cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of a queueing system in heavy traffic with general patience-time distributions

Abstract We analyze a sequence of single-server queueing systems with impatient customers in heavy traffic. Our state process is the offered waiting time, and the customer arrival process has a state dependent intensity. Service times and customer patient-times are independent; i.i.d. with general distributions subject to mild constraints. We establish the heavy traffic approximation for the scaled offered waiting time process and obtain a diffusion process as the heavy traffic limit. The drift coefficient of this limiting diffusion is influenced by the sequence of patience-time distributions in a non-linear fashion. We also establish an asymptotic relationship between the scaled version of offered waiting time and queue-length. As a consequence, we obtain the heavy traffic limit of the scaled queue-length. We introduce an infinite-horizon discounted cost functional whose running cost depends on the offered waiting time and server idle time processes. Under mild assumptions, we show that the expected value of this cost functional for the n -th system converges to that of the limiting diffusion process as n tends to infinity.
Isolation of an efficient actin promoter for use in rice transformation

We have characterized the 5' region of the rice actin 1 gene (Act1) and show that it is an efficient promoter for regulating the constitutive expression of a foreign gene in transgenic rice. By constructing plasmids with 5' regions from the rice Act1 gene fused to the coding sequence of a gene encoding bacterial beta-glucuronidase, we demonstrate that a region 1.3 kilobases upstream of the Act1 translation initiation codon contains all of the 5'-regulatory elements necessary for high-level beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression in transient assays of transformed rice protoplasts. The rice Act1 primary transcript has a noncoding exon separated by a 5' intron from the first coding exon. Fusions that lack this Act1 intron showed no detectable GUS activity in transient assays of transformed rice protoplasts. Deletion analysis of the Act1 5' intron suggests that the intron-mediated stimulation of GUS expression is associated, in part, with an in vivo requirement for efficient intron splicing.
On difference of means of correlated variates with incomplete data on both responses

A class of estimators is proposed for the difference of means when sampling from a biv ariate normal distribution with means w, and u2, variances o\ and <xf, and correlation coefficient p, where some observations on either of the variables are missing. The new estimator from this class is used to obtain some test statistics for testing the equality of means, Some additional test statisticsare also proposed and the empirical powers of all statistics arecomputed for different values of <xf, o\ and p. These computationssupport the use of some of the new teststatistics
An adaptive approach to offline handwritten word recognition

An adaptive handwritten word recognition method is presented. A recursive architecture based on interaction between flexible character classification and deductive decision making is developed. The recognition process starts from the initial coarse level using a minimum number of features, then increases the discrimination power by adding other features adaptively and recursively until the result is accepted by the decision maker. For the computational aspect of a feasible solution, a unified decision metric, recognition confidence; is derived from two measurements: pattern confidence, evaluation of absolute confidence using shape features, and lexical confidence, evaluation of the relative string dissimilarity in the lexicon. Practical implementation and experimental results in reading the handwritten words of the address components of US mail pieces are provided. Up to a 4 percent improvement in recognition performance is achieved compared to a nonadaptive method. The experimental result shows that the proposed method has advantages in producing valid answers using the same number of features as conventional methods.
Bone Strength of Caged Layers as Affected by Portland Cement and Sodium Bicarbonate

Abstract Supplements of 0, 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0% portland cement, or 0.2% NaHCO3 were added to a practical type diet of caged layers after the hens had been in production for six 28-day periods. Diets were calculated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Egg characteristics and breaking strength of the radii were determined after six 28-day periods on the diets. There were no significant differences in egg weights, specific gravity, shell weight, shell thickness, body weight or breaking strength of the radii due to the dietary treatments. No significant difference in egg production was noted between the control group and groups fed 0.5 or 1.0% portland cement or NaHCO3. Breaking strength of the radii did not differ significantly due to treatments, but with each increase in the level of cement, an increase in breaking strength was observed. Radii from the NaHCO3 group were stronger than the controls and almost the same as the 1.0% cement group. The correlation between shell thickness and bone breaking strength of the groups supplemented with cement was +0.84 (p
From Heroic Victims to Competent Comrades Views of Adult Literacy Learners in the Research Literature

This research synthesis analyzed qualitative depictions of adult literacy learners and identified five ways in which they are typically characterized: the Heroic Victim, the Needy (Problem) Child, ...
Computers in medicine: automation vs. improvement of status quo

