cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Input Uncertainty in SWAT Using Latent Variables

Applications of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) require a large amount of input data to perform model simulations. Consequently, uncertainty in input data tends to influence the accuracy of SWAT hydrologic and water quality outputs. It has been shown that input uncertainty can be quantified explicitly during model calibration with latent variables. In this study, latent variables were explored to examine their sensitivity to SWAT outputs and further the potential impact of input uncertainty to model predictions. Results show that the increases in the range of latent variables pose a significant influence to streamflow and ammonia predictions while the impact was less significant in sediment responses. The performance of SWAT in predicting streamflow and ammonia declined with wider ranges of latent variables. In addition, the increase in the range of latent variables did not present noticeable effect on the corresponding predictive uncertainty in sediment predictions. In this study, the calibration results did not improve significantly with the applications of wider ranges of latent variables which are different from the findings in previous research work. The use of latent variables to incorporate input uncertainty may not be the proper alternative choice in terms of generating better results and should be carefully evaluated in the implementations of complex watershed simulation models.
The analysis of glass melting processes using three‐dimensional finite elements

Traditionally glass process problems have been studied using laboratory and two-dimensional computer simulation techniques to quantify the melting, cooling and distribution of the molten glass and its quality. Although these approaches are adequate for a large number of simple glass systems, there are processes with asymmetric geometries and operating conditions which cannot neglect the effect of the third dimension. During the past few years, with the advent of commercial parallel processors and corresponding software, extensive progress has been made with the implementation of full three-dimensional glass flow simulations. Several development applications using FIDAP will be illustrated for electric melters, circular refiners and contoured forehearths. The discussion will cover the problem set-ups, mesh generation, solution strategy, post-processing and results. The advantages and developmental needs of FIDAP will be highlighted from the point of view of applied glass process engineering.
Factors Influencing Honesty

(1938). Factors Influencing Honesty. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 97-102.
A Simple View of the I.P. Influence in an Inductive E.M. Prospecting System

Using a simple equivalent circuit it is demonstrated that the electrochemical properties of geological media can cause a reversal in the sign of the electromagnetic transient response of an inductive prospecting system.
Healthcare professional students' knowledge of drug-drug interactions

Objectives. To evaluate changes in medical, pharmacy, and nurse practitioner students’ drug-drug interaction (DDI) knowledge after attending an educational program.Design. A DDI knowledge assessment containing 15 different drug pairs was administered to participants before and after a 45-minute educational session.Evaluation. Pharmacy, medical, and nursing students scored significantly higher on the posttest assessment for DDI recognition (median change 3, 9, and 8, respectively) and management strategy (median change 5, 9, 8, respectively), indicating a significant improvement in DDI knowledge as a result of the educational session. Pharmacy students scored significantly higher on the pretest; however, no difference was observed between the students’ posttest scores. Posttest scores for all student groups were significantly greater than their respective pretest scores (p < 0.001).Conclusions. Significant improvement in healthcare professional students’ DDI knowledge was observed following participation i...
Protein synthesis in vivo by preimplantation hamster embryos

The level of protein synthesis by hamster embryos in vivo, as inferred from the incorporation of 35S methionine, was determined for the four days of the preimplantation period by radioautography. The embryos incorporated 35S methionine throughout the preimplantation period. Furthermore, the hamster eggs continued to incorporate 35S methionine following ovariectomy. Therefore, the pattern of protein synthesis in hamster eggs differs from the mouse with its low levels in cleaving eggs and in blastocysts following ovariectomy and high levels in blastocysts influenced by estrogen and progesterone. This finding is of interest because unimplanted mouse embryos remain viable in ovariectomized females for many days, whereas hamster embryos rapidly degenerate. It is suggested that the inability of hamster eggs to reduce the level of protein synthesis and become “dormant” may prevent their survival if implantation is blocked by ovariectomy.
Practical System Design Considerations For Wideband Fiber Optic Links Using External Modulators

We investigated the application of integrated optic modulators (I0Ms) to wideband fiber optic communications systems. These integrated optic modulators differed in their electrode structures and method of optical launching. Signal-to-noise ratio, harmonic distortion, input impedance, and laser noise effects were measured as functions of modulation frequency and modulator bias voltage. We will present possible system design alternatives to improve operation of the IOM and performance of the overall fiber optic link.
On the dust ring current of Saturn's F‐ring

