cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The management of probabilistic data

It is often desirable to represent in a database, entities whose properties cannot be deterministically classified. The authors develop a data model that includes probabilities associated with the values of the attributes. The notion of missing probabilities is introduced for partially specified probability distributions. This model offers a richer descriptive language allowing the database to more accurately reflect the uncertain real world. Probabilistic analogs to the basic relational operators are defined and their correctness is studied. A set of operators that have no counterpart in conventional relational systems is presented. >
A STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE ORDERING OF SCHEDULING RULES

This paper applies stochastic dominance (SD) preference-ordering criteria to job shop scheduling rules. A simulation model of a hypothetical dual-constrained job shop is used to derive several measures of shop performance for a number of dispatching/due-date scheduling policies. The results presented suggest that previous research conclusions concerning the relative performance of dispatching scheduling rules may need to be reconsidered if production schedulers are risk-averse utility maximizers.
TYPE-RAISING AND DIRECTIONALITY IN COMBINATORY GRAMMAR

The form of rules in combinatory categorial grammars (CCG) is constrained by three principles, called "adjacency", "consistency" and "inheritance". These principles have been claimed elsewhere to constrain the combinatory rules of composition and type raising in such a way as to make certain linguistic universals concerning word order under coordination follow immediately. The present paper shows that the three principles have a natural expression in a unification-based interpretation of CCG in which directional information is an attribute of the arguments of functions grounded in string position. The universals can thereby be derived as consequences of elementary assumptions. Some desirable results for grammars and parsers follow, concerning type-raising rules.
Targeting opioid signaling in Crohn’s disease: new therapeutic pathways

“The exciting discovery that endogenous opioids and opioid receptors form a tonically active inhibitory signaling pathway that regulates cell proliferation … has provided an innovative and unconventional hypothesis in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease.”
Capital accumulation with and without land market liberalization: beyond the “Win‐Win” situation

This paper examines the effect of land market liberalization on the dynamics of capital accumulation. It is shown that the land market liberalization, which is accompanied with the transfer of agricultural technology, may not always offer a “win‐win” outcome for developed and developing countries. Improved agricultural productivity generates a growth enhancing externality. However, land market liberalization affects the balance between the equalizing force of the diminishing returns technology and the un‐equalizing force of the low income elasticity of the agricultural commodity demand. As a result, land market liberalization accompanied with the transfer of agricultural productivity, may not always guarantee a “win‐win” outcome for developed and developing countries. If improvement of agricultural productivity is insignificant then land market liberalization can cause “win‐lose” situation for developed and developing countries. This result suggests that one should be very careful in a policy proposal designed to foster the process of development through foreign land ownership. It is important to recognize that apart from benefits, foreign land ownership also creates a disadvantage for capital accumulation and causes the magnification of the world income inequality. F43, O11, R14
Climate, vegetation, and soil controls on hydraulic redistribution in shallow tree roots

Abstract Hydraulic redistribution defined as the translocation of soil moisture by plant root systems in response to water potential gradients is a phenomenon widely documented in different climate, vegetation, and soil conditions. Past research has largely focused on hydraulic redistribution in deep tree roots with access to groundwater and/or winter rainfall, while the case of relatively shallow (i.e., ≈1–2 m deep) tree roots has remained poorly investigated. In fact, it is not clear how hydraulic redistribution in shallow root zones is affected by climate, vegetation, and soil properties. In this study, we developed a model to investigate the climate, vegetation, and soil controls on the net direction and magnitude of hydraulic redistribution in shallow tree root systems at the growing season to yearly timescale. We used the model to evaluate the effect of hydraulic redistribution on the water stress of trees and grasses. We found that hydraulic lift increases with decreasing rainfall frequency, depth of the rooting zone, root density in the deep soil and tree leaf area index; at the same time for a given rainfall frequency, hydraulic lift increases with increasing average rainstorm depth and soil hydraulic conductivity. We propose that water drainage into deeper soil layers can lead to the emergence of vertical water potential gradients sufficient to explain the occurrence of hydraulic lift in shallow tree roots without invoking the presence of a shallow water table or winter precipitation. We also found that hydraulic descent reduces the water stress of trees and hydraulic lift reduces the water stress of grass with important implications on tree–grass interactions.
Winter Growth, Development, and Emergence of Diamesa mendotae (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Minnesota Streams