Computers have thus far been applied in medicine most effectively in situations where a standard mechanism already exists for dealing with the data: in the accounting problems of administrative work; in sorting and printing out the results of laboratory tests; and in conventional types of mathematical calculation performed during research or other activities. Despite these obvious and desirable successes, computers have not yet had an important impact on the more inherently clinical features of medical strategy and tactics. The intellectual qualities of scientific practice in clinical medicine do not appear to have been significantly affected by the many theoretical models and grandiose systems proposed during the recent exuberance of "computers in medicine."
Quality of Web-based information on cocaine addiction.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of web-based information on cocaine use and addiction and to investigate potential content quality indicators. Methods: Three keywords: cocaine, cocaine addiction and cocaine dependence were entered into two popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability and content quality. ‘‘Health on the Net’’ (HON) quality label, and DISCERN scale scores aiding people without content expertise to assess quality of written health publication were used to verify their efficiency as quality indicators. Results: Of the 120 websites identified, 61 were included. Most were commercial sites. The results of the study indicate low scores on each of the measures including content quality. A global score (the sum of accountability, interactivity, content quality and aesthetic criteria) appeared as a good content quality indicator. Conclusions: While cocaine education websites for patients are widespread, their global quality is poor. There is a need for better evidence-based information about cocaine use and addiction on the web. Practice implications: The poor and variable quality of web-based information and its possible impact on physician–patient relationship argue for a serious provider for patient talk about the health information found on Internet. Internet sites could improve their content using the global score as a quality indicator. # 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Real-time adaptive filters for time-delay estimation

The development of real-time solutions for time-delay estimation problems is addressed. Two algorithms using adaptive digital filters are considered. The first uses the well-known LMs (least mean squares) algorithm, and the second is a novel algorithm using gradient adaptive lattice structures as prewhitening filters, followed by an LMS time-delay estimator. The filters are implemented on a TMS320-C25 system, and detailed performance comparisons are given. >
Numerical Experiments of Vortices in the Wakes of Large Idealized Mountains

Abstract The Purdue Mesoscale Model (PMM) is applied to study the flow past large idealized mountains under a low Froude number. Results show that for Reynolds numbers in the range of 4 100. Results also show that small perturbations in the oncoming wind, the inclination of the oncoming wind and major axis of the mountain, the mountain shape, and the Coriolis force all can contribute to atmospheric vortex shedding. The Reynolds number is not a good indicator of whether a vortex will stay or break away from the mountain in the atmosphere. When the earth's rotation is included, the simulated pressure field and wind increase considerably on the left-hand side (facing downstream) of the mountain, whic...
Cdk5r1 Overexpression Induces Primary β-Cell Proliferation

Decreased β-cell mass is a hallmark of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Islet transplantation as a method of diabetes therapy is hampered by the paucity of transplant ready islets. Understanding the pathways controlling islet proliferation may be used to increase functional β-cell mass through transplantation or by enhanced growth of endogenous β-cells. We have shown that the transcription factor Nkx6.1 induces β-cell proliferation by upregulating the orphan nuclear hormone receptors Nr4a1 and Nr4a3. Using expression analysis to define Nkx6.1-independent mechanisms by which Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 induce β-cell proliferation, we demonstrated that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit 1 (Cdk5r1) is upregulated by Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 but not by Nkx6.1. Overexpression of Cdk5r1 is sufficient to induce primary rat β-cell proliferation while maintaining glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Overexpression of Cdk5r1 in β-cells confers protection against apoptosis induced by etoposide and thapsigargin, but not camptothecin. The Cdk5 kinase complex inhibitor roscovitine blocks islet proliferation, suggesting that Cdk5r1 mediated β-cell proliferation is a kinase dependent event. Overexpression of Cdk5r1 results in pRb phosphorylation, which is inhibited by roscovitine treatment. These data demonstrate that activation of the Cdk5 kinase complex is sufficient to induce β-cell proliferation while maintaining glucose stimulated insulin secretion.
Reforming India's institutions of public expenditure governance

The poor quality and effectiveness of much of government expenditure in India makes it important to analyze ways of improving effectiveness through institutional reform. Improvements in outcomes include better targeting of redistributive measures and more efficient spending on productive projects. Four potential areas of institutional reform are: (1) improved functioning of individual ministries and departments, at the central and state levels; (2) better coordination across individual ministries and between the center and states, through reform of the Planning Commission; (3) reassignment of expenditure responsibilities across levels of government (center to state and/or state to local); and (4) reassignment of tax authorities to provide improved incentives for expenditure governance through electoral accountability. The paper will discuss each of these four areas of potential institutional reforms, their likely impacts, and possibilities for implementing change.
Spatiotemporal coordination in wireless sensor networks

