cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activities of nickel, cobalt, and manganese silicates in magmatic liquids and applications to olivine/liquid and to silicate/metal partitioning

Abstract The activities of NiSi0.5O2, CoSi0.5O2, and MnSi0.5O2 in magmatic liquids have been calibrated from experimentally determined distributions of Ni, Co, and Mn between olivine and silicate melt. Chemical potentials of these species in silicate liquids are extracted from an expression for the chemical potentials of minor components in olivine and are described by an extension of the regular solution model of Ghiorso and Sack (1994). The extended liquid mixing model, together with the mixing model for multicomponent olivine, retrieves olivine/liquid D M ol liq for Ni, Co, and Mn with average absolute values of deviations equal to 14%, 13%, and 14%, respectively. Partitioning of Ca between olivine and liquid, using previously calibrated chemical potentials of CaMgSiO4 in olivine and CaSiO3 in silicate melt, is reproduced with an average relative deviation of 18%. Extrapolation of these models successfully predicts experimentally determined partitioning of Ni and Co between olivine and ultramafic liquids to > 2000°C and 100 kbar, thereby casting doubt on the importance of pressure-induced coordination changes to the geochemistry of Ni and Co under these conditions. Calculated partitioning of Ni and Co between silicate liquid and molten metal indicates that these elements remain markedly siderophile to temperatures greater than 3000 K. Calculations suggest that the siderophile behavior of Ni and Co may be reduced by increasing pressure. Forward modeling of phase equilibria and Ni partitioning during crystallization of mafic melts from Hawaii suggests that the Ni/MgO systematics of Hawaiian basaltic glasses are consistent with a parental liquid having 17% MgO and 760 ppm Ni. Activity coefficients of NiSi0.5O2, CoSi0.5O2, and MnSi0.5O2 in natural magmas are generally greater than unity, owing in a large part to positive energetic interactions between transition metals and SiO2. The primary determining compositional variable for these liquid activity coefficients and partition coefficients is molar silica content. The effects of changing temperature and liquid composition on olivine/ liquid partitioning of Ni, Co, and Mn are comparable and complementary, leading to more compatible behavior at lower temperatures and in more evolved liquids. Activity coefficients are greatest for NiSi0.5O2, and smaller for CoSi0.5O2 and MnSi0.5O2. Compositional variation of mineral/liquid partitioning and of activity coefficients owing to interactions with SiO2 are likely to be important for many other trace elements.
In Defense of Pattern Practice.

Recent developments in theories of syntax and language learning have had a profound effect on the theoretical bases of pattern, habit, and interference which underlie the technique of pattern practice. Transformational grammar has shown the inadequacy of the concept of patterning in syntax and strict behaviorist theories of language learning have been shown to be unable to account for the acquisition of language by children. However, while the theories which describe many problems of second language learning are inadequate, the problems they were supposed to explain have not disappeared. Students of foreign languages still require intense oral practice of grammatical contrasts to overcome influences from native language structure. Pattern practice techniques were developed for this purpose and are no less effective as a result of revisions in theoretical matters.
FAILURE OF SALT REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RECENTLY CAPTURED WILD NORWAY RATS1

In a previous paper it was reported that the adrenal glands were much larger in recently captured wild Norway rats than in the domesticated Norway rats from our colony (Rogers, Richter, 1948). These results confirmed the earlier findings of Watson (1907), King and Donaldson (1929), Hatai (1915), and Donaldson (1923). They also confirmed the findings of Donaldson (1923) that an increase in cortical tissue accounts for the entire difference. In the present investigation we were interested in determining whether the larger size of the adrenals actually indicates that wild rats have a greater need for the adrenal cortical secretions. To do this we compared the effects of salt therapy on domesticated and wild rats after their adrenals had been removed. From earlier experiments it was known that following adrenalectomy most domesticated rats live and thrive on salt therapy alone. It remained to be determined whether the adrenalectomized wild rats would do likewise.
Comparison of tungsten filaments by means of the scanning electron microscope.

The application of the scanning electron microscope to the examination of exceedingly minute striae on tungsten filaments is described. The visible spectrum is not relied upon as the mode of information transfer, allowing an examination of the striae with greatly enhanced magnification, resolution, and depth of focus, and with little interference from specular reflectance.
Quantification of neurological and other contributors to continence in female rats

