cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How do type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related complications and socioeconomic factors impact direct medical costs? A cross-sectional study in rural Southeast China

Objective To evaluate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related direct medical costs by complication type and complication number, and to assess the impacts of complications as well as socioeconomic factors on direct medical costs. Design A cross-sectional study using data from the region’s diabetes management system, social security system and death registry system, 2015. Setting Tongxiang, China. Participants Individuals diagnosed with T2DM in the local diabetes management system, and who had 2015 insurance claims in the social security system. Patients younger than 35 years and patients whose insurance type changed in the year 2015 were excluded. Main outcome measures The mean of direct medical costs by complication type and number, and the percentage increase of direct medical costs relative to a reference group, considering complications and socioeconomic factors. Results A total of 19 015 eligible individuals were identified. The total cost of patients with one complication was US$1399 at mean, compared with US$248 for patients without complications. The mean total cost for patients with 2 and 3+ complications was US$1705 and US$2994, respectively. After adjustment for socioeconomic confounders, patients with one complication had, respectively, 83.55% and 38.46% greater total costs for inpatient and outpatient services than did patients without complications. The presence of multiple complications was associated with a significant 44.55% adjusted increase in total outpatient costs, when compared with one complication. Acute complications, diabetic foot, stroke, ischaemic heart disease and diabetic nephropathy were the highest cost complications. Gender, age, education level, insurance type, T2DM duration and mortality were significantly associated with increased expenditures of T2DM. Conclusions Complications significantly aggravated expenditures on T2DM. Specific kinds of complications and the presence of multiple complications are correlated with much higher expenditures. Proper management and the prevention of related complications are urgently needed to reduce the growing economic burden of diabetes.
Design of a six-DOF motion tracking system based on a Stewart platform and ball-and-socket joints.

Abstract This paper presents a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) real-time motion tracking system of measuring the position and the orientation for industrial robots in three-dimensional (3D) space. The proposed system is based on a typical Stewart platform design and utilizes six low-cost displacement sensors to monitor the motion of the Stewart platform. The advantage of the proposed system is its simple calibration and easy accessibility; the magnetic ball-and-socket joints used for rotational joints. With special measurement tools, the center of rotation of all twelve joints can be measured in 3D space at a glance. Following more than fifty measurements, the average root mean square (RMS) position accuracy error of the proposed device is less than 0.186 mm and the average of angular accuracy error is less than 0.160 °, making it suitable for monitoring the performance of industrial robot. A commercial robot is also tested by the proposed system to verify its usefulness.
Survival in lung cancer patients with brain metastases compared to patients without CNS involvement: A retrospective registry-based outcomes analysis.

e19161 Background: Despite recent advances in prognostication with molecular markers, stage at diagnosis is still the most important determinant of lung cancer survival. In the USA >57% are Stage 4...
Interpreting Differences in the Reproductive Behaviour of Fiddler Crabs (Genus Uca)

A basic characteristic of organisms is the tendency to diversify over time, known as branching evolution or cladogenesis. Particularly dramatic examples of rapid speciation depend upon two categories of events. First, there must be innovation of some new characteristic or group of characters which provide its possessors with the potential to enter a new “adaptive zone” (Simpson, 1953). Secondly, there must exist an opportunity to occupy that zone, perhaps as a result of the absence of important competitors. When both conditions are congruous in space and time, adaptive radiation inevitably follows as near-by niches are subdivided by species which share the invention but diversify appropriately in structure, physiology and behaviour. Examples of such phenomena are well known at the level of species (Darwin’s Finches; Hawaiian Drosophila and Honeycreepers) and higher taxa (evolution of birds; replacement of dinosaurs by mammals).
Factors Associated with Student Performance in Advanced Accounting: An Empirical Study at a US Residential Public University

This study examines some determinants of student performance in Advanced Accounting. Of the motivation factors studied (intended grade, intention to take the CPA exam, or attend graduate school) only the first has some association with student performance. Of the three distraction factors (job hours, job type, and course load) only the last has negative effect on student performance. Of the four selfperceived ability factors (Writing, Math, Reading, and Listening) only the last has some association with student performance. Finally, the grade in the pre-requisite Intermediate Accounting II course and overall GPA have significant associations with student performance.
Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with mobility and cognitive dysfunction and heightens falls in older adults.