Large-scale networks of low-power, wireless devices integrated with sensors and actuators have emerged as a new platform that promises to seamlessly integrate computational devices with our environment. Information about various phenomena occurring both in nature and human created environments can be gathered at a fine scale, unobtrusively, remotely, and in a cost-effective manner. Such information can be used to control and manage production facilities, predict and assess natural disasters, or obtain better understanding of animal species or natural processes. The notion of time and space is fundamental in the context of these wireless sensor networks (WSNs): data is typically gathered at different physical locations and at a different time, thus the interpretation of the data is contingent upon the existence of inter-node synchronization of time and location coordinates. In this thesis, we address both temporal and spatial coordination of WSNs. We argue that structuring time synchronization protocols into layers and standardizing interfaces of these layers improve adaptability, reusability, and portability of the protocols and help to decrease the complexity and increase the efficiency of their implementation. In our approach, time synchronization protocols are structured in three layers which communicate through well defined application programming interfaces (APIs). Further, we provide implementation, performance analysis, and quantitative comparison of a number of time synchronization services which will help developers to identify the time synchronization needs for their WSN applications. Despite the considerable research effort invested in the area of node localization, a robust sensor localization is still an open problem today when applied to real world problems. Existing techniques have limited range and accuracy, require extensive calibration, or need extra hardware that adds to the cost and size of the platform. We propose a novel radio interferometric ranging technique that utilizes two transmitters emitting radio signals at almost the same frequencies. The relative distances between the nodes are estimated by measuring the relative phase offset of the generated interference signal at two receivers. We implement interferometric ranging on a low-cost low-power off-the-shelf hardware and demonstrate that both high accuracy and large range can be achieved simultaneously. Furthermore, we present the results of localization and real-time tracking experiments deployed in rural and urban environments, demonstrating that our techniques allow for economical deployments and outperform existing localization services.
R-Configuration of 4-Aminopyridyl-Based Inhibitors of CYP51 Confers Superior Efficacy Against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is an important therapeutic target for fungal and parasitic infections due to its key role in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the cell membranes of these pathogenic organisms. We report the development of potent and selective d-tryptophan-derived inhibitors of T. cruzi CYP51. Structural information obtained from the cocrystal structure of CYP51 and (R)-2, which is >1000-fold more potent than its enantiomer (S)-1, was used to guide design of additional analogues. The in vitro efficacy data presented here for (R)-2–(R)-8, together with preliminary in vitro pharmacokinetic data suggest that this new CYP51 inhibitor scaffold series has potential to deliver drug candidates for treatment of T. cruzi infections.
Vision und Ziel: Wohin soll die Reise gehen?

Eine Vision vermittelt ein konkretes Zukunftsbild, das eine emotional mitreisende Wirkung haben soll. Dabei sollen Zukunftsbilder aufgezeigt werden, die kurz und griffig sind und zu den kunftig Betroffenen passen.
Calculation of specific impulse of solid rocket motor based on visual acceleration

Based on telemetry visual acceleration,the calculation models of thrust and specific impulse were established,and the effect of the additional mass on the thrust was taken into account.The thrust and specific impulse of solid rocket motor during flight process were calculated by using the model.The calculated results were compared with re-predicted results by standard internal ballistic program.Two kinds of calculation results are consistent.The calculation examples show that the model is available and practicable,and the method can be used for correctly reconstructing real-time thrust and specific impulse,which is applicable for rapid analysis and assessment of solid rocket motor flight test results.
Application of ARIMA model in forecasting and early warning of influenza-like illness

Objective To explore application of auto-regression integrated moving average (ARIMA) model in predicting and early warning of influenza-like illness (ILI) and establish a model to predict incidence of ILI and verify its applicability.Methods An ARIMA model was established based on the data of reported cases of ILI collected from surveillance sentinels at Shunyi District Hospital and Shuhn Yi District Maternity and Children's Hospital during September 2005 to March 2009. Data of ILI cases in April and May 2009 were used to verify its applicability,with Q-statistic using SPSS software. Results The established ARIMA model (1,0,0)×(0,1,0)12 showed Q-statistic was greater than χα2 (m),indicating applicability of the model.Conclusion The ARIMA model can be applied to forecasting and early warning of cases of ILI and their dynamic trend,providing scientific evidence for prevention and control of influence epidemic.
Analytical Methods for Determining Fire Resistance of Timber Members

The fire resistance ratings of wood members and assemblies, as with other materials, have traditionally been obtained by testing the assembly in a furnace in accordance with ASTM International (ASTM) Standard E119 “Standard test methods for fire tests of building construction and materials”, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 834 “Fire-resistance tests-Elements of building construction”, and similar standards. In the U.S., these ratings are published in listings, such as Underwriters Laboratories Fire Resistance Directory, Gypsum Association’s Fire Resistance Design Manual, American Wood Council’s Design for Code Acceptance publications, and those in building codes. The ratings listed are limited to the actual assembly tested and normally do not permit modifications such as adding insulation, changing member size, changing interior finish, or increasing the spacing between members. Code interpretation of test results sometimes allows the substitution of larger members, thicker or deeper assemblies, smaller member spacing, and thicker protection layers, without reducing the listed rating.
Endoscopic manipulation of ureteral calculi in children by rigid operative ureterorenoscopy.

