cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular and ultrastructural correlates of function in neurons, neuronal nets, and the brain.

I. Introduction The permanent storage of experiential information as psychological memory and its subsequent retrieval or recall, it is generally believed, is mediated by electric action-waves sweeping through complex branching sequences of neurons: neuronal nets. From what is currently known of neuroanatomy and of the dendritic and axonal branching, it would appear certain that these nets have numerous interconneetions. Therefore, if particular nets or subnets are to represent specific memory traces or engrams, it seems necessary to conclude that switching at net junctions must depend on subneuronal structures, possibly molecules or their aggregates. The process by which such switching might be permanently determined at the numerous junctions defining particular nets or engrams constitutes one of the most challenging problems of a field only now emerging: molecular neurology. The cellular and subcellular interactions by which genetic and immunological information can be stored, transferred, and read out or retrieved in macromolecular DNA, RNA, and protein polymers have been intensively investigated in recent years; this conceptually rich branch of the life sciences has come to be known as molecular biology or, more specifically, molecular genetics and molecular immunology. From the findings in these fields, some model of psychological memory might be sought. The phenomenology of immunology provides an example of plasticity, i.e., an adaptive modification of cellular and molecular specification in response to environmental changes, which may be analogous to the phenomena of permanent memory storage, where modification of structure may also occur in the formation of the permanent engram. Application of genetic and immunological concepts and techniques to the study of the engram as a macromolecular entity encounters difficulties of a temporal sort. Signaling in the nervous system is accomplished primarily by transient electrochemical changes in the surface membranes of neurons and synapses; the transduction of such signals into permanent molecular engrams probably requires incorporation of chemical groups into molecular structure with bonding stability of the order of that of covalent bonds. By what processes could ion fluxes or changes in the surface membrane or intracellular structures trigger and direct
Newton's Method Solver for the Axisymmetric Navier-Stokes Equations

A new two-dimensional Newton's method Navier-Stokes solver is extended to the axisymmetric form of the equations. Roe's flux difference splitting is applied to the axisymmetric equations using Glaister's approach. A geometric conservation law correction term is added to insure satisfaction of the uniform stream reproduction criteria. Higher-order accuracy is attained through the use of Spekreijse's interpolation procedure with Van Albada's contiouous limiter. Harten and Hyman's minimum eigenvalue correction is also included
Fiscal sustainability in emerging countries: Evidence from Iran and Turkey

Abstract This paper investigates the fiscal sustainability of two emerging countries – Iran (an oil-producing country) and Turkey (an agricultural country) – for both stochastic and non-stochastic environments. Cointegration and multicointegration methodologies were used to evaluate fiscal budgeting processes in these countries. A model for testing the sustainability of a fiscal policy, based on Barro's tax smoothing, was also developed to test the Iranian fiscal policy. It was found that the fiscal budgeting process in both countries is not sustainable. Furthermore, the Iranian fiscal policy, as far as oil and gas income is concerned, is not a fully responsible policy.
Matrix modification with silver for the electrothermal atomization of arsenic and selenium

Abstract Silver as a matrix modifier is shown to improve the carbon-rod atomization of both arsenic and selenium for atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to nickel, the efficiency of silver is greater for arsenic and about the same for selenium. Silver fulfils two functions in its reaction, namely stabilization during the ashing stage and enhancement of absorbance in the final atomization.
Mechanical Properties of Southern Pine Cross-Laminated Timber

AbstractCross-laminated timber (CLT) is a novel wood building material suitable for floor, roof, and wall assemblies in low- and mid-rise construction as an alternative to concrete and steel. CLTs are considered to provide good seismic resistance, fast erection times, carbon sequestration, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over other construction materials. Southern pine is an abundant forest resource; yet it has not been commercially used for CLT manufacturing. The purpose of this paper was to measure the bending and shear properties of CLT material fabricated using southern pine lumber compared to product standards. Bending strength, bending stiffness, shear strength, resistance to shear by compression loading strength, and resistance to delamination were measured according to product standards, and test results were compared with values given in the standards. Bending tests were conducted on jointed beams due to test length requirements. Bending strength, bending stiffness, and wo...
In Vitro Synthesis of the Iron-Molybdenum Cofactor and Maturation of the nif-encoded Apodinitrogenase EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF VNFH FOR NIFH

NIFH (the nifH gene product) has several functions in the nitrogenase enzyme system. In addition to reducing dinitrogenase during nitrogenase turnover, NIFH functions in the biosynthesis of the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co), and in the processing of α2β2 apodinitrogenase 1 (a catalytically inactive form of dinitrogenase 1 that lacks the FeMo-co) to the FeMo-co-activatable α2β2γ2 form. The molybdenum-independent nitrogenase 2 (vnf-encoded) has a distinct dinitrogenase reductase protein, VNFH. We investigated the ability of VNFH to function in the in vitro biosynthesis of FeMo-co and in the maturation of apodinitrogenase 1. VNFH can replace NIFH in both the biosynthesis of FeMo-co and in the maturation of apodinitrogenase 1. These results suggest that the dinitrogenase reductase proteins do not specify the heterometal incorporated into the cofactors of the respective nitrogenase enzymes. The specificity for the incorporation of molybdenum into FeMo-co was also examined using the in vitro FeMo-co synthesis assay system.
Impact of obesity on clinical outcomes in robotic prostatectomy.

