cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral analysis of Internet topologies

Spectral analysis of the Internet topology at the autonomous system (AS) level, by adapting the standard spectral filtering method of examining the eigenvectors corresponding to the largest eigenvalues of matrices related to the adjacency matrix of the topology is performed. We observe that the method suggests clusters of ASs with natural semantic proximity, such as geography or business interests. We examine how these clustering properties vary in the core and in the edge of the network, as well as across geographic areas, over time, and between real and synthetic data. We observe that these clustering properties may be suggestive of traffic patterns and thus have direct impact on the link stress of the network. Finally, we use the weights of the eigenvector corresponding to the first eigenvalue to obtain an alternative hierarchical ranking of the ASs.
Adolescent Male Bullies, Victims, and Bully-Victims: A Comparison of Psychosocial and Behavioral Characteristics

Objective To determine among male adolescents whether bully-victims would report the poorest psychosocial health, the worst attitudes toward school, more problem behavior (delinquency, weapons possession, and substance use), and more physical injury compared with bullies, victims, and neutral students. We also assessed ethnic differences in bullying category membership. Methods Employing multisample latent variable models, we contrasted 1,312 males in grades 7-12 classified as bullies (n = 299), victims (n = 180), bully-victims (n = 195), and neutral (n = 638) on school attitudes, psychosocial health, problem behaviors, and physical injury. Results Hypotheses were generally confirmed, especially contrasts between bully-victims and neutrals. However, bullies did not have better school attitudes than bully-victims, and victims only marginally reported better psychological health than bully-victims. The boys of mixed ethnicity were more likely to be victims. Conclusions Greater awareness of the problems associated with boys who both bully and are victimized is necessary for improved intervention. Language: en
ENANTIOSELECTIVE BINDING IN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY:A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF CHIRAL SELECTION BYPERMETHYL-?-CYCLODEXTRIN

Stochastic molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the enantiomer retention orders of moderately polar analytes binding to permethylated β-cyclodextrin, a popular chiral stationary phase used in gas chromatography. It is found that averaging over multiple trajectories, each of which are lengthy, is required to faithfully reproduce experiment. From the simulations we find the major binding domain to be the interior of the macrocycle rather than the exterior with most analytes having a preference for associating to the primary rim rather than to the secondary rim. It is also found that the intermolecular forces responsible for holding the complexes together are the short range dispersion forces, and that the enantiodifferentiating forces of the competing diastereomeric complexes are dominated by the van der Waals contributions to the intermolecular energy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recombinant Thermus aquaticus RNA Polymerase, a New Tool for Structure-Based Analysis of Transcription

The three-dimensional structure of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) from thermophilic Thermus aquaticus has recently been determined at 3.3 A resolution. Currently, very little is known about T. aquaticus transcription and no genetic system to study T. aquaticus RNAP genes is available. To overcome these limitations, we cloned and overexpressed T. aquaticus RNAP genes in Escherichia coli. Overproduced T. aquaticus RNAP subunits assembled into functional RNAP in vitro and in vivo when coexpressed in E. coli. We used the recombinant T. aquaticus enzyme to demonstrate that transcription initiation, transcription termination, and transcription cleavage assays developed for E. coli RNAP can be adapted to study T. aquaticus transcription. However, T. aquaticus RNAP differs from the prototypical E. coli enzyme in several important ways: it terminates transcription less efficiently, has exceptionally high rate of intrinsic transcript cleavage, and is highly resistant to rifampin. Our results, together with the high-resolution structural information, should now allow a rational analysis of transcription mechanism by mutation.
A Clinical Measure of Maximal and Rapid Stepping in Older Women

Background In older adults, clinical measures have been used to assess fall risk based on the ability to maintain stance or to complete a functional task. However, in an impending fall situation, a stepping response is often used when strategies to maintain stance are inadequate. We examined how maximal and rapid stepping performance might differ among healthy young, healthy older, and balance-impaired older adults, and how this stepping performance related to other measures of balance and fall risk. Methods Young (Y; n = 12; mean age, 21 years), unimpaired older (UO; n = 12; mean age, 69 years), and balance-impaired older women IO; n = 10; mean age, 77 years) were tested in their ability to take a maximal step (Maximum Step Length or MSL) and in their ability to take rapid steps in three directions (front, side, and back), termed the Rapid Step Test (RST). Time to complete the RST and stepping errors occurring during the RST were noted. Results The IO group, compared with the Y and UO groups, demonstrated significantly poorer balance and higher fall risk, based on performance on tasks such as unipedal stance. Mean MSL was significantly higher (by 16%) in the Y than in the UO group and in the UO (by 30%) than in the IO group. Mean RST time was significantly faster in the Y group versus the UO group (by 24%) and in the UO group versus the IO group (by 15%). Mean RST errors tended to be higher in the UO than in the Y group, but were significantly higher only in the UO versus the IO group. Both MSL and RST time correlated strongly (0.5 to 0.8) with other measures of balance and fall risk including unipedal stance, tandem walk, leg strength, and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. Conclusion We found substantial declines in the ability of both unimpaired and balance-impaired older adults to step maximally and to step rapidly. Stepping performance is closely related to other measures of balance and fall risk and might be considered in future studies as a predictor of falls and fall-related injuries.
Production Research and Technology

