cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Female kin density affects offspring sex ratio in an asocial mammal, the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis

Evolutionary theory predicts that parents should bias investment in offspring towards the sex that will yield the higher fitness returns, and one outcome may be biased offspring sex ratios. Bias in offspring sex ratios has been proposed to vary with specific social, maternal and environmental conditions that alter the fitness returns of each sex, but empirical evidence is conflicting both within and across taxa. We used 18 years of pedigree and demographic data to investigate variation in offspring sex ratios in a population of golden-mantled ground squirrels. Despite overall parity in offspring sex ratio, we found predictable changes in offspring sex ratio in response to female density at the population level: squirrels produced more daughters when female density was low and more sons when female density was high. At the individual level, females adjusted litter sex ratios similarly, but only in response to high densities of kin, and not in response to density of nonkin. This effect was reversed for older females (≥3 years) in dense kin neighbourhoods, which were more likely to produce daughters, perhaps because older females had the behavioural dominance necessary to recruit daughters at high densities. By contrast, litter sex ratios did not vary with maternal condition or food availability. Our results support the local resource competition theory of offspring sex allocation for this species. Knowledge of female relatedness revealed patterns of sex ratio adjustment that otherwise would have been obscured, highlighting the importance of interactions with kin in an asocial species.
Fast successive spectral estimation of irregularly sampled data

Techniques for estimation of a dense spectrum from irregularly sampled data are typically either very processing intensive or suffer from large amounts of bias in the estimate due to signal leakage. This paper proposes an estimation algorithm that has similarities to the successive interference cancellation algorithms from the communications literature. The algorithm successively estimates larger amplitude frequency components first and then subtracts out those estimates before continuing on to lower amplitudes. The algorithm is able to maintain the low complexity of an FFT-based algorithm while overcoming the poor bias performance typically associated with those algorithms.
Nonlinear elliptic boundary problems

We establish estimates and regularity for solutions to nonlinear elliptic boundary problems. In §8.1 we treat completely nonlinear second order equations, obtaining L2-Sobolev estimates for solutions assumed a priori to belong to \({C^{2 + r}}(\overline M )\), r > 0. The analysis here is done on a quite general level, and extends readily to higher order elliptic systems, by amalgamating the nonlinear analysis in §8.1 with the approach to linear elliptic boundary problems taken in Chapter 5 of [T2]. In §8.2 we make note of improved estimates for solutions to quasilinear second order equations. In §8.3 we show how such results, when supplemented by the DeGiorgi-Nash-Moser theory, apply to solvability of the Dirichlet problem for certain quasilinear elliptic PDE.
Bayesian Inference Using Gibbs Sampling – BUGS Project

BUGS is a freely available software for constructing and evaluating Bayesian statistical models using simulation approaches based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo methodology.
Control of Insect Outbreaks

In the previous chapter we discussed methods for preventing insect populations from reaching outbreak levels. If these practices fail, or if they are not implemented, the forest manager will probably have to face pest outbreaks from time to time. Once insect populations have attained levels that cause serious damage to forest resources, the manager has three options: (1) do nothing and allow the outbreak to run its course; (2) attempt to limit the spread of the outbreak; and (3) attempt to reduce the insect population to nondamaging levels. In this chapter we will discuss the basic principles of outbreak containment and suppression and then explore the tactics that can be employed to achieve these ends.
Effect of different transport observations on inverse modeling results: case study of a long-term groundwater tracer test monitored at high resolution.

Conservative tracer experiments can provide information useful for characterizing various subsurface transport properties. This study examines the effectiveness of three different types of transport observations for sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation of a three-dimensional site-specific groundwater flow and transport model: conservative tracer breakthrough curves (BTCs), first temporal moments of BTCs (m1), and tracer cumulative mass discharge (Md) through control planes combined with hydraulic head observations (h). High-resolution data obtained from a 410-day controlled field experiment at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (USA), have been used. In this experiment, bromide was injected to create two adjacent plumes monitored at six different transects (perpendicular to groundwater flow) with a total of 162 monitoring wells. A total of 133 different observations of transient hydraulic head, 1,158 of BTC concentration, 23 of first moment, and 36 of mass discharge were used for sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation of nine flow and transport parameters. The importance of each group of transport observations in estimating these parameters was evaluated using sensitivity analysis, and five out of nine parameters were calibrated against these data. Results showed the advantages of using temporal moment of conservative tracer BTCs and mass discharge as observations for inverse modeling.
Native bluegill influence the foraging and aggressive behavior of invasive mosquitofish