The thin F-ring of Saturn, which is well within the corotating portion of the Saturnian magnetosphere, has been shown by Voyager 1 and 2 observations to be largely composed of small dust grains. Mendis et al. (1982) have argued that with plausible values of the ambient plasma density and temperature near the F-ring, these grains will be charged to around -40 volts. Mendis et al. have shown that within the corotating portion of the magnetosphere such negatively charged grains can move in circular orbits in the equatorial plane. In connection with a relative motion between the negatively charged grains and the corotating positive ions, the F-ring constitutes a ring current. The present investigation has the objective to calculate this current and to show that it would significantly alter the magnetospheric dipole field in the vicinity of the ring. A current of approximately 12,0000 A is obtained. The change in the magnetic field produced by the current could be measured by a spacecraft approaching to within 100 km above or below the F-ring plane.
A change in hippocampal protocadherin gamma expression in a learned helpless rat

Depression is a disease with a complex etiology, that is only beginning to be studied from a genetic perspective. A selectively bred line of rats susceptible to learned helplessness, a model of depression, presents an opportunity to search for genes affecting the depressive symptoms found in the helpless model which may provide clues toward understanding the human disease. A microarray study revealed a small set of genes with altered expression in the hippocampus of the congenitally helpless rats. We selected one of these genes, a member of the γ-protocadherins for further study to determine the basis for the change in expression. Helpless animals demonstrated an increased expression primarily in CA1 neurons. Protocadherins have been implicated in synapse development and these results suggest they may play a role related to the reduced neuroplasticity observed in depression. Additionally, a number of genes linked to pathways known or suspected to be involved in depression were also detected, these will require further verification and study.
Roll Maneuver Control of UCAV Wing Using Anisotropic Piezoelectric Actuators

Aeroelastic control of combat aircraft has been implemented by the static method of aeroelastic tailoring and the active method of discrete control surfaces. With the ongoing development of high authority piezocomposite-based anisotropic actuators, it may be possible to use active wing warping for aeroelastic control, in particular for roll maneuver of the next generation Uninhabited Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). A preliminary study done on a generic combat aircraft embedded with active fiber composites (AFCs) in the wing skin indicates that an actuator of higher authority than that of presently available AFC is needed to achieve the desired roll rate level. Currently pursued single crystal fiber composite (SCFC) may be the enabler of such technology. A numerical design environment was developed to design a UCAV in which roll maneuver control can be done using wing warping. This framework includes the novel concept of integrally distributed anisotropic piezocomposite actuators in a composite wing. A test study based on a simple cantilevered plate in the presence of airflow indicated the viability of the framework. An optimization study was then conducted on a UCAV model using a particular passive and active material layup and wing airfoil. The thickness of the aircraft skin was varied and minimum weight configuration found. The study showed that it is possible to achieve the desired roll rate level using SCFC-based wing deformation. The study may be further refined by using different material layups, airfoils, and fuselage shapes. Suitable control loop may also be incorporated in order to guarantee the performance of the vehicle.
Water permeability of isolated muscle fibers of a marine crab.

This report deals with the diffusional and nondiffusional water fluxes of muscle fibers of the crab, Chionoecetes bairdi. Graphical analysis of the deuterium exchange indicates that two fiber compartments exist for water. The first, comprising about 60–70% of the fiber water, probably represents the sarcoplasm which is bounded externally by the plasma membrane. The second compartment might represent intracellular organelles. The ratio between the nondiffusional and diffusional fluxes is very much larger than that found earlier for erythrocytes and for the giant axon of the squid. A ratio of such size is unlikely to be caused by unstirred layers and more accurate determinations of the water flux must include study of the influence of the complex morphology of these muscle fibers.
Novel rearrangement of prop-2-ynyl N-Oxides to hydroxylamine O-allenyl ethers: mechanistic studies

Abstract The novel thermolytic rearrangement of prop-2-ynyl N-Oxides to hydroxylamine O-allenyl ethers has been examined by deuterium labeling. Product analysis by gc-eims and by cims has shown the reaction to proceed by a concerted cyclic transition state.
Options for orbifold-GUT model building from five-dimensional supergravity

Abstract This is the first paper of a series that will examine the options for embedding supersymmetric orbifold-GUTs into five-dimensional N = 2 Yang–Mills–Einstein supergravity theories (YMESGTs). In particular, we focus on the allowed couplings of charged hypermultiplets in the lowest-dimensional reps of the gauge groups SU ( 5 ) , SO ( 10 ) and E 6 . Our results are within the classification of homogeneous quaternionic scalar manifolds. In the minimal coupling of a generation of bulk matter hypermultiplets, supergravity requires the field content of an SO ( 10 ) scenario. In the minimal coupling of n bulk generations of matter and Higgs hypermultiplets, supergravity requires the field content of an E 6 scenario. We also discuss the coupling of tensors and non-compact gaugings in 5D YMESGTs, which can serve as alternative ways to obtain four-dimensional Higgs sectors. Charged tensor couplings seem to be difficult to work with phenomenologically since a U ( 1 ) gauge factor is always required when they are present, and it is not clear if tensors can be put in unified multiplets with other fields, if this is desired. This seems to imply that tensor couplings in GUT scenarios may be better suited in higher-dimensional settings. The non-compact gaugings discussed here are those of [M. Gunaydin, G. Sierra, P.K. Townsend, Gauging the D = 5 Maxwell–Einstein supergravity theories: More on Jordan algebras, Nucl. Phys. B 253 (1985) 573, M. Gunaydin, M. Zagermann, Unified Maxwell–Einstein and Yang–Mills–Einstein supergravity theories in five dimensions, JHEP 0307 (2003) 023, hep-th/0304109 ], and offer a novel unification scenario in which the supergravity and vector multiplets are connected by gauge transformations. The main points are summarized in tables and the conclusion. Although the discussion is in the spirit of a “bottom–up” approach, M-theory is taken as a motivating background.
Prostatitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