Smooth muscle, striated muscle, their central and peripheral innervations and control, and mucosal coaptation contribute to maintenance of continence. We used manual leak point pressure (mLPP) testing and electrical stimulation LPP (eLPP) testing in female rats to quantify the contribution of these factors to urethral resistance, a measure of continence. Abdominal muscles were electrically stimulated to induce leakage for eLPP. A Crede maneuver was applied for mLPP. These were repeated after complete T8 spinal cord injury (SCI) and/or bilateral pudendal nerve transection (PNT). After euthanasia, mLPP was repeated. MLPP was not significantly affected by opening the abdomen, suggesting that intra-abdominal pressure transmission contributes little to continence during slow pressure changes. ELPP was significantly higher than mLPP in intact rats, after PNT, and after SCI+PNT, suggesting that abdominal pressure transmission contributes to continence during rapid increases in intra-abdominal pressure. MLPP decreased significantly after PNT, indicating that urethral striated muscles contribute significantly to continence. ELPP decreased significantly after PNT with and without SCI, suggesting that supraspinal control significantly affects continence during rapid pressure changes, but not during slow pressure changes. MLPP after euthanasia was significantly decreased compared to mLPP after SCI+PNT, suggesting that urethral mucosal seal coaptation and tissue elasticity also contribute to continence. The urethra is a complex organ that maintains continence via a highly organized and hierarchical system involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Lentiviral vectors for sustained transgene expression in human bone marrow-derived stromal cells.

Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted attention as potential platforms for the systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins in vivo following gene transfer using oncogenic retroviruses. However, the major limitations of this strategy include low levels of gene transfer and a general lack of long-term transgene expression. We have investigated the expression of several transgenes in MSCs following HIV-1 lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer. Vectors containing a variety of strong promoters driving enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and coral (Discosoma sp.)-derived red fluorescent protein (DsRed) reporter genes pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus-G (VSV-G) glycoprotein were able to transduce cultured MSCs with high efficiency. Transduction efficiencies and transgene expression levels in MSCs were found to be higher with lentiviral vectors than with a vector based on the murine stem cell virus pseudotyped with VSV-G. Transgene expression was maintained in culture for at least 5 months. HIV-1-based lentiviral vectors were able to transduce clonogenic mesenchymal progenitor cells, which were capable of maintaining transgene expression by their MSC progeny, over several cell divisions and during differentiation into adipocytes, indicating that terminal adipocyte cell differentiation was unaffected by lentivirus-mediated reporter gene transfer. Collectively these results suggest that lentivirus-mediated gene transfer strategies provide an efficient tool for ex vivo modification of MSCs that does not interfere with differentiation.
Evaluation of a life skills program for women inmates in Michigan

ABSTRACT The Michigan Department of Corrections implemented an innovative Life Skills Program that focused on addressing the special needs of female inmates. The primary purpose was to enhance basic life skills such as employability, coping with stress, and parenting. Female inmates participated in the Life Skills Program prior to their release and continued during the months immediately following their release from prison. Using a quasi-experimental design, the pre-tests and post-tests of program participants were compared with a similar comparison group. Analyses included comparing test scores on specific program areas such as emotional empathy, self-esteem, coping resources, problem solving, parenting stress, employability, and well-being. Follow-up data on parole violations or new convictions were also compared. Overall, the Life Skills Program does address some of the special needs of female inmates. The authors' recommendations include necessary enhancements in program implementation and evaluation ...
Risk factors for postpolypectomy bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications.

Background and Aims Balancing the risks for thromboembolism and postpolypectomy bleeding in patients requiring anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents is challenging. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for postpolypectomy bleeding on anticoagulation, including heparin bridge and other antithrombotic therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort and case control study at 2 tertiary-care medical centers from 2004 to 2012. Cases included male patients on antithrombotics with hematochezia after polypectomy. Nonbleeding controls were matched to cases 3 to 1 by antithrombotic type, study site, polypectomy technique, and year of procedure. Our outcomes were the incidence and risk factors for postpolypectomy bleeding. Results There were 59 cases and 174 matched controls. Postpolypectomy bleeding occurred in 14.9% on bridge anticoagulation. This was significantly higher than the overall incidence of bleeding on antithrombotics at 1.19% (95% confidence interval, 0.91%-1.54%) (59/4923). We identified similarly low rates of bleeding in patients taking warfarin (0.66%), clopidogrel (0.84%), and aspirin (0.92%). Patients who bled tended to have larger polyps (13.9 vs 7.3 mm; P P P P P = .004), and having multiple large polyps (OR 2.92; P = .001). Among patients on warfarin, the presence of bridge anticoagulation was an independent risk factor for postpolypectomy bleeding (OR 12.27; P = .0001). Conclusion We conclude that bridge anticoagulation is associated with a high incidence of postpolypectomy bleeding and is an independent risk factor for hemorrhage compared with patients taking warfarin alone. A higher threshold to use bridge anticoagulation should be considered in patients with an elevated bleeding risk.
The effect of arachidonic acid on airway responses of rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Rhesus monkeys with immediate-type airway responses to ascaris antigen were used to study the effect of arachidonic acid (Ar). Arachidonic acid produced no changes in pulmonary function parameters when delivered by aerosol at varying doses. However, when Ar was aerosolized prior to aerosol antigen challenge this resulted in a selective increase in pulmonary resistance (PR). This effect in PR was variable with intravenous Ar. Indomethacin (I) by aerosol was evaluated to determine whether it would block the post Ar increase in PR. This could not be accomplished because both aerosolized and intravenous I had a similar effect on the PR following antigen challenge. These effects of Ar and I may be due to production of airway reactive prostaglandins, their precursers or substances such as slow reacting substance.
The Impact of Neighborhood Context on Intragroup and Intergroup Robbery: The San Antonio Experience