Two fish species that are common invaders of aquatic ecosystems world-wide are Gambusia affinis and G. holbrooki, commonly known as mosquitofish. In North America, introduced G. affinis are thought to have contributed to the population decline of several native fish species. Sunfish (family Centrarchidae) naturally occur across much of North American, thus mosquitofish and sunfish are likely to come into contact and interact more frequently as mosquitofish spread. However, the nature of this interaction is not well known. We used a lab experiment to explore whether and how the aggressive and foraging behaviors of G. affinis might be influenced by a representative and ubiquitous native centrarchid (Lepomis macrochirus; bluegill sunfish), a species with juveniles that inhabit littoral habitats also preferred by mosquitofish. The experiment partnered an individual male or female mosquitofish (focal fish) with a juvenile bluegill, or a same- or opposite-sex conspecific, filmed these one-to-one interactions, and quantified foraging and aggressive actions for the focal mosquitofish. We found that juvenile bluegill affect foraging in male mosquitofish, resulting in lower percent of handling attempts and handling time in which the male consumed a food item. The presence of juvenile bluegill also led to a reduction in the number of aggressive acts by mosquitofish compared to aggression levels when focal mosquitofish were with conspecifics. In nature, when mosquitofish encounter juvenile bluegill in littoral habitats, our results suggest that the foraging and aggressive behaviors of mosquitofish will be modified, especially for males. This mechanism may influence the rate or geographic extent of the spread of mosquitofish into North American waterbodies.
Comparing and Analyzing the Energy Efficiency of Cloud Database and Parallel Database

To study the Energy Efficiency (EE) of cloud database so as to achieve green computing, the measurement model and approach of EE should be defined, the EE characteristics of cloud database should be investigated, and the EE of cloud database should be compared with that of parallel database. In this paper, the measurement model of EE and its mathematical expression are proposed; the test cases including data loading, querying and analyzing are defined; the measurement approach of cloud database’s EE is described; the EE characteristics of HBase (a cloud database) when executing loading, retrieving, querying, aggregation and join operations are analyzed and compared with that of GridSQL (a parallel database). Plenty of experiments show that, despite that cloud database is an application of “green cloud computing”, the EE of HBase remains to be further optimized.
Longitudinal Change in Speech Rate and Intelligibility Between 5 and 7 Years in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Purpose We examined growth between 5 and 7 years in speech intelligibility, speech rate, and intelligible words per minute (IWPM) in 3 groups of children: those who were typically developing (TD), ...
Effect of continuity-plate alignment on the capacity of welded beam-to-column moment connections

Abstract In fully restrained beam-to-column moment connections, beam moments are mostly transferred to the connected column sections through tension-compression force couples that develop in the beam flanges. Column sections that are incapable of transferring these flange forces are often retrofitted with continuity plates within the connection region to improve capacity. In cases of unequal beam depth framing into a column, an eccentricity between the framed-in beam flange and continuity plate may be required. Limited research exists to justify current guidance on acceptable levels of flange-to-continuity-plate eccentricity. This paper analytically investigates the performance of beam-to-column moment connections having unequal beam depths and eccentric continuity plate detailing. In this paper, twelve detailed finite element analyses considering two column sections (W14 × 132 and W21 × 147 sections) and six levels of connection eccentricity (ranging from 0 to 6 in. (0 to 152 mm)) were considered. Modeling techniques considered for the parametric investigation were validated against experiments performed by others. As expected, increasing the level of eccentricity between the beam flange and continuity plate results in decreased continuity plate participation; however, unlike current code recommendations, noticeable participation (up to 30% additional flange capacity) was observed at eccentricities greater than 2 in. (51 mm). Current code recommendations appear appropriate for eccentricities up to 2 in. (51 mm), but an expanded equation accounting for eccentricities up to 4.5 in. (114 mm) is proposed.
Don't Take It 'Lytely': A Case of Acute Tetany.

The most common causes of tetany are hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and alkalosis. Most case reports of tetany in the literature include some combination of the above metabolic derangements leading to non-life-threatening symptoms. We present a unique case of severe life-threatening tetany in a 38-year-old female with a history of Crohn’s disease. She was previously dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) but discontinued TPN two weeks prior to presentation due to the improvement of her Crohn’s symptoms with a new medication regimen. We propose that malabsorption led to multiple electrolyte abnormalities, resulting in acute tetany that subsequently caused rhabdomyolysis. This case reviews the most common causes of acute tetany and highlights the interaction between electrolytes implicated in both tetany and rhabdomyolysis. It also emphasizes the importance of considering tetany as a diagnosis in a patient with unstable vital signs and diffuse muscle spasms.
A Study on Solving the Inverse Kinematics of Serial Robots using Artificial Neural Network and Fuzzy Neural Network