Abstract To date, rigid operative ureterorenoscopy with ultrasound lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral calculi has been performed only in adults or older children. The size of the instrument with the working channel for the ultrasound probe has been considered unsuitable for delicate anatomical structures, such as those of children younger than 4 years. We performed 8 ureterorenoscopic examinations in 7 patients (3 boys) 3 to 8 years old and have demonstrated that the 11.5F ureteroscope can be inserted without difficulty into the ureteral meatus of a 3-year-old boy. Introduction of the instrument is facilitated by the use of the Perez-Castro irrigation pump. This procedure does not lead to any urethral or ureteral damage, nor is vesicoureteral reflux shown on a postoperative cystogram. This technique allows extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to be extended also to small children, offering the possibility of easy and successful management of any residual steinstrasse.
Voxel Level Radiologic–Pathologic Validation of Restriction Spectrum Imaging Cellularity Index with Gleason Grade in Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI-MRI), an advanced diffusion imaging technique, can potentially circumvent current limitations in tumor conspicuity, in vivo characterization, and location demonstrated by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) techniques in prostate cancer detection. Prior reports show that the quantitative signal derived from RSI-MRI, the cellularity index, is associated with aggressive prostate cancer as measured by Gleason grade (GG). We evaluated the reliability of RSI-MRI to predict variance with GG at the voxel-level within clinically demarcated prostate cancer regions. Experimental Design: Ten cases were processed using whole mount sectioning after radical prostatectomy. Regions of tumor were identified by an uropathologist. Stained prostate sections were scanned at high resolution (75 μm/pixel). A grid of tiles corresponding to voxel dimensions was graded using the GG system. RSI-MRI cellularity index was calculated from presurgical prostate MR scans and presented as normalized z -score maps. In total, 2,795 tiles were analyzed and compared with RSI-MRI cellularity. Results: RSI-MRI cellularity index was found to distinguish between prostate cancer and benign tumor ( t = 25.48, P t = 11.56, P t = 24.03, P t = 3.23; P = 0.003). Conclusions: Building on our previous findings of correlation between GG and the RSI-MRI among whole tumors, our current study reveals a similar correlation at voxel resolution within tumors. Because it can detect variations in tumor grade with voxel-level precision, RSI-MRI may become an option for planning targeted procedures where identifying the area with the most aggressive disease is important. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2668–74. ©2016 AACR .
The Cycle Structure of a Permutation (CYCLES)

This chapter describes the cycle structure of a permutation. If σ be a permutation of n letters, and supposing that σ = t 1 t 2 … t p where the t i are transpositions, then the sign of σ means +1 or −1 depending on whether p is even or odd, respectively. It is well known that the sign of σ depends only on σ and not on the particular representation, that is, no matter how σ is exhibited, the parity of p is constant. The calculation of the sign of a permutation is just one application of the cyclic decomposition. Another application arises when an array, say b i ( i = 1, n ) has to be permuted, so that the new value of b σ(i) equals the old value of b i . It would be impossible to program all forms of this application in one neat, little program, but it is possible to tag a permutation to facilitate these applications.
Distinct Populations of SRBC-Immune Suppressor Cells Control B Cell Clone Growth and Secretory Differentiation

ABSTRACT. Growth and secretory differentiation of the anti-TNP IgA (M315)-secreting mouse myeloma MOPC-315 are suppressed by SRBC-immune T cells in the presence of TNP-SRBC. At least two populations of SRBC-immune T S cells mediate this suppression. One population specifically recognizes both M315 and SRBC determinants and selectively suppresses 315 cell secretory differentiation in the presence of SRBC; haptenation is irrelevant. The other population is carrier-specific, lacks receptors for M315 idiotopes, and suppresses both 315 clone growth and secretory differentiation in the presence of TNP-SRBC (i.e., a hapten-carrier bridge is required).
The use of Erwinia asparaginase for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after pegaspargase intolerance