Guided by social disorganization theory, this article examines the influence of neighborhood characteristics on intragroup and intergroup robbery, net of spatial proximity in a predominantly native-born Latino/Mexican-origin city—San Antonio, Texas. From census tract and official police robbery data, the findings indicate that intragroup robbery is more common than intergroup robbery. Multivariate results show that variation in black intragroup robbery lies primarily in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods; whereas variation in Latino intergroup robbery is found in neighborhoods with more disadvantage, racial/ethnic heterogeneity, recent immigrants, and blacks. Residential instability persistently influences all robbery types. Disaggregating robberies by race and ethnicity reveals the importance of examining Latinos as offenders and victims. The case of San Antonio serves as a harbinger of conditions that may exist in the growing number of majority-Latino cities—and suggests the need to investigate crime ex...
Small input controllability

This note provides a purely algebraic proof of the theorem: a constant linear system with matrices (A,B) is null-controllable using bounded inputs iff it is null-controllable (with unbounded inputs) and all eigenvalues of A have nonpositive real parts (continuous time) or magnitude not greater than one (discrete time). Related statements on asymptotic null-controllability are also studied, and an interpretation is provided in terms of (local) nonlinear controllability.
Cellular Signaling Pathways and Posttranslational Modifications Mediated by Nematode Effector Proteins

Plant-parasitic cyst and root-knot nematodes synthesize and secrete a suite of effector proteins into infected host cells and tissues. These effectors are the major virulence determinants mediating the transformation of normal root cells into specialized feeding structures. Compelling evidence indicates that these effectors directly hijack or manipulate refined host physiological processes to promote the successful parasitism of host plants. Here, we provide an update on recent progress in elucidating the molecular functions of nematode effectors. In particular, we emphasize how nematode effectors modify plant cell wall structure, mimic the activity of host proteins, alter auxin signaling, and subvert defense signaling and immune responses. In addition, we discuss the emerging evidence suggesting that nematode effectors target and recruit various components of host posttranslational machinery in order to perturb the host signaling networks required for immunity and to regulate their own activity and subcellular localization.
Quantum Entanglement, Chaos Theory, and the Unification of Multiplicities in Umberto Eco's The Island of the Day Before

The author posits that in The Island of the Day Before, Umberto Eco presents a narrative patterned on the quantum-mechanical theory of multiple worlds. He argues that the peculiar scientific devices in Eco's work, along with the main character's belief in one or more doubles and parallel universes, relate directly to subatomic particle entanglement and the fractal geometry associated with complexity science; these exacting parallels not only structure the novel, but also undermine notions of narrative authority and subjectivity.
The future of end user programming

One of the Holy Grails of Computer Science for many decades has been to make the power of computer programming accessible to more and more people. The earliest "high level" languages, FORTRAN and COBOL, were intentionally designed to be written and understood by specific communities of users with problems to solve, namely the Scientific/Engineering and Business communities. As computing became more accessible to more people, the number of dedicated full time programmers mushroomed and formed a community unto itself, who largely created languages and tools by and for themselves to use. The end users, the people with the non-computing problems to solve, became isolated from the computer itself and were forced have their business problems encoded in the increasingly esoteric script of a powerful new programmer priesthood. But even throughout these "dark ages", a small number of valiant dissenters survived and flourished in distant monasteries and hermitages, dedicating their lives and technical prowess to liberate computing from its raised floor temples. Resistance was stiff, but not futile, as every decade or so breakthroughs like spreadsheets, Hypercard, 4GLs and HTML empowered more and more "non-programmers" to create their own computing solutions. Now, well into the second era of the Web, consumer-oriented websites like Flickr and YouTube routinely offer end users "snippets" of JavaScript code to reuse in their own software creations, their Facebook and MySpace pages. Projects like IBM's CoScripter have achieved programming by demonstration for end users. Mashup tools abound, and the Web is filled with billions of customized applications, most created by end users themselves. Have we finally achieved the goals of those happy few who dreamed of a world where programming was as common as dialing a telephone? Have we finally arrived at the Long Tail of Programming? And if we have built it, did they come? This talk will assess the current state of end user programming and present a heretical perspective about the future of this endeavor from a confessed true believer.
Identification and decentralized adaptive control using dynamical neural networks with application to robotic manipulators