One of the most important problems in robotics is the computation of the inverse kinematics (IK). This apparently simple task is necessary to determine how to move each joint in order to reach a desired end-effector pose in Cartesian space. However, the associated forward kinematics can be a highly nonlinear, non-bijective, and multidimensional function for which it may be difficult or even impossible to find closed-form solutions for its inverse – especially as the number of Degrees of Freedom (DoF) increases. Several approaches have been taken using non-linear approximators to solve IK problems. In this paper, we present a study on solving the inverse kinematics of multiple robotic arms using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS). For this study, we experimented with 4, 5, 6 and 7 DoF serial robots, with combinations of prismatic and revolute joints. Unlike other task-oriented solvers, our goal was not to predict poses based on specific trajectories (linear or otherwise), but instead to learn the entire robot workspaces. This goal better addresses real-world uses of robotic IK, where any end-effector pose should be reachable from any current pose. From the experiments conducted, we conclude that both ANN and ANFIS converged to some degree to the underlying inverse kinematics function, however approximation errors and the time and effort required to achieve those results may not justify their use vis-a-vis other methods in the literature.
Quantification of Pattern Recognition Skills Acquisition in Histology Using an Eye-Tracking Device: First-Step Toward Evidence-Based Histology Education

Virtual histology laboratories (VHL) are increasingly used in histology and pathology courses in medical, dental and graduate curricula across North America. With technological advancements, there ...
Sarcolemmal Staining by Anti-C4d/C3d in Cardiac Transplant Endomyocardial Biopsies and Associated Serum HLA Antibodies and Pathologic Rejection

Purpose Immunologic evidence of complement fixation in endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) is a feature used to assess pathologic antibody-mediated rejection in cardiac transplants. Uncommonly, sarcolemmal staining (SS) of myocytes is observed. The significance of this is unclear and under-investigated. This study aims to temporally correlate SS with changes in HLA antibodies and pathologic rejection. Methods All EMBs that had SS by anti-C4d and/or C3d on immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry (Figure 1) were identified via the laboratory information system between 10/1/2016 and 10/1/2019. The HLA antibodies and all other EMB results since time of transplant for each case were reviewed and temporally correlated to the biopsy that showed SS. Results 28 patients (mean: 31 yrs; range: 6-73 yrs) with 31 SS events were identified. Associated features are summarized in Table 1. Of note, 29/31 events of SS had HLA antibodies measured within a 2 week period before/after the time of biopsy. A temporally associated expansion of HLA Class I/II antibodies was noted in 12 (39%) cases. 21 (68%) cases had prior donor specific antibodies before EMB showing SS, with less immediate temporal association. Conclusion Sarcolemmal staining of complement split products in EMBs was associated with a concurrent expansion in strength and/or breadth of HLA antibodies in 39% of cases. This is a novel observation that may partially explain the appearance of SS by immunologic assays. Further investigation is required to fully elucidate the significance of SS in EMB.
The Role of Cell Proliferation in the Etiology of Neoplasia

Cancer is due to multiple genetic errors in a single stem cell fixed permanently during replication, produced either by directly damaging DNA or by increasing DNA replications. Synergies occur when both processes are produced. Cell proliferation can be increased by increasing cell births (direct mitogenicity or cytotoxicity and regeneration) or decreasing cell deaths (inhibit apoptosis or differentiation). Screening for these effects provides a rational basis for mode of action analysis and relevance of model findings to human cancer risk.
Certification of Sustainability

This chapter introduces the reader to different ratings created and employed to measure sustainability. In building relationships with consumers for sustainable products or business, the trust and certification of sustainability is dependent upon measurement. The chapter will discuss methods of certification through organizations such as LEED, Bloomberg’s ESG, MSCI KLD, and other assurances of sustainability. The strengths and weaknesses of the measurability will be highlighted by the presence of false advertising known as “greenwashing.”
CD73 maintains hepatocyte metabolic integrity and mouse liver homeostasis in a sex-dependentmanner

Background & AimsMetabolic imbalance and inflammation are common features of chronic liver diseases. Molecular factors controlling these mechanisms represent potential therapeutic targets. One promising target is CD73, the major enzyme that dephosphorylates extracellular adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to form the anti-inflammatory adenosine. In normal liver, CD73 is expressed on pericentral hepatocytes, which are important for long-term liver homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine if CD73 has non-redundant hepatoprotective functions. Approach & ResultsWe generated mice with a targeted deletion of the CD73-encoding gene (Nt5e) in hepatocytes (CD73-LKO). Deletion of hepatocyte Nt5e resulted in approximately 70% reduction in total liver CD73 protein (p<0.0001). Male and female CD73-LKO mice developed normally during the first 21 weeks, without significant liver phenotypes. Between 21-42 weeks, the CD73-LKO mice developed spontaneous onset liver disease with significant severity in male mice. Notably, middle-aged male CD73-LKO mice displayed hepatocyte swelling and ballooning (p<0.05), inflammation (p<0.01) and variable steatosis. Female CD73-LKO mice had lower serum albumin (p<0.05) and elevated inflammatory markers (p<0.01), but did not exhibit the spectrum of histopathologic changes characteristic of the male mice, potentially due to compensatory induction of adenosine receptors. Serum analysis and proteomic profiling of hepatocytes from male CD73-LKO mice revealed significant metabolic imbalance, with elevated blood urea nitrogen (p<0.0001) and impairments in major metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. There was significant hypo-phosphorylation in AMPK substrate in CD73-LKO livers (p<0.0001), while in isolated hepatocytes treated with AMP, soluble CD73 induced AMPK activation (p<0.001). ConclusionsHepatocyte CD73 supports long-term metabolic liver homeostasis through AMPK in a sex-dependent manner. These findings have implications for human liver diseases marked by CD73 dysregulation.
Fully Recyclable Brønsted Acid Catalyst Systems