The prevalence of prostatitis is extremely high, with up to 16% of men diagnosed with prostatitis at some point throughout their lifetime. However, the etiology appears to be multifactorial and standard treatment regimens have been altered significantly in recent years. The purpose of this review is to examine the changing scientific views on the causes and treatment of prostatitis, chronic prostaitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We review the infectious and noninfectious etiology of the disease, examining the role of antimicrobial treatment in eradicating infection as well as ameliorating symptoms. Current NIH classifications, which stratify prostatitis into four categories, are discussed, as is the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, the primary tool used to assess symptomatology. Diagnostic examinations are studying the need for the four-glass test and its practical replacement by the two-glass test. Multimodal treatment therapy is then discussed, including recent data on biofeedback and evalua...
Short-term Outcomes of Intraoperative Cell Saver Transfusion During Open Partial Nephrectomy.

Objective To determine whether transfusion using the Cell Saver system is associated with inferior outcomes in patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy. Methods All patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon (BJD) from August 2008 to April 2015 were retrospectively identified. Operations were grouped and compared according to whether they included a transfusion using the Cell Saver intraoperative cell salvage system. Results Sixty-nine open partial nephrectomies in 67 patients were identified. Thirty-three procedures (48%) included a Cell Saver transfusion. Most tumors were clear cell renal cell carcinoma (62%) and stage T1a (68%). There were no significant differences between groups for any measured clinical or pathologic characteristics. Operations including a Cell Saver transfusion were longer (141 vs 108 minutes, P P P = .03). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rate (21% vs 17%, P = .83) or median length of hospital stay (3 vs 3 days, P = .09). At a median follow-up of 23 months (interquartile range: 8-42 months), 1 patient in the non-Cell Saver transfusion group had cancer recurrence. There was no metastatic progression or cancer-specific mortality in either group. Conclusion Cell Saver transfusion during open partial nephrectomy was not associated with inferior outcomes with short-term follow-up, and no patients developed metastatic disease.
A Rare Case of Nephrocolic Fistula Resulting from Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Nephrocolic fistula is a rare, abnormal fistulous connection between the urinary system (kidney/ureters) and colon. Different benign and malignant etiologies are implicated in the formation of a nephrocolic fistula. Even though conservative treatment options have been tried recently (especially for benign etiologies), surgical resection has been the treatment of choice and should be pursued if conservative management fails. We report the first case of a nephrocolic fistula after a radiofrequency ablation of a renal cell carcinoma, which required surgical resection after conservative management failed.
SOCIAL EXPERIENCE AND MORAL JUDGMENT IN EAST AFRICAN YOUNG ADULTS

Summary Relationships between stage of moral judgment and antecedent social experiences are presented for a non-Western sample of young adults. Cross sectional data are presented for two groups of Kenyan students: 52 University of Nairobi students; and 40 fourth form secondary school Ss. Critical variables are (a) family modernization, (b) attending ethnically pluralistic secondary schools, and (c) living independently away from home. The correlations between moral judgment stage and these three variables are controlled for, and compared to, correlations between stage of moral judgment and age, sex, race, and academic ability (as measured by standardized achievement tests or by grades). The evidence demonstrates associations between moral stage and all three critical variables, though in different ways for the two age levels of Ss.
A preliminary investigation of the antioxidant effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid in cod-liver oil.

Five-hundredths per cent nordihydroguaiaretic acid, together with 0.01 per cent ascorbyl palmitate, offered much greater protection against peroxide accumulation and destruction of vitamin A than that obtained by using 0.05 per cent nordihydroguaiaretic acid alone or smaller concentrations of the antioxidant with and without 0.01 per cent ascorbyl palmitate.
Somatic Mutator activity expression is dependent on the strength of Cy trans-active signals in maize