Efficient implementation of a neural network-based strategy for the online adaptive control of complex dynamical systems characterized by an interconnection of several subsystems (possibly nonlinear) centers on the rapidity of the convergence of the training scheme used for learning the system dynamics. For illustration, in order to achieve a satisfactory control of a multijointed robotic manipulator during the execution of high speed trajectory tracking tasks, the highly nonlinear and coupled dynamics together with the variations in the parameters necessitate a fast updating of the control actions. For facilitating this requirement, a multilayer neural network structure that includes dynamical nodes in the hidden layer is proposed, and a supervised learning scheme that employs a simple distributed updating rule is used for the online identification and decentralized adaptive control. Important characteristic features of the resulting control scheme are discussed and a quantitative evaluation of its performance in the above illustrative example is given. >
Linearity and dynamic loadlines of CE and CB SiGe HBTs under the influence of DC bias

Linearity characteristics and dynamic loadlines of common-emitter (CE) and common-base (CB) configuration SiGe HBTs are analyzed and compared at 6GHz under different bias conditions. It is shown that the CB configuration can have both higher power gain and better linearity than the CE configuration under certain bias conditions. Dynamic loadlines of CE and CB configurations are compared and correlated with the linearity of SiGe HBTs under different DC bias conditions. Unlike the CE configuration, of which the linearity characteristic is almost independent of DC bias, it is shown from dynamic loadlines that the linearity of CB SiGe HBTs can be significantly improved by varying the bias conditions
Stable Carbon Isotope Fractionation during Bacterial Acetylene Fermentation: Potential for Life Detection in Hydrocarbon-Rich Volatiles of Icy Planet(oid)s.

Abstract We report the first study of stable carbon isotope fractionation during microbial fermentation of acetylene (C2H2) in sediments, sediment enrichments, and bacterial cultures. Kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) averaged 3.7 ± 0.5‰ for slurries prepared with sediment collected at an intertidal mudflat in San Francisco Bay and 2.7 ± 0.2‰ for a pure culture of Pelobacter sp. isolated from these sediments. A similar KIE of 1.8 ± 0.7‰ was obtained for methanogenic enrichments derived from sediment collected at freshwater Searsville Lake, California. However, C2H2 uptake by a highly enriched mixed culture (strain SV7) obtained from Searsville Lake sediments resulted in a larger KIE of 9.0 ± 0.7‰. These are modest KIEs when compared with fractionation observed during oxidation of C1 compounds such as methane and methyl halides but are comparable to results obtained with other C2 compounds. These observations may be useful in distinguishing biologically active processes operating at distant locales in the Sol...
Anaerobic Transformation of Alkanes to Fatty Acids by a Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium, Strain Hxd3

Strain Hxd3, an alkane-degrading sulfate reducer previously isolated and described by Aeckersberg et al. (F. Aeckersberg, F. Bak, and F. Widdel, Arch. Microbiol. 156:5-14, 1991), was studied for its alkane degradation mechanism by using deuterium and (13)C-labeled compounds. Deuterated fatty acids with even numbers of C atoms (C-even) and (13)C-labeled fatty acids with odd numbers of C atoms (C-odd) were recovered from cultures of Hxd3 grown on perdeuterated pentadecane and [1,2-(13)C(2)]hexadecane, respectively, underscoring evidence that C-odd alkanes are transformed to C-even fatty acids and vice versa. When Hxd3 was grown on unlabeled hexadecane in the presence of [(13)C]bicarbonate, the resulting 15:0 fatty acid, which was one carbon shorter than the alkane, incorporated a (13)C label to form its carboxyl group. The same results were observed when tetradecane, pentadecane, and perdeuterated pentadecane were used as the substrates. These observations indicate that the initial attack of alkanes includes both carboxylation with inorganic bicarbonate and the removal of two carbon atoms from the alkane chain terminus, resulting in a fatty acid one carbon shorter than the original alkane. The removal of two terminal carbon atoms is further evidenced by the observation that the [1,2-(13)C(2)]hexadecane-derived fatty acids contained either two (13)C labels located exclusively at their acyl chain termini or none at all. Furthermore, when perdeuterated pentadecane was used as the substrate, the 14:0 and 16:0 fatty acids formed both carried the same numbers of deuterium labels, while the latter was not deuterated at its carboxyl end. These observations provide further evidence that the 14:0 fatty acid was initially formed from perdeuterated pentadecane, while the 16:0 fatty acid was produced after chain elongation of the former fatty acid with nondeuterated carbon atoms. We propose that strain Hxd3 anaerobically transforms an alkane to a fatty acid through a mechanism which includes subterminal carboxylation at the C-3 position of the alkane and elimination of the two adjacent terminal carbon atoms.
Human estrogen receptor-like 1 (ESRL1) gene: genomic organization, chromosomal localization, and promoter characterization.

