cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drowning the Crescent City Told Stories of Katrina

This article reviews secondary sources on the possible causes of the devastation in New Orleans resulting from Hurricane Katrina. These sources include newspaper accounts, radio and television inte...
Transverse momentum fluctuations and high p⊥ processes in quantum chromodynamics☆☆☆

Abstract We discuss the introduction of constituent transverse momentum fluctuations in the parton model and examine their effects on the transverse momentum spectra of pions, jets and dilepton pairs in proton-proton collisions. We show that, when exact constituent kinematics are respected, the quark and gluon subprocesses of quantum chromodynamics do not suffice to explain the data in the present p ⊥ region. A hard scattering expansion, including constituent interchange model contributions, gives satisfactory agreement with the data.
Improvement in smile esthetics following orthodontic treatment: a retrospective study utilizing standardized smile analysis.

ABSTRACT Objective: To quantify smile esthetics following orthodontic treatment and determine whether these changes are correlated to the severity of the initial malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A standardized smile mesh analysis that evaluated nine lip-tooth characteristics was applied to two groups of successfully treated patients: group 1 (initial American Board of Orthodontics Discrepancy Index [DI] score 20). T-tests were used to detect significant differences between the low-DI and high-DI groups for baseline pretreatment measurements, baseline posttreatment measurements, and changes from pre- to posttreatment. A Spearman correlation test compared the initial DI values with the changes in the nine smile measurements. Results: Five of the smile measurements were improved in both groups following orthodontic treatment. Both groups demonstrated improved incisor exposure, an improved gingival smile line, an increase in smile width, a decreased buccal corridor spac...
Multi-Modal Interfaces in Supervisory Control

The resource metaphor emphasizes the divisibility of attention. When performing any task, different mental operations must be carried out, each of which requires some degree of the operator's limited processing resources. In a supervisory control environment, visual processing resources are in high demand to monitor the typically large number of displays, as are manual resources to perform such tasks as adjusting dials, entering data into logbooks, and typing on keyboards. A need exists to develop multi-modal interfaces to take advantage of processing resources which are not currently used to advantage. Speech input is proposed as a means of facilitating operator interaction. An experiment incorporating speech input into a simulated control room environment compared the performance of operators using voice-augmented and keyboard inputs. It was found that speech input actually hindered the operator's control performance.
A Novel Model of Schizophrenia Age-of-Onset Data Challenges the Conventional Interpretations of the Discordance in Monozygote Twin Studies

The relative importance of genetics and the environment in causing schizophrenia is still being debated. Although the high proportion of monozygote cotwins of schizophrenia patients who are discordant suggests that there may be a significant environmental contribution to the development of schizophrenia, this discordance is predicted by an accumulative multimutation model of schizophrenia onset constructed here implying a genetic origin of schizophrenia. In this model, schizophrenics are viewed as having been born with the genetic susceptibility to develop schizophrenia. As susceptible gene carriers age, they randomly accumulate the necessary mutations to cause schizophrenia, the last needed mutation coinciding with disease onset. The mutation model predicts that the concordance rate in monozygote twin studies will monotonically increase with age, theoretically approaching 100% given sufficient longevity. In dizygote cotwins of schizophrenia patients, the model predicts that at least 71% of cotwins are incapable of developing schizophrenia even though every cotwin and their schizophrenic twin shared a similar early environment. The multimutation model is shown to fit all of the monozygote and dizygote concordance rate data of the principle classical twin studies completed before 1970 considered in this paper. Thus, the genetic hypothesis of schizophrenia can be tested by bringing these studies up to date.
Regulation by Simulation: The Role of Production Cost Models in Electricity Planning and Pricing

This paper is a case study on the role of complex computer simulation models in the regulation of the electricity industry. The analysis focuses on electricity production cost simulation models as they are used to set prices for certain nonutility generators in California. This represents an early part of the trend toward "markets" for electric power, and away from pure monopoly supply. The introduction of even limited competition creates conditions both favoring and hindering the reliability of cost estimates, and demonstrates the sensitivity of results to problem specification and model implementation. Attention is focused on the representation of power system operational constraints, particularly the unit commitment problem, in the modeling process and their effect on the prices which result. Examples from the litigation history illustrate the problem of managing the strategic use and abuse of modeling techniques for competitive advantage. Highly structured procedures for using models in such situations offer some constraints on manipulation by competing parties. Otherwise, experts are apt to overwhelm regulators.
How managers can lower mental illness costs by reducing stigma

