cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institutions, Civilian Resistance, and Wartime Social Order: A Process-driven Natural Experiment in the Colombian Civil War

Why do armed groups fighting in civil wars establish different institutions in territories where they operate? This article tests the mechanisms of a theory that posits that different forms of wartime social order are the outcome of a process in which an aspiring ruler—an armed group—expands the scope of its rule as much as possible unless civilians push back. Instead of being always at the mercy of armed actors, civilians arguably have bargaining power if they can credibly threaten combatants with collective resistance. Such resistance, in turn, is a function of the quality of preexisting local institutions. Using a process-driven natural experiment in three villages in Central Colombia, this article traces the effects of institutional quality on wartime social order. The FARC were everything in this village. They had the last word on every single dispute among neighbors. They decided what could be sold at the stores, the time when we should all go home, and who should leave the area never to come back.... They also managed divorces, inheritances, and conflicts over land borders. They were the ones who ruled here, not the state. — Local leader, village of Librea, municipality of Viota We [the peasant leaders] are the authority here. People recognize us as such. [The FARC] could not take that away from us. They didn’t rule us. — Local leader, village of Zama, municipality of Viota
Intermittent Courses of Corticosteroids Also Present a Risk for Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients

Introduction. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is rising in the non-HIV population and associates with higher morbidity and mortality. The aggressive immunosuppressive regimens, as well as the lack of stablished guidelines for chemoprophylaxis, are likely contributors to this increased incidence. Herein, we have explored the underlying conditions, immunosuppressive therapies, and clinical outcomes of PCP in HIV-negative patients. Methods. Retrospective analysis of PCP in HIV-negative patients at Mayo Clinic from 2006–2010. The underlying condition, immunosuppressive therapies, coinfection, and clinical course were determined. PCP diagnosis required symptoms of pneumonia and identification of the organisms by visualization or by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. A total of 128 cases of PCP were identified during the study period. Hematological malignancies were the predisposing condition for 50% of the patients. While 87% had received corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies for >4 weeks prior to the diagnosis, only 7 were receiving PCP prophylaxis. Up to 43% of patients were not on daily steroids. Sixty-seven patients needed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 53 received mechanical ventilation. The mortality for those patients requiring ICU was 40%. Conclusions. PCP diagnosis in the HIV-negative population requires a high level of suspicion even if patients are not receiving daily corticosteroids. Mortality remains high despite adequate treatment.
ArI/ArII laser induced fluorescence system for measurement of neutral and ion dynamics in a large scale helicon plasma

In order to investigate the role of both neutral and ion dynamics in large-scale helicon discharges, a laser induced fluorescence (LIF) system capable of measuring both ArI and ArII fluorescence using a single tunable laser is being developed. The system is based on a >250 mW solid state laser. For ArI measurements, the laser pumps the metastable (2P03/2)4s level to the (2P01/2)4p level using 696.7352 nm light, and fluorescence radiation from decay to the (2P01/2)4s level at 772.6333 nm is observed. For ArII, currently in development, the metastable (3P)3d 4F7/2 level will be pumped to the (3P)4p 4D07/2 level using 688.8511 nm, and decay fluorescence to the (3P)4s 4P5/2 level at 434.9285 nm measured. Here all wavelengths are in a vacuum.
The Role of Skeletal Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis and Management of Mandibular Growth Abnormalities and Asymmetry

Mandibular growth abnormalities are challenging to diagnose and manage. Skeletal scintigraphy provides additional information regarding the area of abnormality and can classify the process as active or quiescent. This serves to guide the type and timing of operative treatment of the resultant deformity. Abnormalities in mandibular growth can result in significant facial deformity and asymmetry. Mandibular asymmetry may be congenital or acquired and often has functional, esthetic, and social consequences (Kaban, Acquired abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint. In: Kaban LB, Troulis MJ (eds) Pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery, Elsevier, New York, pp 340–376, 2004; Gottlieb, J Oral Surg (Chic) 9:118–135, 1951; Obwegeser and Makek, J Maxillofac Surg 14:183–208, 1986). In general, asymmetry of the mandible may be classified as overgrowth or undergrowth conditions. Unilateral condylar hyperplasia is the most common overgrowth asymmetry. Overgrowth can also occur in response to trauma (e.g., condylar fracture in children), tumors in the condylar region, or fibrous dysplasia. Undergrowth of one side may be the result of trauma, radiation, inflammatory joint disease, idiopathic condylar resorption, or congenital malformation such as hemifacial microsomia.
On systemic transition: Will China go capitalist?