Homogeneous and heterogeneous sulfonic acid catalysts are some of the most common catalysts used in organic chemistry. This work explores an alternative scheme using a fully recyclable polymeric solvent (a poly-α-olefin (PAO)) and soluble PAO-anchored polyisobutylene (PIB)-bound sulfonic acid catalysts. This PAO solvent is nonvolatile and helps to exclude water by its nonpolar nature which in turn drives reactions without the need for distillation of water, avoiding the need for excess reagents. This highly nonpolar solvent system uses polyisobutylene (PIB) bound sulfonic acid catalysts that are phase-anchored in solvents like PAO. The effectivenes of these catalysts was demonstrated by their use in esterifications, acetalizations, and multicomponent condensations. These catalysts and the PAO solvent phase show excellent recyclability in schemes where products are efficiently separated. For example, this non-volatile polymeric solvent and the PIB-bound catalyst can be recycled quantitatively when volatile products are separated and purified by distillation. In other cases, product purification can be effected by product self-separation or by extraction.
Comparison of Radiation Dose From Conventional and Triple-bolus Computed Tomography Urography Protocols in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Renal Cortical Neoplasms

Objective To retrospectively compare the radiation dose of triple-bolus computed tomography (TBCT) and conventional CT (CCT) urography protocols, analyze the effects of body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose in each group, and assess image quality. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the images of patients who underwent CCT or TBCT imaging in the management of renal cortical neoplasms. We used standard volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) to estimate radiation exposure. In addition, 2 urologists rated the quality of 20 CT images from each group using a survey with a 5-point Likert scale. The survey consisted of 10 questions relating to the ability of the scan to identify relevant renal anatomy. Results The study included 120 patients. CTDIvol and DLP were 28.7% and 40.4% lower in the TBCT protocol, respectively (both P P Conclusion In patients with renal cortical neoplasms, TBCT provides comparable image quality to CCT, with lower ionizing radiation exposure without compromising image quality. Obese patients may benefit more from TBCT scans.
Constraints and catalysts influencing green infrastructure projects: A study of small communities in Oregon (USA)

Abstract Variability in regulatory structure and climate can impact green infrastructure projects and policies in smaller communities (
Spatially-Resolved Integrated Precipitation-Surface-Groundwater Water Isotope Mapping From Crowd Sourcing: Toward Understanding Water Cycling Across a Post-glacial Landscape

Isotopic analyses of 18O and 2H of water in the context of the hydrologic cycle have allowed hydrologists to better understand the portioning of water between the different water domains. Isoscapes on a large spatial scale have been created to show isotopic variation in waters as a function of elevation, temperature, distance to coast and water vapor source. We present the spatial and temporal isotopic results of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater of an ongoing study across Massachusetts, USA in order to establish an isotopic baseline for the region. This represents one of the most comprehensive and detailed isotopic studies of water across a 10,000 sq mi area that has exhaustively sampled important components of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle (precipitation, groundwater, and surface waters). The database consists of water samples from 14 precipitation sites, 409 ground water sites and 516 surface water sites across the state of Massachusetts, USA. The results indicate that groundwater isotopic composition ranges from δ18O -11 to -4 ‰ surface water ranges from δ18O -13 to -3.84 ‰ and precipitation ranges from δ18O -17.88 to -2.89 ‰. On a first order, the small bias of mean groundwater (-8.7 ‰) and surface water (-8.0 ‰) isotopes compared to precipitation δ18O (-7.6 ‰) supports that the timing of groundwater recharge and surface water storage effects the isotopic composition surface and groundwater. While differences are distinct, they are larger than previously reported values, but still suggest more importance of summer precipitation than prior acknowledged. Seasonal amplitudes of precipitation (2.7 ‰), surface water (1.13 ‰), and groundwater (~0 ‰) of the region demonstrate young water fractions of surface water to be 40% with groundwater having no significant annual signal. Results suggest that mean δ18O precipitation, surface water and groundwaters are more enriched in heavy isotopes in areas near the coast, than the interior and western portion of Massachusetts. The hope is for this dataset to become an important tool for water management and water resource assessment across the region.
Islam Reformed in Indian History: The Dynamic Sufi Heart in Vital Transition to Printed Scripture