Diamesa mendotae Muttkowski is commonly observed emerging during winter at low air temperatures from Minnesota streams, but little is known about the winter dynamics of this and other winter-emerging aquatic insects. Biweekly collections of surface-floating pupal exuviae indicated that this species emerged from October through May, when water temperatures were less than ≈10°C. Emergence occurred continuously through winter, with a lull during January and February. Development of larvae from in situ growth enclosures supported emergence data and indicated that the reduction and halt of emergence in the spring was related to increasing water temperatures (>10°C), which were unsuitable for the growth or survival of the larvae. Development continued through January when water temperatures were at their lowest for the study stream and therefore did not explain the mid-winter lull in emergence. Growth rates of D. mendotae were not greater than other chironomid taxa at similar temperatures, indicating that lower critical thermal limits for growth allow this species to dominate ground-water influenced streams during the winter in Minnesota. The results of this study show that D. mendotae is well suited for growth and development at low temperatures and provides an assessment of important factors that regulate this species at low water and air temperatures.
Distribution of Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens in Nature

Summary Seven strains of anaerobic, gram-negative, monotrichous, butyric acid-producing curved rods have been isolated from fecal material of human beings, rabbits, and horses in concentrations approaching 1×10 6 per gram. No two of the isolates were identical in all physiological reactions, and all strains showed similarities to strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens previously described from bovine ruminal ingesta. B. fibrisolvens has previously been demonstrated to be an important rumen organism. Its isolation from rabbits suggests a simple mechanism of transmission of rumen organisms among ruminants. Its isolation from humans suggests the applicability of methods, designed for fastidious rumen microorganisms, to the culture of a large portion of the human intestinal flora which is yet to be described. Chromatographic analysis of human fecal material revealed close similarities between the fermentation products of Butyrivibrio and the proportions of fatty acids in the human intestinal tract.
Emergent Behaviors from a Cellular Automaton Model for Invasive Tumor Growth in Heterogeneous Microenvironments

Understanding tumor invasion and metastasis is of crucial importance for both fundamental cancer research and clinical practice. In vitro experiments have established that the invasive growth of malignant tumors is characterized by the dendritic invasive branches composed of chains of tumor cells emanating from the primary tumor mass. The preponderance of previous tumor simulations focused on non-invasive (or proliferative) growth. The formation of the invasive cell chains and their interactions with the primary tumor mass and host microenvironment are not well understood. Here, we present a novel cellular automaton (CA) model that enables one to efficiently simulate invasive tumor growth in a heterogeneous host microenvironment. By taking into account a variety of microscopic-scale tumor-host interactions, including the short-range mechanical interactions between tumor cells and tumor stroma, degradation of the extracellular matrix by the invasive cells and oxygen/nutrient gradient driven cell motions, our CA model predicts a rich spectrum of growth dynamics and emergent behaviors of invasive tumors. Besides robustly reproducing the salient features of dendritic invasive growth, such as least-resistance paths of cells and intrabranch homotype attraction, we also predict nontrivial coupling between the growth dynamics of the primary tumor mass and the invasive cells. In addition, we show that the properties of the host microenvironment can significantly affect tumor morphology and growth dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the tumor-host interaction. The capability of our CA model suggests that sophisticated in silico tools could eventually be utilized in clinical situations to predict neoplastic progression and propose individualized optimal treatment strategies.
Full-Wave Real-Life 3-D Package Signal Integrity Analysis Using Nonconformal Domain Decomposition Method

Advances in interconnect technologies, such as the increase of the number of metal layers and 3-D stacking technique, have paved the way for higher functionality and superior performance while reducing size, power, and cost in today's integrated circuit and package products. However, whether or not the package preserves signal integrity (SI) has become a crucial concern for system designers. In this study, a systematic full-wave numerical approach, based on a nonconformal finite-element domain decomposition method (DDM), is proposed for 3-D real-life circuit/package simulations. First, an automatic domain partitioning strategy is utilized to divide the entire model into a number of sub-domains. Each sub-domain is then meshed independently and an h-version of adaptive mesh refinement is employed. Next, a nonoverlapping DDM is adopted to efficiently solve the finite-element matrix equation. Afterwards, a model-order reduction technique is exploited to compute the multiport spectral responses. SI effects such as signal delay, coupling, and reflection are simulated on a product-level package benchmark. Finally, numerical results verify the analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
In Vitro Infection of Pupae with Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Suggests Disturbance of Transcriptional Homeostasis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