Abstract The stigma associated with mental illness is not usually an issue that managers include in their portfolio of everyday concerns. However, published data from multiple sources makes it clear that the costs of doing business for any organization are increased when the very common conditions characterized as mental illnesses are stigmatized. Denial, fear of discovery, and insurance inadequacy among an organization's employees often delay treatment, harming organizational productivity and raising health care costs related to both the mental illness itself and other associated medical conditions. Additional costs to businesses range from the possibility of increased liability to higher taxes. To counter stigma among employees, the authors recommend personal communication with co-workers diagnosed with a mental illness, or with members of their families, to create new associations for these illnesses, which is a more effective approach than either education or anti-stigma messages. They also recommend communication to constituencies beyond one's own organization, joining with other companies to demonstrate actions aimed at community-wide stigma reduction, and offering consulting services to organizations promoting mental health.
Tunable Networks from Thiolene Chemistry for Lithium Ion Conduction

End-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were cross-linked by a thiolene reaction with a tetra-functional thiol to create robust, tunable networks. These networks were loaded with increasing amounts of lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl imide) (LiTFSI), and their ion conductivity was measured. A wide range of salt loading was achieved, allowing the investigation of both salt-in-polymer and polymer-in-salt regimes. Thermal, mechanical, and ion conductivity properties of LiTFSI-loaded PEG and PEG-PDMS networks were measured. Even at high salt loadings, both networks maintained rubber-like characteristics, which were stable over a range of temperatures (30–90 °C). The PEG network with the highest salt loading showed the greatest ion conductivity, 6.7 × 10–4 S cm–1 at 30 °C, as measured by impedance spectroscopy. This system provides a route to optimize lithium ion conduction and mechanical properties.
Structure and regulation of linear neutral delay differential systems

The problems of realization and feedback stabilization of autonomous linear neutral systems are studied in the context of linear systems over commutative rings. Connections are made to the theory of retarded delay systems as well as to generalized linear systems over a field.
Logistic Simulation - A Credible Tool for Decision Makers?

Logistic simulation and sensitivity analyses can prove useful in management reviews of major weapon system acquistion programs. The F/A-18 analyses were instrumental in quantifying the importance of achieving projected field reliability levels, the adequacy of supply support funding, and the importance of test equipment capacity in achieving aircraft readiness objectives. Logistic simulation inputs and assumptions need to be subjected to critical examination in each application. In the case reviewed, it was found that the commonly used assumption that mean failure rates are constant values, known with certainty, introduced significant errors in prediction of operational readiness and sensitivity analysis results. The variability of mean demand has potentially far reaching implications concerning future support planning but further work is required to fully understand, characterize, model, and develop logistic support approaches that accommodate the variability. Logistic simulation has the potential to become an accepted support planning and analysis tool that will meet the new DoD management demands to quantitatively link system design and support decisions to operational readiness objectives. Further understanding of the ``real world,'' and incorporation of this understanding in input data and modeling techniques are required if the full potential of this support planning tool is to be realized.
A 5-Gb/s Noise Optimized Receiver Using a Switched TIA for Wireless Optical Communications

This paper reports a systematic approach for designing a low noise and low power optical receiver targeting high sensitivity imaging architectures for optical wireless communications. For line of sight tracking in optical wireless communications, a switching matrix is employed between the pixel/photodetector array and the transimpedance (TIA) amplifier. An optimization procedure is introduced to balance various performance parameters in the optical receiver front end when including the effect of the switch. The presented optical receiver consists of a low noise, wideband TIA, where noise and stability are optimized using a series inductor at the input. The TIA is followed by a limiter with offset cancellation and 50 Ω output buffer capable of 900 mV p-p differential output swing, over the 50 Ω resistance of the BERTScope. The receiver implemented in the IBM 130 nm CMOS technology, achieves a bit error rate of 10-12 at 5-Gb/s corresponding to 2.8 μA current at the input and at 4-Gb/s corresponding to 2.1 μA input current, in presence of 1 pF input capacitance representing the photodiode. The total power consumption including the on chip 50 Ω differential output buffer is 68 mW from 1.5 V DC supply. The die area including bonding pads and output buffer is 1106 μm × 895 μm.
Prospective predictors of unprotected anal intercourse among HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men initiating antiretroviral therapy.

Contemporary HIV prevention efforts are increasingly focused on those already living with HIV/AIDS (i.e., “prevention with positives”). Key to these initiatives is research identifying the most risky behavioral targets. Using a longitudinal design, we examined socio-demographic and psychosocial factors that prospectively predicted unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in a sample of 134 HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) initiating, changing, or re-starting an antiretroviral therapy regimen as part of a behavioral intervention study. Computer-based questionnaires were given at baseline and 6 months. In a sequential logistic regression, baseline measures of UAI (step 1), socio-demographic factors such as Latino ethnicity (step 2), and psychosocial factors such as crystal methamphetamine use, greater life stress, and lower trait anxiety (step 3) were predictors of UAI at 6 months. Problem drinking was not a significant predictor. Prevention efforts among MSM living with HIV/AIDS might focus on multiple psychosocial targets, like decreasing their crystal methamphetamine use and teaching coping skills to deal with life stress.
Measuring aortic sinus pressure-inflation response using three dimensional marker tracking

