cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the rate of genetic adaptation under natural selection

Abstract For a one locus n-allele genetic model of natural selection two theoretical predictions are obtained: first, that the non-equilibrium average fitness value, W(t) is always between the equilibrium value, W∗, and W∗−H(p o , p∗) t until finally W(t) = W∗ and, secondly, that the area bounded by W∗ and the curve W(t) is equal to H(p 0 ,p∗ ), the entropy distance between initial (p0) and equilibrium ( p∗ ) gene frequency distributions. The experimental observations corresponding to these predictions are discussed.
Revisit of the Ramp Filter

An important part of the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm is the ramp filter. This paper derives the discrete version of the ramp filter in the Fourier domain and studies the windowing effects. When a window function is used to control the noise, the image amplitude will be affected and reduced. A simple remedy is proposed to improve the image accuracy when a window function must be used.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in the calcaneus and femur of women with varying degrees of osteopenia and vertebral deformity status.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) allows measurement of two parameters that are related to the integrity of the trabecular bone: R2, the rate constant of the free induction signal, and trabecular bone volume fraction (BVF), the counterpart of apparent density. In this work, R2 and BVF were measured in 68 women (mean age, 58.2 ± 9.5 years) of varying spinal bone mineral density (BMD) T scores (mean, −1.37 ± 1.54) and vertebral fracture status on a commercial 1.5 T whole-body imager using customized image acquisition and processing techniques. Twenty-five of the patients had vertebral fractures, characterized by the total cumulative deformity burden exceeding 200%. R2 was measured in the calcaneus and proximal femur and BVF could be measured in the calcaneus only. On a pixel-by-pixel basis, calcaneal R2 and BVF within each subject were highly positively correlated (r2 = 0.61 ± 0.11) but the correlation of region-of-interest (ROI) means for different calcaneal sites among patients was weaker (r2 = 0.34; p < 0.0001). The strongest discriminator of vertebral deformity was R2 of the calcaneus, which was lower in the fracture group, consistent with lower trabecular density. Among the calcaneal sites examined, the subtalar region, a location characterized by dense nearly horizontal trabeculae that transmit the stresses imparted by body weight from the tibia to the heel, best discriminated the two groups (p = 0.0001), with 77% diagnostic accuracy as determined from the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (compared with 66% for vertebral BMD). The cavum calcanei, an anterior site of low trabecular density, and the tuber calcanei (the location ordinarily used for ultrasound measurements) also had significantly reduced R2 in the fracture group (p < 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). The R2av, computed as the average of all pixels in the calcaneus, was a strong discriminator as well (p < 0.005). On the other hand, calcaneal BVF was only marginally discriminating (p = 0.05). Among the BMD sites examined, the lumbar spine (average L1-L4) was significant (p = 0.005, 66% diagnostic accuracy), as was the femoral neck (p = 0.01). The data suggest the calcaneus to be suited as a surrogate site to assess vertebral osteoporosis and that R2 is sensitive to alterations in bone quality not captured by density.
Solubilization of Nitroaromatic Compounds from Multi-Component Mixtures into Nonionic Surfactant Micellar Solutions

This study investigated the solubilization of 2-component and 3-component mixtures of 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT), 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT), and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in solutions of Brij-35, Brij-58, and alkyl phenol ethoxylates (Tergitol NP-10 to NP-40). 4-NT had the highest molar solubilization ratio (MSR) and TNT the lowest. For all 2-component systems with 4-NT, the MSR of 2,6-DNT and TNT increased. When either 2,6-DNT or TNT was present, the MSR values increased slightly for Tergitol NP-10 (NP10) and Tergitol NP-13 (NP13). For 3-component systems, TNT's MSR increased for all the surfactants, while significant increases in the MSR of 4-NT and 2,6-DNT were found for NP10 and NP13.
Box models for the evolution of atmospheric oxygen: an update

A simple 3-box model of the atmosphere/ocean system is used to describe the various stages in the evolution of atmospheric oxygen. In Stage I, which probably lasted until redbeds began to form about 2.0 Ga ago, the Earth's surface environment was generally devoid of free O2, except possibly in localized regions of high productivity in the surface ocean. In Stage II, which may have lasted for less than 150 Ma, the atmosphere and surface ocean were oxidizing, while the deep ocean remained anoxic. In Stage III, which commenced with the disappearance of banded iron formations around 1.85 Ga ago and has lasted until the present, all three surface reservoirs contained appreciable amounts of free O2. Recent and not-so-recent controversies regarding the abundance of oxygen in the Archean atmosphere are identified and discussed. The rate of O2 increase during the Middle and Late Proterozoic is identified as another outstanding question.
Chemisorption rates by chromatography

