cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-stage AMPA receptor trafficking in classical conditioning and selective role for glutamate receptor subunit 4 (tGluA4) flop splice variant

Previously, we proposed a two-stage model for an in vitro neural correlate of eyeblink classical conditioning involving the initial synaptic incorporation of glutamate receptor A1 (GluA1)-containin...
Variability of Intensive Care Management for Children With Bronchiolitis

Objective: To determine the extent of variability in testing and treatment of children with bronchiolitis requiring intensive care. Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational study included 16 academic children’s hospitals across the United States during the 2007 to 2010 fall and winter seasons. The study included children Results: Respiratory distress severity scores and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. The study patients’ median age was 2.6 months, and 59% were male. Across the 16 sites, the median respiratory distress severity score was 5.1 (interquartile range: 4.5–5.4; P Conclusions: In this multicenter study of children requiring intensive care for bronchiolitis, we identified substantial institutional variability in testing and treatment, including use of CPAP, intubation, and HFNC. These differences were not explained by between-site differences in patient characteristics, including severity of illness. Further research is needed to identify best practices for intensive care interventions for this major cause of pediatric hospitalization.
Approach to pleural effusions and empyemas

Parapneumonic effusions in children occur in three not so sharply defined stages: exudative, fibropurulent, and organising.1 Clinically, parapneumonic effusions can be classified as simple, complicated, or purulent. Simple parapneumonic effusions generally contain free-flowing, sterile fluid with normal glucose and pH. Complicated parapneumonic effusions contain loculated, turbid fluid with lower glucose and pH, and may or may not have organisms. Purulent effusions or empyemas contain infected pus with the lowest values for glucose and pH, but cultures are not always positive due to prior treatment with antibiotics and possibly other factors.
On a Theorem of Irreversible Thermodynamics

A relation is obtained between the parameter describing the irreversible response of a driven dissipative system and the spontaneous fluctuations of the thermodynamic extensive parameters of the system in equilibrium. The development given in this paper extends the theorem, previously proven in the statistical mechanical domain, to the macroscopic thermodynamic domain.
Carbon Deposition and Catalytic Deactivation during CO2 Reforming of CH4 over Co/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts

The reaction behavior and carbon deposition during the CO2/CH4 reforming reaction have been investigated over the γ-Al2O3-supported Co catalysts as a function of Co loading (between 2 and 20 wt%) and calcination temperature (Tc=500 or 1000°C). It was found that the stability of Co/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was strongly dependent on the Co loading and calcination temperature. For some loadings (6 wt% for Tc=500°C and 9 wt% for Tc=1000°C), stable activities have been achieved. However, over the catalysts with high Co loadings (>12 wt%), notable amounts of carbon were accumulated during reforming, and deactivation was observed. Moreover, severe deactivation was also noted over the 2 wt% catalysts, both when carbon deposition occurred (Tc=500°C) or was absent (Tc=1000°C). In the latter case, the oxidation of the metallic sites was responsible for the deactivation. Hence, there are two different deactivation mechanisms, namely, carbon deposition and oxidation of metallic sites. The activities were stable when a balance between carbon formation and its oxidation could be achieved.
Aligning amino acid sequences: comparison of commonly used methods

We examined two extensive families of protein sequences using four different alignment schemes that employ various degrees of “weighting” in order to determine which approach is most sensitive in establishing relationships. All alignments used a similarity approach based on a general algorithm devised by Needleman and Wunsch. The approaches included a simple program, UM (unitary matrix), whereby only identities are scored; a scheme in which the genetic code is used as a basis for weighting (GC); another that employs a matrix based on structural similarity of amino acids taken together with the genetic basis of mutation (SG); and a fourth that uses the empirical log-odds matrix (LOM) developed by Dayhoff on the basis of observed amino acid replacements. The two sequence families examined were (a) nine different globins and (b) nine different tyrosine kinase-like proteins. It was assumed a priori that all members of a family share common ancestry. In cases where two sequences were more than 30% identical, alignments by all four methods were almost always the same. In cases where the percentage identity was less than 20%, however, there were often significant differences in the alignments. On the average, the Dayhoff LOM approach was the most effective in verifying distant relationships, as judged by an empirical “jumbling test.” This was not universally the case, however, and in some instances the simple UM was actually as good or better. Trees constructed on the basis of the various alignments differed with regard to their limb lengths, but had essentially the same branching orders. We suggest some reasons for the different effectivenesses of the four approaches in the two different sequence settings, and offer some rules of thumb for assessing the significance of sequence relationships.
Long-range interatomic forces from predissociation data and resonances in atomic scattering.

