cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotics of minimax stochastic programs

We discuss in this paper asymptotics of the sample average approximation (SAA) of the optimal value of a minimax stochastic programming problem. The main tool of our analysis is a specific version of the infinite dimensional delta method. As an example, we discuss asymptotics of SAA of risk averse stochastic programs involving the absolute semideviation risk measure. Finally, we briefly discuss exponential rates of convergence of the optimal value of SAA problems.
Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence of Asthma in Middle Class Children

Background Studies have shown a higher prevalence of asthma among boys compared with girls and in blacks compared with whites, but it has been difficult to separate socioeconomic from racial effects because the blacks in the studied populations were more likely to have low socioeconomic status. Objective To compare the prevalence of asthma in a socioeconomically homogeneous, middle class, multiethnic population of schoolchildren. Methods Based on a telephone survey of all families of third-graders in Southfield, Michigan, we ascertained the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and probable undiagnosed asthma. One reason Southfield was chosen for study was because the city comprises an integrated middle class population with only 4% blacks and 7% whites having incomes below federal poverty limits. Results The lifetime prevalence of asthma was 9.5% (12% for blacks and 6% for whites) and higher in boys (14%) than girls (5%), a pattern that was reflected in period prevalence estimates. The lifetime prevalence of probable undiagnosed asthma was greater in blacks (16.6%) than whites (10.8%), with little sex difference. Adjusting for sex and maternal education, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and probable asthma were associated independently with black ethnicity. Conclusions Our study is unique in the similarity of the black and white families' socioeconomic status and residence in the same middle class community. Since access to medical care and macro-environmental conditions were similar across this study population, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that differences in biologic factors between blacks and whites and boys and girls play a role in asthma risk.
Key factors in knowledge acquisition

In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the development of Expert Systems (ESs) in organizations. This increased development is straining the already limited supply of qualified ES developers. These ES developers have come to be know as Knowledge Engineers (KEs), and their job as Knowledge Engineering. The process of Knowledge Engineering is divided into two tasks: Knowledge Acquisition (KA) and ES construction. KA has been defined as "The process of extracting, structuring, and organizing Knowledge from several sources, usually human experts, so it can be used in a program." (Waterman, 1986; p. 392) This process of KA has been identified as the "bottleneck" that currently constrains the development of ESs.This paper summarizes what is known about the KA process in an effort to identify what the key factors are that influence the success of the KA phase of the Knowledge Engineering process. Due to the similarities that exist between ESs and traditional systems development, the literature that pertains to traditional Information Requirements Determination and to Systems Analysts will be utilized to guide this exploration. Case study reports of actual ES development projects and the practitioner literature from this highly applied field will also be referenced. A model of the knowledge Engineering process has been developed and will be used to help determine and discuss the key factors that influence the KA process.Five key factors have been identified and will be discussed in detail. These factors are: the attributes of the participants in the ES development process; elicitation techniques utilized in the process; the development of external representations; representation selection problems; and the verification of the ES by the Domain Expert who participates in its continued development via the user-system interface. These factors are presented, key issues identified, and research questions suggested for each area.It is hoped that the analysis of the key factors in KA will lead to the identification of the skills and techniques necessary to successfully perform the KA process. Once these skills have been identified, training programs can be developed to help reduce the shortage of qualified KEs and, ultimately, facilitate the increased development of ESs in organizations.
Effect of Ergovaline Ingestion on Recovery of Horses Subjected to an Anaerobic Standard Exercise Test

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether consumption of tall fescue seed which contained high levels of ergovaline would affect post-exercise recovery of horses subjected to an anaerobic exercise test. Ten Quarter horses were separated into two groups and fed alfalfa hay, commercial sweet feed, and either endophyte-infected (E+) or endophyte-free (E−) ground tall fescue seed. Diets contained 11.8% seed, which resulted in 459 ppb of ergovaline for the E+ diet. During the first 28 days, horses in group A received E+ and group B received E−. Diets were reversed during the next 28 days (crossover design). Horses were ridden for 5 days per week. On day 14, 28 (period 1), 42, and 56 (period 2), they were subjected to a standardized exercise test (SET) that consisted of 41 turns in 4 minutes and was designed to raise the horse’s heart rate (HR) beyond the anaerobic threshold (150 bpm). There was a horse effect ( P P P
Estimating the processed value of soybeans

Interest in marketing soybeans on the basis of protein and oil content is increasing. Producers, breeders, handlers and buyers of soybeans need a method of evaluating soybean lots of different composition. A model is presented that predicts, given soybean composition and processing conditions, the yield of crude soybean oil and soybean meal from the processing of soybeans in a solvent extraction plant. From these yields, an estimated processed value (EPV) was calculated. For one set of price conditions, the EPV of typical soybeans had a range of $0.93 per bushel if premiums were paid for meal protein in excess of specifications and a range of $0.53 per bushel if meal protein premiums were not paid. Trading rules established by the National Oilseed Processors Association for domestic meal markets have a significant effect on the value and composition of soybean meal.
Development of planar air breathing direct methanol fuel cell stacks

