cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The determination of clinically meaningful cognitive decline: development and use of an alternative method.

Abstract Statistical methods traditionally used in the analysis of change (e.g., repeated measures ANOVA) may be inadequate for the investigation of cognitive decline if a study's effect size is small, the variance within groups is heterogeneous, or the statistical power is low. To examine an alternative approach to the determination of clinically meaningful cognitive decline and investigate whether such decline occurs during the first year after stroke, we administered a neuropsychological test battery to 172 patients (age= 70.3 ± 7.6years;education= 10.3 ± 4.7years) 3 and 12 months after stroke and 199 nondemented stroke-free control subjects (age= 71.1 ± 6.4years;education= 12.8 ± 4.2years) on two occasions 12 months apart. Two neuropsychologists classified each subject's test performance as having declined, improved, or remained stable based solely on clinical judgment. Reliability of the rating of decline versus the pooled rating of improvement/stability was excellent (kappa= 0.79). The two rating groups differed significantly and in the appropriate directions in change on most tests. While a MANOVA comparing the stroke and control groups on change in test scores was not significant, logistic regression analysis determined that a rating of clinically meaningful cognitive decline was associated with stroke status (Odds Ratio= 1.8, 95%Confidence Interval= 1.0to3.2), while adjusting for demographic factors. We propose that this alternative approach to the analysis of cognitive change can facilitate the recognition of decline in subgroups of subjects. It would be valuable as an adjunct to studies of the incidence of dementia, for example, in which the recognition of cognitive decline might be difficult in highly educated patients whose baseline level of performance is far above the cutoffs operationalized for the diagnosis of dementia.
Coronary Flow and Regional Function before and after Supraarterial Myotomy for Myocardial Bridging

Myocardial bridges have been associated with clinical and metabolic evidence of ischemia, although the mechanism for this is unclear. We measured coronary blood flow and segmental function at different heart rates prior to and after release of a myocardial bridge involving the left anterior descending coronary artery in a patient with angina. Before lysis of the bridge, atrial pacing was associated with a decreased systolic flow/total flow, increased duration of systole, a lag in diastolic flow, and functional deterioration. After release of the bridge, pacing was associated with increased systolic flow/total flow and systolic interval, no diastolic flow lag, and no functional deterioration. These data imply that before bridge division, systolic flow and the initiation of diastolic flow were impeded. Functional abnormalities resulting from the flow discrepancies at heart rates of 120 to 150 beats per minute may have accounted for this patient's symptoms.
The effects of sleep deprivation on the EEGs of epileptic children.

SUMMARY 25 children with clinically suspected or undoubted epilepsy and normal EEGS were studied. Both generalized and partial seizures were included. Each child was kept awake for 24–28 hours, after which the EEG was repeated. In 8 cases (32 per cent) abnormalities typical of convulsive disorders occurred during the waking as well as the drowsy and sleeping states. Sleep deprivation is proposed as a safe, simple method of EEG activation. RESUME Effets de la privation de sommeil sur l' electroencephalogramme de l'enfant epileptique 25 enfants presentant une epilepsie suspectee ou confirmee cliniquement avec des EEG normaux ont ete etudies. Ce groupe incluait des crises generalisees et localisees. Chaque enfant fut maintenu eveille durant 24 a 28 heures; apres quoi 1'EEG fut repete. Dans huit cas (32 pour cent) des anomalies caracteristiques de desordre convulsif sont survenues durant l'etat de veille aussi bien que durant les phases de somnolence ou de sommeil. La privation de sommeil est proposee comme une methode sure et simple d'activation d'EEG. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Auswirkungen von Schlafmangel auf die Elektroencephalogramme epileptischer Kinder 25 Kinder mit klinisch vermuteter oder nachgewiesener Epilepsie und normalen EEGS sind untersucht worden. Es wurden generalisierte und fokale Anfalle einbezogen. Jedes Kind wurde 24 bis 28 Stunden wach gehalten, und danach wurde das EEG wiederholt. In acht Fallen (32 Prozent) kamen wahrend des Wach- wie auch wahrend des Einschlaf- und Schlafstadiums fiir Krampfleiden typische Veranderungen vor. Schlafentzug wird als eine zuverlassige und einfache Methode der EEG Aktivierung vorgeschlagen. RESUMEN Los efectos de la privacion de sueno en los electroencefalogramas de ninos epilepticos Se estudiaron veinticinco ninos epilepticos o sospechosos por sus sfntomas clinicos de serlo, pero que tenian electroencefalogramas normales. Se incluian convulsiones generalizadas asi como parciales. Cada nino tenia que velar durante 24 a 48 horas, despues de lo cual se repitio el EEG. En ocho casos (un 32 por ciento) anormalidades tipicas de desordenes convulsivos ocurrieron durante el estado de vigilia asf como durante los estados de ador-mecimiento y sueno completo. Se propone la piivacion del sueno como metodo seguroy sencillo de estimulacion electroencefalografica.
Revision of Zelodia (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae) from Thailand