Abstract Using chromatography, rates of chemisorption of hydrogen on a nickel catalyst were measured at 1 atm pressure and 243–297 °K. The method depends upon analyzing the response to a pulse of deuterium added to a stream of hydrogen flowing through the catalyst bed. The bed has previously been exposed to hydrogen so that all adsorbable surface has been occupied. Thus the measurements were made at constant surface coverage. At these equilibrium conditions the rates of adsorption and desorption are identical. The observed activation energy was 13.8 kcal/mole. This is about the same as the isosteric heat of adsorption given in the literature. Also it was shown that the observed activation energy should be nearly equivalent to that for desorption. Hence the adsorption process appears to be essentially nonactivated.
Automated Work Zone Information System on Urban Freeway Rehabilitation: California Implementation

In October 2004, about 9 lane km of deteriorated truck lanes on Interstate 15 at Devore in Southern California was rebuilt during 18 days with extended one roadbed full-closures with the counterflow traffic system and 24-h construction operations. The project implemented the automated work zone information system (AWIS) to reduce peak hour delay during construction by changing road user's travel patterns and diverting traffic to detour routes. This paper describes the design, performance, and validation of AWIS with monitored traffic data before and during construction used. The AWIS was installed to provide road users with real-time travel information so that they could avoid traffic delays in the construction work zone (CWZ) corridor. Travel times through the CWZ were estimated from speed data and enhanced in two ways: (a) portable and permanent changeable message signs on site and (b) off-site (project website) implementation with travel time messages, traffic snapshots, and video streaming. AWIS trave...
Severity of childhood trauma is predictive of cocaine relapse outcomes in women but not men

We prospectively examined the gender-specific effects of childhood trauma on cocaine relapse outcomes in an inpatient sample of treatment engaged cocaine dependent adults. Cocaine dependent men (n = 70) and women (n = 54) participating in inpatient treatment for cocaine dependence were assessed on severity of childhood trauma and followed for 90 days after discharge from treatment. Greater severity of childhood emotional abuse was associated with an increased risk of relapse in women. Severity of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and overall childhood trauma was associated with the number of days cocaine was used during follow-up in women, as was the association of severity of physical abuse and overall childhood trauma with the average amount of cocaine used per occasion. No associations between childhood trauma and cocaine relapse outcomes were found in men. These findings demonstrate that childhood trauma increases the likelihood of cocaine relapse and drug use escalation after initial relapse in women but not in men. Comprehensive assessments of childhood trauma and specialized treatments that address trauma-related pathophysiology could be of benefit in improving cocaine treatment outcomes in women.
Optimization procedure to control the coupling of vibration modes in flexible space structures

As spacecraft structural concepts increase in size and flexibility, the vibration frequencies become more closely-spaced. The identification and control of such closely-spaced frequencies present a significant challenge. To validate system identification and control methods prior to actual flight, simpler space structures will be flown. To challenge the above technologies, it will be necessary to design these structures with closely-spaced or coupled vibration modes. Thus, there exists a need to develop a systematic method to design a structure which has closely-spaced vibration frequencies. This paper describes an optimization procedure which is used to design a large flexible structure to have closely-spaced vibration frequencies. The procedure uses a general-purpose finite element analysis program for the vibration and sensitivity analyses and a general-purpose optimization program. Results are presented from two studies. The first study uses a detailed model of a large flexible structure to design a structure with one pair of closely-spaced frequencies. The second study uses a simple equivalent beam model of a large flexible structure to obtain a design with two pairs of closely-spaced frequencies.
Christian politics in Oceania, edited by Matt Tomlinson and Debra McDougall

Post-colonial Melanesian states have undergone something of a Great Awakening. Religious enthusiasm is booming; missionaries continue to flood the region; and local prophets of all sorts walk the l...
Plasma β-Endorphin and β-Lipotropin in the Human Fetus at Delivery: Correlation with Arterial pH and pO2*

β-Endorphin-like immunoactivity was measured in the umbilical cord plasma of 45 term human fetuses. Mean concentration was 91 ± 16 (SEM) pg/ml, significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the normal adult level of 30.7 ± 2.7 pg/ml. This immunoactivity was further characterized in 10 cases by Sephadex G-50 chromatography to separate β-endorphin from β- lipotropin (β-LPH). Mean β-endorphin and β-LPH concentrations were 57 ± 12.8 and 455 ± 101 pg/ml, respectively. Both were higher (P < 0.01) than the mean β-endorphin and β-LPH concentrations reported in the adult. The mean molar β-endorphin to β-LPH ratio was 0.35 in the fetus and 0.36 in the adult. In 17 fetuses whose umbilical arterial and venous concentrations were measured separately, mean β-endorphin-like immunoactivity was higher in the artery than in the vein. A highly significant negative correlation (r < −0.831; P < 0.001) was present between umbilical arterial pH and β-endorphin-like immunoactivity. A negative correlation (r <−0.611; P < 0.005) with arte...
The decline in SSDI applications

Abstract Shifts in the rate of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) caused rapid growth in the number of beneficiaries in the program in the early 1970s and was partially responsible for the reduction in the program's size in the 1980s. The more recent trend is especially interesting because applications fell despite high unemployment rates in the early 1980s. Regression analysis of monthly applications data shows that changes in the age composition of the insured and the rate of awards were primarily responsible for the decline in applications.
Leadership: do networks matter?

