cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical control — What is it?

Medical control is essentially divided into three phases: prospective, immediate and retrospective. Adequate medical supervision of any paramedic system is necessary to guarantee quality of medical care. Anything short of physician control of prehospital medical care would be to abdicate our responsibilities to our patients.
Characterization of a flavonol 3-O-methyltransferase in the trichomes of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites

The glandular trichomes of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites accumulate the polymethylated flavonol aglycones, 3,7,3'-O-methyl myricetin, 3,7,3',5'-O-methyl myricetin, and 3,7,3',4',5'-O-methyl myricetin. Partially methylated flavonol aglycones and partially methylated flavonol glycones containing a methyl group at the 3 position have been previously reported from a variety of plants. The 3-O-methyltransferase (3-OMT) activity has been previously partially purified from plants, but a gene transcript encoding an enzyme capable of methylating flavonols at the 3 position has not yet been identified, nor have been such proteins purified and characterized. We previously identified two gene transcripts expressed in the glandular trichomes of S. habrochaites and showed that they encode enzymes capable of methylating myricetin at the 3' and 5' and the 7 and 4' positions, respectively. Here we report the identification of gene transcripts expressed in S. lycopersicum (cultivated tomato) and in S. habrochaites glandular trichomes that encode enzymes capable of methylating myricetin, and its partially methylated derivatives exclusively at the 3 position. The S. habrochaites gene transcript is preferentially expressed in the glandular trichomes and it encodes a protein with high similarity to the S. habrochaites, 3'/5' O-methyltransferase which is also present in glandular trichomes. Phylogenic analysis suggests that the 3-OMT activity has probably evolved from an ancestral 3'/5' methyltransferase activity. The discovery and characterization of 3-OMT provides a more complete picture of the series of reactions leading to highly methylated myricetin compounds in S. habrochaites glandular trichomes.
In Comes I: Performance, Memory and Landscape

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Mike Pearson Year: 2007 Pages: 272 Publisher: University of Exeter Press ISBN: 978-0-85989-788-4 (soft cover). Prices: $34.95 USD(soft cover).
Testing the design: the evolution of test simulation

In work done in cooperation with Texas Instruments, Analogy, and Teradyne it has been demonstrated that a simulation of a complete test system when combined with design models of an integrated circuit can reduce the cycle time required to get a new product to market. This paper will describe the development of such a system, its inclusion in the design flow for new IC development, and the resulting improvements in new product introduction from the viewpoint of design and test.
Representation of Summertime Low-Level Jets in the Central United States by the NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis

Abstract Reanalysis datasets that are produced by assimilating observations into numerical forecast models may contain unrealistic features owing to the influence of the underlying model. The authors have evaluated the potential for such errors to affect the depiction of summertime low-level jets (LLJs) in the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis by comparing the incidence of LLJs over 7 yr (1992–98) in the reanalysis to hourly observations obtained from the NOAA Wind Profiler Network. The profiler observations are not included in the reanalysis, thereby providing an independent evaluation of the ability of the reanalysis to represent LLJs. LLJs in the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis exhibit realistic spatial structure, but strong LLJs are infrequent in the lee of the Rocky Mountains, causing substantial bias in LLJ frequency. In this region the forecast by the reanalysis model diminishes the ageostrophic wind, forcing the analysis scheme to restore the ageostrophic wind. The authors recommend sensitivity tests of LLJ simulations b...
Automatic Partitioning of Object-Oriented Programs for Resource-Constrained Mobile Devices with Multiple Distribution Objectives

We describe a system that takes monolithic Java programs as its input and automatically converts them into distributed Java programs. Our research is situated in the context of resource-constrained mobile devices, in which there are often multiple distribution objectives, such as minimizing energy consumption on mobile devices by off loading workloads to a stationary server, or minimizing total execution time. Our method initially constructs an object relation graph (ORG), using a combination of static analysis and offline profiling. Instead of directly partitioning this ORG, we then transform it into a target graph (TG) to abstract from concrete distribution infrastructures and objectives. By applying this two-layer graph modeling, we achieve a unified strategy for different partitioning goals. Preliminary benchmarks for our prototype implementation are highly promising, with an average speedup factor of almost 1.5 and an average energy savings of 83.5% for the beneficial benchmarks.
Face recognition base on KPCA with polynomial kernels

Kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), a improving of PCA, is used in face recognition. The paper describes the use of kernel principal component analysis with polynomial kernels to extracts face image features in high-dimensional spaces. KPCA extracts feature set more suitable for categorization than classical Principal Component Analysis does. The experiments on the ORL and Yale face database demonstrate that KPCA is good at dimensional reduction, and it achieves better performance than classical Principal Component Analysis does, the highest correct recognition rate is 99%.
Motives of Negro Americans Who Aspire to Traditionally Open and Closed Occupations