The species of Thai Zelodia (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae) are revised. Twenty-one species are treated, 19 new species are described, i.e. Zelodia charoeni, Zelodia chongkraii, Zelodia cholathorni, Zelodia idrisi, Zelodia nikomi, Zelodia nopadoli, Zelodia pahangensis, Zelodia panyaii, Zelodia poonsathii, Zelodia ratanae, Zelodia saksiti, Zelodia surachaii, Zelodia suyaneeae, Zelodia toyae, Zelodia uthaii, Zelodia wangi, Zelodia wichaii, Zelodia wirati, Zelodia wirotei. A dichotomous key to species is presented; links to electronic interactive keys and to distribution maps are also included.
Graph containers, information delay, and network vulnerability

We compare three kinds of information networks arising from artificial engineering systems (AES'), and biological and neural systems (BNS'). Graphical modeling systems (GMS') are then used to define the concept of a "graph container" indicating the existence of parallel paths in an AES or BNS. Graph containers are used to study information delay and network vulnerability. Various properties related to a graph container are defined and studied in an information network. Design and construction of networks with optimal properties are discussed. We also survey recent results on graph containers and their applications.
Childhood Respiratory Morbidity after Late Preterm and Early Term Delivery: a Study of Medicaid Patients in South Carolina

Background There is a growing body of research documenting an increased risk of neonatal morbidity for late preterm infants (LPI, 340/7 weeks to 366/7 weeks) and early term infants (ETI, 370/7 weeks to 386/7 weeks) compared with term infants (TI, 390/7 to 416/7); however, there has been little research on outcomes beyond the first year of life. In this study, we examined respiratory outcomes of LPI and ETI in early childhood. Methods South Carolina Medicaid claims data for maternal delivery and infant birth hospitalisations were linked to vital records data for the years 2000 through 2003. Medicaid claims for all infants were then followed until their fifth birthday or until a break in their eligibility. Infants born between 340/7 and 416/7 weeks were eligible. Infants with congenital anomaly, birthweight below 500 g or above 6000 g, and multiple births were excluded. We fit Cox proportional hazard models from which adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived. Results A total of 3476 LPI, 12 398 ETI, and 25 975 term infants were included. Both LPI and ETI were associated with an increased risk for asthma (LPI: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.40; ETI: HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19), and bronchitis (LPI: HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.34; ETI: HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05, 1.2) at 3 to 5 years of age. Conclusions Late preterm infants and early term infants are at increased risk for asthma and bronchitis.
Measurement of urine electrolytes: clinical significance and methods

There are specific clinical settings in which each of the urine electrolytes may be diagnostically useful. The urine sodium alone is not efficient in differentiating prerenal azotemia from acute tubular necrosis, but if urine sodium is coupled with some measure of the renal concentrating ability, e.g., the urine:plasma creatinine ratio. discrimination between these two conditions is much improved. Usefulness of the urine sodium in other settings (evaluation of hyponatremia, prediction of acute rejection in renal transplant recipients, index of salt balance) is controversial. Urine potassium may be useful in the evaluation of hypokalemia of obscure etiology and, occasionally, in the form of the urinary Na/K ratio, as a guide to diuretic therapy. Urine chloride is assuming importance in the differential diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis, particularly when Bartter's syndrome is a consideration.
A simulation approach for improving the efficiency of the Department of Motor Vehicles

Simulation as a primary tool was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Santa Teresa Department of Motor Vehicles, California (USA). The Department of Motor Vehicles was analyzed to determine improvement methods that would curtail the long customer lines or queues that are prevalent. A 2/sup 3/ factorial experimental design was performed to improve overall system effectiveness as measured by time in the system. With the above tools, a more efficient model of the Santa Teresa Department of Motor Vehicles was developed and proposed. The paper describes the developed model used and provides details on the analysis performed.
A Nitsche-extended finite element method for earthquake rupture on complex fault systems

Abstract The extended finite element method (XFEM) provides a natural way to incorporate strong and weak discontinuities into discretizations. It alleviates the need to mesh discontinuities, allowing simulation meshes to be nearly independent of discontinuity geometry. Currently, both quasistatic deformation and dynamic earthquake rupture simulations under standard FEM are limited to simplified fault networks, as generating meshes that both conform with the faults and have appropriate properties for accurate simulation is a difficult problem. In addition, fault geometry is not well known; robustness of solution to fault geometry must be determined. Remeshing with varying geometry would make such tests computationally unfeasible. The XFEM makes a natural choice for discretization in these crustal deformation simulations on complex fault systems. Here, we develop a method based upon the XFEM using Nitsche’s method to apply boundary conditions, enabling the solution of static deformation and dynamic earthquake models. We compare several approaches to calculating and applying frictional tractions. Finally, we demonstrate the method with two problems: an earthquake community dynamic code verification benchmark and a quasistatic problem on a fault system model of southern California.
Reliability of fiber in fiber Bragg grating devices