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis of the carotid bifurcation with plaque formation causes asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS), which may also be associated with cerebral hypoperfusion. Cerebral hypoperfusion adversely affects multiple aspects of mobility and cognition. This study tests the hypothesis that community-dwelling older adults with a 50% or greater diameter-reducing ACAS will have mobility and cognitive impairments that heighten their risk for falls. Methods Eighty community-dwelling adults completed a mobility assessment (Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, Four Square Step Test, Dynamic Gait Index, Timed Up and Go, and gait speed), self-reported physical function (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence, SF-12 Physical Function Component), and cognitive tests (Mini-Mental State Examination). Falls were recorded for the past 6 months. Standardized carotid ultrasound examination classified participants into no stenosis ( Results Logistic regression analysis showed their degree of stenosis was associated with reductions in mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery [P = .008], Berg Balance Scale [P = .0008], Four Square Step Test [P = .005], DGI [P = .0001], TUG [P = .0004], gait speed [P = .02]), perceived physical function (ABC [P Conclusions ACAS is associated with impaired mobility and cognition that are accompanied with increased fall risk. These impairments increased with worsening severity.
[A 4-year-old girl with a recurrent infection in the neck: a familiar picture with a rare cause].

BACKGROUND Infections of the neck are frequently seen in young children and are usually harmless and transient. In the case of atypical symptoms, however, it is important to be alert to the possibility of less common causes requiring specific treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old girl was seen in the outpatient clinic with a recurrent, inflamed swelling in the neck. The swelling persisted despite repeated incision and drainage. Further investigation with MRI revealed a primary branchial cleft fistula, Work type 2. The epithelialized cartilaginous fistula tract ran from the external auditory canal to the neck, very close to the facial nerve, but could be surgically removed without damage to the nerve. CONCLUSION In a child with a recurrent swelling or abscess in the neck, with or without a fistula, an extensive differential diagnosis is required including branchial cleft fistula.
Carpe covid: using COVID-19 to communicate about harms of tobacco products.

Many of us in the field of tobacco control have asked how the COVID-19 pandemic can be used as an opportunity to motivate people to quit using tobacco products. A paper by Grummon et al 1 (this issue) is, to my knowledge, the first published attempt to empirically answer this question. Emerging research consistently demonstrates that smoking makes COVID-19 outcomes worse,2 although the relationship between smoking and COVID-19 infection is unclear. A recent study showed cross-sectional association between youth and young adult e-cigarette use and COVID-19.3 Thus, more research is needed on how to best inform tobacco users about the increased risk of COVID-19. Grummon et al 1 answer this call by evaluating messages that inform smokers and e-cigarette users (vapers) how smoking or vaping may increase the severity of COVID-19. Grummon et al 1 (this issue) conducted two online experiments (one on smoking and one on vaping) in May 2020 with a national convenience sample of 810 US adults who were current smokers and/or current vapers. Stimuli were messages in the form of tweets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The messages …
UNEXPECTED LACK OF EFFECT OF THE INVASIVE AMERICAN MINK ON NESTING SURVIVAL OF FOREST BIRDS

Nest predation by invasive mammalian predators can cause major impacts on native bird populations. The American mink ( Neovison vison ) was recently introduced on Navarino Island in southern Chile. The mink established as a new terrestrial mesopredator on the island with documented impacts on waterfowl breeding success. However, little is known about mink effects on forest bird’s reproduction. Here, we investigated nest-predation rate by native predators and the invasive mink on open-cup nesting forest birds by using artificial and natural nests. In six different plots, we deployed a grid (7 x 2) of 14 artificial nests spaced by 50 m and at random heights from the ground. We used camera traps in each nest to identify predators. At each plot, we estimated predator relative abundance using camera traps, Sherman traps, and bird point counts. We estimated nest survival probability as a function of nest age, concealment, distance to the river, and nest height. Additionally, we monitored 43 natural nests of five open-cup nesting bird species. Contrary to expected, mink was not a main predator of nests, depredating only one natural nest. The native raptor Chimango Caracara ( Milvago chimango ) was the main nest predator, preying on 39.8% artificial nests and 27.0% natural nests. We also found evidence that Chimango Caracara learned to associate the artificial nests with the egg reward. We argue that the lower abundance of mink in the forest and a mismatch between mink peak activity patterns and bird breeding phenology can result in low depredation. Mink impacts, however, may be more pervasive in summer months and on fledglings when mink activity peaks, and more research should be conducted to assess these questions. Our results are valuable to better understand mink impacts on biodiversity and to prioritize conservation actions on species more severely affected.
The Impact of Earplugs and Eye Masks on Sleep Quality in Surgical ICU Patients at Risk for Frequent Awakenings.

