cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of graphene nanoribbons with components of the blood vascular system.

Aim: The systemic administration of graphene nanoribbons for a variety of in vivo biomedical applications will result in their interaction with cellular and protein components of the circulatory system. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro effects of graphene nanoribbons (O-GNR) noncovalently functionalized with PEG-DSPE (1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N [amino (polyethylene glycol)]) on some of the key hematological and vascular components of the circulatory system. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the nanoparticles. ELISA-based assays, bright-field microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and colorimetric assays were used to assess toxicological effects. Results: Our findings taken together indicate that low concentrations of O-GNR-PEG-DSPE (<80 µg/ml) are relatively nontoxic to the hematological components, and could be employed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications especially for diseases of the circulatory system.
Hybridization and the spread of the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae), in the northwestern United States

Hybridization may be an important process interjecting variation into insect populations enabling host plant shifts and the origin of new economic pests. Here, we examine whether hybridization between the native snowberry-infesting fruit fly Rhagoletis zephyria (Snow) and the introduced quarantine pest R. pomonella (Walsh) is occurring and may aid the spread of the latter into more arid commercial apple-growing regions of central Washington state, USA. Results for 19 microsatellites implied hybridization occurring at a rate of 1.44% per generation between the species. However, there was no evidence for increased hybridization in central Washington. Allele frequencies for seven microsatellites in R. pomonella were more 'R. zephyria-like' in central Washington, suggesting that genes conferring resistance to desiccation may be adaptively introgressing from R. zephyria. However, in only one case was the putatively introgressing allele from R. zephyria not found in R. pomonella in the eastern USA. Thus, many of the alleles changing in frequency may have been prestanding in the introduced R. pomonella population. The dynamics of hybridization are therefore complex and nuanced for R. pomonella, with various causes and factors, including introgression for a portion, but not all of the genome, potentially contributing to the pest insect's spread.
The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance.

To become aware of the most practical measures of hydration status.To describe sources of water input and output and the basics of water balance.To understand how hydration status may impact daily cognitive performance. Condensed version and bottom line Water is a crucial nutrient and euhydration is necessary for optimal daily functioning. Water balance is precisely regulated within the body and many methods exist for assessing hydration status. Cognitive performance measures an individual's attentiveness, critical thinking skills, and memory. Traditionally a 2% or more body water deficit was thought to produce cognitive performance decrements; however, recent literature suggests that even mild dehydration - a body water loss of 1-2% - can impair cognitive performance. Counseling clients about their health and wellbeing should include conveying the importance of water for normal body functioning, as well as its effects on physical and cognitive performance.
The disadvantage of a sex-segregated labor market: Sex composition and the availability of work-family benefits

This article explores how the sex composition of occupations affects the availability of work–family benefits. Literature suggests that male-dominated occupations may be unlikely to make work–family benefits available. Consistent with the literature, this article found that male-dominated occupations are not likely to offer parental leave or flexible schedules, especially if they are low-prestige occupations. Surprisingly, however, women in male-dominated occupations were especially likely to have parental leave available. Further, occupations with balanced sex compositions offered men better access to parental leave than those in male-dominated occupations and offered both men and women better access to flexible work schedules compared to sex-segregated occupations. The study suggests that efforts to balance occupational sex compositions may result in better availability of work–family benefits for both men and women. It argues that the unequal distribution of benefits discovered within male-dominated oc...
Voltage dependence of NMDA-activated macroscopic conductances predicted by single-channel kinetics

The conductance activated in many mammalian CNS neurons by the glutamate analog NMDA is inhibited at hyperpolarized potentials by extracellular magnesium. Whole-cell recordings from hippocampal neurons in culture were used to determine the voltage dependence of the NMDA conductance in the presence of extracellular magnesium concentrations from 1 microM to 10 mM. The conductance-voltage data are well fitted by a gating function derived from rate constants determined in an earlier study of the kinetic behavior of single channels activated by NMDA. The results are consistent with the assumption that magnesium inhibits current through the NMDA-activated channel by directly blocking the ion pore. In addition, another voltage-dependent blocking or flicker- producing mechanism has to be invoked to account for the behavior of the conductance at both the single-channel and whole-cell level, especially at low concentrations of extracellular magnesium.
Asynchronous remodeling is a driver of failed regeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