In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of porcine aortic sinus using a three-dimensional marker measuring technique called the direct linear transformation (DLT) method. By recording pressure-inflation tests of five porcine aortic roots with the use of two cameras simultaneously, we were able to obtain stress and strain responses of aortic sinus upon applied luminal pressures and compare them with previously published planar biaxial results of the same tissue. We found that the roots were stiffer in the circumferential direction for the middle region of the non-coronary sinus for all specimens. The magnitude of stress at 30% strain was higher than that observed using planar biaxial testing.
Lean blowoff in high-intensity combustion with dominant fuel spray effects☆

Abstract The characteristic time model for lean blowoff [1] has been used to predict extinction of disk-stabilized flames of No. 4 and No. 6 oils, unleaded gasoline, and JP-10. The predictions show good agreement with experimental values of the blowoff equivalence ratio obtained at pressures of 2–6 atm, inlet air temperatures of 500–800K, and 1.5 kg/sec air mass flow. Droplets penetrating the flame-stabilizing shear layer strongly augment the stabilization process at lower combustor loadings, especially with No. 6 oil.
Primary Treatment of Stage III Ovarian Carcinoma with Sequential Chemotherapy and Whole Abdominal Radiation Therapy

Abstract A prospective phase II clinical treatment trial of 13 patients with previously untreated optimal surgically resected (⩽1 cm) stage III ovarian carcinoma was conducted at the University of Michigan Hospitals. The treatment regimen after surgical resection consisted of chemotherapy followed by whole abdomen and pelvic radiation therapy. Chemotherapy consisted of four cycles of 50 mg/m 2 cisplatin and 1000 mg/m 2 cytoxan. This was followed by whole abdomen radiation therapy with a planned total dose of 30 Gy to the whole abdomen and then a 20-Gy boost to the pelvis. Six of 13 patients received a paraaortic radiation boost. There was minimal acute toxicity, but delayed toxicity was encountered with 38% of patients developing a bowel obstruction. Nine patients had reassessment laparotomy: 5 second-look laparotomies and 4 laparotomies for bowel obstruction. Two of these 9 patients died of septic complications after surgery. Nine patients died with disease, 1 patient is alive with advanced disease, and only 3 patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Actuarial 3-year survival and progression-free interval was 26 and 20%, respectively. Primary treatment consisting of sequential chemotherapy and whole abdomen radiation in the dose and scheme utilized did not improve the survival over what could be expected utilizing one of these treatments alone. It was associated with increased delayed toxicity.
A structured operational semantic modelling of the Dolev-Yao threat environment and its composition with cryptographic protocols

In the areas of computer security and cryptographic protocols a standard model for describing the malicious behaviour of adversaries is the Dolev-Yao threat model. In formal analysis of complex, reactive and concurrent communication systems, a well-researched algebraic process approach is Milner's Calculus of Communicating Systems (CCS) which has the semantic foundation underpinned by Plotkin's structured operational semantics (SOS). In this article we provide a CCS-SOS modelling of the Dolev-Yao threat environment and its composition with the CCS description of a cryptographic protocol. For a given protocol, we attempt to discover security flaws by examining whether there is any difference between the SOS transition behaviours of the protocol descriptions which has and has not been composed with the malicious environment. The intuitively appealing modelling shows a suitability for the well-researched CCS-SOS-based algebraic process approach being applied to formal analysis of cryptographic protocols.
Characterization and performance evaluation of a full-scale activated carbon-based dynamic botanical air filtration system for improving indoor air quality

Abstract A dynamic botanical air filtration system (DBAF) was developed for evaluating the short and long-term performance of botanical air cleaning technology under realistic indoor conditions. It was a fan-assisted with controlled airflow, activated-carbon/hydroculture based potted plant unit. The DBAF was first tested using a full-scale stainless chamber to evaluate its short-term performance. It was then integrated in the HVAC system of a new office space (96.8 m 2 ) to study the effects of moisture content in the root bed on the removal efficiency, and the long-term performance. The results indicated that 5% outdoor air plus botanical filtration lead to the similar indoor formaldehyde/toluene concentration level as 25% outdoor air without filtration, which means that the filtration system was equivalent to 20% outdoor air (476 m 3 /h). The DBAF was effective for removing both formaldehyde and toluene under 5–32% volumetric water content of the root bed. It also performed consistently well over the relatively long testing period of 300 days while running continuously. The reduction in outdoor ventilation rate while using the botanical filtration system to maintain acceptable air quality would lead to 10–15% energy saving for the cold climate (Syracuse, NY), based on simulation analysis using EnergyPlus. For winter condition, the filter was also found to increase the supply air RH by 20%, which would decrease the dryness of air. For summer condition, the increase of RH in summer would be within 15% of the RH condition when no botanical air filtration is present.
How do fertilizer subsidy programs affect total fertilizer use in sub‐Saharan Africa? Crowding out, diversion, and benefit/cost assessments