Transition from nonviable central administrative command planning (socialism) should be toward a full market system (capitalism). The requirements of such transition include: removal of the communist party from monopoly power; patience, determination, explanation, persuasion, and fairness; introduction of new legal, statistical, and accounting infrastructures and procedures; market freedom; demonopolization; privatization; macroeconomic stabilization; and external liberalization of trade and payments. Since 1978 China has taken steps to move its economic system in the capitalist direction, while retaining the communist party’s hold on political power (reduced from totalitarian to authoritarian control) and expanding quasi-private property rights without, however, fully privatizing the large, capital-intensive, state-owned industrial sector. In this sense, unlike many of the countries of central and eastern Europe and Russia, China has deferred the solution of some of the fundamental and potentially highly disruptive reform problems to an indefinite future, a postponement which, despite significant temporal successes, carries with it serious dangers for the entire reform enterprise.
The Effect of Graded Assessment on Medical Student Performance in TBL Exercises

Graded assessments supplement student intrinsic motivation to acquire new knowledge but can be anxiety provoking. We assessed the effect of contribution of team-based learning exercises (TBLs) to course grades and found that individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) scores, a surrogate for individual student preparation, are lower and do not correlate with final examination scores when TBLs do not contribute to the course grade. iRAT scores were weakly correlated with final examination scores when TBLs contributed to the course grade. These data suggest that graded assessments provide extrinsic motivation for student preparation, which may improve the educational impact of this activity.
The Role of Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways for Open and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Abstract Introduction: The concepts of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) have steadily increased in usage, with benefits in patient outcomes and hospital length of stay. One important component of successful implementation of ERAS protocol is optimized pain control, via the multimodal approach, which includes neuraxial or regional anesthesia techniques and reduction of opioid use as the primary analgesic. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is one such regional anesthesia technique, and it has been widely studied in abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: We performed an extensive literature search in MEDLINE and PubMed. We review the benefits of TAP blocks for colorectal surgery, both laparoscopic and open. We organize the data by surgery type, by method of TAP block performance, and by a comparison of TAP block to alternative analgesic techniques or to placebo. We examine different endpoints, such as postoperative pain, analgesic use, return of bowel function, and length of stay. Results: Th...
Longitudinally and inter-site consistent multi-atlas based parcellation of brain anatomy using harmonized atlases.

Abstract As longitudinal and multi-site studies become increasingly frequent in neuroimaging, maintaining longitudinal and inter-scanner consistency of brain parcellation has become a major challenge due to variation in scanner models and/or image acquisition protocols across scanners and sites. We present a new automated segmentation method specifically designed to achieve a consistent parcellation of anatomical brain structures in such heterogeneous datasets. Our method combines a site-specific atlas creation strategy with a state-of-the-art multi-atlas anatomical label fusion framework. Site-specific atlases are computed such that they preserve image intensity characteristics of each site's scanner and acquisition protocol, while atlas pairs share anatomical labels in a way consistent with inter-scanner acquisition variations. This harmonization of atlases improves inter-study and longitudinal consistency of segmentations in the subsequent consensus labeling step. We tested this approach on a large sample of older adults from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) who had longitudinal scans acquired using two scanners that vary with respect to vendor and image acquisition protocol. We compared the proposed method to standard multi-atlas segmentation for both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The harmonization significantly reduced scanner-related differences in the age trends of ROI volumes, improved longitudinal consistency of segmentations, and resulted in higher across-scanner intra-class correlations, particularly in the white matter.
Water isotope diffusion in the WAIS Divide ice core during the Holocene and last glacial

We use a high-resolution water isotope record from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide ice core (WDC) to evaluate the effects of water isotope diffusion for the last 29 ka B.P. Using spectral analysis of the data, we determine diffusion lengths in depth and time domains. The diffusion length quantifies the mean cumulative diffusive displacement of water molecules relative to their original location at time of deposition. We simulate the observed signal with models and find that our understanding of processes and conditions in the ice sheet is incomplete. With the effects of ice-deformational thinning removed, portions of the Holocene record show total diffusion lengths smaller than predicted for a lower limit case of diffusion through a single ice crystal. Such reduced diffusion is probably due to structural features such as crusts and tortuous porosity that inhibit vapor transport in the firn. In the late glacial portion of the record, diffusion lengths double between ~19.5 and 17 ka B.P. Known dependencies of diffusion on climatic variables do not account for this enhancement in models, and we hypothesize that it could arise from thermal gradients in the firn column, impurity-driven enhancement of solid ice diffusion, or changes in firn grain properties that alter vapor access to open pores. Despite model uncertainties, the WDC diffusion length chronology will be an essential input to future studies of high-frequency variability in the water isotope climate record, as it allows for the effects of diffusion to be removed.
Correction to: Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising in the Setting of a Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation).