Two receptor element alleles (vp-rcy and bz-rcy) that respond to the trans-active element (Cy) controlling Mutator activity were used to analyze the strength of trans-active signals from Cy elements derived from a Mutator active line. Evidence is presented that the Mutator population tested consists mainly of a class of weak Cy elements designated as Cy:Mu. When Cy:Mu element are present in only a few copies, the strength of the combined transposition signal is weak. It is only when these active elements have a high copy number that the overall transposition signal is sufficiently strong enough to elicit a high frequency of transposition events. This study seeks to investigate the nature of the trans-active signal from Cy:Mu elements. The implication of these results for molecular studies is discussed.
On a sheaf representation of a class of near-rings

It is proved that R is a near-ring with identity in which every element is a power of itself if and only if it is isomorphic with a near-ring of sections of a sheaf of near-fields in which every element is a power of itself. We also obtain that the Boolean spectrum is homeomorphic with the space of all completely prime ideals of R with the Zariski topology.
eIF4G Functionally Differs from eIFiso4G in Promoting Internal Initiation, Cap-independent Translation, and Translation of Structured mRNAs

Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G plays an important role in assembling the initiation complex required for ribosome binding to an mRNA. Plants, animals, and yeast each express two eIF4G homologs, which share only 30, 46, and 53% identity, respectively. We have examined the functional differences between plant eIF4G proteins, referred to as eIF4G and eIFiso4G, when present as subunits of eIF4F and eIFiso4F, respectively. The degree to which a 5′-cap stimulated translation was inversely correlated with the concentration of eIF4F or eIFiso4F and required the poly(A)-binding protein for optimal function. Although eIF4F and eIFiso4F directed translation of unstructured mRNAs, eIF4F supported translation of an mRNA containing 5′-proximal secondary structure substantially better than did eIFiso4F. Moreover, eIF4F stimulated translation from uncapped monocistronic or dicistronic mRNAs to a greater extent than did eIFiso4F. These data suggest that at least some functions of plant eIFiso4F and eIF4F have diverged in that eIFiso4F promotes translation preferentially from unstructured mRNAs, whereas eIF4F can promote translation also from mRNAs that contain a structured 5′-leader and that are uncapped or contain multiple cistrons. This ability may also enable eIF4F to promote translation from standard mRNAs under cellular conditions in which cap-dependent translation is inhibited.
Photodegradation kinetics of methyl salicylate in poly(methyl methacrylate)

It has been found that methyl salicylate (MS) undergoes a photoinduced decarboxylation to form phenol with a quantum yield of ca. 8 × 10−5. The reaction is first order and the rate constant is proportional to the irradiance used. An activation energy of 1.2 kcal/mol was determined. Computer simulations were used to predict whether sufficient UV screening would be provided by MS-containing PMMA lenses over the projected lifetime of solar photovoltaic devices. An effective screening lifetime of less than 2 years is predicted.
Ultrasonic B-scan imaging: theory of image formation and a technique for restoration.

Abstract This paper presents a theory for ultrasonic B-scan image formation. Our theory is based on the assumption that imaging is done using broad-band signals and that all the information in the returned echos is utilized for image formation, as opposed to only the “video” detected envelopes. We also assume that the image is formed from the backscattered returns caused by inhomogeneities within soft tissue structures. In other words, we do not take into account the contributions from the specularly reflecting surfaces that represent large impedance discontinuities. (Surfaces that only represent small impedance changes and are “visible” to the transducer are accounted for by our theory.) Our main reason for this omission is the fact that although the contributions of the surfaces with large impedance changes are important to the delineation of features in some B-scan images, it is the presentation of the backscattered echos from small inhomogeneities within the tissues that is more severely distorted by the radiation and the electromechanical properties of the transducer. Also, it is currently believed that the backscattered echoes from the small inhomogeneities within the tissues carry important pathological information. Our theory is also limited to the case of linearly scanned transducers with unfocused apertures. A major result of our theory is an analytical expression for the point spread function of the image degradation. As expected, this function is position variant. To simplify the computations required for image restoration, we have presented approximations that reduce the point spread function to the position-invariant form. We have shown experimentally that the resulting restoration filters retain their effectiveness over several centimeters of the object thickness. This has led us to conclude that the B-scan images of thick objects may be restored by using piecewise position-invariant techniques.
The Synthesis and Secretion of Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters From HepG2 Cells Are Stimulated by Lipoproteins and Albumin