Objectives Sleep disturbances may contribute to the development of delirium, prolonged ICU stay, and increased mortality. There is conflicting data on the effectiveness of earplugs and eye masks for sleep promotion in the ICU. This study evaluates the impact of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality in postoperative surgical ICU patients at risk for frequent awakenings. Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting Surgical ICU within the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Patients Adult, female patients admitted to the surgical ICU requiring hourly postoperative assessments following breast free flap surgery between February 2018 and October 2019. Interventions Patients were randomized into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received earplugs and eye masks in addition to standard postoperative care, whereas the control group received standard postoperative care. Measurements and main results The primary outcome was overall sleep quality assessed via the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes of patient satisfaction and rates of ICU delirium were assessed with a modified version of the Family Satisfaction in the ICU survey and the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. After a planned interim analysis, the study was stopped early because prespecified criteria for significance were attained. Compared with the control group's average Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire total score of 47.3 (95% CI, 40.8-53.8), the intervention group's average Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire total score was significantly higher at 64.5 (95% CI, 58.3-70.7; p = 0.0007). There were no significant between-group differences for Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU scores or modified Family Satisfaction in the ICU survey scores. Conclusions These results suggest that earplugs and eye masks are effective in improving sleep quality in ICU patients undergoing frequent assessments. The results strengthen the evidence for nonpharmacologic sleep-promoting adjuncts in the ICU.
Uncovering the Genetics behind Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleep: A Co-expression and Evolutionary Analysis

Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal form of dementia, and it caused over 120 thousand deaths in the U.S. alone in 2017. Recent studies indicate that sleep deprivation is both a cause and an effect of Alzheimer’s disease. Our research investigates the correlation between sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s disease through two stages. In the first stage of the research, the genetic coexpression of Alzheimer’s disease-related genes (A-genes) and sleep-related genes (S-genes) across different stages of human development is explored. A general correlation between the expression of these two sets of genes is confirmed and strongly correlated A-gene and S-gene pairs are located, including GATA1 & ALAS2, TF & MOG, etc. In the second stage of the research, the expressions of A-genes and S-genes across different species are compared. Genes with unusual expression patterns in humans compared to those in other primate species are identified, hinting at possible genetic pathways key to solving the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease.
Pedagogy of Validation: Autobiographical Reading and Writing Courses for First-Year, Low-Income Students

This embedded case study leveraged Rendon’s (1994) validation theory as well as theories connecting self-reflection and transformative learning (e.g., Mezirow, 1990, 1997) to examine an autobiographical reading and writing course designed for low-income, first-year students in a comprehensive college transition program at an institution in the Midwest region of the United States. We used interviews with course instructors, longitudinal digital diaries with students, and course observations to understand the nature of the course and how participants experienced it. We found that building community was essential to supporting students’ learning. Within classroom communities, instructors structured opportunities for reflection, validated students’ stories, used culturally relevant texts, and encouraged sharing narratives with peers. These practices in combination cumulatively enhanced students’ writing skills, their confidence, and their sense of belonging. Participants also reported that the course deepened students’ self-awareness and fostered empathy for peers. Our participants highlighted the benefits of incorporating autobiographical reading and writing into first-year composition courses, particularly for low-income students and those with minoritized identities.
The Origins of the Apple in Central Asia

The study of agricultural origins has been revolutionized by genomic science. Whole genome sequencing of plant domesticates opens a door to multiple new approaches by which the timing, nature, and geography of human selective pressures on the evolution of domesticated species might be detected. These new scientific pathways greatly enhance understandings of domestication as an evolutionary process, but they also renew long-standing questions for archaeologists about whether and how to perceive human agency in the ancient past of human–plant interspecies relations. Due to its importance as a global commercial crop, the apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) was the tenth plant genome to be successfully sequenced in 2010. The genomic record of the apple reveals a deep history of human–plant co-evolution by unconscious selection, domestication through hybridization, and a phylogeographic origin in Central Asia. The first two of these insights document a domesticate that has evolved from protracted and unconscious processes, but the third—the identification of the progenitor Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M. Roem. in Central Asia, and the necessary corollary that its hybridization arose along the ‘Silk Road’—invites further discussion about the roles of human agency and intentionality in the initial stages of plant domestication. This paper presents a review of apple domestication studies in archaeology and genetics and considers the problematic of Central Asia and the Silk Road in the current paradigm shift of agricultural origins research.
Longitudinal changes in energy cost during walking in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Abstract Background In boys with DMD, muscle weakness progresses in a proximal to distal pattern, leading to compensatory gait strategies, including hyperlordosis and equinus, that increase energy cost and accelerate the loss of walking capacity. Research question The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the energy cost of walking that occur with disease progression and to determine the optimal normalization scheme for the longitudinal assessment of the energy cost of walking in boys with DMD. Methods Energy cost was assessed with the COSMED K4b2. Three normalization schemes were examined: gross energy cost (EC), net non-dimensional oxygen cost (NNcost) and speed-matched control energy cost (SMC-EC). Nonlinear mixed modeling procedures determined the rate of change with age. Linear regression was used to asses the relationship between each normalization scheme and age and body height. Results 74 boys with DMD were assessed for the energy cost of walking. Velocity decreased at a significant rate (−.00245/month, p = .03) across time; (Fig. 2), while gross EC (.003248/month, p = 0.0026), NNcost (.006155/month, p Significance In contrast to able-bodied peers, boys with DMD decrease their velocity while all walking energy cost measures increased over time. Both SMC-EC and NNcost proved appropriate normalization schemes for boys with DMD. Compared to gross EC, both NNcost and SMC-EC were less sensitive to changes in age over time, while SMC-EC was less sensitive to changes in height than NNcost. Therefore, both NNCost and SMC-EC are suggested normalization schemes for the longitudinal assessment of energy cost in boys with DMD.
A 13C magnetic resonance study of embryonic chick aorta.