Among several possible failure modes in a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) device, fracture of the optical fiber is one of great importance. Reliability of fiber in such a device has to be ascertained and assured. A technique to evaluate the fiber strength in this device has been developed, and the extent of degradation due to processing and handling has been established. The impact of mechanical failures in other parts of the device on fiber failure is also addressed and evaluated. The failure mechanisms and its implications on fiber reliability are discussed. A proof stress level has been determined and implemented in the fabrication to assure mechanical reliability of the fiber against time. Based on the fiber strength distribution, proof stress level used, and the applied stress, a FIT rate is calculated using power law crack growth model for silica fibers. This study estimates an average FIT of 0.06 at ambient room temperature over a 25 year life for fiber failure in FBG devices fabricated by Corning Inc.
Track Fusion with Legacy Track Sources

The problem of track-to-track association and track fusion has been considered in the literature where the fusion center has access to multiple track estimates and the associated estimation error covariances from local sensors, as well as their cross covariances. Due primarily to the communication constraints in real systems, some legacy trackers may only provide the local track estimates to the fusion center without any covariance information. In some cases, the local (sensor-level) trackers operate with fixed filter gain and do not have any self assessment of their estimation errors. In other cases, the network conveys a coarsely quantized root mean square (RMS) estimation error of each local tracker. Thus the fusion center needs to solve the track association and fusion problem with incomplete data from legacy local trackers. In this paper a robust track-to-track association and fusion algorithm is described for a distributed tracking system, which accounts for the cross correlation of the estimation error between local tracks in a practical way. Its applicability to real-time and different rate data sources is also discussed by generalizing the algorithms from the existing literature to the case of asynchronous sensors. The problem of track fusion with legacy track sources which lack covariance information is handled by approximating this information through a modified Lyapunov equation. The situation when a coarsely quantized RMS estimation error is available is also discussed. A two-sensor tracking example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed track fusion algorithm and compared with a centralized interacting multiple model estimator
Public Sector Accounting and Financial Management in a Developing Country Organisational Context: A Three-Dimensional View

There is a large literature which reports inadequacies in public sector accounting and financial management systems and practices in contemporary developing countries. In this paper we explore the ...
Translating Vocabulary Research to Social Studies Instruction: Before, During, and After Text-Reading Strategies

In the upper elementary grades, content-area text gains increasing importance as a primary source of reading and information. This article focuses on the specialized vocabulary demands of social studies texts and presents a framework of teaching and learning strategies based on vocabulary research. Strategies are introduced before, during, and after social studies text reading, illustrating how to develop and relate vocabulary knowledge to social studies concepts and content.
Measuring and Defining Fatigue Behavior of Asphalt Binders

Fatigue damage is a distress mechanism observed in asphalt, particularly at moderate to low temperatures. Preliminary studies have shown that unmodified asphalts are sensitive to fatigue and that the use of modifiers in asphalt binders can dramatically improve the binder's response to fatigue. One of the major challenges encountered has been the lack of a definition of fatigue failure consistent with the actual performance of the material regardless of testing conditions. Superpave® asphalt binder specification has improved the evaluation of modified and neat asphalts, but the definition of failure for fatigue damage is still unclear. A selected set of unmodified and modified binders was chosen and tested under a range of loading modes, stress or strain amplitudes, temperatures, and frequencies. The fatigue data were analyzed using the dissipated energy ratio concept. Np, the number of cycles to crack propagation, was used as the fatigue criterion for the analysis. Using the initial dissipated energy per ...
SEMIPARAMETRIC QUALITATIVE RESPONSE MODEL ESTIMATION WITH UNKNOWN HETEROSCEDASTICITY OR INSTRUMENTAL VARIABLES

