cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Larval Preference for a Wheat Cultivar in the Army Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Late instar larvae of the army cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris (Grote), infested replicated test plots of 43 wheat varieties in Hays, Kansas in early April, 2004. Five varieties, Trego, 2147, Betty, Thunderbolt, and Jagger, were selected for sampling cutworm defoliation and larval densities. Damage was lowest in Trego (12–41 damaged tillers/m of row), and highest in Betty (128–285 damaged tillers/m). Plots of Betty averaged 105 cutworms/m2, significantly more than plots of other varieties where densities ranged from 13 to 42 cutworms/m2. Plots of Thunderbolt sustained significantly more damage than plots of 2137, Trego or Jagger, but did not have significantly more larvae. The small size of the test plots appeared to facilitate aggregation of cutworms in plots of the preferred variety Betty. Grain yields of all varieties in 2004 were average for the region and the final grain yield of Betty plots averaged 20% less than that of Thunderbolt and Trego plots. This compares to an average of 10% lower yield ...
Toward a Complexity of Online Learning: Learners in Online First-Year Writing

Abstract In response to the growing presence of online first-year writing courses, this paper describes a case study of two online first-year writing courses and addresses the questions: What do students in an online first-year writing course perceive as good study habits, and what helps them succeed? Data includes surveys, online discussions, course management statistics, and selected interviews. The study is supported by social cognitive theory described by psychologist Albert Bandura; this methodology allows for examination of internal, external, and behavioral characteristics of participating students. Results of the study indicate that students who rated themselves as making good use of study time also succeeded in the course. Insights from students include information about study activities, management of study time, access to technology, and attitudes about online courses. A surprising result of the study was that students did not consider communication with peers as a productive study activity, despite a deliberate attempt by instructors to build peer interaction into the course. Yet students also reported high levels of engagement and positive attitudes about online learning. The social cognitive lens provides helpful insights about these complex findings by examining the external, internal, and behavioral aspects of online first-year writing students in this study.
Good and Beautiful: A Moral-Aesthetic View of Personhood in African Communal Traditions

I articulate an African view of personhood that combines beauty and goodness–aesthetic and moral features. I discuss the idea of communalism, which provides the social and moral values and belief system that give meaning to this view of personhood. I use ideas from some African ethnic traditions, or some people’s account of these traditions, as examples to illustrate this view. The similarities in these examples from different ethnic traditions indicate that it is reasonable to characterize this view as a common theme that may plausibly represent many African cultures. This essay does not seek to provide an anthropological descriptive view, but a plausible philosophical stance on how we ought to understand the idea of personhood in African cultures. I do not suggest that all African cultures or traditions have exactly the same view or that they hold this view in the same way, extent or degree. Obviously, there may be minor differences that do not alter the essence of the view. Many of the authors quoted in this paper who have written on African philosophy use the phrase, ‘African culture’, ‘African tradition’, ‘African view’ or ‘African society’. Thus, it has become commonplace in African philosophical circles that when the prefix ‘African’ is used in the literature on African philosophy, it does not imply that Africa is a monolith or that its traditions are static. There is a recognition that some traditions have changed or are changing. The use of ‘African tradition’ usually indicates a generalizing theoretical Good and Beautiful | Ikuenobe 126 abstraction about some enduring and dominant similar themes or ideas in many African traditions. It is also meant to contrast ‘African’ with ‘Western’ traditions, and to also respond to Western critiques of Africa as a group. It is used in a similar way in which the prefix ‘Western’ is used in the literature. This notion of ‘Western’, which is replete in the literature, does not suggest the West is a monolith, but rather, a reference to some similar dominant themes in Western thought. Essays Philos (2016)17:125-163 | DOI: 10.7710/1526-0569.1546 Published online: 12 February 2016. © Polycarp Ikuenobe 2016 Contact author: pikuenob@kent.edu Essays in Philosophy 17(1)
What's the Point?: A Review of Reward Systems Implemented in Gamification Interventions.

Abstract Rewards are commonly used in interventions to change behavior, but they can inhibit development of intrinsic motivation, which is associated with long-term behavior maintenance. Gamification is a novel intervention strategy that may target intrinsic motivation through fun and enjoyment. Before the effects of gamified interventions on motivation can be determined, there must be an understanding of how gamified interventions operationalize rewards, such as point systems. The purpose of this review is to determine the prevalence of different reward types, specifically point systems, within gamified interventions. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. Data sources included Medline OVID, Medline PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, and PsycINFO. Out of the 21 articles retrieved, 18 studies described a reward system and were included in this review. Gamified interventions were designed to target a myriad of clinical outcomes across diverse populations. Rewards included ...
Impact of Residents on Surgical Outcomes in High-Complexity Procedures