Background: Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol produced by the esterification of fatty acids and ethanol. FAEEs have been implicated as mediators of ethanol-induced organ damage in vivo and in vitro. They are detectable in the blood and in many organs after ethanol ingestion, and on this basis they are useful markers of ethanol intake in living patients as well as subjects at autopsy. FAEEs found in human plasma after ethanol ingestion bind to lipoproteins and albumin. Methods: In this study, we used a hepatoblastoma cell model (HepG2) to determine if lipoproteins or albumin stimulates the synthesis and/or secretion of FAEEs from HepG2 cells. Because FAEEs have been shown to decrease HepG2 cellular proliferation and protein synthesis, their removal from cells potentially could reestablish normal cell activity. HepG2 cells were incubated with 100 mM ethanol and 6 nM 3H oleic acid to generate 3H-FAEEs within the cells. Dose response and time course studies were performed by using low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, and albumin as FAEE acceptors. Results: The results indicate that FAEEs are extracted efficiently by each of these FAEE carriers and that FAEE synthesis also is stimulated by the addition of FAEE carriers to the extracellular medium. Conclusion: These observations indicate that lipoproteins and albumin can extract ethyl esters from HepG2 cells and thereby may limit alcohol-induced liver damage.
Monte Carlo simultaneous localization of multiple unknown transient radio sources using a mobile robot with a directional antenna

We report our system and algorithm developments that enable a single mobile robot equipped with a directional antenna to simultaneously localize multiple unknown transient radio sources. Due to signal source anonymity, short transmission durations, and dynamic transmission patterns, the robot cannot treat the radio sources as continuous radio beacons.We model the radio source behaviors using a novel spatiotemporal probability occupancy grid (SPOG) that captures transient characteristics of radio transmissions and tracks the spatiotemporal posterior probability distribution of the radio transmissions. As a Monte Carlo method, we propose a ridge walking motion planning algorithm that enables the robot to efficiently traverse the high probability regions to accelerate the convergence of the posterior probability distribution. We have implemented the algorithms and the experiment results show that our method consistently outperforms methods such as a random walk or a fixed-route patrol mechanism.
The Set2 histone methyltransferase functions through the phosphorylated carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II.

The histone methyltransferase Set2, which specifically methylates lysine 36 of histone H3, has been shown to repress transcription upon tethering to a heterologous promoter. However, the mechanism of targeting and the consequence of Set2-dependent methylation have yet to be demonstrated. We sought to identify the protein components associated with Set2 to gain some insights into the in vivo function of this protein. Mass spectrometry analysis of the Set2 complex, purified using a tandem affinity method, revealed that RNA polymerase II (pol II) is associated with Set2. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation using antibodies against subunits of pol II confirmed that the phosphorylated form of pol II is indeed an integral part of the Set2 complex. Gst-Set2 preferentially binds to CTD synthetic peptides phosphorylated at serine 2, and to a lesser extent, serine 5 phosphorylated peptides, but has no affinity for unphosphorylated CTD, suggesting that Set2 associates with the elongating form of the pol II. Furthermore, we show thatset2Δ ppr2Δ double mutants (PPR2 encodes TFIIS, a transcription elongation factor) are synthetically hypersensitive to 6-azauracil, and that deletions in the CTD reduce in vivo levels of H3 lysine 36 methylation. Collectively, these results suggest that Set2 is involved in regulating transcription elongation through its direct contact with pol II.
Regulation of nuclear poly(A) addition controls the expression of immunoglobulin M secretory mRNA.

B-cell differentiation is accompanied by a dramatic increase in cytoplasmic accumulation and stability of the IgM heavy chain (µ) secretory mRNA. Despite considerable effort, the mechanism is unknown. We have identified three short motifs upstream of the secretory poly(A) site, which, when mutated in the µ heavy chain gene, significantly increase the accumulation of the secretory form of poly(A)+ mRNA relative to the membrane form and regulate the expression of the secretory poly(A) site in a developmental manner. We show that these motifs bind U1A and inhibit polyadenylation in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of U1A in vivo results in the selective inhibition of the secretory form. Thus, this novel mechanism selectively controls post-cleavage expression of the µ secretory mRNA. We present evidence that this mechanism is used to regulate alternative expression of other genes.
Evaluation of a single-dose, extended-release epidural morphine formulation for pain after knee arthroplasty.

To The Editor: It is with interest and concern that I read the article entitled “Evaluation of a Single-Dose, Extended-Release Epidural Morphine Formulation for Pain After Knee Arthroplasty,” (2006;88:273-81), by Hartrick et al. The authors should be commended on this well-executed and well-written study. Although the facts speak for themselves (160 of 162 patients experienced adverse events, highlighted …
Ejection has both positive and negative effects on left ventricular isovolumic relaxation.

