cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Major thoracic surgery in octogenarians: the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach.

Background: Thoracic surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate in the elderly patient population. Appropriate management of thoracic diseases is often avoided because of the inherent risks associated with the access thoracotomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of octogenarians who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for a variety of thoracic conditions. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done on all patients who were between 80 and 90 years of age and underwent elective VATS between January 1995 and August 2001. Results: A total of 162 consecutive VATS procedures were performed in 157 patients. Comorbid conditions consistent with their advanced age included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. The procedures included 96 lung resections (53 lobectomies, 42 wedge/segment resections), 46 pleurectomies, 8 decortications, 8 mediastinal biopsies, 3 pericardial windows, and 1 drainage of hemothorax. The pathology included 76 primary lung cancers, 35 metastatic diseases, 37 benign conditions, 9 nesotheliomas, and 3 carcinoid tumors. The average operative time and length of hospital stay after surgery were 51 min and 2.6 days, respectively. There were 3 (1.9%) mortalities, 2 from cardiac complications and 1 from pneumonia. Two (1.2%) patients required reexploration for bleeding. Four (2.5%) cases were converted to open thoracotomy thirteen (8.0%) cases had an air leak, of which 11 were managed on an outpatient basis with a Heimlich valve. They were discharged from the hospital an average of 3.3 days postoperatively. Conclusion: With VATS, surgical therapy can be offered to octogenarians with a low morbidity and mortality rate, as well as a short hospital stay.
USF and NF-E2 Cooperate to Regulate the Recruitment and Activity of RNA Polymerase II in the β-Globin Gene Locus

The human β-globin gene is expressed at high levels in erythroid cells and regulated by proximal and distal cis-acting DNA elements, including promoter, enhancer, and a locus control region (LCR). Transcription complexes are recruited not only to the globin gene promoters but also to the LCR. Previous studies have implicated the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor USF and the tissue-restricted activator NF-E2 in the recruitment of transcription complexes to the β-globin gene locus. Here we demonstrate that although USF is required for the efficient association of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) with immobilized LCR templates, USF and NF-E2 together regulate the association of Pol II with the adult β-globin gene promoter. Recruitment of Pol II to the LCR occurs in undifferentiated murine erythroleukemia cells, but phosphorylation of LCR-associated Pol II at serine 5 of the C-terminal domain is mediated by erythroid differentiation and requires the activity of NF-E2. Furthermore, we provide evidence showing that USF interacts with NF-E2 in erythroid cells. The data provide mechanistic insight into how ubiquitous and tissue-restricted transcription factors cooperate to regulate the recruitment and activity of transcription complexes in a tissue-specific chromatin domain.
Effectiveness of a barrier wall and culverts in reducing wildlife mortality on a heavily traveled highway in Florida

Because of high numbers of animals killed on Paynes Prairie State Preserve, Alachua County, Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation constructed a barrier wall-culvert system to reduce wildlife mortality yet allow for passage of some animals across the highway. During a one year study following construction, we counted only 158 animals, excluding hylid treefrogs, killed in the same area where 2411 road kills were recorded in the 12 months prior to the construction of the barrier wall-culvert system. Within the survey area lying directly in Paynes Prairie basin, mortality was reduced 65% if hylid treefrogs are included, and 93.5% with hylid treefrogs excluded. Sixty-four percent of the wildlife kills observed along the barrier wall-culvert system occurred at a maintenance road access point and along 300 m of type-A fence bordering private property. The 24 h kill rate during the post-construction survey was 4.9 compared with 13.5 during the pre-construction survey. We counted 1891 dead vertebrates within the entire area surveyed, including the ecotone between the surrounding uplands and prairie basin which did not include the barrier wall and culverts. Approximately 73% of the nonhylid road kills occurred in the 400 m section of road beyond the extent of the barrier wall-culvert system. We detected 51 vertebrate species, including 9 fish, using the 8 culverts after the construction of the barrier wall-culvert system, compared with 28 vertebrate species in the 4 existing culverts prior to construction. Capture success in culverts increased 10-fold from the pre-construction survey to the post-construction survey. Barrier wall trespass was facilitated by overhanging vegetation, maintenance road access, and by the use of the type-A fence. Additional problems resulted from siltation, water holes, and human access. These problems could be corrected using design modifications and by routine, periodic maintenance.
On finding the convex hull of a simple polygon

In this paper we present a linear time algorithm for finding the convex hull of a simple polygon. Compared to the result of McCallum and Avis, our algorithm requires only one stack, instead of two, and runs more efficiently.
Method for determining incorporation of acetate into citrate.