The ongoing decline of honey bee health worldwide is a serious economic and ecological concern. One major contributor to the decline are pathogens, including several honey bee viruses. However, information is limited on the biology of bee viruses and molecular interactions with their hosts. An experimental protocol to test these systems was developed, using injections of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) into honey bee pupae reared ex-situ under laboratory conditions. The infected pupae developed pronounced but variable patterns of disease. Symptoms varied from complete cessation of development with no visual evidence of disease to rapid darkening of a part or the entire body. Considerable differences in IAPV titer dynamics were observed, suggesting significant variation in resistance to IAPV among and possibly within honey bee colonies. Thus, selective breeding for virus resistance should be possible. Gene expression analyses of three separate experiments suggest IAPV disruption of transcriptional homeostasis of several fundamental cellular functions, including an up-regulation of the ribosomal biogenesis pathway. These results provide first insights into the mechanisms of IAPV pathogenicity. They mirror a transcriptional survey of honey bees afflicted with Colony Collapse Disorder and thus support the hypothesis that viruses play a critical role in declining honey bee health.
3D Nonlinear Super-Resolution Microwave Inversion Technique Using Time-Domain Data

A nonlinear three-dimensional full-wave inverse scattering method using time-domain data and models is presented. It successfully reconstructs 3D images of various unknown objects using time-domain data. The method uses Born-type iterations and a constrained minimization to reconstruct successively improved images. The use of time-domain data allows very few transmitters and receivers to be used. It is shown that this technique achieves super-resolution, namely 0.1 wavelength. The method is able to recover contrasts of over 2:1. It can also recover objects with minute contrasts of as low as 10%, thus taking a step towards addressing recent findings in the breast cancer imaging community, for example, that some breast tumors have only a 10% contrast with respect to the glandular tissues. This method could present a promising tool for the early-stage breast cancer detection as well as other medical and subsurface imaging applications.
Rural Health Networks: Adapting to a Changing Health Care Environment

Unemployment and financial struggles affect big and small communities alike. The current economic climate, coupled with changes to the health care environment, presents a unique opportunity for health care providers and community leaders to collaborate, integrate and network. The benefits of health networks are and can be tremendous during times of economic hardships. It takes great effort to assimilate different entities, but the effort is well worth the positive health impact on a community. The Rural Health Network Development Program (RHND) in the federal Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) provides an opportunity not only to assist rural communities in meeting unmet health needs, but also to collect data to document health impact in a way that can allow duplication of successes in both rural and urban communities. A rural health network is defined as “a formal organizational arrangement among rural health care providers (and possibly insurers and social service providers) that uses the resources of more than one existing organization and specifies the objectives and methods by which various collaborative functions are achieved.” Rural health networks are designed to respond to an unmet community need and provide benefits to both network partners and the community served by the network in a collaborative or integrative matter. Rural health care providers and rural communities have a plethora of stories relating to how networks have provided substantial benefit in the form of cost savings, implementation of electronic health records, integration of behavioral health care in primary care settings, and a multitude of other healthrelated projects. Yet, there is very little evidence-based data to support the claim that networks can and have improved the rural health care system, which limits the duplication of many of these rural health network projects. The RHND Program was initially created in the late 1990s in response to modifications to the health care delivery system that directly impacted rural providers. During that era, changes were being made to the underlying system of health care financing and delivery, including: a move from fee-for-service payments to capitation and other risk-sharing payment methods; the implementation of market-based strategies for containing costs; an increase in integrated health care organizations; and a move toward more managed care. Rural stakeholders were concerned that the shift to more managed costs would cause people to lose sight of the unique needs of rural patients and providers. Similarly, there are significant changes to our current health care environment, and rural communities and their providers will need to adapt to ensure adequate health services. The current changes that may affect rural health care providers and communities include: (1) improving the quality of care by focusing on patient value as opposed to patient volume;
ATPC: adaptive transmission power control for wireless sensor networks

Extensive empirical studies presented in this paper confirm that the quality of radio communication between low power sensor devices varies significantly with time and environment. This phenomenon indicates that the previous topology control solutions, which use static transmission power, transmission range, and link quality, might not be effective in the physical world. To address this issue, online transmission power control that adapts to external changes is necessary. This paper presents ATPC, a lightweight algorithm of Adaptive Transmission Power Control for wireless sensor networks. In ATPC, each node builds a model for each of its neighbors, describing the correlation between transmission power and link quality. With this model, we employ a feedback-based transmission power control algorithm to dynamically maintain individual link quality over time. The intellectual contribution of this work lies in a novel pairwise transmission power control, which is significantly different from existing node-level or network-level power control methods. Also different from most existing simulation work, the ATPC design is guided by extensive field experiments of link quality dynamics at various locations and over a long period of time. The results from the real-world experiments demonstrate that 1) with pairwise adjustment, ATPC achieves more energy savings with a finer tuning capability and 2) with online control, ATPC is robust even with environmental changes over time.
Tinker where the tinkering’s good

Do general principles govern the genetic causes of phenotypic evolution? One promising idea is that mutations in cis-regulatory regions play a predominant role in phenotypic evolution because they can alter gene activity without causing pleiotropic effects. Recent evidence that revealed the genetic basis of pigmentation pattern evolution in Drosophila santomea supports this notion. Multiple mutations that disrupt an abdominal enhancer of the pleiotropic gene tan partly explain the reduced pigmentation observed in this species.
The role of enacted stigma in parental HIV disclosure among HIV-infected parents in China