Abstract In this paper, design criteria and development techniques for planar air breathing direct methanol fuel cell stacks are described in detail. The fuel cell design in this study incorporates a window-frame structure that provides a large open area for more efficient mass transfer and is modular, making it possible to fabricate components separately. The membrane electrode assembly and gas diffusion layers are laminated together to reduce contact resistance, which eliminates the need for heavy hardware. The composite current collector is low cost, has high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. In the interest of quick and cost-efficient prototyping, the fabrication techniques were first developed on a single cell with an active area of 1.0 cm 2 . Larger single cells with active areas of 4.5 and 9.0 cm 2 were fabricated using techniques based on those developed for the smaller single cell. Two four-cell stacks, one with a total active area of 18.0 cm 2 and the other with 36.0 cm 2 , were fabricated by inter-connecting four identical cells in series. These four-cell stacks are suitable for portable passive power source applications. The performance analysis of single cells as well as stacks is presented. Peak power outputs of 519.0 and 870.0 mW were achieved in the stacks with active areas of 18.0 and 36.0 cm 2 , respectively. The effects of methanol concentration and fuel cell self-heating on the fuel cell performance are emphasized.
Instationäre Randbedingung für die durch eine Querschnittsänderung gebildete Übergangszone in einer instationären, eindimensionalen Gasströmung

Die durch Querschnittsanderung gebildete Ubergangszone einer eindimensionalen, instationaren Gasstromung wird im allgemeinen als stationar behandelt, weil eine exakte Losung der betreffenden Stromungsgleichungen nicht existiert. Dies ist nur fur jene Stromungen mit Unterschallgeschwindigkeit zulassig, bei denen der Zeitabstand zweier aufeinanderfolgenden Beobachtungen so gross gewahlt ist, dass ein genugender Ausgleich der in der Ubergangszone hin-und herpendelnden Wanderwellen sichergestellt wird. Anders ist es aber bei Stromungen mit Uberschallgeschwindigkeit, wo ein solcher Wellenausgleich nicht moglich ist.
Promoting creativity in the computer science design studio

Revolutionary advances in technologies will require computer science professionals who are able to develop innovative software solutions. In order to identify techniques that can lead students to creative insights in their work, we have conducted an ethnographic study of the studio method as enacted in architecture, industrial design (ID), and human-computer interaction (HCI) classes. Our analysis of the activities conducted during studio critiques revealed that while the ID and architecture studios had a primary focus on experimentation, the primary emphasis of the HCI studios was on idea refinement. In this paper, we describe four barriers to creative thought observed in the HCI classrooms and identify ways that the architecture and ID instructors helped students to overcome similar challenges.
A classical analysis of the resonance modes in a randomly disordered chain

A classical analysis of the resonance modes in a linear configuration composed of two light impurity atoms in the sea of heavy atoms is carried out for the purpose of understanding the underlying reason for the existence of the resonance peaks in the main band of a randomly disordered chain. The study leads to the conclusion that the peaky resonance modes in the main band of a randomly disordered chain are pseudolocalized modes and that the condition for the existence of the resonance peaks is closely related to the condition for total transmission. Une analyse classique des modes resonances dans une configuration lineaire compose par deux atonies legeres (impuritees) dans une mer des atomes lourds a ete execute pour comprendre la raison fundamentale pour l'existence des pics resonance dans la bande principal de la chaǐne en desordre au hasard. L' etude concluet que les modes resonances a pic dans la bande principal d'une chaǐne en desordre au hasard sont modes pseudolocalises et que la condition pour l'existence des pics resonances est etroitment apparente de la condition pour transmission complet.
Oncogenes, Protein Tyrosine Kinases, and Signal Transduction.

Many oncogenes encode protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). Oncogenic mutations of these genes invariably result in constitutive activation of these PTKs. Autophosphorylation of the PTKs and tyrosine phosphorylation of their cellular substrates are essential events for transmission of the mitogenic signal into cells. The recent discovery of the characteristic amino acid sequences, of thesrc homology domains 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3), and extensive studies on proteins containing the SH2 and SH3 domains have revealed that protein tyrosine-phosphorylation of PTKs provides phosphotyrosine sites for SH2 binding and allows extracellular signals to be relayed into the nucleus through a chain of protein-protein interactions mediated by the SH2 and SH3 domains. Studies on oncogenes, PTKs and SH2/SH3-containing proteins have made a tremendous contribution to our understanding of the mechanisms for the control of cell growth, oncogenesis, and signal transduction. This review is intended to provide an outline of the most recent progress in the study of signal transduction by PTKs.
Similar as well as dissimilar contextual stimuli increase rated similarity