Long-range interatomic forces from thermal energy spectra, elastic scattering cross sections for atomic beams and limiting curve of dissociation
Race and Gender Differences in Theories of Sexual Behavior among Rural Adolescents Residing in AFDC Families

This study of 414 adolescents who resided with rural Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) families in 10 counties of Arkansas was designed to determine what demographic and theoretical factors from control, strain, and social learning theories predicted sexual intercourse in the past year and lifetime sexual partners among African American and Caucasian females and males. Only among Caucasian females was support found for the hypothesis that attachment to mother is inversely related to experience of sexual intercourse in the past year. Among females of color, beliefs were inversely related to behavior. Results also showed that family support inhibits sexual intercourse among Caucasian females, that confidence that one can escape welfare dependency is associated with having no sexual partners among females of color, and that feelings of frustration are positively related to having had sexual intercourse. Theoretical implications of these and other findings are discussed.
PREVALENCE OF TREATMENT REGIMENS FOR CHILDREN CONSIDERED TO BE HYPERACTIVE

In a representative sample of San Francisco Bay Area school children, 1.2% were identified as hyperactive by parents, teachers, and physicians. Estimates of the prevalence of various treatment regimens indicate that 58% of those so identified received medication in one year, but a much larger number (86%) will be given medication at some time. Initiation of treatment appears to coincide with stressful times in school, and multiple treatment approaches are generally employed.
Coherent Structures in Convection and Parametrically Driven Surface Wavesa

: A system maintained outside of thermodynamic equilibrium often develops complex spatial structures and, in some cases, persistent dynamics. The amplitude equation formalism has been widely used to study pattern formation in the weakly nonlinear regime (slightly beyond onset of instability from some stationary reference state.) Application of the formalism is briefly discussed for Rayleigh-Benard convection, and at some length for parametrically driven surface waves (Faraday waves).
Computational modeling of gene structure in Arabidopsis thaliana

Computational gene identification by sequence inspection remains a challenging problem. For a typical Arabidopsis thaliana gene with five exons, at least one of the exons is expected to have at least one of its borders predicted incorrectly by ab initio gene finding programs. More detailed analysis for individual genomic loci can often resolve the uncertainty on the basis of EST evidence or similarity to potential protein homologues. Such methods are part of the routine annotation process. However, because the EST and protein databases are constantly growing, in many cases original annotation must be re-evaluated, extended, and corrected on the basis of the latest evidence. The Arabidopsis Genome Initiative is undertaking this task on the whole-genome scale via its participating genome centers. The current Arabidopsis genome annotation provides an excellent starting point for assessing the protein repertoire of a flowering plant. More accurate whole-genome annotation will require the combination of high-throughput and individual gene experimental approaches and computational methods. The purpose of this article is to discuss tools available to an individual researcher to evaluate gene structure prediction for a particular locus.
A forecast-based monitoring methodology for process transitions

Nonconforming parts are often produced when a process moves from one level to another due to transition events. Control charting, when applied to a stable state process, is an effective monitoring tool to continuously check for process shifts or upsets. However, the presence of transition events can impede the normal performance of traditional control chart with increased false alarms. The presence of autocorrelation also requires modification to the control charting procedure. We present a methodology for characterizing the process transition which involves a tracking signal statistic, based on the forecast-based exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA). This test will supplement the forecast-based EWMA control charting as a means of detecting when the transition event is complete. Such a procedure facilitates smooth application of the appropriate control chart by knowing when the transition is over. The transition characterization methodology also carries benefits in cost and material savings. We use a color transition process in plastic extrusion to illustrate a transition event and demonstrate our proposed methodology. Simulation is employed to evaluate the performance of the methodology. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer Simulation of Multiple-Beam Final Focusing Systems for Heavy Ion Fusion