Background There are different views on the effects of resident involvement on surgical outcomes. We hypothesized that resident participation in surgical care does not appreciably alter outcomes. Study Design We analyzed an American College of Surgeons NSQIP subset of inpatients having procedures with high complexity, including 4 surgical specialties (general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and vascular surgery) with the highest mean work relative value units. We evaluated surgical outcomes in patients having procedures performed by the attending surgeon alone, or by the attending surgeon with assistance from at least one surgical resident (PGY1 to PGY≥6). Outcomes measures included operative mortality, composite morbidity, and failure to rescue (FTR). Propensity-score matching minimized the effects of nonrandom assignment of residents to procedures. Results In 266,411 patients, unmatched comparisons showed significantly higher operative mortality and composite morbidity rates, but decreased FTR, in operations performed with resident involvement. After propensity-score matching, there were small but significant resident-related increases in composite morbidity, but significant improvement in FTR. Senior-level resident involvement translated into improved outcomes, especially in cardiothoracic surgery procedures where >63.6% of procedures had PGY≥6 resident involvement. Resident involvement attenuated the significant worsening of operative mortality and FTR associated with multiple serious complications in individual patients. Measures of resource use increased modestly with resident involvement. Conclusions We found substantial improvement in FTR with resident involvement, both in unmatched and propensity-matched comparisons. Senior-level resident participation seemed to attenuate, and even improve, surgical outcomes, despite slightly increased resource use. These results provide some reassurance about teaching paradigms.
Evaluation of Generalized Hashin-Shtrikman Bounds Using Finite Element Models

Macroscale properties exhibited by materials are intrinsically derived from the details of the underlying microstructure. Due to the severe complexity involved in the complete description of the microstructure, statistical descriptions have been employed to capture efficiently the microstructure details at various hierarchical length scales. Fourier representations of these statistical descriptions of microstructure, together with advanced homogenization theories that utilize the same descriptions form the core of a new mathematical framework called Microstructure Sensitive Design (MSD) [1]. MSD facilitates solution of inverse problems in materials design, where the microstructure is designed to meet or exceed a set of designer specified property or performance requirements.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 modulate responses of trigeminal neurons evoked by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid and somatosensory stimuli.

The present study investigated the modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked and peripheral cutaneous stimulus-evoked responses of trigeminal neurons by endomorphins, endogenous ligands for the μ-opioid receptor. Effects of endomorphins, administered microiontophoretically, were tested on the responses of nociceptive neurons recorded in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn of the medulla (trigeminal nucleus caudalis) in anesthetized rats. Endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 predominantly reduced the NMDA-evoked responses, producing an inhibitory effect of 54.1 ± 2.96% (mean ± SE; n = 34,P < 0.001) in 92% (34/37) of neurons and 63.6 ± 3.61% (n = 32, P< 0.001) in 91% (32/35) of neurons, respectively. The inhibitory effect of endomorphins was modality specific; noxious stimulus-evoked responses were reduced more than nonnoxious stimulus-evoked responses. Naloxone applied at iontophoretic current that blocked the inhibitory effect of [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin, reduced the peak inhibitory eff...
Minimizing Spoilage in Shell Eggs by Thermostabilization

Abstract A MAJOR problem of the poultry industry of the United States continues to be the prevention of loss in the quality of shell eggs passing through the regular channels of trade. Since 1936 the Poultry Department of the University of Missouri has conducted experiments designed to reduce spoilage in shell eggs. The results reported here are for the years 1951 and 1952. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Various attempts to use heat to improve the keeping quality of shell eggs have been recorded. Atwell and Crawford in 1867 recommended dipping eggs in a boiling mixture of glue, isinglass, unslaked lime and corn starch for from 5 to 10 seconds. Gray, in 1887, obtained a patent for preserving shell eggs by dipping them for 5 seconds in boiling water and then bringing the eggs into contact with a boiling mixture of tallow 10 lbs. and soda 2 lbs. Wm. Schoning of Christiania, Norway, …
Study on Test Management System of UHV Transmission Tower Test Base

Both test data and information integral analysis and improvement of standardized management level need a uniform stage for information management.The paper introduces structure,key technology and primary functions of test management system of UHV transmission tower testing base. Results of application show that the system capability can meet testing requirements of test information management and lab management.
Toxicological safety assessment of deep-sea fish oil

[Objective]To assess the toxicological safety of deep-sea fish oil.[Methods]The toxicity was determined by transoral acute toxicity,genetic toxicity tests,and 30-day feeding experiment.[Results] The maximum tolerated dose(MTD) of deep-sea fish oil on male and female rats and mice were all larger than 15.0 g/kg.BW.The results of Ames test,mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and detection of chromosome aberration experiment were negative.No significant toxicity was observed by 30-day feeding experiment.[Conclusion]Deep-sea fish oil is a safe health food without toxicity and genetic toxicity.
Reflections on a psychoanalytic theory of gender difference