WO of the most serious and interrelated problems facing the nation during the decade of the seventies and beyond are the control of inflation and the maintenance of and/or increase in the American standard of living. The key factor in increasing the standard of living (growth of wages over prices) and controlling the long term demand component of inflation is continuing increases in productivity. In the past such productivity increases in the manufacturing and service industries have been largely due to technology, and the only source of systematic, long term continued increases of productivity in the future is new technology. If we fail to make such increases, goods wilI become increasingly expensive or foreign in origin because our current skill-based and mass market oriented production methods are approaching the limits of their applicability and cannot be pushed much farther. American production will continue to be improved almost solely by evolution and by importing foreign technology (e.g., as in the steel and printing industries). Additionally, aggressive foreign competitors are actively seeking radical new production technologies through long-term government sponsored R&D programs. U.S.. industries will become increasingly uncompetitive because other nations are attacking basic production problems through long-standing, long-term, formidable R&D programs. This will lead inexorably to a reduced American standard of living and the inability (on the production side) to help in the control of inflation. Recall that in the decade prior to 1971 rising industrial productivity offset the level of inflation (on the order of 2-3 percent per year) and enabled a rising standard of living. Dramatic cost increases in the commodities necessary for manufacturing, (i.e., energy and materials, etc.) demand dramatic productivity increases not obtainable by present production methods. We are not overlooking the necessary efforts to expand energy sources and to improve and increase sources of raw materials. However, these efforts need to be supplemented and their ultimate effects augmented by this additional “production” prong to the attack on inflation. From a policy point of view, one can view the entire Production Research and Technology Program as providing us with technological options in manufacturing. These technological options, once available, will strengthen the free market system in that they can and will be utilized by industry, as necessitated by the economic driving forces of the free market place. It should be noted that total factor productivity is defined as the ratio of the total value of industrial output to the total value of all inputs (resources used) in the production process. These inputs can be broken down into energy, materials,
Modelling alluvial fan morphology

A mathematical model which estimates the scale-independent sediment surface profile of alluvial fans has been developed. This model utilizes a diffusive sediment transport model and an unsteady, radial flow, conservation relationship. These equations are approximately solved assuming a quasi-steady-state closure with appropriate modelling assumptions for two end member fan types: (1) fans where most of the fan surface is depositionally active (denoted here as ‘homogeneous’) and (2) fans characterized by channelling and sediment sorting processes. The fundamental result for these two fan types is a dimensionless sediment profile relationship which approximates most fan surfaces. The model suggests that the overall dimensionless morphology of alluvial fans is governed more by fundamental diffusion principles in sediment deposition than by individual environmental or basin characteristics. Additionally, this work potentially can be extended to model temporal variation in fan development. Preliminary comparison with alluvial fan profiles is reasonable, indicating that this model provides useful qualitative and quantitative information relating to alluvial fan process and morphology. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Cost Effectiveness of Direct to Consumer Advertising for Prescription Drugs

In this paper we use published information to provide analyze the economic value of Direct to Consumer (DTC) advertising. We use information on: the effect of DTC in generating patient visits; the effect of patient visits and mentions of a drug in generating prescriptions; and the effect of advertising on the cost effectiveness for specific advertised drugs. In all cases, we find that DTC advertising does not alter the cost effectiveness of the medications, all of which remain below conventional thresholds for efficiency. This suggests that DTC advertising is a cost effective way of generating patient benefits. Our estimates are conservative. Our methodology leads to underestimates of the benefits of DTC advertising, and overestimates of the costs. We conclude that critics of DTC and calls for moratoria or bans on such advertising are misguided, and that increased, rather than decreased, advertising would be appropriate.
Barium Atom and ion densities in a fluorescent lamp obtained from measurements and computer simulations

The measurements and simulation of barium atom and ion number densities in low and high frequency fluorescent lamp are presented. Barium emitted from the electrode surface has a strong interaction with the local plasma. The distributions of number densities for barium atom and ion depend mainly on the discharge conditions, such as the temperature of the operating electrode, and the number densities and distributions of other species (e.g. argon and mercury). A Monte Carlo computer simulation for the distribution of Ba{sup +} number density is described and the results from the simulation are compared to the experiment results obtained by absorption spectroscopy. A good agreement is reached between the simulation and the experimental Ba{sup +} distribution.
Adjustable booster child restraint system to enhance safety