We sought to determine the mechanisms underlying failure of muscle regeneration that is observed in dystrophic muscle through hypothesis generation using muscle profiling data (human dystrophy and murine regeneration). We found that transforming growth factor β–centered networks strongly associated with pathological fibrosis and failed regeneration were also induced during normal regeneration but at distinct time points. We hypothesized that asynchronously regenerating microenvironments are an underlying driver of fibrosis and failed regeneration. We validated this hypothesis using an experimental model of focal asynchronous bouts of muscle regeneration in wild-type (WT) mice. A chronic inflammatory state and reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity are observed in bouts separated by 4 d, whereas a chronic profibrotic state was seen in bouts separated by 10 d. Treatment of asynchronously remodeling WT muscle with either prednisone or VBP15 mitigated the molecular phenotype. Our asynchronous regeneration model for pathological fibrosis and muscle wasting in the muscular dystrophies is likely generalizable to tissue failure in chronic inflammatory states in other regenerative tissues.
Smart detectors: devices, integration, circuits, and systems

The fabrication and performance of thin film p-i-n and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors and the integration of these detectors onto silicon circuitry is presented. The thin film photodetectors are separated from the growth substrate using epitaxial lift off or total substrate removal, and are subsequently bonded to silicon circuits. Performance of the thin film photodetectors is comparable to on-wafer counterparts, and in the cases of resonant cavity p-i-ns and inverted (fingers on the bottom) MSMs, the performance is enhanced through the removal of the substrate. Receiver circuits have been designed, integrated with thin film photodetectors, and tested. Finally, smart pixel arrays of photodetectors have been integrated directly on top of an array of silicon oscillator circuits to demonstrate three dimensionally interconnected image processing systems.
Unrelated donor stem cell transplant: donor selection and search process.

: The article describes the unrelated donor and cord blood search process through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for practising hematologist-oncologists and stem cell transplant physicians. The recent changes in the diseases, type of transplants and stem cell sources are discussed. Important data showing the effects of HLA loci and non-HLA factors on the transplant outcome, including new services offered by NMDP were reviewed.
A Spectroscopic Study of Nuclear Processing and the Production of Anomalously Strong Lines in the Crab Nebula

We present and discuss correlations for optical and near-infrared (5500-10030 A) line intensity measurements at many positions in the Crab Nebula. These correlations suggest the existence of gas produced by a range of nuclear processing, from material in which synthesis ended with the CNO cycle, to some helium burning and nitrogen depletion, to regions containing enriched products of oxygen burning. The latter exhibit a gradual, linear rise of [Ni II] emission with increasing argon enrichment, whereas gas with less nuclear processing shows markedly different [Ni II] emission characteristics, including the highest derived abundances. This suggests two origins for stable, neutron-rich nickel in the nebula: a type of "alpha-rich freeze out" in the more highly processed material and possibly removal of ions from the neutron star in other regions. In addition, the data indicate that anomalously strong observed [C I] emission comes from broad, low-ionization H+ to H0 transition zones. Although the strongest He I emission could also be enhanced in similar low-ionization gas, correlations between relevant line ratios argue against that interpretation, strengthening the case for an exceptionally high helium mass fraction in some locations.
Synthetic structural magnetic resonance image generator improves deep learning prediction of schizophrenia

Despite the rapidly growing interest, progress in the study of relations between physiological abnormalities and mental disorders is hampered by complexity of the human brain and high costs of data collection. The complexity can be captured by deep learning approaches, but they still may require significant amounts of data. In this paper, we seek to mitigate the latter challenge by developing a generator for synthetic realistic training data. Our method greatly improves generalization in classification of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls from their structural magnetic resonance images. A feed forward neural network trained exclusively on continuously generated synthetic data produces the best area under the curve compared to classifiers trained on real data alone.
Copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl fluoride by (phosphine-sulfonate)Pd(Me)(py) catalysts.

The PdII complexes [PO]Pd(Me)(py) (1a−c; [PO] = 2-PAr2-4-Me-benzenesulfonate); Ar = 2-Et-Ph (a), 2-OMe-Ph (b), Ph (c)) catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl fluoride in toluene at 80 °C to produce fluorinated polyethylene. Low levels (0.1−0.5 mol %) of vinyl fluoride incorporation are observed. At 80 psi vinyl fluoride and 220 psi ethylene, 1a produces a linear copolymer with Mw = 35000, Mw/Mn = 3.0, and 0.17 mol % vinyl fluoride incorporation. At a total pressure of 300 psi, increasing the proportion of vinyl fluoride in the feed results in an increase in the level of vinyl fluoride incorporation (to 0.45 mol %) and a decrease in polymer yield and molecular weight. 1a is more reactive and produces higher molecular weight copolymer than 1b,c, but all three catalysts incorporate similar levels of vinyl fluoride. Control experiments rule out a radical copolymerization mechanism, and an insertion mechanism is proposed.
Generalized oscillator strengths for the lowest Π λ Σ transitions in CO and N2