Leadership has traditionally been viewed as a relationship between the leaders and their subordinates. Recent research has shown the significance of the social aspects of leadership. This view forms the basis for the research reported on in this paper. Social network analysis provides socio-metric measures of leadership, which can be associated with traditional measures of leadership. The research evaluates U.S. Military cadets' social networks of friendship, trust, and reputed leadership in concert with leadership attributes, organizational identity, and attitude. The significance of reputed leaders' social position is ascertained. Additionally, the channels and extent of influence of reputed d leaders over other cadets are assessed. A significant result was that leaders are not spreading their influence over the friendship network but over the leadership reputation network. Leaders have a particular influence on those who perceive them as leaders when it comes to leadership style and performance. This result contributes to our knowledge of "social leadership", in particular, the ability to manage the social dynamics inherent in leadership.
Micromachining inertial instruments

Draper Laboratory, using silicon microfabrication techniques to achieve high yields by batch processing, has been developing miniature microelectromechanical instruments for over 10 years. During this time, considerable progress has been made in the development and fabrication of micromechanical gyroscopes, accelerometers, and acoustic sensors. Inertial instruments have become a worldwide research and commercial topic. Draper gyroscopes and accelerometers have been fabricated with measurement ranges from 50 to 500 deg/s and 10 to 100,000 g, respectively. In gyroscopes, stabilities are 20 deg/h in room temperature tests and 4.4 deg/h applying 0.3 degrees C thermal control. For accelerometers, less than 1 mg has been demonstrated in room temperature tests. These units have performed successfully across a temperature range of -40 to 85 degrees C, and have survived 80,000- to 120,000-g shock tests along all axes. Continuing development activities are expected to yield over an order of magnitude in performance enhancement. These micromechanical instruments are built using a silicon wafer process that results in crystal silicon structures that are anodically bonded on a Pyrex substrate that contains sensing and control electrodes. This silicon-on-glass configuration has low stray capacitance, and is ideally suited for hybrid or flip-chip bonding technology. Draper's inertial sensors incorporate excellent fabrication, however, building the silicon and Pyrex sensor chip is only one of many important contributions in a complete sensor system. Other equally important steps include: 1) electronics and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) 2) packaging, 3) test, and 4) modeling and analysis. This presentation focuses on sensor fabrication. Draper's accelerometers and gyroscopes and the dissolved wafer fabrication process are described. The evolution of gyro design, fabrication, and performance is summarized. Garnered through experience in both conventional and micromachined inertial sensors, rules of thumb that have guided Draper's micromachining efforts are discussed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diffusion, crowding & protein stability in a dynamic molecular model of the bacterial cytoplasm.

A longstanding question in molecular biology is the extent to which the behavior of macromolecules observed in vitro accurately reflects their behavior in vivo. A number of sophisticated experimental techniques now allow the behavior of individual types of macromolecule to be studied directly in vivo; none, however, allow a wide range of molecule types to be observed simultaneously. In order to tackle this issue we have adopted a computational perspective, and, having selected the model prokaryote Escherichia coli as a test system, have assembled an atomically detailed model of its cytoplasmic environment that includes 50 of the most abundant types of macromolecules at experimentally measured concentrations. Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of the cytoplasm model have been calibrated to reproduce the translational diffusion coefficients of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) observed in vivo, and “snapshots” of the simulation trajectories have been used to compute the cytoplasm's effects on the thermodynamics of protein folding, association and aggregation events. The simulation model successfully describes the relative thermodynamic stabilities of proteins measured in E. coli, and shows that effects additional to the commonly cited “crowding” effect must be included in attempts to understand macromolecular behavior in vivo.
Nicotine compensates for the loss of cholinergic function to enhance long-term potentiation induction

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region is widely regarded to be the cellular substrate of learning and memory, and its induction critically depends on the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Nicotine reverses memory deficits caused by a lesion of the cholinergic system in animals. The mechanisms underlying this effect and the effect of nicotine on LTP after cholinergic degeneration are unknown. Here we show that cholinergic lesions impaired the induction of LTP, and nicotine reversed this effect and promoted the induction of LTP. The compensatory action of nicotine appears to be due to the enhancement of NMDAR responses mediated by nicotine-induced disinhibition of pyramidal cells. This may represent the cellular basis of nicotine-mediated cognitive enhancement observed in the presence of cholinergic deficits.
Isolation of milligram quantities of nuclear DNA from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), A plant containing high levels of polyphenolic compounds

