cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decay of fire-damaged lodgepole pine in south-central Oregon

Abstract About 150 lodgepole pines, Pinus contorta var. murrayana (Grev. and Balf.), growing in topoedaphic climax stands of south-central Oregon, were identified as having survived fires that occurred over a period from 1839 to 1982. All fires were natural wildfires, except for prescribed burns of 1976, 1980 and 1982. The trees were sampled for bole and root damage to investigate fungal colonization patterns, establishment of decay columns, and diameter growth. Fire-damaged roots were the principal entry point for decay fungi in fire damaged trees. White-rot fungal species and fungi imperfecti rapidly colonized fire-killed root tissues within 2 years after a fire. These fungi were later displaced by slower growing brown-rot Basidiomycetes that eventually extended into the boles of infected trees. Trees with butt rot, principally caused by Poria asiatica , grew significantly slower than uninfected trees.
THE INVERSE SCATTERING PROBLEM FOR TIME-HARMONIC ACOUSTIC WAVES IN A PENETRABLE MEDIUM

Probleme de diffusion inverse pour la determination de la forme d'un obstacle diffusant a partir de la connaissance du champ lointain
Ways of coping with obesity stigma: review and conceptual analysis.

There is clear documentation of bias and discrimination aimed at overweight persons, but less is known about methods individuals use to cope with weight stigma. This paper provides an analysis of such methods, integrating work on weight stigma with what is known from other relevant areas (e.g., race and gender bias). Multiple means of coping have been studied, ranging from attempts to change the stigmatizing condition (losing weight) to taking pride in the condition and mobilizing social action to prevent discrimination. The most promising areas for future research, methodological challenges, and the importance of individual difference and situational factors as moderating variables are discussed.
Monte Carlo Simulation for the Majorana Neutrinoless Double-beta Decay Experiment

The Majorana experiment is a proposed HPGe detector array that will primarily search for neutrinoless double-beta decay and dark matter. It will rely on pulse-shape discrimination and crystal segmentation to suppress backgrounds following careful materials selection. A critical aspect of the design phase of Majorana is a reliable simulation of the detector response, pulse formation, and its radioactive backgrounds. We are developing an adaptable and complete simulation based on GEANT 4 to address these requirements and the requirements of a modern, large collaboration experiment. The salient aspects of the simulation are presented. The Majorana experiment is presented in a parallel poster by Kareem Kazkaz.
Globalization, political institutions and ethnic assertiveness: An empirical study of 32 developing countries

Abstract Although there has been an ever increasing body of work that has examined the relationship between electoral rules and ethnic conflict, relatively few works have examined the effects of political institutions as a means to contain (or at least alter) the course of ethnic conflict under the conditions of globalization and economic integration. In this paper I build upon an earlier work that examined the relationship between globalization, democratization and ethnic conflict. In that piece it was found that globalization did not appear to have a direct relationship with ethnic conflict, but did appear to be related to ethnic political ‘awakening’. This article builds upon that previous work by empirically examining the effects of both globalization and institutional arrangements for 32 developing countries and 90 minority groups. Further, the paper employs a multivariate technique that evaluates the effect of globalization, components of the electoral system, parliamentarism, federalism, cultural d...
A line flow only power system state estimator

Abstract A power system state estimation algorithm using line flow measurements only is presented. The algorithm estimates the state of only one node at a time using measurements in the electrical vicinity of that node. Before any measurement is used, it is passed to a subroutine that tests for bad data. Thousands of tests were performed on the IEEE 14-bus and the IEEE 30-bus systems; results are compared with the line flow only (LFO) method. It is concluded that the proposed method is much faster than the LFO method and it can identify almost all bad data having an error greater than four times the maximum expected normal error.
Nanophase ceramic/polymer composite scaffolds for bone regeneration: From 2D to 3D

Currently, the main reason for clinical failure of bone substitutes in orthopedics lies in a lack of osseointegration, that is, insufficient juxtaposed bone growth on material surfaces as a result of deficient osteoblast (bone forming cell) functions. Special properties (nano-scale surface topography, surface area and roughness) of nanophase ceramics enhance osseogenesis and new bone regeneration [1]. Specifically, greater osteoblast adhesion and long term functions were observed on nanophase ceramics compared to conventional ceramics [1]. Moreover, the adsorption of vitronectin (a protein known to mediate osteoblast adhesion) has been reported to be much greater on nanophase ceramics compared to conventional ceramics [2]. However, single phase ceramics are inherently brittle and are difficult to be fabricated into complex structures with acceptable mechanical properties for orthopedic applications. The experimental focus of this research was to study in vitro osteoblast functions on ceramic/polymer nanocomposite scaffolds and to gain a deeper understanding of cell interactions with 2D and 3D scaffolds and, thus, assess their effectiveness for better bone regeneration.
Directive Coupled Sectorial Loops Antenna for Ultrawideband Applications