Abstract The generalized oscillator strength as a function of momentum transfer is calculated for the lowest Π ← Σ transition in CO and N2 using the Tamm-Dancoff (TDA) and random phase (RPA) approximations and a minimal basis set of atomic orbitals. Only qualitative agreement is obtained with experiment and it is suggested that the calculated excited states are too compact
An 11-Amino Acid Sequence from c-met Initiates Epithelial Chemotaxis via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Phospholipase C

Interaction of hepatocyte growth factor with its high affinity receptor c-met initiates a cascade of intracellular events leading to epithelial motility. An 11-amino acid sequence from the c-met receptor has been found to cause cell transformation in transfected fibroblasts (Ponzetto, C., Bardelli, A., Zhen, Z., Maina, F., Dalla, Z. P., Giordano, S., Graziani, A., Panayotou, G., and Comoglio, P. M.(1994) Cell 77, 261-271). We inserted this sequence into a mutant platelet-derived growth factor receptor (F5) to determine if this region of c-met can initiate cell motility and which signaling pathways it activates. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor/c-met hybrid (F5 met) initiated PDGF-dependent chemotaxis in renal epithelial cells (8.0 ± 2.3 versus 70.5 ± 4.8 cells/mm2), while the parental construct, F5, did not. Addition of PDGF to cells expressing F5 met caused activation of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (control 2.0 ± 0.8, +PDGF 17.1 ± 5.1, n = 3, p These findings demonstrate that the 11-amino acid sequence from c-met initiates epithelial motility via coincident activation of the PI 3-kinase and phospholipase C and that selective activation of the PI 3-kinase can initiate a partial chemotactic response.
Integration of a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography System into a Surgical Microscope for Intraoperative Imaging

Over the years, multiple milestones have revolutionized vitreoretinal surgery. The x–y surgical microscope control, wide-angle viewing, and fiberoptic illumination are all examples of instrumentation that have been integrated to radically improve pars plana vitreoretinal surgery.1–6 A major advance in vitreoretinal surgery may be the integration of retinal imaging into the operating room. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has dramatically increased the efficacy of treatment of ophthalmic disease through improvement in diagnosis, understanding of pathophysiology, and monitoring of progression over time. Its ability to provide a high-resolution, cross-sectional, three-dimensional view of the relationships of vitreoretinal anatomy during surgery makes intraoperative OCT a logical complement to the vitreoretinal surgeon. Early attempts at intraoperative OCT have already improved our understanding of the feasibility of intraoperative management and the role it might play in surgical decision-making. Epiretinal membrane (ERM) relationships, macular hole configurations, optic pit characteristics, retinal detachment features, and features of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) have all been described by means of intraoperative OCT (Lee LB, et al. IOVS 2010;51:ARVO E-Abstract 6076).7–10 One major limitation of intraoperative OCT is the availability of a device that integrates OCT capability into the operating microscope. Until now, published studies have used an OCT system separate from the operating microscope for imaging during surgery or for examination of patients under anesthesia.7–10 When the current systems are used for intraoperative scanning, surgery must be halted while the scans are performed. Thus, one can image retinal architecture and vitreoretinal relationships after manipulations, but cannot obtain real-time OCT imaging of actual tissue manipulation. The ideal device would provide a real-time platform for true intraoperative feedback to the surgeon. This approach would require device integration with the microscope, to allow for OCT scanning during surgery and should provide the surgeon with OCT visualization without interfering with the view of the real-time operative field. In addition, surgical instrumentation should be visible on OCT imaging while not obstructing the view of the underlying tissues. In this study, we developed and tested a prototype microscope-mounted spectral domain (SD)OCT device to evaluate its potential for use in retinal microsurgery on the posterior pole. We also characterized the OCT appearance of the current armamentarium of instruments to better understand what is required for a fully integrated operative system, including the operative microscope, SDOCT, and OCT-compatible instrumentation.
Interaction of volatility and autocorrelation: evidence from major stock exchanges

Compares stock market returns behaviour for six stock markets in order to find out whether nonlinearities are a result of conditional heteroscedasticity or of previous performance. Uses LeBaron’s exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to link conditional variance with first order correlation. Applies it to daily stock market indexes from 1986 to 1991 in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Finds that the links exist in all the markets, with high autocorrelation during stable periods, and none under high volatility, for daily but not weekly returns. Concludes that nonsynchronous trading leads to an inverse relationship between volatility and autocorrelation.
Evaluation of the Perfectly Matched Layer for Computational Acoustics

The perfectly matched layer (PML) recently formulated by Berenger for the absorption of radiated/scattered waves in computational electromagnetics is adapted to computational acoustics, and its effectiveness as a nonreflecting boundary is examined. The excellent absorbing ability of the PML is demonstrated by its small reflection coefficient for a plane wave incident on a plane interface. However, additional frequency-domain and time-domain solutions show that the PML may not be an appropriate computational boundary if the analyst is only interested in the response of the radiator/scatterer and/or the acoustic field in the vicinity of the radiator/scatterer.
Apnea of prematurity: caffeine dose optimization.

OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to evaluate the correlation between maintenance dose and response rates in neonates less than 28 weeks gestational age. Secondary objectives included clinical indicators of response (number of weight adjustments, dose increases, and mini-loads) and tachycardia associated with caffeine therapy. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of neonates admitted to the North Carolina Children's Hospital from August 2009 to August 2011. Patients included were less than 28 weeks postmenstrual age and were treated with caffeine for apnea of prematurity. Patients were excluded if they were older than 28 weeks postmenstrual age, receiving caffeine therapy for other indications, or experiencing apnea from other conditions, or if therapy was initiated more than 7 days after birth. RESULTS A total of 89 neonates with a mean birth weight of 0.844 kg (range: 0.391 to 1.306 kg) and median gestational age of 26 2/7 weeks (range: 23 to 27 6/7 weeks) were evaluated. The median initia...
Amyloid and the macrophage: it's all about local production of IL-1β.

For the past 30 years, intense effort has been directed toward understanding the molecular pathways by which cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, inhibit pancreatic β-cell function and cause β-cell death. The landmark findings of the Mandrup-Poulsen and colleagues (1,2) demonstrated that IL-1, derived from conditioned media, reduces glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and causes β-cell damage. IL-1 inhibits glucose-induced insulin secretion by attenuating mitochondrial glucose oxidation to CO2 and thereby preventing the accumulation of ATP, which is necessary for ATP-sensitive K+ channel closure, β-cell depolarization, and Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of insulin granules (3−6). Nitric oxide has been identified as the molecular mediator of IL-1−induced inhibition of glucose-induced insulin secretion (5−7). The importance of IL-1−mediated β-cell damage has historically been placed in the context of autoimmune or type 1 diabetes; however, after 30 years of studies focused on the mechanisms by which IL-1 damages β-cells, the role of this cytokine in the development of type 1 diabetes remains to be fully elucidated. For example, administration of IL-1 to rodents results in an attenuation of insulin secretion, but these animals do not develop overt diabetes (8,9). Further, the administration of IL-1 to nonobese diabetic mice has been shown to attenuate disease development (10). In contrast to these studies, overexpression of the enzyme responsible for generating nitric oxide (inducible form of nitric oxide synthase) under the control of the rat insulin promoter results in the development of diabetes that occurs in a nitric oxide−dependent manner (11). These studies briefly illustrate the many complexities related to elucidating the role of IL-1 in the development of type 1 diabetes. The local generation of IL-1 in islets has also been implicated …
Securing a border under asymmetric information

We study a stochastic interdiction model of Morton et al. IIE Transactions, 39 (2007):3–14 that locates radiation sensors at border crossings to detect and prevent the smuggling of nuclear material. In this model, an interdictor places sensors at customs checkpoints to minimize a potential smuggler's maximum probability of crossing a border undetected. We focus on a model variant in which the interdictor has different, and likely more accurate, perceptions of the system's parameters than the smuggler does. We introduce a model that is tighter and uses fewer constraints than that of Morton et al. We also develop a class of valid inequalities along with a corresponding separation procedure that can be used within a cutting-plane approach to reduce computational effort. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 91–100, 2014
Mathematical model for the selective deposition of inhaled pharmaceuticals

□ To accurately assess the potential therapeutic effects of airborne drugs, the deposition sites of inhaled particles must be known.Herein, an original theory is presented for physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and related prophylaxis of airway diseases.The mathematical model describes the behavior and fate of particles in the lungs of adult human subjects under various breathing conditions.Their deposition patterns are calculated via superposition of the separate but not independent processes of inertial impaction, sedimentation, and diffusion.The related computer code is designed to calculate total and compartmental (tracheobronchial and pulmonary) distributions of inhaled aerosols.In this manuscript, the model is first tested via comparisons of predicted deposition patterns with laboratory data from human inhalation exposure experiments and then it is applied to determine which factors most influence the dosimetry of inhaled particles.In this format, deposition patterns are explicitly related to particle characteristics, ventilatory parameters, and intersubject variabilities of lung morphologies.The dosimetric model was developed to improve the efficacy of aerosol therapy via the selective deposition of inhaled pharmaceuticals at prescribed lung locations to elicit optimum effects.
Threaded Runtime Support for Execution of Fine Grain Parallel Code on Coarse Grain Multiprocessors

