cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Paden Collection of Arabic Materials From Kano

The following is a brief description of a collection of Arabic materials deposited by John Paden at the Herskovits Africana Library, Northwestern University. The collection includes 424 numbered volumes of which about half enclose manuscript materials while the other half enclose published books and pamphlets, most of them privately printed in Kano, Zaria, or Cairo. The collection altogether (and especially so among the pamphlets) includes a substantial proportion of works of West African authorship. However, the classical Muslim/Arabic literature, and especially the basic jurisprudential treatises and the better known diwans of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, are well represented in the collection. This summary is made up of three parts, beginning with a few words on the classical Muslim/Arabic works in the collection. The second part is concerned with the unusual manuscript materials and includes a listing and description of these materials. Finally, the third part will be concerned with individual West African authors whose works are well represented in the collection. In most cases, these authors are represented by privately printed materials or by manuscripts of which copies generally tend to be found elsewhere. In the references to specific manuscripts below, no attempt will be made to describe the calligraphy, the size of pages, etc. The purpose is to call attention to the availability of the sources under consideration, especially since they are scheduled to be microfilmed by the Cooperative Africana Microform Project soon. Though mostly represented by manuscript copies, the diwans of Arabic poetry present little interest since they tend to be recent copies of works long ago published in numerous printings and editions elsewhere.
Coastal barrier changes, 1770–1867, Biscayne Bay area, Florida

Examination of properly evaluated historical maps of the preurban (that is, 1770 to 1867) sedimentary barrier bordering northern Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida indicates (1) net shore retreat averaging about 3.0 m/yr in the northern Atlantic portion of the barrier; (2) net spit accretion in two areas to the south, the first averaging about 70 m/yr and the second adding about 1,000,000 m 2 to the barrier; (3) the migration and subsequent closing of a tidal inlet by A.D. 1822; (4) the opening of a new tidal inlet sometime between 1829 and 1838; (5) a probable association between these processes and bedrock topography; and (6) the positive value of historical maps as data bases for certain types of coastal change, especially in urban areas.
Conversion of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer disease predicted by hippocampal atrophy maps.

Background While most patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) transition to Alzheimer disease (AD), others develop non-AD dementia, remain in the MCI state, or improve. Objective To test the following hypotheses: smaller hippocampal volumes predict conversion of MCI to AD, whereas larger hippocampal volumes predict cognitive stability and/or improvement; and patients with MCI who convert to AD have greater atrophy in the CA1 hippocampal subfield and subiculum. Design Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Setting University of California–Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Patients We followed up 20 MCI subjects clinically and neuropsychologically for 3 years. Main Outcome Measure Baseline regional hippocampal atrophy was analyzed with region-of-interest and 3-dimensional hippocampal mapping techniques. Results During the 3-year study, 6 patients developed AD (MCI-c), 7 remained stable (MCI-nc), and 7 improved (MCI-i). Patients with MCI-c had 9% smaller left and 13% smaller right mean hippocampal volumes compared with MCI-nc patients. Radial atrophy maps showed greater atrophy of the CA1 subregion in MCI-c. Patients with MCI-c had significantly smaller hippocampi than MCI-i patients (left, 24%; right, 27%). Volumetric analyses showed a trend for greater hippocampal atrophy in MCI-nc relative to MCI-i patients (eg, 16% volume loss). After permutation tests corrected for multiple comparison, the atrophy maps showed a significant difference on the right. Subicular differences were seen between MCI-c and MCI-i patients, and MCI-nc and MCI-i patients. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed the group effect to be highly significant and independent of age, hemisphere, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores at baseline. Conclusions Smaller hippocampi and specifically CA1 and subicular involvement are associated with increased risk for conversion from MCI to AD. Patients with MCI-i tend to have larger hippocampal volumes and relative preservation of both the subiculum and CA1.
Toward a better understanding of culture: wikis in the beginning German classroom

The questions of how to teach culture, which culture(s) to teach and how to lead students to intercultural competence and understanding are common questions for language teachers. The current project employed wikis to systematically integrate culture and authentic texts into beginning German courses at a large south-eastern university in the United States. The study examined whether close readings of authentic texts on a variety of cultural topics from German-speaking countries, careful discussion and then a final analysis of the topics in the form of students' essays could lead to a deeper understanding of the cultures of German-speaking countries and possibly of one's own culture. During this study, students were actively engaged in analysing authentic cultural documents to learn more about the products, practices and perspectives of the target culture, including how these three aspects interact and connect, thereby improving their analytical skills and thinking more critically about their own culture. ...
Local Adverbs in Hittite: Synchrony and Diachrony

Words expressing spatial relationships in Hittite are synchronically adverbs, not case forms of nouns as sometimes alleged. They are attested in three distinct syntactic roles: postpositions, preverbs, and freestanding adverbs. Some of these local adverbs are inherited from Proto-Indo-European, while others reflect petrified case forms of nouns. Postpositions from inherited local adverbs originally were construed with the dative-locative, while those from nouns took the genitive. The agreement patterns of enclitic possessive pronouns with postpositions show that the nominal postpositions developed variously from dative-locative, ablative, and accusative case forms. By attested Hittite, the postpositions from inherited adverbs and those from nominal case forms have mutually influenced each other’s syntax, and both sets can be construed either with the dative-locative or with the genitive (including enclitic possessives).
Technique to determine inspiratory impedance during mechanical ventilation: implications for flow limited patients.

We present the design of an enhanced ventilator waveform ~EVW! for routine measurement of inspiratory resis- tance ~R! and elastance ~E! spectra in ventilator-dependent and/or severely obstructed flow-limited patients. The EVW de- livers an inspiratory tidal volume of fresh gas with a flow pattern consisting of multiple sinusoids from 0.156 to 8.1 Hz and permits a patient-driven exhalation to the atmosphere or positive end-expiratory pressure. Weighted least-squares esti- mates of the coefficients in a sinusoidal series approximation of the EVW inspirations yielded inspiratory R and E spectra. We first validated the EVW approach using simulated pressure and flow data under different physiological conditions, noise levels, and harmonic distortions. We then applied the EVW in four intubated patients during anesthesia and paralysis: two with mild airway obstruction and two with severe emphysema and flow limitation. While the level of inspiratory R was similar in both groups of patients, the inspiratory E of the emphysema- tous patients demonstrated a pronounced frequency-dependent increase consistent with severe peripheral airway obstruction. We conclude that the EVW offers a potentially practical and efficient approach to monitor lung function in ventilator- dependent patients, especially those with expiratory flow limi- tation. © 1999 Biomedical Engineering Society. @S0090-6964~99!02203-1#
Homocysteine metabolism and its relation to health and disease

Homocysteine is a metabolic intermediate in methyl group metabolism that is dependent on a number of nutritional B-vitamin cofactors. An emerging aspect of homocysteine metabolism is its relation to health and disease. Perturbations of homocysteine metabolism, particularly intracellular and subsequently circulating accumulation of homocysteine (i.e., hyperhomocysteinemia), are associated with vascular disease risk, as well as other pathologies. However, intervention with B-vitamin supplementation has been shown to successfully restore normal homocysteine concentrations, but without concomitant reductions in disease risk. Thus, the mechanistic relation between homocysteine balance and disease states, as well as the value of homocysteine management, remains an area of intense investigation.
Expression of DNA sequences containing neuron specific enolase gene in Scherichia Coli

There is evidence that the gene for gamma-gamma enolase (neuron specific enolase, NSE) is regulated during cell differentiation and development, conserved in a variety of organisms and contains mRNA destabilizing sequences. In order to investigate further the mechanisms of these processes and to obtain large quantity of this protein, the NSE gene was isolated from neuroblastoma cells and cloned in E. coli using standard molecular biology techniques. The NSE gene expression was studied and the expressed protein (recombinant NSE) was characterized extensively. The recombinant NSE behaves like parental NSE in antisera specificity, resistance for chaotropic agents like urea, thermal stability at higher temperatures etc. The physical parameters like secondary structure, hydrophilicity, antigenic index and flexibility of the expressed protein were studied. The results of the present investigation collectively form the basis for initial investigations of how the expression of NSE gene is regulated. This is the first report where the recombinant NSE gene has been characterized so extensively.
High-β stellarator equilibria with three helical fields: A numerical experiment

Analytical and numerical results suggest that well-confined equilibria do not exist for three-helical-field high-β stellarators. Although toroidal force balance that is nearly independent of β can be achieved with three helical-field configurations, the l, l + 2 stellarator force leads to apparently unbounded deformation of the plasma cross-section and loss of confinement.
A Framework for Managing Controversial Practices

Every day, speech-language pathologists working in schools make difficult, life-impacting decisions regarding which assessment and intervention approaches to use with their clients. These decisions can become even more difficult when the approaches being considered for use are controversial. The risks involved in making choices about controversial practices are likely to have increased significance simply because the approach being considered is not widely accepted. The increased professional risk may cause decisions to be made based on risk avoidance rather than on a careful consideration of the pros and cons of the approach itself. This article offers a clinical practice framework for gathering information about controversial approaches and for implementing and monitoring their use. The framework will be illustrated using facilitated communication as an example of a controversial practice.
On the implications of the log-normal path loss model: an efficient method to deploy and move sensor motes

IEEE 802.15.4 links can be classified into three distinct reception regions: connected, transitional, and disconnected. The transitional region is large in size and characterized by the existence of links with intermediate reception ratios. Our work leverages previous work on understanding the properties of wireless links in the space and time domains but differs in the sense that we seek opportunities to actively adjust the physical topologies of sensor networks to improve link quality. Based on an existing theoretical model supported by extensive experiments in a variety of environments, we propose an efficient mechanism to identify locations with high reception ratios in the transitional region. The proposed mechanism can be used to effectively construct long, yet high reception ratio links that are 100% longer than the size of the connected region, thereby reducing the number of relay nodes necessary to interconnect sparse sensor networks by 34%. Furthermore, this mechanism can help better position mobile sinks and guide the communication protocols for mobile sensor networks. Overall, this paper provides fresh insights into the implications of the log-normal path loss model on deploying and moving sensor motes.
Role of Import and Export Regulatory Animal Health Officials in International Control and Surveillance for Animal Diseases

The challenges to those who regulate the import and export of animals and animal products are escalating, due to the evolving nature of animal and human disease agents. The diseases and agents of interest may include low pathogenic avian influenza, bluetongue, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and foot-and-mouth disease. Fear of an incursion of an unknown or incompletely understood threat can significantly limit risk tolerance. The fear may be that an incursion will affect export trade or tourism. An incomplete knowledge of the animal health situation in the exporting country, due to insufficient surveillance for the disease agent of concern, may limit the application of science in import decisions. In addition, the disease agent may be inappropriately considered exotic if it has not been described. As a result, excessive safeguards for disease agents that do not present any new threat may be employed. To confront these challenges, we are striving toward transparency in international reporting. Moreover, regulatory import decisions exceeding the recommendations of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the Aquatic Animal Health Code of the World Organization for Animal Health must be fair and science-based.
Harnessing Immune Responses in the Tumor Microenvironment: All Signals Needed

An agonist CD40 monoclonal antibody (CP-870,893), in combination with gemcitabine, is well tolerated in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The combination results in induction of cytokines, B cell activation, and clinical responses. These findings support testing of immunotherapies in combination with other established and targeted therapies.
The metabolic bone disease of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

The incidence and severity of osteopenic bone disease in primary sclerosing cholangitis is poorly defined. Clinical, biochemical and radiographic assessment and bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine were carried out in two groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients with advanced primary sclerosing cholangitis; group 2 consisted of 18 patients with newly diagnosed primary sclerosing cholangitis. Only one patient had bone pain. All patients were normocalcemic; two had elevated serum parathormone levels. Fourteen patients (47%) from group 1 but no patients from group 2 had low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Mean bone mineral density was significantly reduced in group 1 patients (0.97 ± 0.04 gm/cm2) compared with age-matched and sex-matched controls (1.25 ± 0.01 gm/cm2, p < 0.0001), and in 15 patients (50%) bone mineral density was below the fracture threshold (0.98 gm/cm2). The bone mineral density in group 2 was not significantly different from controls, and no patient was below the fracture threshold. In neither group did bone mineral density correlate with serum bilirubin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fecal fat excretion, previous drug therapy or the presence of chronic ulcerative colitis. Histomorphometrical examination of bone from four group 1 patients showed increased bone resorption, reduced bone formation, moderate-to-severe osteopenia and no osteomalacia. In conclusion, severe osteopenic bone disease is common in advanced primary sclerosing cholangitis and, like that seen in other cholestatis diseases, is consistent with osteoporosis. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:257–261.)
Heat Transfer Through an Extended Surface Containing He II

A semi-analytic solution for the heat transfer process between a He II pressurized bath and a saturated tube-type heat exchanger is presented. The problem is modeled with an extended surface heat transfer formulation analogous to that in conventional conduction. The process is governed by Kapitza conductance and counterflow within the bulk fluid in the tube. The resulting nonlinear differential equation may be integrated for the special case of constant properties, yielding a simple solution applicable to design and analysis of practical heat exchangers.
The destruction of selected hazardous compounds using supercritical water

Abstract Reaction of Supercritical Water (SW) (without added oxidant) with various organic compounds containing heteroatoms has been investigated to determine if, and under what conditions, SW may aid in the removal of those atoms leading to less hazardous and possibly commercially useful products. The reac tions of interest were those of SW with components of BZ (a chemical warfare agent), sulfur and nitro compounds. The benzilate component of BZ was converted in yields as high as 80% to diphenyl species (e.g., methane, ketone, or carbinol) at 400°but at 500°C and when ZnCl 2 was used as a catalyst the major products were benzene and toluene in yields up to 50%. The quinuclidine component of BZ was effectively destroyed using ZnCl 2 but gave poor yields of useful products. The SW-nitrotoluene reaction produced mostly char and tar; however, when NH 3 and/or dihydroanthracene were added the char/tar formation was greatly reduced while aniline and toluidine became the major products, with combined yields up to 70%. The dinitrotoluene reacted completely to char, tar, and gaseous species, no volatile condensed products were formed. The detectable products from the benzyl sulfide-SW reaction were all hydrocarbons, primarily toluene and benzene, whereas dry pyrolysis produced much less benzene and about 18% substituted thiophenes, which are very difficult to react further, as shown by our results from the thianaphthene-SW reaction.
Two Separate Worlds: Students of Color at a Predominantly White University

In this study, 21 African American, Asian American, and Latino students were interviewed in order to ascertain the nature of their experience as students of color on a small, predominantly White university campus in the northeastern United States. The data revealed awareness as the overarching theme in the phenomenon, in that awareness (or lack of it) produced “two separate worlds”: one for the White majority and another for students of color. The data also revealed a divergence in the phenomenon in that a small group of the youngest participants with the lightest skin color felt very much a part of the same world as their White counterparts. Cultural identity development theory is discussed as a possible explanation for the divergence in that it is linked to awareness and inherently incorporates relevant sociopolitical issues such as race, color, prejudice, and discrimination.
An overview of the pipelined common buffer architecture (PCBA) for memory based packet/cell switching systems

A pipelined common buffer architecture (PCBA) is proposed for memory based switching systems. Unlike previously proposed shared-memory switching system, the PCBA is suitable for prioritized and multicast (without multiple memory write) traffic for both fixed length and variable length cell/packet. Therefore, switching among ATM traffic and existing LAN can be accomplished. The PCBA can route both fixed-sized cell data and variable-sized packet data. It separates switching system control and packet/cell data streams (the dichotomy) inside the switching system to simplify the design process for identifying VLSI chips implementation. The PCBA also uses pipelining for both system control and data movement, to achieve the highest possible system throughput, i.e. one system buffer per system clock cycle. A system buffer in PCBA has fixed size N/spl times/W bits where N is the number of switch ports and W is the width of data path (number of bits transmitted/received to/from system buffer at one clock cycle by a switch port). Furthermore, the usage of external memory modules for both data and control memory takes full advantage of advances in commercial RAM technology. It can be seen that the PCBA not only can easily expand its queue size for different networking environments, but can also support future traffic types without modification to the architecture. >
Otic ablation of smoothened reveals direct and indirect requirements for Hedgehog signaling in inner ear development

In mouse embryos lacking sonic hedgehog (Shh), dorsoventral polarity within the otic vesicle is disrupted. Consequently, ventral otic derivatives, including the cochlear duct and saccule, fail to form, and dorsal otic derivatives, including the semicircular canals, endolymphatic duct and utricle, are malformed or absent. Since inner ear patterning and morphogenesis are heavily dependent on extracellular signals derived from tissues that are also compromised by the loss of Shh, the extent to which Shh signaling acts directly on the inner ear for its development is unclear. To address this question, we generated embryos in which smoothened (Smo), an essential transducer of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, was conditionally inactivated in the otic epithelium (Smoecko). Ventral otic derivatives failed to form in Smoecko embryos, whereas vestibular structures developed properly. Consistent with these findings, we demonstrate that ventral, but not dorsal, otic identity is directly dependent on Hh. The role of Hh in cochlear-vestibular ganglion (cvg) formation is more complex, as both direct and indirect signaling mechanisms are implicated. Our data suggest that the loss of cvg neurons in Shh–/– animals is due, in part, to an increase in Wnt responsiveness in the otic vesicle, resulting in the ectopic expression of Tbx1 in the neurogenic domain and subsequent repression of Ngn1 transcription. A mitogenic role for Shh in cvg progenitor proliferation was also revealed in our analysis of Smoecko embryos. Taken together, these data contribute to a better understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling properties of Shh during inner ear development.
Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Signaling Pathway in Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells

Summary This study identified molecular differences between cisplatin-resistant and parental H460 lung cancer cells by using microarray expressionanalysis.Cisplatinresistant cells illustrated more rapidinvivotumorgrowthand greater survival following treatment with cisplatin or radiation than parental H460 cells. Cisplatin-resistant cells also demonstrated decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein3 and increased IGF-1R signaling. Cisplatin resistance was reversed by treating cisplatin-resistant cells with human recombinant IGF binding protein-3. siRNA Purpose: The development of drug-resistant phenotypes has been a major obstacle to cisplatin use in nonesmall-cell lung cancer. We aimed to identify some of the molecular mechanisms that underlie cisplatin resistance using microarray expression analysis. Methods and Materials: H460 cells were treated with cisplatin. The differences between cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells and parental H460 cells were studied using Western blot, MTS, and clonogenic assays, in vivo tumor implantation, and microarray analysis. The cisplatin-R cells were treated with human recombinant insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 and siRNA targeting IGF-1 receptor. Results: Cisplatin-R cells illustrated greater expression of the markers CD133 and aldehyde dehydrogenase, more rapid in vivo tumor growth, more resistance to cisplatin- and etoposideinduced apoptosis, and greater survival after treatment with cisplatin or radiation than the parental H460 cells. Also, cisplatin-R demonstrated decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and increased activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling compared with parental H460 cells in the presence of IGF-1. Human recombinant IGF binding protein-3 reversed cisplatin resistance in cisplatin-R cells and targeting of IGF-1 receptor using siRNA resulted in sensitization of cisplatin-R-cells to cisplatin and radiation. Conclusions: The IGF-1 signaling pathway contributes to cisplatin-R to cisplatin and radiation. Thus, this pathway represents a potential target for improved lung cancer response to treatment. 2012 Elsevier Inc.
Optimizing Thin Film Tool Coatings Using a Finite Element Computer Simulator

The application of thin, hard coatings is one of the most effective ways to protect an engineering component operating under heavy contact. We describe a computer experiment for improving the performance of a multilayer titanium nitride/titanium coating..
Role of Specimen Geometry in the Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Thermal Conductivity of a Uniaxial Carbon‐Fiber‐Reinforced Aluminoborosilicate Glass‐Matrix Composite

A study concerning the effect of fiber orientation on the thermal conductivity of a uniaxial carbon-fiber-reinforced borosilicate glass was conducted. For thin specimens, and thick specimens with specimen sides cut parallel to the fiber direction, the dependence of thermal conductivity on fiber orientation showed excellent agreement with theoretical behavior predicted for a composite infinite in extent. In contrast, the thermal conductivity data for rectangular thick specimens fell well below the data for the thin and angled specimens. For fiber orientation of 45° and higher, at which the heat was directed toward the side of the specimen rather than across, the thermal conductivity values showed excellent agreement with theoretical behavior predicted for a finite composite strip with insulated sides.
The Value and Limitations of the Arm Cephalic and Basilic Vein for Arteriovenous Access

The National Kidney Foundation has identified the use arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and the interventions required to maintain their patency as two major causes of increased expenditure in the management of hemodialysis access in end-stage renal disease patients. They have issued an appeal for the increased use of native arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Although the radialcephalic AVF is considered to be the procedure of choice for these patients, other veins should be sought after to maintain an all-autogenous AVF policy. We examined our experience of using arm veins that were transposed to the brachial artery. Over the last 2.5 years, 109 brachiocephalic AVF (BCAVF) and 63 brachiobasilic AVF (BBAVF) were placed in 163 patients with chronic renal failure. In each group, 40 and 25 patients were males, respectively. Ages ranged from 29 to 88 years (mean 67 ± 1.4 years) and 37 to 84 years (mean 69 ± 2.0 years) in each group. Diabetic patients comprised 56 and 65% of each group and hypertensive patients comprised 73 and 75% of each group. Data collection was via chart review, personal interviews, and review of the dialysis records. Patency was assessed by life-table analysis. The log-rank test was performed in conjunction with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Our results showed that the use of BCAVF and BBAVF appears to be a viable alternative to prosthetic arteriovenous grafts. On the basis of our experience, an algorithm for placement of AVF is suggested.
Direct evidence of phospholipids in gecko footprints and spatula–substrate contact interface detected using surface-sensitive spectroscopy

Observers ranging from Aristotle to young children have long marvelled at the ability of geckos to cling to walls and ceilings. Detailed studies have revealed that geckos are ‘sticky’ without the use of glue or suction devices. Instead, a gecko's stickiness derives from van der Waals interactions between proteinaceous hairs called setae and substrate. Here, we present surprising evidence that although geckos do not use glue, a residue is transferred on surfaces as they walk—geckos leave footprints. Using matrix-free nano-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry, we identified the residue as phospholipids with phosphocholine head groups. Moreover, interface-sensitive sum-frequency generation spectroscopy revealed predominantly hydrophobic methyl and methylene groups and the complete absence of water at the contact interface between a gecko toe pad and the substrate. The presence of lipids has never been considered in current models of gecko adhesion. Our analysis of gecko footprints and the toe pad–substrate interface has significant consequences for models of gecko adhesion and by extension, the design of synthetic mimics.
Running with scissors: using antiretroviral therapy without monitoring viral load.

years after the first published reports of the disease that the world would come to know as AIDS, monotherapy with azidothymidine showed promise [2], but within 2 years, HIV drug resistance was found [3] . With dual-drug therapy, the development of drug resistance was delayed, and clinical benefits were somewhat enhanced [4, 5], but not until at least 3 antiretroviral medications from at least 2 dif-
Spectral Radiative Properties of Fiberglass Insulation

An inversion method was used to determine the spectral radiative properties (scattering and absorption coefficients) of fiberglass insulation from directional-hemispherical reflectance data. The experimental reflectance data were obtained with a Willey 318S Fourier transform spectrophotometer (FTS) in the wavelength range of 4-19 jim. The theoretical reflectance values were computed from the discrete ordinates solution to the radiative transport equation. Both isotropic and anisotropic scattering were considered. The experimental data and theory were coupled via the nonlinear least squares method to invert the radiative properties. In the wavelength range of 20-80 /im, the extinction coefficient was inverted from specular reflectance data via Beer's law and the nonlinear least squares method. Heat fluxes were computed using these properties and compared to existing steady-state heat-transfer measurements.
Encouraging reactivity to create robust machines

The robustness of animal behavior is unmatched by current machines, which often falter when exposed to unforeseen conditions. While animals are notably reactive to changes in their environment, machines often follow finely tuned yet inflexible plans. Thus, instead of the traditional approach of training such machines over many different unpredictable scenarios in detailed simulations (which is the most intuitive approach to inducing robustness), this work proposes to train machines to be reactive to their environment. The idea is that robustness may result not from detailed internal models or finely tuned control policies but from cautious exploratory behavior. Supporting this hypothesis, robots trained to navigate mazes with a reactive disposition prove more robust than those trained over many trials yet not rewarded for reactive behavior in both simulated tests and when embodied in real robots. The conclusion is that robustness may neither require an accurate model nor finely calibrated behavior.
Advances in inertial fusion and high energy density science at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

The 192-beam National Ignition Facility (NIF), a football-stadium sized laser at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA, is now fully operational. 1.1MJ of ultraviolet laser energy has been demonstrated using 192 beams. A single NIF bundle (8 beams) has generated 78 kJ in the ultraviolet; this corresponds to the planned 192-beam peak energy of 1.8 MJ. The facility is being systematically ramped up in preparation for the recommencement of experiments at NIF in spring 2009.
Differential evolution for discrete optimization: An experimental study on Combinatorial Auction problems

Differential evolution (DE) mutates solution vectors by the weighted difference of other vectors using arithmetic operations. As these operations cannot be directly extended to discrete combinatorial space, DE algorithms have been traditionally applied to optimization problems where the search space is continuous. In this paper, we use JADE, a self-adaptive DE algorithm, for winner determination in combinatorial auctions (CAs) where users place bids on combinations of items. To adapt JADE to discrete optimization, we use a rank-based representation schema that produces only feasible solutions and a regeneration operation that constricts the problem search space. It is shown that JADE compares favorably to a local stochastic search algorithm, Casanova, and a genetic algorithm based approach, SGA.
Engineering Aspects of Climate Change

Abstract Many of the potential problems posed by climate change will be addressed, at least in part, by the engineering community. Engineers from every discipline must apply the physical and biological sciences in innovative ways, including the prevention and control of releases of greenhouse gases. This calls for a systems view of matter and energy to inform future decisions, but also being mindful of social, economic and cultural factors.
Effect of Conifer Encroachment Into Aspen Stands on Understory Biomass

Abstract Conifers (Picea and Abies spp.) have replaced aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) over much of aspen's historic range in the western United States. We measured the impact of this change upon the production of understory vegetation potentially useful as forage for livestock and wildlife on two southern Utah national forests. A negative exponential relationship between conifer cover and understory biomass was demonstrated as log(biomass) = 6.25 − 0.03787(% conifer), adjusted R2 = 0.57. Understory production in aspen stands begins to decline under very low levels (10% to 20%) of conifer encroachment. Management implications include loss of forage production capability and wildlife habitat and potential overstocking of livestock grazing allotments if the associated loss of forage is not considered.
Mining transcript features related to translation in Arabidopsis using LASSO and random forest

Translation is an important process for all living organisms. During translation, messenger RNA is rewritten into protein. Multiple control mechanisms determine how much protein is generated during translation. In particular, several regulatory elements located on mRNA transcripts are known to affect translation. In this study, a genome-wide analysis was performed to mine features related to translation in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. We used ribosome footprinting data to measure translation and constructed a predictive model using LASSO and random forest to select features that likely affect translation. We identified multiple transcript features and measured their influence on translation in different transcript regions. We found that features related to different translation stages may have a different impact on translation; often, features relevant to the elongation step were playing a stronger role. Interestingly, we found that the contribution of features may be different for transcripts belonging to different functional groups, suggesting that transcripts might employ different mechanisms for the regulation of translation.
Shelter from the Storm: Companion Animal Emergency Planning in Nine States

Failure to evacuate pets in an emergency has negative implications for public health, the economy, emotional well-being of pet owners, and physical health of animals. These effects may be at least partially mitigated by a robust plan to accommodate pets. Nine state companion animal emergency plans were reviewed to determine the extent to which they addressed the needs of companion animals, utilizing characteristics of a model emergency plan. States were compared utilizing variables such as population, pet friendliness, and emergency preparedness funding in order to explain differences in plan composition. This comprehensive review produced a list of recommendations for emergency managers as they create future versions of their plans.
Fluoroquinolone-induced serious, persistent, multisymptom adverse effects

We present a case series of four previously healthy, employed adults without significant prior medical history in each of whom symptoms developed while on fluoroquinolones (FQs), with progression that continued following discontinuation evolving to a severe, disabling multisymptom profile variably involving tendinopathy, muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disorder, cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric disturbance. Physicians and patients should be alert to the potential for FQ-induced severe disabling multisymptom pathology that may persist and progress following FQ use. Known induction by FQs of delayed mitochondrial toxicity provides a compatible mechanism, with symptom profiles (and documented mechanisms of FQ toxicity) compatible with the hypothesis of an exposure-induced mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy.
Trends in end-of-life cancer care in the Medicare program.

Abstract Objectives To examine contemporary trends in end-of-life cancer care and geographic variation of end-of-life care aggressiveness among Medicare beneficiaries. Materials and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results—Medicare data, we identified 132,051 beneficiaries who died as a result of cancer in 2006–2011. Aggressiveness of end-of-life care was measured by chemotherapy received within 14days of death, >1 emergency department (ED) visit within 30days of death, >1 hospitalization within 30days of death, ≥1 intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 30days of death, in-hospital death, or hospice enrollment ≤3days before death. Using hierarchical generalized linear models, we assessed potentially aggressive end-of-life care adjusting for patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and hospital referral region (HRR)-level market factors. Results The proportion of beneficiaries receiving at least one potentially aggressive end-of-life intervention increased from 48.6% in 2006 to 50.5% in 2011 ( P P =.01), repeated ED visits (34.3% vs. 36.6%; P P P P P =.12). The use of potentially aggressive end-of-life care varied substantially across HRRs, ranging from 40.3% to 58.3%. Few HRRs had a decrease in aggressive end-of-life care during the study period. Conclusions Despite growing focus on providing appropriate end-of-life care, there has not been an improvement in aggressive end-of-life cancer care in the Medicare program.
Default Mode Network Perfusion in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The etiology of altered consciousness in patients with high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is not thoroughly understood. We hypothesized that decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in brain regions critical to consciousness may contribute. We retrospectively evaluated arterial-spin labeled (ASL) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of CBF in 12 patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to our neurocritical care unit. CBF values were analyzed within gray matter nodes of the default mode network (DMN), whose functional integrity has been shown to be necessary for consciousness. DMN nodes studied were the bilateral medial prefrontal cortices, thalami, and posterior cingulate cortices. Correlations between nodal CBF and admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, admission Hunt and Hess (HH) class, and GCS score at the time of MRI (MRI GCS) were tested. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were not significant when comparing admission GCS, admission HH, and MRI GCS versus nodal CBF (p > 0.05). However, inter-rater reliability for nodal CBF was high (r = 0.71, p = 0.01). In this retrospective pilot study, we did not identify significant correlations between CBF and admission GCS, admission HH class, or MRI GCS for any DMN node. Potential explanations for these findings include small sample size, ASL data acquisition at variable times after SAH onset, and CBF analysis in DMN nodes that may not reflect the functional integrity of the entire network. High inter-rater reliability suggests ASL measurements of CBF within DMN nodes are reproducible. Larger prospective studies are needed to elucidate whether decreased cerebral perfusion contributes to altered consciousness in SAH.
Institutional Timberland Ownership in the US South: Magnitude, Location, Dynamics, and Management

We have compiled an exhaustive list of timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs) and timberland real estate investment trusts (REITs) and used USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory Analysis data to quantify their acreage, distribution, dynamics, and management practices. We find that TIMOs and REITs own/manage about 16 million ac or 10% of the timberland across 11 southern states and that they manage these forests in a sustainable fashion in terms of growth-to-removals and reforestation. Furthermore, TIMOs and REITs own/manage more forest plantations than other owners and harvest more hardwood than is grown. Most of the timberland owned and managed by TIMOs and REITs, located mainly in the southern coastal plain and Piedmont regions, were previously owned by forest industry firms.
Spectral Reflectance as an in Situ Monitor for Mocvd

Near normal-incidence spectral reflectance has been used to monitor the growth of AlAs, GaAs, and AlGaAs thin films by MOCVD in real time. The method has been used in a research rotating disk CVD reactor and in a modified commercial horizontal channel reactor. Reflectance is simple, robust, and is insensitive to perturbations such as mechanical strains, wafer rotation, and imperfect windows commonly encountered in an actual MOCVD system. Data may be collected over a wide spectral range, 390 to 950 nm, in less than one second using a multichannel detector and broad-band light source. This wide bandwidth provides detailed compositional discrimination and greater thickness sensitivity than single-wavelength measurements. The technique may be used to extract wavelength-dependent optical constant data under growth temperature conditions. Examples from the growth of multi-layered structures used in the fabrication of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers is presented. The method shows promise as a valuable tool in process modeling, optimization, and control.
An Alternative to the Polls: Why a Game can Predict a Political Race

Using a poll to predict/track who is ahead or will win in a political race is a form of marketing research. This manuscript reports the results of a series of studies employing a simulation based game as an alternative to polling. In at least two replications, the game was more accurate at predicting a political outcome than the traditional and more expensive political polls. This article puts forth a theoretical rationale for why such a game might be effective and addresses the potential for replication in future studies.
Minimally Invasive Access to the Prostate: The Concept of Surgical Space Creation

Surgical exposure is the key to success in any operation. In open surgery, the tools of the trade included incision location, retractor systems, and hand held instrumentation. In robot-assisted surgery the equivalent skills include port placement, robot docking, and manipulating anatomy to access the steps. In this chapter, we review the essentials of robot-assisted surgical access, and offer tips on how to encounter specific challenges such as Dennonvilliers’ planes, seminal vesicles, obesity, pubic arch obstruction, accessory arteries, and penile prosthesis reservoirs.
The Way I See It: Greatly exaggerated death of the library

L'A. critique les media qui font l'eloge des ordinateurs et du web qui permettraient de faire toute recherche. Elle souligne que ce ne sont que des outils et que ce qui n'est pas automatise est parfois plus efficace (exemple du film Desk set avec Katharine Hepburn et Spencer Tracy)
Physiological importance and control of non-shivering facultative thermogenesis

This review examines general and evolutionary aspects of temperature homeostasis, focusing on mammalian facultative or adaptive thermogenesis and its control by the sympathetic nervous system and hormones. Thyroid hormone acquired a new role with the advent of homeothermy enhancing facultative thermogenesis by interacting synergistically with the sympathetic nervous system, and directly increasing basal metabolic rate (obligatory thermogenesis). Facultative thermogenesis is triggered by cold. The major site of facultative thermogenesis in mammals is brown adipose tissue, endowed with abundant mitochondria rich in a protein called uncoupling protein-1. This protein can uncouple phosphorylation in a controlled manner, releasing the energy of the proton-motive force as heat. Its synthesis and function are regulated synergistically by the sympathetic nervous system and thyroid hormone and modulated by other hormones directly, or indirectly, modulating sympathetic activity as well as thyroid hormone secretion and activation in brown adipose tissue. Alternate, evolutionary older forms of facultative thermogenesis activated in transgenic mice with disabled brown adipose tissue thermogenesis reveal this latter as the culmination of energy-efficient facultative thermogenesis.
Augmented reality digital sculpture

We present our metaphor for object translation, rotation, and rescaling and particle parameter manipulation in an augmented reality environment using an Android smartphone or tablet for the 2017 3DUI Competition in Los Angeles, California. Our metaphor aims to map the three-dimensional interaction of objects in a real world space to the two-dimensional plane of a smartphone or tablet screen. Our final product is the result of experimentation with different metaphors for translation, rotation, rescaling, and particle parameter manipulation and was guided by the feedback of voluntary product testers. The result is an interaction technique between a mobile device and the virtual world which we believe to be intuitive.
False Consciousness, Developmental Writing, and the Community College

ABSTRACTThe community college continues to deal with the challenging of educating developmental writers. The challenge becomes more daunting with the failure of many to see this as a social and political endeavor. This article delves into the need to teach developmental writing in a way that empowers writers to see themselves as authors and their lives as relevant to the writing context.
Corrections to “Precision Passive-Charge-Sharing SAR ADC: Analysis, Design, and Measurement Results”

In the above paper [1] , one co-author was mistakenly left out of the byline. The correct byline and Junhua Shen’s biography and photograph are as follows.
Consulting with Schools and School Psychologists: What Pediatric Neuropsychologists Need to Know

Pediatric patients and their families often use results of a neuropsychological evaluation to seek services in school settings. A complaint of schools is that pediatric neuropsychological assessments are not readily useful or user-friendly for educational purposes. This article will provide suggestions about how pediatric neuropsychologists can integrate principles of school-based psychological consultation models to collaborate across disciplines and communicate their assessment findings to school professionals in a way that may allow them to more readily integrate recommendations. The goal is to help pediatric neuropsychologists incorporate practices of effective school-based consultation, which ultimately can help neuropsychologists better influence educational decisions related to their patients. This article will outline the barriers to effective consultation, describe principles of psychological consultation in school settings, and illustrate the ideas with three case examples.