SummaryA simple radiometric method is described to determine the incorporation of acetate or pyruvate into citrate. Following in vitro incorporation of these substrates by the tissues, they are converted to ‘active acetate' which then condenses with oxaloacetate to form citrate. When 1-14C acetate or 2-14C pyruvate were added as tracers, the citrate was labeled at 1-14C carboxyl position which on oxidation was released as 14CO2. Labeled acetate in the medium did not interfere with the quantitative recovery of small quantities of citrate formed. When monofluoroacetate (MFA) instead of acetate was added with labeled acetate as the substrate, monofluorocitrate was formed which accumulated in the tissues, perhaps due to block in further oxidation. There was an eight-fold increase in the labeled CO2 evolution by liver tissue when MFA was used as the substrate.Of the three temperatures at which the reaction was studied, the maximum amount of citrate was formed at 27°. The ability of the different tissues of rat...
Neural response to bird's own song and tutor song in the zebra finch field L and caudal mesopallium.

Neurons in the song system nuclei of songbirds exhibit a strong preference for the sound of the bird’s own song relative to that of conspecific songs. This selectivity is observed in the high vocal center and the nucleus interface of the nidopallium, two song nuclei that receive input from the bird’s auditory system. To investigate the role of the auditory system in generating the selective responses observed in the song system, we recorded auditory responses in the zebra finch primary auditory forebrain, field L, and in a secondary auditory area, the caudal mesopallium. Field L and caudal mesopallium project directly or indirectly to the high vocal center and nucleus interface of the nidopallium and are presumed to provide substantial auditory input to the song system. We found that, on average, neurons in field L and caudal mesopallium did not show positive selective responses for the bird’s own song or tutor song relative to conspecific song. Moreover, there were no particular sub-areas in the auditory telencephalon that were relatively more selective than the average. The selectivity for the bird’s own song would therefore be restricted to song nuclei and would arise in one processing step, potentially found at the interface between the auditory and the song systems.
Homoplasy and adaptation in the atelid postcranium

Homoplasy is a ubiquitous phenomenon in phylogenetic investigations, but it is rarely investigated on its own. As a case study in the pattern and basis of homoplasy in primates, the atelid postcranium is discussed here. Characters available from Ford's ([1986] in Erwin J, Swindler DR, eds: Comparative Primate Biology I: Systematics, Evolution, and Anatomy (New York: Alan R. Liss), p 73–135; [1994] in Fleagle JG, Kay RF, eds: Anthropoid Origins (New York: Plenum Press), p 595–674) analyses of New World monkeys are mapped onto alternative phylogenetic trees for the family Atelidae to contrast patterns of character evolution and to develop explanatory hypotheses for differences in the trees. In an unrooted phylogenetic network, pitheciines do not group together because those pitheciines that routinely adopt hind limb suspensory postures (Chiropotes, Cacajao) share traits with atelines. Ford's (1986) work on phylogeny has shown that these traits are homoplastic and also identified potential synapomorphies of a clade comprised of modern pitheciins and atelines. However, following that work, congruence between studies of craniodental and molecular data suggested a still broader definition of atelids (including Callicebus and Cebupithecia), and in this case only one trait may define atelids, and several traits arise in parallel. The homoplastic characters in this phylogeny suggest that the phylogenetic signal in this set of postcranial data is overwhelmed by parallel adaptations to the use of climbing behaviors in all of Ford's atelids and suspensory postures in a more restricted set of taxa. These parallelisms probably indicate a bias of selective pressures in the South American environment, especially given the frequent, independent evolution of suspensory mammals there. This highlights the fact that homoplasy can be a dominant source of similarity in data partitions strongly influenced by a particular behavioral regime, in this case positional behavior. Am J Phys Anthropol 108:459–482, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microbial transport in soils and groundwater: A numerical model

Abstract To serve as a tool in the long term evaluation of the risk of accumulation of microbial contaminants (bacteria and viruses) entering soil and groundwater, a mathematical model is developed to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutant concentration. The governing equation for bacterial transport is coupled with a transport equation for the bacterial nutrient present in the seeping wastewater. The deposition and declogging mechanisms are incorporated into the model as a rate process for bacteria and as an equilibrium partitioning for viruses. While the decay is assumed to be a first order reaction and the growth of bacteria is assumed to follow the Monod equation, the model equations exhibit nonlinearity and coupling. A simplified set of equations is solved analytically to test the numerical results. Coupled numerical solutions in one and two dimensions are obtained by the Galerkin method at spatial and temporal locations of interest. Cases studied included a soil column and a horizontal two-dimensional field coupled with the one dimensional solution. For these examples, the bacteria are removed almost totally within the top 7 cm of soil with minimal risk of clogging.
Predictors of indoor exposure to mouse allergen in urban and suburban homes in Boston