This paper provides estimators of discrete choice models, including binary, ordered, and multinomial response (choice) models. The estimators closely resemble ordinary and two-stage least squares. The distribution of the model's latent variable error is unknown and may be related to the regressors, e.g., the model could have errors that are heteroscedastic or correlated with regressors. The estimator does not require numerical searches, even for multinomial choice. For ordered and binary choice models the estimator is root N consistent and asymptotically normal. A consistent estimator of the conditional error distribution is also provided.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a relatively new therapy that includes many techniques for resolving the traumatic memories associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Preliminary evidence to date suggests that ART is highly effective, requires fewer sessions, and has a much greater completion rate than traditional PTSD therapies. A key difference between ART and other therapies for PTSD is that ART is an internal process that focuses on images rather than cognitions or feelings. This aspect is particularly important in a military population, since veterans are often not comfortable or legally permitted to share the details of their combat traumas due to their graphic intensity, potential association with war crimes, or inclusion of classified information. Herein, we provide a general description of the therapy, a summary of relevant clinical investigations, and present two cases that highlight the use of ART in resolving combat-related and early childhood traumas. The first case is of a fairly typical Iraq/Afghanistan veteran with complex PTSD related to multiple combat traumas and childhood abuse. The second case is of a different veteran’s first ART session, demonstrating ART’s unique ability to resolve long-standing, painful emotions such as shame and guilt very rapidly.
Grin and bear it: An examination of volunteers’ fit with their organization, burnout and spirituality

Abstract Volunteers are an essential asset to the success of nonprofits, government, business and philanthropic organizations. About 64.5 million people, or 26.5% of the U.S. population, volunteered at least once between September 2011 and September 2012, donating a median of 50 hours ( Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013 ). Despite these encouraging statistics, volunteer turnover presents a significant problem for nonprofits. Though considerable evidence has been amassed on antecedents and mechanisms predicting employees’ intentions to quit, surprisingly few studies have examined volunteer intentions to quit. Based on both Conservation of Resources theory ( Hobfoll, 1989, 2001, 2011 ) and person–organization (PO) fit theory ( Kristof-Brown, Zimmerman, & Johnson, 2005 ), this study begins to address this void by examining the extent to which poor PO fit between volunteer goals, personality and values with their organization influenced their intentions to quit through the mechanism of burnout. Further, we investigated whether the proposed mediated relationship depended upon volunteer daily spirituality, or the tendency to daily experience the transcendent dimensions of life. Using a sample of volunteers from a variety of nonprofit organizations ( N = 355), poor volunteer fit positively predicted volunteer intentions to quit through their burnout. Further, the full mediation model was moderated by individuals’ level of spirituality, with burned out volunteers reporting higher spirituality, indicating lower quitting intentions compared to those lower in spirituality. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Modeling the effects of AADT on predicting multiple-vehicle crashes at urban and suburban signalized intersections

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is often considered as a main covariate for predicting crash frequencies at urban and suburban intersections. A linear functional form is typically assumed for the Safety Performance Function (SPF) to describe the relationship between the natural logarithm of expected crash frequency and covariates derived from AADTs. Such a linearity assumption has been questioned by many researchers. This study applies Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) and Piecewise Linear Negative Binomial (PLNB) regression models to fit intersection crash data. Various covariates derived from minor-and major-approach AADTs are considered. Three different dependent variables are modeled, which are total multiple-vehicle crashes, rear-end crashes, and angle crashes. The modeling results suggest that a nonlinear functional form may be more appropriate. Also, the results show that it is important to take into consideration the joint safety effects of multiple covariates. Additionally, it is found that the ratio of minor to major-approach AADT has a varying impact on intersection safety and deserves further investigations.
Estimation of the spatial distribution of traps using space-charge-limited current measurements in an organic single crystal

We used a mobility edge transport model and solved the drift-diffusion equation to characterize the space-charge-limited current of a rubrene single-crystal hole-only diode. The current-voltage characteristics suggest that current is injection-limited at high voltage when holes are injected from the bottom contact (reverse bias). In contrast, the low-voltage regime shows that the current is higher when holes are injected from the bottom contact as compared to hole injection from the top contact (forward bias), which does not exhibit injection-limited current in the measured voltage range. This behavior is attributed to an asymmetric distribution of trap states in the semiconductor, specifically, a distribution of traps located near the top contact. Accounting for a localized trap distribution near the contact allows us to reproduce the temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics in forward and reverse bias simultaneously, i.e., with a single set of model parameters. We estimated that the local trap distribution contains $1.19\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}$ cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ states and decays as $\mathrm{exp}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(\ensuremath{-}x/32.3\phantom{\rule{4.pt}{0ex}}\text{nm})$ away from the semiconductor-contact interface. The local trap distribution near one contact mainly affects injection from the same contact, hence breaking the symmetry in the charge transport. The model also provides information of the band mobility, energy barrier at the contacts, and bulk trap distribution with their corresponding confidence intervals.
Friedel–Crafts Ring-Coupling Reactions Promoted by Tungsten Dearomatization Agent

The complexes TpW(NO)(PMe3)(L), where L = phenol, N,N-dimethylanilinium, or naphthalene, undergo protonation followed by addition of an aromatic nucleophile. The addition of aromatic molecules occurs at the para carbon of the phenol or aniline ring or the beta carbon of the naphthalene. The addition occurs anti to the metal fragment, as determined by X-ray crystallography. In the case where L = phenol or N,N-dimethylanilinium, treatment of the bound arene with an electrophilic heteroatom followed by an aromatic nucleophile sets two stereocenters, with both additions occurring anti to the metal. The resultant ligands have been removed from the metal by oxidative decomplexation using ceric ammonium nitrate.
Mutation-Driven Divergence and Convergence Indicate Adaptive Evolution of the Intracellular Human-Restricted Pathogen, Bartonella bacilliformis.