This letter presents a modified coupled sectorial loops antenna (CSLA) architecture with electrically small dimensions capable of unidirectional radiation over a very wide bandwidth. The proposed antenna is composed of two nonplanar sectorial loops in conjunction with a tapered slot fin in front that bisects the angle between the loops, all backed by a metallic reflector. The metallic reflector produces the required front-to-back ratio, and the tapered slot facilitates forward radiation of high-frequency components. The antenna can fit in a box having dimensions 0.43lambda times 0.32lambda times 0.25lambda, where lambda is the wavelength at the lowest operating frequency. The antenna shows excellent impedance matching over the frequency band 0.5-6 GHz and a stable radiation pattern in the band 0.5-2.25 GHz, with front-to-back ratio better than 10 dB and gain higher than 5 dBi. The antenna was designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show good agreement with the simulation results and validate the design accuracy and performance of the antenna. The antenna is proposed for usage in low-frequency, ultrawideband (UWB) radars requiring a compact antenna with relatively high directivity.
Serum levels of high-density lipoprotein phospholipids correlate inversely with severity of angiographically defined coronary artery disease

In an attempt to assess the relationship between lipid abnormalities and severity of coronary artery disease, we measured serum levels of cholesterol (SC), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (SP), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high density lipoprotein phospholipids (HDL-P), in 217 men undergoing diagnostic coronary arteriography. We found significantly higher mean values of HDL-P and HDL-C in men with normal coronaries, but no significant differences in the other measured lipids. While there was no significant difference in HDL-C among patients with one, two or three-vessel disease, there was a negative correlation between HDL-P levels and the severity of the disease. These observations suggest that prospective studies would be of merit to establish the relevance of HDL-P in the development of coronary artery disease.
Polyamine-modulated expression of c-myc plays a critical role in stimulation of normal intestinal epithelial cell proliferation

The nuclear protein c-Myc is a transcription factor involved in the control of cell cycle. Our previous studies indicated that cellular polyamines are absolutely required for cell proliferation in ...
Creating Collaborative Cultures for Educational Change

Teacher-researcher communities constitute an imporant forum for change in the educational reform movement. yet little is known about the construction of these communities in special education contexts. in the early literacy project, we found that the discourse inthe teacher-researcher community provided a public space in which participants constructed new literacy meanings. a more careful examination of the discourse revealed that talk related to six issues: theoretical principles, teaching practice, problem solving about difficulties related to curricular enactments, the effects of the literacy curriculum on students, case studies of particular children, and references to prior events in the community. further, talk about principles and teaching practice formed a tightly woven braid ofmeaning that came to represent common assumptions about ways-of-doing and ways-of-thinking about literacy.
An examination of the influence of a sequential treatment on the course and impact of dissociation among women with PTSD related to childhood abuse

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients who experience significant dissociation upon exposure to traumatic reminders may do less well in trauma-focused therapies. We explored whether a sequenced two-component treatment in which an emotion regulation skills training module preceding exposure would improve outcomes for those with significant dissociation. METHODS: Analyses were conducted on data from an RCT in which 104 women with PTSD related to childhood abuse were assigned to one of three treatment conditions: Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) followed by Narrative Story Telling (NST; STAIR/NST), STAIR followed by supportive counseling (SC; STAIR/SC), or SC followed by NST (SC/NST). RESULTS: Baseline dissociation was associated with differential outcome such that at low levels of dissociation the three treatments were equally effective but at higher levels STAIR/NST resulted in greater reductions in dissociative symptoms. Level of baseline dissociation did not moderate the effect of the treatments on PTSD outcome. At all levels of baseline dissociation, STAIR/NST produced better PTSD outcome. At posttreatment, however, participants with high dissociation treated with STAIR/NST continued to improve during follow-up, those treated with STAIR/SC maintained gains, and those treated with SC/NST experienced loss of posttreatment PTSD symptom gains. CONCLUSIONS: The differential results observed among the treatments depending on severity of dissociation at baseline and at posttreatment suggest the potential clinical utility of identifying a dissociative subtype of PTSD and of the benefits of sequenced, phase-oriented treatment approaches. Language: en
EMPLOYER-BASED PROGRAMS TO MOTIVATE SAFETY BELT USE: A REVIEW OF SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS

This article reviews the procedures and results of 28 different programs at nine work settings that increased employees' use of vehicle safety belts from a minimum gain of 12% over baseline to a maximum gain of 285% . A total of 244,543 vehicle observations were made to assess shoulder belt use before. during, and after the various programs. Several program evaluations included follow-up observations from 6 months to 18 months after the safety belt campaign ended. Four basic types of employee programs were compared with regard to both immediate and long-term impact: (a) direct and immediate rewards, (b) direct and delayed rewards, (c) indirect and delayed rewards, and (d) awareness/commitment strategies that involved no extrinsic rewards. Each program was practical for its particular location and substantially increased the use of safety belts by targeted employees. Safety belt use declined markedly when the programs were terminated, but postprogram levels rarely got as low as preprogram baseline. Consistent with theories of intrinsic motivation and minimal justification, the amount of residual impact was greater for those programs that did not involve extrinsic rewards. Five conclusions are particularly important and provocative: (a) Safety belt use at corporations and institutions can be prominently increased by practical cost-effective procedures; (b) significant residual effects of safety belt promotion remain long after program termination; (c) gains in safety belt use can be increased with intermittent programs; (d) further research is needed to determine optimal scheduling of various program strategies for response maintenance and generalization; and (e) the advantages and disadvantages of using extrinsic rewards compared to no rewards for safety belt promotion require additional study.
Differences in caregiver self-efficacy and satisfaction related to sexual abuse of offspring

Research suggests parents of sexually abused children may experience negative perceptions of themselves and their parenting abilities following the victimization of their children, which may influence the recovery process in treatment for these families. This study assessed perceived self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction among female caregivers of sexually abused children and female caregivers whose children were not victimized. Results indicated that caregivers of child victims had significantly lower levels of perceived parenting efficacy than their counterparts. There were no significant differences found between groups with regard to parenting satisfaction. The results highlight the importance of evaluating perceived parenting competence in the treatment of nonoffending caregivers in order to facilitate optimal treatment of the child victim and all members of the family system.
Output feedback stabilization using variable structure control

Considers the stabilization of a class of multivariable nonlinear systems, about an equilibrium point at the origin, using variable structure output feedback control. In particular, the system can be transformed into a normal form with no zero dynamics. A robust high-gain observer is used to estimate the state variables while rejecting error disturbances. A globally bounded discontinuous variable structure controller is designed to compensate for modeling error. The authors show that the controller can stabilize the closed-loop system and does not suffer from the peaking phenomenon which exists in previous designs. >
Lone star tick (Acari: Ixodidae) occurrence in Nebraska: historical and current perspectives.

ABSTRACT In 2010 and 2011, field collections were undertaken to determine the geographic range of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), in Nebraska. In addition, tick identifications from submissions by the general public dating to 1911 were examined. Consistent lone star tick identifications from extreme southeast Nebraska began in 1987. Specimens have been identified from 27 counties, making lone star ticks the second most frequently and second most widely reported tick in the state after Dermacentor variabilis (Say). Surveys conducted in 70 sites in 43 counties yielded 2,169 ticks of which 1,035 were lone star ticks. Lone star ticks were more frequent in the southeast portion of the state and ticks were found in nine counties from which there were no known submissions. Life stage peaks observed during the surveys corresponded with those observed from submissions. Other ticks, incidental to the study, were also collected. Woody plant expansion into the tallgrass prairie, white-tailed deer (Odoc...
Modeling Asymmetric Volatility In Oil Prices

Recent volatility in crude oil prices has affected economies around the world, especially the US economy, which is the largest consumer of oil. This paper focuses on how shocks to volatility of crude oil prices may affect future oil prices. The paper uses daily crude oil price data for the past 10 years to test and model the oil price volatility by fitting different variations of GARCH including a univariate asymmetric GARCH model to the series. Tests show high persistence and asymmetric behavior in oil price volatility, and reveal that negative and positive news have a different impact on oil price volatility. These results will help interested observers better understanding of the energy markets and has important consequences for the overall economy.
The Attitude of Good Taste

If philosophical semantics and the majority of grammars give a certain privilege to the mechanisms of the production of meaning (how truth- functional utterances are produced, how syntactically well-formed phrases are generated), pragmatics stands resolutely on the side of the mechanisms of understanding. The grasp of meaning is only possible because there are regularities governing all transposition of meaning. These regularities are not statistical: the prediction of what the semantic value of an utterance will be is not made on the basis of probability, but on the basis of necessity, which is not falsifiable through counterexamples, deviations, marginalities or exceptions. To grasp meaning is to understand the acceptable. However, the acceptability of a discursive sequence justifies itself on the basis of a schema of reasons which owe nothing to the frequency and probability of phenomena, but everything to certain pragmatic norms which are by no means of an empirical or positive order. If one evaluates the semantic value of a discursive sequence on the basis of the specificity of the mechanisms of its understanding, it is necessary to determine the acceptibility of what one is understanding, as a web of reasons. These reasons have been called principles and maxims (Grice), or conditions (Searle) — one can also call them ‘constitutive rules’. Where does the normativity of this web of reasons that makes the grasping of sense, and thus interlocution, possible, come from? I will linger for a moment on the condition of sincerity (Austin/Searle) and the principle of cooperation (Grice) in order to introduce this epistemological problematics
Distributed energy systems integration and demand optimization for autonomous operations and electric grid transactions