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 3 to 14 years old. Everyday, an average of 4 children are killed and 490 children are injured during automotive accidents in United States. The lack of safety standards for “booster” children (50 lbs+) is an issue that needs to be addressed. Our goal was to improve current child seat designs on the market by designing an adjustable restraint seat system. The Graco Nautilus™ seat was altered to apply our designs to develop a prototype. Modifications were integrated to the seat; an ISOFix system, seatbelt guides, a retractable harness, and adjustable head/shoulder rests. These features are essential for optimal safety. SolidWorks 2009 and HyperWorks 10.0v were used for prototype designing. The simulation testing generated data analogous to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) and was compared to child restraint system scores for the younger age range. Ultimately, our improved child restraint system will provide greater protection may potentially upgrade child safety standards.
Variation in Paediatric Omeprazole Dosing

Aim To characterise enteral omeprazole prescribing for paediatric inpatients; to compare doses prescribed for tablets and mixtures; and to compare doses prescribed to a nationally recognised paediatric dosing guideline. Method A cross-sectional study conducted at a paediatric hospital where pharmacists prospectively collected dose and formulation data for all paediatric inpatients prescribed enteral omeprazole over a 2–week period. Result 35 children (8.6% inpatients) were prescribed enteral omeprazole. Omeprazole doses varied from 0.5 to 3.7 mg/kg/day (median 1.2), higher doses were prescribed for infants and for the mixture formulation. Less than half of the prescriptions followed the nationally recognised paediatric dosing guideline. Conclusion There was a wide variation in omeprazole dosing in children. Studies of the stability and bioavailability of omeprazole along with clinical outcomes are needed to establish optimal dosing, especially in younger children.
In vivo and in vitro Ovarian Steroidogenesis in the Pregnant Rat

The interrelationship between follicular and luteal function during pregnancy in the rat was examined by in vivo and in vitro methods. Corpora lutea (CL) and nonluteal ovarian tissues (NLO) were removed on Days 2 to 22 (at 2 day intervals) (day sperm-positive = Day 1 of pregnancy), and incubated separately for 2 h to determine the production rate of steroids. Changes in progesterone (P), 20a-dihydroprogesterone (20a-OHP), testosterone (T), and estradiol-1713 (E2) in peripheral blood, CL, and NLO, and levels of LH and FSH in serum and pituitary were measured by radioimmunoassay. A marked decline in the in vitro production rate of E2 and T in NLO occurred between Days 14 and 18 followed by an abrupt increase on Days 20 and 22. These changes correlated with the levels of serum LH between Days 14 and 22. Serum FSH also declined on Day 16 but returned to basal levels by Day 18. Despite the fall in N_LO production of E,, serum E2 started to increase on Day 14 with a progressive rise continuing until term. A marked increase in lutes! content of E2 occurred on Day 16 and continued until Day 22, whereas in vitro production of E2 by CL declined from Day 14 onward. Serum T also began to increase on Day 14 with the peak attained between Days 18 and 20, paralleling the rising E2 levels. In vitro production of luteal T increased on Day 12 with peak values present between Days 16 and 20, paralleling the pattern of serum T. Maximal values of serum P occurred between Days 14 and 16 and decreased after Day 18. In vitro production of luteal P increased abruptly on Day 4, with peak values on Day 10 and a decline by Day 16. There was a second peak in in vitro production of P on Day 22, although serum and luteal levels of P were already low. Changes in serum levels of 20o-OHP and its in vitro production rate were inversely related to changes in P throughout pregnancy. These findings indicate that at the end of pregnancy the CL produce large amounts of P in vitro after functional luteolysis has occurred in vivo. The high levels of P during midpregnancy may be involved in the suppression of follicular maturation, probably by lowering basal levels of serum LH. Furthermore, between Days 14 and 18, secretion of T and E2 represents proportionally more luteal than follicular sources of the hormones in the pregnant rat.
The development of emotional and behavioral self-regulation and social competence among maltreated school-age children

Behavioral and emotional self-regulation are important aspects of competence in school-age children. Despite the apparent interrelatedness of behavioral and affective processes, empirical approaches to the development of self-regulation typically have investigated these systems separately. As a result, their relative effects upon social competence remain, for the most part, an open question. This study, working from an organizational and developmental psychopathology perspective, attempted to investigate developmental processes that place maltreated children at risk for impaired peer relationships by assessing the independent and relative influences of behavioral and emotional regulation on social competence in school-age children. Subjects were maltreated children, who are at risk for both attenuated self-regulation and impaired peer relationships, and economically disadvantaged nonmaltreated comparison children. Observations were conducted during a summer day camp, an ecologically valid context in which to study children's social interactions. As predicted, maltreated children were found to be deficient in behavioral and affective regulation, relative to nonmaltreated children.Furthermore, attenuated self-regulation mediated the effects of maltreatment on children's social competence. Results highlighted the unique contributions of both behavior and affect in predicting peer competence, suggesting that a more comprehensive approach to the study of self-regulation is warranted.
Hepatitis Outreach Network: A practical strategy for hepatitis screening with linkage to care in foreign-born communities