Among all species of Bartonella, human-restricted Bartonella bacilliformis is the most virulent but harbors one of the most reduced genomes. Carrion’s disease, the infection caused by B. bacilliformis, has been afflicting poor rural populations for centuries in the high-altitude valleys of the South American Andes, where the pathogen’s distribution is probably restricted by its sand fly vector’s range. Importantly, Carrion’s disease satisfies the criteria set by the World Health Organization for a disease amenable to elimination. However, to date, there are no genome-level studies to identify potential footprints of B. bacilliformis (patho)adaptation. Our comparative genomic approach demonstrates that the evolution of this intracellular pathogen is shaped predominantly via mutation. Analysis of strains having publicly-available genomes shows high mutational divergence of core genes leading to multiple sub-species. We infer that the sub-speciation event might have happened recently where a possible adaptive divergence was accelerated by intermediate emergence of a mutator phenotype. Also, within a sub-species the pathogen shows inter-clonal adaptive evolution evidenced by non-neutral accumulation of convergent amino acid mutations. A total of 67 non-recombinant core genes (over-representing functional categories like DNA repair, glucose metabolic process, ATP-binding and ligase) were identified as candidates evolving via adaptive mutational convergence. Such convergence, both at the level of genes and their encoded functions, indicates evolution of B. bacilliformis clones along common adaptive routes, while there was little diversity within a single clone.
Design of GPS Positioning Information System With MCU Acquisition and Display

With the purpose of acquiring GPS positioning information fast,the design of GPS positioning information system based on acquisition and display by using AT89S51 was presented,and the test was well done.The system has advantages of simple configuration and low price,which can meet the demand of common users.
Leukocyte migration enhancement as an indicator of immunologic enhancement: III. Common denominators of pregnancy and malignancy

Leukocyte migration enhancement (LME), a common denominator of pregnancy and malignancy, was investigated in order to determine the immunologic factors and processes involved in this in vitro assay. Reproducibility of results was confirmed by parallel investigations of single patients in an independent laboratory. Preliminary evidence also suggests that the phenomenon of LME is observable not only with the leukocyte migration assay, as performed in the present study, but also with the “indirect” migration inhibitory factor (MIF) assay. Highly significant correlation between results obtained with plasma (PL) and amniotic fluid (AF) was observed (p < 0.00089). No significant correlation between LME and IgG concentrations as well as complement (C3) concentrations in AF and PL could be detected. C3 concentrations correlated significantly to gravity (p < 0.007) and parity (p < 0.003). No immune complexes were detected in either AF or PL samples. An unspecific protein effect as the cause of LME was ruled out in showing no significant correlation between LME and protein concentrations of AF and PL. A highly significant correlation between antigen concentration in PL and migration area was demonstrated (p < 0.00001). It is suggested that leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) represents a state of antigen excess, while LME represents antibody excess. Through selective removal of the IgG immunoglobulins LME could be converted into LMI, indicating an IgG subfraction as the responsible immunoglobulin in the phenomenon of LME.
Xenogeneic expression of human stem cell factor in transgenic mice mimics codominant c-kit mutations.

Mutations of c-kit, which encodes a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, have been identified in mice by abnormal coat color, anemia, and germ cell defects. Mice heterozygous for mutations of c-kit have a white forehead blaze and a white ventral spot, leading these mutants to be termed dominant White spotting (W). We have previously demonstrated that the membrane-associated isoform of human stem cell factor (hSCF 220 , the ligand for c-kit) is inefficiently processed in murine stromal cell transfectants. Thus, in murine cell lines analyzed in vitro, hSCF 220 transfectants present SCF as a membrane restricted protein in contrast to the murine SCF 220 cDNA protein product, which is slowly cleaved and secreted. We show here that transgenic mice expressing the human SCF 220 isoform in vivo display a phenotype indistinguishable from some alleles of W. Specifically, hSCF 220 -expressing transgenic mice display a prominent forehead blaze and a white ventral spot. Generations of doubly heterozygous animals that carry both a mutated c-kit allele and the hSCF 220 transgene display a more severe coat color abnormality. This phenotype appears to be due to occupancy of murine c-kit by human SCF and diminished cell surface expression of endogenous murine SCF. Normal signaling events that lead to cell survival or proliferation appear to be disrupted in vivo in these transgenic mice.
A Personalized System of Instruction for Teaching Java

Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . INTRODUCTION This chapter addresses the challenge of how to structure a learning environment to teach object-oriented computer programming to students who may need an introductory course in that discipline but who may lack the experiences to use symbol manipulations with confidence. In contrast to computer science students, information systems students sometimes exhibit these latter attributes, but they would nonetheless benefit professionally from acquiring rudimentary programming language knowledge and skill. To accomplish that objective, the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), originally developed by Keller (1968), is described here to foster equivalent competence among students in an initial Java coding assignment in an introductory programming course. The intent of integrating a Java tutoring system into the PSI framework as the first laboratory exercise is to ensure that all students in the class have at least this background experience in common prior to the introduction of advanced features of interface implementation that are taught during the remainder of the semester. Self-report and performance data are presented to support the use of this pedagogical approach in the classroom. Chapter 13
Characterizing large residential appliance peak load reduction potential utilizing a probabilistic approach

This research investigates the demand response potential of four electric grid-connected large residential appliances, including refrigerators, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and dishwashers. Field-collected energy use data from these applinaces in 326 residential buildings is collected for a 1-year period and analyzed. Uncertainty analysis is based on the Monte Carlo simulation method, showing the different possible ranges of demand response for each appliance. Clothes dryers are found to have the strongest demand response potential, due in part to their high power demand when on. However this high peak reduction occurs in the afternoon and evening only, as dryers are found to be used very little in the night and morning. Refrigerators provide the second strongest demand response potential, in part due to the nearly 100% of residential buildings that have one or more of them, and the higher predictability of their electricity demand behavior. In addition, unlike dryers, refrigerators have a similar dem...
Breakthroughs in Equine Embryo Cryopreservation

Most equine embryos are collected from the donor mare and transferred immediately as fresh embryos or shipped cooled to a recipient station for transfer within 24 hours. Very few equine embryos are frozen despite the numerous advantages of embryo cryopreservation. There are 2 major hurdles: Only the small embryos (<300 μm) provide good pregnancy rates after freezing/thawing and transfer. Also there is no good procedure for superovulating mares; thus, extra embryos for freezing are not readily available. Using either a slow cool or a vitrification method, pregnancy rates of small equine embryos after freezing/thawing are 50% to 70%.
Critical Thinking in the Field of Educational Technology: Approaches, Projects, and Challenges

The authors discuss the need for critical thinking that examines the foundations of the field of educational technology. They provide an overview of two activities that can allow this kind of examination to take place. The first focuses on identifying assumptions and evaluating their implications. The second focuses on Finn’s (Audiovisual Communication Review, 1(1), 6–17, 1953) criteria for professionalism, which encompass concerns such as intellectualizing disciplinary content, applying intellectual content, and expanding intellectual theory through research. The authors then identify several key areas within the field that may be fruitfully examined via these critical thinking activities. Finally, the authors briefly discuss some challenges that accompany these forms of critical thinking.
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Perioperative Transfusion-associated Circulatory Overload.

Background:Transfusion-associated circulatory overload remains underappreciated in the perioperative environment. The authors aimed to characterize risk factors for perioperative transfusion-associated circulatory overload and better understand its impact on patient-important outcomes.Methods:In thi
Characterization of Differences in Functional Connectivity Associated with Close-Range Blast Exposure.

Abstract Despite the prevalence of blast injuries in recent overseas conflicts, knowledge of their impact on neural health is lacking. We have recently published work demonstrating differences in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity that were specific to close-range blast exposure (CBE), as opposed to other prevalent military-related factors. Here, we replicate this finding in an independent sample of 135 veterans, again finding that CBE, regardless of concussion, is predictive of persistent changes in brain physiology. Although there was weak overlap anatomically, in both samples, the group differences could be described as spreading of anticorrelation. Using the combined sample, we now seek to identify likely mechanisms that could bring about this effect. We compared participants with (n = 116) and without (n = 153) CBE by analyzing two networks through group difference maps and correlation distributions to assess spatially homogenous and heterogeneous effects. As boundaries between...
A framework for developing safe and effective large-fire response in a new fire management paradigm