Existing studies have delineated that HIV-infected parents face numerous challenges in disclosing their HIV infection to the children (“parental HIV disclosure”), and practices of parental HIV disclosure vary with individual characteristics, family contexts, and social environment. Using cross-sectional data from 1254 HIV-infected parents who had children aged 5–16 years in southwest China, the current study examined the association of parental HIV disclosure with mental health and medication adherence among parents and explored the possible effect of enacted stigma on such association. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that parents who had experienced disclosure to children reported higher level enacted stigma, worse mental health conditions, and poorer medication adherence. Enacted stigma partially mediated the associations between disclosure and both mental health and medication adherence after controlling basic background characteristics. Our findings highlight the importance of providing app...
N-Succinimidyl 3-((4-(4-[18F]fluorobutyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(guanidinomethyl)benzoate ([18F]SFBTMGMB): a residualizing label for 18F-labeling of internalizing biomolecules

Residualizing labeling methods for internalizing peptides and proteins are designed to trap the radionuclide inside the cell after intracellular degradation of the biomolecule. The goal of this work was to develop a residualizing label for the 18F-labeling of internalizing biomolecules based on a template used successfully for radioiodination. N-Succinimidyl 3-((4-(4-[18F]fluorobutyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(bis-Boc-guanidinomethyl)benzoate ([18F]SFBTMGMB-Boc2) was synthesized by a click reaction of an azide precursor and [18F]fluorohexyne in 8.5 ± 2.8% average decay-corrected radiochemical yield (n = 15). An anti-HER2 nanobody 5F7 was labeled with 18F using [18F]SFBTMGMB ([18F]RL-I), obtained by the deprotection of [18F]SFBTMGMB-Boc2, in 31.2 ± 6.7% (n = 5) conjugation efficiency. The labeled nanobody had a radiochemical purity of >95%, bound to HER2-expressing BT474M1 breast cancer cells with an affinity of 4.7 ± 0.9 nM, and had an immunoreactive fraction of 62–80%. In summary, a novel residualizing prosthetic agent for labeling biomolecules with 18F has been developed. An anti-HER2 nanobody was labeled using this prosthetic group with retention of affinity and immunoreactivity to HER2.
Cross-ambiguity characterization of communication waveform features for passive radar

We examine ambiguity functions of long-term evolution (LTE), digital video broadcast (DVB), and digital audio broadcast (DAB) signals. For passive radar, we propose exploiting deterministic signal features. Degradation in cross-ambiguity functions using deterministic features is characterized with respect to the full self-ambiguity function. In some applications, performance trade-offs may be suitable, allowing cost-effective radar implementation, utilizing simplified receivers (without a direct-path channel) and partial matched filters with deterministic features of LTE, DVB, or DAB.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation by lunar simulants

Abstract The current interest in human exploration of the Moon and past experiences of Apollo astronauts has rekindled interest into the possible harmful effects of lunar dust on human health. In comparison to the Apollo-era explorations, human explorers may be weeks on the Moon, which will raise the risk of inhalation exposure. The mineralogical composition of lunar dust is well documented, but its effects on human health are not fully understood. With the aim of understanding the reactivity of dusts that may be encountered on geologically different lunar terrains, we have studied Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation by a suite of lunar simulants of different mineralogical–chemical composition dispersed in water and Simulated Lung Fluid (SLF). To further explore the reactivity of simulants under lunar environmental conditions, we compared the reactivity of simulants both in air and inert atmosphere. As the impact of micrometeorites with consequent shock-induced stresses is a major environmental factor on the Moon, we also studied the effect of mechanical stress on samples. Mechanical stress was induced by hand crushing the samples both in air and inert atmosphere. The reactivity of samples after crushing was analyzed for a period of up to nine days. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in water and SLF was analyzed by an in situ electrochemical probe and hydroxyl radical ( • OH) by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and Adenine probe. Out of all simulants, CSM-CL-S was found to be the most reactive simulant followed by OB-1 and then JSC-1A simulant. The overall reactivity of samples in the inert atmosphere was higher than in air. Fresh crushed samples showed a higher level of reactivity than uncrushed samples. Simulant samples treated to create agglutination, including the formation of zero-valent iron, showed less reactivity than untreated simulants. ROS generation in SLF is initially slower than in deionized water (DI), but the ROS formation is sustained for as long as 7.5 h. By contrast ROS is formed rapidly within 30 min when simulants are dispersed in DI, but then the concentration either stabilizes or decreases over time. The results indicate that mechanical stress and the absence of molecular oxygen and water, which are important environmental characteristics of the lunar environment, can lead to enhanced production of ROS in general. However, compositional difference among simulants is the most important factor in governing the production of ROS. Simulants with glass content in excess of 40 wt% appear to produce as much as of order of magnitude more ROS than simulants with lower glass content.
Taking Emergency Warnings Seriously