Abstract Distributed power systems in the U.S. and globally are evolving to provide reliable and clean energy to consumers. In California, existing regulations require significant increases in renewable generation, as well as identification of customer-side Distributed Energy Resources (DER) controls, communication technologies, and standards for interconnection with the electric grid systems. As DER deployment expands, customer-side DER control and optimization will be critical for system flexibility and demand response (DR) participation, which improves the economic viability of DER systems. Current DER systems integration and communication challenges include leveraging the existing DER and DR technology and systems infrastructure, and enabling optimized cost, energy and carbon choices for customers to deploy interoperable grid transactions and renewable energy systems at scale. This paper presents a cost-effective solution to these challenges by exploring communication technologies and information models for DER system integration and interoperability. This system uses open standards and optimization models for resource planning based on dynamic-pricing notifications and autonomous operations within various domains of the smart grid energy system. It identifies architectures and customer engagement strategies in dynamic DR pricing transactions to generate feedback information models for load flexibility, load profiles, and participation schedules. The models are tested at a real site in California—Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL). The results for FHL show that the model fits within the existing and new DR business models and networked systems for transactive energy concepts. Integrated energy systems, communication networks, and modeling tools that coordinate supply-side networks and DER will enable electric grid system operators to use DER for grid transactions in an integrated system.
Understanding why low-risk patients accept vaccines: a socio-behavioral approach

Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions. Understanding factors associated with vaccine acceptance is critical. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the three constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on the intention to be vaccinated among healthy individuals being seen for pre-travel care, and to evaluate if behavioral intention was associated with vaccine acceptance. We surveyed individuals seeking vaccination at the University of Louisville Vaccine and International Health and Travel Clinic. Linear and two stage least squares regression models were used to define the associations between constructs of the TPB and the intention to be vaccinated, as well as the association between the intention to be vaccinated and vaccine acceptance. A total of 183 individuals were included in the analysis. None of the constructs of the TPB were associated with intention to be vaccinated. Behavioral intention was not associated with vaccination acceptance. This study suggests that the TPB does not predict the intention to get vaccinated among individuals attending our Vaccine and International Health and Travel Clinic. It will be critical to define better predictors of vaccine uptake in healthy, low-risk individuals to increase vaccine acceptance.
Laminin and alpha7beta1 integrin regulate agrin-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors.

The clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the post-synaptic membrane of skeletal muscle is an early developmental event in the formation of the neuromuscular junction. Several studies show that laminin, as well as neural agrin, can induce AChR clustering in C2C12 myofibers. We recently showed that specific isoforms of the alpha7beta1 integrin (a receptor normally found at neuromuscular junctions) colocalize and physically interact with AChR clusters in a laminin-dependent fashion. In contrast, induction with agrin alone fails to promote localization of the integrin with AChR clusters. Together both agrin and laminin enhance the interaction of the integrin with AChRs and their aggregation into clusters. To further understand this mechanism we investigated cluster formation and the association of the alpha7beta1 integrin and AChR over time following induction with laminin and/or agrin. Our results show that the alpha7beta1 integrin associates with AChRs early during the formation of the post-synaptic membrane and that laminin modulates this recruitment. Laminin induces a rapid stable association of the integrin and AChRs and this association is independent of clustering. In addition to laminin-1, merosin (laminin-2/4) is present both before and after formation of neuromuscular junctions and also promotes AChR clustering and colocalization with the integrin as well as synergism with agrin. Using site directed mutagenesis we demonstrate that a tyrosine residue in the cytoplasmic domain of both (α)7A and (α)7B chains regulates the localization of the integrin with AChR clusters. We also provide evidence that laminin, through its association with the alpha7beta1 integrin, reduces by 20-fold the concentration of agrin required to promote AChR clustering and accelerates the formation of clusters. Thus laminin, agrin and the alpha7beta1 integrin act in a concerted manner early in the development of the post-synaptic membrane, with laminin priming newly formed myofibers to rapidly and vigorously respond to low concentrations of neural agrin produced by innervating motor neurons.
Morphine suppression of urinary output in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Abstract 1. Eleven normal nonpregnant and four normal pregnant women and two patients with diabetes insipidus were given intravenous infusions of 5 per cent dextrose and their urinary outputs were measured for twenty-four hours. After several days, the procedure was repeated with the patient receiving morphine sulphate, 1/4 grain (16 mg.), intramuscularly at the time the intravenous infusion was begun. The results obtained on the control day were compared with those obtained on the morphine day. 2. During the intravenous administration of 5 per cent dextrose at a constant rate over a five-hours period in normal subjects, there is an initial diuresis in the first two hours followed by a decrease in urinary output. 3. A single dose of morphine caused a suppression of urinary output which tended to eliminate the initial diuretic surge normally seen in the first two hours. This was a constant effect but varied in degree. 4. On morphine test days, as compared with control days, there was no increase of specific gravity or chloride concentration of the urine. Hematocrit determinations taken before the infusion and again eight hours later were unchanged during both control and morphine days. 5. Two patients, one pregnant, were given single injections of Pitressin. There was an increased concentration of urinary chlorides and an increase in total chlorides. One patient had suppression of urinary output and the other showed an output about equal to that on the control day. 6. Two patients with diabetes insipidus demonstrated suppression of urinary output when given morphine. In one instance the total chlorides were decreased and in the other they remained unchanged. 7. These observations suggest that the data from dog experiments, indicating that morphine causes a release of antidiuretic hormone from the neurohypophysis, cannot be accepted in explanation of the antidiuretic effect of morphine in normal women.
Impact of Infection on Fracture Fixation