In a 50-year-old male with an incidentally discovered hepatocellular carcinoma, a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with the absence of the portal vein (Abernethy syndrome) was diagnosed by imaging. This study aims to discuss the variant anatomy relevant to this splanchnic vascular malformation, review its association with the development of liver neoplasms, and report the safety and efficacy of TARE followed by resection for a HCC arising in this rare condition.
Neuronal and glial pathologies: morphology and physiology of human and monkey epileptic foci.

Focal epilepsy in the human is characterized by the occurrence of chronic, spontaneous seizures. The animal model that best approximates the histological characteristics, natural history and electrophysiological properties of the human condition is the chronic monkey model in which the cortical focus is induced by the subpial injection of alumina gel (Lockard and Ward, 1980). The seizures become clinically apparent many weeks after the cortical scarring has stabilized. They are of focal onset, occur spontaneously at random intervals and, once their pattern is established, their frequency is relatively constant and the epilepsy appears to persist indefinitely.
Asthma COPD overlap: Impact of associated comorbidities

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic pulmonary conditions worldwide which often coexist. Patients with asthma COPD overlap (ACO) may have worse outcomes than those with either disease alone, for example, more respiratory symptoms and frequent exacerbations, and worse lung function. Additionally, there is a growing interest in factors that affect the disease including comorbid conditions. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated higher rates of comorbid conditions in the ACO population, but the mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear. The objective of this review is to describe current knowledge and clinical implications of the overlapping features of asthma and COPD, and discuss the prevalence and impact of comorbidities, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression, in this subgroup of patients.
Modulation, Encoding, and Decoding

In this chapter we review the basic properties of the modulated carriers involved in satellite systems. We will temporarily ignore the presence of the satellite here, and simply consider a transmitter generating the modulated carrier and a receiver processing this carrier. The discussion focuses the analysis on the basic components of any communication system, and the key elements of modulation theory and receiver performance are directly applicable. We consider specifically those modulation characteristics that are of particular interest to satellite systems.
Pharmacology of Neurotoxins: Onabotulinum Toxin (Botox®), Abobotulinum Toxin (Dysport®), Incobotulinum Toxin (Xeomin®), and Prabotulinumtoxin-xvfs (Jeuveau™)

Neurotoxins, or botulinum neurotoxins type A (BoNT/A), are commonly known as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® for cosmetic use and are the most commonly performed non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the world. A new FDA approved BoNT/A called Jeuveau™ (prabotulinumtoxin-xvfs) was released to the US market mid-June 2019. BoNT/A treatment in the facial muscles causes relaxation of the muscle fibers by cleaving SNAP-25 and subsequently reducing the formation of SNARE complexes and acetylcholine release from the peripheral nerve cells into the neuromuscular junction. This results in relaxation of the targeted muscle or muscle group and leads to smoother overlying skin because the muscle is no longer able to fully contract and cause a line. The smoothing result of the neurotoxin is temporary and lasts approximately 3–4 months, although the medication package inserts state up to 6 months. This chapter will review the pharmacology of the most commonly used neurotoxins for cosmetic use.
Development of PAR-CLIP to analyze RNA-protein interactions in prokaryotes

The ability to identify RNAs that are recognized by RNA-binding proteins (RNA-BPs) using techniques such as rosslinking and Immunoprecipitation (CLIP) has revolutionized the genome-wide discovery of RNA targets. Among the different versions of CLIP developed, the incorporation of photoactivable nucleoside analogs into cellular RNA has proven to be especially valuable, allowing for high efficiency photoactivable ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP (PAR-CLIP). Although PAR-CLIP has become an established technique for use in eukaryotes, it has not yet been applied in prokaryotes. To determine if PAR-CLIP can be used in prokaryotes, we first investigated whether 4-thiouridine (4SU), a photoactivable nucleoside, can be incorporated into E. coli RNA. After determining 4SU incorporation into RNA, we developed suitable conditions for crosslinking of proteins in E. coli cells and for the isolation of crosslinked RNA. Applying this technique to Hfq, a well-characterized regulator of small RNA (sRNA) - messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions, we showed that PAR-CLIP identified most of the known sRNA targets of Hfq. Based on our results, PAR-CLIP represents an improved method to identify the RNAs recognized by RNA-BPs in prokaryotes.
Implement AI Service into VR Training

In this paper, we described the implementation of using a collection of AI services in IBM Watson to facilitate user interaction in a virtual reality space for training simulations. The project aims to increase the efficiency of training employees in an organization, by creating an immersive 3D VR environment tailored to a specific profession. Current training methods usually require an expert of the field to be hired in order to personally train these employees. The main goal of the project is to create a standard training environment which can be used and tailored by companies to train these employees without adding an additional cost.
Wetness Is Everywhere

There is a general acceptance that we inhabit a planetary surface divided into a part that is drained and another part by which it is drained. This surface features in maps, histories, habitat stud...
Documenting the Value of Librarians in the Classroom: Results from a Mixed-Methods Research Collaboration with Campus Partners.