The goal of this research is to provide systems support that allows fine grain, data parallel code to execute efficiently on much coarser grain multiprocessors. The task of writing parallel applications is simplified by allowing the programmer to assume a number of processors convenient to the algorithm being implemented. This paper describes and evaluates a runtime approach that efficiently manages thousands of virtual processors per actual processor. The limits in using user-level threads as fine grain virtual processors are identified. Key techniques used are tight integration and specialization of scheduling, communication, optimized context switching, and fine-tuned stack management. A prototype of this runtime approach is evaluated by comparing implementations of three problems, a smoothing kernel of a thin-layer Navier?Stokes code, a five point stencil problem, and a block bordered system of linear equations on an Intel Paragon multiprocessor and on a network of DEC Alpha workstations. The additional cost relative to an efficient manually contracted code can be as low as 15% for granularities of 50 floating point operations per virtual processor and is typically 5?20% for granularities of about 100 floating point operations per virtual processor. The overhead is analyzed in detail to show the costs of scheduling, communication, context switching, reduced memory performance, and insuring data consistency. The implementation and analysis indicate that fine grain code can be efficiently executed on a coarse grain multiprocessor using very lightweight, specialized threads.
A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Hearing loss during cerebral ischemia in mice

Ischemic brain stroke is a leading cause of disability and includes hearing loss. Clinical reports have also suggested that there is hearing loss in stroke patients but the mechanism was not determ...
North American tektite debris and impact ejecta from DSDP Site 612

A layer of tektite glass and shock-metamorphosed grains found in an upper Eocene section of core 21 from DSDP Site 612 taken on the continental slope off New Jersey may belong to the North American tektite strewn field. In order to better define the layer, a series of samples was taken continuously through the layer at 1 cm intervals. Tektite fragments are in an 8 cm thick layer; microtektites are concentrated in the upper 4 cm, while spherules with crystalline textures (microkrystites) are concentrated in the lower half of the layer. Millimeter-size splash forms are mostly in the lower part of the tektite-bearing layer. Rock and mineral grains showing evidence of shock metamorphism are abundant in the upper half of the tektite-bearing layer. Coesite is abundant, and stishovite was found in one rock fragment. The size and abundance of the tektite glass and the abundance of shocked debris indicate that Site 612 is relatively close to the source crater, which may be to the north of Site 612 on the coastal plain or adjacent continental shelf. 40 refs.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy

Episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can represent a life-threatening emergency for mother and fetus. The cornerstones of treatment of DKA are aggressive fluid replacement and insulin administration while ascertaining which precipitating factors brought about the current episode of DKA, and then treating accordingly to mitigate those factors. The incidence of DKA and factors unique to pregnancy are discussed in this article, along with the effects of the disease process on pregnancy. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities are covered in detail to offer ideas to improve maternal and fetal outcome.
The Fat1 cadherin integrates vascular smooth muscle cell growth and migration signals

The significance of cadherin superfamily proteins in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) biology is undefined. Here we describe recent studies of the Fat1 protocadherin. Fat1 expression in VSMCs increases significantly after arterial injury or growth factor stimulation. Fat1 knockdown decreases VSMC migration in vitro, but surprisingly, enhances cyclin D1 expression and proliferation. Despite limited similarity to classical cadherins, the Fat1 intracellular domain (Fat1IC) interacts with β-catenin, inhibiting both its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. Fat1 undergoes cleavage and Fat1IC species localize to the nucleus; however, inhibition of the cyclin D1 promoter by truncated Fat1IC proteins corresponds to their presence outside the nucleus, which argues against repression of β-catenin–dependent transcription by nuclear Fat1IC. These findings extend recent observations about Fat1 and migration in other cell types, and demonstrate for the first time its anti-proliferative activity and interaction with β-catenin. Because it is induced after arterial injury, Fat1 may control VSMC functions central to vascular remodeling by facilitating migration and limiting proliferation.
Computational intelligence: Is it real or smoke and mirrors?

With the recent release of the movie AI, there is interest in artificial intelligence and in just how far we can take computational intelligence. This paper discusses the advances made in the computational intelligence arena and brings perspective to what may be possible in the future.
Teaching Parallel and Distributed Computing Using a Cluster Computing Portal

This paper presents the establishment of cluster computing lab at a minority serving institution that aims to provide computing resources to support undergraduate computer science curriculum. We present a case study of using this platform to teach parallel and distributed computing topics in the operating system course. The evaluation of the teaching effectiveness is presented thereafter.
The impact of four design parameters on the performance of a high‐solids anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste for fuel gas production