Surgical site infection can be a devastating complication that results in significant morbidity in patients who undergo operative fixation of fractures. Reducing the rate of infection and wound complications in high-risk trauma patients by giving early effective antibiotics, improving soft tissue management, and using antiseptic techniques is a common topic of discussion. Despite heightened awareness, there has not been a significant reduction in surgical site infection over the past 40 years. Patients should be treated aggressively to eliminate or suppress the infection, heal the fracture if there is a nonunion, and maintain the function of the patient.
The Saturation of Fluid Turbulence in Breaking Laboratory Waves and Implications for Whitecaps

AbstractMeasurements of energy dissipated in breaking laboratory waves, averaged over time and space and directly visualized with a bioluminescent technique, are presented. These data show that the energy dissipated in the crest of the breaking waves is constrained: average turbulence intensity within the crest saturates at around 0.5–1.2 W kg−1, whereas breaking crest volume scales with wave energy lost. These results are consistent with laboratory and field observations of the Hinze scale, which is the radius of the largest bubble entrained within a breaking crest that is stabilized against turbulent fragmentation. The Hinze scale depends on turbulence intensity but lies in the restricted range 0.7–1.7 mm over more than two orders of magnitude variation in underlying unbroken wave energy. The results have important implications for understanding the energetics of breaking waves in the field, the injection of turbulence into the upper ocean, and air–sea exchange processes in wind-driven seas.
Survival of Southern and Western Corn Rootworm Larvae in Relation to Soil Texture

In laboratory and greenhouse experiments involving soil textures ranging from silty clay to loamy sand, survival of larvae of southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber. and western corn rootworm, D. virgifera LeConte, increased as percentage clay content of the soils increased. Laboratory tests indicate that newly hatched corn rootworm larvae in petri dishes moved from sand to clay but with very little movement from clay soil to sandy soil. A greater tendency for desiccation is considered to be the mechanism involved in larval survival in relationship to soil textures.
Varicella Zoster Virus: A Common Cause of Stroke in Children and Adults.

Background Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic, exclusively human herpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which the virus becomes latent in ganglionic neurons along the entire neuraxis. As cell-mediated immunity to VZV declines with advancing age and immunosuppression, VZV reactivates to produce zoster (shingles). One of the most serious complications of zoster is VZV vasculopathy. Methods We reviewed recent studies of stroke associated with varicella and zoster, how VZV vasculopathy is verified virologically, vaccination to prevent varicella and immunization to prevent zoster, and VZV in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Findings We report recent epidemiological studies revealing an increased risk of stroke after zoster; the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of VZV vasculopathy; that VZV vasculopathy is confirmed by the presence of either VZV DNA or anti-VZV IgG antibody in cerebrospinal fluid; special features of VZV vasculopathy in children; vaccination to prevent varicella and immunization to prevent zoster; and the latest evidence linking VZV to GCA. Conclusion In children and adults, VZV is a common cause of stroke.
Reconstitution of Light Harvesting Complexes: A Single Apoprotein Binds CHLa, CHLb, and Xanthophylls

Although it is the major antenna for photosynthesis, little structural information exists on the light harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex (LHCPII) of higher plants/algae. The functional unit of LHCPII is probably a trimer of monomeric apoproteins non-covalently associated with 6–7 Chl a, 5–6 Chl b, and 3 xanthophylls (see 1–2 for reviews). Several 24–30 kD apoproteins are distinguishable by SDS-PAGE for most species. However, it has not been possible to assign functions in light harvesting/energy transfer processes to the individual apoproteins. They are encoded by large multigene families whose products show a high degree of similarity at the amino acid sequence level and are post-translationally modified. Since LHCPII apoproteins contain only 3–4 histidyl residues, most of the chlorophyll is ligated differently than that of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (3).
Urethral Reconstruction Before Renal Transplantation