The aspirations of Negro American college students to occupations which traditionally have been open or closed to them were examined as functions of (a) the predominantly middle or working class status of the college attended and (b) individual differences in achievement, affiliation, and power motivation. Among Negro students in a middle class Negro college aspiration to traditionally open occupations was associated with weak affiliation motivation and aspiration to traditionally closed occupations with strong affiliation motivation. Among students attending a predominantly working class Negro college strong achievement motivation and strong power motivation were related to aspiration to traditionally closed occupations. It was inferred that the personality basis for occupational integration may differ as a function of the social class milieu in which the Negro student is functioning at the time he makes occupational decisions. Replication on minorities in other nations is suggested.
Ontological Arguments for Satan and Other Sorts of Evil Beings

Over the years it has been suggested that it is possible to construct deductive arguments for the existence of Satan and other sorts of evil beings, modelled on Anselm's argument in the Proslogium. From time to time such suggestions and similar proposals have also appeared in print. In my judgment, such suggestions and proposals are ill-conceived, misguided and foolish. My reasons for this judgment are all implicitly contained in Anselm's Proslogium or in his reply to Gaunilon. When examined in light of Anselm's insights, arguments for the existence of Satan and other sorts of evil beings turn out to be unsound.
Family responsibility initiatives and justice between age groups.

Only one of the Ten Commandments offers a reward. We should honor our parents, we are told, so that our days may be long. When the federal or state governments appeal to traditional religious and family values, however, we should look to the costs and not the benefits. In Hawaii, House Resolution 54 would seek to reinstate a relative responsibility law that was repealed in 1965; the immediate concern is to correct a $30 million shortfall in Medicaid. In Massachusetts, a pending bill, House Bill 1753, would make each “responsible relative” of a Medicaid recipient residing in a nursing home accountable for up to 25 percent of the amount paid, although the total collected from all responsible relatives must not exceed 100 percent of Medicaid payments. According to the bill, responsible relatives are spouses, natural and adoptive children, or natural or adoptive parents of blind or disabled children under 18.
Probenecid as a Noninjurious Positive Inotrope in an Ischemic Heart Disease Murine Model

The current therapeutic options for acute decompensated heart failure are limited to afterload reducers and positive inotropes. The latter increases myocardial contractility through changes in myocyte calcium (Ca²⁺) handling (mostly through stimulation of the β-adrenergic pathways [β-ADR]) and is associated with paradoxical effects of arrhythmias, cell death, and subsequently increased mortality. We have previously demonstrated that probenecid can increase cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels in the cardiomyocyte resulting in an improved inotropic response in vitro and in vivo without activating the β-ADR system. We hypothesize that, in contrast to other commonly used inotropes, probenecid functions through a system separate from that of β-ADR and hence will increase contractility and improve function without damaging the heart. Furthermore, our goal was to evaluate the effect of probenecid on cell death in vitro and its use in vivo as a positive inotrope in a mouse model of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Herein, we demonstrate that probenecid induced an influx of Ca²⁺ similar to isoproterenol, but does not induce cell death in vitro. Through a series of in vivo experiments we also demonstrate that probenecid can be used at various time points and with various methods of administration in vivo in mice with myocardial ischemia, resulting in improved contractility and no significant difference in infarct size. In conclusion, we provide novel data that probenecid, through its activity on cellular Ca²⁺ levels, induces an inotropic effect without causing or exacerbating injury. This discovery may be translatable if this mechanism is preserved in man.
First do no harm: Ethical principles for youth mentoring relationships

Mentoring programs pair youth who are perceived to be at risk for poor outcomes with volunteers who are trained to provide support. Although mentoring has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, the ethical challenges inherent in relationship-based interventions have been given insufficient attention among researchers and practitioners. Rarely acknowledged is the potential for harm that poorly implemented mentoring relationships can render. To redress this problem, a set of ethical principles for volunteer mentors is presented. They are derived, in part, from the American Psychological Association’s (2002) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct as well as ethical codes that have been formulated to guide other paraprofessionals and volunteers in community settings. A description of these principles and their application to youth mentoring is provided.
Anomalies of Left Coronary Artery Origin Affecting Surgical Repair of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Shone Complex