This article draws on the work of Nancy Chodorow, Dorothy Dinnerstein and Miriam Johnson to suggest some ways in which gender asymmetries in early childhood development lead to gender differences in later life.
Serum Bilirubin Levels and Developmental Outcome

The neurodevlopmental risks associated with neonatal total serum bilirubin levels of 25 mg/dL or higher in 140 affected infants were compared with 419 randomly selected controls from a cohort of term-infants born 1995-1998 in Kaiser Permanente hospitals in northern California.
Multibody Energy States With exact electron-electron interactions

In a class on quantum mechanics in 1964 at LSU a question was asked whether the potential energies of a multibody could be added up to give the energy state. It was stated that Vanagas was somewhat successful in using 2 body states. In 1971 two hypotheses were made using current Hilbert Space applied to the multibody Schrodinger’s Equation and the wave functions derived. The ground states of atoms with atomic number Z=2-20 were calculated and agreed with Hartree-Fox iterations. The success was due to the exact electron-electron interactions.
Metrics and measurement of trustworthy systems

Accurate measurement of the quality of systems is crucial to building trustworthy systems. Such a measurement indicates whether a system is working properly and meeting its requirements. Although security and dependability metrics are regarded as key metrics for measuring the quality of systems, they are not sufficient for measuring the quality of systems that are placed in a multi-domain environment including hardware, software, network, human factors, and physical environments. In order to embrace multidimensional aspects of the quality of a system, we introduce a trustworthiness metric framework that supports three key submetrics of trust, resilience, and agility, and propose an ontology-based framework with three corresponding sub-ontologies. We also discuss how the key metrics are related to the severity of threats and the quality of assessment tools. This work is part of the cyber defense effort conducted by the Trustworthy Systems Working Group (TSWG) under the Cyber Strategic Challenge Group (CSCG) of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), which is an international cooperation organization for enhancing defense science and technology.
Scanning Light Scattering Profiler (SLPS) Based Methodology to Quantitatively Evaluate Forward and Backward Light Scattering from Intraocular Lenses

The scanning light scattering profiler (SLSP) methodology has been developed for the full-angle quantitative evaluation of forward and backward light scattering from intraocular lenses (IOLs) using goniophotometer principles. This protocol describes the SLSP platform and how it employs a 360° rotational photodetector sensor that is scanned around an IOL sample while recording the intensity and location of scattered light as it passes through the IOL medium. The SLSP platform can be used to predict, non-clinically, the propensity for current and novel IOL designs and materials to induce light scatter. Non-clinical evaluation of light scattering properties of IOLs can significantly reduce the number of patient complaints related to unwanted glare, glistening, optical defects, poor image quality, and other phenomena associated with the unintended light scattering. Future studies should be conducted to correlate SLSP data with clinical results to help identify which measured light scatter is most problematic for patients that have undergone cataract surgery subsequent to IOL implantation.
Addressing the joint occurrence of self-selection and simultaneity biases in the estimation of program effects based on cross-sectional observational surveys: case study of travel behavior effects in carsharing

We estimate the effect of carsharing on travel behavior (specifically, household vehicle holdings, frequency of transit usage, and frequency of biking and walking) using data from the 2011–2012 California Household Travel Survey (CHTS). The effect of carsharing on vehicle ownership is a dynamic process that plays out over a period of time—past ownership influences enrollment decisions, which in turn influence holdings in a later period. Representing this process using cross-sectional data conflates causal effects with simultaneity bias. Further, members and non-members differ in various observed and unobserved ways—demographics, built environment of residential and workplace location, and attitudes—raising the potential for self-selection bias in comparing travel behavior between the two groups given the observational nature of the data. Drawing on established methods for dealing with each bias individually, we develop a method to help control for this joint occurrence of self-selection and simultaneity biases. Restricting the analysis to employed respondents residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, we find that 80% of the observed difference of 0.9 units in average vehicle holdings between carsharing non-members and members may be explained by the biases listed above. The remaining difference of 0.17 units reflects the estimated effect of carsharing, which is the equivalent of shedding one vehicle by about one out of every six households whose member(s) are enrolled in carsharing. The effect on transit usage and walking and biking frequency is positive, albeit small and statistically non-significant. We identify factors that may affect the internal and external validity of our results. Our methods cannot completely replace randomized experiments or panel data. However, the methods used here provide a way to help control for the joint occurrence of self-selection and simultaneity biases, and provide a ballpark estimate of causal effects, for large-scale, general-purpose, cross-sectional datasets such as the CHTS.
Probabilistic guarantees of execution duration for Amazon spot instances