This paper details the results of a mixed-methods study of first-year and upper-division students’ information literacy (IL) competencies. The study used a rubric and a survey, seeking to answer two research questions: 1) Is there a correlation between National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) IL survey responses and IL rubric scores? 2) Are there any indicators that correlate to improved IL performance in first-year students? Results demonstrated that first-year students reported greater engagement with IL and also indicated that instructors placed greater emphasis on IL competencies than students in upper-division courses. They also show a statistically significant impact on first-year students’ rubric scores when a librarian is in the class. This finding held even when controlling for other variables. Results provide an evidence-based foundation to spur conversations with faculty and university administration on the value of IL and the role of librarians in undergraduate student success.
Finding/Revealing/Creating Judaism’s Indigenous Core

The biblical traditions that birthed Judaism are indigenous to Canaan/Israel/Palestine. What this means, why it matters, and how it plays out both in the context of Judaism’s origins and in post-exilic contexts, is fundamental to interpreting the Jewish tradition itself and to interpreting the ecological wisdom that can be gleaned from it. However, the claim of indigeneity presents us with a conundrum. Judaism and Jewish peoplehood meet many of the criteria for being indigenous, but if we judge Zionism independently from the context of Jewish peoplehood, it is hard to distinguish it from settler colonialism. Can we find a framework to make sense of this contradiction that will illuminate indigeneity? The answer holds implications for issues of peace and politics as well as for sustainability.
Metal homeostasis in pathogenic Epsilonproteobacteria: mechanisms of acquisition, efflux, and regulation

Epsilonproteobacteria are a diverse class of eubacteria within the Proteobacteria phylum that includes environmental sulfur-reducing bacteria and the human pathogens, Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori. These pathogens infect and proliferate within the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple animal hosts, including humans, and cause a variety of disease outcomes. While infection of these hosts provides nutrients for the pathogenic Epsilonproteobacteria, many hosts have evolved a variety of strategies to either sequester metals from the invading pathogen or exploit the toxicity of metals and drive their accumulation as an antimicrobial strategy. As a result, C. jejuni and H. pylori have developed mechanisms to sense changes in metal availability and regulate their physiology in order to respond to either metal limitation or accumulation. In this review, we will discuss the challenges of metal availability at the host-pathogen interface during infection with C. jejuni and H. pylori and describe what is currently known about how these organisms alter their gene expression and/or deploy bacterial virulence factors in response to these environments.
Emerging Insights into Targeted Therapy-Tolerant Persister Cells in Cancer

Drug resistance is perhaps the greatest challenge in improving outcomes for cancer patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapies. It is becoming clear that "persisters," a subpopulation of drug-tolerant cells found in cancer populations, play a critical role in the development of drug resistance. Persisters are able to maintain viability under therapy but are typically slow cycling or dormant. These cells do not harbor classic drug resistance driver alterations, and their partial resistance phenotype is transient and reversible upon removal of the drug. In the clinic, the persister state most closely corresponds to minimal residual disease from which relapse can occur if treatment is discontinued or if acquired drug resistance develops in response to continuous therapy. Thus, eliminating persister cells will be crucial to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Using lung cancer targeted therapies as a primary paradigm, this review will give an overview of the characteristics of drug-tolerant persister cells, mechanisms associated with drug tolerance, and potential therapeutic opportunities to target this persister cell population in tumors.
Electrochemical hydrogenation of bioprivileged cis,cis-muconic acid to trans-3-hexenedioic acid: from lab synthesis to bench-scale production and beyond

The integration of microbial and electrochemical conversions in hybrid processes broadens the portfolio of products accessible from biomass. For instance, sugars and lignin monomers can be biologically converted to cis,cis-muconic acid (ccMA), a bioprivileged intermediate, and further electrochemically upgraded to trans-3-hexenedioic acid (t3HDA). This novel monounsaturated monomer is gaining increasing attention as it can substitute adipic acid in Nylon 6,6 to introduce desired properties and yield polyamides with performance advantages. The implementation of t3HDA for advanced polymer production is, however, hampered by the low productivities achieved to date, in the order of milligrams per hour per cm2. Here, we report on new synergies between microbial and electrochemical conversions and present a simple strategy to enhance the productivity of t3HDA by over 50 times. Specifically, we show that the broth composition has a dramatic role on the subsequent electrochemical step. Broth with neutral pH and high ccMA titer obtained from bacteria was found to enhance the electrochemical hydrogenation while impeding the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, high productivities were achieved under industrially-relevant current densities (200–400 mA cm−2). The effect of other parameters that are key for scale up and continuous operation, namely reactor configuration, potentiostatic/galvanostatic operation mode, and cathode material are also discussed. The experimental results served as input parameters for a detailed technoeconomic analysis and the blueprint of a hybrid microbial electrosynthesis process for t3HDA production.
African American Women’s Nineteenth Century Public (Vocal) and Private (Text) Voice

