cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary factors and risk of t(14;18)-defined subgroups of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

To evaluate the associations between diet and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) according to t(14;18) status, one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in NHL, as t(14;18)-positive NHL represents a genetically more homogeneous group than NHL overall. We determined the presence of the t(14;18)(q32;q21) by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 172 of 175 tumor blocks from a population-based, case–control study conducted in Nebraska during 1983–1986. Information on the frequency of consumption as an adult of 30 food items was derived from the parent case–control study. Dietary factors in 60 t(14;18)-positive and 87 t(14;18)-negative cases were compared with 1,075 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using polytomous logistic regression. The risk of t(14;18)-positive NHL for the highest versus the lowest approximate tertile of intake was elevated for milk (OR = 2.2; 1.0–5.0) and dietary nitrite (OR = 2.8; 1.3–6.1), whereas coffee consumption was inversely associated with risk (OR = 0.4; 0.2–0.7). We also found inverse associations between the intake of fish (OR = 0.5; 0.3–1.0) and carotene (OR = 0.5; 0.2–0.9) and risk of t(14;18)-negative NHL. There was no association between the intake of meats, vegetables, protein, or vitamin C and risk of either t(14;18)-positive or t(14;18)-negative NHL. We observed differences in associations between diet and t(14;18)-defined subgroups of NHL. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample.
Generalized solutions of higher-order duration measures

Abstract Higher-order duration measures have been shown to permit near perfect immunization. This paper presents formulae for these measures which are valid not only at coupon payment dates but between these dates as well We show that errors caused by using formulae valid only at the coupon payment dates increase as one advances from lower-order to higher-order duration measures. A portfolio immunization example comparing both traditional and generalized closed-form solutions is given.
Deoxycytidylate aminohydrolase activity in the Novikoff hepatoma is dependent on the localization of the tumor.

The activity of deoxycytidylate aminohydrolase, a pivotal enzyme for pyrimidine biosynthesis in mammalian tissue, is 100 × greater in the Novikoff hepatoma harvested from the intraperitoneal cavity than in the same tumor excised from either subcutaneous or intramuscular sites. The increased enzyme activity in the intraperitoneal tumor is not due to an increase in protein synthesis, since there are no significant differences in enzyme activity between normal liver, and either the subcutaneous or intramuscular hepatomas. Evidence is presented which indicates that deoxycytidylate aminohydrolase activity, and the expression of alternate pathways of pyrimidine biosynthesis in the Novikoff hepatoma, is dependent on the localization of the tumor within the host.
Thermal, laser, and fast atom desorption

Abstract The desorption methods show similarities in their spectra and suggest common mechanisms. However, thermal desorption spectra indicate that preformed ions and cationized species can be generated by purely thermal means, while differences in fast atom bombardment and field desorption spectra indicate the importance of external or localized fields in the kinds of ions extracted from the condensed phase.
A Microscopic Multiphase Diffusion Model of Viable Epidermis Permeability

A microscopic model of passive transverse mass transport of small solutes in the viable epidermal layer of human skin is formulated on the basis of a hexagonal array of cells (i.e., keratinocytes) bounded by 4-nm-thick, anisotropic lipid bilayers and separated by 1-μm layers of extracellular fluid. Gap junctions and tight junctions with adjustable permeabilities are included to modulate the transport of solutes with low membrane permeabilities. Two keratinocyte aspect ratios are considered to represent basal and spinous cells (longer) and granular cells (more flattened). The diffusion problem is solved in a unit cell using a coordinate system conforming to the hexagonal cross section, and an efficient two-dimensional treatment is applied to describe transport in both the cell membranes and intercellular spaces, given their thinness. Results are presented in terms of an effective diffusion coefficient, D¯epi, and partition coefficient, K¯epi/w, for a homogenized representation of the microtransport problem. Representative calculations are carried out for three small solutes—water, L-glucose, and hydrocortisone—covering a wide range of membrane permeability. The effective transport parameters and their microscopic interpretation can be employed within the context of existing three-layer models of skin transport to provide more realistic estimates of the epidermal concentrations of topically applied solutes.
Illumination-invariant tracking via graph cuts

Illumination changes are a ubiquitous problem in computer vision. They present a challenge in many applications, including tracking: for example, an object may move in and out of a shadow. We present a new tracking algorithm which is insensitive to illumination changes, while at the same time using all of the available photometric information. The algorithm is based on computing an illumination-invariant optical flow field; the computation is made robust by using a graph cuts formulation. Experimentally, the new technique is shown to quite reliable in both synthetic and real sequences, dealing with a variety of illumination changes that cause problems for density based trackers.
‘Learning hospitals’ and quality