In this paper we propose DrAFTS - a methodology for implementing probabilistic guarantees of instance reliability in the Amazon Spot tier. Amazon offers "unreliable" virtual machine instances (ones that may be terminated at any time) at a potentially large discount relative to "reliable" On-demand and Reserved instances. Our method predicts the "bid values" that users can specify to provision Spot instances which ensure at least a fixed duration of execution with a given probability. We illustrate the method and test its validity using Spot pricing data post facto, both randomly and using real-world workload traces. We also test the efficacy of the method experimentally by using it to launch Spot instances and then observing the instance termination rate. Our results indicate that it is possible to obtain the same level of reliability from unreliable instances that the Amazon service level agreement guarantees for reliable instances with a greatly reduced cost.
The systematic approach to ventricular ECG forward modeling for exploring the electro-physiological properties of myocyte

Background A considerable number of studies have focused on solving the inverse problem of ECG using various modeling techniques. Successful modeling uses mostly surface to surface mapping, considering the heart as a surface source or even a point source for the purpose of eliminating complexity of problem. However, many cardiovascular abnormalities cannot be fully understood or diagnosed without more understanding of cross-layer electrophysiological (EP) activities in the ventricle including the repolarization ECG waveform for diagnosis. Here, we propose a systematic approach to build a numeric model for ECG to explore the heterogeneous EP properties in ventricles. Methods If we consider too few parameters in the model, the simulation will be too far from clinical reality; but too many parameters impose a complex, clinically impractical model. Therefore, our idea is to start simple and add the parameters incrementally, while validating the physiological parameters to specific ECG waveform features at each stage. Thus, we start from a simple model for the horizontal plane of the ventricle with only carefully selected crucial parameters and lowest resolution. The ventricle is formed in simple geometric shapes (eclipses and straight lines) formulated by mathematical equations, so we can easily expand to a 3-D model in the next stage. The action potential waveform is simplified to have action potential duration (APD) as the only parameter. Various hypotheses on depolarization conduction speed are also implemented for exploration. The distribution of fast pacing fibers was tested using peak-to-peak duration simulated from the 2-D model. The actual ECG waveform has to come from the 3-D model to include variable excited voltage levels in the vertical dimension. Results The resulting depolarization time contours in various ECG patterns closely match the literature (Strauss & Selvester). For example, the ECG derived from the model explains the polarity change between QRS and ST-T due to bundle branch block. Having 3 layers of APD is shown to be a valid conjecture. Volumetric conductivity is crucial for a realistic ECG waveform, and will require more fundamental research. Conclusion We proposed a method that is able to systematically build a robust model of ECG that captures both the reality and clinical feasibility for ECG, suggesting that models incorporating repolarization data can be useful in different applications such as improving ECG diagnostic accuracy, documenting ECG changes in response to pharmacologic interventions, and potentially stratifying patients for clinical trials.
Tibial Nerve Stimulation to Drive Genital Sexual Arousal in an Anesthetized Female Rat.

Abstract Background There is clinical evidence that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation can positively benefit women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder, yet no studies have explored the potential mechanisms further. Aim To investigate the effect of tibial nerve stimulation on vaginal blood perfusion (VBP) in an anesthetized rat model. Methods 16 ketamine-anesthetized rats were surgically implanted with a nerve cuff electrode on 1 tibial nerve. The tibial nerve was stimulated for 30 minutes continuously or non-continuously at a frequency of 10 to 25 Hz. Outcomes VBP was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry and analyzed using a wavelet transform of time-frequency representations with a focus on the neurogenic energy range (0.076–0.200 Hz). Results 25 of 33 (75.8%) stimulation periods had at least a 500% increase in laser Doppler flowmetry neurogenic energy compared with baseline. This increase was most common within 20 to 35 minutes after the start of stimulation. There was no statistically significant difference for frequency used or estrous cycle stage. Clinical Translation The results of this study provide further support for percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as an alternative treatment option for women with genital arousal aspects of female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Strengths and Limitations This study successfully demonstrates the ability of tibial nerve stimulation to increase VBP. However, further studies to determine parameter optimization and to illuminate neural mechanisms are needed. Further studies also are necessary to determine effects of repeated stimulation sessions. Conclusion Long-duration tibial stimulation was successful at driving increases in the neurogenic component of VBP, providing evidence that tibial nerve stimulation could be used to treat genital arousal aspects of female sexual interest/arousal disorder by improving pelvic blood flow. Zimmerman LL, Rice IC, Berger MB, Bruns TM. Tibial Nerve Stimulation to Drive Genital Sexual Arousal in an Anesthetized Female Rat. J Sex Med 2018;15:296–303.
ON SOLUTION OF LINEAR TIME-VARYING SYSTEMS

In this paper, several solvable classes of linear time-varying systems are identified and explicit methods for finding their solutions are given. It is also shown that any linear time-varying system can be transformed into an algebraically equivalent commutative lineartime-varying system or a time-invariant system, provided that an appropriate nonsingular(time-varying)algebraic transformation can be found. Consequently it is concluded that the commutativity of a linear time-varying system is not an inherent property of a dynamic system, but rather is a representative property.
Race, Sex, Age, and Regional Differences in the Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Atrial Fibrillation: Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study.