Asparaginase administration has become a crucial component of front-line pediatric and pediatric-insipired multi-agent regimens for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and feasibility of switching to Erwinia asparaginase after pegaspargase intolerance in adult ALL patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Our analysis included 10 patients, with a median age of 39 years (range 20-72), male predominance (90%), and a typical B-cell to T-cell ratio (70:30%) for ALL. Nine patients were switched to Erwinia asparaginase after pegaspargase hypersensitivity and one patient after grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia secondary to pegaspargase. With Erwinia asparaginase, no hypersensitivity reactions occurred and no patient developed other known clinical asparaginase-related toxicities. Laboratory adverse effects consisted of mostly mild elevation in liver enzymes. No morphologic relapses have occurred in any patient switched to Erwinia asparaginase in first remission at a follow up of 0.4-34.6 months. These findings are unique in that all of our patients received Erwinia asparaginase after hypersensitivity or intolerance to pegaspargase and 50% of them were older than 40 years of age, a population with very limited Erwinia asparaginase data. Our observations provide preliminary information that treatment with Erwinia asparaginase can proceed as scheduled in adult patients, despite pegaspargase hypersensitivity and possibly liver intolerance.
A Sharing Model of the Household: Explaining the Deaton-Paxson Paradox and Contesting the Collective Model

This paper presents a new model of the household where each member fully controls his/her individual income and voluntarily shares purchased goods with other members. The nature of goods and norms in the household play a central role in the allocation of resources. The model is able to explain a variety of consumption patterns that standard models cannot describe. Most notably, it provides an intuitive explanation for the fact that per capita food consumption tends to decline as household size increases, which contradicts the Barten model (the so called Deaton-Paxson paradox). The sharing model is an alternative to the popular collective model without imposing efficiency in the intra-household allocation of resources. Although efficiency is implied by one of the sharing model equilibria, the paper argues that this is not the equilibrium played. The paper shows why a collective model test has limited power against the sharing model for a broad set of goods, reconciling contradictory evidence in the literature. Empirically, the paper revisits the Deaton-Paxson paradox exploiting household splits in longitudinal data and computes the elusive economies of scale coefficients.
Identifying risks in expert system projects

Expert systems (ESs) have associated risks that managers need to know as they consider new projects. The research reported is aimed at establishing a quantitative approach to assisting managers in identifying these risks. Results of empirical studies and new automated tools are discussed. The risks included: developing an application that fails to represent the expert's knowledge; failure to produce a usable system; upsetting people and groups within the organization who may feel threatened by the planned ES application; and exposing themselves or the organization to legal liability claims resulting from a malfunction of an ES application. >
Woodland reduction and long-term change in breeding bird communities

Forested ecosystems in the western United States have been the focus of tree reduction efforts for decades, with the intent of improving forage for livestock and wildlife. Yet, the long-term consequences of tree removal for biodiversity are virtually unknown. We conducted bird and vegetation surveys in northwestern Colorado where trees were mechanically removed over 40 years ago. We evaluated differences in avian species richness and community composition, and used a Bayesian hierarchical approach to determine if tree removal had long-term effects on bird density. We found that tree reduction initiates a long-term change from dense pinyon (Pinus edulis)-juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) woodlands to sagebrush scrub, fundamentally altering bird community composition. Disturbed sites were used by fewer species and largely dominated by shrubland-obligate birds. Further, bird densities were markedly different between historically disturbed sites and reference sites. Densities of many species were correlated with specific vegetative characteristics (e.g., mean tree diameter) that could be factored into management decisions to better sustain diverse natural communities. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Theoretical Analysis of Activated Sludge Dynamics

A mathematical model of the completely mixed activated sludge process was subjected to analog computer simulation in an attempt to characterize progress response to perturbations of input flow rate, input BOD concentration, and sludge recycle ratio. All parameter values used were typical of those reported in the literature. Response was measured as the speed with which the system adjusted to a given disturbance. Results indicate that the effluent BOD concentration should be a predictable function of the influent BOD mass rate, for a given operating state. From the standpoint of process control, results indicate that control can best be achieved through modulation of influent flow rate. Control through adjustment of sludge recycle was found to be the least effective. Implications of the findings to alternative process designs are discussed.
Controlled link shedding for maximizing supportable demand of a disrupted power network