In the next generation of management thinking, we must go beyond TQM and on to Deming's theory of profound knowledge, much of which is embodied in the field of organizational learning and in particular, in Senge's ‘Fifth Discipline’ or systems thinking. In this framework there is no explicit mention of quality but the goal is still a process of ongoing improvement, that is, quality is implicitly treated. Hospitals are thought to be pretty complex organizations to implement Senge's theory because they are hierarchical, skills intensive and most health care workers deal with their emotions, patient's emotions, doctor's emotions and fellow employee's emotions in highly intense situations. However, Senge's five ‘component technologies’ provide an excellent framework to begin with. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery combined with saphenous vein ablation: results and critical analysis

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to determine the results of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) combined with ablation of superficial venous reflux. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 74 consecutive limbs (65 patients) in which this combination treatment was performed at a university medical center. Preoperatively, 58 lower extremities had an open venous ulcer (CEAP clinical class 6 [C 6 ]) and 16 had healed ulceration (C 5 ). Preoperative and postoperative ulcer care remained constant. Main outcomes measured included perioperative complications, ulcer healing, and ulcer recurrence. Clinical severity and disability scores were tabulated before and after surgery. Mean patient follow-up was 44 months. Results Greater saphenous vein (GSV) stripping and varicose vein excision accompanied SEPS in 57 limbs (77%), and SEPS was performed alone or with varicose vein excision in 17 limbs that had previously undergone GSV stripping. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 limbs (16%), all with C 6 disease ( P = .04). Ulcer healing occurred in 91% (53 of 58) of limbs with C 6 disease at a mean of 2.9 months (range, 13 days-17 months). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ulcer healing was negatively affected by previous limb trauma ( P = .011). Ulceration recurred in 4 limbs (6%) at 7, 20, 21, and 30 months, respectively. This was associated with a history of limb trauma ( P = .027) and preoperative ultrasound evidence of GSV reflux combined with deep venous obstruction (P R,O ; P = .043). Clinical severity and disability scores improved significantly after surgery (both, P Conclusions Most venous ulcers treated with SEPS with ablation of superficial venous reflux heal rapidly and remain healed during medium-term follow-up. Ulcer healing is adversely affected by a history of severe limb trauma, and ulcer recurrence is similarly affected by a history of limb trauma in addition to superficial venous reflux combined with deep venous obstructive disease. Overall, there was marked improvement of postoperative clinical severity and disability scores compared with those obtained before surgery.
The role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects 170 million people worldwide. Until recently, combination therapy with peginterferon-α (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard of care. However, for many patients, especially those infected with the most common HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1), this treatment has resulted in unsatisfactory treatment response rates. Many clinical factors, including pharmacogenetics, influence the treatment response rate. Genetic variation in the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene is the major determinant of treatment response, a finding that has been replicated in multiple independent cohorts. This review focuses on the association between pharmacogenetics and conventional pegIFN/RBV therapy in patients infected with HCV non-genotype 1; patients reinfected with HCV after liver transplantation; and patients coinfected with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus. We also review the pharmacogenetic data for boceprevir and telaprevir triple therapy in patients with HCV-1 infection, as well as viral genomic polymorphisms and genetic variants that may protect against anemia. Pharmacogenetic information offers a personalized medicine approach to help clinicians and patients make better informed decisions to maximize response and minimize toxicity for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
Comment on “The Rate of Pyrite Decomposition on the Surface of Venus”

Abstract Fegley et al. (1995. B. Fegley Jr., K. Lodders, A. H. Treiman, and G. Klingelhoffer. Icarus 115, 159–180.) describe a series of furnace experiments in which the mineral pyrite was decomposed in various gas environments. They use these data to estimate the rate of pyrite decomposition on the surface of Venus. The issue of the presence or absence of pyrite on the Venus surface is of significance because pyrite has an important potential effect on the electromagnetic properties of planetary surface materials sensed by radar (1997. J. A. Wood. In Venus II (S. Bougher, D. M. Hunten, and R. Phillips, Eds.). Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, in press). We argue that the decomposition rates found by Fegley et al. are not applicable to the surface of Venus, because none of the gas environments used by those authors accurately reproduced the atmospheric composition at the Venus surface.
The Future of Feminist Scholarship: Beyond the Politics of Inclusion

My feelings about the status of feminist scholarship and Women's Studies in Communication as it approaches forty are conflicted. I celebrate the journal as a space for publishing work that centers ...
Integrated short-term staffing and long-term resource action planning for services projects