Heavy Ion Fusion ignition systems which employ multiple beams to achieve the required ignition energies on a target offer a number of advantages over systems with a small number of beams. In addition to the higher phase space densities which can be transported, the use of multiple lenses reduces the chromatic and geometric aberrations in the final focusing system. Computer simulations are described here which show that, at least for a modest number of beams, the transverse space charge interaction between adjacent beams does not appear to cause significant final spot aberrations for parameters consistent with pellet ignition requirements.
Improving the Communication of Benefits and Harms of Treatment Strategies: Decision Aids for Localized Prostate Cancer Treatment Decisions

Treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer are preference sensitive. The optimal treatment strategy is unknown, and active treatment is not always necessary. Choosing among the various options involves tradeoffs between cancer control and complications that affect quality of life. A shared decision-making process, particularly facilitated by a decision aid, can help a patient make an informed decision that is concordant with his values and preferences. Studies have shown that informed patients are more willing to forego aggressive treatment, but much work is needed to develop and evaluate high-quality decision aids that accurately portray active surveillance. The research agenda for decision aids includes evaluating content elements and format, timing and setting for delivery, the quality of the decision-making process, and the effects of decision support on treatment selection (which will occur repeatedly for men opting for active surveillance) and quality of life.
Technical feasibility and histopathologic studies of ethylene vinyl copolymer (EVAL) using a swine endovascular embolization model.

PURPOSE To study the safety, technical efficacy, and histopathology of the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) embolic mixture in an animal model. METHODS Microcatheterization of the rete was performed in 29 swine. The clinical, angiographic, and histopathologic consequences of superselective injection of the two principal embolic mixture components (EVAL and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) were evaluated. Necropsy and standard histologic preparation were used for pathologic analysis. RESULTS Significant technical difficulties and adverse outcomes occurred. The EVAL mixture was difficult to see under fluoroscopy and prematurely polymerized during one embolization, resulting in catheter occlusion. However, polymerized EVAL did not adhere to the catheter. DMSO damaged the plastic hubs of the microcatheters. Infusions of DMSO always caused immediate, moderate to severe vasospasm and frequently caused either subarachnoid hemorrhage or stroke. Histopathologic findings of both DMSO and DMSO plus EVAL were similar, producing variable endothelial denuding, thrombosis, and disruption of internal elastic lamina in the acute stage. An intense, mixed inflammatory response, organized thrombus, and transmural necrosis with extravasation were seen in the subacute and chronic stages. CONCLUSIONS Despite having some desirable features as an embolic agent, significant problems were encountered with EVAL; the most important of which is that one of the principal components of the embolic mixture, DMSO, seems to be very angiotoxic.
Preference for Sucralose Predicts Behavioral Responses to Sweet and Bittersweet Tastants

Rats can be classified as either sucralose avoiders (SA) or sucralose preferrers (SP) based on their behavioral responses in 2-bottle preference, 1-bottle intake, and brief-access licking tests. The present study demonstrates that this robust phenotypic variation in the preference for sucralose predicts acceptance of saccharin, an artificial sweetener with a purported concentration-dependent “bitter” side taste and a 0.25 M sucrose solution adulterated with increasing concentrations of quinine hydrochloride (QHCl). Specifically, SA displayed decreased preference for and intakes of saccharin (≥41.5 mM) and sucrose–QHCl (>0.5 mM QHCl) solutions, relative to SP. In a second experiment involving brief-access (30-s) tests, SP and SA did not differ in their unconditioned licking responses across a range of sodium chloride or QHCl solutions (0.03–1 mM). However, the acceptability threshold for sucrose was lower in SA, relative to SP (0.06 and 0.13 M, respectively). Our findings suggest that phenotypic differences in sucralose preference are indicative of a more general difference in the hedonic processing of stimuli containing “bittersweet” or “sweet” taste qualities.
Sphingoid bases and de novo ceramide synthesis: enzymes involved, pharmacology and mechanisms of action