There has traditionally been less concern regarding coronary anomalies with left-sided congenital heart lesions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)or Shone complex than with other lesions. However, coronary anomalies in this setting can profoundly affect surgical intervention, particularly when surgical repair involves the ascending aorta. We describe four patients with congenital left-sided heart lesions in which left coronary artery (LCA) anomalies substantially affected intervention and outcome. In the first two cases, the coronary anomalies were not identified prospectively and resulted in surgical injury directly to the coronary or to its surrounding region. In the latter two cases, successful identification of the coronary anomaly preoperatively allowed for modification of surgical technique and/or intervention. We conclude that detailed coronary artery assessment should be part of the routine echocardiographic evaluation of congenital left-sided heart lesions that require surgery.
Compound matrix method for eigenvalue problems in multiple connected domains

SUMMARY An algorithm based on a compound matrix method is presented for solving difficult eigenvalue problems of n equation sets in connected domains that are coupled through (n - 1) sets of interfacial boundary conditions, when n is an arbitrary number. As an example, a linear stability problem of n-layer plane Poiseuille flow is formulated. The resulting Orr-Sommerfeld equations form a set of stiff differential equations at high wavenumbers, which are solved accurately for various combinations of parameters. and Davey' for two-point boundary value problems and eigenvalue problems of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. These investigations computed eigenvalues and eigenfunctions with marginal errors where standard shooting methods failed. Yiantsios and Higgins6 extended the method to equation sets valid over two connected domains that are coupled through interfacial conditions; in particular, they solved the Orr-Sommerfeld equations for two superposed fluids in plane Poiseuille flow. However, since the eigenvalues are obtained by matching the interfacial boundary conditions, the method is unsuitable for computations in more than two domains connected by interfacial boundary conditions. Here, the compound matrix method is implemented for n equation sets that are valid over connected domains through (n - 1) sets of interfacial boundary conditions, where n is arbitrary. Instead of matching boundary conditions at a particular interface for finding eigenvalues, the integration of the compound differential system proceeds with new initial conditions at an interface for the compound differential system of the next domain. Subsequently, the eigenvalues are computed by matching the boundary conditions at the end of the last domain. This general algorithm for finding eigenpairs is used in the linear stability analysis of n-layer, Newtonian, plane Poiseuille flow, for which resulting differential systems are known to be stiff at large wavenumbers.
Fluid flow and solute transport in the permeate channel of a synthetic nanomembrane

The transient effects which originate from the absence of solute in the solution contained in the permeate channel downstream of a synthetic nanomembrane at the start of an ultrafiltration experiment is modeled, with detailed consideration of the concentration distribution of the solute and the role of convective and diffusive fluxes. Owing to the above transient phenomena, the observed sieving coefficients will appear to depend upon time, which can adversely affect the evaluation of membrane selectivity. The velocity field, which originates from the filtering solution entering the permeate channel through its interface with the membrane is calculated analytically and used in the numerical solution for the resultant concentration distribution. The results of the distributed model with convective and diffusive fluxes are compared with those from two different approaches (a) a lumped parameter approach which ignores the existence of spatial gradients in the permeate channel, and (b) an approach which neglects convective fluxes within the channel in comparison to diffusive fluxes. The lumped parameter approach provides useful estimates of the filtration time required to reach steady state for solutes of different radii. For !
Integrated movable micromechanical structures for sensors and actuators

Movable pin-joints, gears, springs, cranks, and slider structures with dimensions measured in micrometers have been fabricated using silicon microfabrication technology. These micromechanical structures, which have important transducer applications, are batch-fabricated with an IC-compatible process. The movable mechanical elements are built on layers that are later removed so that they are freed for translation and rotation. An undercut-and-refill technique, which makes use of the high surface mobility of silicon atoms undergoing chemical vapor deposition, is used to refill undercut regions in order to form restraining flanges. Typical element sizes and masses are measured in micrometers and nanograms. The process provides the tiny structures in an assembled form avoiding the nearly impossible challenge of handling such small elements individually. >
Music Recommendation Mapping and Interface Based on Structural Network Entropy

Recommendation systems generally produce the results of their output to their users in the form of an ordinal list. In the interest of simplicity, these lists often obscure, abstract, or omit many relevant metrics pertaining to the measured "strength" of the recommendations or the relationships the recommended items share with each other. This information is often useful for coming to a better understanding of the nature of how the items are structured according to the recommendation data. This paper describes the ZMDS algorithm, a novel way of analyzing the fundamental network structure of recommendation results. Furthermore, it also describes a nonlinear repulsion plot method as a utility for mapping and interacting with the results generated by the ZMDS algorithm on music recommendation data. A novel "recommendation map" Web application implements both the ZMDS algorithm and the repulsion plot interface and are offered as an example of both components working together.
Reading Level of Drug Information Printouts: A Barrier to Effective Communication of Patient Medication Information