Study Objectives:To examine the cross-sectional association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk and atrial fibrillation (AF) in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (R...
NanoARG: A web service for identification of antimicrobial resistance elements from nanopore-derived environmental metagenomes

ABSTRACT Direct selection pressures imposed by antibiotics, indirect pressures by co-selective agents, and horizontal gene transfer are fundamental drivers of the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, effective environmental monitoring tools should ideally capture not only antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but also mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and indicators of co-selective forces, such as metal resistance genes (MRGs). Further, a major challenge towards characterizing potential human risk is the ability to identify bacterial host organisms, especially human pathogens. Historically, short reads yielded by next-generation sequencing technology has hampered confidence in assemblies for achieving these purposes. Here we introduce NanoARG, an online computational resource that takes advantage of long reads produced by MinION nanopore sequencing. Specifically, long nanopore reads enable identification of ARGs in the context of relevant neighboring genes, providing relevant insight into mobility, co-selection, and pathogenicity. NanoARG allows users to upload sequence data online and provides various means to analyze and visualize the data, including quantitative and simultaneous profiling of ARG, MRG, MGE, and pathogens. NanoARG is publicly available and freely accessible at http://bench.cs.vt.edu/nanoARG.
Inducible knockout of CHUK/IKKα in adult chondrocytes reduces progression of cartilage degradation in a surgical model of osteoarthritis

CHUK/IKKα contributes to collagenase-driven extracellular matrix remodeling and chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation in vitro, in a kinase-independent manner. These processes contribute to osteoarthritis (OA), where chondrocytes experience a phenotypic shift towards hypertrophy concomitant with abnormal matrix remodeling. Here we investigated the contribution of IKKα to OA in vivo. To this end, we induced specific IKKα knockout in adult chondrocytes in AcanCreERT2/+; IKKαf/f mice treated with tamoxifen (cKO). Vehicle-treated littermates were used as wild type controls (WT). At 12 weeks of age, WT and cKO mice were subjected to the destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) model of post-traumatic OA. The cKO mice showed reduced cartilage degradation and collagenase activity and fewer hypertrophy-like features at 12 weeks after DMM. Interestingly, in spite of the protection from structural articular cartilage damage, the postnatal growth plates of IKKα cKO mice after DMM displayed abnormal architecture and composition associated with increased chondrocyte apoptosis, which were not as evident in the articular chondrocytes of the same animals. Together, our results provide evidence of a novel in vivo functional role for IKKα in cartilage degradation in post-traumatic OA, and also suggest intrinsic, cell-autonomous effects of IKKα in chondrocytes that control chondrocyte phenotype and impact on cell survival, matrix homeostasis, and remodeling.
Social Participation Among Adults With Disability

Date Presented 04/05/19 The aim of this study is to determine the correlates of social participation among older adults with disability. Participation in social activities is associated with improved health. Initial findings show that social participation is associated with mobility. This can be used as evidence to advocate for clients to receive necessary services to improve their social participation. Such evidence can be used in practice and possible policy formulation. Primary Author and Speaker: John Liu
Measuring and improving quality in early care and education

Abstract For decades, research on the quality of early care and education has helped identify features of those settings that play some role in promoting children’s learning and development. We offer this brief commentary as a framework for considering not only the topic and papers in this special issue, but more importantly, as a motivating heuristic for next generation of research and development on the assessment and improvement of measuring quality. First, we present some observations on the contemporary debates about quality, including a discussion of effect sizes, causality, conducting "horse race" analyses, and bringing measures to scale. We then argue that making progress towards measuring quality requires the field to think carefully about the focus of assessment, tradeoffs between reliability and validity, the diversity of the classroom and teachers, and scientific and technical advances. Absent these considerations, individually and in terms of their integrative links, discussions or presentations of "new and improved" measures of quality will not help advance the understanding and appropriate use of such instruments.
Abstract MP11: Effects of Metformin and Behavioral Weight Loss on the Gut Microbiome

Background: Evidence suggests metformin and behavioral weight loss alter the gut microbiome, with weight loss associated with higher diversity and metformin with higher Escherichia Coli. Yet random...
Cyril H. Wecht, M.D., J.D., Honoree of the 1996 Career Achievements Award, New York Society of Forensic Sciences at Lehman College