(2012). African American Women’s Nineteenth Century Public (Vocal) and Private (Text) Voice. Journal of the African Literature Association: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 153-167.
Adult adipose-derived stromal cells differentiate into neurons with normal electrophysiological functions

β-mercaptoethanol was used to induce in vitro neuronal differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells. Within an 8-hour period post-differentiation, the induced cells exhibited typical neuronal morphology, and expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 and neuron-specific enolase, which are markers of mature neurons, reached a peak at 5 hours. Specific organelle Nissl bodies of neurons were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results of membrane potential showed that fluorescence intensity of cells was greater after 5 hours than adipose-derived stromal cells prior to induction. In addition, following stimulation with high-concentration potassium solution, fluorescence intensity increased. These experimental findings suggested that neurons differentiated from adipose-derived stromal cells and expressed mature K + channels. In addition, following stimulation with high potassium solution, the membrane potential depolarized and fired an action potential, confirming that the induced cells possessed electrophysiological functions.
In Search of a Niche

As enrollment in secondary vocational education programs declines and employers re-evaluate the attributes needed for success in today’s job market, some observers of the U.S. education system have called for schools to limit – or even eliminate – the teaching of occupational skills. Does this mean employers don’t reward such training?"
Isolation of Human Hepatocuprein and Cerebrocuprein THEIR IDENTITY WITH ERYTHROCUPREIN

Abstract Cerebrocuprein and hepatocuprein have been isolated from extracts of human brain and liver, respectively, by a method which utilizes ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration procedures. Detailed studies of the physical, chemical, and immunological properties of the purified proteins were conducted. A comparison of the results with similar data obtained for erythrocuprein from human erythrocytes shows that the proteins from the three tissue sources are identical.
Germany and the United States

Germany and the USA have had a very close relationship over the past 50 years, due to their mutual interests in defense against the Soviet Union and that country's allies. Today, due to the end of the Cold War, that threat is gone and the need for the US commitment to defend Germany no longer exists. In addition, German society and economy are both going in very different directions from the USA, with important demographic changes leading to very different economic futures for both countries. This article explores the social, political and economic consequences and ramifications of these changes in the relationship between the USA and Germany.
Attenuation of Scattered Thermal Energy Atomic Oxygen

The attenuation of scattered thermal energy atomic oxygen is relevant to the potential damage that can occur within a spacecraft which sweeps through atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (LEO). Although there can be significant oxidation and resulting degradation of polymers and some metals on the external surfaces of spacecraft, there are often openings on a spacecraft such as telescope apertures, vents, and microwave cavities that can allow atomic oxygen to enter and scatter internally to the spacecraft. Atomic oxygen that enters a spacecraft can thermally accommodate and scatter to ultimately react or recombine on surfaces. The atomic oxygen that does enter a spacecraft can be scavenged by use of high erosion yield polymers to reduce its reaction on critical surfaces and materials. Polyoxymethylene and polyethylene can be used as effective atomic oxygen scavenging polymers.
A 90-GHz voltage-controlled oscillator with a 2.2-GHz tuning range in a 130-nm CMOS technology

A 90-GHz LC-resonator based voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is fabricated in a 130-nm foundry CMOS process. The core transistor structure has been optimized to reduce parasitic capacitances. An accumulation mode MOS varactor has been optimized to achieve Q of /spl sim/7 at 90 GHz or /spl sim/600 at 1 GHz. The VCO is tuned by changing the bias voltage of current source transistor, which modifies the DC bias for core transistors, and that for the varactors to achieve a tuning range of 2.2 GHz. The VCO core consumes 5 to 10.5-mA current from a 1.5-V supply. The phase noise at 10-MHz offset from carrier varies between -104 to -106 dBc/Hz over the tuning range.
Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America

Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America Eva Marie Garroutte (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003)
Novel host markers in the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza a virus