Objectives. To assess the preoperative parameters and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with specific attention to the body mass index (BMI). Little is known about the impact of obesity (BMI greater than 30) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Methods. The data of 100 men undergoing robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between June 2002 and October 2003 were prospectively entered into a database. The standard clinical characteristics (eg, prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score) and perioperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated. Additionally, all were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively for American Urological Association symptom and bother scores, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, and sexual function. Results. Nineteen men were obese (BMI greater than 30) and 81 were not (BMI less than 30). The two groups had a similar need for transfusion, length of stay, and pathologic outcome. However, the obese men had poorer baseline urinary function (peak flow rate 13.9 versus 18.3 mL/s; voided volume 306 versus 454 mL; P <= 0.05) and sexual function (Sexual Health Inventory of Men score 14.1 versus 18.2; P <= 0.05). Obese men had significantly more complications (26.3% versus 4.9%; P = 0.01) and required more time to return to baseline activities (7 versus 4.3 weeks; P = 0.09) and urinary function. Finally, at 6 months, only 47% of obese patients versus 91.4% of nonobese patients had achieved pad-free urinary continence (P <= 0.001). Conclusions. In this study, obese patients had significantly worse baseline urinary and sexual function, had complications, and did not recover urinary function as quickly or as well as nonobese patients. Obese patients also demonstrated a strong trend toward a delay in recovery time. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc.
Clinical gain from improved beam delivery systems

The feasibility of dynamic conformal heavy charged particle radiotherapy has been investigated at UCLBL, and shows high promise of: 1. an improved therapeutic ratio and 2. reduction in the number of treatment portals required for efficient treatment delivery. Assessment of dose to tumor and critical structures for several anatomical sites have been carried out using a normal tissue complication algorithm developed at LBL. For high-LET charged particle treatment delivery, dynamic conformal therapy using a raster scanned beam with variable modulation and multileaf collimator appears to be the optimal technique for treatment delivery.
Tolerance induction to a mammalian blood group-like carbohydrate antigen by syngeneic lymphocytes expressing the antigen.

Tolerance induction to transplantation-associated carbohydrate antigens, such as blood group A or B and the α-gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R), is of clinical significance. This study demonstrates tolerance induction to the α-gal epitope in the experimental animal model of α1,3galactosyltransferanse knockout mice (KO mice) lacking α-gal epitopes by administering syngeneic lymphocytes expressing α-gal epitopes. Repeated immunization of control KO mice with pig kidney membranes (PKM) expressing many α-gal epitopes induces an extensive anti-Gal antibody response against this epitope. In contrast, KO mice that received as few as 2 × 106 wild-type (WT) lymphocytes were tolerized and failed to produce anti-Gal following PKM immunizations. Accordingly, control mice producing anti-Gal rapidly rejected transplanted WT hearts, whereas tolerized mice did not reject WT hearts. These findings suggest that autologous blood lymphocytes processed to express a carbohydrate antigen may induce a similar tolerance to such an antigen upon administration into humans.
Evolutionary Potential of (β/α)8-Barrels: Stepwise Evolution of a “New” Reaction in the Enolase Superfamily†

The molecular details of the processes involved in divergent evolution of "new" enzymatic functions are ill-defined. Likely starting points are either a progenitor promiscuous for the new reaction or a progenitor capable of catalyzing the new reaction following a single substitution that results from a single base change. However, the molecular (sequence) pathway by which the selective advantage provided by this protein can be improved and ultimately optimized is unclear. In the mechanistically diverse enolase superfamily, we discovered that a monofunctional progenitor could acquire the ability to catalyze a "new" reaction by a single base change: the D297G mutant of the monofunctional L-Ala-D/L-Glu epimerase (AEE) from Escherichia coli catalyzed a low level of the o-succinylbenzoate synthase (OSBS) reaction as well as a reduced level of the AEE reaction [Schmidt, D. M. Z., Mundorff, E. C., Dojka, M., Bermudez, E., Ness, J. E., Govindarajan, S., Babbitt, P. C., Minshull, J., and Gerlt, J. A. (2003) Biochemistry 42, 8387-8393]. We then discovered that the selective advantage and OSBS activity of the D297G mutant are both enhanced by the I19F substitution [Vick, J. E., Schmidt, D. M. Z., and Gerlt, J. A. (2005) Biochemistry 44, 11722-11729]. Both the D297G and I19F substitutions are positioned to alter the substrate specificity so that the substrate for the OSBS reaction is more productively positioned vis a vis the active site catalytic groups. We now report that both the selective advantage and OSBS activity of the D297G/ I19F double mutant are enhanced by the R24C (one base change from the wild type Arg codon), R24W (two base changes from the wild type Arg codon and one base change from the R24C codon), and L277W (one base change from the wild type Leu codon) substitutions. The effects of the R24C and L277W mutants are "additive" in the D297G/I19F/R24C/L277W mutant. The greatest selective advantage and OSBS activity are associated with the D297G/I19F/R24W mutant. These "new" substitutions that enhance both the selective advantage and kinetic constants are positioned in the active site where they can alter the specificity, highlighting that the evolution of the "new" OSBS function can be accomplished by changes in substrate specificity.
Cognitive Radio Networks: How Much Spectrum Sharing is Optimal?