In a portfolio of services projects, each project manager delivers a resource request to the resource deployment manager. The request is in the form of a network of activities, where each activity can be staffed at multiple levels of resource-staffing using various skill-types. Each level of staffing implies a specific duration for the activity and, hence, the project. Activities can be either immediately staffed with specific resources, or planned for, with respect to future needs depending on their timing in the horizon of interest. We propose an integrated method to address both the immediate short term staffing level, and the planned, long term staffing level for a portfolio of requests using two-time-scale optimization formulation. In the short-term, the level of staffing for each immediate activity is decided for each project request, subject to short-term resource availability in each skill type and substitutability among skill types. In the long-term, a planned level of staffing for each of the corresponding activities within each project request is decided, to further carry out a resource action planning exercise. The resource action considers regular hiring, contracting and cross-training among skill types.
Workplace incivility, bullying, and mobbing

Incivility, bullying, and mobbing at the workplace negatively impact the company and the work force.
Assessment and Feedback: Examining the Relationship Between Self-assessment and Blind Peer- and Teacher-assessment in TOEFL Writing

This study investigated the nature of self-assessment and blind peer- and teacher-assessment in L2 writing. The type of feedback students gave to themselves and peers, the type of feedback used in the revision process, and the source of the feedback used were all analyzed. Additionally, student perceptions of self- and peer-assessment, feedback, and their relationships to perceived writing improvement were also studied. Findings revealed that students in this study did not use teacher feedback significantly more than feedback from themselves or their peers, but they did give different types of feedback than the teacher and favored using feedback related to language use in the revision process. Students perceived their writing abilities to have increased due to self- and peer-assessment but responded more positively to peer-assessment than selfassessment. Surprisingly, students also perceived their abilities to have increased in rubric areas in which the feedback they received was not used and not regarded as useful, and the highest perceived gains in writing ability were in areas which accounted for the lowest amounts of feedback given.
Comparison of Parasitic Hymenoptera Captured in Malaise Traps Baited with two Flowering Plants, Lobularia maritima (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) and Spermacoce verticillata (Gentianales: Rubiaceae)

Abstract Many adult hymenopterous parasitoids feed on floral nectar, and occasionally pollen. However, flowers differ in both accessibility and attractiveness to these insects. Malaise traps, a type of “passive/interception” trap, were baited with potted flowering plants, Lobularia maritima L. (Brassicaceae) or Spermacoce verticillata L. (Rubiaceae), or left unbaited as controls. These plants have different floral structures, but both have been previously used as food-plants for biological control agents. In general, L. maritima captured more Braconidae, particularly Opiinae, than either alternative. Species of this subfamily attack Diptera and certain species are important natural enemies of pest Tephritidae. The roles of plant attractiveness (volatiles) and architecture (trap access) are discussed, as is the possibility of employing L. maritima and/or its products in monitoring or maintaining fruit fly parasitoids.
Family-acquired Respiratory Disease in High-Risk Infants

Five infants who had been patients in the same Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were readmitted with respiratory illness. The illness was characterized by cough, congestion, apnea, and infiltration of the lungs revealed by radiographic examination. Only one infant was febrile. All five patients recovered; however, one infant required prolonged intubation and mechanically assisted ventilation. Investigation revealed that the illness was associated with prematurity and contact with ill family members. Illness was not associated with exposure to ill personnel in the NICU, low birth weight, or previous lung disease. This outbreak demonstrates the dangers involved in sending premature infants home when respiratory illness is prevalent in the family.
Linear growth in pediatric hemodialysis patients.

Growth is an important outcome in pediatric kidney disease. We aimed to identify factors associated with growth in pediatric hemodialysis (HD) patients. Height standard deviation scores (Ht SDS) of pediatric HD patients with consecutive height measurements in the ESRD Clinical Performance Measures Project were calculated. Multiple linear regression determined the effect of factors on Ht SDS change/year. Four hundred and seven patients were included. Median age was 15.2 years (interquartile range 13.2–16.5 years); 44% were girls, and 27% were black. Of patients observed, 66% had growth hormone (GH) data, and of those, 29% were prescribed GH. Mean change in Ht SDS/year was −0.10 ± 0.71. After adjustment, decreasing Ht SDS was associated with younger age (−0.2/year for <13 vs. ≥13 years; p < 0.0001), longer duration on dialysis (−0.03/year for ≥6 months vs. <6 months; p < 0.01), and higher normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) (−0.02/year per 0.1; p < 0.05). Improved growth was seen in girls (0.10/year; p < 0.01) and in those with lower Ht SDS (0.03/year per 0.5 decrease; p < 0.001). Hemoglobin, GH use, and adequacy were associated with neither positive nor negative changes in Ht SDS. Growth retardation while on HD was most pronounced in patients who were young, male, had longer durations on HD, had higher nPCR, and had higher baseline Ht SDS.
Epidemiologic Studies of Risk Factors for Cancer in Pet Dogs