13C nmr spectra of defatted aorta, obtained from chick embryos, ranging in age from 13 to 20 days, showed that linewidths were independent of the age of the embryo, this, in spite of the fact that crosslinking increases with age. As expected the dipolar decoupled spectrum of defatted aorta had a larger C-H signal intensity than the scalar decoupled spectrum, since collagen in the sample contributes signal intensity only in the former case. Significantly, the dipolar decoupled spectrum of autoclaved aorta also had a larger C-H signal intensity. This result indicates that ca. 30% of the carbons in the tissue, swollen by 0.15 M NaCl, has restricted motion at 37°. Preliminary data indicate that tissue culture techniques can be used to enrich specific amino acids in chick aorta with 13C thereby affording a means to study possible differences in molecular structure of the chemically distinct regions in elastin.
Fabric‐reinforced cement, folded plate

Vistarp Karbhari and Robert Nicholls, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware, show that sandwich panels, having fabric‐reinforced cement mortar faces with triangularly folded cores, can be designed to maximize flexural stiffness per unit material cost. The authors suggest that a wide variety of loading conditions could be satisfied from stock sheet, folded to structural engineers’ individual designs.
Documenting Fine-Sediment Import and Export for Two Contrasting Mesotidal Flats

Abstract : The general goal of this project is to examine the seabed, quantitatively document the fluxes of fine sediment (over different time scales), and thereby validate localized measurements and numerical models of sediment transport. The specific objectives are to: a) document changes in bed elevation (deposition, erosion) on time scales intrinsic to the driving forces; e.g., tidal and wind-driven currents, local waves, river discharge, and interannual variability; b) measure net accumulation rates over decades at many sites to calculate fine-sediment budgets for both Willapa and Skagit tidal systems; c) examine sedimentation at sufficient locations to characterize spatial variability of grain size and its vertical stratification.
Nucleoside Antibiotics I. BIOCHEMICAL TOOLS FOR STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERACTION AT THE CATALYTIC AND REGULATORY SITES OF RIBONUCLEOTIDE REDUCTASE FROM LACTOBACILLUS LEICHMANNII

Abstract The structural requirements for reactivity at the substrate site and for interaction at the regulatory site of ribonucleotide reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii have been studied with the use of several nucleotide antibiotics. The 5'-triphosphates of tubercidin, toyocamycin, and sangivamycin were substrates. Without Mg++, tubercidin 5'-triphosphate was a better substrate than ATP. Therefore, the imidazole ring of ATP can be replaced by the pyrrole ring. The presence of a hydroxyl group at position 3' is especially important for reduction since 3'-deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate was not a substrate. 3'-Deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate did inhibit reduction of ATP but did not compete for the reduction of UTP, GTP, or CTP. Modification of the reductase by the "prime effectors," dGTP and 2'-dATP, stimulated the reduction of the 5'-triphosphates of tubercidin and toyocamycin. Reduction of sangivamycin 5'-triphosphate was stimulated by dGTP but not 2'-dATP. Although 3'-deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate was not a substrate, it was 50% as good an effector as 2'-dATP for stimulating the reduction of CTP. The pyrrolopyrimidine ribonucleotide antibiotics were less effective than 3'-deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate and the pyrazolopyrimidine ribonucleotide, formycin 5'-triphosphate, could not be substituted for ATP. Carbon atom 8 and nitrogen atom 9 of the base portion of ATP, but not nitrogen atom 7, are important for interaction at the regulatory site of ribonucleotide reductase, while a hydroxyl at position 3' of ribose is not essential. ATP, UTP, and GTP reductions are only slightly stimulated when the nucleotide antibiotics are added as allosteric effectors. The reduction of the nucleotide antibiotics and regulation of the reductase may be of possible significance in biological systems.
Teaching, Designing, and Sharing: A Context for Learning Objects