In isovolumically beating hearts, the speed of left ventricular (LV) relaxation is uniquely determined by peak active stress (ςmax). In contrast, such a succinct description of relaxation is lackin...
Treatment of severe refractory epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia using a two‐flap nasal closure method

Background Nasal closure has been shown to effectively manage severe epistaxis refractory to other treatments in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The nasal closure procedure may be underutilized because of its surgical complexity and flap breakdown. Methods This work is a retrospective review of 13 HHT patients treated for severe epistaxis with nasal closure between 2005 and 2013. Operating room (OR) time, need for revision surgery, preprocedure, and postprocedure epistaxis severity score (ESS), complete blood count values, and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaire results were collected for each patient. The technique is described. We characterize a typical nasal closure patient and compare outcomes based on our experience with the traditional 3-flap closure and a simplified 2-flap nasal closure procedure. Results The average candidate for nasal closure in this series had an ESS of 7.88, hemoglobin (Hgb) of 8.3 g/dL, and received multiple transfusions, iron therapy, and cautery/coagulation procedures. Average ESS subsequent to nasal closure using the 2-flap method is 0.92 and mean GBI score is 56.3. Comparison of 5 patients who underwent the traditional 3-flap nasal closure procedure and 8 patients receiving the 2-flap nasal closure showed no significant difference in postoperative ESS or GBI metrics. Mean operating room times of the traditional and simplified methods were 3.12 hours and 1.44 hours (p = 0.0001). Mean time to first revision for 8 nasal closure patients was 21.5 months. Conclusion In short-term follow-up, the 2-flap procedure showed comparable effectiveness with significantly reduced complexity and operative time compared to the traditional nasal closure method.
Gabor-Based novel local, shape and color features for image classification

This paper introduces several novel Gabor-based local, shape and color features for image classification. First, a new Gabor-HOG (GHOG) descriptor is proposed for image feature extraction by concatenating the Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) of all the local Gabor filtered images. The GHOG descriptor is then further assessed in six different color spaces to measure classification performance. Finally, a novel Fused Color GHOG (FC-GHOG) feature is presented by integrating the PCA features of the six color GHOG descriptors that performs well on different object and scene image categories. The Enhanced Fisher Model (EFM) is applied for discriminatory feature extraction and the nearest neighbor classification rule is used for image classification. The robustness of the proposed GHOG and FC-GHOG feature vectors is evaluated using two grand challenge datasets, namely the Caltech 256 dataset and the MIT Scene dataset.
Accounting for interdisciplinarity

This paper draws on the author's experience as Chair of the University of Arizona Strategic Planning and Budget Advisory Committee. Through readings of university strategic plans and other bureaucratic documents, she explores the changing meaning and role of "interdisciplinarity" and the complex and dynamic demands for accounting and accountability in the context of a public research university.
A Tale of Contrasting Trends: Three Measures of the Ecological Footprint in China, India, Japan, and the United States, 1961-2003

We assess threats to environmental sustainability by examining the trends in three measures of the ecological footprint (EF)  the total EF, the per capita EF, and the EF intensity of the economy (EF/GDP)  for China, India, Japan, and the United States. from 1961 to 2003. The EF, an estimate of the land area needed to sustain use of the environment, is the most comprehensive measure of anthropogenic pressure on the environment available and is growing in use. We argue that the total EF is the most relevant indicator for assessing threats to natures capital and services, that per capita EF is the most relevant indicator of global inequalities, and that EF intensity is the most relevant indicator of economic benefits from environmental exploitation. We find in all four nations that the ecological intensity of the economy declined (i.e., efficiency improved) over this period, but the total national EF increased substantially. This is a demonstration of the Jevons paradox, where efficiency does not appear to reduce resource consumption, but rather escalates consumption thereby increasing threats to environmental sustainability.
The Ethics of Short-Term International Health Electives in Developing Countries

With increased globalization, and a desire by educators to develop culturally competent, compassionate physicians, there has been an exponential increase in the number of medical students involved in International Health Electives (IHE). Evaluation of many of these experiences is strongly positive for the students, but there has been virtually no academic assessment of the impact — positive or negative — on the host community. The ethics of affecting locals, frequently a vulnerable population or community utilized for training, as well as the ethics of physical or emotional harm to the students have not been carefully examined. This article details some of the ethical issues that must be considered in establishing or continuing rotations for medical students in developing countries, reviews the data in the current medical literature related to these issues, and ends with recommendations for educators in the ethical development and evaluation of international health electives.
Renal Allograft Torsion: US and CT Imaging Findings of a Rare Posttransplant Complication

Vascular torsion is a rare renal transplant complication which requires prompt diagnosis and surgery to salvage allograft function. We report here a case of renal allograft torsion with interesting imaging findings on unenhanced CT and color Doppler ultrasound. A 60-year-old woman with a history of pancreas and kidney transplant presented to the emergency room with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and minimal urine output. Unenhanced CT of the abdomen demonstrated an enlarged and malrotated renal allograft with moderate hydronephrosis. Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrated lack of vascularity within the allograft. The patient was taken urgently to the operating room where the renal allograft was found twisted 360 degrees around the vascular pedicle. After the allograft was detorsed, the color of the kidney returned and the Doppler signals for arterial flow improved. Intraoperative biopsy showed no evidence of infarct or acute cellular rejection. The detorsed kidney was surgically fixed in position in its upper and lower poles. Follow-up ultrasound 1 day later demonstrated normal blood flow to the renal allograft and the serum level of creatinine returned to normal.
Catch some T’s