It is well-known that power networks are prone to cascading failures in the event of a network disruption. A traditional way to prevent such cascading failures is to shed some of the supportable demand from the network. Interestingly, due to the non-local nature of power flow distributions, further deliberate disconnection of lines in a disrupted power network can result in improvements in its supportable demand, the phenomenon resembling Braess' paradox. In this paper, we exploit this phenomenon to formulate a multi-stage control scheme using: a fast timescale, linear Network Stabilization Problem based on demand shedding; and a slow timescale, combinatorial Demand Maximization Problem based on link shedding. We provide a key example illustrating the paradox and some structural results demonstrating the limitations and potential of our control scheme. Using Simulated Annealing to tackle the large combinatorial problem, we also investigate the efficacy of our approach for the Polish power grid (which consists of 2383 buses and 2896 lines).
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Following Nissen Fundoplication: Higher Risk Same Reward.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) effectively treats obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As more surgeons recommend RYGB to treat GERD in patients with obesity, there are concerns about this approach in patients with previous non-bariatric foregut surgery. This study aims to evaluate the effect of previous non-bariatric foregut surgery on subsequent RYGB. Retrospective review of 2089 patients undergoing RYGB between January 1985 and June 2015 was conducted to identify all patients with previous non-bariatric foregut surgery. Perioperative and postoperative data was collected by retrospective chart review. A total of 11 patients with prior non-bariatric foregut surgery underwent RYGB with median time between operations of 95.6 months. Of note, 7/11 (63.6%) had previous Nissen fundoplication. Conversion to open operation was required in 3/7 (42.9%) with previous Nissen compared to 1/4 (25%) in those without previous Nissen. The average length of stay (LOS) was 3.9 ± 0.9 days, significantly longer than our institutional average for RYGB of 3.2 ± 3.2 days (p = 0.02). Mean percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 64.7 ± 23.5 at 4-year median follow-up, comparable to our institution’s previously reported data. No mortalities were attributed to RYGB and the overall complication rate was 18.2%, compared to our institutional complication rate for RYGB of 8.5% (p = 0.253). Despite increased technical difficulty and increase perioperative morbidity, patients undergoing RYGB with previous non-bariatric foregut surgery had long-term symptom resolution and robust weight loss. This indicates that in the right hands, RYGB after non-bariatric foregut surgery may be performed safely and effectively.
Motivation, and Fatigue-Related Impairments in Simulated Driving

The effect of a motivational manipulation in reducing fatigue-related impairments in simulated driving performance was examined. Drivers performed both a fatiguing drive and a control drive. The motivational manipulation, a driving skill assessment instruction, appeared in early and late stages of both drives. Lateral control of the vehicle was assessed on straight and curved road sections early and late during the assessment instruction in both drives. The results indicate that the instruction only affected straight-road driving in the later part of both drives. During the later part of the control drive, the instruction produced a performance improvement only while the instruction was actually presented. In the fatigue drive, performance continued to improve even after cessation of the instruction, converging to the level of control drive performance. Fatigued drivers remain capable of increasing task effort in response to a motivating instruction, but fatigue may impair the ability to synchronize effor...
Pain—Old and New Methods of Study and Treatment

In the last 5 years several remarkable methods for localizing precisely a wide range not only of specific motor and sensory functions but as well of more complex mental phenomena in the domain of cognitive functions have been demonstrated to evoke sharply localizable responses. In pain, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has been used to show that the anterior gyrus cinguli is an integral component of the pain system.
Study design for a clinical trial to examine food price elasticity among participants in federal food assistance programs: A laboratory-based grocery store study.

Abstract We present a protocol for a study investigating the effect of food price changes on purchasing decisions among individuals participating in federal food assistance programs and among those not participating in these programs. We use a laboratory-based grocery store design, which provides greater control over factors influencing food purchasing than in situ experiments in actual grocery stores. We focus primarily, but not exclusively, on eggs because they are highly nutritious, easy to prepare, can be included in many different dishes, and are a part of a wide range of cultural food menus. The primary aim of this study is to compare the own-and cross-price elasticity of eggs between individuals participating in federal food assistance programs and those not participating in these programs. Our secondary aims are to 1) compare the own- and cross-price elasticity of eggs between overweight/obese individuals and non-overweight/obese individuals, 2) examine whether delay discounting moderates the effect of income on own- and cross-price elasticity, 3) examine whether subjective social status moderates the effect of participation in federal food assistance programs on the purchase of high nutrient-dense foods, and 4) examine whether usual psychological stress level moderates the effect of subjective social status on the purchase of high-nutrient dense foods. The results of this study will provide information about the drivers of food demand among low-income adults. A better understanding of these drivers is needed to develop effective nutrition interventions for this large population.
Childhood sexual abuse and HIV risk-taking behavior among gay and bisexual men.

We explored the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among adult gay and bisexual men and measured the association between childhood sexual abuse and high-risk sexual behavior in adulthood. Two separate population-based samples of gay and bisexual men (n = 1,941) residing in Portland and Tucson were surveyed. Over one quarter reported a history of childhood sexual abuse (sexual behavior with someone at least 5 years older prior to age 13, or with someone at least 10 years older when between ages 13 and 15). Men who were abused were more likely to engage in sexual risk behavior than men who were not abused (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse with non-primary partners in the previous 12 months: 21.4% vs. 15.0%, p < .001). Perception of having been coerced was associated with greater sexual risk. Furthermore, childhood sexual abuse and level of coercion were associated with reported levels of HIV infection among gay and bisexual men. It is recommended that existing programs for those at risk for HIV be modified to deal with these issues, and that efforts to bring about behavior change will require approaches that go beyond simply increasing knowledge and awareness.
Uptake and excretion of organochlorine compounds in neonatal calves.