In honor of the 65th meeting of the New York Society of Forensic Sciences (NYSFS) at Lehman College, Bronx, New York on April 17, 1996, Dr. Cyril H. Wecht was the recipient of the 6th career achievements award for his contributions to forensic pathology and legal medicine (Fig. 1). About 50 members of the organization turned out for the dinner and lecture in honor of Dr. Wecht.
Predictions of AIS3+ Thoracic Risks for Belted Occupants in Full-Engagement, Real-World Frontal Impacts: Sensitivity to Various Theoretical Risk Curves

A new, AlS3+ thoracic risk equation based on chest deflection was derived and assessed for drivers subjected to concentrated (belt-like) loading. The new risk equation was derived from analysis of an existing database of post mortem human subjects in controlled, laboratory sled tests. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed on a subset of the data, namely, 25th-75th percentile men (by weight) from 36-65 years old whose thoracic deformation patterns were due to concentrated (belt-like) loading. Other subsets of data had insufficient size to conduct the analysis. The resulting thoracic risk equation was adjusted to predict the AlS3+ thoracic risks for average-aged occupants in frontal crashes (i.e., 30 years old). Biomechanical scaling was used to derive the corresponding relationships for the small female and large male dummies. The new thoracic risk equations and three other sets of existing equations were evaluated as predictors of real-world crash outcomes. Specifically, thoracic risks associated with belt-only drivers in 1985-1997 model year passenger cars were derived via the four different sets of equations. Comparisons were made from two standpoints: (1) point estimates for 48 km/h potentially barrier-like frontal crashes and (2) aggregate risk estimates derived from simulations of full-engagement, non-rollover, tow-away frontal crashes through 56 km/h. In both cases, the new risk equation agreed with field results. Moreover, an existing thoracic risk equation with a commonly held assumption was shown to significantly overstate observed thoracic field risks.
On the calculation of generalized Reed-Muller canonical expansions from disjoint cube representation of Boolean functions

An algorithm that converts disjoint cube representation of Boolean functions into fixed-polarity generalized Reed-Muller expansions (GRME) is presented. Since the known fast algorithm that generates the GRME based on the factorization of the Reed-Muller transform matrix always start from the truth table (minterm) of Boolean function, then the described method has an advantage due to smaller required computer memory. Moreover, for the Boolean functions described by only a few disjoint cubes the method is much more efficient than the fast algorithm. >
Fast and accurate feature selection using hybrid genetic strategies

When dealing with object classification, each object is defined by a set of features (characteristics) that classify the object to a particular class. The problem is how to choose the best subset of characteristics that provide an accurate classification. Previous research has shown that decision tables are as accurate as C4.5 for classification purposes. Two different genetic search techniques, CHC and CF/RSC, are applied to this problem. Results shows that CF/RSC and decision tables are a very good combination when dealing with large feature spaces. Results also suggest that CHC is better when used for problems with noise added to the features.
Improving the Bulk Formula for Sea-Surface Fluxes

Abstract : Derive a more flexible form of the bulk formula for sea-surface fluxes that does not require compliance with Monin-Obukhov similarity theory nor definition of the surface roughness length. The most important objectives are to generalize the bulk formula to: (a) better approximate fluxes for stable weak-wind cases to accommodate the influence of unresolved mesoscale motions, (b) account for reduced efficiency of moisture fluxes over cooler water, (c) allow for confused seas and weak winds dominated by mesoscale motions through probability distributions of transfer coefficients and (d) re-examine the bulk for formula for strong wind conditions.
Crystal structure of an 82-nucleotide RNA–DNA complex formed by the 10-23 DNA enzyme

The structure of a large nucleic acid complex formed by the 10-23 DNA enzyme bound to an RNA substrate was determined by X-ray diffraction at 3.0 A resolution. The 82-nucleotide complex contains two strands of DNA and two strands of RNA that form five double-helical domains. The spatial arrangement of these helices is maintained by two four-way junctions that exhibit extensive base-stacking interactions and sharp turns of the phosphodiester backbone stabilized by metal ions coordinated to nucleotides at these junctions. Although it is unlikely that the structure corresponds to the catalytically active conformation of the enzyme, it represents a novel nucleic acid fold with implications for the Holliday junction structure.
An Environmental Justice Framework for Indigenous Tourism

Environmental tourism is a growing practice in indigenous communities worldwide. As members of indigenous communities, what environmental justice framework should we use to evaluate these practices? I argue that, while some of the most relevant and commonly discussed norms are fair compensation and participative justice, we should also follow Robert Figueroa’s claim that “recognition justice” is relevant for environmental justice. I claim that from Figueroa’s analysis there is a “norm of direct participation,” which requires all environmental tourism practices to feature a forum for meaningful representation and consideration. This claim motivates a distinction between practices that should be termed “mutually advantageous exploitation” and those that should be termed “environmental coalition development.” We need to ask ourselves whether we should continue to tolerate mutually advantageous exploitation and how we can increase the number of practices that develop coalitions.
Sleep and learning in animal models