Background & Aims Many foreign-born persons in the US are at high risk of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections, yet are not aware of their infection, and lack healthcare coverage or linkage to care. Methods A unique partnership, the Hepatitis Outreach Network, combines the expertise and resources of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and community-based organizations, to provide education, screening and link to care in communities with high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis. Comprehensive HBV and HCV screening identifies infected patients, who then receive further evaluation from either local or Mount Sinai physicians, combined with patient-navigators who organize follow-up visits. Results Of 1603 persons screened, 76 had HBV and 75 had HCV. Importantly, screening for HCV based on traditional risk factors would have missed 67% of those who tested positive. Of the 76 persons with HCV infection, 49 (64%) received a medical evaluation (26 with local providers and 23 at Mount Sinai). Of the 49 HCV-infected persons evaluated, treatment was recommended in 11 and begun in 8 (73%). Of the 76 persons with HBV infection, 43 (57%) received a medical evaluation (31 with local providers and 12 at Mount Sinai). Of the 43 HBV-infected persons evaluated, treatment was recommended and begun in 5 (100%). Conclusions Hepatitis Outreach Network has successfully established novel proof of concept for identifying HBV and HCV infections in foreign-born persons through use of several unique elements that effectively link them to care.
Testicular Degeneration and Spermatid Retention in Young Male Rats

ABSTRACI The incidence of spontaneous testicular atrophy and its morphological changes in relation to stage-specific spermatogenesis were investigated in young Crl:CDs/BR male rats at 10-12 wk of age used as controls for toxicity screening during 1983-1990. The incidence of testicular degeneration was 2.5% (5/197) in control rats used for oral toxicity studies and 9.4% (31/327) in rats used for inhalation studies. The epididymal tubules ofrats with testicular degeneration had exfoliated germ cells and low sperm density. The high incidence of testicular degeneration observed in the control rats used in inhalation studies may be related to the stress associated with immobilization in the restrainer during nose-only exposure conditions. The severity of testicular degeneration in the inhalation studies was mostly minimal. In these minimally affected testes, mature spermatids (step 19) were retained within normal-appearing germinal epithelium at spermatogenic stages IX-XIV. Also, eosinophilic globular bodies (EGBs) were formed with elongated or mature spermatids throughout all spermatogenic stages, but the general architecture of germinal epithelium was normal in appearance. By electron microscopy, EGBs were sequestered necrotic spermatids, and the germ cell degeneration was associated with cytoplasmic vacuolation of Sertoli cells. In moderate testicular degeneration, markedly decreased maturing spermatids (steps 15-19) and a slight depletion of round spermatids were observed in stages I-VIII. In severe testicular degeneration, seminiferous tubules were lined with 1-2 layers of round spermatids and spermatocytes with giant cell formation. The round spermatids served as a marker to identify spermatogenic stages (I-VIII) of the atrophic tubules. Also, in severe testicular degeneration, tubules in spermatogenic stages X-XIV had no elongated spermatids, and spermatocytes were exfoliated with occasional giant cell formation. Many seminiferous tubules were lined with only 1-2 layers of spermatocytes, and specific germ cell markers were not present.
The Role of Parents and Partners in the Pregnancy Behaviors of Young Latinas

Pregnancy among young Latinas demands attention. These teens have higher birthrates than other teen populations. Seven focus groups (N = 40) were conducted with Latinas to explore how relationships between young Latinas and their mothers fathers and male partners contribute to teen pregnancy. ATLAS/ti (a qualitative data analysis software program) was used to assist in coding and analysis of data. Salient themes were identified. Mothers rely on cultural values regarding sexuality and pregnancy outside of marriage and fear about birth control to dissuade their daughters from pregnancy. Fathers echo these traditional messages. Open communication about sexuality and contraception rarely occurs. Male partners increase pregnancy susceptibility given the difficulty with negotiating condom use. It is important that research and prevention programs recognize the social context in which pregnancy prevention and susceptibility occur. (authors)
Developmental differences in L-type calcium current of human atrial myocytes.

We investigated differences in L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) between infant (INF, 1–12 mo old), young adult (YAD, 14–18 yr old), and older adult (AD) myocytes from biopsies of right atrial appendages. ...
The inheritance of acquired characteristics.

INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINITION OF "INHERITANCE OF ACQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS" (IAC); CLASSIFICATION F IAC SYSTEMS 2 EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEMS THAT DEMONSTRATE IAC 3 Systems Based on Heritably Stabilized Gene Expression 3 Cortical Inheritance 9 Systems Based on Inherited Modification of DNA 11 Systems Based on Induced Loss of Nonessential Nucleic Acid (NA) Sequences ...... 13 Systems Based on Acquisition of Foreign Nucleic Acid ~ ......... 15 IAC IN EVOLUTION AND EVOLUTIONARY SALTATION 16 RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT, SUMMARY 17
Reflective Oracles: A Foundation for Game Theory in Artificial Intelligence

Game theory treats players as special: A description of a game contains a full, explicit enumeration of all players. This isn’t a realistic assumption for autonomous intelligent agents. In this paper, we propose a framework in which agents and their environments are both modelled as probablistic oracle machines with access to a “reflective” oracle, which is able to answer questions about the outputs of other machines with access to the same oracle. These oracles avoid diagonalization problems by answering some queries randomly. Agents make decisions by asking the oracle questions about their environment, which they model as an arbitrary oracle machines. Since agents are themselves oracle machines, the environment can contain other agents as non-distinguished subprocesses, removing the special treatment of players in the classical theory. We show that agents interacting in this way play Nash equilibria.
Compact Thermal Modeling Methodology for Active and Thermal Bumps in 3D Microelectronic Packages

Accurate estimation of the thermal conductivity of logic-memory and memory-memory interfaces, between stacked die in 3D microelectronic packages, is key to effective design and early estimates of performance and reliability. Typically, interconnect layers contain hundreds to a few thousands of bumps. Hence lumped/compact modeling of this interfacial layer is essential to reduce computational time and complexity. The typical approach to this lumped modeling is to estimate the effective conductivity of the layer by assuming the bumps and underfill regions can be modelled as parallel thermal resistances (referred to as the volumetric method). This work demonstrates that the volumetric method can significantly underpredict 3D stack thermal resistance and junction temperatures. An alternative method-referred to as the single bump method-of estimation of the thermal conductivity of interconnect layers in 3D stacked-die packages is presented. Studies demonstrate that the proposed single bump method captures the heat transfer in these interfaces accurately. Validation of the single bump modeling is presented by comparing the single bump and volumetric methods with fully discretized models. This comparison also demonstrates that the prevalent volumetric method overestimates the effective thermal conductivity of the interface, while the single bump approach results in more accurate assessment of 3D stack resistance.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Wind Induced Vibration of Cylindrical Structures

With reference to problem of designing tall stacks wind tunnel investigations were made to determine dynamic behavior of cylindrical sections under action of wind at high Reynold's numbers; results show that wind induced vibration normal to direction of wind is self excited rather than forced; basic aerodynamic phenomenon associated with higher critical velocity is not presently understood.
Land‐Use Change Affects Water Recycling in Brazil's Last Agricultural Frontier

Historically, conservation-oriented research and policy in Brazil have focused on Amazon deforestation, but a majority of Brazil's deforestation and agricultural expansion has occurred in the neighboring Cerrado biome, a biodiversity hotspot comprised of dry forests, woodland savannas, and grasslands. Resilience of rainfed agriculture in both biomes likely depends on water recycling in undisturbed Cerrado vegetation; yet little is known about how changes in land-use and land-cover affect regional climate feedbacks in the Cerrado. We used remote sensing techniques to map land-use change across the Cerrado from 2003 to 2013. During this period, cropland agriculture more than doubled in area from 1.2 to 2.5 million ha, with 74% of new croplands sourced from previously intact Cerrado vegetation. We find that these changes have decreased the amount of water recycled to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration (ET) each year. In 2013 alone, cropland areas recycled 14 km(3) less (-3%) water than if the land cover had been native Cerrado vegetation. ET from single-cropping systems (e.g., soybeans) is less than from natural vegetation in all years, except in the months of January and February, the height of the growing season. In double-cropping systems (e.g., soybeans followed by corn), ET is similar to or greater than natural vegetation throughout a majority of the wet season (December-May). As intensification and extensification of agricultural production continue in the region, the impacts on the water cycle and opportunities for mitigation warrant consideration. For example, if an environmental goal is to minimize impacts on the water cycle, double cropping (intensification) might be emphasized over extensification to maintain a landscape that behaves more akin to the natural system.
The “Fabulous Fakes”—Laboratory Style

Methods are described for preparing the following “fake” specimens for laboratory studies: red blood cells deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, red blood cells that react as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria cells, and spinal fluid positive for blood cell counts. The specimens are useful as teaching tools for groups of students and as quality control samples.
Combining Standard Feedback Controllers with Feedforward Blade Pitch Control for Load Mitigation in Wind Turbines