Sleep disturbances in older adults are common and frequently multifactorial. The incidence of insomnia, for instance, increases with age, and the symptoms of insomnia are associated with increased risk of disease and death. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to account for this increased risk, including basic biological processes that promote aging such as telomere shortening. In a recent study, Carroll et al. assessed markers of biological aging in individuals with clinical insomnia compared with healthy controls. The authors recruited 126 participants age 50 to 88 years who were either healthy controls without insomnia or had insomnia determined by reported difficulty with initiating or maintaining sleep or having chronic non-restorative sleep. All participants had telomere length measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The key finding of the study is that participants with insomnia aged ≥70 years had significantly shorter telomere lengths compared with age-matched healthy controls. A difference in telomere length was not seen in adults 60 to 69 years old without and with insomnia. These findings suggest that disrupted sleep accelerates normal cellular aging. Major limitations of the study include the cross-sectional design and the lack of objective sleep measures. Participants were diagnosed with insomnia based on clinical criteria of self-reported sleep quality. Future studies using objective sleep tests such as actigraphy or polysomnography will help to define specific sleep parameters associated with shortened telomere length. Sleep disorders other than insomnia, such as periodic leg movements during sleep and sleep-disordered breathing, also increase with age and were not directly assessed in this study. Controlling for these other sleep factors in prospective studies with longitudinal assessments of both sleep and telomere length will help to establish whether a direct causal relationship exists between insomnia and short telomeres. The study also assumes that telomere length in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is representative of general cellular senescence, although this may be a reasonable assumption, as peripheral blood cell telomere length is considered a marker for immune cell aging and is positively correlated with telomere length in other body tissues. Despite these limitations, the findings of this study open up a new avenue of research into a potential sleep-mediated mechanism that increases the risk of age-related diseases. J. E. Carroll et al ., Insomnia and telomere length in older adults. Sleep 39 , 559–564 (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30482
Messy Science: Engaging Science Policy: From the Side of the Messy by Patti Lather. New York: Peter Lang. © 2010. 118 pages. ISBN 978-4331-0329-2

Patti Lather's book takes a critical look at the science of educational research and what she considers to be its troubling relationship with educational policy. In the work, she makes a strong arg...
Patient and physician analytic goals for self-monitoring blood glucose instruments.

The study's objective was to determine the maximum analytical error that is allowable in portable whole blood glucose meters. Interviews were conducted to derive personal reference values and significant deviations from these values for the limit of hypoglycemia, the limit of hyperglycemia, and the upper and lower limits of acceptable blood glucose for physicians and patients with diabetes at the Park Nicollet Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Fifty patients with diabetes (30 type I and 20 type II), and 43 physicians (14 endocrinologists, 14 family practitioners, and 15 general internists) were enrolled in the study. The results showed no significant differences between type I and type II diabetic patient responses. Nor were there significant differences among family practitioner, internist, and endocrinologist responses for any of the parameters (the limit of hypoglycemia, the limit of hyperglycemia, the upper and lower limits of acceptable blood glucose for the patient, and the corresponding allowable coefficients of variation at each of these glucose levels). There were significant differences when patients were compared to physicians. Physicians require the highest degree of precision at the limit of hyperglycemia (8.4 +/- 0.28 mmol/L [150.8 +/- 5.1 mg/dL]) with a maximum allowable coefficient of variation (CV) of 7%, a CV significantly lower than that of the patients (CV = 10%). Patients require the highest precision for glucose concentration around the lower acceptable limit (4.7 +/- .013 mmol/L [84.1 +/- 2.5 mg/dL]), with an allowable CV of 8%, a CV significantly lower than that of the physicians (CV = 14%). The authors conclude that the accuracy required by patients and physicians at normal and higher glucose concentrations is achievable by currently available meters. Manufacturers should ascertain that glucose measurements are optimally accurate at glucose levels of 4.7 mmol/L (84.1 mg/dL) and have CVs no higher than 7%.
The Experiment about "the Co-operation and Mutual Aid Learning" in the Basketball Class

In the paper,the author make comparing experiment about the effect of the co-operation and mutual aid learning in the basketball class.By this way,the author finds that it not only have an impetus to the study of basketball skills,but also make the best use of the union,which can enhance the students' learning、practicing、teaching and innovation abilities.In this way,the students can make imitate friends.They realize the importance of responsibility.The way can enhance their co-operation spirit and learning interesting and express themselves in the best way.
Immunology of multiple sclerosis.

Evidence points to the conclusion that abnormal regulation of the immune response in MS contributes to ongoing immune activity.
Communication across the curriculum in animal science.