The winter of 2009 witnessed the concurrent spread of 2009 pandemic H1N1 with 2009 seasonal H1N1. It is clinically important to develop knowledge of the key features of these two different viruses that make them unique. A robust pattern recognition technique, Random Forests, was employed to uncover essential amino acid markers to differentiate the two viruses. Some of these markers were also part of the previously discovered genomic signature that separate avian or swine from human viruses. Much research to date in search of host markers in 2009 pandemic H1N1 has been primarily limited in the context of traditional markers of avian-human or swine-human host shifts. However, many of the molecular markers for adaptation to human hosts or to the emergence of a pandemic virus do not exist in 2009 pandemic H1N1, implying that other previously unrecognized molecular determinants are accountable for its capability to infect humans. The current study aimed to explore novel host markers in the proteins of 2009 pandemic H1N1 that were not present in those classical markers, thus providing fresh and unique insight into the adaptive genetic modifications that could lead to the generation of this new virus. Random Forests were used to find 18 such markers in HA, 15 in NA, 9 in PB2, 11 in PB1, 13 in PA, 10 in NS1, 1 in NS2, 11 in NP, 3 in M1, and 1 in M2. The amino acids at many of these novel sites in 2009 pandemic H1N1 were distinct from those in avian, human, and swine viruses that were identical at these positions, reflecting the uniqueness of these novel sites.
.VO2max and the plateau--needed or not?

Maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) describes the greatest rate at which the cardiovascular system can deliver blood to the working muscles during severe dynamic exercise involving a large proportion of the muscle mass (6). The concept of V˙O2max and its dependence on cardiac output was described by Hil
New approaches to reliable wireless body area networks

In this paper we present and contrast two approaches, Cooperative Network Coding (CNC) and Cooperative Diversity Coding (CDC) to achieving reliable wireless body area networks. CNC combines cooperative communications and network coding, while CDC combines cooperative communication and diversity coding. These approaches also provide enhanced throughput and transparent self-healing which are desirable features that Wireless Body Area Networks should offer. Additionally, these feed-forward techniques are especially suitable for real-time applications, where retransmissions are not an appropriate alternative. Although, these techniques provide similar benefits, simulation results show that CDC provides higher throughput than CNC because of the fact that the network topology is known and few hops between the source and destination. Moreover, CDC has lower complexity, since the source and destination nodes know the coding coefficients.
An iterative semi-supervised approach to software fault prediction

Background: Many statistical and machine learning techniques have been implemented to build predictive fault models. Traditional methods are based on supervised learning. Software metrics for a module and corresponding fault information, available from previous projects, are used to train a fault prediction model. This approach calls for a large size of training data set and enables the development of effective fault prediction models. In practice, data collection costs, the lack of data from earlier projects or product versions may make large fault prediction training data set unattainable. Small size of the training set that may be available from the current project is known to deteriorate the performance of the fault predictive model. In semi-supervised learning approaches, software modules with known or unknown fault content can be used for training.Aims: To implement and evaluate a semi-supervised learning approach in software fault prediction.Methods: We investigate an iterative semi-supervised approach to software quality prediction in which a base supervised learner is used within a semi-supervised application.Results: We varied the size of labeled software modules from 2% to 50% of all the modules in the project. After tracking the performance of each iteration in the semi-supervised algorithm, we observe that semi-supervised learning improves fault prediction if the number of initially labeled software modules exceeds 5%.Conclusion: The semi-supervised approach outperforms the corresponding supervised learning approach when both use random forest as base classification algorithm.
Epidemiology and Drug Treatment of Epilepsy in Elderly People

Seizures are extremely common in the elderly, with an annual incidence reaching 100 per 100000 people aged over 60 years. Most are precipitated by acute symptomatic illnesses such as stroke or systemic disease. Chronic neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease may also cause seizures. The aetiology of seizures in many patients is unknown. Seizures may be situational and subside quickly, but the prevalence of chronic seizures--epilepsy--is as high as 1% in the elderly. The majority of seizures are of partial onset, especially complex partial. Complex partial seizures at this age may be very subtle and hard to diagnose. Generalised-onset seizures also occur, perhaps as a result of diffuse changes with aging or degenerative disease or to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The prognosis for complete seizure control in this population is relatively favourable. Physiological and disease-related changes with aging result in complex pharmacokinetics. Most changes lead to a need for gentler drug treatment with cautious initiation of drugs at lower dosages. Consideration must be given to renal and hepatic function, protein binding and drug interactions. Determinations of free (unbound) drug concentrations are helpful for highly protein bound drugs. The dosages of newer drugs excreted renally must be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. The dosage of most drugs is determined empirically by careful observation of seizure control and adverse effects. Carbamazepine, valproic acid (sodium valproate), gabapentin and lamotrigine have certain theoretical advantages, but comparative trials of anticonvulsants in the elderly are needed. The ideal drug for older patients would be effective, without neurological toxicity, with low protein binding, a nonparticipant in drug interactions and amenable to once daily administration.
Maximal barrier precautions, intensivist supervision, and catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) have significant costs. Use of maximal barrier precautions (MBP) may reduce the incidence of CR-BSI. We studied MBP with/without intensivist supervision of residents on CR-BSI incidence.
Black women, work, stress, and perceived discrimination: the focused support group model as an intervention for stress reduction