Abstract Estrogen receptor-like 1a (ESRL1a; same as estrogen receptor-related orphan receptors, ERR1) belongs to a subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily. We have previously shown that human ESRL1a modulates estrogen responsiveness of the lactoferrin gene promoter in transiently transfected endometrial carcinoma RL95-2 cells. In this study, we cloned and characterized the human ESRL1 gene. Through the fluorescence in situ hybridization method, the ESRL1 gene was localized to the centromere region of chromosome 11q12. Partial sequencing, restriction mapping, and PCR analysis revealed that the ESRL1 gene consists of seven exons and is approximately 20 kb in length. We found that the smallest exon (exon 3) contains 117 bp and the largest exon (exon 7) has 1032 bp. The smallest intron (intron 5) is only 88 bp long and the largest intron (intron 2) is 8 kb long. All introns have the conserved GT and AG dinucleotides present at the donor and acceptor sites, respectively. Like the estrogen receptor, the highly conserved DNA-binding domain of hESRL1a is encoded by exon 2 and exon 3, and the intron/exon junctions (2 and 3) are well conserved between the two genes. Primer extension analysis revealed multiple transcription initiation start sites in human uterine (HeLa, HEC, and RL95-2) cell lines. However, one major initiation start site was found by RNase protection assay. The hESRL1a mRNA is differentially expressed in various human tissues. The nucleotide sequence adjacent to the transcription start sites of the ESRL1 lacks the typical TATA and CAAT boxes but is GC rich and contains 10 consensus Sp1-binding elements and two E boxes. The region that contains these transcription factor-binding elements showed a high level of promoter activity when transiently transfected into RL95-2 cells.
A comparison of particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms for a phased array synthesis problem

Particle swarm optimization is a recently invented high-performance optimizer that possesses several highly desirable attributes, including the fact that the basic algorithm is very easy to understand and implement. It is similar in some ways to genetic algorithms or evolutionary algorithms, but generally requires only a few lines of code. A particle swarm optimizer is implemented and compared to a genetic algorithm for phased array synthesis of a far field sidelobe notch, using amplitude-only, phase-only, and complex tapering. The results show that particle swarm optimization performs better in some cases while genetic algorithms perform better in others, which implies that the two methods traverse the problem hyperspace differently. Although simple, the particle swarm optimizer shows good possibilities for electromagnetic optimization.
42 V load dump transient and centralised active suppression

The aim of this paper is to characterise the load dump characteristics of a three-phase, 42 V, 6 kW alternator using SPICE modelling techniques. The specification calls for a maximum overvoltage of 58 V. The purpose of the limited voltage is to improve safety and also enable the use of lower voltage semiconductors thereby reducing cost. In order to be able to use a centralised active clamp, the load dump period has to be kept short to reduce as much as possible the energy to be dissipated. This is achieved by the design of the field winding excitation circuit. (3 pages)
Peritoneal drainage as definitive management of intestinal perforation in extremely low-birth-weight infants

Abstract Background/Purpose: The optimal management of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants with intestinal perforation remains unclear. The authors evaluated ELBW neonates with intestinal perforation in whom peritoneal drainage (PD) was intended as definitive therapy. Methods: The records of 29 consecutive ELBW infants with intestinal perforation were reviewed. All underwent PD. Survival, the need for other abdominal procedures, the transition to enteral feeding, and the incidence of cholestasis and infectious complications were noted. Variables associated with nonsurvival were assessed. Results: Overall survival rate was 66%. In 24% of cases, a second abdominal procedure was required. Full feedings were achieved at a mean of 69 days. Extraabdominal infectious complications occurred in 63% of survivors, and direct bilirubin was greater than 2.0 mg/dL in 57% at 2 months. Thrombocytopenia and vasopressor requirements at the time of perforation were associated with nonsurvival. Conclusions: In this consecutive series of ELBW infants in whom PD was intended as definitive treatment for intestinal perforation survival was comparable with that found in series in which immediate laparotomy and resection were used. Few secondary abdominal procedures were required. The interval between PD and full enteral nutrition, however, was long, and the incidence of nonabdominal infectious complications and cholestasis was substantial.
Determining Prognosis in Advanced Cancer #13a