Attempting to comprehend the controversial subject of Islamic reform, this study compares the development of Indian Islam to the Protestant Reformation. Seminal findings from social science aid in understanding religious reform as an evolving historical process. During the transition to colonial rule in India, Christian missionaries introduced a scripturally defined concept of religion that challenged the traditional worldview with Sufis at the heart of organic universal order. Shah Waliullah interpreted the social disorder as the historical operation of the transcendent and willful God, declaring Islamic scriptures as the only authoritative guide for believers. Reformers translated the Qur’ān, preached to the masses, and established independent Muslim schools. Scripturalism expressed as literalism became puritanical resulting in sectarian fragmentation and conflict with Islamic and Christian reform. But the most disruptive change agent was technological: the printing press transformed scripture from oral and manuscript traditions, and the pervasive printed Qur’ān in local languages shaped individual and communal Muslim identity. The profound historical impact of religious reform with printed scripture could portend a new era with digital scripture in cyberspace.
"Blood Culture Utilization in the Hospital Setting: A Call for Diagnostic Stewardship".

There has been significant progress in detection of bloodstream pathogens in recent decades with the development of more sensitive automated blood culture detection systems and availability of rapid molecular tests for faster organism identification and detection of resistance genes. However, most blood cultures in clinical practice do not grow organisms, suggesting that suboptimal blood culture collection practices (e.g., suboptimal blood volume) or suboptimal selection of patients to culture (i.e., blood cultures ordered for patients with low likelihood of bacteremia) may be occurring. A national blood culture utilization benchmark does not exist, nor do specific guidelines on when blood cultures are appropriate or when blood cultures are of low value and waste resources. Studies evaluating the potential harm associated with excessive blood cultures have focused on blood culture contamination which has been associated with significant increases in healthcare costs and negative consequences for patients related to exposure to unnecessary antibiotics and additional testing. Optimizing blood culture performance is important to ensure bloodstream infections (BSIs) are diagnosed while minimizing adverse events from overuse.
The Effect of Macroscopic and Microscopic Patterns of Stainless Steel Surface on the Efficiency of Dropwise Condensation and Precipitation

Atmospheric water generator (AWG) technologies are considered a potential new source of freshwater. Thermoelectric (TEC) dehumidifiers are one of this technology where it uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux at the junction of two different materials. This device is well known for its thermoelectric cooling application, from as small as portable beverage coolers to as big as submarines. The problems of using this device are ice buildup and relatively low efficiency. If the surface of the material can be engineered in a way that the dropwise condensation, as well as precipitation from the cooling plate, is enhanced, it is possible to maximize the efficiency of TEC-driven AWG with minimum energy consumption. This study investigates the effects of macroscopic (bump/dent, patterns that are visible to the human eye) and microscopic patterns (surface finish, quality, grain distribution, etc. visible under a microscope) on industry-grade stainless (SS) surfaces on dropwise condensation and precipitation. The surface contact angle is considered here to understand the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the surfaces before and after applying hydrophobic coating under constant ambient conditions. Better droplet nucleation and quicker precipitation have been observed on the surfaces after treating a hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface with hydrophobic spray. It can be inferred that even though the initial surface property of the two samples were different, it was possible to achieve similar level of super hydrophobicity after applying the spray. This proves that surfaces can be modified with appropriate treatment to achieve desired properties.
Tipping Cascades in a Multi-patch System with Noise and Spatial Coupling.

Forecasting tipping points in spatially extended systems is a key area of interest to ecologists. A slowly declining spatially distributed population is an important example of an ecological system that could exhibit a cascade of tipping points. Here, we develop a spatial two-patch model with environmental stochasticity that is slowly forced through population collapse, in the presence of changing environmental conditions. We begin with a basic spatial model, then introduce a fast–slow version of the model using geometric singular perturbation theory, followed by the inclusion of stochasticity. Using the spectral density of the fluctuating subpopulation in each patch, we derive analytic expressions for candidate indicators of population extinction and evaluate their performance through a simulation study. We find that coupling and spatial heterogeneity decrease the magnitude of the proposed indicators in coupled populations relative to isolated populations. Moreover, the degree of coupling dictates the trends in summary statistics. We conclude that this theory may be applied to other contexts, including the control of invasive species.
A Scoring Tool That Identifies the Need for Positive-Pressure Ventilation and Determines the Effectiveness of Allocated Respiratory Therapy.