Studies have shown that exposure to mouse allergen in inner-city homes (1–5) and perhaps suburban homes (6) is prevalent and potentially important. To date, there are no published studies evaluating the prevalence of exposure to mouse allergen in urban and suburban home environments of infants who are at risk for developing asthma and allergies but who have not yet developed atopic disease. The Home Allergens and Asthma Study is a prospective birth-cohort study of children in the Boston area with a parental history of asthma or allergies. In this report, we examine the prevalence of mouse allergen exposure in these homes and the relation among socioeconomic factors, housing characteristics, and indoor exposure to mouse allergen in this cohort.
Conduction through TiO2 thin films with large ionic space charge

The electrical properties are described for thin film sandwiches of Al-TiO_2-Al with films varying in thickness from 100 to 410 A. The results are interpreted in terms of a large ionic space charge in the TiO_2 films. By selecting a sample of appropriate thickness, it was possible to make a detailed comparison of the. experimental results with the theory of the preceding paper. Using the barrier energies at the two electrodes determined independently from photoelectric measurements and adjusting a single parameter, the characteristic temperature T_0 to the results, we obtain good agreement for the dependence of both current and capacitance on voltage and temperature. From the value of T_0 so determined we calculate a maximum ionic space-charge density adjacent to the electrode interfaces of approximately 5 mole per cent which conforms with typical values of saturation concentrations of impurities quoted for TiO_2. The dependence of conductance and capacitance on frequency is also considered and shown to be in qualitative agreement with the theoretical model.
Understanding the dominant field failure mechanism for DC power supplies

Billions of units of electrical equipment are deployed world wide. Recent work has shown that, for the vast majority of these devices, the input power supply can operate well outside the design safe operating area under line conditions that are frequently encountered. Discussions with several major equipment manufacturers, as well as tests with commercial equipment have confirmed that input power stage failure is the leading cause of field failure. Input stage failure has typically been attributed to voltage surges, and has led to the UL 1449 standard and test protocol being widely adopted by industry. This paper shows that current-inrush surges, and not voltage surges, are the leading cause of equipment failure. These current-inrush surges occur at the end of frequent voltage sag events, when the inrush current limiting circuits are bypassed and offer minimal protection. The paper presents definitive data on the statistics of power disturbances, detailed analysis of the failure mechanism for various types of input stages, and a methodology for predicting the susceptibility of equipment. The paper also proposes the concept of a Power Disturbance Safe Operating Area (PD-SOA) specification for electrical equipment, and the possible need for a new standard specifying equipment behavior under voltage sag conditions.
Transformation of Body and Mind

Similar to exploring an old city I like to wander down the side streets of the transhumanity debate to read about fascinating areas of research and development such as artificial intelligence and artificial life . However, it’s best not to get sidetracked. It helps to keep in mind that the debate is driven by basic concerns as much as it is by the science and technology. In particular, I am reminded of this by the personal revelations by authors. One scholar wonders whether he would remain consistent with his opposition to genetic engineering if his grandchild’s life was in the balance. Another author relates his grief over the death of his parents. Others describe a chronic illness that they or loved ones must suffer and endure. These testimonials serve to remind me that the transhumanity debate is centered on the problem of human mortality.
Natural fluorescence and quantum yields in vertically stationary phytoplankton from perennially ice‐covered lakes

Phytoplankton in ice-covered lakes near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, are stratified vertically in distributions similar to deep chlorophyll maxima commonly observed in lakes and seas. We measured natural fluorcsccnce flux rates, chlorophyll concentration (Chl a), phytoplankton absorption spectra (a,,), photosynthetic efficiency, and spectral irradiance to derive the quantum yields for photosynthesis (+c) and fluorescence (+,). Chlorophyll concentrations predicted from natural fluorescence based on mean ap,, [O.O 15 m2 (mg Chl a) ‘1 and mean +, [0.044 mol photons lluorcsced (mol photons absorbed)- ‘1 correlated significantly with measured Chl a (n = 122, r = 0.88). Predictions of primary productivity from natural fluoresccncc based on mean values for +,and a’,. were poor. Relationships between 9, : (P, and temperature and between +, : a, and irradiance implied that these environmental variables would not provide good bases for correcting predictions of primary production. +,. : +, varied most coherently with distance from the nutriclinc, due primarily to a large increase in maximum 9,. [0.0015-0.05 1 mol C (mol photons))‘] with proximity to the nutricline. Our results indicate that nutrient supply may bc a critical variable to consider when using natural fluorcscencc methods to estimate primary productivity in vertically stable phytoplankton.
Testing an equifinality model of nonsuicidal self-injury among early adolescent girls