This study examined the reading level of drug information printouts supplied by a hospital pharmacy, an outpatient clinic, and two retail pharmacies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences in reading level exist among various providers of patient medication information and whether these differences are a barrier to effective communication of patient medication information. The Simplified Measure of Gobbledy-gook (SMOG) index of readability was calculated for each sample to provide a grade-level indication of reading difficulty. The SMOG readability analysis predicts 90% to 100% comprehension and has been used extensively to analyze health-oriented literature. The results indicated a statistically significant difference among the reading level of medication printouts from four providers. Findings indicated that medication printouts were written 3.95 grade levels above the reading comprehension level of 90 million Americans, roughly 47% of the United States population. The reading level of drug information printouts is a barrier which may significantly impair or prevent these patients from receiving or being able to effectively utilize health care services, including prescription medications, which may be essential to their survival.
Ribosomal DNA replication in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have employed genetic and two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoretic methods to identify replication initiation, pausing, and termination sites in the tandem ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. An autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) element, ars3001, maps to a 2.3-kb restriction fragment spanning the junction between the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) and the external transcribed spacer upstream of the ribosomal RNA genes, and 2D gel analysis shows that replication initiates in the NTS portion of the same fragment. A pause region at the 3' end of the rRNA genes inhibits forks from entering these genes counter to the direction of transcription. Thus, most forks move through the genes in the same direction as transcription. In these respects, fission yeast rDNA replication resembles that in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and in multicellular eukaryotic organisms. A feature which, so far, has been detected only in fission yeast is the pausing of replication forks in a broad region near the 5.8S rRNA gene.
Daphnia grazing, the clear water phase, and implications of minerogenic particles in Onondaga Lake

We evaluated the influence of Daphnia grazing on water clarity in Onondaga Lake, New York, by testing 2 related hypotheses: (1) that the high clarity (Secchi disk depth [SD]) events observed in 18 years of a 27-year record were occurrences of the clear water phase (CWP) associated with elevated levels of Daphnia grazing, and (2) that reductions in minerogenic (i.e., inorganic) particle concentrations and the accompanying reductions in light scattering (quantified by b m ) due to grazing contributed importantly to the SD signatures of the CWPs. Our analysis is based on a 27-year record of the Daphnia population, SD, and the concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl- a ), as well as shorter-term characterizations of minerogenic particle concentrations in the lake and application of an optical theory-based SD model previously tested for the lake. The first hypothesis is supported by (a) the consistency of seasonal patterns of Chl- a , SD, and Daphnia biomass, (b) the consistency of Daphnia biomass maxima with literature values associated with the CWP, (c) the positive relationships demonstrated between interannual differences in Daphnia biomass (and estimated grazing rates) and peak SD and duration of high clarity events, and (d) because during CWPs, estimated grazing rates exceed by a wide margin reasonable maximum values of phytoplankton growth rates. The second hypothesis is supported by (a) demonstration that the minerogenic particle sizes responsible for b m (and so its influence on SD) are within the size range subject to Daphnia grazing, and (b) application of the SD model, in the context of SD and Chl- a observations, showing that a reduction in b m is necessary to explain the high SD values observed during CWPs. Finally, a review of the growing literature on the contribution of b m to the overall particle scattering coefficient in various lakes suggests that minerogenic particles are often important to the SD signature of CWPs.
Orthostatically Induced Seizures: An Unusual Case Report

(1981). Orthostatically Induced Seizures: An Unusual Case Report. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 103-113.
Image transmission over cognitive radio systems with channel and sensing uncertainty

This paper studies the performance of hierarchical modulation-based image transmission over cognitive radio systems operating with imperfect channel sensing results and also imperfect channel state information (CSI) regarding the interference link between the secondary transmitter and primary receiver. First, closed-form bit error rate (BER) expressions for high priority (HP) data and low priority (LP) data are derived. Subsequently, the optimal power control policies which minimize the weighted sum of upper bounds on average BERs of HP bits and LP bits subject to peak/average transmit power and average interference power constraints are determined under the assumption of imperfect CSI of the interference link. The effects of power levels of pilot signals used for channel estimation and the impact of imperfect channel sensing decisions on the performance of cognitive transmissions are analyzed in terms of the received image quality and number of retransmissions.
Geographical Patterns of Soil Lead Contamination in La Oroya, Peru (P04.232)