Contextual stimuli from one category increase the rated similarity of stimuli from a second category. In Experiment 1, associates of one of the members of pairs of target words increased the rated similarity of the members slightly more than did much less similar contextual stimuli. In Experiment 2, contextual category names and good exemplars increased the rated similarity of pairs of poor to medium target exemplars and were also rated as more similar to these targets than the targets were to each other. In both cases, the category names resulted in the stronger effect. This ability of contextually similar stimuli to increase rated similarity opposes the distance-density and averaging-judgmental theories of the effect of context on similarity. However, the theory that a positive association exists between the perceived similarity of stimuli and the strength of the category to which they belong explains how both contextually dissimilar and contextually similar stimuli can increase rated similarity.
Discordance between macrophage arachidonate metabolic phenotype and the expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase

Macrophages (M phi s) exhibit variations in their ability to release and metabolize arachidonate (AA) depending on their state of activation, differentiation, and tissue origin. In order to understand these variations on a molecular level, we determined whether differences in AA release and metabolism by murine peritoneal M phi s could be explained in terms of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and cyclooxygenase (COX) expression. Resident M phi s exhibited greater COX capacity (conversion of exogenous AA to PGE2) but lower phospholipase (PLase) activity (release of endogenous AA) than elicited M phi s. Activation of resident M phi s in vivo with endotoxin increased both their PLase activity and COX capacity. Despite the observed differences in PLase activity, peritoneal M phi s under all conditions expressed similar amounts of cPLA2 mRNA and protein. All M phi s exhibited COX-1 mRNA and protein (i.e., the constitutive isoform of COX), although elicited M phi s exhibited increased mRNA for COX-1 but decreased levels of protein, relative to resident M phi s. Elicited (but not resident) cells also exhibited COX-2 mRNA but not COX-2 protein (i.e., the inducible form of COX). Despite the increased COX capacity of resident cells with in vivo activation, their expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was equivalent to that of unactivated cells, becoming apparent only after cell adherence in vitro. In sum, there is no simple relationship between the ability of M phi s to release and metabolize AA, and the expression of cPLA2 or COX isoforms. Moreover, adherence appears to be important for the expression of COX-2 by M phi s.
CT guided aspiration of a cervical spinal epidural abscess

The management of spinal epidural abscess has changed over the last few years. Originally treatment was thought to be urgent surgical evacuation. In the more recent literature less invasive techniques have been suggested. We present a case, where a cervical epidural abscess at the C2 level was treated with CT guided aspiration and antibiotic therapy. This has not been previously reported.
Cis-preferential LINE-1 reverse transcriptase activity in ribonucleoprotein particles.

LINE-1 retrotransposons (L1s) constitute ∼17% of human DNA, and their activity continues to affect genome evolution. Retrotransposition-competent human L1s encode two proteins required for their mobility (ORF1p and ORF2p); however, biochemical activities associated with ORF2p have been difficult to detect in cells. Here, we show for the first time the colocalization of L1 RNA, ORF1p and ORF2p to a putative ribonucleoprotein retrotransposition intermediate. We further demonstrate that ORF2p preferentially uses its encoding RNA as a template for reverse transcription. Thus, our data provide the first biochemical evidence supporting the cis-preferential action of the L1 reverse transcriptase.
Patterns in the evaluation of hoarseness: time to presentation, laryngeal visualization, and diagnostic accuracy.

Objectives/Hypothesis Controversial recommendations regarding the evaluation of dysphonia have been made in the absence of evidence related to clinical practice. This study aims to describe existing patterns of care for dysphonia to generate data for potential systemic improvement and provide a baseline for dysphonia recommendations. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods Information regarding the current complaint, including duration of hoarseness; inciting factors; number and type of previous physicians seen; Voice Handicap Index-10; and details of prior evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment was collected from patient records. Results A total of 259 patients complaining of hoarseness were evaluated. Of those, 35.1% presented directly to subspecialty care, whereas 61% were previously evaluated by another otolaryngologist. Median times (in months) from symptom onset to evaluation were as follows: initial evaluation, 3.0; laryngoscopy, 3.0; stroboscopic exam, 5.8; subspecialty evaluation, 6.6. A total of 64.5% of patients had at least one incoming diagnosis; 45% of all incoming diagnoses were revised on re-evaluation. Diagnoses most commonly revised included “no abnormality,” edema or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR), infection or allergy, and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) or behavioral disorders. Final diagnoses that most frequently differed from incoming diagnoses were paresis; MTD or behavioral disorders; malignancy; and sulcus, atrophy, or scar. Conclusions Patients received prompt laryngeal visualization. However, we observed high rates of diagnostic error. Initial diagnoses of LPR, edema, infection, and allergy appear to be particularly likely to be revised on further evaluation; and scar, sulcus, atrophy, and paresis are likely to be overlooked. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:667–673, 2015
Ab initio fold prediction of small helical proteins using distance geometry and knowledge-based scoring functions.