We explore the performance tradeoff between opportunistic and regulated access inherent in the design of multiuser cognitive radio networks. We consider a cognitive radio system with sensing limits at the secondary users and interference tolerance limits at the primary and secondary users. Our objective is to determine the optimal amount of spectrum sharing, i.e., the number of secondary users that maximizes the total deliverable throughput in the system. We begin with the case of perfect primary user detection and zero interference tolerance at each of the primary and secondary nodes. We find that the optimal fraction of licensed users lies between the two extremes of fully opportunistic and fully licensed operation and is equal to the traffic duty cycle. For the more involved case of imperfect sensing and non-zero interference tolerance constraints, we provide numerical simulation results to study the tradeoff between licensing and autonomy and the impact of primary user sensing and interference tolerance on the deliverable throughput.
Integration of IGF, FGF, and anti-BMP signals via Smad1 phosphorylation in neural induction

How do very diverse signaling pathways induce neural differentiation in Xenopus? Anti-BMP (Chordin), FGF8, and IGF2 signals are integrated in the embryo via the regulation of Smad1 phosphorylation. Neural induction results from the combined inhibition of BMP receptor serine/threonine kinases and activation of receptor tyrosine kinases that signal through MAPK and phosphorylate Smad1 in the linker region, further inhibiting Smad1 transcriptional activity. This hard-wired molecular mechanism at the level of the Smad1 transcription factor may help explain the opposing activities of IGF, FGF, and BMP signals not only in neural induction, but also in other aspects of vertebrate development.
An appraisal of smoking cessation aids.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Smoking cessation is the single most efficacious intervention to reduce and prevent smoking-associated morbidity and mortality. This review presents an updated summary of current treatment options. Resources available for management of smoking cessation efforts and variables that may guide treatment of subgroups of patients have also been highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS The US Department of Health and Human Services released updated guidelines for treatment of smoking cessation in 2008. Recent meta-analyses have reviewed the newly Food and Drug Administration approved drug, varenicline, as well as some new nonpharmacological approaches to treating tobacco dependence. SUMMARY Several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic aids have proven efficacy in smoking cessation management. The best results are obtained by combining modalities. Tailoring therapy improves success rate.
In Search of Efficient Walking Robots

Abstract : With the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is increasingly evident that the demands of warfare are changing and the need for innovative mobility systems is growing. In the rough, unstructured terrain that the soldiers encounter, they have reverted to using mules and donkeys to move stealthily and quickly. In light of the growing need for autonomous systems, the Army is looking at the possibility of legged mobility options such as gasoline powered quadrupeds to traverse the off-road terrain. As technology advances, the era of military bipeds may well be in sight. However, current bipedal robotic technology is far too inefficient for battlefield use. Much of this inefficiency stems from actuated control of each limb's motion throughout the entire gait cycle. An alternative approach is to exploit the passive pendular dynamics of legs and legged bodies for energy savings. This paper compares and contrasts fully-actuated walking with passive walking. Simulations of passive and quasi-passive walking are analyzed to evaluate their stability regions and their initial responses on uneven terrain functions are compared.
The Development of Public Policy and New Laws Concerning the Rights of People With Disabilities in the People's Republic of China

China's new policy commitments for people with disabilities are reviewed. The process, including a national survey, leading to China's first Five-Year Plan for Disabled Persons, is described. Data are presented concerning the number of individuals in each disability category. The official government document of 1990 describing new laws intended to protect persons with disabilities is outlined. Several specific laws are listed, including sanctions against offenders. Noted, too, are apparent contradictions between the old regulations and the new laws.
Crescentic glomerulonephritis complicating fibrillary glomerulonephritis: Response to Euro Lupus protocol treatment