Intestinal absorption mechanisms of young calves change rapidly during the first 24 h postpartum and subsequently effect the absorption efficiencies of a wide range of compounds. This study was conducted to determine absorption efficiencies of (p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl)dichloroethylene (DDE), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153), and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) when administered in colostrum to neonatal calves. Four male Holstein calves were given a single oral dose containing 100 mg each of DDE, PCB-153, and OCDD either 1 h (n = 2) or 65 h (n = 2) postpartum to determine whether time of exposure influenced the rate or extent of absorption. Another male calf received 100 mg each of DDE and OCDD 1 h postpartum. One gram of chromic oxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) was administered as a digestion marker to dosed calves. Two male calves, receiving only colostrum, served as controls. Serum IgG concentrations indicated that the 1-h calves absorbed 20 to 37% of the ingested IgG and 65-h calves DDE > OCDD. Tissue concentrations were similar across treatment groups, with DDE and PCB-153 residues concentrating in adipose tissue and OCDD in the liver. Absorption efficiencies, calculated from fecal recoveries, were >97%, >74%, and >72% for DDE, PCB-153, and OCDD, respectively. These doses of DDE, PCB-153, and OCDD (2.5 ± 0.1 mg/kg) did not produce signs of toxicosis based on detailed clinical observations, serum clinical chemistry, and gross and histological observations at necropsy. The results of this study indicate that DDE, PCB-153, and OCDD were absorbed and distributed similarly in calves exposed 1 or 65 h postpartum and did not induce toxicosis when administered in combination at these concentrations.
Trans Students’ Right to Their Own Gender in Professional Communication Courses: A Textbook Analysis of Attire and Voice Standards in Oral Presentations

Oral presentations are a common genre in technical and business communication courses. While it is important for students to develop a professional ethos when presenting information, in this articl...
α-Triethylsilyl-α-diazoacetone in Double Cross-Aldolisation: Convenient Acetone Equivalent Toward 5-Hydroxy-1,3-diketones.

An original and convergent approach to the versatile 5-hydroxy-1,3-diketone scaffold (VI) is described using α-silyl-α-diazoketone (I) as synthetic equivalent of acetone.
The International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology

Douglas Richardson (Editor-in-Chief). New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell, 2017. 15 vols., 8,217 pp. $2,995.00 cloth (ISBN 978-0-470-65963-2).Writing a book review for a disciplinary multivolume encyclop...
Computational algorithms for in silico profiling of activating mutations in cancer

Methods to catalog and computationally assess the mutational landscape of proteins in human cancers are desirable. One approach is to adapt evolutionary or data-driven methods developed for predicting whether a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is deleterious to protein structure and function. In cases where understanding the mechanism of protein activation and regulation is desired, an alternative approach is to employ structure-based computational approaches to predict the effects of point mutations. Through a case study of mutations in kinase domains of three proteins, namely, the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in pediatric neuroblastoma patients, serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAF) in melanoma patients, and erythroblastic oncogene B 2 (ErbB2 or HER2) in breast cancer patients, we compare the two approaches above. We find that the structure-based method is most appropriate for developing a binary classification of several different mutations, especially infrequently occurring ones, concerning the activation status of the given target protein. This approach is especially useful if the effects of mutations on the interactions of inhibitors with the target proteins are being sought. However, many patients will present with mutations spread across different target proteins, making structure-based models computationally demanding to implement and execute. In this situation, data-driven methods-including those based on machine learning techniques and evolutionary methods-are most appropriate for recognizing and illuminate mutational patterns. We show, however, that, in the present status of the field, the two methods have very different accuracies and confidence values, and hence, the optimal choice of their deployment is context-dependent.
Assessment of partial joint penetration welds on bolted end-plate connections