Abstract The impact of four design parameters on the performance of a pilot scale high‐solids anaerobic digestion process is evaluated and discussed in this paper. Results obtained from this study indicate that the rate of methane gas production was inversely proportional to the average feedstock particle diameter. Feedstock with various C/N ratios, ranging from 8 to 125, were fed into the reactor and an optimum C/N ratio, based on biodegradable carbon and total nitrogen, was found to be about 25 to 30. Biogas production increased with an increase of organic loading rate up to a rate of 7.5 g BVS kg‐1 active reactor mass?d. Organic overload occurred at 7.6 g kg‐1 and continued up to 11.5 g kg‐1 active reactor mass at which point the volatile fatty acids accumulation in the reactor reached an inhibitory limit and caused digester failure. Mass retention times of 30, 20, and 15 days were investigated, while the organic loading rate was kept constant at about 7 g BVS kg‐1 active reactor mass. Shorter MRT's re...
Adaptive Site Selection Rules and Variation in Group Size of Barn Swallows: Individual Decisions Predict Population Patterns

Abstract: Variation in group size is ubiquitous among socially breeding organisms. An alternative to the traditional examination of average reproductive success in groups of different sizes is to examine individual decision making by determining the cues used for site selection. Once factors used for decision making are known, one can determine whether group‐level patterns, such as group size variation, are emergent properties of individual‐level decision rules. The advantage of this alternative approach is that it can explain the distribution of group sizes rather than just the occurrence of optimal group sizes. Using barn swallows, I tested, but did not support, the hypothesis that individuals settle at sites based on the previous success of conspecifics (i.e., performance‐based conspecific attraction). Instead, I demonstrate that an adaptive site selection decision rule—to breed where it is possible to reuse previously constructed nests—predicts 83% of the variation in the number of breeding pairs at a...
Algorithmic trading behavior identification using reward learning method

Identifying and understanding the impact of algorithmic trading on financial markets has become a critical issue for market operators and regulators. Advanced data feed and audit trail information from market operators now make the full observation of market participants' actions possible. A key question is the extent to which it is possible to understand and characterize the behavior of individual participants from observations of trading actions. In this paper, we consider the basic problems of categorizing and recognizing traders (or, equivalently, trading algorithms) on the basis observed limit orders. Our approach, which is based on inverse reinforcement learning (IRL), is to model trading decisions as a Markov decision process and then use observations of an optimal decision policy to find the reward function. The approach strikes a balance between two desirable features in that it captures key empirical properties of order book dynamics and yet remains computationally tractable. Making use of a real-world data set from the E-Mini futures contract, we compare two principal IRL variants, linear IRL and Gaussian process IRL. Results suggest that IRL-based feature spaces support accurate classification and meaningful clustering.
Variations in renal threshold for glucose in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

The blood glucose/urinary glucose relationship was studied in 23 patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Glucose was infused intravenously in order to increase blood glucose concentration slowly and gradually. The renal threshold was recorded at the slightest trace of glycosuria and varied by a factor of 2 (from 6.0 to 14.3 mmol/l). The rise in blood glucose required to change the urinary output (0–1.1 mmol glucose/20 min) varied by a factor of 7 (1.1–7.6 mmol/l). The maximal rate of tubular glucose reabsorption varied by a factor of 2 (0.93–1.98 mmol/min). The renal threshold was negatively correlated with the creatinine clearance (r=-0.52, p<0.05), but was not correlated with diabetic control, age or duration of diabetes. The maximal rate of glucose reabsorption was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.47, p<0.05) and duration of diabetes (r=-0.54, p< 0.05). In conclusion, urinary glucose excretion is dependent on both renal threshold and the splay and the slope of the blood glucose/urinary glucose excretion curve. Thus, the degree of glycosuria is of value as an index of diabetic control only when the blood glucose/urinary glucose relationship is known. The inverse correlation between renal threshold and creatinine clearance limits the usefulness of measuring glycosuria in patients with nephropathy.
A Markov perspective on system-of-systems complexity

The development and acquisition of complex systems remains a challenge, especially in the aerospace/defense sector, due to complexities in both program management and engineering design. The interdependencies between component systems form networks that, while enabling capabilities that are beyond those of individual systems, also increase system complexity and risk since disruptions in the development of one system may propagate to other directly or indirectly dependent systems. This paper presents an approach to measure the complexity of networks in the context of system development time. Development disruption propagation is modeled as a Markov chain, where the states are defined as the constituent systems and the transition probabilities as the interdependency characteristics of systems. A proof-of-concept application shows the approach can distinguish between alternate networks and indicates its applicability for managing risk in design and development of systems with significant interdependencies.
Does inferior vena cava size predict right atrial pressures in patients receiving mechanical ventilation