433 “HOW LONG DO I HAVE, DOC?”, is among the most common questions asked by cancer patients, especially when informed that there are no further effective antineoplastic treatment options. Although prognostication is not an exact science, there is abundant data to help clinicians provide useful information to patients and families, information critical to making realistic endof-life decisions and referrals for home hospice service.1–5 The single most important predictive factor is Functional Ability; a measure of how much a patient can do for themselves, of their activity and energy level. Note: patients with solid tumors typically lose 70%–80% of their functional ability in the last 3 months of life. The two scales used to measure functional ability are the Karnofsky index (100 5 normal; 0 5 dead) and the ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) scale, (0 5 normal; 5 5 dead). A median survival of 3 months correlates with a Karnofsky score less than 50 or ECOG 3 or less. The question to ask patients is: “How much time do you spend in bed or laying down?” If the response is more than 50% of the time and is progressively increasing, this correlates to a median survival of approximately 3 months. Survival time decreases for added physical symptoms, especially dyspnea, if the symptoms are secondary to the cancer. Several common cancer syndromes have welldocumented short median survival times:
Patterns and Factors Associated with Intensive Utilization of Emergency Department Services: Implications for Allocating Resources

Aim: This study aims to better understand the patterns and factors associated with use of emergency department (ED) services on high volume and intensive (defined by high volume and high patient severity) days in order to improve resource allocation and reduce ED overcrowding. Methods: This study created a new index of “intensive utilization” based on volume and severity of illness and a three-part categorization (normal volume, high volume, intensive utilization) to measure stress in the ED environment. This retrospective, cross-sectional study collected data from hospital clinical and financial records of all patients seen in 2001 at an urban academic hospital ED. Results: Multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with high volume and intensive utilization, Factors associated with intensive days included being in a motor vehicle crash, having a gun or stab wound; arriving during months of January, April, May, or August, and arriving during days of Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Factors associated with high volume days included falling from 0 to 10 feet, being in a motor vehicle crash, arriving during the months of January, April, May, or August, and arriving during days of Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Conclusion: These findings offer inputs for reallocating resources and altering staffing models to more efficiently provide high quality ED services and prevent overcrowding.
Renal Disease in Pregnancy Ambulatory Issues

Acute and chronic renal disease will complicate prenatal care. Normal physiological changes during pregnancy make the urinary tract system more vulnerable to infectious complications or worsening of preexisting disease. Much of the focus of prenatal care includes screening for these concerns both at
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON LIFE HISTORY VARIATION IN DROSOPHILA SIMULANS.

Knowing the genetic architecture of fitness traits is essential for testing theories of life history evolution. There are substantial difficulties with the measurement and interpretation of genetic and environmental contributions to fitness-related characters (see Falconer, 1960; Giesel et al. 1982a, 1982b; Kempthorne, 1976, for a review). Recent studies on age-specific life history characters in Drosophila melanogaster (Rose and Charlesworth, 198 la, 1981b; Giesel et al., 1982a, 1982b) suggest that additive variance for fitness components under certain laboratory conditions is much higher than theory would lead us to expect. Giesel et al. (1982) have suggested that the genetics of fitness components for wild populations may be structured by both genotype-environment interactions in a heterogenous environment and by fluctuating selection pressures. Parsons (1982) suggested that the genetic architecture of fitness traits is primarily additive in marginal populations and under stressful conditions. Published studies designed to investigate the heritabilities and genetic correlation structure of life history traits in Drosophila shed little light on the problem. Most research focuses on early life history traits (see Rose and Charlesworth, 198 lb, for a brief review). The few studies which direct attention to the total age-specific fecundity pattern are limited in other respects. Some are based on the study of laboratory-adapted populations measured at a single culture temperature (Simmons et al., 1980; Rose and Charlesworth, 198 la, 198 lb). While these may provide insight into what may happen in large outbred populations near genetic equilibrium under constant selective pressures (Rose and Charlesworth, 198 la), they are not as useful for assessing the nature of genetic variation in wild populations which experience heterogenous environments and presumably variable selection pressures. Our own studies (Giesel et al., 1982a, 1982b), although they assess some effects of special environmental (temperature) conditions on phenotypic expression of the genome, may be of little predictive value since our use of a full sib design precluded separate estimates of additive and dominance variation. The present study presents a half sibfull sib analysis of genetic and environmental components of several fitness indices for Drosophila simulans cultured at four environmental temperatures. Drosophila simulans was chosen for analysis because it is locally abundant at all times of the year and may not be as subject to population bottlenecks and periodic recolonization as D. melanogaster. In addition no information is currently available on the total life fecundity schedule of D. simulans. Thus, it may provide the first step for an eventual comparison of the genetic structure of drosophilids with widely different life history forms. The temperatures chosen for analyses ranged from 20-30 C (68-86 F), and represent a range which seemed likely to be encountered by local populations within a generation.
Etiology and risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants

This review is to identify the etiology and risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in preterm infants. Studies show that BPD is a complex multifactorial disease. Preterm delivery,low birth weight,genetic predisposition,inhaled high concentration oxygen,mechanical ventilation,intrauterine infection,postnatal pulmonary infection and patent ductus arteriosus(PDA)are considered major risk factors of BPD.
Proteoglycan composition and biosynthesis by human osteochondrophytic spurs of the femoral head.