A major determinant of input subsidy programs’ effects on the achievement of national policy goals is the extent to which they raise total fertilizer use. This study synthesizes recent literature on how the new generation of targeted input subsidy programs has affected national fertilizer use after accounting for crowding effects, and derives benefit–cost (BC) estimates of the fertilizer subsidy programs for Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia after accounting for crowding out and diversion. We highlight two major findings. First, accounting for the illicit diversion of program fertilizer can profoundly influence estimates of how fertilizer subsidy programs affect total fertilizer use and program impacts. Given recent evidence that 33% or more of total program fertilizer may be diverted before being received by intended beneficiary farmers, the failure to account for program diversion is shown to overestimate the contribution of the subsidy programs to national fertilizer use by 67.3% in the case of Malawi, by 61.6% for Zambia, and by 138.0% for Kenya. The second major finding is that the incremental value of maize output produced from these subsidy programs is considerably less than their costs in most years, except under unusually high maize price assumptions. Conventional BC analyses that do not account for crowding out and diversion may seriously overestimate the benefits of input subsidy programs. Greater attention to program design and implementation details to reduce problems of crowding out and diversion can substantially raise the returns to such programs.
Credibility Using Copulas

Abstract Credibility is a form of insurance pricing that is widely used, particularly in North America. The theory of credibility has been called a “cornerstone” in the field of actuarial science. Students of the North American actuarial bodies also study loss distributions, the process of statistical inference of relating a set of data to a theoretical (loss) distribution. In this work, we develop a direct link between credibility and loss distributions through the notion of a copula, a tool for understanding relationships among multivariate outcomes. This paper develops credibility using a longitudinal data framework. In a longitudinal data framework, one might encounter data from a cross section of risk classes (towns) with a history of insurance claims available for each risk class. For the marginal claims distributions, we use generalized linear models, an extension of linear regression that also encompasses Weibull and Gamma regressions. Copulas are used to model the dependencies over time; specific...
A note on Khatchian's algorithm

A short proof of some properties of Khatchian's algorithm is presented using the duality theorem of linear programming.
Getting Paid: Wage Arrears and Stratification in Russia1

Wage arrears have played an important, yet unappreciated role in the stratification of contemporary Russian society. Delays in wage payments became rampant and persistent during the 1990s because of the particular structural, institutional, and policy context that accompanied Russia’s market reforms. Recent improvements in Russia’s economy have reduced but not eliminated wage arrears, an innovative practice that has become institutionalized in some, but not all, postsocialist societies. Analyses of survey data collected in early 1998 confirm the independent stratifying role of arrears. Inequality in getting paid is socially structured in a different manner than inequality in contracted wages, and the former proves equally or more decisive in shaping inequality in actual wages. Arrears occur with some regularity in other national and historical contexts. This study of Russia shows that, where arrears are rampant, researchers should incorporate them into conceptual and empirical models of earnings inequalit...
Gender and ethnic differences in arterial compliance in patients with intermittent claudication.

Objective To assess the gender and ethnic differences in arterial compliance in patients with intermittent claudication. Methods A total of 114 patients participated, including 38 Caucasian men, 32 Caucasian women, 16 African American men, and 28 African American women. Patients were assessed on large artery elasticity index (LAEI), small artery elasticity index (SAEI), age, weight, body mass index, ankle-brachial index (ABI), smoking status, and metabolic syndrome components. Results Group differences were found for LAEI ( P = .042), SAEI ( P = .019), body mass index ( P = .020), prevalence of elevated fasting glucose ( P = .001), and prevalence of abdominal obesity ( P = .025). Significant covariates for LAEI included age ( P = .0002) and elevated triglycerides ( P = .0719). LAEI (units = 10 mL × mm Hg) adjusted for age and triglycerides was 39% lower ( P = .0005) in African Americans (11.4 ± .90; mean ± SE) than in Caucasians (15.8 ± 0.72), whereas no significant difference ( P = .7904) existed between men (13.8 ± 0.81) and women (13.5 ± 0.79). Significant covariates for SAEI included age ( P = .0001), abdominal obesity ( P = .0030), and elevated blood pressure ( P = .0067). SAEI (units = 100 mL × mm Hg) adjusted for age, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure was 32% lower ( P = .0007) in African-Americans (2.8 ± 0.3) than in Caucasians 4.1 ± 0.2), and was 18% lower ( P = .0442) in women (3.1 ± 0.2) than in men (3.8 ± 0.2). Conclusion African American patients with intermittent claudication have more impaired macrovascular and microvascular function than Caucasian patients, and women have more impaired microvascular function than men. These ethnic and gender differences in arterial compliance are evident even though ABI was similar among groups, suggesting that arterial compliance provides unique information to quantify vascular impairment in patients with intermittent claudication.
Theory of Electron Acceleration during Parametric Instabilities