This article describes a professional development model and a set of tools intended to increase teachers’ capacity for the design of instructional activities using learning objects. It then reports preliminary findings from studies involving teachers (n=41) who participated in the professional development workshops based on the model. Findings suggest that participants saw many potential benefits of using online resources in support of teaching, including their convenience and currency. In terms of creating learning activities for their students, the most common use mentioned was for enrichment purposes. Analyses also showed that participants seemed to prefer to use small granularity resources. However, despite this enthusiasm, post-workshop usage was generally low. Participants also identified barriers in using online resources. These included lack of technology access and literacy, and difficulties in managing the overabundance of resources and their varying quality. Participants also mentioned the importance of accessing online resources for research purposes.
SYNTHESIS OF HEAT STRESS PROTEINS IN LYMPHOCYTES FROM LIVESTOCK

Cultured bovine, equine, ovine and chicken lymphocytes responded to heat stress by the increased synthesis of a specific set of proteins known as heat stress proteins (HSP). Proteins with molecular weights of 70 and 90 kDa were synthesized in all species. Additional proteins were found in bovine, ovine and chicken lymphocytes. A time course of induction showed an increased synthesis of some of these proteins with only 30 min of heat stress and of several proteins with 60 min of heat stress. A specifk monoclonal antibody was used to identify HSWO as one of the stress proteins in bovine lymphocytes. Cells from these animals are capable of responding to heat stress by the production of heat stress proteins. These may be of physiological importance. (Key Words: Proteins, Heat Stress, Lymphocytes, Synthesis.)
Interactive volume visualization of fluid flow simulation data

Recent development work at the Laboratory for Computational Science & Engineering (LCSE) at the University of Minnesota aimed at increasing the performance of parallel volume rendering of large fluid dynamics simulation data is reported. The goal of the work is interactive visual exploration of data sets that are up to two terabytes in size. A key system design feature in accelerating the rendering performance from such large data sets is replication of the data set on directly attached parallel disk systems at each rendering node. Adaptation of this system for interactive steering and visualization of fluid flow simulations as they run on remote supercomputer systems introduces special additional challenges which will briefly be described.
On the distribution of the cardinalities of level sets of the Takagi function

Let T be Takagi's continuous but nowhere-differentiable function. It is known that almost all level sets (with respect to Lebesgue measure on the range of T) are finite. We show that the most common cardinality of the level sets of T is two, and investigate in detail the set of ordinates y such that the level set at level y has precisely two elements. As a by-product, we obtain a simple iterative procedure for solving the equation T(x)=y. We show further that any positive even integer occurs as the cardinality of some level set, and investigate which cardinalities occur with positive probability if an ordinate y is chosen at random from the range of T. The key to the results is a system of set equations for the level sets, which are derived from the partial self-similarity of T. These set equations yield a system of linear relationships between the cardinalities of level sets at various levels, from which all the results of this paper flow.
An optimized strategy for choosing the number of platelet concentrates to pool.

Abstract Context.—The number of platelet concentrates (PCs) pooled per dose varies widely. The number should be based on quality control statistics. Objective.—To determine the optimal number of PCs per pool that will achieve a target dose. Design.—The population statistics of PC cell counts were obtained from routine quality control records. A target value of 3.00 × 1011 cells was chosen. A theoretical model to predict the probability of achieving this target cell count was developed. Main Outcome Measures.—The calculated probability was tested in a Monte Carlo simulation. Results.—The mean of a sequential series of 100 PC counts (obtained from routine quality control records) was 9.08 × 1010, and the standard deviation was 2.70 × 1010. Platelet loss during pooling was measured at 8.3%, so that the pooling of 3.27 × 1011 cells is required to deliver a dose of 3.00 × 1011 cells. The pooling of 4 PCs from this data set predicts an average pool cell count of 3.63 ± 2.30 × 1011. Using standard tables for nor...
Random Choice as Behavioral Optimization

We develop an extension of Luce's random choice model to study violations of the weak axiom of revealed preference. We introduce the notion of a stochastic preference and show that it implies the Luce model. Then, to address well-known difficulties of the Luce model, we define the attribute rule and establish that the existence of a well-defined stochastic preference over attributes characterizes it. We prove that the set of attribute rules and random utility maximizers are essentially the same. Finally, we show that both the Luce and attribute rules have a unique consistent extension to dynamic problems.vskip=-17.5pt]Author: please provide at least three Key Words that describe the article.
Autonomous control of series-connected low voltage photovoltaic microinverters

This paper considers a photovoltaic (PV) system architecture based on series-connected low-voltage microinverters. The approach is similar to the dc optimizer PV architecture, except that ac instead of dc outputs are connected in series and tied to the ac grid directly, without the need for highvoltage dc wiring, or additional string or central inverters. In contrast to standard microinverters, the low-voltage ac (LVAC) microinverters do not require a high step-up conversion stage, and can therefore have improved efficiency and reduced cost. The paper is focused on distributed autonomous control of LVAC microinverters, which is one of the challenges associated with this architecture. Using fast output power control loop and slow input voltage control loop, it is shown how a controller operating autonomously, based on local sensing only, results in stable operation and appropriate ac voltage sharing across LVAC microinverters. The control approach is verified by simulations and experimental results on a scaled-down system consisting of three series-connected LVAC microinverters.
Faculty information assignments : A longitudinal examination of variations in survey results