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common behavior among females that has been shown to confer risk for continued self-injury and suicidal attempts. NSSI can be viewed conceptually as behavior that is pathognomonic with aggression and/or depression. Empirical research on concurrent correlates supports this concept: numerous and diverse factors are shown to be significantly associated with self-harm, including depression, emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and aggression and other conduct problems, as well as environmental stressors such as bullying, harsh parenting, and negative life events. In the present study, we test hypotheses regarding developmental precursors (measured from ages 8 to 12 years) to NSSI in young adolescent girls (ages 13–14 years), specifically whether aggression, depression, and environmental stressors distinguish girls with and without self-harm, and whether there is evidence for multiple developmental pathways to NSSI. Data were derived from the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study. In this community sample of girls, the prevalence of NSSI at ages 13 or 14 years of age was 6.0%. Initial levels in dimensions measured within the depression, aggression, and environmental stressor domains accounted for variance in NSSI in early adolescence. Changes over time in relational aggression and assertiveness were also significantly associated with risk for NSSI. To a large extent, adolescent NSSI was predicted by psychological deficits and stress exposure that began early in childhood. Risk indices were calculated using the 85th or 15th percentile. Close to 80% of girls who engaged in NSSI during adolescence were identified by at least one risk domain in childhood. A sizable proportion of adolescent girls who later engaged in NSSI had childhood risk scores in all three domains; the remaining girls with adolescent NSSI were relatively evenly distributed across the other risk domain profiles. The observation that multiple pathways to NSSI exist suggests that deficits underlying the behavior may vary and require different modes of prevention.
A bandwidth management technique for hierarchical storage in large-scale multimedia servers

Using magnetic disks as a cache for tertiary storage has been shown to be an effective way to address the high storage coats of large-scale multimedia servers. The authors investigate a technique for managing the bandwidth of such a hierarchical storage design. In existing schemes, all data items are treated equally; and the same I/O rate is used to load data from tertiary storage when they are requested. In their approach, different loading rates are used for data items with different characteristics. For frequently used items, one keeps a large percentage of data in the disk buffer and needs to use only a small I/O rate to load the missing portions on demand. On the contrary, a larger portion of less frequently used items is kept in the tertiary storage. To minimize their access latencies, larger I/O rates are used to load the missing parts when these items are needed. They formally prove that this approach is better than using the same loading rate for all data items. They also show simulation results to quantitatively demonstrate the benefits of the technique. They confirm that the scheme is able to provide higher system throughput while ensuring very short latencies (i.e., several seconds) for essentially all accesses. Such good performance is achieved using surprisingly small disk space (i.e., about 5% or less of the database size).
Soluble Adhesion Molecules: Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular Disease?

Expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial and immune cells is important for the interaction between immune and endothelial cells during the inflammatory process. Several of these adhesion molecules have been identified and are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The soluble forms of adhesion molecules are shed from cell surfaces and released into blood circulation; their measurement may have use as markers in predicting cardiovascular disease. Experimental and some clinical data have indicated that reducing expression of some adhesion molecules is another mechanism by which dietary fats such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid, as well as vitamin E and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Preoperative statins and infectious complications following cardiac surgery.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Recent observational studies have suggested that statins can decrease the incidence and severity of various infections including pneumonia and bacteremia. However, the effect of statins on post-cardiac surgery infection has not been adequately evaluated. Therefore we sought to determine whether preoperative statin use resulted in a reduction in infection following cardiac surgery.Methods: This was a cohort evaluation of all consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valve surgery at our institution between January 1, 2004 and August 31, 2006. Our primary outcome measure was the occurrence of at least one of the following postoperative infectious complications (pneumonia, bacteremia, sternal wound, leg vein harvest site infection, urinary tract infection, or tracheotomy site infection). We used multivariable logistic regression to control for potential confounding and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: A t...
The Changing Landscape of Adult Home Noninvasive Ventilation Technology, Use, and Reimbursement in the United States

There has been an exponential increase in the use of home noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Despite growing use, there is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines and practice standards in the United States to assist clinicians in the initiation and ongoing management of home NIV. Consequently, home NIV practices are being influenced by complicated local reimbursement policies and coding. This article aims to provide a practice management perspective for clinicians providing home NIV, including Local Coverage Determination reimbursement criteria for respiratory assist devices, Durable Medical Equipment coding, and Current Procedural Terminology coding to optimize clinical care and minimize lost revenue. It highlights the need for further research and development of evidence-based clinical practice standards to ensure best practice policies are in place for this rapidly evolving patient population.
Proximity of carotid canal wall to tympanic membrane: a human temporal bone study.