OBJECTIVE: Quantify the extent of soil lead contamination and use geostatistical and GIS methods to identify high-priority areas for lead mitigation efforts. BACKGROUND: Past lead mining operations have created a public health crisis in La Oroya, Peru. Studies have shown elevated mean blood lead levels in populations living near metallurgic facilities. Clinician have observed an increased incidence of delayed language and motor skills among children in these regions. Programs aimed at mitigating lead exposure have been limited by lack of data regarding extent of contamination. DESIGN/METHODS: The study area was divided into 4 sites with a total area of 150km2. A total of 145 surface soil samples were collected, geocoded and analyzed using ICP-AES. For each sample, variables include land use, distance from metallurgic complex and population density. Multivariate and geostatistical analysis were applied to describe and provide interpolated data to develop maps that depict soil lead contamination in relation to population density and land use. RESULTS: The mean soil lead concentration in La Oroya Antigua was 3574 ppm, 3129 ppm in La Oroya Nueva, 1477 ppm in Santa Rosa de Sacco, and 854 ppm in Mayupampa. The mean soil lead concentration in residential/school land was 2987 ppm, 1989 ppm in cultivable land and 2879 ppm in non-cultivable land. The mean soil lead concentration decreased exponentially with distance from metallurgic facilities. GIS mapping showed that 85% of land surveyed and 67% of land with the highest population density exceeded the EPA hazard level. The areas at highest risk were located around the metallurgic facilities, and followed a SW direction. CONCLUSIONS: The probability map shows that populations near the metallurgic facilities are at highest risk for lead exposure. Yet, the risk extends well beyond this region following an elliptical shape in the SW direction. Thus, lead mitigation efforts may require a broader scope than initially thought. Supported by: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Medical Student Enrichment Program. Disclosure: Dr. Kannan has nothing to disclose.
Parameter free prediction of rheological properties of homopolymer melts by dynamic Monte carlo simulation

A biased Monte Carlo method is developed to simulate shear flow of linear homopolymers between neutral hard walls. Simulations are conducted on a face- centered cubic (FCC) lattice at full occupancy (φ = 1) using a modified version of Pakula's cooperative motion (COMOTION) algorithm. As chain lengths are increased under quiescent conditions, a clear crossover in chain dynamics from Rouse behavior to reptation-like behavior is revealed in characteristic correlation functions. Shear flow is simulated through the use of a biasing technique that favors segmental movement in the direction of flow; this combination of cooperative motion with flow is referred to as the COMOFLO algorithm. Using this technique, rheological properties are calculated as a function of shear rate and chain length. The viscosity and the first and second normal stress coefficients are calculated and found to be consistent with well-established experimental facts. The zero-shear viscosity scales linearly with low molecular weights (η0 ∼ N 1.0 ) and scales to the 3.5 power at higher molecular weights (η0 ∼ N 3.5 ). This crossover in viscosity scaling occurs at the same chain lengths (N ∼ 150) as the transition in chain dynamics. Because the simulations are conducted in the athermal limit, there are no parameter inputs. The known observable linear viscoelastic rheological properties of polymer melts are thus predicted in an a priori fashion.
Forecasting of the Quantity of Grain Reserve in China in the Next 10 Years

Based on discussing the reasons for different reserve quantity,the grain consumption and production in China were analyzed.The grain production was forecasted by using stable trend analysis method,the scale of absolute safety grain reserve in food crisis was obtained,as well as the acceptable fluctuation range in common situation.
Clinical Observation of Caudal Block Combined with General Anesthesia in Paediatric Laparoscopic Herniorrhaphy

Objective: To observe the effectiveness of caudal block combined with general anesthesia in paediatric laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.Methods:Fifty ASA Ⅰ~Ⅱ grade pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy were randomly divided into caudal block combined with general anesthesia group(Group Ⅰ) and general anesthesia group(Group Ⅱ).The mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR) and end tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure(PetCO2) in two groups before carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum,15 min after pneumoperitoneum and 10 min after rescission of pneumoperitoneum were recorded too.The consciouseness recovery time and tracheal extubation time in two groups were recorded too.The adverse reactions during anesthesia recovery period in each group were observed.Results:The MAP and HR in Group Ⅱ markedly rised 15 min after carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum,compared with that before pneumoperitoneum(P0.05).However,no significant change was found in Group Ⅰ.The PetCO2 in two groups was obviously higher than that before pneumoperitoneum(P0.05).The consciouseness recovery time and tracheal extubation time in Group Ⅰwere significantly shorter than those in Group Ⅱ(P0.05).Furthermore,the rate of restlessness during recovery in Group Ⅰ was less that in Group Ⅱ(P0.05).Conclusion:Caudal block combined with general anesthesia is effective and safe for paediatric laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.
12 Movement pattern clustering of patients with self-reported ankle instability during a jump task