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare cause of glomerulonephritis with poor prognosis. No standard treatment exists. We report a case of crescentic FGN presenting as rapidly progressing renal failure needing hemodialysis and treated based on Euro lupus nephritis trial protocol of low dose cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoid for induction followed by azathioprine maintenance. Patient responded very well to this therapy and was able to get off hemodialysis and continues with stable stage 3 CKD after 1 year follow up.
Processing of Clay/Epoxy Nanocomposites with A Three-Roll Mill Machine

In the present study, a three-roll mill machine was used to disperse/exfoliate the nanoclay particles in an epoxy matrix. The compounding process was carried out with varying mixing time and concentrations of clay particles (1 to 10 wt.%). It was found that the longer the mixing time, the higher the degree of intercalation. Mechanical properties, XRD and TEM were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Elastic modulus was found to increase with increasing clay content, however, the tensile strength was not found to vary accordingly. Compared to conventional direct and solution mixing techniques, the compounding of clay/epoxy nanocomposites by a three-roll mill was found to be highly efficient in achieving higher levels of intercalation/exfoliation in a short period of time and also environmentally friendly.
Social Culture and Economic Performance

The connection between obtaining higher paying jobs and undertaking some seemingly irrelevant activity is interpreted as “social culture”. In the context of a society trying to adopt a new technology, I show that by allowing the firms to give preferential treatment to workers based on some “cultural activity”, the society can partially overcome an informational free riding problem. Therefore social culture may affect the economic performance by altering the effective production technology of the economy. (JEL P17, Z1) What is social culture? What is the role of social culture in economic performance? In a provocative article, Kenneth Arrow (1971) argued that “norms of social behavior, including ethical and moral codes, ......, are reactions of society to compensate for market failure.” Somewhat surprisingly, this idea of the role of social culture has not been further pursued in the literature. In this paper I take Arrow’s viewpoint seriously, and construct a simple model to examine the possibility that social culture may alleviate market failure. I consider a society that is deciding whether to adopt a new technology. Three important assumptions are made about the economy: First, adoption decisions are made by entrepreneurs (or firms), but the operators of the new technology are workers; second, the new technology can be successfully operated only when the worker has invested in some imperfectly observable requisite skills; and third, it is costly for the workers
Nonhuman Animals: Not Necessarily Saints or Sinners

Higher-order thought theories maintain that consciousness involves the having of higher-order thoughts about mental states. In response to these theories of consciousness, an attempt is often made to illustrate that nonhuman animals possess said consciousness, overlooking a potential consequence: attributing higher-order thought to nonhuman animals might entail that they should be held morally accountable for their actions. I argue that moral responsibility requires more than higher-order thought: moral agency requires a specific higherorder thought which concerns a belief about the rightness or wrongness of affecting another’s mental states. This “moral thought” about the rightness or wrongness is not yet demonstrated in even the most intelligent nonhuman animals, thus we should suspend our judgments about the “rightness” or “wrongness” of their actions while further questioning the recent insistence on developing an animal morality.
Analysis of P-Body Assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Recent experiments have defined cytoplasmic foci, referred to as processing bodies (P-bodies), that contain untranslating mRNAs in conjunction with proteins involved in translation repression and mRNA decapping and degradation. However, the order of protein assembly into P-bodies and the interactions that promote P-body assembly are unknown. To gain insight into how yeast P-bodies assemble, we examined the P-body accumulation of Dcp1p, Dcp2p, Edc3p, Dhh1p, Pat1p, Lsm1p, Xrn1p, Ccr4p, and Pop2p in deletion mutants lacking one or more P-body component. These experiments revealed that Dcp2p and Pat1p are required for recruitment of Dcp1p and of the Lsm1-7p complex to P-bodies, respectively. We also demonstrate that P-body assembly is redundant and no single known component of P-bodies is required for P-body assembly, although both Dcp2p and Pat1p contribute to P-body assembly. In addition, our results indicate that Pat1p can be a nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling protein and acts early in P-body assembly. In contrast, the Lsm1-7p complex appears to primarily function in a rate limiting step after P-body assembly in triggering decapping. Taken together, these results provide insight both into the function of individual proteins involved in mRNA degradation and the mechanisms by which yeast P-bodies assemble.
THE EFFECTS OF CORRELATION AMONG OBSERVATIONS ON THE ACCURACY OF APPROXIMATING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE MEAN BY ITS ASYMPTOTIC DISTRIBUTION1

Summary In this paper, we investigate the effects of correlation among observations on the accuracy of approximating the distribution of sample mean by its asymptotic distribution. The accuracy is investigated by the Berry-Esseen bound (BEB), which gives an upper bound on the error of approximation of the distribution function of the sample mean from its asymptotic distribution for independent observations. For a given sample size (n0) the BEB is obtained when the observations are independent. Let this be BEB. We then find the sample size (n*) required to have BEB below BEB0, when the observations are dependent. Comparison of n* with n0 reveals the effects of correlation among observations on the accuracy of the asymptotic distribution as an approximation. It is shown that the effects of correlation among observations are not appreciable if the correlation is moderate to small but it can be severe for extreme correlations.
Deriving TF-IDF as a fisher kernel