The inferior vena cava diameter and its respiratory response are used to estimate right atrial pressures in spontaneously breathing patients but its value in patients receiving mechanical ventilation is unvalidated. Forty-nine patients undergoing mechanical ventilation were prospectively evaluated in the intensive or coronary care units with two-dimensional echocardiography of the inferior vena cava and simultaneous measurements of mean right atrial pressures by central venous or pulmonary artery catheter. Correlation between inferior vena cava diameter at expiration and mean right atrial pressure was only 0.58. The correlation between inspiratory change in inferior vena cava diameter and mean right atrial pressure was poor ( r = 0.13). Despite these correlations, an inferior vena cava diameter of ≤ 12 mm predicted a right atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg or less 100% of the time, but sensitivity was only 25%. An inferior vena cava diameter > 12 mm had no predictive value for right atrial pressure.
The continuing need for affirmative action

Abstract Affirmative action is defined as the steps taken to end the absence in jobs, schools, and honored positions of members of groups that have been subordinated. Its purpose is to reduce discrimination, to reduce income disparities between groups, and to promote diversity by gender and race in every role and activity. The persistence of occupational segregation by sex and race to a degree that cannot be explained by differences in qualifications or voluntary behavior testifies to the need for further action. Alternatives to affirmative action, such as helping people regardless of race or sex from disadvantaged backgrounds, “just enforcing the law against discrimination”, or waiting for educational improvements to bring groups better qualifications would not do the job affirmative action is designed to do.
Unanswered Questions Prompted During Pediatric Primary Care Visits

Objectives To identify the frequency, types, and perceived importance of questions prompted during primary care visits for which pediatricians have no ready answer; to characterize pediatricians' responses to them; and to determine how questions prompted while caring for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and children without special needs (Cw/oSN) differ. Methods Patient visits with 35 general pediatricians were observed. Parents completed a CSHCN screener. Physicians provided details about their unanswered questions and their pursuit of answers. Results Of 890 observed visits, 170 (19.1%) prompted unanswered questions, of which 60.1% were deemed important or very important. Physicians intended to pursue answers to 49.7% of the questions but actually pursued answers for only 27.5%, citing lack of time and inadequate information resources as barriers. One hundred sixty-seven (18.8%) visits were with CSHCN. Unanswered questions arose more often with CSHCN than with Cw/oSN (28.7% vs 16.9%; odds ratio 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.97), particularly during well visits (34.6% vs 14.9%; odds ratio 3.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–6.39). CSHCN prompted more diagnosis and treatment questions than Cw/oSN. Questions prompted by CSHCN were ranked as more important but were no more likely to be pursued than those prompted by Cw/oSN. Conclusions Unanswered questions arise during nearly 20% of pediatric primary care visits. Visits with CSHCN, particularly well visits, generate more questions than those with Cw/oSN. Answers are pursued for few unanswered questions, both overall and for CSHCN. Potential strategies to overcome barriers to answering questions include scheduling more time or more visits for CSHCN.
Accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for diagnosing stones in the common bile duct in patients with abnormal intraoperative cholangiograms

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a noninvasive method for diagnosing choledocholithiasis. It is said to be as accurate as the gold standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for detecting common bile duct (CBD) stones. A study was needed to look at the accuracy of MRCP compared with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for detecting stones in the CBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP in patients with choledocholithiasis diagnosed with IOC. Methods This was a retrospective study looking at patients who underwent IOC. Results were compared with respective preoperative MRCP results if available. Results Four hundred twenty patients who underwent IOC were reviewed and met criteria for the study. Seventy patients had preoperative MRCP. Accuracy of MRCP when compared with IOC was 70%. Conclusions MRCP has a high rate of false normal results compared with IOC and is not as accurate as more invasive techniques. There is no need for preoperative MRCP in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis caused by stones.
Phloem degeneration in celery infected with yellow leafroll virus of peach

Abstract Apium graveolens L. (celery) experimentally infected with the yellow leafroll virus of peach develops phloem degeneration of the type characterized by necrosis of sieve elements, their companion cells, and some phloem parenchyma cells. In the incipient stages of necrosis the protoplasts of affected cells assume a homogeneous appearance and stain somewhat darker than normal cells. Later, the chromaticity increases and reaches a maximum at death of the cells. No hyperplasia was observed in the early stages of disease development, but some mild stimulation of meristematic activity occurred in the procambium in the later stages. After many cells became necrosed a pronounced wound-healing reaction, characterized by enlargement and division of cells, developed about the areas of necrosis. The initiation of phloem degeneration did not occur until one or more sieve elements were differentiated in a given region.
Energetics and optimum motion of oscillating lifting surfaces of finite span