In 1996, an estimated 52.9 million dogs were living in 31.6 percent of all households in the United States (1). Several epidemiologic studies have been undertaken to identify risk factors for cancer in pet dogs. This presentation reviews the literature on canine cancer epidemiology with a view towards exploring how these studies inform us about cancer causation in dogs and in humans. It focuses on observational studies of dogs living in their usual environments, and considers experimental studies in laboratory settings only to the extent that such studies shed light on the observational studies. It begins with a discussion of some methodological issues that make epidemiologic studies of cancer in dogs somewhat different from those in humans.
Stability and feedback control of wireless networked systems

This study analyzes data losses and their effect on wireless networked system stability/performance using a simple communication scheme and a stochastic 2-state Markov network model. An architecture utilizing event-driven control and clock-driven, co-located sensing and actuation serves as the base framework. Data losses are treated in a switched system scheme where two discrete dynamics are available. When the network transmits data successfully, the closed loop dynamics are active; when packets are dropped, zero control is applied and open loop dynamics exist. Using analysis tools for stochastic stability of Markov jump linear systems, operating conditions in a probability space can be identified for given plant dynamics that ensure second moment stability (SMS). Additionally, switched system H/sub /spl infin// norms can be used to identify regions of network operation in the probability space with expected levels of performance. Results from these tools and experiments involving wireless hardware suggest a scheme for decentralized controller variation that rebalances network loading for the control loops when communication disturbances occur in the network. This scheme varies the sampling period of the individual loops based on network condition measurements, system stability/performance requirements, and computation/bandwidth limits of the hardware.
Quantitative Trait Loci for the Monoamine-Related Traits Heart Rate and Headless Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster appears to be well suited as a model organism for quantitative pharmacogenetic analysis. A genome-wide deficiency screen for haploinsufficient effects on prepupal heart rate identified nine regions of the genome that significantly reduce (five deficiencies) or increase (four deficiencies) heart rate across a range of genetic backgrounds. Candidate genes include several neurotransmitter receptor loci, particularly monoamine receptors, consistent with results of prior pharmacological manipulations of heart rate, as well as genes associated with paralytic phenotypes. Significant genetic variation is also shown to exist for a suite of four autonomic behaviors that are exhibited spontaneously upon decapitation, namely, grooming, grasping, righting, and quivering. Overall activity levels are increased by application of particular concentrations of the drugs octopamine and nicotine, but due to high environmental variance both within and among replicate vials, the significance of genetic variation among wild-type lines for response to the drugs is difficult to establish. An interval mapping design was also used to map two or three QTL for each behavioral trait in a set of recombinant inbred lines derived from the laboratory stocks Oregon-R and 2b.
Exile in Mid-Qing China: Banishment to Xinjiang, 1758-1820

Xinjiang and the expansion of the empire in the 18th century exil and expansion prior to the Qing the law and policy of exile under the Qing who were the Xinjiang exiles? the journey into exile disgraced officials in exile the lives of the Xinjiang convicts the end of exile. Appendices: a note on the application of collective responsibility under the Qing the case of Lu Liuliang's descendants the 1806 regulations concerning the right of ordinary convicts to return from Xinjiang period of exile already served by disgraced officials in exile by 1794.
Modeling, simulation, testing, and measurements of wireless communication systems: A laboratory based approach

Several challenges such as inter-operability, global seamless connectivity, and spectral crowding became more of a concern after the tremendous growth in wireless industry and the diversity in wireless systems and standards. Software defined radio (SDR) is envisioned to be a promising solution for all these challenges. From the point of education, all these challenges along with the introduction of new concepts such as SDR necessitate the establishment of new platforms where students can model, simulate and test wireless systems from various aspects. This paper gives an overview of a laboratory course incorporating the use of SDR capable devices. A brief description of all the laboratory experiments is included, whereas only one of the experiments focusing on synchronization in wireless systems is discussed in detail due to space limitations.
Response of bonded and non-bonded sheep to the approach of a trained border collie

Abstract Intra- and interspecific association of cattle and bonded or non-bonded sheep was observed under free-ranging conditions preceding, during and following the approach of a trained border collie dog. A bonded sheep is one which consistently stays in close proximity to cattle as a result of a continuous close association between the two species, which began when the sheep was a young lamb. The dog treatment provided insight into the response of livestock to an aggressive, threatening canine. Sheep bonded to cattle remained together as one interspecific group when threatened by the dog. Interspecific space decreased and the sheep positioned themselves among the cattle and away from the dog. Cattle aggression, i.e. kicking and charging the dog, was only observed when the dog approached the heifers. Non-bonded sheep and cattle reacted as two distinctly independent intraspecific groups. The non-bonded sheep reduced their intraspecific space and moved away from the cattle when threatened by the dog. The protection that bonded sheep receive from cattle appears to result from the close association with the cattle, which poses a threat to predators.
Efficient computation of the 3D Green's function for the Helmholtz operator for a linear array of point sources using the Ewald method