We have developed a protocol for isolating milligram quantities of highly purified DNA from tomato nuclei. The protocol utilizes fresh seedlings or leaves without freezing. Tissues are treated with ethyl ether, thoroughly washed, and placed in a buffer containing the nuclear-stabilizing agent 2-methyl-1,4-pentanediol. Nuclei are liberated from tomato cells by homogenization in a Waring blender. The interaction of nuclear DNA with oxidized polyphenols is inhibited by compounds that adsorb polyphenols or prevent oxidation reactions. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are preferentially eliminated with Triton X-100. Nuclei are concentrated using a Percoll gradient and lysed with SDS. DNA is subsequently purified by RNase and protease digestions and phenol/chloroform extractions. The isolated DNA is essentially free of polyphenols and other major contaminants based upon its lack of coloration, A260/A280 ratio, digestibility with restriction enzymes, melting profile, and reassociation properties.
The Behavior of Models with Attractor Regions

Heretofore the object of our calculations and theorems has been the elucidation of models which for qualitative and quantitative reasons have attractor trajectories. To apply the Attractor Trajectory Theorem to the holistic ecosystem model one must somehow estimate the values of an anticipated attractor trajectory and ensure that energy conversion efficiencies of predation interactions are proportional to predator to prey ratios on the attractor trajectory. The fact that real ecosystem trajectories are generally not accurately predicted by such models is sometimes blamed on random perturbations such as weather factors.
Improving treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in developing countries through technology sharing, collaboration and partnerships

Cure rates for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia differ markedly in higher- and lower-income countries due to disparate hospital infrastructure and resources. Where means are limited, treatment-related mortality is higher and compliance may be suboptimal. Upfront risk assignment is aimed at individualizing therapy according to presenting features in order to avoid over- or under-treatment. However, the necessary technical resources and expertise are not always readily available. The authors provide suggestions for management of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in developing nations. To improve patient care locally, the authors recommend that communication technology be used to sustain partnerships between sponsoring and partner pediatric oncology programs. The aims of these collaborations should be to prioritize resources, identify existing problems and reduce treatment intensity and hence treatment-related morbidity and mortality in patients at lower risk of relapse.
Developmental Immunotoxicity of Lead in the Rat: Influence of Maternal Diet

The effect of maternal dietary protein intake on lead-induced developmental immunotoxicity was studied in female Fischer 344 rats receiving lead acetate (250 ppm) or sodium acetate (control) in the drinking water during breeding and pregnancy until parturition. Dams were fed isocaloric diets (either 20% casein or 10% casein) from 2 wk prior to mating until the end of lactation. After weaning, dams and female offspring were given the 20% casein diet and regular water. Immune function was assessed in dams at 8 wk postpartum and in offspring at 13 wk of age. Dams showed no marked difference in any of the immune endpoints examined, regardless of diet or lead treatment. In contrast, lead exposure during early development produced a subsequent significant reduction of both the delayed-type hypersensitivity response and interferon γ production in adult offspring independent of maternal diet. Lead-exposed offspring from the high-dietary-protein group had significantly elevated production of both interleukin-4 and...
Re-theorizing Jim Collins's culture of discipline in Good to Great

Jim Collins's empirical study Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don't (Harper Business, New York, 2001) has made a worldwide impact on management and leadership practice and research. His concept of “culture of discipline” is central to his ideas for achieving enduring, sustainable organizations, whether in the business or nonprofit sectors. In this essay the culture of discipline is re-theorized in the context of Mary Douglas's grid–group analysis to provide a home within a broader theory which will locate the culture of discipline in relation to alternative cultures. The framework is illustrated with applications in a study of small, high-technology firms in peripheral areas of the UK, leading to the recognition of an organizational form missing from most of the management literature and furthering the exploration of a model of humble and collaborative leadership as an alternative to the model of charismatic or heroic leadership growing out of American management culture.
Interpreting Children's Dreams Through Humanistic Sandtray Therapy

Children’s dreams often depict waking-life events and experiences. Although dream work therapy for adults is fairly established, recommendations for processing children’s dreams appear fractional. Because of the distinct developmental needs of children, we postulated that sandtray therapy might assist children to express and discover enlarged meanings in dreams. In this article, we present the Sandtray for Interpreting Childhood Dreams (SICD) intervention for the purpose of potentially helping children gain insight into how their dreams may be related to past and present waking-life experiences. An explanation and application of the model is presented, and the developmental rationale for using the SICD intervention with children is provided.
Extensions of graph inversion to support an artificially intelligent modeling environment

This paper extends previous results in graph inversion to enable artificially intelligent model formulation by taking partial information from the problem domain into an algebraic form—that is, a mathematical model to support economicbased decision-making. Here focus is on flow relations and economic correlations. Issues of consistency are resolved, and a concept ofcore models is introduced to achieve minimality for simplifying model management and use. After establishing the general results, special consideration is given to input-output structures, as in Leontief models.
‘Mommy, You are the Princess and I am the Queen’: How Preschool Children's Initiation and Language Use During Pretend Play Relate to Complexity