The purpose of this research was to explore perceptions of emergency alert systems used by universities. After an averted crisis at the University of Central Florida, students were surveyed about h...
Effect of 1-(3,4, dihydroxyphenyl)-2-Isopropylaminoethanol, (Isopropylepinephrine) on the Rhythmic Property of the Human Heart.

ConclusionsIsopropylepinephrine, a non-pressor homologue of epinephrine increases cardiac rhythmicity, as indicated by the abolition of the carotid sinus induced cardiac standstill, and by an increase of the ventricular rate in complete heart block. This drug may be of practical value in the therapy and prevention of sudden cardiac standstill.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF LEARNING-RELATED NEUROMODULATION IN MOLLUSCAN MECHANOSENSORY NEURONS.

In spite of significant advances in our understanding of mechanisms of learning and memory in a variety of organisms, little is known about how such mechanisms evolve. Even mechanisms of simple forms of learning, such as habituation and sensitization, have not been studied phylogenetically. Here we begin an evolutionary analysis of learning-related neuromodulation in species related to the well-studied opisthobranch gastropod, Aplysia californica. In Aplysia, increased spike duration and excitability in mechanosensory neurons contribute to several forms of learning-related changes to defensive withdrawal reflexes. The modulatory transmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT), is thought to play a critical role in producing these firing property changes. In the present study, we tested mechanosensory homologs of the tail-withdrawal reflex in species related to Aplysia for 5-HT-mediated increases in spike duration and excitability. Criteria used to identify homologous tail-sensory neurons included position, relative size, resting electrical properties, expression of a sensory neuron-specific protein, neuroanatomy, and receptive field. The four ingroup species studied (Aplysia californica, Dolabella auricularia, Bursatella leachii, and Dolabrifera dolabrifera) belong to two clades (two species each) within the family Aplysiidae. In the first clade (Aplysia/Dolabella), we found that the tail-sensory neurons of A. californica and tail-sensory homologs of a closely related species, D. auricularia, responded to bath-applied serotonin in essentially similar fashion: significant increases in spike duration as well as excitability. In the other clade (Dolabrifera/Bursatella), more distantly related to Aplysia, one species (B. leachii) showed spike broadening and increased excitability. However, the other species (D. dolabrifera) showed neither spike broadening nor increased excitability. The firing properties of tail-sensory homologs of D. dolabrifera were insensitive to 5-HT over a wide range of concentrations. We also performed experiments on two outgroup species (Akera bullata and Bulla gouldiana) and found that spike duration was unaffected by 5-HT, whereas excitability was increased. This study suggests that 5-HT-induced spike broadening arose more recently in opisthobranch evolution, whereas 5-HT-induced excitability increase is a more ancestral trait that may have been expressed in the earliest opisthobranchs. Both traits are absent in the aplysiid species D. dolabrifera, demonstrating that a lineage can lose learning-related mechanisms. The phylogenetic variation observed in the present study presents the opportunity to test general models about learning mechanisms and their evolution in unique ways.
Civic virtue and high commitment schools

Sigal Ben-Porath objects to the educational strategies of a number of high commitment charter schools, arguing that they do not pay sufficient attention to the need to develop and exercise the civi...
Inadequate Sensitivity of Laboratory Risk Indicator to Rule Out Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Emergency Department.

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening illness, particularly when surgical debridement is delayed. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was developed to identify patients at higher risk for NF. Despite limited information in this regard, the LRINEC score is often used to “rule out” NF if negative. We describe the sensitivity of the LRINEC score in emergency department (ED) patients for the diagnosis of NF. Methods: We conducted a chart review of ED patients in whom coding of hospital discharge diagnoses included NF. We employed standard methods to minimize bias. We used laboratory data to calculate the LRINEC score, and confirmed the diagnosis of NF via explicit chart review. We then calculated the sensitivity of a positive LRINEC score (standardly defined as six or greater) in our cohort. We examined the role of patient characteristics in the performance of the LRINEC score. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses to estimate whether missing data for c-reactive protein (CRP) results were likely to impact our results. Results: Of 266 ED patients coded as having a discharge diagnosis of NF, we were able to confirm the diagnosis, by chart review, in 167. We were able to calculate a LRINEC score in only 80 patients (due to absence of an initial CRP value); an LRINEC score of 6 or greater had a sensitivity of 77%. Sensitivity analyses of missing data supported our finding of inadequate sensitivity to rule out NF. In sub-analysis, NF patients with concurrent diabetes were more likely to be accurately categorized by the LRINEC score. Conclusion: Used in isolation, the LRINEC score is not sufficiently sensitive to rule out NF in a general ED population.
Application study of real options in petroleum engineering investment