Combined feedback/feedforward blade pitch control is compared to industry standard feedback control when simulated in realistic turbulent winds. The feedforward controllers are designed to reduce fatigue loads, increasing turbine lifetime and therefore reducing the cost of energy. Various collective pitch and individual pitch versions of two feedforward designs are studied: Gain-Scheduled Model-Inverse and Gain-Scheduled Shaped Compensator. The input to the feedforward controller is a measurement of incoming wind speed, which could potentially be provided by LIDAR. Three of the designs reduce structural loading compared to standard feedback control, without reducing power production.
Ground Motion Analysis with the Use of the Short-Time-Response-Spectrum

The elastic response spectrum provides the engineer with two important elements of the seismic structural response: intensity and frequency content. However, this approach does not provide information on the phasing, number of occurrences of the maxima, and duration. This paper uses the Short Time Response Spectrum (STRS) methodology to evaluate ground motion time history characteristics and their implications to engineering analyses. The STRS provides a Time-Period-Intensity representation of structural response to ground motions and compatible measures of earthquake duration. Thus, the STRS captures not only the maximum amplitude and frequency content of the earthquake motion but also its time evolution.
Information Processing Theory

Information processing theory emerged from Turing's work in the 1960s in which humans' cognitive processing was compared to processing used in a computer. This was a response to radical behaviorism, which could not account for reading, perceptual inversion, and cognitive maps. This systems engineering of the mind attempts to isolate behavioral or electrophysiological effects to a given processing stage. This entry briefly applies information processing theory to age differences in processing speed, divided attention, and emotional threat perception. Keywords: cognitive development; information processing and cognitions; neuroscience; Skinner, B. F; Turing, Alan; Wundt, Wilhelm
The Demise of the American Convention System, 1880–1911: The Direct Primary in the Reform Tradition

Michigan's voters had never witnessed anything resembling Chase S. Osborn's barnstorming for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1910. Touring the lower peninsula in an automobile caravan over several weeks that summer, Osborn's entourage logged in twelve thousand miles – sometimes tooling along at an alarming thirty miles per hour. The “cow path campaigning” stopped “wherever we found a crossroads, a blacksmith shop and a bird's nest.” His savvy handlers sent an organizer to towns ahead to ensure that Osborn was greeted by a band and an enthusiastic crowd. Osborn was a “natural campaigner,” writes his biographer, “energetic, colorful, highly egotistical, a complete extrovert” and a good public speaker. Primary day left him hoarse from seven hundred mostly extemporaneous speeches. Osborn gloried in the glad-handing techniques perfected by candidates for lesser offices, but he did not overlook the tactics that had nominated governors past. He wrote numerous letters, hired a retinue of local campaign promoters, and even sought to enlist the census takers in his cause. It proved to be an expensive undertaking. Much of the thirty-five thousand dollars Osborn spent came out of his own bank account after his fellow mine owners proved less than generous. Some of the payments violated the state's new limitations on campaign expenditures, but it was easy enough to find loopholes in the statute. A longtime supporter of direct nominations, Osborn's ready adaptation to its demanding regimen accounted for his victory that fall.
Clinical Effect of Rebound Hyperthermia After Cooling Postcardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Therapeutic hypothermia is used in select patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to improve neurologic outcome. Rebound hyperthermia (RH) is commonly observed post-treatment. Previous studies analyzing the association of RH with clinical outcome have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of RH after completion of therapeutic hypothermia in patients postcardiac arrest. We analyzed a retrospective cohort from our institution. All adults who underwent therapeutic hypothermia post-OHCA were divided into two cohorts depending on the presence/absence of fever (T > 38°C) within 24 hours of completing hypothermia protocol. Clinical outcomes were analyzed at hospital discharge or death. Among 306 patients admitted with OHCA, 117 underwent hypothermia, 97 survived 24 hours postrewarming. Twenty-seven patients (50%) with RH died compared with 20 (47%) without RH (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.52–2.57). Twenty-six patients (67%) with RH had a poor neurologic outcome comp...
An analysis of the impact of federally-funded investments in science, research and technology across regions and education groups in Arizona

This paper uses the $526.9 million in Research and Development (R&D) support allocated by the federal government to the state of Arizona in 2010 to demonstrate how multi-regional input-output (MRIO) analysis can highlight the spatial and social heterogeneity of its economic returns. While the statewide output multiplier of this event is 2.18, the multiplier effects are between 0.23 and 0.88 point greater in Phoenix than in Tucson, the two largest metro areas in Arizona. The ‘rest of Arizona’ reports an even greater gap w.r.t. Phoenix because of a lack of skilled workers and infrastructure. When it comes to the heterogeneous effect across groups of inhabitants, we find that the main beneficiaries are the workers with the highest levels of education. However, more than 2,000 jobs have also been created for the labour force with a high school degree or less thus indicating the presence of social returns of investments in R&D.
Tracking the Coupling of External Signals to Intracellular Programs Controlling Peptide Synthesis and Release in Hypothalamic Neuroendocrine Neurons