Background Self-report instruments classify ankle instability (AI) by self-perceived symptoms and movement deficits however, movement neuromechanics in this patient population are quite variable. For this reason it is difficult to identify specific neuromechanical alterations that might lead to poor movement strategies and perpetuate AI. Objective To identify multiple clusters of lower extremity neuromechanics, representing movement patterns in patients with AI. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Research laboratory. Patients 100 subjects (22 ± 2 yrs) with a history of ankle sprains (4.4 ± 3.2), scored below 90% (83 ± 9) on the FAAM ADL, below 75% (62 ± 13) on the FAAM Sport, reported at least 2 “yes” responses (4 ± 1) on the MAII, and had no sprain in the previous 3 months. Interventions High-speed video (250 Hz) and force plate (2500 Hz) data were used to estimate sagittal and frontal plane ankle, knee, and hip angles and joint torques during 5 trials of a max vertical jump, onto a force plate, immediately followed by a lateral jump. EMG data (2000 Hz) were collected from lower extremity muscles. Main outcome measurements A curve or “function” was generated for each trial collected during the stance phase of the jump task. Relevant DVs were grouped according to their relationship of a movement pattern. Bayesian statistical modelling was used to create clusters from the functions. Functions were clustered using the multiple landmarks that characterised the grouped function. Cross-classification matrices were used to measure cluster dependences across the grouped variables. Results Distinct clusters were identified among the grouped variables. Summary functions/curves represent each distinct cluster. The maximum proportion of subjects sharing similar clusters from at least two different grouped variable characteristics (joint and plane) ranged from 0.10 to 0.58. Conclusions Multiple distinct joint torque functions were identified in a “homogenous” group of patients with self-reported AI, suggesting that multiple distinct neuromechanical alterations exist in an AI patient population. These data should be considered when using self-report instruments to identify AI, as these instruments may not be sensitive enough to provide evidence of a single movement strategy that places AI patients at risk. More data are needed to provide clinical identification techniques for each of the data clusters.
Conclusion and Future Considerations

The primary purpose of this book has been to examine how well theories of European integration explain developments in a particular issue area. The case study selected was the European Union’s (EU) influence in defense industry matters. Chapter 3 presented the extent of the EU’s activities in this area, concentrating on the historical evolution of EU competence and the roles played by the European Commission, Parliament, and Council of Ministers, with a particular emphasis on events occurring since the mid-1980s. Chapter 1 outlined the traditional theoretical approaches used to understand European integration. Chapters 2, 4, 5, and 6 concentrated on different variables that may have helped to shape the integration process: the industrial structure, international environment, domestic and interstate politics, and interest groups. These variables are among those emphasized by the different integration theories as the principal lenses through which the EU’s institutional development can be discerned. In this chapter, we will determine the relative importance of each of these variables in explaining the integration of Europe’s defense industry.
Efficacy of Prazosin in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective To consolidate the evidence from the literature to evaluate the role of prazosin in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data sources Major databases, including PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid PsycINFO, and Scopus, were searched through August 2015 for studies reporting the role of prazosin in the treatment of PTSD with no language constraints. Keywords included (PTSD OR posttraumatic stress OR posttraumatic stress OR nightmares) AND prazosin. Study selection Of 402 screened articles, 6 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data extraction Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data (study characteristics, type of intervention, outcome measures, and follow-up) from the included studies using a standardized data extraction form. Only randomized controlled trials comparing prazosin to a placebo or control group in patients with PTSD were included. Results The patients with PTSD receiving prazosin showed significant improvement in nightmares (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.72-1.30), overall PTSD symptoms (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.48-1.06), and clinical global improvement (SMD = 0.94; 95%, CI 0.6-1.29) compared to the placebo/control group. Prazosin improved sleep quality (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.55-1.19), hyperarousal symptoms (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.23-1.84), dream content (SMD = 1.33; 95% CI, 0.69-1.97), and total sleep time (60.98 minutes; 95% CI, 18.69-103.26). Prazosin was fairly well tolerated. Minor side effects were reported, which were similar between the prazosin and placebo groups. Conclusions This study suggests that prazosin improves nightmares and overall PTSD symptoms including hyperarousal, sleep disturbances, total sleep time, and sleep quality.
Mass balance analyses of nutrients on California dairies to evaluate data quality for regulatory review.