Herein we report the first case of reconstruction of a long-standing transected proximal urethra, following a pelvic fracture and resultant rectourethral fistula before renal transplantation. This case supports the viewpoint that before creation of a supravesical diversion in potential transplant patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction, reconstruction of the lower urinary tract should be attempted when there is a reasonable chance for successful outcome.
Emg-based interface for position tracking and control in vr environments and teleoperation

Position tracking and control using bioelectric signals are emerging as promising techniques. Surface electromyographic EMG signals are being researched for tracking human movements, direct proportional control of teleoperators, and object manipulation in VR environments. This study investigates the use of surface EMG to track elbow joint angle during flexion-extension of the arm applied to control of a virtual environment or an anthropomorphic telemanipulator. An intelligent system based on neural networks and fuzzy logic has been developed to use the processed surface EMG signal and predict the joint angle. The intelligent system has been tested on normal subjects performing flexion-extension of the arm of various angles and at several speeds. The joint angles predicted by the intelligent system were input to a computer-simulated model of an elbow manipulator. Preliminary results show the average root mean squared RMS error between the actual elbow joint angle measured with a goniometer and the joint angle reproduced by the robot model to be less than 20%. The technique of using EMG as an interface for tracking and direct biocontrol has great potential in VR and telemanipulation.
Choosing Operating Systems for Raspberry Pi

After choosing the hardware for your Raspberry Pi deployment, you’ll need to decide which operating system or systems to run on the computers. Raspberry Pi computers can run a wide range of operating systems, from the customized Raspbian operating system supplied by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to media-center operating systems and specialized RISC operating systems.
Costs of Transmission Assessment Surveys to Provide Evidence for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.

Background To reach the global goal of elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by 2020, national programs will have to implement a series of transmission assessment surveys (TAS) to determine prevalence of the disease by evaluation unit. It is expected that 4,671 surveys will be required by 2020. Planning in advance for the costs associated with these surveys is essential to ensure that the required resources are available for this essential program activity. Methodology and Findings Retrospective cost data was collected from reports from 13 countries which implemented a total of 105 TAS surveys following a standardized World Health Organization (WHO) protocol between 2012 and 2014. The median cost per survey was $21,170 (including the costs for rapid diagnostic tests [RDTs]) and $9,540 excluding those costs. Median cost per cluster sampled (without RDT costs) was $101. Analysis of costs (excluding RDTs) by category showed that the main cost drivers were personnel and travel. Conclusion Transmission assessment surveys are critical to collect evidence to validate elimination of LF as a public health problem. National programs and donors can use the costing results to adequately plan and forecast the resources required to undertake the necessary activities to conduct high-quality transmission assessment surveys.
Supercritical synthesis and topological analysis of K5U5O17(OH)

High quality single crystals of the monoclinic phase K5U5O17(OH) were synthesized via a hydrothermal method utilizing the supercritical regime of water. The structure of K5U5O17(OH) is isotypic with the Na phase, Na5U5O17(OH), however crystallizes in a slightly different space group due to size effects. K5U5O17(OH) has the same sheet-anion structure as the Na analog, whose topology is analyzed here for the first time. K5U5O17(OH) shows fluorescence typical for uranyl species.
Muscle Directs Diurnal Energy Homeostasis through a Myokine-Dependent Hormone Module in Drosophila.

Summary Inter-tissue communication is critical to control organismal energy homeostasis in response to temporal changes in feeding and activity or external challenges. Muscle is emerging as a key mediator of this homeostatic control through consumption of lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids, as well as governing systemic signaling networks. However, it remains less clear how energy substrate usage tissues, such as muscle, communicate with energy substrate storage tissues in order to adapt with diurnal changes in energy supply and demand. Using Drosophila , we show here that muscle plays a crucial physiological role in promoting systemic synthesis and accumulation of lipids in fat storage tissues, which subsequently impacts diurnal changes in circulating lipid levels. Our data reveal that the metabolic transcription factor Foxo governs expression of the cytokine unpaired 2 (Upd2) in skeletal muscle, which acts as a myokine to control glucagon-like adipokinetic hormone (AKH) secretion from specialized neuroendocrine cells. Circulating AKH levels in turn regulate lipid homeostasis in fat body/adipose and the intestine. Our data also reveal that this novel myokine-dependent hormone module is critical to maintain diurnal rhythms in circulating lipids. This tissue crosstalk provides a putative mechanism that allows muscle to integrate autonomous energy demand with systemic energy storage and turnover. Together, these findings reveal a diurnal inter-tissue signaling network between muscle and fat storage tissues that constitutes an ancestral mechanism governing systemic energy homeostasis.
MR Imaging of the Hip (Part I): Normal Labrum, Labral Tears, and Femoroacetabular Impingement