The problem of protein tertiary structure prediction from primary sequence can be separated into two subproblems: generation of a library of possible folds and specification of a best fold given the library. A distance geometry procedure based on random pairwise metrization with good sampling properties was used to generate a library of 500 possible structures for each of 11 small helical proteins. The input to distance geometry consisted of sets of restraints to enforce predicted helical secondary structure and a generic range of 5 to 11 A between predicted contact residues on all pairs of helices. For each of the 11 targets, the resulting library contained structures with low RMSD versus the native structure. Near-native sampling was enhanced by at least three orders of magnitude compared to a random sampling of compact folds. All library members were scored with a combination of an all-atom distance-dependent function, a residue pair-potential, and a hydrophobicity function. In six of the 11 cases, the best-ranking fold was considered to be near native. Each library was also reduced to a final ab initio prediction via consensus distance geometry performed over the 50 best-ranking structures from the full set of 500. The consensus results were of generally higher quality, yielding six predictions within 6.5 A of the native fold. These favorable predictions corresponded to those for which the correlation between the RMSD and the scoring function were highest. The advantage of the reported methodology is its extreme simplicity and potential for including other types of structural restraints.
Efficient parallel algorithms for search problems: applications in VLSI CAD

Experimental results are presented to demonstrate that it is possible to speed up search-based algorithms by several orders of magnitude. Highly optimized sequential programs were first implemented in the C language for two applications: floor plan verification and tautology verification. Then parallel programs were developed for the Ncube by modifying the sequential programs to incorporate dynamic load balancing. The speedups obtained on 1024 processors ranged from 430 to 1099 for floor plan optimization, with larger problems showing higher speedups. For tautology verification the speedup on 1024 processors ranged from 564 to 1007, with larger problems again showing higher speedups. >
Very High Risk of Cancer in Familial Peutz—Jeghers Syndrome

Abstract Background & Aims: The Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant polyposis disorder with increased risk of multiple cancers, but literature estimates of risk vary. Methods: We performed an individual patient meta-analysis to determine the relative risk (RR) of cancer in patients with PJS compared with the general population based on 210 individuals described in 6 publications. Results: For patients with PJS, the RR for all cancers was 15.2 (95% confidence limits [CL], 2, 19). A statistically significant increase of RR was noted for esophagus (57; CL, 2.5, 557), stomach (213; CL, 96, 368), small intestine (520; CL, 220, 1306), colon (84; CL, 47, 137), pancreas (132; CL, 44, 261), lung (17.0; CL, 5.4, 39), breast (15.2; CL, 7.6, 27), uterus (16.0; CL, 1.9, 56), ovary (27; CL, 7.3, 68), but not testicular or cervical malignancies. Cumulative risk for all cancer was 93% from age 15 to 64 years old. Conclusions: Patients with PJS are at very high relative and absolute risk for gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal cancers. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;119:1447-1453
Liposomes: A Novel Topical Delivery System for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications

This review will highlight work done in our laboratories evaluating topical liposomal delivery in a wide variety of animal models and human skin using both in vivo and in vitro techniques. The mechanism by which liposomes facilitate deposition of drugs into the skin and some potential applications of topically applied liposomes will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical techniques that allow the quantification of drug levels in the various skin strata and in pilosebaceous structures. Appropriate models of skin representing the two cases, as well as those wherein both routes are available for skin deposition, were examined using a wide variety of liposomal preparations containing radiolabeled and fluorescent molecules as marker compounds.
Protein–protein docking predictions for the CAPRI experiment

We predicted structures for all seven targets in the CAPRI experiment using a new method in development at the time of the challenge. The technique includes a low-resolution rigid body Monte Carlo search followed by high-resolution re- finement with side-chain conformational changes and rigid body minimization. Decoys (10 6 per tar- get) were discriminated using a scoring function including van der Waals and solvation interactions, hydrogen bonding, residue-residue pair statistics, and rotamer probabilities. Decoys were ranked, clustered, manually inspected, and selected. The top ranked model for target 6 predicted the experimen- tal structure to 1.5 A RMSD and included 48 of 65 correct residue-residue contacts. Target 7 was pre- dicted at 5.3 A RMSD with 22 of 37 correct residue- residue contacts using a homology model from a known complex structure. Using a preliminary ver- sion of the protocol in round 1, target 1 was pre- dicted within 8.8 A although few contacts were correct. For targets 2 and 3, the interface locations and a small fraction of the contacts were correctly identified. Proteins 2003;52:118 -122.
Design of a two-phase solar and fluid-based renewable energy system for residential use