Abstract A one-time survey may give a falsely precise indication of local usage. Examining four iterations of a library assignment survey reveals large within-discipline variation; even individual faculty members are inconsistent in their use of library assignments from year to year. Additional causes of variation include changing faculty and pedagogy. This article examines data from a survey sent to faculty about library assignments in their courses in 1996–1997, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004 at a small private masters-level college, and in 2004–2005 at a large public doctoral-intensive university. The researcher expected to discover how coursework in different disciplines required different levels of independent information seeking (“library usage”). The survey method was chosen when the contents and formats of course syllabi proved too inconsistent to yield the needed information about usage of library assignments. Use of library assignments was expected to be relatively consistent from year to year, and from institution to institution, because of the assumption that discipline strongly affects use of library information sources. Each time, the survey achieved a good response rate and gave apparently valuable information about current library assignments. However, the expected disciplinary consistency was much less than anticipated. The variation from year to year within disciplines – an average of sixteen percentage points – was almost as great as the variation between disciplines in any one year—an average of 18 to 29 percent. This article describes the intent, scope, focus, and initial findings of the original surveys, then uses the data from the four together to explore potential causes of the year to year variation. The results of this secondary analysis suggest that faculty use of information-seeking assignments is much more volatile than any one-time survey might show.
Metabolomic Prediction of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk

diabetes (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance) and even those with high-normal glucose levels [3] . Numerous studies have demonstrated greater insulin resistance (i.e., lower insulin sensitivity) in certain demographic groups: older subjects vs. younger subjects; African Americans vs. Caucasians; sedentary persons vs. active persons, among other examples. However, these differences in insulin sensitivity have not been fully explained at the biological or molecular level. Recently, studies utilizing metabolite profiling have found different metabolomic signatures in insulin-sensitive vs. insulin-resistant subjects, under both fasting and nonfasting conditions [2, 4, 5] . Under fasting conditions, plasma levels of BCAAs, AAAs, proline and methionine are correlated with measures of insulin sensitivity [2, 4, 5] . When the internal milieu is challenged with exogenous glucose (as occurs during oral glucose tolerance test), discernible excursions occur in the plasma levels of amino acids and other metabolites in healthy subjects. Interestingly, the expected excursions in BCAAs, methionine, and bile acids are markedly attenuated in prediabetic individuals with insulin resistance [6] . Based on regression analysis, excursions in leucine, isoleucine and glycerol levels predicted fasting insulin (a surrogate of insulin resistance) more robustly than any individual metabolite excursion. Thus, fasting and glucose-stimulated levels of BCAAs and other metabolites predict insulin resistance, and by extension the risk of T2DM [2, 4, 5] . Metabolomics
OH Reaction Kinetics of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans

Rate constants were measured for gas-phase reactions of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and four polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F). These OH reaction rate constants were determined in helium at about 1 atm over various temperature ranges between 306 and 405 K. The experiments were carried out in a small, heated quartz reaction chamber sampled by on-line mass spectrometry, and OH was produced by the photolysis of O3 in the presence of H2O. Arrhenius regressions were performed with the rate constants of each compound, and the temperature dependencies were found to be slight to nonexistent. The OH reaction rate constants of PCDD/F were in agreement with those predicted by a structure−reactivity method. The resulting rate constants at 298 K (in units of 10-12 cm3 s-1) were as follows: naphthalene, 23; acenaphthene, 58; fluorene, 13; phenanthrene, 27; anthracene, 190; fluoranthene, 11; dibenzo-p-dioxin, 12; 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 4.4;...
On the asymptotic power of cramér-von mises tests of fit

X1(n),⋯,Xn(n) are independent and identically distributed random variables, the common distribution function known to be absolutely continuous, but otherwise unknown. The problem is to test the hypothesis that the unknown cumulative distribution function is some completely specified cumulative distribution functionF(x). LetHn(x) denote the empirical cumulative distribution function based onX1(n),⋯,Xn(n), and let o(t) denote a given nonnegative bounded weight function defined for 0≦≦1. In [1] the asymptotic distribution of the Cramer-Von Mises statisticWn2, defined as $$n\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {[F(x) - H_n (x)]^2 \psi (F(x))dF(x),} $$ was found, when the hypothesis being tested is true. For the functions o(t) considered in [1], this asymptotic distribution is not normal. In this paper it is shown that under alternative cumulative distribution functions not too close toF(x),Wn2 is asymptotically normally distributed.
Nanoindentation Characterization of Asphalt Concrete Aging