The types of the real options in petroleum engineering were introduced and the application model of the real options was established. The general frame of the investment decision method applied in the real options was summarized. It showed from the analysis of instances, when the real options were applied to the investment decisions in petroleum engineering investment decision, the uncertainty was regarded not only as the risk but also as an opportunity to create the value.
Is haemozoin a target for antimalarial drugs

Malarial parasites utilize a unique pathway to degrade haemoglobin. Most of the haem which is released during haemoglobin degradation is incorporated into haemozoin. The mechanism of haemozoin synthesis and the structure of haemozoin are controversial. Neither chloroquine nor artemisinin appear to affect haemozoin synthesis in vivo. Artemisinin is activated by intraparasitic haem and iron into a free radical which then alkylates specific malarial proteins.
Issues in Multi-Robot Coalition Formation

Numerous coalition formation algorithms exist in the Distributed Artificial Intelligence literature. Algorithms exist that form agent coalitions in both super additive and non-super additive environments. The employed techniques vary from negotiation-based protocols in Multi-Agent System (MAS) environments to those based on computation in Distributed Problem Solving (DPS) environments. Coalition formation behaviors have also been discussed in the game theory literature.
Forced snaking: Localized structures in the real Ginzburg-Landau equation with spatially periodic parametric forcing

We study spatial localization in the real subcritical Ginzburg-Landau equation u t = m 0 u + Q(x)u + u xx + d|u|2 u −|u|4 u with spatially periodic forcing Q(x). When d>0 and Q ≡ 0 this equation exhibits bistability between the trivial state u = 0 and a homogeneous nontrivial state u = u 0 with stationary localized structures which accumulate at the Maxwell point m 0 = −3d 2/16. When spatial forcing is included its wavelength is imprinted on u 0 creating conditions favorable to front pinning and hence spatial localization. We use numerical continuation to show that under appropriate conditions such forcing generates a sequence of localized states organized within a snakes-and-ladders structure centered on the Maxwell point, and refer to this phenomenon as forced snaking. We determine the stability properties of these states and show that longer lengthscale forcing leads to stationary trains consisting of a finite number of strongly localized, weakly interacting pulses exhibiting foliated snaking.
How Do Investments in Human Resource Management Practices Affect Firm-Specific Risk in the Restaurant Industry?:

Despite the importance of achieving a competitive advantage in human resources in the restaurant industry, restaurant firms often hesitate to make significant investments in human resource manageme...
A Case-and-Control, Multisite, Positive Controlled, Prospective Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Immediate Inferior Alveolar Nerve Processed Nerve Allograft Reconstruction With Ablation of the Mandible for Benign Pathology

Purpose This study determined whether immediate reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve with a long (>4.5 cm) processed nerve allograft (PNA) in conjunction with simultaneous ablation and reconstruction of the mandible would be effective in safely restoring subjective sensation and achieving functional sensory recovery. Materials and Methods Patients (5 to 70 yr old) requiring resection of the unilateral or bilateral mandible for benign pathology were included. The graft had to be longer than 4.5 cm. Results of sensory nerve tests and 3 different surveys (Direct Path, Numerical Rating Scale, Word Choice) were collected before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Safety data were recorded. Results Twenty-six patients participated in this study. Three patients served as positive controls (no nerve repair). Five in the repair group and 1 in the positive control group were lost to follow-up. Data during a 1-year period were collected on 18 patients (7 male and 11 female; mean age, 26.4 yr; range, 10 to 64 yr). The mean length of the PNA was 62.7 mm (range, 45 to 70 mm). Seventeen of 18 patients had S4 sensory scores preoperatively and the postoperative score was S4 at 3 months in 3, at 6 months in 3, and at 1 year in 12. Scores for positive control patients never exceeded S2. Numerical rating scales and word choices were not statistically different from presurgical scores at 6 and 12 months. There were no adverse events. Conclusions The PNA is safe and effective when immediately inserted with resection and reconstruction of the mandible: 90% of patients achieved functional sensory recovery and reported similar sensations to preoperative subjective values.
“Becoming a Parent Changes Everything”: How Nonbeliever and Pagan Parents Manage Stigma in the U.S. Bible Belt