Objective The objective was to examine the possible risk of injury to the internal carotid artery during procedures in the middle ear, including myringotomy. Study Design Histopathological morphometric study of human temporal bones. Methods One hundred forty-two human temporal bone specimens obtained from 92 individuals without any known ear disease were prepared for light microscopic study. Using 83 bones that were available for measurement, the thickness of the carotid canal wall (CCW), which is the medial wall of the bony portion of the eustachian tube, was measured. Using 15 bones selected for three-dimensional measurement, the closest distance from CCW to the anterior tympanic annulus was measured. Using all 142 temporal bone specimens, the CCW was examined to detect the presence of partial dehiscence. In one case, the images of CCW dehiscence and its surrounding structures were reconstructed by a personal computer. Results The thickness of the CCW was 0.00 to 0.73 mm (average thickness, 0.24 mm [±0.12 mm]). The distance from the CCW to the anterior tympanic annulus was 1.8 to 8.1 mm (average distance, 4.9 [±1.7 mm]). Dehiscence of CCW was observed in 7 (4.9%) of 142 temporal bone specimens. The reconstructed image showed that the posterior half of the dehiscence of CCW could be seen from the external ear canal. Conclusions The CCW was found to be extremely thin or even dehiscent in some cases, rendering the internal carotid artery vulnerable during transtympanic procedures. The study's findings emphasized the need for judicious care when operating in the anterior mesotympanum.
Size-dependent visual predation risk and the timing of vertical migration: An optimization model

Diel vertical migration (DVM) by zooplankton to deep, poorly illuminated habitats during the day is thought to reduce the probability of attack by visual predators at the cost of decreased net energy gain. Herein, I develop a trade-off model used to predict the timing of vertical migration of zooplankton. The model is based on ‘‘Gilliam’s rule’’—the notion that animals will select habitats that minimize the ratio of mortality risk/energy gain—and incorporates light- and size-dependent vulnerability to visual predators. The model predicts that smaller, less vulnerable prey should ascend into food-rich surface waters earlier and descend later than larger, more conspicuous organisms over a wide range of conditions. The model has been parameterized for a population of Euphausia pacificain Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, and predicts that 7-mm (larval) animals will ascend/descend ;35 min earlier/later than more conspicuous 24-mm adults. These predictions are consistent with acoustic observations of the timing of DVM in this population. The proposed mechanism for size-dependent timing of DVM is based on the potential for increased energy gain in surface waters and diel changes in vulnerability to size-selective predators. These conditions prevail in both freshwater and marine pelagic environments, and size-dependent DVM is likely to be widespread in zooplankton.
Escherichia coli O157:H7--Discerning Facts from Fiction: An Integrated Research and Extension Project for Multiple Audiences.

Summary The O157:H7 (EcO157) epidemiology of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in cattle is complex, and myths about pre-harvest control are perpetuated. The objectives of this project were to identify perpetuated misinformation and inform four audiences about evidence-based risks and pre-harvest control of EcO157 by addressing: (i) EcO157 epidemiology and pre-harvest control; (ii) how food safety policy is created; and (iii) how to present accurate information about EcO157. An environmental scan using a daily Internet search helped identify themes for education. A literature review of pre-harvest control measures contributed to the development of educational materials (fact sheets, website, web presentations and conferences). Conference 1 was a webinar with 315 registrants, 10 countries including 41 US states and four Canadian provinces. Most participants felt confident in using their new knowledge, more than half felt confident enough to answer EcO157 questions from the public and many would recommend the recorded version of the webinar to colleagues. Conference 2 was live in the Washington, DC, area with most participants employed by the US government. All agreed that they better understood pre-harvest control, how food safety policy was made, and were confident they could create an effective message about STEC pre-harvest control. Videos were posted and received 348 Internet visitors within 2 months. Conference 3 was a webinar with a live audience and Twitter feeds, targeting people who give nutrition advice. Almost all ranked the programme good to excellent and relevant to their work. About 25% indicated that they would share: ‘grass-fed beef is not safer than grain-fed’, 25% would share information on effectiveness of cattle vaccines, and 14% would share information on message mapping. Across all conferences, major changes in knowledge included the following: there is no additional risk of EcO157 shedding from grain-fed versus grass-fed cattle, pre-harvest vaccination is efficacious, and production systems (pasture versus confinement) do not affect EcO157 shedding rates.
Drones, spies, terrorists, and second-class citizenship in Pakistan

This essay reviews seven recent books and reports that focus upon the use of US armed drones in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This essay synthesizes a historical account of the program, critically interrogates key arguments and evidence advanced by the authors, and draws attention the particular problems that confront those who live in the FATA and the second-class citizenship that the Pakistani state has bestowed upon them for reasons of domestic and foreign policy concerns. This review essay does not intend to be the final word on any of the ongoing policy debates. But it does hope to enable a wider audience to take part in these important deliberations.
Spectrum and energy levels of nine-times ionized strontium (Sr x)