This exploratory study examined the use of two components (small and large groups) of a community-based intervention, the Focused Support Group (FSG) model, to alleviate employment-related stressors in Black women. Participants were assigned to small groups based on occupational status. Groups met for five weekly 3-hr sessions in didactic or small- and large-group formats. Two evaluations following the didactic session and the small and large group sessions elicited information on satisfaction with each of the formats, self-reported change in stress, awareness of interpersonal and sociopolitical issues affecting Black women in the labor force, assessing support networks, and usefulness of specific discussion topics to stress reduction. Results indicated the usefulness of the small- and large-group formats in reduction of self-reported stress and increases in personal and professional sources of support. Discussions on race and sex discrimination in the workplace were effective in overall stress reduction. The study highlights labor force participation as a potential source of stress for Black women, and supports the development of culture- and gender-appropriate community interventions as viable and cost-effective methods for stress reduction.
The Relationship Between Memory for Order and Other Cognitive Tasks.

Abstract Measures of memory for order were correlated with measures requiring mental manipulation, achievement, and aptitude using college and fifth grade students. Memory for order was not significantly related to measures of mental manipulation nor achievement measures for college students. For fifth graders memory for order was significantly related to mental manipulation, intelligence, and achievement measures. It is suggested that the nature and capacity of short-term memory changes with age.
Dominance of the positive-part version of the James-Stein estimator

Abstract James-Stein estimators are shown to be dominated by positive-part versions when estimating the mean of a p-variate normal distribution (p ⩾ 3), where the covariance matrix is known up to a constant. A Monte Carlo study is undertaken to compare their risks.
Elastic Pion-Deuteron Scattering in the Pion-Nucleon Resonance Region

Using nuclear multiple-scattering theory as a guide, we obtain generalizations of the Glauber formulas for pion-deuteron elastic scattering which incorporate the internal motion of the nucleons in the deuteron. Application of our formulas at 766 MeV yields results in reasonable agreement with experiment. The incorporation of nuclear Fermi motion induces a smoothing of the momentum-transfer dependence of the differential cross section.
H.T. Odum and the Luquillo Experimental Forest

H.T. Odum visited the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF) for the first time in 1944 (Lugo, 1995b) and from then until his death he actively studied the forest. The centerpiece of this intellectual activity is a classic in tropical literature . . . “A Tropical Rain Forest” (Odum and Pigeon, 1970) sometimes referred to as the “rain forest book” and as Odum often referred to various of his books by their color instead of their title . . . the “green book”. The green book was published as a result of Odum’s tenure as Chief Scientist at the University of Puerto Rico’s Puerto Ricao Nuclear Center, from 1963 to 1966, and where he conducted experimental irradiation of the rain forest. The objective of this article is to place H.T. Odum’s research at the LEF in context and then to review his contributions to tropical ecology using the broad scope of the green book. Attention will be drawn to
Concrescent Conversation as a Group Communication Tool in a Chinese University MBA Course

In order to be more competitive in the global marketplace, China has adopted a long-term plan to reform their higher education system. One specific aim of this plan is to facilitate the achievement of China’s goal of building a world-class market-driven economy through the development of an adequate supply of MBA-trained professional managers to lead their organizations. This case study presents an exploratory and descriptive research approach to assess the effects of an instructional delivery scenario in which concrescent conversation was used as a communication tool to create a cooperative learning setting in a mainland Chinese MBA course. The Index of Learning Styles (ILS) model was used to determine the learning style preference of the Chinese students. The study also investigated the relation between a student’s preferred learning style with gender and major (business, engineering, math, and science). Sensing-intuitive was the only ILS subscale with a significant difference across gender and major. F...
Characterization of Dielectric Particles by Impedance Spectroscopy (Part I)

Impedance spectroscopy is an effective method to investigate physical properties of multicomponent systems so that contributions of individual components can be extracted from different sections of the spectra, which is frequency dependent. Slurries can be considered as 0-3 mixed systems containing a host liquid and dispersed particles. It was shown that low-frequency part of impedance spectra is sensitive to dielectric properties of dispersed particles. Applicability of this technique was extended using various dielectric powders dispersed in appropriate liquids. Characterization of slurries by impedance spectroscopy through applying of equivalent circuit models allows a reliable measurement of dielectric constant of particulate materials and liquids.
Optimal use and economic value of weather forecasts for lettuce irrigation in a humid climate