Despite the increasing visibility of secularism and alternative religions in the United States, few have paid attention to the relationship between family roles and religious identity outside of mainstream Christian denominations. Guided by insights from theories of identity work, I compare stigma management strategies by two religiously marginalized groups. Based on participant-observation, in-depth interviews, and textual analysis, I show how nonbeliever and Pagan parents in the Bible Belt respond to perceived threats to their moral identities as “good parents.” Nonbeliever and Pagan parents manage their spoiled identities by engaging in defensive othering amongst subordinates, a form of stigma management, to distance themselves from discrediting stereotypes—specifically the “militant atheist” and the “hedonistic Pagan.” I demonstrate that access to greater financial and cultural capital (nonbeliever parents) allows for reliance on defensive othering to massage interpersonal relations, whereas access to low levels of financial and cultural capital (Pagan parents), prompts the need to rely on defensive othering as a matter of survival. Becoming a parent changes the dynamic of stigma management for individuals; pushing individual parents away from social justice activism and ultimately undercutting broader social movements for equality.
A qualitative study of factors in nurses' and physicians' decision-making related to family presence during resuscitation.

Aims and Objectives To explore the similarities and differences in factors that influence nurses’ and physicians’ decision-making related to family presence during resuscitation. Background Despite the growing acceptance of family presence during resuscitation worldwide, health care professionals continue to debate the risks and benefits of family presence. Since many hospitals lack a policy to guide family presence during resuscitation, decisions are negotiated by resuscitation teams, families and patients in crisis situations. Research has not clarified the factors that influence the decision-making processes of nurses and physicians related to inviting family presence. This is the first study to elicit written data from health care professionals to explicate factors in decision-making about family presence. Design Qualitative exploratory-descriptive. Methods Convenience samples of registered nurses (n = 325) and acute care physicians (n = 193) from a midwestern hospital in the United States of America handwrote responses to open-ended questions about family presence. Through thematic analysis, decision-making factors for physicians and nurses were identified and compared. Results Physicians and nurses evaluated three similar factors and four differing factors when deciding to invite family presence during resuscitation. Furthermore, nurses and physicians weighed the factors differently. Physicians weighed most heavily the family's potential to disrupt life-saving efforts and compromise patient care and then the family's knowledge about resuscitations. Nurses heavily weighed the potential for family to be traumatized, the potential for the family to disrupt the resuscitation, and possible family benefit. Conclusions Nurses and physicians considered both similar and different factors when deciding to invite family presence. Physicians focused on the patient primarily, while nurses focused on the patient, family and resuscitation team. Relevance to clinical practice Knowledge of factors that influence the decision-making of interprofessional colleagues can improve collaboration and communication in crisis events of family presence during resuscitation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
OC-45 Lessons learnt from the emergency department attendances of children in a general hospital

Background and aims Attendances of children with their parents at Emergency Departments continues to rise despite the presence of robust primary care services and primary care on call services. This study explored parental expectations and experiences of their ED visit. Methods This cross-sectional study was developed to explore parental expectations and perceptions of their ED visit. The survey was pretested and refined based on the feedback of 15 parents and carried out over six weeks. Data obtained included child’s age, duration of current illness, presence of an underlying medical condition and whether the parents had medical insurance. The themes explored included parental perception of illness severity, expectations from the ED visit and the referral pathway. Results 189 were invited to respond to the survey, full data sets were available on 163. Age range, 5 days-14 years (mean 3.90). The duration of illness was 48 hours 87 (53%). Analysis of the referral pathway demonstrated 88 parents (54%) referred by a General Practitioner, 36 (22%) by on-call services, 31 (19%) self-referrals and 8 (5%) Other. Parental expectations at GP practice: No onward referral 73 (59%), referral to ED 50 (40%) and OPD referral 1 (1%). The perception of illness severity from 1–10, showed mean 5.9 (positive skew 37%). As regards admission, 42 parents (26%) thought their child needed admission, 51 (31%) discharge and 70 (43%) undecided. Of 163, 21% were admitted and 79% discharged. The number of children with chronic conditions were 35 (21%).The medical insurance status was private 14 (9%), state provided 69 (42%), u6 visit card 72 (44%) and none 8 (5%). Further breakdown of the u6 card showed, u6 only 37 (51%), u6 and medical card 6 (8%), u6 and private 29 (41%). Conclusion Our results provide a novel overview of the local referral process to the ED in an Irish General Hospital. They highlight decidedly how the majority of parents presenting to General Practitioners are not anticipating onward referral. This raises an important educational related issue, providing the foundation for further research into methods of enhancing GP training. Furthermore, we obtained unique insight into the effect the introduction of free primary care for children
Personality traits and maladaptivity: Unipolarity versus bipolarity.