The acetabular labrum, similar to the labrum in the glenoid, is made up of fibrocartilaginous tissue and attaches to the margin of the acetabular rim, deepening the acetabular socket. Histologically, three separate layers are identified within the labrum: a randomly oriented fibrocartilaginous layer at the articular surface, a central lamellar layer of collagen, and a circumferentially oriented layer along the capsular surface. The composition of the labrum allows it to dissipate load stresses across the hip joint, but makes the basal layer vulnerable to shear forces. The labrum is a relatively avascular structure, resulting in a limited ability to repair itself [1]. It aids in the distribution of weight-bearing forces through the joint by maintaining a joint-fluid layer between the articular cartilage of the femur and femoral head, and by preventing lateral translation of the femur [2].
Developing a Strategy for Interventional Molecular Imaging of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Atherosclerosis:

The identification of vulnerable coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques offers the prospect of either localized or systematic therapeutic targeting in order to prevent myocardial infarction. Molec...
Cyclic Cascade Systems in Metabolic Regulation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cyclic cascade systems in metabolic regulation. The development of the cyclic cascade model in Earl Stadtman's laboratory is the result of detailed studies on the metabolic regulation of glutamine synthetase in Escherichia coli . Georges Cohen and Woolfolk demonstrated that glutamine synthetase is inhibited by eight end products of glutamine metabolism. The cyclic cascade model is derived from the dynamic coupling of a forward cascade and a reverse cascade. In its simplest form, a monocyclic cascade consists of a forward and a reverse converter enzyme and an interconvertible enzyme. The chapter presents the development of a simple in vitro model system that could be employed to investigate the validity of the theoretical predictions, and also presents the study of the bicyclic cascade of glutamine synthetase using both purified proteins and permeabilized cells. In essence, the cyclic cascade model developed in Earl Stadtman's laboratory reveals many advantageous reasons for biological systems to adopt this type of regulatory mechanism. Although the cyclic cascade model was developed mainly based on the detailed studies of glutamine synthetase, the model is applicable to all covalent interconvertible enzyme systems, such as those modified by phosphorylation, ADP-ribosylation, carboxymethylation, acetylation, and sulfation. This model may be applicable to the coupling of protein synthesis and degradation.
Transients and Speech Processing in a Three-Dimensional Model of the Human Cochlea

The three-dimensional mathematical model of the cochlea developed by Steele and Taber (1979) is used as the basis for calculations of the transient response of the cochlea. The fast Fourier transform is employed to perform the actual calculations. Due to space limitations, only five experimental results are simulated and summarized here: click responses, pure tone transients, single-period pitch perception, time-separation pitch perception, and the response of the basilar membrane to speech signals.
Human Disease Associated with Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin

Clostridium perfringens, which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans, as well as in terrestrial, marine, and aquatic environments, may be the most widely occurring bacterial pathogen (Smith and Williams 1984). Previously known as C. welchii, C. perfringens was first described in 1892 as Bacillus aerogenes capsulatus (Welch and Nuttall 1892). It is responsible for a variety of enteric and fatal enterotoxemic conditions in domestic animals and humans, causing diseases such as equine colitis, necrotic enteritis in poultry, food poisoning, lamb dysentery, and neonatal hemorrhagic or necrotic enterotoxemias (Bartholomew et al. 1985; Bergeland 1981; Collins et al. 1989; Niilo 1993; Songer 1995, 1996). The virulence of the organism is associated with the production of 1 or more of an estimated 17 potential exotoxins (Smith 1979). The production of one or more of the four major toxins (α, β, ∈, or ι) is the basis for the subtyping of the organism into five toxigenic types (Table 1). Although it is not one of the major toxins used in typing, C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) is considered a major virulence attribute and is the principal toxin involved in typical C. perfringens food-borne illness (McClane 1992).
Wounding Patterns Based on Firearm Type in Civilian Public Mass Shootings in the United States

Background There are no studies correlating wounding pattern or probability of death based on firearm type used in civilian public mass shooting (CPMS) events. Previous studies on non-CPMS events found that handguns are more lethal than rifles. We hypothesized that CPMS events associated with a handgun are also more lethal than those associated with a rifle. Study Design A retrospective study of autopsy reports from CPMS events was performed; CPMS was defined using the FBI and the Congressional Research Service definition. Site(s) of injury, site(s) of fatal injury, and presence of potentially preventable death (PPD) were determined independently by each author and cross-referenced to firearm type used. Results Autopsy reports of 232 victims from 23 events were reviewed. Seventy-three victims (31%) were shot by handguns, 105 (45%) by rifles, 22 (9%) by shotguns, and 32 (14%) by multiple firearms. Events using a handgun were associated with a higher percentage killed, and events using a rifle were associated with more people shot, although neither difference reached statistical significance. Victims shot by handguns had the highest percentage of having more than 1 fatal wound (26%); those shot by rifle had the lowest percentage (2%) (p = 0.003). Thirty-eight victims (16%) were judged to have had a PPD. The probability of having a PPD was lowest for events involving a handgun (4%) and highest for events involving a rifle (23%) (p = 0.002). Wounding with a handgun was significantly associated with brain (p = 0.007) and cardiac injury (p = 0.03). Conclusions Civilian public mass shooting events with a handgun are more lethal than those associated with use of a rifle.
Population-based analysis of mortality over time in endometrial cancer.