A calculation is made of the steady-state acceleration of electrons by parametrically excited Langmuir waves in a spatially homogeneous plasma. Collisions are accounted for by a simple relaxation model. An algebraic expression is given for the number density of hot electrons.
Evaluation of proposed gastric acid secretory criteria for diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES): a prospective study of 235 patients

Evaluation of proposed gastric acid secretory criteria for diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES): a prospective study of 235 patients
Practical syntheses of the C12–C21 epothilone subunit via catalytic asymmetric reductions: Itsuno–Corey oxazaborolidine reduction and asymmetric Noyori hydrogenation

Abstract Two practical catalytic asymmetric reductions to introduce the epothilone C15 stereocenter are described (Itsuno–Corey reduction and Noyori hydrogenation).
The Developmental Neuropathology of Autism

The cellular neuropathology of autism is well described and illustrated in several reports. This chapter focuses on the timing and mechanism of these pathological changes, an aspect of the pathology of the autistic brain not covered in detail in the prior reports.Particular attention is paid to the changes in the brain stem, the cerebellum, and the cerebral cortex. Although the molecular (genetic) mechanism of these diverse neuropathologies is unknown, it can be seen that there is broad diversity of these changes, with perturbations of several different developmental processes, rather than reliance on a single mechanism. The vast majority of these pathologies can be dated to the prenatal period. The final section explores the relationship of these prenatally derived pathologies, and perturbation of other postnatal developmental processes, to the well-documented abnormal postnatal brain growth. I conclude that, based on the available data, that none of these mechanisms seem likely to account for the abnormal postnatal brain growth.
Digitizing and Providing Access to Privacy-Sensitive Historical Medical Resources: A Legal and Ethical Overview

Owing to their unique and rare nature, special collections materials within medical and health sciences libraries are ideal candidates for digitization. Digital conversion projects provide librarians with the means to preserve materials and provide greater collection access. Special privacy considerations arise, however, when digitizing medical archives which may contain sensitive information subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy legislation. Through an analysis of legal, archival, and library literature, the authors highlight privacy and ethical concerns, pinpoint privacy issues inherent within various formats, and provide solutions for digitizing privacy-sensitive historical medical resources.
Effect of Litter Size on Weight Gain in Rats

Male rats, placed in litters of 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 on the first postnatal day, were weighed at 3-day intervals and killed at days 21 or 58. The carcasses were assayed for total protein, DNA and lipid. Animals raised in litters of 16 were significantly smaller than any of the others at all times examined, and their carcasses contained significantly less protein, DNA and lipid. In contrast, animals raised in very small litters exhibited no persistent significant differences in body weight or composition from animals raised in standard-sized litters of 8 or 12.
Integrating microfinance and health strategies: examining the evidence to inform policy and practice

Introduction Single solutions continue to be inadequate in confronting the prevalent problems of poverty, ill health and insufficient health system capacity worldwide. The poor need access to an integrated set of financial and health services to have income security and better health. Over 3500 microfinance institutions (MFIs) provide microcredit and financial services to more than 155 million households worldwide. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 34 million of these households are very poor by the definition in the Millennium Development Goals, representing around 170 million people, many in remote areas beyond the reach of health agencies, both private and governmental. A small but increasing number of MFIs offer health-related services, such as education, clinical care, community health workers, health-financing and linkages to public and private health providers. Review of evidence Multiple studies indicate the effectiveness of microfinance and its impact on poverty. A small but growing number of studies also attempt to show that MFIs are capable of contributing to health improvement by increasing knowledge that leads to behavioural changes, and by enhancing access to health services through addressing financial, geographic and other barriers. While these studies are of uneven quality, they indicate positive health benefits in diverse areas such as maternal and child health, malaria and other infectious disease, and domestic violence. While more rigorous research is needed to inform policy and guide programme implementation to integrate microfinance and health interventions that can reliably enhance the well-being of the poor, there is useful evidence to support the design and delivery of integrated programmes now. Conclusion Worldwide, current public health programmes and health systems are proving to be inadequate to meet population needs. The microfinance sector offers an underutilized opportunity for delivery of health-related services to many hard-to-reach populations.
The North American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea Willd Pers.) - Sacred Food of the Osage People

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 73 417 OU SNOMNH 3 1 512 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false The North American Lotus ( Nelumbo lutea Willd.) is well documented as an important food plant among the Native people of North America. This paper presents ethnographic and historic evidence of its past veneration by the Osage Indians of Oklahoma as a sacred food and a symbol of their desire for health and long life, particularly for their children. Today N. lutea has become a prominent traditional food among the Osage and an important culinary element in contemporary Osage cultural identity.
Chlorate reduction in Shewanella algae ACDC is a recently acquired metabolism characterized by gene loss, suboptimal regulation and oxidative stress.