Objective Dimensional personality trait models have gained favor as an alternative to categorical personality disorder (PD) diagnosis; however, debate persists regarding whether these traits should be conceptualized as maladaptive at both extremes (i.e., maladaptively bipolar) or just one trait pole (i.e., unipolar). Method To inform the debate on maladaptive bipolarity, linear and nonlinear relations between personality traits and dysfunction were examined in a large psychiatric patient sample (N = 365). Participants self-reported on normal-range and pathological personality domains, life satisfaction, specific interpersonal problems, and broad psychosocial functioning. In addition, participants were interviewed regarding specific psychiatric symptoms and broad psychosocial functioning. Results All traits related moderately to strongly with at least one dysfunction variable. All traits were predominantly correlated with dysfunction at one pole; however, several small linear relations provided some evidence for maladaptively high Extraversion and Agreeableness. None of the significant nonlinear effects provided clear evidence for maladaptivity at both ends of any trait. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that broad personality traits are predominantly maladaptive at one extreme; however, in limited cases, the opposite extreme may also be maladaptive.
Operations Management and Financial Performance

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of systematic application of operations management decision-making techniques on the financial performance of small firms. Data was gather...
Frank Furness and the Expandable Library

Larger-than-life figures like Frank Furness tend to accumulate lively anecdotes, and some of them are even true. Furness did indeed amuse himself by firing his Civil War revolver at a stuffed moose's head in the drafting room, and he actually did fantasize, as Frank Lloyd Wright recounted, about gathering together all his clients so he could tell them to go to hell.1 Other such stories are questionable: Did he really have a mistress who “ran a profitable bawdyhouse,” as Lewis Mumford reported, so profitable that she “kept his office going through the depression of 1873”?2 The most outrageous story of all concerns Furness's mighty library for the University of Pennsylvania (Figure 1). Supposedly the university, desperately needing a library building, approached the Pennsylvania Railroad and was given the discarded plans for an unbuilt railroad station. Without hesitation, Furness converted the depot into a library, barely changing the design. Figure 1 Frank Furness, University of Pennsylvania Library, Philadelphia, 1888–91 (from the Collections of the University of Pennsylvania Archives). No one has ever paid the slightest attention to that story, for the documentary history is absolutely clear. In April 1887, Furness was appointed to design a new library for the university, which had recently built a new campus in West Philadelphia. He studied the plans for a year, consulting experts and visiting the latest library buildings.3 Plans were approved in July 1888, and construction proceeded for the next two and a half years; in February 1891 the library was formally opened to the public. The building still stands, a stirring performance by Furness at his imaginative best. All this is recounted, admirably and intelligently, in James F. O'Gorman's 1973 monograph on Furness, and augmented by Edward R. Bosley's 1996 monograph on the building.4 Yet the library has always baffled its …
Increasing the conservation value of powerline corridors for wild bees through vegetation management: an experimental approach

Mounting evidence suggests declines in the abundance and diversity of wild bees. Increasing habitat that provides forage and nesting sites could boost struggling populations, particularly in urban, suburban and agricultural landscapes. The millions of acres beneath aerial electric transmission lines, sometimes referred to as easements or rights-of-way, must be kept free of tall-growing vegetation and hence have the potential to provide suitable habitat for many native species. Prior work has demonstrated that bee communities in easements managed using alternatives to episodic mowing were more diverse than in nearby open areas, however true control sites within the easements were unavailable. In order to compare vegetation management protocols, we conducted a two-year study which enabled us to directly compare transmission line easements in three locations currently undergoing Integrated Vegetation Management—a dynamic form of management involving spot removal and herbicide treatment of unwanted species (treatment) with nearby sites undergoing standard management protocols of yearly or biyearly mowing (control). Results show that treatment sites had significantly higher abundance and species richness than controls. Seasonal differences were pronounced, with the spring fauna most affected by differences in vegetation management. In addition, the older treatment sites house more social bees, more parasitic species and a more even distribution of bees across nesting guilds. Finally, we established that treatment sites had distinct bee communities, further increasing their value as sources for native bee populations in the landscape. Overall, the data clearly show the value of implementing alternative active vegetation management in the land under powerlines to achieve an increase in the abundance and diversity of wild bees.
Selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride by model VPO catalysts

Abstract The selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride was studied using two model vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen catalysts, β-VOPO4 and (VO)2P2O7. Detailed information concerning the synthesis and characterization of these phases was developed, which indicated the sensitivity of the syntheses to preparation procedures. New information regarding the possible reaction pathway was provided by the detection of 1-butene, 2-butenes, and 1,3-butadiene simultaneously with the production of maleic anhydride. The stability of the pure phases under reaction conditions was examined using in situ laser Raman spectroscopy.