The growing movement toward the integration of communications in science-based courses has been taken to the heart of the curriculum at Berea College. New college-wide general education requirements initiated a review of student abilities, departmental expectations, and the use of writing and speaking skills in all courses. Agriculture graduates require highly developed reading and speaking skills as well as a fundamental control of language to succeed in industry today. Depending only on the English department to teach students writing and speaking skills can lead to graduates ill-prepared for communication in their chosen profession. The inclusion of communication skills in an animal science course not only improves such skills, but it also increases the ability of students to apply and use animal science concepts. The benefits of broadening the teaching curriculum to include reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills can provide improved academic achievement, attitude, confidence levels, and self-images. Students can become active participants rather than note-takers. Curriculum changes of such magnitude require faculty development opportunities and administrative support.
Effects of drought stress on oviposition preference and offspring performance of the lace bug Corythucha marmorata on its goldenrod host, Solidago altissima

Stress and vigor are endpoints on a continuum of the suitability of plants for insect herbivores. Senescence-feeding insects, such as the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Tingidae, Tingitini), are hypothesized to benefit from any stressor hastening the senescence of plant tissues, such as drought. They are also hypothesized to prefer feeding and ovipositing on stressed plants, due to increased performance of themselves and their offspring. We conducted choice and no-choice field-cage experiments to test the effects of drought stress on the oviposition preference and nymph survival of C. marmorata on its goldenrod host, Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae). We placed lace bugs on high- and low-water treatment plants, surveyed egg and nymph densities twice weekly, and at the end of the experiment, collected newly developed adults, weighed them, and determined their nitrogen concentration. Low-water treatment plants experienced decreased growth and increased leaf senescence. Lace bug nymphs had significantly greater survival, faster maturation, and higher adult mass on low-water treatment plants than on high-water treatment plants. We observed a non-significant, though consistent trend toward increased oviposition preference for low-water treatment plants. Nitrogen concentrations of lace bugs did not differ by treatment, but lace bugs from low-water treatment plants contained more nitrogen in total due to their higher mass. These results suggest that lace bugs perform better on drought-stressed plants due to mobilization of structural nitrogen increasing the nutritional quality of stressed tissues.
Accelerating the search for global minima on potential energy surfaces using machine learning

Controlling molecule-surface interactions is key for chemical applications ranging from catalysis to gas sensing. We present a framework for accelerating the search for the global minimum on potential surfaces, corresponding to stable adsorbate-surface structures. We present a technique using Bayesian inference that enables us to predict converged density functional theory potential energies with fewer self-consistent field iterations. We then discuss how this technique fits in with the Bayesian Active Site Calculator, which applies Bayesian optimization to the problem. We demonstrate the performance of our framework using a hematite (Fe2O3) surface and present the adsorption sites found by our global optimization method for various simple hydrocarbons on the rutile TiO2 (110) surface.
The Prevalence and Risks for Depression and Anxiety in Hospice Caregivers

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are common concerns for hospice caregivers. Objective: This study looked at the prevalence and variables associated with hospice caregiver depression and anxiety, as well as the relationship between the two conditions. Subjects: We did a secondary analysis of preexisting data. Measurements: Measures included the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Results: Nearly one-quarter of caregivers were moderately to severely depressed, and nearly one-third reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety. Risk factors for both depression and anxiety included younger age and poorer self-rated global health. Depression-specific risk factors included being married and caring for a patient with a diagnosis other than cancer. The sole anxiety-specific risk factor identified was geographic location, as caregivers living in the Southeast were found to have greater anxiety than those in the Midwest. Conclusion: Hospice providers' recognition of family caregivers as both coproviders and corecipients...
OP024: Improved survival for N2A oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma vs. N0/N1: Is our staging system still accurate? A population-based analysis of 15,588 cases

Purpose Assess and compare the accuracy of the current AJCC TNM staging system among a large population-based cohort with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the base of tongue (BOT)/tonsil and other oropharyngeal (OP) subsites. Materials and methods Patients with OP SCC were identified using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were classified according to the 6th edition AJCC TNM system, and also by primary site as follows: (1) BOT/tonsil ( n = 14,151), and (2) other oropharynx ( n = 1437). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) in each AJCC TNM classification group. Analyses were then stratified according to primary site subgroups. Results Patients with BOT/tonsil tumors were more likely to be younger white males with higher N-stage and overall-stage tumors ( p Fig. 1 ). Although DSS was well-discriminated according to T and M classifications, discrimination according to N classification was poor and disconcordant between the two primary site subgroups. Overall (not shown), and in the BOT/tonsil group, N2a patients had significantly better DSS vs. those with N0/N1 disease ( Fig. 2 ). Conclusion The current AJCC classification system may need to be modified for BOT/tonsil tumors, especially regarding N stage. Unilateral nodal metastasis does not appear to uniformly denote a poor prognosis in OP SCC.