This project explores the technical challenge of sustainability as it relates to solar energy production, storage, and consumption. The challenge is addressed through the design of a two-phase renewable energy system that can provide electrical energy during both day and night without the use of chemical batteries. “Phase One” is the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic panels for both immediate supply to the household load and for storage in a fluid based system. “Phase Two” is the conversion of the stored potential energy back into electrical energy. Methods of energy storage evaluated include pumped-hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) and compressed-air energy storage (CAES). Mathematical models using typical energy efficiency values are first used to estimate system parameters such as reservoir volume and height or pressure requirements. Based on the results, components and the methods of energy storage for further evaluation are selected. A dynamic systems-level model is then used to estimate energy output and efficiency as a function of changing system parameters. This model is validated by simulating full-scale conditions using a fluid reservoir and a pump. PHES has been chosen as the method of energy storage based on a high-level analysis. Efficiency of the turbine-generator was experimentally found to be as high as about 32% but was shown to increase with increasing hydraulic head. This demonstrates that the system could be a viable replacement for conventional batteries in poor or remote locations, especially if local topography allows for low-cost installation of a raised water reservoir.
Separation of nitrogen and methane via periodic adsorption

The periodic process utilizes a rapid pressure swing cycle in an adsorbent bed to effect the separation of gas mixtures. During the first portion of a cycle the compressed gas mixture flows into the adsorbent-filled column. Next, while the feed gas is restrained, an exhaust orifice is opened at the feed end of the column providing depressurization. The product stream is enriched in the component exhibiting the lowest coefficient of adsorption. A mathematical model based upon the assumption of instantaneous equilibrium between the gas phase and the adsorbed gas was formulated and solved to simulate the periodic, adsorption process. The measured nitrogen content of the product gas stream was found to correlate with the ratio of the product gas rate to the feed gas rate. At 24°C. the calculated pressure response, feed gas flow rate, and product gas composition correspond favorably with related experimental measurements for all values of the feed gas pressure, cycling frequency, and product gas flow rate within the ranges investigated.
The Impact of Surgical Ventricular Restoration on Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Background Surgical management of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in ischemic cardiomyopathy is controversial. Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) decreases left ventricular volume and may improve MR severity. We assessed the impact of SVR on the degree of MR. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with ejection fractions (EF) Results Thirty-nine patients received SVR+CABG: 3% (1 of 39) had 4+, 10% (4 of 39) had 3+, 51% (20 of 39) had 2+, and 36% (14 of 39) had 0 to 1+ MR. Thirty-five patients with a similar MR distribution underwent CABG alone. Operative mortality was 2.6% for SVR+CABG and 5.7% for CABG patients ( p = 0.62). At follow-up, MR grade decreased by 57% (2.24 ± 0.5 to 1.24 ± 0.9, p p = 0.27) for the CABG alone group. SVR+CABG patients had significantly less MR than CABG patients at follow-up (1.24 ± 0.9 vs 2.00 ± 0.9, p = 0.007), with 15 patients improving to 0 to 1+ MR postoperatively versus 6 patients in the CABG cohort ( p = 0.02). Improvement in postoperative EF was significantly greater after SVR+CABG (0.13% vs 7%, p = 0.04). Three-year survival was 85% for SVR+CABG and 72% for CABG patients ( p = 0.39). Conclusions SVR+CABG demonstrated greater reduction in MR severity at follow-up than CABG alone. Decreased left ventricular volumes and improved papillary muscle orientation likely contribute to decreased MR after SVR.
Cellular systems for the study of the biosynthesis of polyamines and ethylene, as well as of virus multiplication

Leave of Chinese cabbage from healthy plants or from those infected with turnip yellow mosaic virus yield protoplast which convert methionine to protein, S-adenosylmethionine, decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine. spermidine, spermine and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate. The enzyme spermidine synthase is entirely cytosolic and has been purified extensively. An inhibitor of this enzyme, dicyclohexylamine, blocks spermidine synthesis in intact protoplasts, and in so doing stimulates spermine synthesis. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine blocks the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate, the precursor to ethylene, in protoplasts. This inhibitor markedly stimulates the synthesis of both spermidine and spermine. Essentially all the protoplasts obtained from new leaves of plants infected 7 days earlier are infected. On incubation, such protoplasts convert exogenous methionine to viral protein and viral spermidine whose specific radioactivity is twice that of total cell spermidine. Exogeneous spermidine is also converted to cell putrescine and viral spermidine and spermine. Normal and virus-infected cells are being studied for their content of phenolic acid amides of the polyamines.
Real-time phased array imaging using digital beam forming and autonomous channel control

The authors designed and constructed a real-time phased-array imaging system for medical applications based on the principles of digital beam formation and autonomous channel control. The system is capable of high-precision steering, dynamic apodization, dynamic focusing, and highly accurate beamforming using sampling rates close to the Nyquist rate over the medical diagnostic frequency range. All controls and signal processing needed for a single channel of the array imager have been integrated into a single custom VLSI circuit. The authors describe the basic principles embodied in this chip. >
Dynamics of bedforms in the lower Mississippi River