5605 Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. In this population-based study, we analyzed mortality over a 25-year period. Methods: 62513 pat...
Mosaic trisomy 20 and mitigation in capital crimes sentencing: A review and case report

Trisomy 20 is a genetic abnormality in which individuals have an extra copy of chromosome 20. Complete trisomy 20 is rare and believed to be incompatible with life. A mosaic form of trisomy 20, in which only some cells or tissues contain the extra chromosome, is a relatively commonly encountered chromosomal abnormality found during prenatal testing, and c. 90% result in a normal phenotype. However, despite the absence of a consistent phenotype, certain findings have been reported across multiple cases of mosaic trisomy 20. These include an array of morphological findings, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Beyond physical manifestations, a wide range of developmental and learning delays have also been reported. In this work, we provide an overview of the trisomy 20 literature and a case report of a young adult male with mosaic trisomy 20 who committed homicide. His developmental and life history, eventual diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 20, similarities and differences in his condition compared with prior research findings, and potentially new phenotypic findings associated with trisomy 20 that he manifested (childhood visual hallucinations, self-injury, polydactyly) are presented. Additionally, the potential role of this genetic diagnosis in his neuropsychiatric history and its successful application as a mitigating factor at his capital sentencing trial are described. We did not identify other similar cases during our search of major scientific and legal databases. As a backdrop, the use of genetics in criminal trials is on the rise, and courts are increasingly likely to accept behavioral genetics evidence; therefore, it is crucial that the legal system is well acquainted with the opportunities and limitations of these approaches.
Laplace Transform in Circuit Analysis

The Laplace transform is an alternative representation of a time-domain signal. This representation is a function of a complex variable s. The biggest advantage of using the Laplace transform is that a time-domain differential equation becomes a frequency domain (that is, the s domain) algebraic equation. An algebraic equation is much easier to solve than a differential equation.
Adsorption and reaction kinetics of SO2 on graphene: An ultrahigh vacuum surface science study

The adsorption of sulfur dioxide, SO2, on graphene, epitaxially grown on Ru(0001) (short Gr/Ru), was studied at ultrahigh vacuum conditions, by thermal desorption spectroscopy, TDS, and Auger electron spectroscopy, AES. TDS detected the parent mass, i.e., a molecular adsorption/desorption pathway was present. However, deviations in the gas-phase fragmentation pattern and multimass TDS were observed. In addition, AES revealed adsorbed sulfur after TDS experiments. Thus, SO2 partially decomposed on Gr/Ru.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-alkoxycarbonylallylester phosphonium derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

Abstract Several phosphonium derivatives have been synthesized from Baylis-Hillman (BH) reaction derived allyl bromides and aryl phosphines as mitochondria targeting anticancer agents. In vitro cell proliferation inhibition studies on various solid tumor cell lines indicate that most of the compounds exhibit IC50 values in µM concentrations. Further studies reveal that β-substituted BH bromide derived phosphonium derivatives enhance the biological activity to low µM IC50 values. In vitro metabolic studies show that the lead candidate compound 16 inhibits the production of mitochondrial ATP, increases the proton leak within the mitochondrial membrane and abolishes the spare respiratory capacity in a concentration dependent manner.
Climate change, behavior, and the possibility of spillover effects: recent advances and future directions

Behavior change is widely recognized as an important strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Yet, positive or negative behavioral spillover effects—if prevalent—have the potential to render behavioral interventions more or less effective. Behavioral spillover occurs when the adoption of one behavior targeted by an intervention changes the likelihood that an individual will adopt one or more nontargeted behaviors. As spillover is defined as a causal process, methods that isolate cause-and-effect relationships are needed to generate evidence of spillover; however, non-experimental methods can still advance knowledge in the field. Recent work reveals growing evidence for positive spillover, including recent field studies involving commonly utilized behavioral interventions. Yet, on average, effects are small and also vary in direction and magnitude as a function of how behaviors are measured. Measurement artifacts as well as concerns of publication bias suggests the need for more work in this field.
Commentary on bilateral wilms' tumour: An international comparison of treatments and outcomes.

Abstract This is a commentary on the manuscript titled “Bilateral wilms’ tumour: An international comparison of treatments and outcomes” by Drysdale H, Fawkner-Corbett D, Solomon Z, et al.