The spectrum of the copperlike ion Sr x was observed with a low-inductance spark in the region 70–630 A on the 10.7-m grazing-incidence spectrograph at the National Bureau of Standards. From the identification of 30 lines, a system of 23 energy levels of the type 3d10nl was determined. The level system includes the configurations ns (n = 4–7), np (n = 4–6), nd (n = 4–6), nf (n = 4–6), and ng (n = 5). The 4f2F term is inverted. Also identified were 12 transitions of the type 3d104s–3d94s4p and 3d104p–3d94p2, permitting the determination of several 3d94s4p and 3d94p2 levels. The observed 3d10nl energy levels and parameters are compared with Hartree–Fock calculations. The ionization energy is determined from the 3d10ns and nf series to be 1 430 000 ± 500 cm−1 (177.30 ± 0.06 eV). Data for 3d–4p transitions in Sr ix and Sr xi and 3p–3d transitions in Sr xii are also presented.
Hybrid Polynomial Filters for Gaussian and Non-Gaussian Noise Environments

Traditional polynomial filtering theory, based on linear combinations of polynomial terms, is able to approximate important classes of nonlinear systems. The linear combination of polynomial terms, however, yields poor performance in environments characterized by Gaussian and heavy tailed distributions. Weighted median and weighted myriad filters, in contrast, are well known for their outlier suppression and detail preservation properties. It is shown here that the weighted median and weighted myriad methodologies are naturally extended to the polynomial sample case, yielding hybrid filter structures that exploits the higher-order statistics of the observed samples while simultaneously being robust to outliers for both Gaussian and heavy-tailed distributions environments. Moreover, the introduced hybrid polynomial filter classes are well motivated by analysis of cross and square term statistics of Gaussian and heavy-tailed distributions. A presented asymptotic tail mass analysis shows that polynomial terms, both under Gaussian and heavy-tailed noise statistics, have heavier tails than the observed samples, indicating that robust combination methods should be utilized to avoid undue influence of outliers. Further analysis shows weighted median processing of polynomial terms for the Gaussian noise case, and weighted median and weighted myriad processing of cross and square terms, respectively, for the heavy-tailed noise case, are justified from a maximum likelihood perspective. Filters parameter optimization procedures are also presented. Finally, the effectiveness of hybrid filters is demonstrated through simulations that include temporal, spectrum, and bispectrum analysis
Cartilage morphogenetic proteins: role in joint development, homoeostasis, and regeneration.

Background: Articular cartilage homoeostasis is critical for joint function. The steady state homoeostasis of articular cartilage is a balance between anabolic morphogens such as cartilage derived morphogenetic proteins (CDMPs) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) of the BMP family and catabolic cytokines such as interleukin (IL)1, IL17, and tumour necrosis factor α. Although bone and articular cartilage are adjacent tissues, there is a profound difference in their regeneration potential. Bone has the highest potential for regeneration. On the other hand, articular cartilage is recalcitrant to repair. Objective: To examine the hypothesis that the feeble innate regeneration ability of cartilage is due to the preponderance of catabolic cytokines such as IL1 and IL17. Results: During a systematic investigation of CDMPs and cytokines IL17B (chondroleukin) was found in bovine articular cartilage. Discussion and conclusions: BMP-7 and IL17B are present in articular cartilage and synthesised in chondrocytes as shown by northern blots and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The coexistence of anabolic morphogens and catabolic cytokines in articular cartilage has important implications for cartilage homoeostasis and regeneration. The networks of signalling systems of morphogens and cytokines determine the net capacity for regenerative morphogenesis of articular cartilage. Finally, the feeble innate capacity for articular cartilage may be improved by targeted therapy by soluble receptors to block catabolic cytokines.
Resolution method for mixed integer bi-level linear problems based on decomposition technique

In this article, we propose a new algorithm for the resolution of mixed integer bi-level linear problem (MIBLP). The algorithm is based on the decomposition of the initial problem into the restricted master problem (RMP) and a series of problems named slave problems (SP). The proposed approach is based on Benders decomposition method where in each iteration a set of variables are fixed which are controlled by the upper level optimization problem. The RMP is a relaxation of the MIBLP and the SP represents a restriction of the MIBLP. The RMP interacts in each iteration with the current SP by the addition of cuts produced using Lagrangian information from the current SP. The lower and upper bound provided from the RMP and SP are updated in each iteration. The algorithm converges when the difference between the upper and lower bound is within a small difference ?. In the case of MIBLP Karush---Kuhn---Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions could not be used directly to the inner problem in order to transform the bi-level problem into a single level problem. The proposed decomposition technique, however, allows the use of KKT conditions and transforms the MIBLP into two single level problems. The algorithm, which is a new method for the resolution of MIBLP, is illustrated through a modified numerical example from the literature. Additional examples from the literature are presented to highlight the algorithm convergence properties.
Promoting Young Children's Social Competence through the Preschool PATHS Curriculum and MyTeachingPartner Professional Development Resources.