The present study investigated the relationship between complexity of pretend play, initiation of pretense activities, and mental state utterances used during play. Children 3 to 4 years of age were videotaped while engaging in pretend play with a parent. The videotapes were coded according to mental state utterances (i.e. desire, emotion, cognitive, and modulations of assertion), and pretend play complexity (i.e. interaction with parent, object use, theme, and role transformation). Children who initiated the pretend activities exhibited more complex play behaviours than those whose parents initiated the activities. Children's increased use of cognitive mental state terms was related to increased pretend play complexity, while parents' increased use of cognitive terms was related to decreased levels of complexity. The results provide support for using a guided participation approach to interacting with preschool children to enhance independence and complexity in play. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing nasal morbidity after skull base reconstruction with the nasoseptal flap: free middle turbinate mucosal grafts.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The nasoseptal flap provides hearty vascularized tissue for reconstruction of expanded endonasal approaches (EEA); however, it produces donor site morbidity due to exposed cartilage. Mucosalization of the septum requires 12 weeks, multiple debridements, and frequent saline rinses. This study addresses the reduction of nasal morbidity by grafting middle turbinate mucosa onto the exposed septum. Study Design: Small prospective study with retrospective analysis of a larger cohort. Methods: Fifteen patients undergoing EEA of the ventral skull base were prospectively enrolled. In seven cases, the sacrificed middle turbinate mucosa was harvested and placed as a free mucosal graft on the septal cartilage. In eight controls, middle turbinate grafting was not performed due to tumor involvement. Septal mucosalization and crusting of all patients was quantified at follow-up appointments. An additional 46 patients were retrospectively identified who received middle turbinate grating on their exposed septal cartilage, and mucosalization rates were determined from clinical records. Results: Three weeks after initial operation, the mucosalization rate was 70% versus 5% in the graft and nongraft groups, respectively. At postoperative week 6, the mucosalization and crusting were 97% and 5% for the graft group versus 60% and 85% for the nongraft group. Mucosalization rates in the retrospective graft series agreed with the prospective series. Conclusions: Despite donor site morbidity, the nasoseptal flap is becoming the standard of care for skull base reconstruction due to its reliability in reestablishing a barrier between the subarachnoid space and the sinonasal tract. It is possible to dramatically increase the rate of septal mucosalization and decrease crusting by using a middle turbinate free mucosal graft. Laryngoscope, 2012
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability Following Multiple Oral Doses of Varenicline Under Various Titration Schedules in Elderly Nonsmokers

This study was designed to investigate the multiple-dose pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine partial agonist, varenicline, in elderly (65-85 years old) nonsmokers. Fifty male and female subjects with normal renal function for their age were randomized to receive varenicline or placebo once or twice daily for 3 weeks in an investigator- and subject-blinded parallel-group design. Treatment regimens included weekly titration (n = 14; days 1-7, 0.5 mg once daily; days 8-14, 0.5 mg twice daily; days 15-21, 1 mg twice daily); 2-week twice-daily titration (n = 13; days 1-14, 0.5 mg once daily; days 15-21, 0.5 mg twice daily); 2-week once-daily titration (n = 13; days 1-14, 0.5 mg once daily; days 15-21, 1 mg once daily); and placebo (n = 10). Approximate dose-proportional increases in systemic exposure of varenicline at steady state, based on maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration―time curve over the 24-hour period at steady state, were observed across the dose range of 0.5 to 2 mg/d. Median time to maximum concentration was 3 hours. Mean elimination half-life was estimated to be approximately 24 to 32 hours and independent of dose. Varenicline was considered to be safe and well tolerated in this elderly nonsmoking population.
Role of vegetation in a constructed wetland on nutrient-pesticide mixture toxicity to Hyalella azteca.