ABSTRACT The size and roughness characteristics of dunes in the Mississippi River are not predicted well by experimental and theoretical relations, even though intensive flow measurements were made in the study area. Although dunes increase in scale with increasing discharge of water and sediment, the development of multiple dune sizes and nonuniform flow obscure the relationship of dune geometry to synoptic hydraulic variables. Some nonuniformity is caused by the development of large bed undulations from kinematic waves that can deform into compound dunes, but most of it is related to flow convergence and divergence in pools and riffles, varying flow geometry with increasing stage, and reach-controlled relations between flow and energy loss. Even though changes of bedform size are not found to lag the flow changes because sand transport is large, a considerable volume of sediment is required to initiate and propagate the largest compound dunes. This means that they might be profiled in different stages of growth and have a varying effect on the flow during their evolution spatially and temporally.
Voices and Perspectives of Latina Paraeducators: The Journey Toward Teacher Certification

This study employed open-ended questions on a survey, a focus group interview and participant observations to document the perspectives of Latina paraeducators concerning the challenges and support systems they encountered in order to complete college and gain admission to a teacher certification program. Findings reveal that their challenges included a lack of knowledge about higher education, unresponsive institutional bureaucracies, and the need for financial aid. Family and a cohort group of peers were identified as important sources of support and motivation. As a result of the struggles they experienced these paraeducators expressed a strong commitment of helping others to pursue academic and professional goals. This work highlights the need to critique and transform fundamental inequities within institutional structures that obstruct equal educational opportunities and hinder the recruitment of bicultural teachers.
Labor Supply, the Acquisition of Skills, and the Location of Southern Textile Mills, 1880-1900

This paper offers the hypothesis that the development of the textile industry in the South was shaped by the fact that by 1870 most experienced workers lived in the Piedmont. Thus, a firm which wished to hire experienced workers would have been led to choose the Piedmont; similarly, mills producing more difficult finer count cloth would have chosen the Piedmont in order to hire experienced workers. Finally, the persistence of a virtually all white workforce may be explained by the fact that most experienced workers were white and would have resisted working in integrated mills. FOLLOWING the Civil War the South emerged as the dominant textile manufacturing region in the United States. As the number of mills grew and production expanded, large numbers of southerners were drawn out of agriculture to work in factories for the first time. The role of recruiting workers to operate these mills and the legacy of the antebellum history of the industry are used below to explain three puzzling aspects of the industry in the South: 1) the building of mills largely in the Piedmont
Gender differences in acute stroke treatment: the University of California San Diego experience.

Background and Purpose— To assess the gender differences in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with and without tissue plasminogen activator. The primary purpose is to evaluate for differences in baseline risk factors, treatment times, and 90-day outcomes. Data regarding gender differences in acute stroke treatment shows a delayed treatment and evaluation in women with stroke, associated with poorer outcome. Methods— Review of the University of California San Diego Specialized Program for Translational Research in Acute Stroke (SPOTRIAS) database from 2001 to 2009. All “code stroke” patients with the admitting diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke were classified based on gender and tissue plasminogen activator treatment (group 1 with tissue plasminogen activator, group 2 without). Results— A total of 848 patients were included, group 1: 294 patients, baseline median NIHSS and mean age in men was 10 and 67.6±16.5 years, in women 13 and 72.4±16.5 years. group 2: 554 patients, baseline median NIHSS an...
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Soil Temperature within Three Land Areas Exposed to Different Tillage Systems

The rational (lateral) spacing between soil temperature sensors to obtain spatial independence of measurements in the field under various tillage systems is not well studied. In particular, properly positioning sensors in a tillage plot requires knowledge of the spatial dependence of the measurements. This study was conducted to measure the horizontal spatial variability of soil temperature and its diurnal fluctuation in three different tillage systems. Soil temperature was measured with copper-constantan thermocouples at 49 positions in each system at the I- and 10-cm depths. The thermocouples formed a 7 by 7 grid with a spacing of 3.0 (east-west) by I.5 m (north-south). The three management systems were fall moldboard plowing followed by spring disking and planter operation (MP), fall chisel plowing followed by spring disking and planter operation (CP), and ridge tillage slot planting (RN). Each management system had been under continuous field corn (Zea mays L.) for 8 yr. A novel finding of the study is that a hysteresis within the diurnal cycle existed between the mean and the sample variance. This hysteresis was presumably due to differences in soil surface heating and cooling rates during the diurnal cycle. Although no definitive relationships could be determined, semivariograms appeared to show a time dependence and anisotropy during the 24-h observation period. Correlation distances were = 9 m in the E-W direction along crop rows and tillage operations but <1.5 m in the N-S direction across crop rows and tillage operations. These spatial correlation distances will be useful in deciding the minimum (lateral) spacing between adjacent soil temperature sensors in the field.
Indirect Bonding with a Thermal Cured Composite

Clinicians have sought an alternative to the traditional direct bonding of orthodontic attachments in their quest to attain more accurate and precise bracket positioning while simplifying chairside procedures. An indirect bonding technique of orthodontic attachments is presented. A thermal cure composite resin is used along with a flexible but sturdy inner and outer trays. The thermal cured composite provides a virtually unlimited working time for the placement of orthodontic attachments. This technique has been shown to be predictable and highly reproducible.
Lesbian parenthood: A review of the literature.