The Ewald method is applied to accelerate the evaluation of the Green’s function (GF) of an infinite equispaced linear array of point sources with linear phasing. Only a few terms are needed to evaluate Ewald sums, which are cast in terms of error functions and exponential integrals, to high accuracy. It is shown analytically that the choice of the standard ‘‘optimal’’ Ewald splitting parameter E0 causes overflow errors at high frequencies (period large compared to the wavelength), and convergence rates are analyzed. A recipe for selecting the Ewald splitting parameter is provided.
Much ado about nothing, or much to do about something? The continuing controversy over the role of uric acid in cardiovascular disease.

To the Editor: Recently, an update from the Framingham study could not find uric acid to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.1 While serum uric acid levels correlated significantly with the risk for cardiovascular events and mortality in women, this relationship became insignificant after factoring for 11 additional variables including hypertension, body mass index, and diuretic use.1 Both the authors1 and an accompanying editorial2 interpreted these findings as showing that uric acid is not a true risk factor for cardiovascular disease and that it should not be routinely measured to assess cardiovascular risk. The careful analysis of the Framingham study is to be commended, but one must be cautious in the interpretation of the findings. While some epidemiologic studies such as the current one have not been able to show uric acid to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, other studies using multivariate analyses3 4 5 6 came to an opposite conclusion. Another recently completed study, the Worksite,7 also found uric acid to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality, especially in women. One might look for subtle explanations to account for the differences in these various studies, as Culleton et al1 have attempted, but most of the studies examined the very same variables. A more central issue is whether one should interpret the finding that a risk factor is not statistically independent to mean that it should not be considered biologically important. We would argue that this is not true in several situations. First, if the risk factors are causally linked, then one may not be able to show that they are independent of each other. For example, although smoking is a risk factor for mortality, it might no longer be independent if it is …
Aphthous Ulceration in Diversion Colitis: Clinical Implications

Two cases of aphthous ulceration apparently due to diversion colitis are described. There was no evidence of Crohn's disease initially or at follow-up. Aphthous ulceration of the colon and diversion colitis are reviewed, and the nonspecificity of aphthae for Crohn's disease is stressed. The presence of aphthous ulcers in a diverted colon should not preclude colostomy closure.
Justice as Fairness: For Groups?

In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls assumes that the principles of justice are for individuals in a society, and in general he assumes that the society is an ethnically homogeneous state. He thus follows the tradition associated with the dominant form of the social contract theory, which focuses on the individual and the state. His assumptions neglect the fact that almost all states are ethnically plural or heterogeneous, and that many of them confer special status and rights on ethnic groups as collective entities; for example, many of them confer special status and rights on indigenous groups, on groups disadvantaged by prior discrimination, and on minorities and other groups conceded a right to survive as distinct cultural entities. Status and rights for groups necessarily mean differentiation among individuals depending on their membership; and this in turn means that a theory of justice that focuses on the individual and neglects the group both fails to account for existing practices and fails to give guidance where the practices are at issue.
Gate-Controlled Reverse Recovery for Characterization of LDMOS Body Diode

Reverse recovery behavior is a useful tool for monitoring lifetime variations in the body diode of power MOSFETs. However, correct interpretation of the laterally diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) reverse recovery is challenging and requires special attention. This is due to the fact that the stored charges in the LDMOS drift region can flow from two different directions with each having different lifetime values. By studying the effects of diode reverse bias and gate voltage on the current flow direction during the reverse recovery, we present a simple approach to extract meaningful lifetime values, which can be used to determine material quality at different locations in the drift region of the LDMOS devices.
Benign cystitis in children mimicking rhabdomyosarcoma.

Seventeen (13 male, 4 female) patients, aged 13 months to 13 years, with benign cystitis had imaging findings that mimicked those of rhabdomyosarcoma. Our experience indicates that in the child with hematuria, dysuria, and frequency plus cystographic or sonographic demonstration of a bladder with reduced capacity and circumferential wall thickening or sonographic findings of isoechoic bladder wall thickening (focal, multifocal or circumferential distribution), intact mucosa, and bullous lesions should strongly suggest inflammation and not malignancy. When an inflammatory lesion is suspected, followup imaging should be performed in 2 weeks, which if normal will preclude biopsy
Social networks and social support among ball-attending African American men who have sex with men and transgender women are associated with HIV-related outcomes