The toxicity of a nutrient–pesticide mixture in nonvegetated and vegetated sections of a constructed wetland (882 m2 each) was assessed using Hyalella azteca 48-h aqueous whole-effluent toxicity bioassays. Both sections were amended with a mixture of sodium nitrate, triple superphosphate, diazinon, and permethrin simulating storm-event agricultural runoff. Aqueous samples were collected at inflow, middle, and outflow points within each section 5 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days postamendment. Nutrients and pesticides were detected throughout both wetland sections with concentrations longitudinally decreasing more in vegetated than nonvegetated section within 24 h. Survival effluent dilution point estimates—NOECs, LOECs, and LC50s—indicated greatest differences in toxicity between nonvegetated and vegetated sections at 5 h. Associations of nutrient and pesticide concentrations with NOECs indicated that earlier toxicity (5–72 h) was from permethrin and diazinon, whereas later toxicity (7–21 days) was primarily from diazinon. Nutrient–pesticide mixture concentration–response assessment using toxic unit models indicated that H. azteca toxicity was due primarily to the pesticides diazinon and permethrin. Results show that the effects of vegetation versus no vegetation on nutrient–pesticide mixture toxicity are not evident after 5 h and a 21-day retention time is necessary to improve H. azteca survival to ≥90% in constructed wetlands of this size.
Blood use in the ambulatory setting among elderly in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Our study characterizes blood use in the ambulatory setting by US elderly Medicare beneficiaries during 2001. As the US population ages and delivery of health care in outpatient settings is on the rise, ambulatory blood utilization is expected to increase. There is currently a lack of broad population-based studies detailing ambulatory blood utilization patterns among the US elderly. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study of ambulatory blood utilization in institutional outpatient settings used Medicare administrative data (5% sample of enrollees) for calendar year 2001. Blood use was identified by either the presence of recorded blood units or the procedure code(s) for transfusion of whole blood or red blood cells. RESULTS: Among 1,368,368 elderly Medicare beneficiaries analyzed, 7054 (0.52%) had blood transfusion in institutional outpatient settings, and 34,186 (2.50%) had blood transfusion in the inpatient setting. Of 10,705 institutional outpatient claims with blood use quantified in this cohort of elderly Medicare beneficiaries, the top 10 principal diagnoses using the largest quantities of blood accounted for 66.3% of total blood units transfused. Nine of these 10 principal diagnoses were either for anemias (51%) or neoplasms (13%) and accounted for 64% of total blood units transfused. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that most of the ambulatory blood utilization among US elderly is for diagnoses of anemias and neoplasms rather than procedures. Our population-based study provides valuable information on ambulatory blood utilization patterns which may be used to better understand the reasons for transfusion in the ambulatory setting as blood use is expected to grow.
The Combinatorial Multi-armed Bandit problem and its application to real-time strategy games

Game tree search in games with large branching factors is a notoriously hard problem. In this paper, we address this problem with a new sampling strategy for Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithms, called Naive Sampling, based on a variant of the Multi-armed Bandit problem called the Combinatorial Multi-armed Bandit (CMAB) problem. We present a new MCTS algorithm based on Naive Sampling called NaiveMCTS, and evaluate it in the context of real-time strategy (RTS) games. Our results show that as the branching factor grows, NaiveMCTS performs significantly better than other algorithms.
Examining How Professional Development Influences Elementary School Teachers’ Enacted Instructional Practices and Students’ Evidence of Mathematical Understanding

This study examined how evidence of students’ mathematical understanding was influenced by elementary schoolteachers’ enactment of instructional practices emphasized during a mathematics professional development program. Videos and field notes were collected during lessons for two teachers from the program and two matched comparison teachers. Lessons were observed when teachers espoused that their instruction aligned with the instructional practices emphasized during professional development. Inductive qualitative analyses indicated that the level of mathematical task and level of teacher direction influenced students work. More specifically, students in participants’ classrooms were more likely to utilize resources (e.g., manipulatives and technology) to create mathematical representations and were able to explain mathematical concepts more clearly than students in the comparison classrooms. Implications for future studies and the design of professional development are also shared.
Upstream node initiated fast restoration in MPLS networks

MPLS is a promising technology that enables much faster failure recovery than conventional IP rerouting in IP networks. Path-based and link-based restoration schemes have been proposed to protect connections against single link failure in MPLS networks. While path-based scheme is capacity efficient, it is relatively slow in restoration; on the other hand, while link-based scheme has fast restoration speed, it's capacity efficiency is low. In this paper, we propose a new restoration scheme called UNIFR, which can provide fast restoration as link-based scheme while achieving better capacity efficiency than link-based scheme. We present a MPLS resilience framework that supports UNIFR and give two ILP formulations to solve the spare capacity optimization problem for UNIFR-based restoration model. Simulation study shows that the capacity efficiency of UNIFR-based model is much better than that of link-based model and close to that of path-based model.
A Model of Farsighted Voting

I present a new method of interpreting voter preferences in settings where policy remains in effect until replaced by new legislation. In such settings voters consider not only the utility they receive from a given policy today, but also the utility they will receive from policies likely to replace that policy in the future. The model can be used to characterize both long-term preferences and distributions over policy outcomes in situations where policy is ongoing and voters are farsighted.
Compiler-directed dynamic computation reuse: rationale and initial results