Abstract End-plate moment connections are a very common connection type used in today’s metal building industry. Bolted end-plate connections are especially popular because they can be engineered to meet design requirements for moment resisting connections used in seismically active areas. The current industry standard for end-plate moment connections is to use complete joint penetration (CJP) welds when making end-plate to flange welds. An alternative to CJP welds is partial joint penetration (PJP) welds, which leaves some portion of the base metals’ thickness unfused. PJP welds may save time and money in the fabrication of the end-plate connections but the use of PJP welds in this application is currently not considered in the Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings AISC/ANSI 341-10 [1] . The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of properly detailed PJP flange welds on end-plate connections when subjected to seismic loading by using a pseudo-static loading protocol. Two of the same multiple row extended end-plate moment connection tests were conducted at the University of Oklahoma’s Donald G. Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory. The tested specimens were 44 in. (111.76 cm) deep, cantilevered beams connected to a column via a bolted end-plate. A concentrated load was applied on the beam’s tip creating a moment at the beam to column connection. This created forces acting on the flange to end-plate welds. The specimens were tested in accordance to AISC 341-10’s [1] criteria on cyclic tests for qualification of beam to column connections. Both six-bolt multiple row extended end-plate connections made with PJP welds met AISC 341-10’s [1] requirements for beam to column connection in Intermediate Moment Frames. The specimens’ flanges and webs deformed plastically, while no weld failures were observed during testing. The PJP welds used on the tested beams’ flange to end-plate connections performed favorably. It is the authors’ beliefs that these results may serve as a good starting point for further examination of PJP weld capabilities when subject to seismic loading. Further testing of PJP welds would help to understand their ultimate capabilities. To date the 44 in. (111.76 cm) deep test sections are to our knowledge, the deepest sections that examined PJP flange to end-plate connections subject to seismic loading successfully achieving a 0.02 rad story drift angle.
Axillary lymph node dissection in node-positive breast cancer: are ten nodes adequate and when is enough, enough?

National guidelines define adequate axillary lymph node dissections as those yielding ≥ 10 lymph nodes (LNs). We aimed to identify the optimal LN yield among node-positive patients. Using the National Cancer Data Base (2010–2015), we categorized node-positive patients as follows: (1) neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC, cN1–3 or ypN1mi-3) or (2) upfront surgery (pN1–3). A restricted cubic splines model was used to estimate LN retrieval thresholds associated with change in overall survival (OS). 129,685 patients were identified: 21.2% NAC, 78.8% upfront surgery. Low, moderate, and high retrieval thresholds were estimated to be 1–6, 7–21, and > 21 LNs (upfront surgery), and 1–7, 8–22, and > 22 LNs (NAC). In an adjusted model, high versus low LN yield was associated with greater receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (upfront surgery OR 1.96, p < 0.001) and greater use of adjuvant radiation (upfront surgery OR 1.08, p = 0.02; NAC OR 1.23, p = 0.002). After adjustment, high versus low LN retrieval was associated with improved OS (upfront surgery HR 0.86, p < 0.001; NAC HR 0.77, p < 0.001). Worse OS was associated with retrieving fewer LNs, likely as a result of an under-staged axilla and missed opportunity for adjuvant therapy, while better OS was independently associated with retrieval of up to approximately 20 LNs, after which survival did not improve. In node-positive breast cancer, the number of nodes retrieved is significantly associated with an increased positive nodal count and greater use of adjuvant therapy. Removal of approximately 20 LNs may improve survival by both more accurate nodal staging and increased adjuvant therapy use.
General Paradigm in Photoredox Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Allows for Light-Free Access to Reactivity

Self-sustained NiI/III cycles are established as a potentially general paradigm in photoredox Ni-catalyzed carbon-heteroatom cross-coupling reactions through a strategy that allows us to recapitulate photoredox-like reactivity in the absence of light across a wide range of substrates in the amination, etherification, and esterification of aryl bromides, the latter of which has remained, hitherto, elusive under thermal Ni catalysis. Moreover, the accessibility of esterification in the absence of light is especially notable because previous mechanistic studies on this transformation under photoredox conditions have unanimously invoked energy-transfer-mediated pathways.
Tricuspid Regurgitation in Congestive Heart Failure: Management Strategies and Analysis of Outcomes

Tricuspid regurgitation is a notable aspect of congestive heart failure and is linked with worse outcomes if untreated. Functional tricuspid regurgitation commonly is seen in patients with heart failure, particularly in patients presenting for surgical management, such as those for mechanical cardiac assist device implantation. This review aims to study the published data related to the surgical management of tricuspid regurgitation in the cardiac surgical population comprehensively.
Yoruba vowel deletion involves compensatory lengthening: evidence from phonetics

A phonetic study of Yoruba vowel deletion shows that the vowel that remains after deletion is slightly but significantly longer than a short vowel in non-deletional contexts (p<0.001). The experiment controlled for inherent vowel duration and voicing/manner of articulation of the surrounding consonants. Previous phonological accounts (e.g. Akinlabi & Oyebade 1987, Ola Orie & Pulleyblank 2002) analyze this process as full vowel deletion, this account is revised and the process is treated as a type of compensatory lengthening. This also relates to a similar result with Yoruba tone (Ajiboye et al. 2011) in the same syntactic configuration.