The composition and biosynthesis of sulphated proteoglycan by human osteophytes and cells derived from them by explanation were studied. In organ-culture, the newly synthesized proteoglycan aggregated poorly with hyaluronic acid but was roughly compared to the proteoglycan aggregates derived from osteofemoral cartilage. Other characteristics of adult hyaline cartilage were preserved (i.e., high ratio of chondroitin-6-sulphate to chondroitin-4-sulphate, large hydrodynamic size and long chondroitin sulphate chains). Moderately high levels of keratan-sulphate (15-17% of the total glycosaminoglycans) were found and large keratan sulphate chains (Mr greater than 7000) confirmed by use of monoclonal antibody 1/20/5D4. Cells generated from the explants synthesized both hydrodynamically large proteoglycans and small proteoglycans. The most buoyant fraction of a CsCl density gradient (A4) contained considerable amounts of dermatan sulphate (5.2-24.4%). The Kav of the A4 fraction was 0.56 on Sepharose CL-2B and contained large glycosaminoglycan chains (Kav, 0.36 on Sepharose CL-6B). The measurements were similar to those obtained separately on osteofemoral head cartilage. These studies showed that the cartilaginous cap of human osteophytes has the capacity to synthesize the entire repertoire of sulphated proteoglycans of mature hyaline cartilage.
Policy Issues Involving Nontariff Trade Barriers

Without doubt the major accomplishment of seven multilateral trade negotiations (MTNs) that began in the late 1940s was the reduction of tariffs as trade barriers. Estimates relating to the period prior to the MTNs indicate the average tariff in industrial countries was approximately 40 per cent, but these duties were progressively lowered to under 8 per cent through concessions made in the Geneva (1947) (1956), Annecy (1949), Torquay (1951), Dillon (1962) and Kennedy Round (1968). During the most recent Tokyo Round (1979) negotiations, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) estimates that developed country most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs on manufactures were reduced by about one-third, and now average about 5.5 per cent since the final concessions have been implemented. A further liberalisation of tariffs will undoubtedly occur in the Uruguay Round negotiations which are scheduled for completion in 1990.
Thrombolysis for Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for thrombolysis for management of acute mesenteric ischemia procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Stimulus-Induced Seizures in Sick Neonates

Researchers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell Medical College, NY, describe 3 (11.5%) sick neonates with stimulus-induced seizure occurring during continuous video-EEG monitoring of a cohort of 26 neonates July-Dec 2007.
A Systems Design Exploration Approach that Illuminates Tradespaces Using Statistical Experimental Designs

This paper describes an approach that leverages computer simulation models and statistical experimental designs for exploration studies during the early conceptual design of a system. We apply the approach to a naval ship design problem and demonstrate how we can illuminate trade decisions among multiple design decisions and evaluation measures using a dynamic dashboard. After performing experimental designs on a collection of simulation models, we can fit statistical models that act as surrogates to these simulations. These surrogate models allow us to explore a wider variety of system alternatives rather than fixating on a narrow set of alternatives. The purpose of the approach is to simultaneously explore the operational and physical domains using statistical surrogate models in order to illuminate trade decisions between the system's operational effectiveness and physical design considerations.
Risk Reduction via a Community-Wide Approach to Parenting and Family Support

Parenting plays a pivotal role in child and adolescent development, including antisocial and pro-social behavioral outcomes. Early family-based intervention is generally accepted as a cogent approach to the prevention and amelioration of childhood behavior problems. One such family-based intervention is a multi-level system called the Triple P—Positive Parenting Program. Triple P belongs to the broader class of evidence-based interventions which aim to empower parents with the skills and attitudes needed to optimize the social-interaction environments instrumental for reducing child behavior problems. The more unique contributions of Triple P are found in the public health-friendly structure and formats that aid in community-wide dissemination and uptake, and in the integration of self-regulatory processes throughout the intervention system. The Triple P system involves five programming levels of increasing intensity to meet various parental needs and preferences. The system further includes format variations at some of the levels, reflecting group, individual, online, and mass communication modes of program delivery. The evidence base for Triple P has grown over many years to be quite large and reflects studies conducted across the levels, formats, and variants of Triple P, in many settings, with numerous segments of the population, and in several countries. The public health strategy for parenting support, as represented by Triple P, continues to evolve and improve in ways that offer a de-stigmatized, positive approach to reduction in child and family risk of adverse adolescent outcomes including but not limited to delinquency and violence.
GraphMeta: A Graph-Based Engine for Managing Large-Scale HPC Rich Metadata