Publisher Summary Learning and memory can be broadly classified as comprising two distinct types, typically referred to as “declarative” and “non-declarative” memory. Declarative memory stores information for facts, episodes, and associations among arbitrarily different stimuli and is available for conscious recollection. In contrast, non-declarative memory refers to the simple forms of conditioning, priming, and the ability to acquire skills and procedures, and typically involves unconscious processes. Behavioral, electrophysiological, and anatomical studies in animals, in conjunction with clinical studies in humans, have led to the proposal that several neural systems in the brain exist and function simultaneously and independently to process and store information in parallel. The overwhelming evidence derived from sleep deprivation and sleep modification paradigms points to sleep and its component stages as an important modulator of the acquisition and retention of learned behaviors. The hippocampus and related medial temporal lobe structures are essential for declarative memory, while the amygdala and matrix compartment of the dorsal striatum (caudate-putamen) are primarily implicated in nondeclarative forms of memory.
The Past is Prologue: Reflections on 40-Plus Years of System Dynamics Modeling Practice

What lessons might a body of work recognized for “Lifetime Achievements” offer to a new generation of system dynamics modelers? In what areas are future contributions of system dynamics most needed and likely to have the greatest impact? My life goals have been the design of effective public policy systems and the remediation of ineffective ones. Searching for a practice – an “engineering” or “curative” discipline that would facilitate the attainment of those goals led me to system dynamics modeling. A chronicling of three projects focusing, respectively, on global modeling, conflict-development linkages, and Singapore’s improbable resilience, illustrate system dynamics modeling principles, applications and lessons learned. China represents an important new frontier for system dynamics modeling and modelers to contribute to the survival and well-being of the human species.
Cervical Cancer Screening, Pelvic Examinations, and Contraceptive Use Among Adolescent and Young Adult Females

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize the association between pelvic examination and adolescent contraceptive method use in two time periods in the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Methods Using data from the 2006–2010 NSFG, we used descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models to examine the association between pelvic examination and/or Pap smear and use of effective or highly effective contraceptive methods during two time periods (2006–2008 and 2008–2010). We used the design characteristics of the NSFG to produce population estimates. Results More than half (57.3%) of our target population reported that they had a pelvic examination and/or Pap smear in the preceding 12 months. After considering health service use, pregnancy history, and demographic characteristics, receipt of pelvic/Pap remained significantly associated with use of effective or highly effective methods of contraception. Adjusted odds ratio = 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–2.97. When we examined the relationship between pelvic/Pap and use of effective or highly effective methods within time periods, we found that the odds of effective contraception use were higher among adolescents who had received a Pap/pelvic examination in Period 1 (June 2006–May 2008) but not in Period 2 (June 2008–May 2010). Odds ratio = 3.05; 95% CI, 1.53–6.03 and odds ratio = 1.52; 95% CI, .88–2.62, Periods 1 and 2 respectively. Conclusions This finding provides some reassurance that although indications for pelvic examination and Pap smear among adolescents have decreased, the previously documented association between pelvic examination and effective or highly effective contraception appears to have decreased.
Beyond negative affectivity: Measuring stress and satisfaction in the workplace.

Stress researchers frequently use self-report measures to assess stress, health, psychological adjustment, and subjective dissatisfaction. We present evidence demonstrating that all of these variables are highly intercorrelated and reflect a common underlying factor of Negative Affectivity (NA). NA is a stable and pervasive personality dimension-high NA individuals report more stress, distress and physical complaints, even in the absence of any objective stressor or health problem. Thus, NA may operate as a substantial nuisance factor in many areas of research. To circumvent its influence, investigators can use non-subjective measures of stress and health. Finally, we present a two-factor model of stress and satisfaction that includes, in addition to NA, the independent factor of Positive Affectivity (PA), a trait reflecting positive feelings about oneself and one's life.
Vaginal acidity (in vivo glass electrode measurements) in late pregnancy and its relation to the vaginal flora

Abstract The glass electrode technique offers a rapid and convenient method for determining the pH at any desired level in the vagina. In late pregnancy the acidity is highest in the middle portion of the vagina, with the region just inside the introitus being somewhat less acid (see Table I), and the cervix and upper vaginal fornices having an alkaline or only slightly acid reaction. The latter situation is undoubtedly due to the admixture of cervical mucus. The acidity variations observed in the middle vagina correlate roughly with the type of vaginal flora, and apparently with the content of the vaginal bacilli of Doderlein. The monilia are most frequently present in the more acid discharges, while the trichomonads are favored by a less acid reaction. Consistent with this observation, it is generally true that the fungi are most easily cultivated from the middle vagina and the trichomonads from the upper portions near the cervix. Reported variations in the vaginal pH and in the asymptomatic presence of the trichomonads and the monilia under similar conditions and in comparable groups of patients may be explainable on this basis.
Childhood sexual abuse and its relationship to high-risk behavior in women volunteering for an HIV and STD prevention intervention.