Abstract The impacts of wildfires have increased in recent decades because of historical forest and fire management, a rapidly changing climate, and an increasingly populated wildland urban interface. This increasingly complex fire environment highlights the importance of developing robust tools to support risk-informed decision making. While tools have been developed to aid fire management, few have focused on large-fire management and those that have typically simplified the decision environment such that they are not operationally relevant. Additionally, fire managers need to be able to evaluate alternative response strategies that lead to tradeoff analyses balancing fire impacts, responder exposure, financial and resource investments, and probability of success. In this review, we describe limitations in existing operational research models from the perspective of large fire management decisions. We identify a broader set of objectives, decisions and constraints to be integrated into the next generation operational research models. Including these changes would support evaluation of a suite of response options and the efficient resource packages necessary to achieve response objectives, aiding decision maker’s ability to minimize responder exposure while reducing the social, ecological and economic impacts of wildfires. We follow with a proposed framework for expanding current large fire decision support systems, and conclude by briefly highlighting critical research needs and organizational changes necessary to create and implement these tools and overcome the negative consequences of positive feedbacks derived from historical and current wildfire management policies and strategies.
Analysis of variance to assess statistical significance of Laplacian estimation accuracy improvement due to novel variable inter-ring distances concentric ring electrodes

Concentric ring electrodes have shown promise in non-invasive electrophysiological measurement demonstrating their superiority to conventional disc electrodes, in particular, in accuracy of Laplacian estimation. Recently, we have proposed novel variable inter-ring distances concentric ring electrodes. Analytic and finite element method modeling results for linearly increasing distances electrode configurations suggested they may decrease the truncation error resulting in more accurate Laplacian estimates compared to currently used constant inter-ring distances configurations. This study assesses statistical significance of Laplacian estimation accuracy improvement due to novel variable inter-ring distances concentric ring electrodes. Full factorial design of analysis of variance was used with one categorical and two numerical factors: the inter-ring distances, the electrode diameter, and the number of concentric rings in the electrode. The response variables were the Relative Error and the Maximum Error of Laplacian estimation computed using a finite element method model for each of the combinations of levels of three factors. Effects of the main factors and their interactions on Relative Error and Maximum Error were assessed and the obtained results suggest that all three factors have statistically significant effects in the model confirming the potential of using inter-ring distances as a means of improving accuracy of Laplacian estimation.
Computing Transient Response of Dynamic Systems in the Frequency Domain

AbstractFrequency-domain methods are usually more efficient computationally than time-domain methods to compute the responses of linear dynamic systems. However, a common drawback of frequency-doma...
Roles and Values: The Case of French Copula Constructions

There are some interesting correlations between the semantic notions of “role,” “value,” “connector,” and the grammatical peculiarities of the so-called “copulative” sentences in French noted by Moreau (1970) and Ruwet(1972).
Detecting the effects of management regime shifts in dynamic environments using multi-population state-space models

Abstract Detecting the effectiveness of management actions intended to increase the abundance of threatened or exploited species can help resolve uncertainties about cost-effective management tactics. However, the complexity of ecological systems can make it difficult to identify important factors causing change in population abundance. This difficulty extends from detecting naturally-caused ecosystem regime shifts to management-induced regime shifts and the attendant change in population dynamics parameters. The adult abundance of naturally-produced coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) on the Oregon Coast generally declined until these fish were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1998. The subsequent rebuilding of Oregon coastal coho adult abundance is coincident with increased habitat restoration, reduced hatchery production, and reduced harvest. Importantly, ocean survival also improved, thereby complicating the assessment of management effectiveness at the adult life stage. Our objective was to assess change in the freshwater production of juveniles (smolts) through time in order to determine if recent increases in adult abundance could be related to management affecting the freshwater juvenile production. We combined 46 years of data associated with 18 populations of Oregon coastal coho. Spawner-to-smolt relationships were modeled with Bayesian hierarchical state-space implementations of the logistic hockey stick recruitment function. We also develop a method of estimating the relative reproductive success of hatchery spawners. We found more evidence for decline than increase in productivity in the spawner-to-smolt life stage, suggesting that changes in physical oceanographic conditions are responsible for recent increases in adult abundance. The reproductive success of hatchery-origin fish relative to natural-origin fish was 0.51 with a 95% credible interval from 0.19 to 0.89. While some management effects may unfold on longer time-scales than we observed, we nonetheless contend that carefully tailored models of non-stationary population dynamics are needed to understand and the effectiveness of management actions intended to recover populations.
Polymorphisms/Mutations in A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs): Role in the Cardiovascular System

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins that bind to protein kinase A (PKA) by definition and a variety of crucial proteins, including kinases, phosphatases, and phosphodiesterases. By scaffolding these proteins together, AKAPs build a "signalosome" at specific subcellular locations and compartmentalize PKA signaling. Thus, AKAPs are important for signal transduction after upstream activation of receptors ensuring accuracy and precision of intracellular PKA-dependent signaling pathways. Since their discovery in the 1980s, AKAPs have been studied extensively in the heart and have been proven essential in mediating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-PKA signaling. Although expression of AKAPs in the heart is very low, cardiac-specific knock-outs of several AKAPs have a noteworthy cardiac phenotype. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms and genetic mutations in crucial cardiac proteins play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite the significant role of AKAPs in the cardiovascular system, a limited amount of research has focused on the role of genetic polymorphisms and/or mutations in AKAPs in increasing the risk of CVDs. This review attempts to overview the available literature on the polymorphisms/mutations in AKAPs and their effects on human health with a special focus on CVDs.
Time-varying Readmission Diagnoses During 30 Days After Hospitalization for COPD Exacerbation.

Objective To investigate the longitudinal changes in principal readmission diagnoses within 30 days after hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Study setting Medicare claims data, 2010-2012. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Data collection methods We identified AECOPD hospitalizations aged 65 years and above, and examined the principal 30-day readmission diagnoses (respiratory related, cardiac related, and other conditions). We also constructed Joinpoint regression models to test whether patients with each of the 3 major readmission conditions had a unique temporal pattern of readmission during the 30-day period. Principal findings Among 76,697 index hospitalizations with AECOPD, 14,090 (18.4%) were readmitted within 30 days. Respiratory-related conditions accounted for 55% of readmissions. The proportion of respiratory-related conditions as the readmission diagnosis decreased from postdischarge day 1 to day 8 (4.0% decrease), and then increased thereafter (13.2% increase; P=0.06). Cardiac-related conditions had a similar nonlinear trend with an inflection point at day 6 (P=0.02), with a subsequent downward trend from day 22 (P=0.01). By contrast, the other conditions increased from day 1 to day 6 (15.0% increase), and then significantly decreased (28.8% decrease; P=0.04). Conclusions The proportions of principal discharge diagnosis of readmission changed significantly at around postdischarge day 7. Our findings advance research into identification of the underlying mechanisms and development of targeted interventions to prevent readmissions.
Circuit Design for Reliability

The importance and the advantages of accurate reliability assessment during the early phases of VLSI design have already been discussed in the previous chapters. The development and use of accurate reliability simulation tools were recognized as crucial measures for early assessment and improvement of circuit reliability. Once the long-term reliability of the circuit is estimated through simulation, the results can be compared with predetermined reliability specifications or limits. If the predicted reliability does not satisfy the requirements, appropriate design modifications may be carried out to improve the resistance of the devices to degradation. A number of simulation approaches for estimating hot-carrier reliability, ranging from two-dimensional device simulation, to circuit simulation, and to large-scale timing simulation, were examined in detail in Chapters 4 through 6.
Percutaneous Aspiration in the Treatment of Renal Abscess

AbstractThe conventional treatment of a renal abscess has been surgical exploration, drainage and marsupialization of the cavity. There have been isolated reports in the literature regarding the successful use of systemic antibiotics alone in the management of patients with renal abscesses. We report a case in which percutaneous aspiration of a renal abscess led to successful non-operative management. In addition, 4 previously reported cases of renal abscesses treated with this modality are analyzed.
Mechanism of Action of Antiallergic Drugs and Relationship of Cyclic Nucleotides to Allergy

In the last two decades, diverse medical and scientific disciplines including pharmacology, endocrinology, immunology, and biochemistry have found common ground, both theoretically and in the design of experiments, due to the discovery of the second messenger system by Sutherland and colleagues (Sutherland and Rall, 1960; Robison et al., 1971). Nearly all hormones, a growing list of other cell-cell mediators or effector substances, and a large number of drugs have found their mechanism of action at the level of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) or cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP). It is therefore not surprising that nearly all antiallergic agents can now be classified under either of two categories of biochemical mechanisms: (1) effects mediated by changes in cAMP levels or (2) effects mediated by changes in cGMP levels.
BORON HYDRIDES: PERSPECTIVE AND PROSPECT

Abstract The first American investigator of the boron hydride chemistry presents an after-dinner talk on its origin, pioneer development, and prospects for further progress, with some emphasis upon the critical and creative attitudes that relate to discovery. The manner in which small explorations can grow to large fields is demonstrated by examples.
A Web-Based Lightweight Testbed for Supporting Network Security Hands-on Labs

We implement a web-based lightweight testbed that can support multiple virtual networks (VNs) on a single physical network to provide hands-on experience in teaching courses for computer network and security. The testbeds leveraging virtualization are preferred to manage VNs. However, most of the employed techniques are heavyweight. Also, user-friendly access to VNs in a testbed is another important issue. In this work, a testbed is implemented using Linux Containers (LXC), Open vSwitch (OVS), and shellinabox that attempts to address the challenges mentioned above. LXC-based virtualization makes the testbed lightweight. A terminal embedded web-based user interface (UI) is implemented using shellinabox. The web-based UI eliminates extraneous software installation at the user-end to access the VNs and enables the users to access their virtual hosts through a web page. An implementation to automate the creation of VNs with varying topology is also discussed.