High-performance computing (HPC) systems face increasingly critical metadata management challenges, especially in the approaching exascale era. These challenges arise not only from exploding metadata volumes but also from increasingly diverse metadata, which contains data provenance and user-defined attributes in addition to traditional POSIX metadata. This "rich" metadata is critical to support many advanced data management functionality such as data auditing and validation. In our prior work, we presented a graph-based model that could be a promising solution to uniformly manage such rich metadata because of its flexibility and generality. At the same time, however, graph-based rich metadata management introduces significant challenges. In this study, we first identify the challenges presented by the underlying infrastructure in supporting scalable, high-performance rich metadata management. To tackle these challenges, we then present GraphMeta, a graph-based engine designed for managing large-scale rich metadata. We also utilize a series of optimizations designed for rich metadata graphs. We evaluate GraphMeta with both synthetic and real HPC metadata workloads and compare it with other approaches. The results show that its advantages in terms of rich metadata management in HPC systems, including better performance and scalability compared with existing solutions.
Assessment of contemporary genetic diversity and inter-taxa/inter-region exchange of avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 in wild birds sampled in North America

Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1) viruses are globally distributed, infect wild, peridomestic, and domestic birds, and sometimes lead to outbreaks of disease. Thus, the maintenance, evolution, and spread of APMV-1 viruses are relevant to avian health. In this study we sequenced the fusion gene from 58 APMV-1 isolates recovered from thirteen species of wild birds sampled throughout the USA during 2007–2014. We analyzed sequence information with previously reported data in order to assess contemporary genetic diversity and inter-taxa/inter-region exchange of APMV-1 in wild birds sampled in North America. Our results suggest that wild birds maintain previously undescribed genetic diversity of APMV-1; however, such diversity is unlikely to be pathogenic to domestic poultry. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that APMV-1 diversity detected in wild birds of North America has been found in birds belonging to numerous taxonomic host orders and within hosts inhabiting multiple geographic regions suggesting some level of viral exchange. However, our results also provide statistical support for associations between phylogenetic tree topology and host taxonomic order/region of sample origin which supports restricted exchange among taxa and geographical regions of North America for some APMV-1 sub-genotypes. We identify previously unrecognized genetic diversity of APMV-1 in wild birds in North America which is likely a function of continued viral evolution in reservoir hosts. We did not, however, find support for the emergence or maintenance of APMV-1 strains predicted to be pathogenic to poultry in wild birds of North America outside of the order Suliformes (i.e., cormorants). Furthermore, genetic evidence suggests that ecological drivers or other mechanisms may restrict viral exchange among taxa and regions of North America. Additional and more systematic sampling for APMV-1 in North America would likely provide further inference on viral dynamics for this infectious agent in wild bird populations.
Geothermal resources within carbonate reservoirs in western Sicily (Italy): A review

Abstract Low-to-medium temperature fluid reservoirs hosted in carbonate rocks are some of the most promising and unknown geothermal systems. Western Sicily is considered a key exploration area. This paper illustrate a multidisciplinary and integrated review of the existing geological, geochemical and geophysical data, mainly acquired during oil and gas explorations since the 1950s, specifically re-analyzed for geothermal purposes, has led to understanding the western Sicily geothermal system as a whole, and to reconstructing the modalities and particular features of the deep fluid circulation within the regional reservoir. The data review suggests the presence of wide groundwater flow systems in the reservoir beneath impervious cap rocks. We identified the main recharge areas, reconstructed the temperature distribution at depth, recognized zones of convective geothermal flow, and depicted the main geothermal fluid flow paths within the reservoir. We believe that our reconstruction of geothermal fluid circulation is an example of the general behavior of low-to-medium enthalpy geothermal systems hosted in carbonate units on a regional scale. Due to the recent technological developments of binary plants, these systems have become more profitable, not only for geothermal direct uses but also for power production.
Gendered Asylum: Race and Violence in U.S. Law and Politics

Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers have long dominated public discourse in the U.S. Scholars in rhetorical studies, such as J. David Cisneros and Jennifer Wingard, have responded to this soci...
Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Cell Therapies for Retinal Disease

Autologous bone marrow-derived cell therapy is being explored in clinical trial as potential treatment for ischemic or degenerative retinal conditions. The rationale for exploring this therapy is that there is preclinical evidence showing that certain stem cells in bone marrow can have a regenerative effect on ischemic or degenerating retina. Direct tissue incorporation and paracrine trophic effects of bone marrow stem cells have been demonstrated in animal models. The cells in bone marrow that have been studied include mesenchymal stem cells, mononuclear cells, and CD34+ cells. These cells can be harvested easily from bone marrow. With autologous cell therapy, no systemic immunosuppression or donor matching is needed. Early reports of phase 1 clinical trials using intravitreal autologous bone marrow CD34+ or mononuclear cells show no safety or feasibility issues associated with the cell therapy. Larger studies are needed to determine the full safety profile and therapeutic potential of these cells.