Abstract The problem of analyzing a sequence of daily irrigation decisions utilizing weather forecast information is formulated for the case of lettuce grown in central New York state, and solved using a stochastic dynamic programming algorithm. The crop response is represented using a simple but physiologically-based model of lettuce growth [van Henten, E.J., 1994. Validation of a dynamic lettuce growth model for greenhouse climate control, Agric. Sys. 45, pp. 55–72], modified to allow the stomatal conductance for CO 2 to depend on a simple soil moisture budget. A negative crop response to prolonged wet soil conditions combined with warm temperatures is also included in the crop model. Operationally available precipitation and temperature forecasts are incorporated in a way that preserves the effect of time correlation in the weather. The results suggest that irrigation is quite viable even in the relatively humid climate of New York, with the economic value of irrigation (scheduled according to a conventional, non-optimal rule) vs. no irrigation estimated at approximately US$4000–US$5000 per hectare per year for lettuce. Optimal use of weather forecasts to schedule irrigations is estimated to provide additional value of approximately US$1000 per hectare per year, much of which is derived from avoiding crop damage due to excessive soil moisture.
218: Replacement of calcineurin-inhibitors with sirolimus to preserve renal function in stable cardiac transplant recipients

ml/min/1.73m, respectively, on two consecutive measurements at least 3 mo apart, arising within 5 years of HT. Multivariable regression in the hazard function domain was used to identify RF for early development of stage IV-V CKD. Two points of comparison were chosen to calculate relative risks (RR) for continuous variables. Results: At 1, 3, and 5 years after HT, 6%, 10%, and 14% of patients developed stage IV-V CKD, respectively. Risk factors for the early development of stage IV-V CKD are listed (Table). GFR 30 prior to HT, and two years after HT, was associated with 9% and 16% absolute reductions in 5-year survival, respectively, relative to GFR 30 (both p .01).
T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens: 25 years and counting.

This retrospective is dedicated to Mary-Dell Chilton in honor of her landmark accomplishments related to the discovery and use of T-DNA. Work in my laboratory on Agrobacterium is supported by NSF (MCB 9817149) and NIH (GM47369).
Instrumentation, standards, and procedures used at the National Research Council of Canada for high-accuracy fluorescence measurements

Abstract This paper describes the two-monochromator reference spectrofluorimeter, calibration standards, and procedures used at the National Research Council of Canada for performing high-accuracy fluorescence measurements over the spectral range 250–1050 nm. The basic measurement principles of the two-monochromator method and the calibration procedures used to determine the instrument spectral characteristics are described in detail. The instrumental set-ups, data acquisition procedures, and representative results for the measurement of reflected and bispectral luminescent radiance factors and calculation of total radiance factors are graphically illustrated in a step-by-step fashion for a typical red fluorescent material. The measurement performance of this instrument is demonstrated for several applications, including customer-supplied source data, paper, paint and textile samples.
A comparison of white test signals used in active sound cancellation

Abstract Several different test signals with flat power spectrum, such as white noise, Schroeder-phased waveform, and Galois noise sequences were generated and used to adaptively model the error path in an active sound cancellation (ASC) controller. The standard filtered-X LMS (FXLMS) algorithm was used with a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) model of the error path and an FIR controller structure. Both adaptive FIR filters were operated during the active sound cancellation of 80 and 125 Hz tones. The residual modeling error for different test signal mean power spectral densities (PSD) was determined. It was discovered that the residual error decreased with an increase in the mean PSD, until a minimum residual error was achieved. When the mean PSD was increased beyond this value, no further decrease in residual error occurred. Each test signal was distinguished by the minimum mean PSD that achieved the minimum residual error. All three test signals achieved approximately the same residual error at approximately the same mean PSD for both the 80 and 125 Hz tone. Therefore, the best test signal was selected as the signal with the lowest peak factor, in this case the Schroeder-phased waveform. Given a low peak factor, power can be injected into the test waveform without significantly increasing the size of the time domain envelope.
A content-addressable systolic array for sparse matrix computation

Abstract A systolic array is proposed which is specifically designed to solve a system of sparse linear equations. The array consists of a number of processing elements connected in a ring. Each processing element has its own content-addressable memory where the nonzero elements of the sparse matrix are stored. Matrix elements to which elementary operations are applied are extracted from the memory by content addressing. The system of equations is solved in a systolic fashion and the solution is obtained in NZ + 5n − 2 steps, where NZ is the number of nonzero elements along and below the diagonal and n is the number of equations.