BACKGROUND Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and the need for positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) are significant postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) that increase patients' lengths of stay, mortality, and costs. Current tools used to predict PPCs use nonmodifiable preoperative factors; thus, they cannot assess provided respiratory therapy effectiveness. The Respiratory Assessment and Allocation of Therapy (RAAT) tool was created to identify HAP and the need for PPV and assist in assigning respiratory therapies. This study aimed to assess the RAAT tool's reliability and validity and determine if allocated respiratory procedures based on scores prevented HAP and the need for PPV. METHODS Electronic medical record data for nonintubated surgical ICU subjects scored with the RAAT tool were pulled from July 1, 2015-January 31, 2016, using a consecutive sampling technique. Sensitivity, specificity, and jackknife analysis were generated based on total RAAT scores. A unit-weighted analysis and mean differences of consecutive RAAT scores were analyzed with RAAT total scores ≥ 10 and the need for PPV. RESULTS The first or second RAAT score of ≤ 5 (unlikely to receive PPV) and ≥ 10 (likely to receive PPV) provided a sensitivity of 0.833 and 0.783 and specificity of 0.761 and 0.804, respectively. Jackknifed sensitivity and specificity for identified cutoffs above were 0.800-0.917 and 0.775-0.739 for the first RAAT score and 0.667-0.889 and 0.815-0.79 for the second RAAT score. The initial RAAT scores of ≥ 10 predicted the need for PPV (P < .001) and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (P < .001). Mean differences between consecutive RAAT scores revealed decreasing scores did not need PPV. CONCLUSIONS The RAAT scoring tool demonstrated an association with the need for PPV using modifiable factors and appears to provide a quantitative method of determining if allocated respiratory therapy is effective.
Scattering by an Obstacle

In this section we introduce some notations, formulate some properties of the potentials of the single and double layers, and discuss the integral equations for solving the exterior boundary value problem (0.20) resulting from Green’s formula. This discussion is a preliminary step in a study of the solvability of the problem (0.20). The classical approach leads to integral equations which are not always solvable for some k. Therefore one wishes to derive some unconditionally solvable integral equations for solving (0.20), equations which are equivalent to the boundary value problem (0.20).
SU-D-BRD-05: Online Framework for Plan Tracking and Automatic Checks in Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To develop an online framework that tracks a patient’s plan from initial simulation to treatment and that helps automate elements of the physics plan checks usually performed in the record and verify (RV) system and treatment planning system. Methods: We have developed PlanTracker, an online plan tracking system that automatically imports new patients tasks and follows it through treatment planning, physics checks, therapy check, and chart rounds. A survey was designed to collect information about the amount of time spent by medical physicists in non-physics related tasks. We then assessed these non-physics tasks for automation. Using these surveys, we directed our PlanTracker software development towards the automation of intra-plan physics review. We then conducted a systematic evaluation of PlanTracker’s accuracy by generating test plans in the RV system software designed to mimic real plans, in order to test its efficacy in catching errors both real and theoretical. Results: PlanTracker has proven to be an effective improvement to the clinical workflow in a radiotherapy clinic. We present data indicating that roughly 1/3 of the physics plan check can be automated, and the workflow optimized, and show the functionality of PlanTracker. When the full system is in clinical use we willmore » present data on improvement of time use in comparison to survey data prior to PlanTracker implementation. Conclusion: We have developed a framework for plan tracking and automatic checks in radiation therapy. We anticipate using PlanTracker as a basis for further development in clinical/research software. We hope that by eliminating the most simple and time consuming checks, medical physicists may be able to spend their time on plan quality and other physics tasks rather than in arithmetic and logic checks. We see this development as part of a broader initiative to advance the clinical/research informatics infrastructure surrounding the radiotherapy clinic. This research project has been financially supported by Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, through a Varian MRA.« less
Isolation of subfractionation of mammalian sperm heads and tails.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses isolation and subfractionation of mammalian sperm heads and tails. The mammalian spermatozoon (the end product of spermiogenesis) is a highly differentiated cell of well-delineated architecture, whose structural adaptations clearly reflect its unusual role as a motile cell that is designed for the protection, transport, and delivery into the ooplasm of the male genome. The unusual variety of stable organelles in this cell suggests that it is readily amenable to subcellular fractionation. However, despite the recent growth of research in mammalian reproductive biology, biochemical analysis of the sperm has progressed relatively slowly and awaits the refinement and further establishment of techniques for the fractionation of its various components. The chapter briefly reviews the present availability of such procedures with special attention to the problem of separating sperm heads and tails. Methods of cell lysis, separation of rat sperm heads and tails by sonication and equilibrium-density-gradient centrifugation and by enzymatic lysis and equilibrium centrifugation are discussed in the chapter.
Independent Confirmation of the Pioneer 10 Anomalous Acceleration