The Dirichlet compound multinomial (DCM) distribution has recently been shown to be a good model for documents because it captures the phenomenon of word burstiness, unlike standard models such as the multinomial distribution. This paper investigates the DCM Fisher kernel, a function for comparing documents derived from the DCM. We show that the DCM Fisher kernel has components that are similar to the term frequency (TF) and inverse document frequency (IDF) factors of the standard TF-IDF method for representing documents. Experiments show that the DCM Fisher kernel performs better than alternative kernels for nearest-neighbor document classification, but that the TF-IDF representation still performs best.
RISKY, AGGRESSIVE, OR EMOTIONAL DRIVING: ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION IN RESEARCH

Abstract Problem. Researchers agree that a consistent definition for aggressive driving is lacking. Such definitional ambiguity in the literature impedes the accumulation of accurate and precise information, and prevents researchers from communicating clearly about findings and implications for future research directions. This dramatically slows progress in understanding the causes and maintenance factors of aggressive driving. Summary. This article critiques prevailing definitions of driver aggression and generates a definition that, if used consistently, can improve the utility of future research. Pertinent driving behaviors have been variably labeled in the literature as risky, aggressive, or road rage. The authors suggest that the term “road rage” be eliminated from research because it has been used inconsistently and has little probability of being clarified and applied consistently. Instead, driving behaviors that endanger or have the potential to endanger others should be considered as lying on a behavioral spectrum of dangerous driving. Three dimensions of dangerous driving are delineated: (a) intentional acts of aggression toward others, (b) negative emotions experienced while driving, and (c) risk-taking. Impact on Industry. The adoption of a standardized definition for aggressive driving should spark researchers to use more explicit operational definitions that are consistent with theoretical foundations. The use of consistent and unambiguous operational definitions will increase the precision of measurement in research and enhance authors' ability to communicate clearly about findings and conclusions. As this occurs over time, industry will reap benefits from more carefully conducted research. Such benefits may include the development of more valid and reliable means of selecting safe professional drivers, conducting accurate risk assessments, and creating preventative and remedial dangerous driving safety programs.
A Case Study of Cyclogenesis Using a Model Hierarchy

Abstract It is universally agreed that cyclogenesis in midlatitudes occurs through baroclinic conversion of the potential energy available from an initial state. The mechanical process by which that conversion takes place is a perennial subject of discussion. At least as far back as the 1950s, it was recognized that in any practical forecast problem, the initial condition is influential. Observational research continues to confirm the prevalence of tropopause-level perturbations preceding surface cyclogenesis. The observations also suggest that the growing disturbances have time-varying vertical structures. Relating these observations to the classical linear theory of baroclinic instability is not immediately obvious since, in the latter, the precise form of the initial condition is not important, and the theory predicts cyclogenesis with a fixed-in-time vertical structure. These differences between theory and observations are but a few of the many that have been recognized and treated in modified theorie...
Apoptosis and Virus Infection

Programmed cell death is any process by which cells participate in their own death. Cell suicide programs are facilitated by the actions of gene products encoded by the cell destined to die. Insufficient or excessive cell death characterizes most human disease states, including virus infections. Perturbation of the cell can lead to activation of programmed cell death as a host defense mechanism to eliminate aberrant or damaged cells. Similarly, virus infection of a cell usually triggers the activation of programmed cell death. The ability of cells to recognize intruding viruses and to activate cell suicide provides an important host defense mechanism for eliminating viruses by eliminating virus-infected cells. However, viruses have developed myriad mechanisms to regulate cellular death processes. Consequently, many viruses cause disease primarily by inducing host cell death. There are nearly as many strategies by which viruses interface with the cell death/survival machinery of host cells as there are viruses, from initial recognition of a virus to the ultimate proteolytic dismantling of the cell by proteases. Common themes uncovered through the study of virus-modulated cell death have proved to be broadly applicable to biology as well as to the study of virus infection, pathogenesis, and evolution.
Linewidth reduction in diode lasers with negative electrical feedback

Many applications, such as coherent optical measurement and coherent optical communication, rely on the narrow linewidth of diode lasers. Several techniques, such as negative electrical feedback, optical feedback, a combination of optical and electrical feedback, and amplitude or phase squeezing,1-3 have been used to achieve narrow linewidths. Among these techniques, negative electrical feedback is effective in preserving the small cavity and mechanical stability of a solitary diode laser. Unlike optical feedback and injection locking, in which both AM and FM noise are reduced simultaneously, negative electrical feedback is associated with an increase in intensity noise accompanying a reduction in frequency noise.
Fenced in? Stochastic and deterministic planning models in a time-fenced, rolling-horizon scheduling system