In certain modes of animal propulsion in nature, such as bird flight and fish swimming, the efficiency compared to man-made vehicles is very high. In such cases, wing and tail motions are typically associated with relatively high Reynolds numbers, where viscous effects are confined to a thin boundary layer at the surface and a thin trailing wake. The propulsive forces, which are generated primarily by the inertial forces, can be calculated from potential-flow theory using linearized unsteady-wing theory (for small-amplitude oscillations). In the present study, a recently developed linearized, low-frequency, unsteady lifting-line theory is employed to calculate the (sectional and total) energetic quantities and optimum motion of an oscillating wing of finite span.
Mixed terrigenous—Carbonate sedimentation in the Hispaniola—Caicos turbidite basin

Abstract Sedimentation in the 9500 km 2 , 4100 m deep Hispaniola—Caicos Basin is dominated by turbidity currents. Carbonate turbidites originate from the Bahama Islands, Great Inagua and Caicos at the north end of the basin. Mixed carbonate—non-carbonate flows come from Hispaniola and perhaps Cuba. Most flows originate on insular slopes rather than in shallow water. The relatively low CaCO 3 content of hemipelagic sequences throughout the entire basin reveals that the influence of non-carbonate Hispaniola—Cuba sources is widespread. The basin was sampled with closely spaced piston cores. Sand-layer isopach and frequency maps reveal four or five major basin entry points for turbidity currents. Flow size is proportional to the size of source areas. Average volumes of flows originating from Hispaniola—Cuba, the largest source, are 10 9 m 3 . This compares to an average flow volume of 10 6 m 3 for flows derived from the smallest source area, the Southeastern Caicos Bank. Measures of turbidity-current activity, such as thickness and frequency, change in a regular fashion away from each entry point. Average lutite thickness (combining hemipelagic and turbiditic lutite) are greatest near the basin entry points. On the abyssal plain occupying the south half of the basin, Bouma turbidite sedimentary structure sequences tend to be complete. However, on the Caicos Fan, the sedimentary structure sequences in turbidites are characterized by missing or repeated units. Six radiocarbon dates of two widespread presumed pelagic units in the basin yielded younger dates in stratigraphically older positions. The reversed dates are assumed to reflect storm erosion of older sediment on adjacent insular shelves. Consideration of a north—south reflection seismic profile over the basin indicates that the present sediment regimen has pertained through much of the Neogene. The coherence, convergence and termination of reflections in the seismic section are consistent with and tend to confirm conclusions based on the core study regarding the greater extent and volume of sediment deposits derived from the Hispaniola source area.
Alcoholics Anonymous in a Mexican Peasant-Indian Village

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program has had some success in combatting alcoholism not only at home, but world-wide, despite barriers of culture and language. This paper discusses reasons why AA might be able to cross cultural lines and tests these assertions using data from a functioning AA group in a peasant-Indian village in southern Mexico. In the paper, the social science literature concerning AA is reviewed for relevant concepts, the cultural context of the Zapotec village is discussed, and the nature of the AA group is described. It is concluded that Vaillant's (1983) characterization of the key elements of successful American self-help groups may have cross-cultural applicability.
Red power: Government publications and the rising Indian activism of the 1970s

Abstract The proliferation of government publications about American Indians has continued at a steady pace since World War II, but the 1970s marked a minor watershed. Not only did the numbers of publications increase, but also a high percentage of these were directed at mass audiences, and many reports candidly investigated the problems caused by government policies. Although few items were written by Indians, some of the more important ones were based upon Indian testimony taken at the grassroots level. The person truly interested in learning about today's Indian concerns can therefore begin with readily available government documents, and from these move into Indian writings and direct interviews. To dismiss all government documents as mere justifications of federal policy would be a serious mistake for any scholar, and this article attempts to alert readers to the most important types of government-sponsored studies.
Midazolam versus hydroxyzine as intramuscular premedicant

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, study was carried out in which the effects of midazolam (0.08 mg.kg-1) and hydroxyzine (1.5 mg.kg-1), with or without atropine (0.4 mg) or hyoscine (0.4 mg) were compared as intramuscular premedicants. Midazolam produced quicker onset of action, greater anxiolysis for the first hour, greater amnesia, less local irritation and a higher overall rating by the patients. Drowsiness, while also greater after midazolam, was neither marked nor prolonged. Both drugs were given similar overall ratings by the anaesthetists who administered the anaesthetics. Neither drug produced systemic toxicity. Of the two drugs known to produce amnesia, midazolam had a more profound effect and had an earlier onset than hyoscine. Midazolam (0.08 mg.kg-1) shows good potential as an intramuscular premedicant, especially when anaesthetic induction occurs 30 to 60 minutes later. Hyoscine, but not atropine, enhances the effects of the sedative drugs.