AbstractAsphalt concrete (AC) consists of coarse aggregate, asphalt binder, and fines. The asphalt binder creates an asphalt film around the coarse aggregate and fines. Fines are trapped inside the binder film, which is also known as mastic. Mastic and aggregate govern most of the mechanical properties of AC. Therefore, researchers have performed various tests on mastic to understand macroscale behavior of AC. Nanomechanical characterization is more appropriate for mastic, as the thinness of mastic is approximately 15–20 μm around an aggregate particle. For this paper, the authors conducted nanoindentation tests on mastic and aggregate as integral parts of AC. In particular, they compared the modulus and hardness of oven-aged mastic and aggregate with those of unaged mastic and aggregate. To deal with the heterogeneity of the mastic part, they made hundreds of indents on the mastic part of each AC sample. On the aggregate part, they made 60 indents to determine the mechanical properties of the aggregate o...
Variation in host plant quality: influences on the mating system of a desert grasshopper

Abstract Previous field work on the grasshopper Ligurotettix coquilletti revealed that females were not evenly distributed among male mating territories, Larrea tridentata (creosote) bushes, but were clustered at particular locations. These sites generally harboured several signalling males simultaneously and also possessed foliage preferred by the insects as a food source, this preference being based on the relative absence of various extra-foliar compounds. The clustering of females, therefore, could result from a preference for specific bushes because of the resources (i.e. food) available there and/or an orientation to groups of males per se. Here, a field experiment designed to test the former alternative is described. For this experiment 24 bushes with known histories of prior occupancy were selected and epigamic effects (i.e. male signalling) were equalized among the bushes over a 7-week period by maintaining one singing male per bush. Monitoring the distributions of both naturally occurring and released females showed that female settlement during the experiment resembled that seen under natural conditions, i.e. females still accumulated on those bushes with histories of high occupancy. When females whose chemosensory organs had been removed were released in the study plot, however, settlement occurred indiscriminately. It is concluded that, while female orientation to groups of males may occur, variability among bushes in their foliar chemistry alone appears sufficient to promote a skewed distribution of females.
Quantitative analysis of the EEG during tonic REM sleep--methodology.

Abstract Frequency and amplitude characteristics of the clinical (waking) electroencephalogram (EEG) can be diagnostically be limited by neuronal degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or other cortical dementias. However, interpretation of the clinical EEG may be limited by many factors, including movement and muscle artifacts and uncontrolled variations along the alert/drowsy continuum. Moreover, the clinical EEG involves subjective judgment by experts whose opinions often differ. In an effort to address these problems, we have developed a computer-automated technology that examines the digitized, all-night sleep EEG for frequency and amplitude characteristics of potential diagnostic relevance to Alzheimer's dementia. Robust time series analysis techniques and a modified power spectral analysis (Z-spectra) are used to suppress artifactual information and to automatically select samples of tonic REM sleep EEG. The spectra (amplitude vs. frequency relationship) of this specific EEG state is then assessed for diagnostically relevant information.
Closing Fistulas in Crohn's Disease — Should the Accent Be on Maintenance or Safety?

Among the many complications of Crohn's disease, the development of fistulas is one of the most distressing to patients because it decreases their quality of life and one of the most frustrating to...
On optimal oviposition behavior in phytophagous insects

Abstract A model is developed that predicts when an insect should oviposit on a potential larval host plant when it is encountered. Optimal behavior depends upon the suitability of this plant for larval development and on the probability of finding a more suitable host in the available time. This behavior is modeled for conditions in which the host either does or does not fluctuate in density.
Use of dermal grafts in reconstructing deep nasal defects and shaping the ala nasi.

Background. Deep postsurgical defects on the nose and alar rim pose a challenge to repair. Several techniques are available to reestablish normal contour. If a depressed area is anticipated, dermal grafts can be used to fill the defect and soften contour irregularities. The technique is simple and can prevent the need for a more complicated repair. Objective. To reestablish normal contour over nasal defects by using dermal grafts as a tissue filler in conjunction with graft and flap reconstruction. Methods. Fifteen patients had contour deformities that could be improved with dermal graft insertion under their full-thickness skin grafts or flaps. Fourteen of these patients had nasal defects and one had a vermilion border defect that resulted from tumor removal by Mohs surgery. Patient selection, dermal graft harvesting, and surgical technique are described. Results. All patients showed cosmetic benefit from dermal grafting. Contour was improved in each case. Fourteen patients had no significant complications. One flap showed tip necrosis in a patient who was a smoker. No resorption of the dermal grafts occurred over the 1- to 9-month follow-up period. No cyst formation occurred. Conclusion. Dermal grafts can be used during the initial repair of postsurgical nasal defects. These dermis grafts effectively fill the defect and restore contour. The technique is simple, easily mastered, and can obviate the need for more complicated repair.
Age-Related Balance Among Soldiers