Abstract We analyze a time-fenced planning system where both expediting and canceling are allowed inside the time fence, but only with a penalty. Previous research has allowed only for the case of expediting inside the time fence and has overlooked the opportunity for additional improvement by also allowing for cancelations. Some researchers also have found that for traditional time-fenced models, the choice of the more complex stochastic linear programming approach versus the simpler deterministic approach is not justified. We formulate both the deterministic and stochastic problems as dynamic programs and develop analytic bounds that limit the search space (and reduce the complexity) of the stochastic approach. We run extensive simulations and numerical experiments to understand better the benefit of adding cancelation and to compare the performance of the stochastic model with the more common deterministic model when they are employed as heuristics in a rolling-horizon setting. Across all experiments, we find that allowing expediting (but not canceling) lowered costs by 11.3% using the deterministic approach, but costs were reduced by 27.8% if both expediting and canceling are allowed. We find that the benefit of using the stochastic model versus the deterministic model varies widely across demand distributions and levels of recourse—the ratio of stochastic average costs to deterministic average costs ranged from 43.3% to 78.5%.
Mentoring Student Teaching Assistants for Computer Science (Abstract Only)

Institutions small and large often use student teaching assistants (TAs) to provide office hours, tutor students, and grade student work, and the quality of a course's TAs can greatly affect the quality of the course. In this BOF we will discuss the training we provide to prepare TAs for their course duties and the mentoring we provide to foster their role as future educators. Improving the effectiveness of TA training and mentoring can have an immediate impact on the quality of teaching, potentially improve retention and diversity in computer science, and have a long-term impact on all aspects of our field as our current students and TAs progress through their industry and academic careers. Our goal is to provide a forum for you to disseminate your TA mentoring practices and for you to hear the mentoring practices of others, with the goal to develop a collection of best practices for TA training and mentoring for computer science. This BOF is appropriate for professors or instructors of any computer science course or summer program that uses undergraduate or graduate student teaching assistants.
Attractiveness of trans-Trimedlure and Its Four Isomers in Field Tests with the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Trimedlure, tert -butyl 4(and 5)-chloro- cis - and trans -2-methylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate (TML), is the attractant for the male Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), and comprises eight isomers. trans -TML is a mixture of four isomers and is the attractive component of TML. The four trans isomers of TML were isolated in a purity of ca. 99% and their relative attractiveness C. Capitata was determined in field tests. Relative attractiveness of the isomers, which are designated TML-A, -B1, -B2 and -C, followed in the order TML-C >; TML-A > TML-B1, > TML-B2. Attraction was related to conformation of the substituents on the cyclohexane ring.
Adaptive-Quadrature Fluctuation-Splitting Schemes for the Euler Equations

In this paper, we consider uctuation-splitt ing schemes that can capture an isolated shock over a suitably-oriented single triangular element and also recognize a rarefaction. A particular focus is on the evaluation of the uctuation (or the cell-residual): a oneparameter-family quadrature rule is employed to evaluate the uctuation, which endows the uctuation with a wave recognition capability. The parameter value is chosen based on the nature of the nonlinear wave passing through the element, and then the resulting uctuation is distributed to the nodes. This strategy, combined with various distribution schemes, denes a family of adaptive-quadrature uctuation-splitt ing schemes. Results demonstrate the superior ability of the new schemes in handling nonlinear waves compared with standard uctuation-splitt ing schemes which cannot capture shocks over a single element and also admits non-physical shocks unless some kind of entropy-x is incorporated.
Biosolids Samples processing for Analyses of Pathogens

In this study, a two-step approach was used to develop new sample detection and processing methods that facilitate the application of molecular techniques to uses and disposal of biosolids. In the first phase, ten methods were compared for recovering pathogens in biosolids, and the three top performing methods were selected for optimization and expanded comparison for bacteria, viruses, and helminths. The selected methods were optimized for solid-to-eluent ratio, centrifugation rate, and centrifugation time. Beef-extract based methods resulted in average recoveries ranging from 42–92% and 37–85% for E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. The range of recoveries by the glycine based method were 53–61% and 64–92% for E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. Both of these methods proved superior than the EPA methods which resulted in 29–41% and 26–40% average recoveries for E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. In the second phase, five commercially available kits were compared for removing PCR inhibitiors from sample concentrates. The Qiagen DNA purification kit was selected for integration into the new sample processing protocol which included a phenol-chloroform extraction step upstream of Qiagen cleaning. The lower limit of detection for DNA by the new method was established at between 10 and 100 nanograms in undiluted biosolid sample concentrates. The sample concentrates cleaned by our newly developed method were shown to be compatible with PCR, Real-time PCR, and a flow-through SPR biosensor technique. The new method was also successfully field tested for detecting human adenoviruses in land applied biosolids. This newly developed technique increases the applicability of PCR amplification for the detection of pathogens in biosolids. Utilization of our molecular method also offers a better classification tool for microbial pathogens (Class A and Class B) in biosolids. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781843397779 (eBook)
Discrimination and sleep quality among older US adults: the mediating role of psychological distress