Abstract Effective regulations may help reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater from agriculture. Dairy farmers in California must maintain a ratio below 1.4 of total nitrogen (N) applied to total N-removed (N-Ratio) on cropland receiving manure application. In annual reports to the regulatory agency, farmers detail nutrients applied to cropland, removed in harvests, and exported off farm. Data were extracted from all available annual reports for 62 dairies from 2011, 2012, and 2013. Excretions of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were calculated using reported herd demographics and standard excretion equations from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Calculated nutrient excretion values were compared to the reported values of manure nutrients applied to cropland and exported off farm. Reported N-Ratios were compared to mass balance simulations exploring variable crop yields and alfalfa management. In the nutrient excretion balance, the distribution of the percent of N and P recovered in manures applied or exported peaked at 24% (median = 31%) and 26% (median = 53%) of excreted, respectively. The distribution of recovered K was fairly uniform from 0% to 300% (median = 146%) of excreted K. In N-ratio simulations, 62% and 66% of all reported N-ratios were lower than their respective simulated N-ratio, assuming alfalfa crops received no N fertilization and minimal fertilization (26% of N-removed in harvest) respectively. When simulated crop yields were normally (sd = 0.25) or Student's t distributed (df = 154) around expected crop yields, 28% and 57% of all reported ratios fell within the 95% confidence interval of the simulations, respectively. Low and erratic recovery rates of excreted P and K existed. Additionally, reported N-Ratios were generally lower and more varied than necessary for farmers to maintain crop yields while complying with regulations. Greater understanding of low recovery rates is needed before data are used to assess the impact of regulations.
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Historical Perspective

The lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome throughout the early part of the twentieth century meant that a greater proportion of patients suffered from type 1 diabetes and the total number of patients affected with type 2 diabetes was much lower than it is today. The introduction of insulin in 1922 extended survival for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), but life expectancy remained poor because many died of disease-related complications. Since few patients lived long with DM, the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was low and early diagnosis and treatment were a low priority. In addition, only a small number of ophthalmologists served the population and their ability to accurately diagnose retinopathy was far more limited than it is today.
Decay heat uncertainty for BWR used fuel due to modeling and nuclear data uncertainties

Abstract Characterization of the energy released from radionuclide decay in nuclear fuel discharged from reactors is essential for the design, safety, and licensing analyses of used nuclear fuel storage, transportation, and repository systems. There are a limited number of decay heat measurements available for commercial used fuel applications. Because decay heat measurements can be expensive or impractical for covering the multitude of existing fuel designs, operating conditions, and specific application purposes, decay heat estimation relies heavily on computer code prediction. Uncertainty evaluation for calculated decay heat is an important aspect when assessing code prediction and a key factor supporting decision making for used fuel applications. While previous studies have largely focused on uncertainties in code predictions due to nuclear data uncertainties, this study discusses uncertainties in calculated decay heat due to uncertainties in assembly modeling parameters as well as in nuclear data. Capabilities in the SCALE nuclear analysis code system were used to quantify the effect on calculated decay heat of uncertainties in nuclear data and selected manufacturing and operation parameters for a typical boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel assembly. The BWR fuel assembly used as the reference case for this study was selected from a set of assemblies for which high-quality decay heat measurements are available, to assess the significance of the results through comparison with calculated and measured decay heat data.
Atomistic modeling of the fracture toughness of silicon and silicon-silicon interfaces

Fracture modeling at the atomic scale is currently an intense area of research because the crack propagation process depends strongly on the description of interatomic interactions. Here we present first the mode-I plane strain quasi-static fracture toughness of single crystal silicon, along four orientations, as obtained using molecular statics simulations with nine empirical potentials. The “best” potential is determined by comparing the fracture toughness and trapping range of the simulations with available experimental data and with results calculated using first-principles molecular dynamics. The choice is buttressed by its ability to predict the effective toughness and propagation direction of a crack subjected to mode-II loading. The best performing potential is then used to investigate the fracture toughness and the role of bond trapping for a crack along the boundary of two silicon crystals belonging to two different tilt families.
Selection of stable features for modeling 4-D affective space from EEG recording