The House Ball Community (HBC) is an understudied network of African American men who have sex with men and transgender women, who join family-like houses that compete in elaborate balls in cities across the United States. From 2011 to 2012, we surveyed 274 recent attendees of balls in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on social networks, social support, and HIV-related behaviours. Participants with a high percentage of alters who were supportive of HIV testing were significantly more likely to have tested in the past six months (p = .02), and less likely to have engaged in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past three months (p = .003). Multivariate regression analyses of social network characteristics, and social support, revealed that testing in the past six months was significantly associated with social support for safer sex, instrumental social support, and age. Similarly, UAI in the past three months was significantly associated with social support for safer sex, homophily based on sexual identity and HIV status. HIV-related social support provided through the HBC networks was correlated with recent HIV testing and reduced UAI. Approaches utilising networks within alternative kinship systems, may increase HIV-related social support and improve HIV-related outcomes.
Right around the Amazon: the origin of the circum-Amazonian distribution in Tangara cayana

The effects of climate fluctuations on seasonally dry forests and their fauna are important to a holistic understanding of diversification in the South American lowlands. We document the intraspecific genetic structure of the burnished-buff tanager (Tangara cayana), a species common in seasonally dry tropical forests throughout South America. Using both mitochondrial sequence and nuclear microsatellite markers, we present an intraspecific phylogeny, haplotype network, and a STRUCTURE analysis. We also develop environmental niche models and project them onto two alternate paleoclimate models of the Last Glacial Maximum and mid-Holocene. Paleoclimate projections indicate a much greater extent and connectivity of suitable T. cayana habitat during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), decreasing through the mid-Holocene toward the present. Both microsatellite and mtDNA sequence data are consistent with a clockwise route of colonization for the current circum-Amazonian distribution of T. cayana. The species likely originated in the Cerrado of Brazil and expanded westward through Bolivia, across the seasonally dry forests at the base of the Andes, and into Guyana and northern Brazil. Northeastern populations then expanded south into coastal Pernambuco, Brazil completing the current ring-like distribution of this species.
Experience, Knowledge, and Concerns About Long-Term Services and Supports: Implications for Financing Reform.

ABSTRACTUsing the 2014 Survey of Long-Term Care Awareness and Planning, this article examines Americans’ experiences, knowledge, and concerns about long-term services and supports (LTSS) and actions they are willing to take if they become disabled. The survey included 15,298 non-institutionalized respondents aged 40 to 70 years drawn from a nationally representative sample. Although many reported some experience with LTSS, knowledge of how LTSS worked was low. Respondents reported widespread concerns about becoming disabled. They preferred informal care over paid care, with a strong desire to remain in their homes. These results can be used to design reform initiatives and to motivate political support.
Seasonal and spatial fluctuations in Oncorhynchus trout diet in a temperate mixed-forest watershed

To examine seasonal and spatial factors affecting prey consumption by Oncorhynchus trout, we examined trout diet from mainstem and tributary sites at Hinkle Creek, Oregon. Benthic invertebrate densities were similar across seasons and did not differ between tributaries and the mainstem. Fluctuations in diet followed seasonal changes in invertebrate sizes and abundances. Average prey biomass consumed was positively correlated with fish size. Consumption rates were high in spring and summer but fell significantly in fall when fewer and smaller prey were eaten. A switch in consumption from 36% terrestrial prey biomass in spring to 85% in summer coincided with an increase in terrestrial prey size and a decrease in benthic prey size. Location within the watershed also affected prey consumption. Despite similarities in diet composition, tributary trout consumed somewhat more biomass than trout in the mainstem but grew relatively slower. Because stream fishes such as Oncorhynchus trout feed opportunistically on ...
Atomic Structure and Lifetimes: Semiempirical parametrization of energy-level data

What seems like black and white drabness, can reveal hidden color sublime; you need only to look at it deeply, and see it one part at a time. Historical development The study of optical radiation, dispersed to reveal its frequency content, has a long and venerable history. However, the fact that this radiation consists of a continuous distribution of colors when emitted by free ions in a dense plasma or solid, and of a discrete distribution of lines of color when emitted by an atomic gas, was long unnoticed. The first recorded observation of the dispersed solar (ark) spectrum is usually attributed to Noah, who beheld the rainbow after the flood. In Genesis 9:13, God is reported to have said “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds.” Regrettably, no revelation of the Fraunhofer lines was reported. The first published observation of a dispersed solar spectrum using a slit and a prism was by Isaac Newton in his 1666 treatise on optics. Again, Newton made no mention of observing dark lines superimposed on the continuous “Phaenomena of Colours.” The first recorded observation of a line spectrum was by Thomas Melvill in 1752. Melvill inserted a piece of sea-salt into a flame and allowed the emitted radiation to pass through a slit onto a prism. He noted a “constancy of refrangeability” of the bright yellow sodium light. The observation of seven dark lines superimposed on the solar spectrum was noted by William Wollaston in 1802, and that number was increased to several hundred by Joseph Fraunhofer in 1814. In 1859 Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff combined the experiments of Melvill and Fraunhofer to launch the field of laboratory astrophysics.
Prediction of forelimb muscle EMGs from the corticospinal signals in rats