Previous work on respiratory chlorate reduction has biochemically identified the terminal reductase ClrABC and the chlorite detoxifying enzyme Cld. In Shewanella algae ACDC, genes encoding these enzymes reside on composite transposons whose core we refer to as the chlorate reduction composite transposon interior (CRI). To better understand this metabolism in ACDC, we used RNA-seq and proteomics to predict carbon and electron flow during chlorate reduction and posit that formate is an important electron carrier with lactate as the electron donor, but that NADH predominates on acetate. Chlorate-specific transcription of electron transport chain components or the CRI was not observed, but clr and cld transcription was attenuated by oxygen. The major chlorate-specific response related to oxidative stress and was indicative of reactive chlorine species production. A genetic system based on rpsL-streptomycin counter selection was developed to further dissect the metabolism, but ACDC readily lost the CRI via homologous recombination of the composite transposon's flanking insertion sequences. An engineered strain containing a single chromosomal CRI did not grow on chlorate, but overexpression of cld and its neighbouring cytochrome c restored growth. We postulate that the recently acquired CRI underwent copy-number expansion to circumvent insufficient expression of key genes in the pathway.
Assessing the relationship of technology-mediated interaction to student learning in Web-based e-learning environment

This study shows the importance of interaction to student learning within Web-based e-learning programs. The population of this study was students enrolled in multiple academic disciplines at a private university in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. A Web-based research instrument was designed to assess studentspsila characteristics, their perceptions of learning, student-to-student interactions and student-to-instructor interactions. Both correlation and regression analyses were employed to analyze the relationship between interaction variables and student learning. Student-instructor interaction and student-student interaction were found to be significant contributors of student learning.
Complete quenching for a degenerate parabolic problem with a localised nonlinear source

This paper studies a degenerate semilinear parabolic first initialboundary value problem with a nonlinear reaction f ( u ( b , t )) taking place only at the single site b with limu →c − f ( u ) = ∞ for some positive constant c . It is shown that there exists some t q ≤∞ such that for 0 ≤ t a *, u ( b , t ) reaches c− at a finite t q . A formula relating a *, b and f is given, and no quenching in infinite time is deduced. It is also shown that when u ( b , t ) reaches c at a finite t q , u t blows up everywhere. A computational method is devised to compute the finite t q . For illustration, an example is given.
U.S. Trade Policy Toward the People's Republic of China: Some Thoughts and Suggestions

This Policy Analysis discusses some of the restrictive trade policies the United States imposes on the People's Republic of China. Special attention is given to recent Customs Service policy and antidumping actions that have been initiated against the PRC. The author concludes that these policies are counterproductive and should be changed.
Assessing Impact of Weather and Season on Pedestrian Traffic Volumes

Twelve months of automated hourly pedestrian counts in downtown Montpelier, Vermont (population 8,035), were analyzed along with weather data (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and wind) to determine the factors affecting count variability. This study is unique in that a large amount of data in a single location was collected in a locale with an extreme range of weather conditions. Results indicate consistent patterns in relative volumes by hour of the day and month of the year that show that good adjustment factors can be developed to use with time-limited counts to estimate usage and pedestrian exposure to accidents. Predictive relationships were found between weather variables, season, and pedestrian volumes (30% of the variation is accounted for). Consistent hourly patterns within a day and the consistency of day type (weekday or Saturday versus holiday or Sunday) suggest that correction factors and forecasting methods are feasible for pedestrian traffic volumes. The results indicate that weather such as cold temperatures or precipitation consistently reduces aggregate levels of walking by only a moderate amount (less than 20%). Precipitation and season are found to affect pedestrian levels even when time of day and day of week are controlled, but other, larger, unmeasured factors are at play.
A formal framework for single level decomposition of multilevel relations

Multilevel relations in which security classifications are assigned at the granularity of individual data elements are considered. Usually these multilevel relations exist only at the logical level. In reality, a multilevel relation is decomposed into a collection of single level base relations which are then physically stored in a database, and a recovery algorithm is used to reconstruct the original multilevel relation. The authors formalize the relationship that exists between the decomposition-independent filtered relations and the multilevel relations obtained from decomposed single level relations using the recovery algorithm. Three requirements that must be met by any decomposition and recovery algorithms are stated. It is pointed out that previous algorithms given by the authors (1990) meet these requirements. >
Measured Sediment Yield Rates From Semiarid Rangeland Watersheds