Recent advances in neuroscience made it possible to understand how the human brain processes emotions and affective states. However, the modeling of emotion remains elusive due to inherent ambiguity and complexity related to the perception of emotions, interpersonal variabilities, and context-specific interpretations. Here, we present a robust method of modeling 4-D continuous affective space (Valence, Arousal, Like, and Dominance). First, we determined the functional areas and frequency bands related to 4-D affective space. Second, we extracted and selected a set of stable features. For both steps, we used two different feature selection methods namely: Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and stability selection method. Moreover, compare their performances. For the RFE, we used Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Tree-based bagging, and for the stability selection, we used Randomized Lasso as an estimator. Empirical analysis on the DEAP data set shows that the stability selection method consistently provides relevant set of bands, electrode location and features over a range of model parameters. We also observed that only a small number of locations (40%–63%) and certain frequency bands specifically, gamma band frequency over Superior Temporal Gyrus, Supramarginal Gyrus, and Somatosensory Association Cortex were the highest ranked features across the affective dimensions. The selected features using the stability criteria were used to model 4-D affective space using SVR. Empirical analyses shows that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for Valence, Arousal, Dominance, and Like are 2.13, 2.00, 2.07, and 2.11 respectively. In addition, we also compare the performance of this method with feature fusion and ensemble classification. It was observed that the SVR with selected features outperformed all other approaches. The predicted Valence-Arousal-Dominance were converted to categorical emotions for seamless interpretation.
Bridging the Gap: Black Immigrant Identities and Dreams of Home

This chapter highlights the multidimensional experiences of Black immigrants in the United States as it relates to the intricate process of establishing and maintaining their continuously evolving national, racial and ethnic identities in a predominantly white context. A brief overview of relevant identity and acculturation theories is presented. Descriptions of the experiences of Black immigrants in the United States as depicted in the literature, as well as anecdotal data from individual interviews from an ongoing study of first and second generation Black Caribbean immigrants are integrated throughout the chapter. Whether and how Black immigrants attempt to cultivate assimilationist, traditionalist, biculturalist, or flexible, transnational identities as an adaptive survival strategy while living in the United States is explored.
Size Function Smoothing Using an Element Area Gradient

This paper presents a method to improve element size transitions when using a size function to govern the mesh generation. The method modifies the size function to meet a user specified adjacent element area change limit. The method can be used to either refine or coarsen the resulting mesh. Two sample meshes generated using the method are presented.
Course Design and Project Evaluation of a Network Management Course Implemented in On-Campus and Online Classes

This article describes a course framework designed for a network management course in information computer technology education. A combination of four learning techniques was used as the pedagogical method: lecture-based learning, lab-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning. The article also discusses in detail the project implemented in the course. A formal evaluation of the project has been carried out for both on-campus and online students. It demonstrated that the project achieved a successful outcome and was a highly effective learning experience for the students.
Testing the role of barriers in shaping segregation profiles: The importance of visualizing the local neighborhood:

“Egocentric” segregation profiles allow researchers to avoid a reliance on a priori definitions of local neighborhoods that contribute an unknown amount of error to measures of segregation. To date...
The African Dreams of Migration: Donato Ndongo's “El sueño,” Langston Hughes, and the Poetics of the Black Diaspora

Perhaps the first text about immigration in Spain, “El Sueno” (1973) by Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo Makina (Niefang, Equatorial Guinea, 1950), narrates a Senegalese man's difficult journey via patera (ri...
The relationship between scientific explanations and the proficiencies of content, inquiry, and writing

Examining the interaction between content knowledge, inquiry proficiency, and writing proficiency is central to understanding the relative contribution of each proficiency on students' written communication about their science inquiry. Previous studies, however, have only analyzed one of these primary types of knowledge/proficiencies (i.e. content knowledge, inquiry proficiency, and writing proficiency) at a time. This study investigated the extent to which these proficiencies predicted students' written claims, evidence for their claims, and reasoning linking their claims to the evidence. Results showed that all three types of proficiencies significantly predicted students' claims, but only writing proficiency significantly predicted performance on evidence and reasoning statements. These findings indicate the challenges students face when constructing claim, evidence, and reasoning statements, and can inform scaffolding to support these challenges.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

In this final chapter, the real estate investment trust (REIT) will be discussed. These special investment vehicles can serve as a portfolio diversification strategy for investors seeking an investment which provides return possibilities in a variety of property types and locations. The REIT, while of relatively recent creation, has roots which trace back to earlier times. Students of real estate finance should be aware of the functioning and the strategy of REITs, as these entities have become increasingly more involved in real estate investment. The chapter concludes with thoughts of international dimensions of real estate.
Assessing ATP binding and hydrolysis by NLR proteins.

Nucleotide-binding and leucine rich repeat domain-containing proteins (NLR) are central to the formation of many inflammasome complexes. Several inflammasome forming NLR proteins are known to be ATPases, but the nucleotide binding specificity of many remains to be characterized. The oligomerization of NLR proteins and assembly of inflammasomes require the ATP (or other nucleotide) binding activity of the NLR proteins. Quantitative and qualitative studies of the nucleotide binding properties of these proteins are useful tools in studying the regulation of inflammasome activity, and will be outlined in this Chapter.