Findings of lesbian family research published between 1980 and 1996 are reviewed. The research describes characteristics of lesbian families, and challenges faced by these families, in the context of heterosexist and homophobic societal attitudes. The major research findings are discussed, clinical implications are noted, and areas in need of further investigation are proposed.
Inhibition by acetaldehyde of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from ox brain and ox kidney (Short Communication)

Low concentrations of acetaldehyde, similar to those that can occur in the brain of ethanol-treated animals, effectively inhibit the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex purified from ox brain or from ox kidney, although the precise mechanism of this inhibition remains to be defined.
Molecular Markers of Clonality, Lineage, Differentiation, and Translocation in B Cell Neoplasms

The demonstration that distinct types of lymphoid neoplasms could be assigned to stages of B or T cell development provided great insights into the biology of these malignancies1,2. Historically this has been approached by utilizing cell surface markers associated with various developmental stages of B or T cell maturation. Despite a large number of lineage-associated cell surface markers, it is still frequently impossible to conclusively classify a lymphoid neoplasm as B or T cell in origin. This is often due to the admixture of large numbers of nonneoplastic cells with the neoplastic cells in a lymphomatous tissue. Alternatively, other malignancies may be at a stage of differentiation prior to the expression of any lineage-restricted cell surface antigen. Moreover, the determination of clonality in lymphoid neoplasms has for all practical purposes been limited to the mature B cell malignancies that display the presence of but one light (L)-chain isotype, κ or λ. The DNA rearrangements which assemble the gene subsegments for antigen-specific receptors in B cells as well as T cells serve as molecular markers which are unique to individual neoplasms. The rearranging determinants have made an enormous contribution to refining the diagnosis and understanding the pathogenesis of lymphoid neoplasms.
Intact reducing glycan promotes the specific immune response to lacto-N-neotetraose-BSA neoglycoconjugates.

The mammalian immune system responds to eukaryotic glycan antigens during infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, but the immunological bases for such responses are unclear. Conjugate vaccines containing bacterial polysaccharides linked to carrier proteins (neoglycoconjugates) have proven successful, but these often contain repeating epitopes and the reducing end of the glycan is less important, unlike typical glycan determinants in eukaryotes, which are shorter in length and may include the reducing end. Here, we have compared the effects of two linkage methods, one that opens the ring at the reducing end of the glycan, and one that leaves the reducing end closed, on the glycan specificity of the vaccine response in rabbits and mice. We immunized rabbits and mice with bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates of synthetic open- and closed-ring forms (OR versus CR) of a simple tetrasaccharide lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT, Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc), and tested reactivity to the immunogens and several rel...
A survey of pain assessment and management practices among critical care nurses

BACKGROUND Postoperative pain is one of the major obstacles in the prevention of complications during patient recovery. Pain and its management have gained great interest among researchers, clinicians and policy-makers. PURPOSES To explore the relationship between two variables in pain assessment (length of time after surgery and ventilator status) and medication decisions made by critical care nurses, and to identify nurses' concerns about opioid use. METHODS A convenience sample of 71 critical care nurses participated in the survey. RESULTS Certain patient conditions such as length of time after surgery and ventilator status affected nurses' assessment and management of pain. Nurses' knowledge about pain assessment and management may affect patient care and outcomes.
#BringBackOurGirls: digital communities supporting real-world change and influencing mainstream media agendas

Abstract#BringBackOurGirls shows the potential that cyber-communities have for setting the agenda for mainstream media sources around issues that are life-changing for women and girls around the world. The article examines the ways that social media communities sustained the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, bridging online and offline communities to form a united movement. The analysis is contextualized within the online community-organizing framework of Twitter Topic Networks, as theorized in a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project. This essay studies the evolution of #BringBackOurGirls to analyze the ways that online communities can educate, organize, and mobilize publics.
The Study on Coordinated Control of Many Sets of Dynamic Reactive Compensation Device in Wind Power Station

When three or more of SVC equipment of 200 MW wind power station in Jiuquan is running at the same time in a 330 kV booster station,in order to distribute the output of reactive power of each device rationally,coordinated control of multiple SVC equipment must be studied.This paper cite the 330 kV booster station in the east of Gan Hekou of Jiuquan as a example,study on the control principle of reactive power compensation voltage,the control strategy of total control voltage mode and the distribution principle of reactive,forming a complete coordination and control system.The operation of reactive power voltage in the 330 kV booster station in the east of Gan Hekou achieved a good regulatory effect.
Open Vs Minimally Invasive Adult Ureteral Reimplantation: Analysis of 30-day Outcomes in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database.