Research Findings: Children's (n = 980) social competence during prekindergarten was assessed as a function of their teachers’ (n = 233) exposure to the Preschool Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) curriculum and 2 levels of support through MyTeachingPartner, a Web-based approach to professional development. Children in classrooms that implemented PATHS had increased levels of teacher-reported social competence over the course of the year. There were no associations between the use of PATHS and reductions in teacher-reported social problems. The results also suggested that teachers who used the MyTeachingPartner website more often reported greater gains in children's social competence. Practice or Policy: These findings have implications for the development and dissemination of social-emotional learning curricula and the provision of effective implementation supports for teachers. Continued work on the best ways to integrate technology into the professional development of teachers, both in ...
Optical crossconnects: their impact on optical networking

We discuss the relationship between the characteristics of optical crossconnects and add-drop multiplexers, and the characteristics of the optical networks in which they are used. Opaque crossconnect allow networks that are flexible and simple to manage, but have a high cost in money, power and space. Transparent crossconnects, in particular the wavelength-selective crossconnect, reduce these costs, and can achieve comparable network performance, but require more sophisticated and unproven network management.
Long-Term Outcomes in Children with Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome Treated with Calcineurin Inhibitors.

Background: Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children that often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have been shown to be effective in inducing short-term remission in some patients with SRNS. However, there are little data examining their long-term impact on ESRD progression rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients treated for SRNS with CNIs at our institution from 1995-2013. Data collected including demographics, initial response to medical therapy, number of relapses, progression to ESRD, and treatment complications. Results: A total of 16 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (range 0.6-17.6 years). Histopathological diagnoses were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (8), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (4), IgM nephropathy (3), and minimal change disease (1). Three patients (18.8%) were unresponsive to CNIs while the remaining 13 (81.2%) achieved remission with CNI therapy. Six patients (37.5%) progressed to ESRD during the study period, three of whom did so after initially responding to CNI therapy. Renal survival rates were 87%, 71%, and 57% at 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years respectively. Non-Caucasian ethnicity was associated with progression to ESRD. Finally, a higher number of acute kidney injury episodes was associated with a lower final estimated glomerular filtration rate. Discussion: Despite the majority of SRNS patients initially responding to CNI therapy, a significant percentage still progressed to ESRD despite achieving short-term remission. Recurrent episodes of AKI may be associated with progression of CKD in SRNS patients with.
Foreign Operations of the Bureau of Public Roads

How U S Bureau of Public Roads is extending highway technical assistance in foreign countries; arrangements under which program is carried on and administered and status of work in several countries; aims of program, and difficulties of recruiting personnel.
Instability in the US: It Is Not Debt but the Lack of It

Financial crises and their lessons are quickly forgotten; this time is no exception. The true problems of the US economy, to which the rating agencies have turned a blind eye, persist to this day. Now Standard & Poor's states that a very large government debt poses a systemic risk and calls for more stringent fiscal austerity. S&P has got the numbers and the rationale wrong. The systemic risk resides on a public debt that is too small for what is required to climb out of the Great Recession.
Mechanical Properties of Tetrapolyethylene and Tetrapoly(ethylene oxide) Diamond Networks via Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The tensile response to uniaxial deformation of polyethylene-based (Tetra-PE) and poly(ethylene oxide)-based (Tetra-PEO) networks of various strand lengths with idealized diamond connectivity have been studied via atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Tetra-PE and Tetra-PEO diamond networks with the same strand length show comparable maximum extensibility but the Young’s moduli and tensile strength of the former are significantly lower than those of the latter, consistent with stronger intersegmental attractions in the amorphous Tetra-PEO networks. The stress–strain curves show that the stress in short-stranded networks increased rapidly and monotonically with strain while for long-stranded networks it increased very little at small strain and then very sharply as the limit of extensibility was approached. The soft response observed at small strains and the strain-induced crystallization that ensues at large strains rendered the deformations largely nonelastic (irreversible). Spontaneous partial cryst...
Sizing Study for a First-Order Feasibility Assessment of a Space Vehicle Applied to Space Transportation

Historical documentation of the Space Transportation System (STS) missions and technical reports of its operation are available to the public, but they rarely deliver a clear parametric technical assessment of the operational feasibility of the STS. This type of parametric assessment is essential for the understanding of the vehicle design parameters and engineering decisions that led to the final system architecture. A parametric assessment of the main design drivers is established in this paper using a sizing approach, as previously documented by Loftin in 1980 and Coleman in 2010, among others. The sizing approach represents a multi-disciplinary methodology capable of integrating design parameters and variables into one system, in which they are iterated until multi-disciplinary convergence is reached. The sized results are comparable to the documented results, to a defined tolerance level. The convergence situation is then visualized in the matching chart and convergence logic diagram, showing the feasible design solution space where the ranges of possible STS design solutions fall. These visualizations allow for the early assessment of the risks associated with a particular design as well as its optimization potential.
Where to look for the genes related to diaphragmatic hernia