I perform an independent analysis of radio Doppler tracking data from the Pioneer 10 spacecraft for the time period 1987-1994. All of the tracking data were taken from public archive sources, and the analysis tools were developed independently by myself. I confirm that an apparent anomalous acceleration is acting on the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, which is not accounted for by present physical models of spacecraft navigation. My best fit value for the acceleration, including corrections for systematic biases and uncertainties, is (8.60 plus or minus 1.34) x 10(exp -8) centimeters per second, directed towards the Sun. This value compares favorably to previous results. I examine the robustness of my result to various perturbations of the analysis method, and find agreement to within plus or minus 5%. The anomalous acceleration is reasonably constant with time, with a characteristic variation time scale of greater than 70 yr. Such a variation timescale is still too short to rule out on-board thermal radiation effects, based on this particular Pioneer 10 data set.
Increasing Young Children’s Contact With Print During Shared Reading: Longitudinal Effects on Literacy Achievement

Longitudinal results for a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) assessing the impact of increasing preschoolers’ attention to print during reading are reported. Four-year-old children (N = 550) in 85 classrooms experienced a 30-week shared reading program implemented by their teachers. Children in experimental classrooms experienced shared-book readings 2 or 4 times per week during which their teachers verbally and nonverbally referenced print. Children in comparison classrooms experienced their teachers’ typical book reading style. Longitudinal results (n = 356, 366) showed that use of print references had significant impacts on children’s early literacy skills (reading, spelling, comprehension) for 2 years following the RCT’s conclusion. Results indicate a causal relation between early print knowledge and later literacy skills and have important implications concerning the primary prevention of reading difficulties.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptors mediate neuromodulatory functions in the CNS

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a ubiquitous, lipophilic cellular mediator that acts in part by activation of G-protein-coupled receptor. Modulation of S1P signaling is an emerging pharmacotherapeutic target for immunomodulatory drugs. Although multiple S1P receptor types exist in the CNS, little is known about their function. Here, we report that S1P stimulated G-protein activity in the CNS, and results from [35S]GTPγS autoradiography using the S1P1-selective agonist SEW2871 and the S1P1/3-selective antagonist VPC44116 show that in several regions a majority of this activity is mediated by S1P1 receptors. S1P receptor activation inhibited glutamatergic neurotransmission as determined by electrophysiological recordings in cortical neurons in vitro, and this effect was mimicked by SEW2871 and inhibited by VPC44116. Moreover, central administration of S1P produced in vivo effects resembling the actions of cannabinoids, including thermal antinociception, hypothermia, catalepsy and hypolocomotion, but these actions were independent of CB1 receptors. At least one of the central effects of S1P, thermal antinociception, is also at least partly S1P1 receptor mediated because it was produced by SEW2871 and attenuated by VPC44116. These results indicate that CNS S1P receptors are part of a physiologically relevant and widespread neuromodulatory system, and that the S1P1 receptor contributes to S1P-mediated antinociception.
Painlevé IV with both Parameters Zero: A Numerical Study

The six Painleve equations were introduced over a century ago, motivated by rather theoretical considerations. Over the last several decades, these equations and their solutions, known as the Painleve transcendents, have been found to play an increasingly central role in numerous areas of mathematical physics. Due to extensive dense pole fields in the complex plane, their numerical evaluation remained challenging until the recent introduction of a fast “pole field solver” [1]. The fourth Painleve equation has two free parameters in its coefficients, as well as two free initial conditions. The present study applies this new computational tool to the special case when both of its parameters are zero. We confirm existing analytic and asymptotic knowledge about the equation, and also explore solution regimes which have not been described in the previous literature.
Trophic complexity in a littoral boulderfield

A food web constructed for the major invertebrate carnivores in a littoral boulderfield suggests that trophic complexity was very low. Each of the predators consmncd several prey species but monopolized one or two species, producing a sharp partitioning of food resources. Spatial heterogeneity and differences in fcccling behavior reinforced this pattern. The distributions of bored shells of Protothaca staminea and Tegdu funebrulis among the size classes of empty shells available in the boulderfield suggested that their primary predator, Octopus, had no size preferences. The relative contribution of competition and predation to the structure of communities is of ecological interest, Certain predators, called “keystone” species by Paine ( 1969), seem able to prcvcnt maximum use of potentially limiting resources by their prey and thus permit less efficient competitors for thcsc resources to coexist in the same habitat (Painc 1966, 1971; Paine and Vadas 1969; Dayton 1971). Such predators should have common characteristics that suit them for their role. First, they must either be specialists feeding on those species most likely to monopolize the rcsourccs in their absence or generalists feeding on the most common species so that resource utilization is proportional to prey population density. Second, they should potcntially have a stabilizing effect on their prey by responding numerically, functionally, or both to shifts in prey density (Holling 1961). Such an effect may be further cnhanccd through trophic complexity and demographic factors (MacArthur 1955;
Antenna design for microwave hepatic ablation using an axisymmetric electromagnetic model.

An axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) model was employed to demonstrate important techniques used in the design of antennas for hepatic microwave ablation (MWA). To effectively treat deep-seated hepatic tumors, these antennas should produce a highly localized specific absorption rate (SAR) pattern and be efficient radiators at approved generator frequencies. As an example, a double slot choked antenna for hepatic MWA was designed and implemented using FEMLAB™ 3.0. This paper emphasizes the importance of factors that can affect simulation accuracy, which include boundary conditions, the dielectric properties of liver tissue, and mesh resolution.
Candida species bloodstream infections in hospitalised children: A 10-year experience.

In a 10-year retrospective study we assessed the epidemiology of candidemia and the association between the presence and removal of indwelling central venous catheters, antifungal use and clinical outcomes among hospitalised children. Demographic and clinical information were retrieved from the electronic medical records. One hundred six episodes of candidemia were identified in 83 unique patients. Candida parapsilosis was the most prevalent (52%) species, followed by C. albicans (25%). Non-oncologic children receiving fluconazole within 30 days of developing candidemia were most likely to develop C. parapsilosis infection (40%, P = 0.006), independent of total parenteral nutrition (odds ratio (OR) 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6-11, P = 0.3). Crude mortality rate was 12% and significantly higher for children less than 2 years (OR: 6.7, 95% CI: 1.9-23, P = 0.003), and those infected with C. lusitaniae (OR: 9, 95% CI: 1.6-51, P = 0.02). The aggregate use of antifungal agents decreased overtime (χ(2) : 16.7, P < 0.0001). Fluconazole remained the most common antifungal agent used during the study.
Endogenous HMGB1 prevents nuclear catastrophe and proinflammatory nucleosomal release (IRM9P.719)

The mechanisms by which tissue injury alerts the immune system and drives a systemic inflammatory response syndrome remain unknown. Here we identify a high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-mediated nuclear regulatory mechanism for the control of the inflammatory response during tissue injury. We show that conditional knockout of HMGB1 within the pancreas, while benign without provocation, rendered mice dramatically more susceptible to experimental acute severe pancreatitis, as manifested by accelerated tissue injury and animal lethality. Deficiency of endogenous pancreatic HMGB1 led to exaggeration of L-arginine-induced nuclear catastrophe and nucleosome release, which then recruited and activated inflammatory cells with subsequent HMGB1 release locally and into the circulation. Serum levels of tissue enzymes (e.g., amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in conditional pancreas-specific HMGB1 knockout mice compared to their wild-type control littermates. Moreover, neutralizing extracellular histone and HMGB1 conferred protection against acute pancreatitis in conditional pancreas-specific HMGB1 knockout mice. Thus, intracellular HMGB1 may serve as a previously underappreciated negative regulator of inflammation, shedding light on the role of the innate immune response in infection and tissue damage.
Deliberating about Dollars: The Severity Shift

How does jury deliberation affect the pre-deliberation judgments of individual jurors? In this paper we make progress on that question by reporting the results of a study of over 500 mock juries composed of over 3000 jury eligible citizens. Our principal finding is that with respect to dollars, deliberation produces a "severity shift," in which the jury's dollar verdict is systematically higher than that of the median of its jurors' predeliberation judgments. A "deliberation shift analysis" is introduced to measure the effect of deliberation. The severity shift is attributed to a "rhetorical asymmetry," in which arguments for higher awards are more persuasive than arguments for lower awards. When judgments are measured not in terms of dollars but on a rating scale of punishment severity, deliberation increased high ratings and decreased low ratings. We also find that deliberation does not alleviate the problem of erratic and unpredictable individual dollar awards, but in fact exacerbates it. Implications for punitive damage awards and deliberation generally are discussed.
Allelic Variability in Comparative Complementation Confirming that the adel2-Specified Protein of Yeast is Bifunctional

Mutants at the adel2 locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are deficient in adenylosuccinate synthetase and are also responsible for constitutive purine biosynthetic activity. Ninety-six alleles were tested for restoration of each of these functions by allelic complementation and the results from the two types of test of every allele pair in the two matrices were compared with each other. Either the reactions were consistent, both complementing or noncomplementing, or inconsistent, with either enzymatic or regulatory function restored. The frequency and distribution of inconsistent behavior accords with the expectation that the adel2 locus specifies a bifunctional protein serving independent roles in enzymatic activity and in regulation of pathway activity. In a parallel experiment and analysis the addition of 1.0 m KCl increases the overall frequency of positive complementation, but skews the distribution of inconsistency sharply toward restoration of the regulatory function.