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neuroendocrine neurons of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus constitute the final common pathway for the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis. These neurons trigger an important cascade of hormone releasing events that allow the organism to respond adaptively to stress, including the release of CRH from the hypothalamus, adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, and cortisol (corticosterone in rats) from the adrenal cortex. Despite the central place of CRH neuroendocrine neurons in this hierarchy, the precise manner by which stimuli engage the brain to drive these neurons remains unclear. In this chapter, we describe experiments establishing functional linkages among a peripheral stressor (glycemic challenge), hindbrain-originating neural circuits, and intracellular programs that control the synthesis and release of CRH neuropeptide. A model is presented based on these studies that offers a testable framework upon which to build, and extensions of these findings to larger brain networks are discussed.
Transplant biomarkers ready for the clinic

Biomarkers promise to refine the prediction of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) outcomes. In this issue of Blood , a phase 3 clinical trial reported by [Abu Zaid et al][1] brings us closer to routine biological profiling of major complications that occur after allogeneic SCT.[1][2] ![
The Emotional Dimensions of Deselection: An Annotated Bibliography

The purpose of this annotated bibliography is to highlight the limited literature available regarding the emotional dimensions of deselection on the part of librarians. Though there is a vast body of research regarding deselection, much of the literature focuses on practical strategies for planning and carrying out deselection projects, reflecting mostly on how stakeholders beyond the library – patrons, faculty, the public, etc. – are affected by such projects, there is little research on how such projects emotionally impact the librarians carrying them out. This bibliography highlights and analyzes literature which does in some way, however small, acknowledge that facet of the practice. The author raises questions regarding the emotional dimensions of deselection as it relates to librarianship, wondering why this aspect of the practice has not been more studied, given its controversial nature and increasing necessity as electronic resources become more preferred, and the physical face of libraries change in response.
Minimizing Defects for a Silicon Nitride Deposition Process

Full factorial and Taguchi orthogonal arrays were used to characterize the silicon nitride low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process for film uniformity and particle density. Thickness and refractive index were measured using standard ellipsometric techniques. Particles were measured on patterned wafers using a Tencor Surfscan 7000 particle counter with pattern recognition capability. Both design methodologies produced identical results, with particles most dependent on total gas volume, and uniformity of the deposited film dependent on NH3:DCS (ammonia:dichlorosilane) gas ratio. Particle counts were minimized at both 4:1 and 6:1 NH3:DCS ratios and by reducing the total gas volume 10 percent, while uniformity continually improved as a 6:1 ratio was approached. It was learned that it is possible to choose an NH3:DCS gas ratio of 6:1 that simultaneously optimizes particles and film uniformity.The use of statistical process control (SPC) methods to improve process capability as measured by proce...
Fortune favors the well read.

“You found that in what journal?” My adviser, sitting across the desk from me as we discussed my next research project, raised his eyebrows in surprise. We had recently finished my first project and realized that our methods had some limitations. We needed to redesign our experiments, so I had
Infectious outcomes of gastroschisis patients with intraoperative hypothermia.

Abstract Background Perioperative hypothermia decreases nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues and, in adult studies, increases the risk of infectious complications (ICs). Gastroschisis (GS) places newborns at risk for hypothermia by nature of exposed viscera and excessive heat loss. Although hypothermia is a known cause of mortality in GS, the rate of ICs in this at-risk cohort has not yet been delineated. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at our single tertiary-referral hospital, evaluating patient and operative characteristics of all GS infants who underwent operative closure. Intraoperative temperatures were recorded, defining hypothermia as mild (35.5°C-35.9°C), moderate (35.0°C-35.4°C), or severe ( Results Among 43 GS neonates, 21 (48.8%) had intraoperative hypothermia, classified as mild in 2 (4.7%), moderate in 8 (18.6%), and severe in 11 (25.6%). Nineteen ICs occurred in 35.9% of patients, including 10 (23.3%) surgical site infections. There was no association between hypothermia and ICs. Patient and operative characteristics were similar between normothermic and hypothermic groups, except that normothermic infants were more likely to have silos placed with delayed closure than hypothermic patients (63.6% versus 23.8%, P = 0.01). Conclusions Infants with GS are at high risk for hypothermia and ICs, though newborns with silos were less subject to temperature lability. A multiinstitutional study with greater power is needed to further investigate the relationship between perioperative hypothermia and surgical ICs.
An investigation into support cooperativity for the deoxygenation of guaiacol over nanoparticle Ni and Rh2P