Analysis of approximately 150 published observations of diaphragmatic hernia (DH) in persons with structural autosomal imbalance showed several segments where DH-related genes may be found. Occurrence of DH in several patients with deletions 15q26, 8p23, 8q22, 4p16, 1q42, and 3q22 allows to propose that these segments harbor the genes which, when deleted (or truncated) may be responsible for DH. Segments 22q11, 4q28.3q32, 1q25q31.2 and 2p23p25 are good candidates for the location of genes which cause DH in trisomic condition. The genetic mechanisms of DH in tetrasomy 12p are not clear, although more than 50 cases of DH have been reported in this syndrome. Frequent coexistence of congenital heart defects and DH in some syndromes (and rarity of this association in some others) may suggest the different pathways of the DH's origin.
Medium-term follow up of pulmonary autograft aortic valve replacement: technical advances and echocardiographic follow up.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY The Ross procedure (aortic valve replacement (AVR) with pulmonary autograft and pulmonary homograft replacement of pulmonary valve) was developed as a durable aortic valve substitute that avoids the need for anticoagulation and provides young patients with a long-lasting aortic valve substitute. Our seven-year follow up echocardiography data are reviewed. METHODS Between May 1993 and March 2000, 40 adult patients (28 males, 12 females; mean age 33.3 years) underwent the Ross procedure at the Brigham and Women's Hospital for congenital aortic stenosis (n = 6), aortic insufficiency (n = 17) and mixed disease (n = 17). All patients had aortic root replacement with the pulmonary autograft and had no regurgitation after operation. Postoperative evaluation was conducted by transthoracic echocardiography, office visit and/or telephone interview. NYHA functional class, aortic and pulmonary valve function and aortic root dimensions were evaluated. RESULTS One patient died postoperatively as a result of a low output state related to global left ventricular dysfunction. Four patients (10%) developed pulmonary homograft stenosis with a peak gradient >40mmHg; and six developed mild pulmonary stenosis. One patient had aortic insufficiency seven years postoperatively that required valve replacement. Eight patients developed mild dilatation (>37 mm) of the neoaortic root, and five of these had aortic insufficiency. One patient required transplantation at 40 months for restrictive cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION The Ross procedure is an effective means of AVR that can be accomplished with low perioperative morbidity and mortality if certain technical modifications are carried out. In this series of 40 patients with mid-term follow up, a significant number developed moderate pulmonary trunk stenosis, though echo characterization demonstrated good valve function.
Industrialization Unbound, 1860–1932

America’s industrialization expanded steadily between the Civil War and World War I. During this era, manufacturing surpassed agriculture as a source of national wealth; manufacturing’s proportion rose from 43 percent to 65 percent while agriculture’s dropped from 57 percent to 35 percent. Of the total economy, the percentage of workers in manufacturing rose from 19.1 percent to 22.2 percent between 1870 and 1910, while agriculture’s fell from 52.5 percent to 31.4 percent. Most people profited by the expansion of national wealth. From 1840 to 1860, per-capita income rose an average 1.4 percent yearly; from 1870 to 1910, it rose 2.1 percent yearly. With the general prosperity, American households and businesses alike could afford to save more. The national savings rate hovered between 18 percent and 20 percent throughout the era, thus keeping interest rates relatively low and encouraging investments.1
Emotion in Risk Regulation: Competing Theories

Recent work in cognitive and social psychology makes it clear that emotion plays a critical role in public perceptions of risk, but doesn’t make clear exactly what that role is or why it matters. This paper examines two competing theories of risk perception, which generate two corresponding understandings of emotion and its significance for risk regulation. The “irrational weigher” theory asserts that lay persons’ emotional apprehensions of risk are error-prone heuristic substitutes for more reflective judgments, and counsels that risk regulation be assigned to politically insulated experts whose judgments are free of emotion’s distorting impact. The “cultural evaluator” theory, in contrast, asserts that emotional apprehensions of “risk express persons” moral appraisals of putatively dangerous activities. It implies that emotional apprehensions of risk should at least sometimes be afforded normative weight in law and also generates distinctive strategies for reconciling sound risk regulation with democratic policymaking.
Standard-Based Teaching Quality Assessment

In recent years, countries around the world emphasis more and more on the research and practice on the assessment of teaching quality. Teaching assessment has become an efficient method for educational administration. Curriculum standard provides a reference for teaching quality and learning effectiveness analysis. The authors adopt Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives to parse the contents of curriculum standards. It adopts two dimensions, knowledge and cognitive process, to analyze and determine the standards of each knowledge point. Therefore, it can provide reference for assessment dimensions of teaching quality and learning effectiveness. It sets rules for not only curriculum contents and scope but also cognition degree. Standard-based assessment can guarantee assessment reasonable and traceable, and consistent with curriculum standards and teaching practice.