Postural degradation can begin as early as age forty men and women, but little information is available regarding postural stability among the ‘younger-old’ working population. The purpose of this research was to examine younger (≤ 38 yrs, n=14) and older (≥ 39 yrs, n=14) Soldiers’ balance using a biomechanical orthogonal balance platform. Twenty-Eight active duty Soldiers between the ages of 28-56 years (mean = 40.62, median = 38.8) participated. Soldiers assumed a tandem stance for 22 seconds, with their dominate foot forward for two trials, first with eyes open, then with eyes closed. T-test results (p < .05) indicate significant Center of Pressure displacement differences in Average Displacement Y axis (ADY- fore and aft) with eyes open (t(26) = -2.46, p=.021) and Average Velocity eyes open (t(26) = -2.30, p=.030), but not for Average Displacement X axis (ADX – medial-lateral) (t(26) = -1.62, p=.117) eyes open, (t(26) = -.463, p= .647) eyes closed. These findings may provide relevant information to mi...
Erratum to “Multivariate statistical analysis of atom probe tomography data” [Ultramicroscopy 110 (2010) 1362]

Abstract A small error in the mathematics described in the previous paper (C.M. Parish and M.K. Miller: Multivariate statistical analysis of atom probe tomography data, Ultramicroscopy 110(11) (2010) 1362–1373) has been found. Although the results and conclusions are completely unchanged, it is important to correct the error.
Gamma, fast, and ultrafast waves of the brain: Their relationships with epilepsy and behavior

Gamma waves, defined as rhythms from 25 to 100 Hz, are reviewed along with fast (100-400 Hz) and ultrafast (400-800 Hz) activity. Investigations on animals, especially those involving interneurons from the hippocampus, are reviewed. Gamma waves and fast rhythms likely play a role in neural communication, reflecting information from the external world to the brain. These rhythms become evident when the GABA-A system shifts from excitation to inhibition; are seen mainly in the hippocampus, the dentate gyrus, and CA(1)-CA(3) system; and are likely involved in long-term memory and cognitive task performance. These waves are also involved in spreading depression, but especially with epileptiform activity, progressively increasing in frequency from the pre-ictal to the ictal state. After status epilepticus, their presence predicts the development of spontaneous seizures. Gamma waves and fast activity have been studied in all sensory modalities, especially visual systems, providing a mechanism for awareness and processing of visual objects. In humans, gamma waves develop in the young, peak at 4-5 years of age, and are observed especially during alertness and after sensory stimulation. These fast rhythms are seen in the majority of seizures, especially in infantile spasms and during ictal activity in extratemporal and regional onsets, and, if low in amplitude, seem to be a good prognostic sign after seizure surgery. They have been studied in all sensory systems and are associated with selective attention, transient binding of cognitive features, and conscious perception of the external world.
Differential fertility in Bangladesh: a path analysis.

Abstract This study attempts to show both theoretically and empirically the causal links between selected background, socioeconomic, and demographic variables, on the one hand, and between these variables and cumulative fertility, on the other. Two distinct models, urban and rural, emerge as a result of a statistical test. In both models, neither wife's nor husband's childhood background is found to have any significant direct effects on fertility. Wife's age, religion, and age at marriage are the common variables which directly affect the number of children ever born. While age and religion bear positive direct effects, age at marriage exerts a negative direct effect. The indirect effect of religion is positive both in the rural and urban area. Both the direct and indirect effects of wife's education on fertility in urban Bangladesh are negative. Husband's education, in contrast, has a positive direct effect in the urban area and no effect at all in the rural area.
Comparison of Three Series for Calculation of Light-Scattering Functions

Abstract Intensity functions of light scattered by isotropic spherical particles may be calculated from the classical Mie series [1] and [2], containing coefficients a n and b n , and angular functions, II n and T n , which involve derivatives of Legendre polynomials. Expanding the latter as trigonometric functions of multiple angles gives sin-cos series [6] and [7] and cos vν series [19] and [20]. For these, new coefficients A ν , B ν , α ν , and β ν , are calculated from a n and b n , and the series are truncated at the same values of v and n . Intensity functions calculated by the three series now are found to agree excellently to a size parameter α = 180 (203 orders). The new series will prove advantageous for analytic studies. The computing speed, relative to the classical Mie series, decreases with α but increases with the number of angles. With our computer programs, the sin-cos series is slower than the classical Mie series; but, over a considerable useful range, the cos νθ series is faster: e. g. , for α