-level AND/OR configuration.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of pembrolizumab in the treatment of melanoma.

Introduction: Advanced melanoma is a devastating disease that has propelled research in therapeutics beyond chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Being highly immunogenic, melanoma is a model tumor for im...
Investigating Uncertainty in Developing Regional Building Inventories for Flood Damage Prediction

AbstractWith the ongoing development of the National Water Model at the National Water Center (NWC) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the hydrologic and hydraulic predictive capabilities of the USA are rapid...
Revisiting the determinants of futures contracts success: the role of market participants

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange introduced a futures contract for distillers’ dried grains (DDGs) in early 2010, but the market became inactive only four months after its inception. While many new futures contracts do not develop into high-volume traders, interest from DDG cash market participants indicated that this contract could be successful. Prompted by the unexpected lack of trading activity in this new futures market, we empirically revisit the question of what factors contribute to a futures contract's success and extend the literature by investigating the roles of market participants and the significance of supporting futures markets. Estimation results indicate that the market participant type—hedger or speculator—affects futures contract trade volume. More importantly, we find that the viability of new futures contracts for commodities that are jointly produced with other commodities is impacted by hedgers’ trade volume of the related futures contract. These results provide important additions into the portfolio of indicators used by commodity exchanges to more cost-effectively evaluate new futures contract products.
Longitudinal Analysis of Nut-Inclusive Diets and Body Mass Index Among Overweight and Obese African American Women Living in Rural Alabama and Mississippi, 2011-2013.

Introduction Nuts, when eaten alongside other nutritionally rich foods, may decrease obesity and related chronic disease risks, which are high among African American women in the rural South. We monitored changes in nut intake, other obesity-related foods (fruits, vegetables, red or processed meats, added sugars), and body mass index (BMI) over a 2-year weight loss intervention among 383 overweight and obese African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Methods Two dietary recalls were administered at 4 points over 24 months. Mann-Whitney tests compared differences in median food group intake between nut consumers and non-nut consumers, and t tests identified BMI differences between groups. Mixed linear models tested the relationship between nut intake and intake of the select food groups, and between nut intake and BMI over time. Results Overall nut consumers ate more fruits and vegetables and less red meat than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers had lower BMI values than non-nut consumers. Weight loss by the end of the intervention was significant for nut consumers but not for non-nut consumers, even after accounting for kilocalorie consumption and physical activity engagement. Conclusion Nut consumption is associated with consumption of other nutritionally rich foods and lower BMI among African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Future interventions should target increasing daily nut intake, decreasing added sugar intake, and identifying strategies to encourage positive dietary changes to continue after an intervention.
CAR T Cells for Solid Tumors

In this manuscript, we review the current state of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, their successes and shortcomings in targeting solid tumors. These engineered receptors have evolved from an over reaching concept to a clinical product that has revolutionized cancer therapy. Unlike earlier generations of expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, CAR T cells are not limited to an MHC-restricted response. Armed with multiple costimulatory domains in one frame, CAR T cells carry unparalleled activation potential. CAR T cells for relapsed leukemia have had an enormous impact on the field of cancer immunology and have become a beacon of hope for some difficult to treat patients. Unfortunately, CAR T cells have to date not shown similar efficacy for solid tumors. Here, we delve into specifics within solid tumor microenvironments that are responsible for dampening CAR T cell efficacy. Each of these elements constitutes a front where future opportunity lies. We encourage our readers to explore this field, which is in its infancy, and take steps to move it forward.
Rapid Access to a Broad Range of 6'-Substituted Firefly Luciferin Analogues Reveals Surprising Emitters and Inhibitors.

Light-emitting firefly luciferin analogues contain electron-donating groups in the 6′-position, but the scope of known 6′-substitution remains narrow. A two-step route to a broad range of 6′-substituted luciferin analogues was developed to fill this void and enable more extensive study of the 6′-functionality. This chemistry allowed direct access to “caged” amide and bright azetidine analogues, but also revealed thioether inhibitors and unexpectedly luminogenic aryl amine derivatives.
Development and assessment of a parallel computing implementation of the Coarse Mesh Radiation Transport (COMET) method

Abstract The reactor physics (neutronics) method of the Coarse Mesh Radiation Transport (COMET) code has been used to solve whole core reactor eigenvalue and power distribution problems. COMET solutions are computed to Monte Carlo accuracy on a single processor with several orders of magnitude faster computational speed. However, to extend the method to include on-the-fly depletion and incident flux response expansion function calculations via Monte Carlo an implementation for a parallel execution of deterministic COMET calculations has been developed. COMET involves inner and outer iterations; inner iterations contain local (i.e., response data) calculations that can be carried out independently, making the algorithm amenable to parallelization. Taking advantage of this fact, a distributed memory algorithm featuring domain decomposition was developed. To allow for efficient parallel implementation of a distributed algorithm, changes to response data access and sweep order are made, along with considerations for communications between processors. These changes make the approach generalizable to many different problem types. A software implementation called COMET-MPI was developed and implemented for several benchmark problems. Analysis of the computational performance of COMET-MPI resulted in an estimated parallel fraction of 0.98 for the code, implying a high level of parallelism. In addition, wall clock times on the order of minutes are achieved when the code is used to solve whole core benchmark problems, showing vastly improved computational efficiency using the distributed memory algorithm.
Marching Cubes Made Tangible

Drawing inspiration from a computer algorithm of the same name, Marching Cubes Made Tangible leverages 3D printing to make the virtual world physical. In the 1980s, researchers devised an algorithm for generating computer graphics from medical scan data that featured an underlying language of faceted cubes. Marching Cubes Made Tangible translates this virtual procedure into interactive installations, which are assembled from a modular set of 3D printed components. By enacting the algorithm in the real world, this project generates dialogue about the ways in which information technologies create the building blocks of contemporary culture.
Multimodal deep representation learning for video classification

Real-world applications usually encounter data with various modalities, each containing valuable information. To enhance these applications, it is essential to effectively analyze all information extracted from different data modalities, while most existing learning models ignore some data types and only focus on a single modality. This paper presents a new multimodal deep learning framework for event detection from videos by leveraging recent advances in deep neural networks. First, several deep learning models are utilized to extract useful information from multiple modalities. Among these are pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for visual and audio feature extraction and a word embedding model for textual analysis. Then, a novel fusion technique is proposed that integrates different data representations in two levels, namely frame-level and video-level. Different from the existing multimodal learning algorithms, the proposed framework can reason about a missing data type using other available data modalities. The proposed framework is applied to a new video dataset containing natural disaster classes. The experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework compared to some single modal deep learning models as well as conventional fusion techniques. Specifically, the final accuracy is improved more than 16% and 7% compared to the best results from single modality and fusion models, respectively.
Characterization of genomic alterations and biomarker expression patterns of gastrointestinal cancers using a multiplatform molecular profiling tool.

594Background: Given the heterogeneity of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs), molecular profiling is becoming part of the standard of care for many solid tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate ...