cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Web-Based Geotechnical GIS

A web-based Geotechnical Geographic Information System (GeoGIS) was developed and tested for the Alabama Department of Transportation. This web-based system stores geotechnical information about transportation projects, such as subsurface data, construction drawings, and design information. Typically, this information is in a report or plan sheet format, but raw geotechnical data can also be accommodated in the GeoGIS. The goal of this system is to provide easy access and storage for all geotechnical and subsurface structural information from across a state. Access through a secure web interface allows for keyword searches and interactive map selection. The web-based GeoGIS has four geotechnical layers (project, bridge, foundation, and soil boring) that can be displayed on a road map, aerial photos, or USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles. For testing purposes the GeoGIS was populated with multiple document types, formats, and sizes. In all cases, the system performed above expectations.
Synthesis of Gallium Chalcogenide Cubanes and Their Use as CVD Precursors for Ga2E3 (E = S, Se)

The gallium−chalcogen heterocubanes [Cp*Ga(μ3-E)]4, E = S (1) and Se (2), and [Cp†Ga(μ3-Se)]4 (3) have been synthesized by dehalosilylation reactions between E(SiMe3)2 (E = S, Se) and RGaCl2, R = C...
2-methylpyridine from benzamine. a novel rearrangement catalysed by zeolite

Abstract 2-Methylpyridine is the principal side-product of hydroxybenzene amination to benzamine over ZSM-5 zeolite and is formed via benzamine molecular rearrangement.
Recovery from Facial Paralysis Following Crush Injury of the Facial Nerve in Hamsters: Differential Effects of Gender and Androgen Exposure

In recent studies, we have shown that administration of androgens to male hamsters enhances functional recovery from facial paralysis induced by facial nerve crush at the level of the stylomastoid foramen. Furthermore, we have established that the mechanism behind this enhancement of regeneration involves an acceleration of the rate of regeneration, without a shortening in the delay of sprout formation. From those studies, several unexpected findings of inherent sex differences emerged. First, intact (nongonadectomized) females have a faster facial nerve regeneration rate than males and, second, testosterone has a less dramatic effect on the rate of regeneration in females compared to males. In the present study, we explored these novel findings of sex differences in the response of motor neurons to injury. Adult intact female hamsters were subjected to right facial nerve crush axotomy at the level of stylomastoid foramen and either implanted with two or four silastic capsules containing 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, or sham-implanted for controls. A group of adult intact male hamsters was also subjected to right facial nerve crush axotomy. Animals were observed daily, beginning on Day 1 postoperatively and continuing throughout a 3-week recovery period for signs of functional recovery from facial paralysis. The average day of return of each of four behavioral components (semi-blink, blink reflex, full vibrissae movement, and complete recovery) was calculated for all four experimental groups. The results indicate that intact females recover functional return of movement following crush injury significantly faster than intact males. In contrast to our previous findings in male hamsters, administration of exogenous steroids does not accelerate recovery from facial paralysis in adult female hamsters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Automatic generation of benchmark and test workloads

In this tutorial, we describe techniques for automatic generation of benchmark and test workloads. Generated programs have adjustable parameters that are used to select the program size and structure, as well as the relative frequencies of basic operations (or program modules) that characterize the workload.
Role of information in the adoption of best management practices for water quality improvement

Abstract This study investigates the role of information in influencing the adoption of improved farm management practices. A lack of producer information regarding both the profitability and the environmental benefits of adopting improved practices may be a reason why widespread adoption of these practices has not occurred. Compared to direct regulation or financial incentives, raising producer information levels may be a more cost-effective method of increasing adoption. The United States Department of Agriculture has recently established and begun implementing a program based on this idea. To test the validity of the program, a two-stage adoption model is specified and estimated using data from a survey of producers in the program area. The results indicate that producer perceptions play an important role in the decision to adopt. Changing these perceptions by means of an educational program may be a reasonable alternative to financial incentives in encouraging BMP adoption.
Modified backpropagation neural network with applications to image compression

The back-propagation neural network algorithm is an iterative technique for learning the relationship between an input and output. This algorithm has been successfully used in many real-world applications; however, it suffers from slow convergence problems and can get struck in local minima of the weight-error surface. A generalization of previously proposed activation functions has been developed using a free parameter for improved convergence. A modified algorithm based on these function is suggested by bounding the input data to the derivative evaluation in the backwards pass. The modified algorithm has demonstrated superior performance on the standard parity and encoder problems. Finally, a histogram normalization technique is presented for image data compression for improved convergence.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Reification of Goal Structures in a Calculus Tutor: Effects on Problem-Solving Performance

Abstract In an initial experiment with a minimal version of a calculus tutor, it was determined through analyses of verbal protocol data that students were attempting to execute a fairly standard working‐backwards, means‐ends strategy to solve systems of equations, but were having difficulty maintaining the requisite goal stack. To remedy this problem, an enhancement to the interface of the tutor was designed which allowed students to post and display the subgoals required by the means‐ends strategy. As students progressed through problems, individual subgoals were boxed and shaded to indicate which subgoals were active and which had been satisfied, respectively. An experiment testing the effects of this type of goal posting showed that student problem‐solving performance improved in terms of both speed and accuracy while the goal blackboard was present. Furthermore, many of the positive effects persisted after the goal blackboard was taken away. Two explanations for the beneficial effects of goal posting...
The Role of Hydroxyl Channel in Defining Selected Physicochemical Peculiarities Exhibited by Hydroxyapatite.

Mysteries surrounding the most important mineral for vertebrate biology, hydroxyapatite, are many. Perhaps the Greek root of its name, απαταo, meaning ‘to deceive’ and given to its mineral form by the early gem collectors who confused it with more precious stones, is still applicable today, though in a different connotation, descriptive of a number of physicochemical peculiarities exhibited by it. Comparable to water as the epitome of peculiarities in the realm of liquids, hydroxyapatite can serve as a paradigm of peculiarities in the world of solids. Ten of the peculiar properties of hydroxyapatite are sketched in this study, ranging from (i) the crystal lattice flexibility to (ii) notorious surface layer instability, (iii) finite piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity and conductivity to protons, (iv) accelerated growth and improved osteoconductivity in electromagnetic fields, (v) a high nucleation rate at low supersaturation and low crystal growth rate at high supersaturation, (vi) higher bioactivity and resorbability of biological apatite compared to those of the synthetic ones, and beyond. An attempt has been made to explain this array of curious characteristics by referring to a particular element of the crystal structure of hydroxyapatite: the hydroxyl ion channel extending in the direction of the c-axis, through a crystallographic column created by the overlapping calcium ion triangles.
Estimating the efficiency of American petroleum refineries under varying assumptions of the disposability of bad outputs

Purpose – The paper aims to describe and compare multiple methods for estimating the technical efficiency of 113 US oil refineries in operation in 2006 and 2007, considering undesirable output in a production process.Design/methodology/approach – A technology that satisfies weak disposability between desirable and undesirable outputs is constructed by allowing different abatement factors across all refineries. Several measures based on data envelopment analysis approaches are implemented and compared to study the impact of disposability assumptions and to investigate the effects of using non‐uniform abatement factors. A hyperbolic efficiency measure is used to analyze the potential output loss of each refinery due to environmental regulations.Findings – The results indicate that domestic refineries can improve efficiencies regardless of the disposability assumptions and that environmental regulations reduce the amount of potentially desirable outputs produced by some facilities. However, refineries in the...
VIDEO CONFESSION BOOTH

The Video Confession Booth is an ephemeral artifact created at EPIC to help conference-goers share their thoughts and unload their burdens. Made of PVC pipe walls and thick curtains, the booth contains a webcam, a touch-screen laptop and a microphone. Instructions walk the penitent through the process of creating a confession, and provocative questions prompt participation and storytelling.
Rescaling Vocational Education: Workforce Development in a Metropolitan Region

This article profiles a vocational charter school located in Atlanta as an institutional model for customized industry training in the high-tech production firms located nearby. Social partnerships with business and industry, parents and educators, and elected officials will be illuminated, exhibiting new forms of neoliberalism that reconstitute the rules for governmental regulation and creation of educational projects. Workforce development policies in metropolitan regions accommodate transnational firms seeking human capital skills and expertise, with ready access to technological infrastructures for networks of telecommunications and transportation, supply and production, innovation and design, research and training. New learning spaces attract global capital in the stiff competition among cities for business relocations.
Steatosis DeLIVERs High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by excess accumulation of lipids within parenchymal cells of the liver (ie, hepatocellular steatosis) in the absence of excessive ethanol consumption. Fatty liver disease is widely considered to be the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is estimated to occur in more than 25% of the Western population.1 Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease represents a continuum of histopathologic and biochemical features, progressing from simple steatosis to a more marked inflammatory condition, termed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which can cause liver fibrosis.2 Basic scientists and clinicians alike are significantly invested in understanding mechanisms underlying the development of steatosis, as well as identifying triggers for the transition of simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which contributes significantly to liver-related morbidity. The presence of fatty liver disease in patients has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.3 In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Ndumele et al identify an association between hepatic steatosis, as assessed by noninvasive abdominal ultrasound, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).4 Importantly, this association was independent of and additive to obesity and metabolic syndrome. hs-CRP …
Interband transitions of crystalline and amorphous SiO2: An electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) study of the low-loss region

Abstract Surface and bulk low-loss spectra of α-quartz ( c -SiO 2 ), SiO 2 glass ( am -SiO 2 ) and opal were studied by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Four interband transitions with similar energies occur in all samples. These transitions were investigated by comparison with published optical data and with the valence and joint density of states calculated by the pseudopotential method. The interband transitions arise from maxima in the valence-band density of states.
A high-quality muon beam in the 10–15 GeV energy range☆

Abstract The design and performance of a muon beam built at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center is described. The transport system delivers 14 GeV positive muons with a spot size of σ ≈ 4 mm in each plane, divergence of σ ≈ 2 mrad in each plane, momentum bite of ±1%, a total of 1.6% halo, with a π contamination of (4±1.5) × 10 −5 . With present incident beam power limitations due to primary target design, the flux is ∼ 40 000 muons/s. The full power of SLAC would yield 170 000 muons/s.
MOF–graphite oxide nanocomposites: surface characterization and evaluation as adsorbents of ammonia

Metal-organic framework (MOF-5)–graphite oxide (GO) composite was synthesized using a solvothermal synthesis route. The parent materials (MOF-5 and GO) and the nanocomposite were characterized using X-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM, FTIR and adsorption of nitrogen. They were also tested as adsorbents of ammonia in dynamic conditions. The composite material obtained had a unique layered texture with a preserved structure of MOF-5 and GO. When tested as ammonia adsorbent, the composite showed some synergy enhancing the adsorption capacity in comparison with the hypothetical physical mixture of the components. Although the removal capacity was high in the presence of moisture, water had a detrimental effect on the chemistry of materials and destroyed their porous framework. This caused ammonia retained on the surface to be progressively desorbed from the materials when the samples were purged with air.
Molecular and clinical evidence of the role of estrogen in lupus

Abstract The Society for Women's Health Research Scientific Advisory Meeting on Sex Differences in Immunology and Autoimmunity was held at Longwood Medical in Boston, MA, USA on 8 November 2001.
Side-Chain Reactivity of a Nascent Peptide in the Ribosomal Exit Tunnel

Nascent peptides begin to fold in the ribosomal exit tunnel. This is not a unilateral act by the peptide. The tunnel, ∼100A in length and 10-20 A in width, collaborates and is an active participant in translation. The precise mechanisms for this teamwork are unknown. To probe these peptide-tunnel interactions, we have engineered different side-chains adjacent to a cysteine in a molecular tape measure positioned at various locations inside the tunnel. In each case, we measured the kinetics of cysteine modification with a series of reagents of increasing size: trimethyl-, triethyl-, tripropyl-, and tributyl-ammonium maleimides. Three conclusions may be drawn. First, for a given side-chain and a given reagent, the modification rates decrease in going deeper into the tunnel from the exit port to the peptidyltransferase center (PTC). Second, the ratio of modification rate constants for trimethyl to tributyl reagent for an identical reporter cysteine increases monotonically with increasing distance into the tunnel from the exit port. Third, the tunnel near the exit port is relatively insensitive to the choice of adjacent side-chain, whereas a site deeper in the tunnel exhibits side-chain dependent reactivities. As a given amino acid moves along the tunnel during peptide elongation, its interactions with the tunnel are both site-specific and tuned to the unique primary sequence of each nascent peptide. [Supported by NIH grant GM 52302].
Hindcast/forecast of ENSO events based upon the redistribution of observed and model heat content in the Western Tropical Pacific, 1964-86

Anomalous sea level, anomalous observed dynamic height (0/400 db) and anomalous model dynamic height are examined at the locations of 13 island sea level stations in the tropical Pacific for each bimonth of the four year period 1979 to 1982. Starting in 1981, the anomalous dynamic height data show off-equatorial Rossby waves propagated toward the W boundary of the Pacific basin. At the W boundary, the model Rossby wave activity was found to have excited coastally trapped Kelvin-Munk waves which transmitted the anomalous dynamic height equatorward. At the equator, coastally trapped wave activity excited eastward propagating equatorial Kelvin waves, yielding a pair of anomalous peaks in dynamic height variability in the E equatorial Pacific associated with the 1982–1983 ENSO event. The evolution of the peaks in dynamic height associated with the Rossby and Kelvin wave activity reflects the redistribution of observed upper-ocean heat content in the W tropical Pacific, providing a qualitative hindcast for the 1982–1983 ENSO event.
Externalizing Behaviors are Associated with SNPs in the CHRNA5 / CHRNA3 / CHRNB4 Gene Cluster

There is strong evidence for shared genetic factors contributing to childhood externalizing disorders and substance abuse. Externalizing disorders often precede early substance experimentation, leading to the idea that individuals inherit a genetic vulnerability to generalized disinhibitory psychopathology. Genetic variation in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster has been associated with early substance experimentation, nicotine dependence, and other drug behaviors. This study examines whether the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is correlated also with externalizing behaviors in three independent longitudinally assessed adolescent samples. We developed a common externalizing behavior phenotype from the available measures in the three samples, and tested for association with 10 SNPs in the gene cluster. Significant results were detected in two of the samples, including rs8040868, which remained significant after controlling for smoking quantity. These results expand on previous work focused mainly on drug behaviors, and support the hypothesis that variation in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is associated with early externalizing behaviors.
Functional analysis of the A complementation group mutants of Sindbis HR virus.

Abstract The 10 members of the A complementation group of temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of SIN HR, the heat-resistant strain of Sindbis virus, were divided into two phenotypic subgroups. Subgroup I mutants (ts15, ts17, ts21, ts24, and ts133) demonstrated temperature-sensitive 26 S mRNA synthesis, whereas subgroup II mutants (ts4, ts14, ts16, ts19, and ts138) did not; both ts4 and ts19 demonstrated defective 26 S mRNA synthesis at 30°. None of the A group mutants demonstrated temperature-sensitive 49 S plus-strand synthesis. Temperature-sensitive cleavage of ns230 was demonstrated by subgroup I mutants, except ts21, but not by subgroup II mutants. A revertant of ts133 that grew at 40° retained temperature-sensitive 26 S mRNA synthesis but lost temperature-sensitive cleavage of ns230 and the RNA-negative phenotype. Only ts4, like tsll of the B complementation group, demonstrated temperature-sensitive minus-strand RNA synthesis. In addition to ts24, cells infected with ts17 or ts133 continued to synthesize minus strands after shiftup in the absence of continued protein synthesis, and resumed synthesis of minus strands if shifted to the nonpermissive temperature after minus-strand synthesis had ceased at the permissive temperature.
Systemic Embolic Complications of Pulmonary Vein Angioplasty in Children.

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) carries significant morbidity and mortality for affected children, and its management often requires multiple angioplasty procedures. PVS angioplasty can be complicated by systemic embolic events such as stroke, but incidence and risk factors are poorly understood. We reviewed pediatric catheterizations involving PVS angioplasty and/or stent placement performed at Boston Children’s Hospital between July 2005 and February 2014. A total of 406 cases were performed in 144 distinct patients. Patients underwent a median of two catheterizations, at median age 1 year and weight 6.9 kg. Eleven (2.7 %) catheterizations were complicated by clinically apparent systemic embolic events, comprising 10 strokes (one with associated hepatic embolism) and 1 renal infarct. Prevalence of clinically evident stroke among this cohort was 7.6 %. Using a prior (uncomplicated) catheterization to allow each patient to serve as their own control, we sought to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for systemic embolic events. Although this analysis was limited by low power, complicated and uncomplicated angioplasties did not appear to differ in case time, contrast dose, anticoagulation management, use of cutting balloons, number of catheter exchanges, or size of long sheath used. Significant non-embolic adverse events were common, occurring in 25 % of catheterizations. Systemic embolism appears to complicate PVS angioplasty at a rate much higher than that described for other congenital catheterizations. This risk may be inherent to the procedure rather than related to any modifiable or operator-dependent factors.
Multiracial matters - disrupting and reinforcing the racial rubric in educational discourse

When studying matters of race and education, there seems to be an assumption that the inclusion of all monoracial populations equates to a comprehensive look at all students, particularly students of color. But what about students who identify with more than one race? How do Multiracial students identify and how are they included/excluded with respect to educational curricula, policies and climates? This growing group presents an immediate opportunity and challenge to the educational community, because while educational researchers appropriately and vigorously pay attention to matters of traditionally under-represented monoracial groups of color, it has yet to be seen where Multiracial students fall into this discourse. Based on a qualitative study of 25 Multiracially identified college students, I explore the ways in which the notion of Multiraciality muddies traditional conversations about race and education in an effort to better understand the potential impact of this ‘new’ demographic within an educa...
Scents of Place: The Dysplacement of a First Nations Community in Canada

Here I explore how the experience of place at a First Nations reserve in Ontario, located in the middle of Canada's "Chemical Valley," is disrupted by the extraordinary levels of pollution found there. In so doing, I give special attention to air pollution and residents' responses to associated odors - that is, to the sense of smell. Focusing on a unique feature of smell - that it operates primarily through indexicality - I draw on C. S. Peirce's semiotic framework to highlight ways in which perception of odors entails embodiment of the perceived substance, thus connecting self and surroundings in profound and transformative ways. Ultimately, I argue that the local smellscape, while having reinforced a sense of positive emplacement on the reserve in the past, is now, because of the constant presence of toxic fumes, instilling in residents a profound sense of alienation from the ancestral landscape - a condition I call "dysplacement."
Internal Heat Necrosis of Potato—A Review

Non-pathogenic necroses of potato tubers have been described in the literature since the early 20th century using different names including internal rust spot, internal browning, physiological internal necrosis, internal brown fleck, chocolate spot, internal brown spot and internal heat necrosis. These reports very likely describe either the same, or a collection of similar disorders, falling under the general umbrella of “internal necrosis”, with the expression of symptoms being significantly altered via genotype by environment interactions. A number of widely-grown cultivars (e.g. ‘Russet Burbank’, ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Yukon Gold’) are susceptible to internal necrosis, making it an economically significant problem. In Atlantic, this syndrome has been termed internal heat necrosis (IHN) in the eastern United States by several investigators because heat and drought are believed to be important triggers of this condition. Investigators in the midwestern and western United States term this same or similar disorder internal brown spot (IBS). IHN and IBS are an internal physiological disorder of potato characterized by brownish red necrotic patches of parenchymal tissue that typically, though not always, occur along and/or inside the vascular ring. Several reports indicate that IHN is most commonly associated with the vascular ring tissue near the apical end of the tuber, but IHN may form anywhere in the tuber. In many cases, it is very difficult to distinguish between IHN and IBS, and several overlapping environmental factors are associated with each of these disorders. High day and night temperatures early in the growing season, combined with low rainfall, have been shown to increase the frequency and severity of IHN and IBS in several cultivars. Considerable research has examined the role of calcium in ameliorating IHN and IBS expression. Much of this work suggests an important role for calcium in the development of IHN, but other biotic and abiotic factors undoubtedly affect IHN and IBS expression. The biochemistry and genetics behind internal necroses of potato have historically been the least-researched facets of this problem. Research has shown that enzymes involved in protecting cells from oxidative damage may be involved, and heritability studies have demonstrated that broad-sense heritability for IHN resistance is high. This review seeks to outline previous work on physiological internal necroses of potato due to high temperatures, summarize our current knowledge of IHN, and point to new areas of investigation to develop IHN resistant potato varieties.
Assessment of daily and cumulative carbohydrate and fat balances in mice

Abstract A method for measuring daily CO2 production and oxygen consumption of mice is described, using 55-gallon plastic drums as sealed metabolic chambers, which are vented once a day. When gas exchange and food intake measurements are performed over many consecutive days (i.e., 15 days or more), an internal calibration can be performed to take into account individual variations in nutrient absorption and food spillage, as well as production of hydrogen by intestinal fermentation. This allows daily rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation to be established with a high degree of accuracy. The method thus allows monitoring of daily and cumulative carbohydrate and fat balances over many consecutive days. This provides a totally new type of information, inaccessible by conventional studies limited to measurements of overall energy balance, but of great potential importance for the understanding of the corrective responses which bring about body weight stability.
Managing the Group Monopolist

This article explores, both theoretically and clinically, the behavior of the habitual group monopolist, an individual who dominates a group in a nontherapeutic manner. It examines clinical data to illustrate various ways a client can monopolize a group and how other group members react to this behavior. The article concludes with some therapist and group interventions that have a significant effect in lessening a group member's monopolistic behavior.
Five-coordinate M(II)-semiquinonate (M = Fe, Mn, Co) complexes: reactivity models of the catechol dioxygenases.

A series of five-coordinate MII-semiquinonate (M = Fe, Mn, Co) complexes were synthesized and characterized, including the first example of a mononuclear FeII-semiquinonate. Intermediates were observed in the reactions of MII-phenSQ (M = Fe, Co) with O2. Evidence for the relevance of these intermediates to the intradiol catechol dioxygenases was obtained by characterization of the oxidized semiquinone-derived product, muconic anhydride, resulting from the reaction of [PhTttBu]CoII(3,5-DBSQ) with O2.
Marketing Selves Constructing Civil Society and Selfhood in Post-socialist Hungary

This article examines civil society initiatives in Hungary which urge individuals to re-make themselves as entrepreneurs and unfettered free-agents. These projects cast the subjects of formerly sta...
Personality Correlates of Habitual Alcohol Use

The first part of this study explored relationships of 41 individual-difference measures to an earlier self-report measure of habitual alcohol use. Five measures of individual differences relating to anxiety exhibited negative correlations with habitual alcohol use. Also, obesity was not correlated significantly with alcohol use. The second part showed that a bored temperament was associated with the highest level, and a docile temperament was associated with the lowest level of habitual alcohol use. The second lowest level of habitual alcohol use was associated with an anxious temperament.
Begging in a Southeastern Mexican City

Modes of begging and attitudes of patrons or "clients" are examined in the cathedral city of San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico. Figures are given for ethnic composition, age and sex distribution, and physical condition of San Cristobal beggars. Interviews identified factors that cause one to adopt begging—temporary unemployment, physical incapacity, family poverty, lack of family, and dissatisfaction with the few existing church and city welfare agencies. The city's tradition of benevolence and lack of welfare institutions have combined to attract beggars from the surrounding highlands. But while economically profitable, begging on the street causes extreme social stigma.
Pretreatment Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Independently Predicts Disease-specific Survival in Resectable Gastroesophageal Junction and Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Objective:Preoperative methods to estimate disease-specific survival (DSS) for resectable gastroesophageal (GE) junction and gastric adenocarcinoma are limited. We evaluated the relationship between DSS and pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR).Background:The patient's inflammatory state
Confronting dynamics and uncertainty in optimal decision making for conservation

The effectiveness of conservation efforts ultimately depends on the recognition that decision making, and the systems that it is designed to affect, are inherently dynamic and characterized by multiple sources of uncertainty. To cope with these challenges, conservation planners are increasingly turning to the tools of decision analysis, especially dynamic optimization methods. Here we provide a general framework for optimal, dynamic conservation and then explore its capacity for coping with various sources and degrees of uncertainty. In broadest terms, the dynamic optimization problem in conservation is choosing among a set of decision options at periodic intervals so as to maximize some conservation objective over the planning horizon. Planners must account for immediate objective returns, as well as the effect of current decisions on future resource conditions and, thus, on future decisions. Undermining the effectiveness of such a planning process are uncertainties concerning extant resource conditions (partial observability), the immediate consequences of decision choices (partial controllability), the outcomes of uncontrolled, environmental drivers (environmental variation), and the processes structuring resource dynamics (structural uncertainty). Where outcomes from these sources of uncertainty can be described in terms of probability distributions, a focus on maximizing the expected objective return, while taking state-specific actions, is an effective mechanism for coping with uncertainty. When such probability distributions are unavailable or deemed unreliable, a focus on maximizing robustness is likely to be the preferred approach. Here the idea is to choose an action (or state-dependent policy) that achieves at least some minimum level of performance regardless of the (uncertain) outcomes. We provide some examples of how the dynamic optimization problem can be framed for problems involving management of habitat for an imperiled species, conservation of a critically endangered population through captive breeding, control of invasive species, construction of biodiversity reserves, design of landscapes to increase habitat connectivity, and resource exploitation. Although these decision making problems and their solutions present significant challenges, we suggest that a systematic and effective approach to dynamic decision making in conservation need not be an onerous undertaking. The requirements are shared with any systematic approach to decision making?a careful consideration of values, actions, and outcomes.
Effect of pH on metabolism of the glutamine carbon skeleton by renal cortical mitochondria

Abstract 1. 1. To determine the effect of altered acid-base homeostasis on the intramitochondrial metabolism of the glutamine carbon skeleton 14CO2 production from [U-14C]glutamine by isolated rat renal cortical mitochondria was measured. 2. 2. Mitochondria from rats with chronic metabolic acidosis either showed no change or diminished 14CO2 production in comparison with pair fed controls. 3. 3. By contrast, when the pH of the medium incubating mitochondria from normal rats was manipulated (pH 7.0, 7.4, 7.7), 14CO2 production was clearly altered, but the direction and magnitude of the change depended on the glutamine concentration used (0.5 or 10.0 mM). 4. 4. Mitochondria produced significant quantities of 14CO2 when [1,4 14C]succinate was used as substrate, indicating that 14CO2 production from glutamine does not originate solely from the decarboxylation of α KG. 5. 5. Thus chronic acidosis and pH, per se, affect intramitochondrial glutamine carbon skeleton metabolism in different fashions, but the specific mechanism cannot be elucidated using 14CO2 production from [U-14C]glutamine. 6. 6. Additional studies directly quantitating the metabolic products of glutamine have confirmed these findings and more precisely defined the sites of metabolic alteration.
Update on the Epidemiology and Prognosis of Pediatric Epilepsy

Epilepsy is among the most common serious neurologic disorders in childhood. Epidemiologic studies over the past few decades have greatly increased current knowledge of the incidence and prognosis of seizures. Newer epidemiologic studies have used population- or community-based cohorts, and careful attention has been given to etiology and specific epilepsy syndromes, the two most important factors affecting prognosis. Risk of epilepsy is highest in patients with an associated serious neurologic abnormality, such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy. More than two thirds of patients with childhood-onset epilepsy ultimately achieve remission. Of those attaining remission on medications, approximately 70% remain seizure free when medications are discontinued. Mortality is increased in patients with epilepsy, but the increased mortality risk in childhood-onset epilepsy is primarily seen in patients with neurologic abnormalities or intractable epilepsy. Although long-term seizure outcomes are generally favorable, childhood-onset epilepsy is associated with adverse long-term psychosocial outcomes, even in patients attaining remission. This review summarizes recent data on the epidemiology and prognosis of pediatric epilepsy.
Reactions of the ambidentate substrate chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane with amines and amides

Abstract Chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane (CMDS) reacts with diethylamine and aniline at the SiCl group to form the corresponding chloromethyldimethylsilylamines. With amides, however, substitution on CMDS occurs at the CCl bond to form compounds with a 5-membered ring containing a 5-coordinate silicon. Reaction of trimethylsilyl amides with CMDS provides the most convenient route to this ring system but with bis(trimethylsilyl) amides, RCON[Si(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 , it proceeds only when R is small. Reaction of bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide and N -methyltrimethylsilylacetamide with a variety of substrates of the type X(CH 2 ) n Si(CH 3 ) 2 Y occurs when X = Cl or Br and Y = Cl, Br or N(C 2 H 5 ) 2 and n = 2 but not when n = 3 or Y = OC 2 H 5 , CH 3 , CH = CH 2 , or C 6 H 5 .
Cosmological constraints on elementary particle masses in lemaǐtre cosmological models

Abstract We recalculate the cosmological limits on hypothetical and undetected elementary particle masses under the assumption that the cosmological constant, Λ, is non-zero. The existing range of allowed masses is considerably extended by removing the unverified assumption that Λ =0. In particular, light neutrino masses up to ≈280 eV are compatible with cosmological observations. The implications of a cold early universe for these estimates are also outlined.
Evolving Learning Environments: Another Team-Based Example in Higher Education

In this case study, the authors expand their previous study of team-based learning environments in an undergraduate “Meeting and Convention Sales and Service” course. The writers sought to answer two general questions: Do student teams perform better than individuals with regard to accomplishing course objectives, and do student teams perform better on periodic team-based examinations?
Variability in Diagnosis and Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Neurocritical Care Patients

Clinical approach to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the neurocritical care unit (NCCU) varies widely among physicians despite training and validated criteria. Prospective observational study of all mechanically ventilated patients with suspected VAP over 18 months in an academic NCCU. Patients meeting VAP criteria by a surveillance program (SurvVAP) were compared to treated patients who did not meet surveillance criteria (ClinVAPonly). We identified appropriate/potentially inappropriate antibiotic treatment and factors associated with excessive antibiotic days (EAD). Of 622 ventilated patients, 83 cases were treated as VAP. Of these, 26 (31.3 %) had VAP by CDC criteria (SurvVAP) (VAP rate = 7.3 cases/1,000 ventilator days). Clinical features significantly more prevalent in SurvVAP cases (vs. ClinVAPonly) were change in sputum character, tachypnea, oxygen desaturation, persistent infiltrate on chest X-ray and higher clinical pulmonary infection score, but not positive sputum culture. Treatment with pneumonia-targeted antibiotics for >8 days was significantly more common in ClinVAPonly versus SurvVAP patients (73.7 vs. 30.8 %, p < 0.001) even after excluding patients with other infections (p = 0.001). Based on current guidelines, the ClinVAPonly group contributed 225 EAD, including 38 vancomycin days, 70 piperacillin–tazobactam days and 85 cephalosporin days with cost figure over four times that of EAD in SurvVAP group. No pre-specified factors were associated with continued VAP treatment beyond 8 days. Incongruency between clinically and surveillance-defined VAP is common in acute neurological disease although outcomes did not differ between groups. Clinician behaviors rather than clinical factors may contribute to prolonged prescribing.
Physical Therapy in Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation requires the skillful attention of a health care team to provide optimal results. The physical therapist is an integral part of this team, providing expertise in exercise testing and prescription in all phases, from initial evaluation through postoperative rehabilitation and beyond. In addition, the physical therapist promotes effective ventilation, offers techniques for enhanced coughing and mucociliary clearance, and provides treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Lung transplantation is reserved for patients in whom all other treatments have been exhausted. It is important for the physical therapist to stay abreast of the evolving field of lung transplantation, including medications and complications. The physical therapist has a critical role in helping lung transplant recipients achieve optimal function, increased survival, and improved quality of life.
Atmospheric organic matter in clouds: exact masses and molecular formula identification using ultrahigh-resolution FT-ICR mass spectrometry

Abstract. Clouds alter the composition of atmospheric aerosol by acting as a medium for interactions between gas- and particulate-phase substances. To determine the cloud water atmospheric organic matter (AOM) composition and study the cloud processing of aerosols, two samples of supercooled clouds were collected at the Storm Peak Laboratory near Steamboat Springs, Colorado (3220 m a.s.l.). Approximately 3000 molecular formulas were assigned to ultrahigh-resolution mass spectra of the samples after using a reversed-phase extraction procedure to isolate the AOM components from the cloud water. Nitrogen-containing compounds (CHNO compounds), sulfur-containing compounds (CHOS and CHNOS compounds) and other oxygen-containing compounds (CHO compounds) with molecular weights up to 700 Da were observed. Average oxygen-to-carbon ratios of ∼0.6 indicate a slightly more oxidized composition than most water-soluble organic carbon identified in aerosol studies, which may result from aqueous oxidation in the clouds. The AOM composition indicates significant influences from biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and residential wood combustion. We observed 60% of the cloud water CHO molecular formulas to be identical to SOA samples of α-pinene, β-pinene, d-limonene, and β-caryophyllene ozonolysis. CHNO compounds had the highest number frequency and relative abundances and are associated with residential wood combustion and NOx oxidation. Multiple nitrogen atoms in the assigned molecular formulas for the nighttime cloud sample composite were observed, indicating the significance of nitrate radical reactions on the AOM composition. Several CHOS and CHNOS compounds with reduced sulfur (in addition to the commonly observed oxidized sulfur-containing compounds) were also observed; however further investigation is needed to determine the origin of the reduced sulfur-containing compounds. Overall, the molecular composition determined using ultrahigh-resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry provides an unambiguous identification of the cloud water organic anion composition in the Rocky Mountain area that could help to improve the understanding of aqueous-phase processes.
Engineering mathematics via computers

In the last two decades the use of mathematics in engineering has increased considerably. Today, mathematical models make up the heart of many engineering disciplines. The rapid increase in scientific knowledge has brought about a staggering proliferation of technological applications. In order to equip students for this exploding technical environment, engineering colleges have turned to emphasizing fundamentals. It is physically impossible to include even a representative sampling-in-depth of today's technological developments without further crowding the already overburdened curricula. This crowding is due not so much to the new ideas the newer scientific applications require, but rather to the inordinate number of details and refinements they engender.
Association of texture-based quantitative fibrotic patterns and pulmonary function test in a new validation set

Background: Under non-volumetric CT scan, a texture-based quantitative lung fibrosis (QLF) score has been developed as a computer-aided diagnostic metric in a scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) [1]. Objective: To test an association the QLF from CT score with pulmonary function tests in new study cohort. Methods: From our anonymized research database, 119 subjects with SSc-ILD (mean age 48±10.6 years and 70.7% ±14.3 of FVC) underwent baseline CT scans with high-resolution, volumetric, 64 detectors in the prone position at full inspiration. The extents of fibrotic patterns were measured as a QLF score in 5 steps: 1) denoise images; 2) grid-sample at a fixed location; 3) convert the characteristics of intensities into texture features; 4) classify voxels as fibrotic or non-fibrotic patterns based on texture features and 5) report fibrotic voxels as percentages. Associations were tested by Spearman rank correlation. Result: Correlations between pulmonary function test and QLF were similar in the previous study and this new cohort as shown below. Conclusion: The quantitative fibrotic patterns in whole lung can be a useful prognostic metric of severity and the heterogeneity of distribution in fibrotic patterns in lobes can be used as an index. Reference: 1Kim HJ, Tashkin DP, Clements PJ, et al. A computer-aided diagnosis system for quantitative scoring of extent of lung fibrosis in scleroderma patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2010 (5 Suppl 62); S26-35.
Clock skew optimization for peak current reduction

The presence of large current peaks on the power and ground lines is a serious concern for designers of synchronous digital circuits. Current peaks are caused by the simultaneous switching of highly loaded clock lines and by the signal propagation through the sequential logic elements. In this work we propose a methodology for reducing the amplitude of the current peaks. This result is obtained by clock skew optimization. We propose an algorithm that determines the clock arrival time at each flip-flop in order to minimize the current peaks while respecting timing constraint. Our results on benchmark circuits show that current peaks can be reduced by more than a factor of two without penalty on cycle time and average power dissipation. Our methodology is therefore well-suited for low-power systems with reduced supply voltage, where low noise margins are a primary concern.
A Short History of Atomic Physics in the Twentieth Century

This brief account describes some of the developments of atomic physics during the twentieth century that particularly appeal to the author’s sensibility, that of an experimental physicist. It makes no pretense to being comprehensive. On the contrary, major theoretical and experimental areas have been omitted because of the space limitations. Several excellent historical studies that can help to fill out the picture are listed in the Biblography.
Structural Impediments in the Development of a Community-Based Drug Prevention Program for Youth: Preliminary Analysis from a Qualitative Formative Evaluation Study

In response to community pressure to "do something" about increased drug related problems, a consortium was formed to refocus existing community services towards at-risk youth with special needs and few resources. Using a lead agency approach, ethnically matched case counselors allocated services which included jobs, tutoring, recreation, mentors, family workshops, and drug counselling. The lead agency and case counselors worked in parallel with the newly formed consortium of service providers to reshape and customize services as client needs become clarified. This article reports on the initial six months of this program's implementation, focusing on the problems which arose due to the structural relations amongst the service providers, lead agency and case counselors. The beneficial role of the formative evaluation process itself-in highlighting these problems as they surfaced-is also discussed.