The production of hydrocarbon fuels from biomass pyrolysis requires the development of effective deoxygenation catalysts, and insight into how the properties of the support influence performance is critical for catalyst design. In this report, nanoparticles of Ni and Rh2P were synthesized using solution-phase techniques and dispersed on high surface area supports. The supports included a relatively inert material (C), an acidic reducible metal-oxide (TiO2), an acidic irreducible metal-oxide (Al2O3), and a basic irreducible metal-oxide (MgO). The eight active phase/support combinations were investigated for the deoxygenation of guaiacol, a pyrolysis vapor model compound, under ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis conditions (350 °C, 0.44 MPa H2). Compared to the baseline performance of the C-supported catalysts, Ni/TiO2 and Rh2P/TiO2 exhibited higher guaiacol conversion and lower O : C ratios for C5+ products, highlighting the enhanced activity and greater selectivity to deoxygenated products derived from the use of an acidic reducible metal-oxide support. The Al2O3-supported catalysts also exhibited higher conversion than the C-supported catalysts and promoted alkylation reactions, which improve carbon efficiency and increase the carbon number of the C5+ products. However, Ni/Al2O3 and Rh2P/Al2O3 were less selective towards deoxygenated products than the C-supported catalysts. The MgO-supported catalyst exhibited lower conversion and decreased yield of deoxygenated products compared to the C-supported catalysts. The results reported here suggest that basic metal-oxide supports may inhibit deoxygenation of phenolics under CFP conditions. Contrastingly, support acidity and reducibility were demonstrated to promote conversion and selectivity to deoxygenated products, respectively.
Computer-Assisted Mathematics Instruction for Students With Specific Learning Disability: A Review of the Literature

This review was conducted to evaluate the current body of scholarly research regarding the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to teach mathematics to students with specific learning disability (SLD). For many years, computers are utilized for educational purposes. However, the effectiveness of CAI for teaching mathematics to this specific group of students is unclear. First, a brief review of the diagnosis of SLD, the importance of mathematics instruction for these students, and the use of computers in the classroom is provided. Next, a review of the current body of research is presented. Finally, suggestions for future research are discussed. Since 1981, a total of 25 research studies have been published, focusing exclusively on using CAI for teaching mathematics to students with SLD. This review examines the current body of research for this area. In addition, the author provides recommendations for future research on this important subject for this category of students.
Clarifying—and Challenging—Classroom Controversy

In a widely-cited 2009 monograph, Controversy in the Classroom, Diana Hess urged teachers to engage young people in deliberating controversial political issues. Her argument that classroom delibera...
Thirsty for Change: Considering Water Privatization in Developing Countries

Access, maintenance, and distribution of clean water are daunting tasks for developing nations. Efforts to provide clean drinking water have often fallen short, which has prompted the World Bank to advocate for privatization. From a theoretical perspective, privatization blends the advantages of corporate efficiency with responsible management on behalf of the national government. Analysis of attempts to privatize water in the Philippines, with the establishment of the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS), shows mixed results. Between 1997 and 2003, citizens with access to water increased from 58 percent to 84 percent, yet water became five times costlier due to privatization. Advocates may applaud the efficiency of the model, but developing nations must emphasize accessibility and affordability of the resource. Privatization, as a model for water distribution, remains contentious. * The following authors include MPA candidates at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a researcher at the Earth Institute. The authors would like to thank Casey Brown, from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. He provided precise commentary and motivation that aided in writing this report. Jack Foshee, an MPA candidate, has a research focuses on renewable resource systems and sustainability issues. He can be reached at jf2425@columbia.edu. Anirban Ghosh, an MPA candidate, has a primary research interests in the maintenance of large water systems and urban energy use. He can be reached at ag2638@columbia.edu. Christopher Graham, an MPA candidate, can be reached at cjg2131@columbia.edu. William Thomas Murray, an MPA candidate, has a primary interest in the development and implementation of a comprehensive emissions-reducing bill in the United States. He can be reached at wtm2102@columbia.edu. Celine Ruben-Salama is a Swedish American living and working in New York City pursuing her MPA. Her main focus is private sector solutions to Environmental issues and private-public partnerships. She can be reached at csr2109@columbia.edu. Dr. Tobias Siegfried is currently working at the Earth Institute, Columbia University. He studies a broad range of issues related to the management of scarce freshwater resources and its improvement. He can be reached at ts2392@columbia.edu.
Polymerase Chain Reaction and other Amplification Techniques in Mycobacteriology

Amplification methods for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have undergone much research and development in the last several years. The most common methods for extraction, amplification, and detection of mycobacterial nucleic acid sequences used in “in-house” PCR assays are discussed. A list of commercially prepared PCR and non-PCR amplification assays that should be available soon is included. The pros and cons of “in-house” versus commercial technology and issues of implementation of molecular technology in the clinical laboratory are reviewed.