This study examines the extent of childhood sexual abuse and its relationship to risky sexual and drug-using behaviors, condom use, and lifetime sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women volunteering for the WINGS intervention in New York City, Baltimore, and Seattle. Responses to structured interviews from 825 eligible women recruited from the community, clinics, and drug programs in 1995 and 1996 were analyzed. Thirty-eight percent to 66% of women across sites reported childhood sexual abuse before age 18. Q statistics and t tests measured the bivariate relationships between sexual abuse and outcomes. Then regression analysis was used to control for ethnicity and race, age, age at first intercourse, and site in predicting the adjusted effects of sexual abuse. Compared to nonabused women, abused women reported more lifetime partners, more episodes of different STDs, lower odds of using condoms at most recent sexual intercourse with main partners, and increased odds of using drugs or alcohol before sex. Researchers need to develop and test STD and HIV interventions tailored for victims of early sexual abuse and compare them with more general interventions for at-risk women.
Role of the gut microbiota in defining human health

The human superorganism is a conglomerate of mammalian and microbial cells, with the latter estimated to outnumber the former by ten to one and the microbial genetic repertoire (microbiome) to be approximately 100-times greater than that of the human host. Given the ability of the immune response to rapidly counter infectious agents, it is striking that such a large density of microbes can exist in a state of synergy within the human host. This is particularly true of the distal gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which houses up to 1000 distinct bacterial species and an estimated excess of 1 × 1014 microorganisms. An ever-increasing body of evidence implicates the GI microbiota in defining states of health and disease. Here, we review the literature in adult and pediatric GI microbiome studies, the emerging links between microbial community structure, function, infection and disease, and the approaches to manipulate this crucial ecosystem to improve host health.
Finding susceptibility genes for developmental disorders of speech: the long and winding road.

Abstract Finding susceptibility genes for complex disorders is the next major challenge facing genetics researchers. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate creative thinking about the gene-finding process for developmental speech disorders (DSDs), specifically disorders of articulation/phonology and stuttering. The paper will begin with a review of existing behavioral genetic studies of these phenotypes. This will be followed by a discussion of roadblocks that may impede the molecular study of DSDs, research that is in very early stages of development. As a third objective, the small number of molecular genetic studies of DSDs that have been published or presented will be described. The paper concludes with a discussion of research strategies that may maximize the success of molecular studies of speech phenotypes. It will be argued that progress will most likely be enhanced if theories about biological systems and processes can be used to narrow the search for candidate susceptibility genes. Learning outcomes The reader will be introduced to findings and conceptual issues that relate to the behavioral and molecular genetic investigation of DSDs. After completing this paper, readers should be able to (a) identify key epidemiological findings for the three speech phenotypes that were discussed (DAS, speech delay, and stuttering); (b) summarize the findings of the behavioral genetic studies of speech disorders that were presented; (c) identify four specific challenges that may impede future molecular genetic studies of these phenotypes; (d) describe the methodological sequence that led to the discovery of the FOXP2 gene; and (e) summarize the two research strategies that were presented to potentially reduce sample heterogeneity for future molecular genetics research.
Defects in amorphous semiconductors

The concept of point defects in noncrystalline solids is not an easy one to grasp for anyone unfamiliar with the subject. One’s first impression might be that the structure of a glass or an amorphous thin film is totally defective!
Monoclonal antibodies directed against the envelope glycoproteins of La Crosse virus.

Abstract Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies directed against the envelope glycoproteins of La Crosse virus (LACV) were prepared. Two antibodies immunoprecipitated the 120 kDa virus attachment protein for vertebrate cells, G1, while five immunoprecipitated the 35 kDa G2 protein, whose function is currently unknown. Two monoclonal antibodies were obtained that specifically precipitated both G1 and G2 from [35S]cysteine labeled LACV infected cell lysates. The G2 specific monoclonal antibodies had high neutralizing titers when assayed in mosquito cells but limited ability to neutralize virus in mammalian cells. The G 1 G 2 specific antibodies neutralized virus infectivity in both vertebrate and invertebrate cells at high titers. These results suggest that G2 is involved in the interaction of virus with mosquito cells and that G1 and G2 may share a common structural epitope relevant to their role as attachment proteins in vertebrate and mosquito cells. Monoclonal antibodies directed against G2 or G 1 G 2 have not previously been reported and should be useful tools for characterizing the biological functions of these molecules in the divergent micro-environments of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.