Recent studies on value locality reveal that many instructions are frequently executed with a small variety of inputs. This paper proposes an approach that integrates architecture and compiler techniques to exploit value locality for large regions of code. The approach strives to eliminate redundant processor execution created by both instruction-level input repetition and recurrence of input data within high-level computations. In this approach, the compiler performs analysis to identify code regions whose computation can be reused during dynamic execution. The instruction set architecture provides a simple interface for the compiler to communicate the scope of each reuse region and its live-out register information to the hardware. During run time, the execution results of these reusable computation regions are recorded into hardware buffers for potential reuse. Each reuse can eliminate the execution of a large number of dynamic instructions. Furthermore, the actions needed to update the live-out registers can be performed at a higher degree of parallelism than the original code, breaking intrinsic dataflow dependence constraints. Initial results show that the compiler analysis can indeed identify large reuse regions. Overall, the approach can improve the performance of a 6-issue microarchitecture by an average of 30% for a collection of SPEC and integer benchmarks.
STIM-TRP Pathways

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated in response to depletion of the ER-Ca2+ stores. Upon Ca2+ store depletion, the ER Ca2+ sensor protein, STIM1, oligomerizes and moves to ER/PM junctional domains where it interacts with and activates channels involved in SOCE; namely Orai and TRPC channels. Orai1 is the primary pore-forming component of the highly Ca2+ selective CRAC channel. It is recruited to ER/PM junctional domains by STIM1 where it is gated via interaction with a specific C-terminal domain of STIM1. Thus Orai1 and STIM1 are sufficient for generation of functional CRAC channels. Store depletion also leads to activation of relatively non-selective cation channels, referred to SOC channels that contribute to SOCE in several other cell types. TRPC1 contributes to endogenous SOCE and SOC channel function in many cells types. In these cells, TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ entry and cation currents are stimulated with either agonist or thapsigargin, and inhibited by low [Gd3+] and 10–20 μM 2APB (conditions that block SOCE). STIM1 also associates with and gates TRPC1 via electrostatic interaction between STIM1 (684KK685) and TRPC1 (639DD640). Further, functional Orai1 is required for activation of TRPC1-SOCE and this has been associated with recruitment of a TRPC1/STIM1/Orai1 complex. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the activation of TRPC1 by store depletion as well as the role of Orai1 and STIM1 in regulating its function. This chapter will summarize recent studies and concepts regarding the contributions of Orai1 and TRPC1 to SOCE. We will discuss major unresolved questions regarding functional interaction between Orai1 and TRPC1 as well as possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of TRPC channels.
Coherent Oscillations in Membrane Potential Synchronize Impulse Bursts in Central Olfactory Neurons of the Crayfish

Coherent oscillations in membrane potential synchronize impulse bursts in central olfactory neurons of the crayfish. Lateral protocerebral interneurons (LPIs) in the central olfactory pathway of th...
The Role of Constituency and the Power of the Executive Branch in the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement

On October 12, 2011, the US Senate ratified the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) — the largest free trade agreement (FTA) signed by the United States government since the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994. The only consistent predictor of Senate voting on KORUS was each senator’s political record of faithfulness/opposition to conservative political philosophy. While forming the bill, there were three necessary attributes for an industry to successfully lobby for protection: united members, a significant economic narrative, and strong political connections to the executive branch. Even though the auto industry only comprised around 5 percent of the original agreement’s projected export increases, an entire trade agreement benefiting many industries was nearly discarded until the auto industry’s projected exports from the agreement were increased from 28.7 to 35.7 percent — only 1.5-1.9 percent of the total increase in exports to South Korea.
1988 Joint National Committee guidelines for managing hypertension: how are they different?

The new Joint National Committee guidelines on managing hypertension retain the stepped care concept but add flexibility. The 1988 report recommends that, in addition to diuretics and beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers and ACE inhibitors be considered for initial monotherapy. Compared to previous JNC reports, lower starting doses of most antihypertensive drugs, especially diuretics, are recommended. For the first time, the guidelines discuss the cost of antihypertensive therapy. Specific nonpharmacologic therapy and its role in relation to drug therapy are discussed in greater detail than previous reports.
Molecular Identification Technology of Parents of Hybrid Rice Based on Its Hybrid Seed

According to the distinguishing features that seed husk has the same genotype as the female parent and SSR markers are co-dominant,a molecular technology was proposed to identify the parents of hybrid rice based on its hybrid seed.Firstly,the fingerprinting of the female parent was obtained from the husk of hybrid seed.The fingerprinting of the male parent could be deduced by comparison of the band patterns between the female and its F1 hybrid.On the basis of the existing fingerprinting bank of hybrid rice parents.It could be easy to identify whether a parent is a new one or not.We tested successfully the identification technology by using Jinyou 207 and its parents as the materials and 5 sets of primers.
Illinois Parentage Disestablishments after A.A. and the 2015 Parentage Act