Objective To examine 30-day outcomes of robotic-assisted and pure laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (LUR) vs open ureteral reimplantation (OUR) in adult patients for benign disease. Methods We identified adult patients undergoing LUR or OUR by urologists between 2006 and 2013 using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, excluding those with concomitant partial cystectomy or ureterectomy. Multivariable regression modeling was used to assess for the independent association of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with 30-day complications, reoperations, or readmissions. Results Of 512 patients identified, 300 underwent LUR and 212 underwent OUR. Baseline characteristics including age, race, body mass index, and cardiovascular comorbidities were similar between LUR and OUR (all P > .05). Patients who underwent LUR had higher median preoperative serum creatinine (1.1 mg/dL vs 1.0 mg/dL, P = .03), increased presence of a resident (51% vs 34%, P P P P P P = .03). On multiple regression analyses, MIS was an independent predictor of lower overall complication rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.24 [0.14-0.40], P P = .16) or reoperation (OR 2.09 [0.90-4.82], P = .10). Conclusion In the largest current series assessing the impact of MIS on adult ureteral reimplantation, data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program demonstrate that LUR results in decreased 30-day complications.
Fluid-phase endocytosis by in situ cardiac myocytes of rat atria

Fluid-phase endocytosis (FPE) associated with recycling of fused plasmalemma-secretory granules or membranes and/or membrane receptors by in situ cardiac myocytes was studied at 37 degrees C in vitro noncontracting adult rat atrial preparations. Measurements included 1) the volume (VS*) of the compartment consisting of presumptive endocytotic vesicles and the endosomes or lysosomes transiently in continuity with them (S*), which internalizes [14C]-sucrose but is inaccessible to simultaneously measured [methoxy-3H]inulin, 2) the kinetics of [14C]sucrose efflux from S*, and 3) morphometry to quantify interstitial space and non-heart muscle cells. Vs* (0.39 +/- 0.04 ml/g dry atrium for unstretched atria at 37 degrees C) was 1) variable over a 3.7-fold range under various experimental conditions, 2) significantly increased by neomycin or by lowering the temperature to 18 degrees C, and 3) significantly decreased by alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation. Analysis of sucrose efflux kinetics confirmed the presence of an intramyocytic sucrose-containing compartment. A smaller inulin-inaccessible sucrose space (S*) was also present in right ventricle. Thus, during FPE, vesicles and endosomes initially containing high (extracellular) Ca2+ and Cl- concentrations continually enter, circulate within, and undergo exocytosis from myocardial cells.
Epilogue: The Afterlife of Muffs

In the epilogue, I turn to Hugh Thomson’s illustrated edition of Sense and Sensibility (1902), which features images of each of the primary female characters (Elinor, Marianne, and Lucy) holding muffs. I read these images alongside an entry from the “Ladies Encyclopedia” from 1910 entitled “On Muffs.” Curiously, the afterlife of the muff- its visual translation into editions of Austen’s novels — provides some insight into how readers were directed to conjure representations of the fashionable eighteenth-century past. As accessible and useful accessories, Muffs at the beginning of the twentieth century offered the potential for a more democratic vision of style, one in which every woman could have the opportunity to present themselves as fashionable.
White (Coat) Lies: Bending the Truth to Stay Faithful to Patients

Duty hour policies were originally implemented with the goal of protecting both resident physicians and patients. The policies were based on literature demonstrating that long shift lengths and abs...
Mechanical Properties of Wheat Starch Plasticized with Glucose and Water

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the mechanical properties of wheat starch plasticized with glucose and water. The deformation and fracture behavior of systems containing food biopolymers is important both to food processing operations and to product texture. Much work has concentrated on food systems that contain high proportions of water making them soft and rubbery. In terms of modulus-temperature behavior, these materials are in the rubbery plateau region. Relatively little work exists on systems containing low proportions of water (
The Myth of The Omniscient Narrator

L'idee du narrateur omniscient et la theorie de communication appliquee a la fiction ne sont pas defendables et ne doivent pas servir de reference dans les discussions litteraires
Origin and timing of Dauphiné twins in quartz cement in fractured sandstones from diagenetic environments: Insight from fluid inclusions

Abstract Electron backscattered diffraction techniques (EBSD) show that Dauphine twins in quartz are widespread in many tectonometamorphic environments. Our study documents that under diagenetic temperatures (
A two-stage, open-label, phase II study of bortezomib plus oxaliplatin in previously treated patients with malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.

e22191 Background: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and seldom curable malignancy, arising from the mesothelial cells that line the serosal surfaces of the pleural and peritoneal cavit...