To generate voluntary forearm movements, the information that is encoded in the activity of the cortical neurons has to travel through the spinal cord and activate the skeletal muscles. The axons carrying these signals are tightly bundled together in the descending tracts that control the spinal circuitry innervating the forearm muscles. In this paper, we show that corticospinal tract (CST) signals can be used to predict forearm electromyographic (EMG) activities that are recorded during an isometric-pull task. Rats were trained to pull on a metal bar through a window. A flexible-substrate multi-electrode array was chronically implanted into the dorsal column of the cervical spinal cord. Field potentials and multi-unit activities were recorded from the descending axons of the CST while the rat performed the task. Forelimb forces and EMG signals from a wrist extensor and a flexor, and the biceps and triceps were reconstructed using the neural signals in multiple sessions over three weeks. The regression coefficients found from the trial set were cross-validated on the other trials recorded on the same day. The maximum correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted signal was for the biceps (R=0.88). These results suggest the feasibility of an EMG-based spinal-cord-computer-interface (SCCI) for subjects with spinal cord injury.
Heterogeneous Dark Silicon Chip Multi-Processors: Design and Run-Time Management

A fundamental research question given the dark silicon problem is how best to leverage the abundance of transistors on the chip. In this chapter, we describe two solutions to this problem. In the first, we exploit the inherent variations in process parameters that exist in scaled technologies to offer increased performance. Since process variations result in core-to-core variations in power and frequency, the idea is to cherry pick the best subset of cores for an application so as to maximize performance within the power budget. Second, we describe an approach for synthesis of micro-architecturally dark silicon chip multi-processors. The goal is to determine the optimal number of cores of each type to provision the processor with, such that the area and power budgets are met and the application performance is maximized.
Public Understanding: Café society gets scientific

A new breed of cafe is spreading across France – les cafes scientifiques and bars des sciences. Topics up for discussion over a glass of Bordeaux include France's nuclear policy, radiation in the universe, and perhaps inevitably, the science of wine. Inspired by the famous cafes philosophiques, les cafes are now starting up all over France and in April the first national meeting took place in Lyon.
Target fuels for plutonium and minor actinide transmutation in pressurized water reactors

Abstract The average nuclear power plant produces twenty metric tons of used nuclear fuel per year, containing approximately 95 wt% uranium, 1 wt% plutonium, and 4 wt% fission products and transuranic elements. Fast reactors are a preferred option for the transmutation of plutonium and minor actinides; however, an optimistic deployment time of at least 20 years indicates a need for a nearer-term solution. This study considers a method for plutonium and minor actinide transmutation in existing light water reactors and evaluates a variety of transmutation fuels to provide a common basis for comparison and to determine if any single target fuel provides superior transmutation properties. A model developed using the NEWT module in the SCALE 6.1 code package provided performance data for the burnup of the target fuel rods in the present study. The target fuels (MOX, PuO 2 , Pu 3 Si 2 , PuN, PuUZrH, PuZrH, PuZrHTh, and PuZrO 2 ) are evaluated over a 1400 Effective Full Power Days (EFPD) interval to ensure each assembly remained critical over the entire burnup period. The MOX (5 wt% PuO 2 ), Pu 0.31 ZrH 1.6 Th 1.08 , and PuZrO 2 MgO (8 wt% Pu) fuels result in the highest rate of plutonium transmutation with the lowest rate of curium-244 production. This study selected eleven different burnable absorbers (B 4 C, CdO, Dy 2 O 3 , Er 2 O 3 , Eu 2 O 3 , Gd 2 O 3 , HfO 2 , In 2 O 3 , Lu 2 O 3 , Sm 2 O 3 , and TaC) for evaluation as spectral shift absorber coatings on the outside of the fuel pellets to determine if an absorber coating can improve the transmutation properties of the target fuels. The PuZrO 2 MgO (8 wt% Pu) target fuel with a coating of Lu 2 O 3 resulted in the highest rate of plutonium transmutation with the greatest reduction in curium-244 production.
Prevalence and Correlates of Sleep Apnea Among US Male Veterans, 2005–2014