Abstract Objective To examine the association between everyday discrimination and sleep quality and identify mediating pathways between discrimination and sleep quality. Design Longitudinal. Setting Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants Participants (N = 9223, mean age 66.7 years, 12.8 years of education; 85% White, 12% African American, and 3% another race or ethnicity) who participated in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012. Measurements At each assessment, participants completed measures of everyday discrimination, lifetime discrimination, attributions of discrimination, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, and non-restfulness. Results More experiences with everyday discrimination were associated with worse sleep quality ( β = 0.048, SE = 0.009, P β = 0.029, SE = 0.011, P β = − 0.003, SE = 0.010, ns ). Individuals who experienced physical disability-based discrimination had worse sleep quality than those who did not experience this form of discrimination ( β = 0.114, SE = 0.029, P β = − 0.025, SE = 0.031, ns ). Among individuals with obesity, psychological distress fully mediated the relation between weight discrimination and sleep quality (direct effect: β = 0.036, SE = 0.025, ns ), and partially mediated the relation between weight discrimination and non-restfulness (direct effect: β = 0.049, SE = 0.025, P Conclusions Everyday discrimination and discrimination based specifically on weight or a physical disability were associated with worse sleep quality. The findings suggest that psychological distress may be one pathway through which these experiences are associated with worse sleep.
Smoking and Heberden Nodes: Analysis of Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Purpose. Dental hygienists, dentists, and other workforce providers who depend upon their hands for employment are acutely aware of the need to protect their hands to ensure a successful career. Recent research has suggested that smoking may be protective of hand osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between smoking and Heberden’s nodes. Methods. Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were used in a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of self-reported current smoking/never smoking and the presence/absence of Heberden’s nodes, the hard enlargements of the joints nearest the fingertips (distal interphalangeal joints). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square associations with Heberden’s nodes, and logistic regressions. Results. In adjusted analysis, smoking had an adjusted odds ratio for Heberden’s nodes of 0.832 [95% confidence interval: 0.60, 1.14] which failed to reach significance (). In the selected model, females were more likely than males to have Heberden’s nodes; non-Hispanic Blacks were less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to have Heberden’s nodes; and older age groups were more likely than the youngest age group to have Heberden’s nodes. Conclusion. Smoking did not provide protection against Heberden’s nodes in this study of US participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
Prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents.

This review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) encountered among adolescents in the U.S. and other developed countries. Included are new recommendations for the treatment of primary and recurrent genital herpes, management of pelvic inflammatory disease, and a revised approach to the care of adolescent victims of sexual assault. Diagnosis begins with a classification based on major clinical findings: genital ulcers with lymphadenitis, urethritis, vaginal discharge, pelvic inflammatory disease, and male STD syndromes. Appropriate laboratory evaluation for each of these clinical presentations is detailed and treatment options are summarized. Preventive interventions along with suggestions for an approach to the preadolescent well care visit, generally scheduled at age 11n12 years, are offered. Routine preventive therapy after a sexual assault takes into account difficulty in follow-up and the need to reassure adolescents and their families that all prophylaxis for possible infection has been provided.
BDDC Deluxe Domain Decomposition

We will consider BDDC domain decomposition algorithms for finite element approximations of a variety of elliptic problems. The BDDC (Balancing Domain Decomposition by Constraints) algorithms were introduced by Dohrmann [5], following the introduction of FETI-DP by Farhat et al. [9]. These two families are closely related algorithmically and have a common theory. The design of a BDDC algorithm involves the choice of a set of primal degrees of freedom and the choice of an averaging operator, which restores the continuity of the approximate solution across the interface between the subdomains into which the domain of the given problem has been partitioned. We will also refer to these operators as scalings.
Potential Role of Catecholamines in the Production of Physiological and Pathological Hypertrophy