Data describing long-term sediment yield rates on semiarid rangeland watersheds are relatively rare. To augment existing data and gain a better understanding of the controlling variables, sediment yields from 8 subwatersheds within the US Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in southeastern Arizona were computed from stock pond sediment accumulation measurements, water level records, and estimates of sediment transported in pond overflows. Sediment accumulation records ranging from 30 to 47 years were evaluated for subwatersheds ranging in size from 35.2 to 159.5 ha. Sediment yield ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 m 3 � ha � 1 � y � 1 , with a mean of 1.4 m 3 � ha � 1 � y � 1 and a standard deviation of 1.0 m 3 � ha � 1 � y � 1 . As expected, runoff volume was a significant factor (P ¼ 0.005) in explaining the variability in sediment yield, but regression analysis demonstrated other variables are important. For example, the ratio of watershed area to main channel length significantly described (P ¼ 0.06) sediment yield, suggesting that more detailed measurements are needed to characterize channel networks to relate internal watershed sediment transport and deposition processes to sediment delivery at the outlets. To generalize sediment yield rates across rangeland regions, additional research is necessary to determine the relative influence of rainfall and runoff patterns, and watershed physiographic and geomorphic characteristics on sediment transport.
The residents did not miss many? Are you kidding?

It is noteworthy that the AJNR has published a study assessing the consequences of misinterpretations of neuroradiology CTs by on-call radiology residents. If the results had shown significant misses, such an article could become fodder for plaintiff attorneys seeking settlements from teaching
Gap-Scale Disturbances in Central Hardwood Forests with Implications for Management

All forest ecosystems are subject to canopy disturbance events that influence species composition and stand structure, and drive patterns of succession and stand development. Disturbances may be categorized by a variety of characteristics, but they are most often classified along a gradient according to their spatial extent, magnitude, and frequency. This gradient spans from broad-scale, stand-replacing events where most of the overstory is removed to fine-scale events which result from the removal of a single canopy individual or a small cluster of trees. The disturbance regimes of most stands in the Central Hardwood Region are characterized by fine-scale events. At the stand scale, these localized and asynchronous events can create a patchwork mosaic of microsites comprised of different tree species, ages, diameters, heights, crown spreads, and growth rates. Through the modification of fine-scale biophysical conditions, these localized canopy disturbances promote heterogeneity and biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Forest management based on natural disturbance processes should consider elements of the gap-scale disturbance regime, such as frequency, size, shape, and closure mechanisms, and the historical range of variation associated with these characteristics. Silvicultural prescriptions are available for gap-based management designed to promote oak regeneration and mimic natural disturbance processes.
Cost Control and Analysis of Turnover in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study Approach

(1995). Cost Control and Analysis of Turnover in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study Approach. Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 21-24.
Elementary Cognitive Processes Underlying Verbal Working Memory in Pre-lingually Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants

Individual differences in verbal working memory underlie the substantial variation routinely observed in speech and language outcomes of deaf children with cochlear implants. In this chapter we describe the nature of verbal working memory and its component processes: encoding, maintenance, and retrieval. We then present evidence suggesting that the verbal working memory delays and disturbances found recently in many young CI users are not idiopathic or anomalous but are consistent with a large body of earlier research in verbal working memory development in normal-hearing, typically-developing children. Specifically, pre-lingually deaf CI users appear to be at risk for slow and inefficient phonological recoding and verbal rehearsal processes because of the early atypical auditory and language environments in which their verbal working memory systems develop.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Fission Fragment Damage in Nuclear Fuel and Surrogate Material

We have performed classical molecular dynamics simulations of swift heavy ion damage, typical of fission fragments, in nuclear fuel (UO2) for energy deposition per unit length of 3.9 keV/nm. We did not observe amorphization. The damage mainly consisted of isolated point defects. Only about 1% of the displacements occur on the uranium sublattice. Oxygen Frenkel pairs are an order of magnitude more numerous than uranium Frenkel pairs in the primary damage state. In contrast, previous results show that the ratio of Frenkel pairs on the two sublattices is close to the stoichiometric ratio in ceria. These differences in the primary damage state may lead to differences in radiation response of UO2 and CeO2.
Noteworthy Literature Published in 2016 for Abdominal Organ Transplant Anesthesiologists: Pancreas, Intestine, and Renal Transplantation

More than 400 peer-reviewed publications on the topic of pancreas transplantation, more than 400 on intestine transplantation, and more than 3000 on renal transplantation were published in 2016. Th...
“What is the Trouble?”: Dispute and Discontent in North Western Rhodesia