Notwithstanding significant new technologies, most children are still born today of consensual sex. When the birth mothers are married, their spouses are established at birth as presumed legal parents. When the birth mothers are not married, men claiming biological ties can now be established as fathers under law by signing, together with the birth mothers, voluntary parentage acknowledgments (VAPs). Presumed parentage can be disestablished by rebuttal. VAP parentage can be disestablished by either rescission or challenge. VAP challenge norms recently were altered by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2015 in the A.A. case, as well as by the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015, which took effect January 1, 2016. This article explores the changes and posits further alterations to the Act in response to A.A. in order to serve the best interests of Illinois children. In particular, the article recommends statutory changes so that with any VAP challenge, including one presented by a child’s guardian, there is some opportunity for judicial review of the child’s best interests.
Basic of incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome in local population in 3 cities of Guangdong,2008-2010

Objective To understand the basic incidence,epidemiological characteristics and causes of Guillain-Barre syndrome( GBS) among the local population in 3 cities of Guangdong,2008-2010 and provide the scientific evidence for the further research on GBS.Methods Demographic information and immunization data in the 3 cities from 2008 to 2010 were collected and the incidence data of GBS during this period were collected through hospital information system and manual way to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis.Results During this period,183 hospitals were surveyed,602 GBS cases were diagnosed in 4 928 425 hospitalized patients,in which 231 cases were local residents.GBS cases were reported all the year round,but more cases occurred during January-June.The estimated annual incidence was 3.41/1 000 000 in local residents,the incidence in 2008 was highest( 4.02/1 000 000),the estimated age specific incidence in age group 0-4 years was highest( 5.77/1 000 000).The estimated incidence was higher in males( 4.36/1 000 000) than in females( 2.38/1 000 000).The cases were mainly distributed in the retired and children outside child care settings.Three cases received immunizations 2 months before onset( 0.11/1 million doses)of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis vaccine( 0.41/1 million doses),polio vaccine( 0.30/1 million doses) and measles vaccine( 0.26/1 million doses).Conclusion The estimated GBS incidence among the local residents in 3 cities of Guangdong was lower than the reported in other literature( 0.6-1.9/lakh).The estimated incidence was higher in males than in females and the estimated incidence was highest in age group 0-4 years.The estimated incidence in people with immunization histories was lower than that in local residents.Vaccination does not increase the risk of GBS.
An examination of the grieving processes of suicide survivors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to serve to provide a foundation for understanding the pertinent issues of survivors of loved ones who have committed suicide. Design/methodology/approach – This study examined the literature, as well as the experiences of individuals who had loved ones commit suicide, through three in-depth interviews. Findings – The research results support the notion that counselors must attend to these nuances in their treatment planning and subsequent interventions. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of this study include a small sample size and additional research on this topic is needed to provide further clarification. Originality/value – The value of this research is to provide clarification of the experiences of suicide survivors and give recommendations to counselors.
Parallel implementation of a single-assignment language

High level computer programming language /SAMPLE/ and parallel processing system to implement it
Comparative Outcomes of Miller Class III Gingival Recession Treatment Using the Tunnel or Coronally Advanced Flap Approach: A Case Report

Introduction: Conflicting results have been published regarding treatment of Miller Class III gingival recession (GR). However, descriptions of esthetic outcomes of different root coverage (RC) approaches are lacking. This report describes the use of two different techniques and graft materials in treatment of recession defects with interdental attachment loss (AL) and provides comparative evaluation of esthetic outcomes using the RC esthetic score (RES) system.Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male presented with esthetic concerns regarding his maxillary teeth as a result of GR. Clinical examination verified the presence of Miller Class I and III GR. Right maxillary defects were managed with a tunneling procedure using acellular dermal matrix graft. Left maxillary teeth had more severe recession and lack of keratinized gingiva. These were managed with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) using a connective tissue graft. One-year postoperative, results showed adequate RC outcomes for both techniques. Evaluation...
Efficient multiple model particle filtering for joint traffic state estimation and incident detection

Abstract This article proposes an efficient multiple model particle filter (EMMPF) to solve the problems of traffic state estimation and incident detection, which requires significantly less computation time compared to existing multiple model nonlinear filters. To incorporate the on ramps and off ramps on the highway, junction solvers for a traffic flow model with incident dynamics are developed. The effectiveness of the proposed EMMPF is assessed using a benchmark hybrid state estimation problem, and using synthetic traffic data generated by a micro-simulation software. Then, the traffic estimation framework is implemented using field data collected on Interstate 880 in California. The results show the EMMPF is capable of estimating the traffic state and detecting incidents and requires an order of magnitude less computation time compared to existing algorithms, especially when the hybrid system has a large number of rare models.
Direct-Sampling Studies of Combustion Processes

As has been emphasized in the preceding chapters, long-standing considerations of engine performance have been supplemented now by considerations of engine emissions. These considerations intensify the need for more detailed information on combustion processes. Information of interest includes effects of design modifications, fuel changes, and operating conditions on spatial distributions of chemical species in reciprocating-engine and gas-turbine combustion chambers and on temporal variations in reciprocating-engine combustion chambers.