From our group study of the structure, function, and biochemical mechanisms of the hypertrophy process, we have concluded that ventricular hypertrophy should be divided at least into physiological hypertrophy and pathological hypertrophy states (1–5). In the clinical domain, this distinction has great importance since athletes and many of the non-professional athletic individuals have significant electrocardiographic and echocardiographic demonstrated ventricular hypertrophy which should be considered physiological hypertrophy. Unfortunately, in the clinical field ventricular hypertrophy has a negative connotation by being frequently associated with the word pathological hypertrophy. Consequently, since 1970 our group has deemed it necessary to highlight the impact of this dual classification (1–5). Furthermore, our studies have emphasized the important role of norepinephrine in the ventricular hypertrophy process (2,6–8). Since the presentation to this group in 1983 (5), new studies and concepts have evolved from other laboratories as well as ours. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review new data related to: (1) The concept that norepinephrine is an hypertrophying hormone; (2) The concept of physiological and pathological hypertrophy; (3) New experiments from our laboratory of compensatory (physiological) hypertrophy using a new myocardial infarction model.
Flexible UV Exposure Sensor Based on UV Responsive Polymer

One critical challenge facing society is balancing the positive and negative effects of UV exposure. While UV exposure contributes to Vitamin D production, in excess, UV exposure is linked to skin cancer. Therefore, methods to monitor UV exposure and help society achieve this delicate balance have been the focus of numerous research efforts. Here, we leverage advances in functional materials to create a wearable ultraviolet light sensor. The flexible, lightweight trilayer sensor, which is composed of a UV responsive polymer layer sandwiched between two transparent protective layers made from FDA-approved polymers, changes color from transparent to yellow upon UV exposure. Notably, the entire trilayer system is less than 250 μm thick, allowing it to maintain mechanical flexibility. The UV responsive material leverages the photocleavable ortho-nitrobenzyl (ONB) moiety. Because a singular ONB cleaving group is centrally located along the polymer backbone, the colorimetric response is very controlled. Using a...
The Functional Role of Interhemispheric Interactions in Human Motor Control

Interhemispheric interactions in the motor system have been extensively examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Paired-pulse TMS and the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) are the most widely used techniques to quantify interhemispheric inhibitory interactions between primary motor cortices in humans. This review will discuss the use of these techniques during unimanual and bimanual actions. The available evidence provides a framework for understanding the contribution of inhibitory interactions to the control of a resting limb during unilateral actions, while their role in the control of a limb executing a motor action remains poorly understood. Evidence shows that during bilateral actions voluntary activity of one hand can influence interhemispheric inhibitory interactions controlling the contralateral active hand. All studies point to the view that the modulation of interhemispheric interactions in the motor system changes in a task-dependent manner. These results might be of interest for patients with motor disorders and emphasizes the need of a careful interpretation when extrapolating results between different motor actions.
Pediatric OSA Syndrome Morbidity Biomarkers: The Hunt Is Finally On!

Since initial reports 40 years ago on pediatric OSA syndrome (OSAS) as a distinct and prevalent clinical entity, substantial advances have occurred in the delineation of diagnostic and treatment approaches. However, despite emerging and compelling evidence that OSAS increases the risk for cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic end-organ morbidities, routine assessment of such morbidities is seldom conducted in clinical practice. One of the major reasons for such discrepancies resides in the relatively labor-intensive and onerous steps that would be required to detect the presence of any of such morbidities, further adding to the already elevated cost of diagnosing the disorder. To circumvent these obstacles, the search for biomarker signatures of pediatric OSA and its cognitive and cardiometabolic consequences was launched, and considerable progress has occurred since then. Here, we review the current evidence for the presence of morbidity-related biomarkers among children with OSAS, and explore future opportunities in this promising arena.
Biventricular Support With Intracorporeal, Continuous Flow, Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Devices

Background The incidence of right ventricular dysfunction requiring right ventricular assist device after left ventricular assist device placement has been reported between 10% to 30%. The mortality rate is higher compared with patients who require left ventricular assist device only; the most effective and safest biventricular assist device remains unknown. We aimed to determine the survival outcomes and frequency of adverse events in patients with two durable, intracorporeal, continuous flow centrifugal pumps for support. Methods Between November 2012 and June 2015, 38 patients were identified from INTERMACS received durable, intracorporeal continuous flow centrifugal pumps for biventricular support. Pediatric patients were excluded. Mean age was 47 years, and 74% of patients were male. The common primary diagnoses in this cohort were dilated myopathy, idiopathic (37%) and ischemic (16%). Results Nineteen participating centers implanted devices in 38 patients; 11 patients died with device in place, 9 patients received a heart transplant, and 18 were alive on support with the right ventricular assist device in place. Survival outcomes were 68% at 6 months and 62% at 12 months. The left ventricular assist device was placed in the left ventricle apex in 91% of cases, and in 9%, the location was not specified. The right ventricular assist device was placed in the right ventricle in 50%, right atrium in 37%, and not specified in 13%. The adverse events included infection 50%, bleeding 44%, respiratory failure 31.6%, and malfunction 26.3%; neurologic dysfunction 26.3%; renal dysfunction 18.4%; and arrhythmia 18.4%. Conclusions The use of durable, intracorporeal, continuous flow centrifugal pumps for management of advanced biventricular heart failure is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Further investigation of this device configuration is warranted.