This chapter is shaped by the premise that North Western Rhodesia epitomized the concept of a “messy” colonization process. It addresses the question of how people experienced colonialism and the expectations by the various subjects of the state. In this sense, it is important to consider how interested parties and individuals imagined their roles in comparison to their realized roles in the colonial landscape. While earlier chapters analyzed the high hopes and imagined outcomes of the white settlers and the Lozi chief, this chapter focuses on the letdown many of those same people felt as the British South Africa Company tightened its control over North Western Rhodesia. The optimism that characterized North Western Rhodesia’s atmosphere in the early years turned into discontent and frustration. The openness and flexibility of the territory before the turn of the century was replaced by anxiety and contention as the European population and King Lewanika struggled with the colonial administration for privilege and authority.
Gypsum-reinforced zeolite composite for particulate matter reduction from vehicular emissions

Abstract This study focuses on the fabrication of a composite material and its ability to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions from vehicles with diesel engine. The material is composed of a natural zeolite with the inclusion of gypsum as a binder to make the resulting composite more compact. Results revealed that the material showed a very promising performance in reducing PM emissions, such that, this decrease was found to be precisely significant when verified statistically. Combined with an excellent thermal stability, the gypsum-reinforced zeolite material offers usefulness in industrial applications particularly in pollution abatement.
A Prestudy Curricula-as-Research Model for Scholarship of Engagement: Combining Continuous Service with Discontinuous Learning

Restructuring changes in higher education may be affecting how faculty conduct the scholarship of engagement. As faculty increasingly face uncertain futures, the limits of service-learning need to be better understood in order to maximize the pedagogical possibilities. One way of exploring limitations is to focus on sustainable faculty-community collaborative relationships since sustainability recognizes both constraint and possibility. This article presents a Curricula-as-Research Model as a risk-reduction strategy for faculty involved in Scholarship of Engagement. According to the model, the sustainability of research collaborations can be strengthened if a multicourse collaborative project is integrated into course sequencing. The model is developed with an autoethnographic prestudy of a service-learning collaboration between Indiana University, Purdue University Fort Wayne and Blackford County Concerned Citizens in Indiana (Fall 2014 -Spring 2016). Prestudy findings indicate that curricular content may be a factor influencing the evolution and community impact of collaborative relationships between the university and the community.
In moderate-to-severe sciatica, pregabalin did not reduce leg pain intensity or improve quality of life

Source Citation Mathieson S, Maher CG, McLachlan AJ, et al. Trial of pregabalin for acute and chronic sciatica. N Engl J Med. 2017;376:1111-20. 28328324
Neural Network Training with Second Order Algorithms

Second order algorithms are very efficient for neural network training because of their fast convergence. In traditional Implementations of second order algorithms [Hagan and Menhaj 1994], Jacobian matrix is calculated and stored, which may cause memory limitation problems when training large-sized patterns. In this paper, the proposed computation is introduced to solve the memory limitation problem in second order algorithms. The proposed method calculates gradient vector and Hessian matrix directly, without Jacobian matrix storage and multiplication. Memory cost for training is significantly reduced by replacing matrix operations with vector operations. At the same time, training speed is also improved due to the memory reduction. The proposed implementation of second order algorithms can be applied to train basically an unlimited number of patterns.
Terminal tungsten pnictide complex formation through pnictaethynolate decarbonylation

Tungsten(IV) tetrakis(2,6-diisopropylphenoxide) (1) has been demonstrated to be a competent platform for decarbonylative formation of anionic terminal pnictide complexes upon treatment with pnictaethynolate anions: cyanate, 2-phosphaethynolate, and 2-arsaethynolate. These transformations constitute the first examples of terminal phosphide and arsenide complex formation at a transition metal center from OCP− and OCAs−, respectively. The phosphide and arsenide complexes are also the first to be isolated in a tetragonal, all-oxygen ligand environment. The scalar NMR coupling constants between tungsten-183 and nitrogen-15 or phosphorus-31 have been measured and contextualized using natural bond orbital (NBO) methods in terms of s orbital character in the σ bonding orbital and pnictide lone pair.
Heat Transport Properties of CO2-Expanded Liquids: n-Hexane, n-Decane, and n-Tetradecane

A number of processes involve liquids saturated with significant quantities of gases at elevated pressures, e.g., processes in gas- or CO2-expanded liquids (GXLs, CXLs), particle formation from gas or supercritical antisolvent methods (GAS, SAS, etc.), CO2 capture and sequestration, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In order to engineer these systems, the thermodynamic and transport properties are required. This contribution is one of the first reports for the heat transport properties of gas-expanded liquids at elevated pressures. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and heat capacity are presented for binary systems of CO2 and the n-alkanes, n-hexane, n-decane, or n-tetradecane, at 25, 40, and 55 °C and pressures up to 106 bar. Equation of state modeling of literature vapor–liquid equilibrium data was used to determine the compositions at the conditions of the experimental heat transport measurements. All measured properties decrease with increasing composition of CO2 (pressure) in a relatively...