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with sleep apnea among US male veterans. We used data from the 2005-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to conduct survey-weighted descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses. The prevalence of sleep apnea increased from 3.7% to 8.1% (P for trend <.001 for adjusted model) from 2005 through 2014. Increasing severity of psychological distress and unmet mental health care need were associated with increased odds of sleep apnea, as was a diagnosis of asthma. Increased screening of sleep health is critical to improve the health outcomes of veterans.
Ethnic Variations in Serum 25(OH)D Levels and Bone Ultrasound Attenuation Measurements in Blacks and Whites.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in Blacks, yet Blacks have lower prevalence of bone fragility fractures or osteoporosis than Whites. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) has been used to explore the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and bone quality in White and non-white populations. We investigated serum 25(OH)D status with corresponding BUA measurements assessed cross sectionally in a cohort of 232 Blacks and 260 Whites, aged 30–95 years who were part of the calibration study of the large Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). At the calibration clinics, calcaneal BUA was measured and blood drawn for serum 25(OH)D assessment. In multivariable analyses, BUA was negatively associated with age (β-coefficient = −0.38; p < 0.0001) and positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (p (trend) < 0.0001) and positively, but non-significantly, associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Also, as expected, females had lower BUA (β-coefficient = −5.19; p < 0.05) and Blacks had higher BUA (β-coefficient = 4.26; p < 0.05). Gender and race modified the relationship of serum 25(OH)D on BUA with a positive association in males (p (trend) ≤ 0.05), but no significant association in females after also controlling for menopausal status and hormone therapy. After also controlling for serum 25(OH)D levels, Black males had higher BUA than White men, but such differences were not found among the females. When stratifying on race, a positive association between serum 25(OH)D levels and BUA (p (trend) ≤ 0.05) was found in Blacks, but not among Whites. Further studies are needed to understand how racial/ethnic differences in serum 25(OH)D levels influence bone health.
Combining narrative and dynamic assessment theory to design a game for the elderly on cognitive function training

It's really important that how to keep cognitive functions of elderly. According to several research result shows, regular doing exercise or playing games may help elderly slowing down degeneration. In this study, we attempt to combine narrative concept and dynamic assessment theory to develop a kinect-based game for elderly on cognitive functions training. Moreover, a Web-based management system for tracking game records will also be developed. We believe that system can slow down the degradation of cognitive ability.
Space-Time and Matter

This chapter examines how the conceptions of space and time provide the natural, but non-material resources for determining matter. On this basis, the chapter critically examines how Aristotle, Kant, and Hegel account for matter.
Adaptive Control [Second edition, by Karl J. Astrom and Bjorn Wittenmark, Addison Wesley (1995)]

This book, written by two major figures in adaptive control, provides a wealth of material for researchers, practitioners, and students. While some researchers in adaptive control may note the absence of a particular topic, the book‘s scope represents a high-gain instrument. It can be used by designers of control systems to enhance their work through the information on many new theoretical developments, and can be used by mathematical control theory specialists to adapt their research to practical needs. The book is strongly recommended to anyone interested in adaptive control.
Resilience to post-traumatic stress among World Trade Center survivors: A mixed-methods study

The purpose of this study was to identify individual characteristics, behaviors, and psychosocial factors associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among World Trade Center (WTC) disaster evacuation survivors. The study utilized a mixed-method design. In-depth interviews were conducted using a prepared script. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD checklist-civilian (PCL-C; a score ≥ 50 indicates probable PTSD). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with PTSD. A purposive sample of 29 WTC evacuees was recruited using a multimodal recruitment strategy. Eligibility included: history of evacuation from the WTC (Tower 1 and / or Tower 2) on September 11, 2001, and decisional capacity for informed consent. Five participants had PCL-C scores ≥ 50. Thematic analysis identified resiliency factors (protective for PTSD), including leadership, taking action based on “gut” feelings (to evacuate), social support (staying in a group), going on “automatic survival” mode, and previous training on emergency response. Risk factors for PTSD included lack of emergency response training, lack of sense of urgency, poor physical condition, lack of communication skills, lack of direction, peri-event physical injury, peri-event traumatic exposure (horror), and moral injury (guilt and remorse). Several modifiable factors that may confer resilience were identified. In particular, the role of emergency response training in preventing disaster-related mental illness should be explored as a possible strategy for enhancing resilience to disaster events.
Consumer Perceptions of Product Quality Revisited: Made in China

An earlier consumer perception study of manufactured products revealed through value metrics that China had quality management problems. This paper revisits and expands the application of the same quality metrics into a longitudinal study.
Why Are Students Failing Clinical? Clinical Instructors Weigh In

Abstract Competent nurses must be proficient in both theoretical and applied knowledge. To achieve this proficiency, nursing students must demonstrate competency in both theoretical content and clinical skills. Despite the importance of the acquisition of clinical skills, scant research has been reported on reasons for nursing students' failure because of the inability to demonstrate competency in the clinical setting. California nursing schools were surveyed through SurveyMonkey to identify and explore the main factors related to undergraduate nursing students' inability to pass clinical. The survey elicited 15 responses and indicated that students are failing clinical because of issues regarding safety and professionalism.