The sphingoid base backbones of sphingolipids (sphingosines, sphinganines, 4-hydroxysphinganines and others) are highly bioactive species directly and-in most cases-as their metabolites, the N-acyl-sphingoid bases (ceramides) and sphingoid base 1-phosphates. The complexity of these compounds affords many opportunities to prepare synthetic analogs for studies of sphingolipid metabolism and the functions of the sphingoid bases and metabolites. Described in this review are methods for the preparation of libraries of sphingoid bases, including a series of 1-deoxy-analogs, as well as information about their metabolism and biological activities. Findings with these compounds have uncovered some of the complications of working with compounds that mimic a naturally occurring biomodulator-such as that they are sometimes metabolized by enzymes that handle the endogenous compounds and the products may have potent (and unexpected) biological activities. Through studying such compounds, there is now a greater understanding of the metabolism and mechanism(s) of action of naturally occurring sphingoid bases as well as of these analogs.
Topographic reconstruction: a geomorphic approach

Abstract The landscapes manufactured during disturbed-land reclamation are the foundations for all subsequent reclamation practices and the surfaces for future land uses. From a geomorphic perspective, the goal of topographic reconstruction is the creation of steady-state landscapes. As the reconstructed drainage basins, hillslopes, and stream channels approach steady-state configurations, adjustments by geomorphic processes after reclamation decrease. As the adjustments necessary to establish the steady state decrease, the prospect for reclamation success increases and the demand for post-reclamation site maintenance decreases. Digital elevation modeling software offers an opportunity to incorporate geomorphic principles into topographic reconstruction at the design stage of reclamation. As a first approximation, drainage-basin area, weighted mean slope, and drainage density for the pre-disturbance or undisturbed landscape are closely replicated in the reconstructed topography. The technical and economic feasibility of this approach is currently being tested.
An optimization of MPEG to maximize subjective quality

We present a video quality measure based on block-based features. Four block-based features (an average of FFT differences, a standard deviation of FFT differences, mean absolute deviation of wepstrum differences, and the variance of UVW differences) are extracted from the input and output video sequences and fed into a four-layer backpropagation neural network which has been trained by subjective testing. We then introduce the quality measure into the design of an MPEG encoder to maximize the quality measure. A MPEG bit allocation algorithm is developed which is based on the quality measure that considers the bit-count and quality at the macroblock level. A simple relationship between one macroblock's quality and overall quality is also addressed. The simulation on this optimization scheme has a higher quality measure when compared to the Test Model 5.
EFFECT OF SEED TREATMENTS WITH X-RAY AND PHOSPHORUS 32 ON TOMATO PLANTS OF FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD GENERATIONS

ANY observers have reported an increase in variability following exposure of pollen or seeds to the effect of ionizing radiation. In several respects the tomato is favorable material for such studies. I t is self-pollinating, and recessive mutants can therefore be uncovered promptly. It is a perennial and can be propagated by cuttings, so that plants of a previous generation can be retained, and two generations can be grown in one year. The normal cytological and genetical behavior is well known. In a recent report (Tomato Genetics Cooperative Report No. 4, 1954) 108 mutant genes of the tomato are listed, and the number is increasing rapidly. LINDSTROM (1933), with radium, and ~IACARTHUR (1934), with X-rays, succeeded in inducing mutations in this species. Exposure of pollen to radiation has been much more used than exposure of seeds. The latter method seemed to offer certain advantages in using a radioactive isotope, since, when seeds are soaked in a solution containing P32, the radioactive isotope may enter the nuclei of the embryo before and during germination and the multicellular organism is exposed to decreasing amounts of beta radiation during a period of several weeks. The studies reported in this paper include a single experiment with X-rays and nine with phosphorus 32 during three generations of mature plants.
Postharvest Quality of ‘Galaxy’ Apple Fruit in Response to Kaolin-Based Particle Film Application

Kaolin-based film as Surround WP ® was applied to ‘Galaxy’ apple trees to evaluate its effects on postharvest fruit quality. Following harvest, the Surround WP ® on the fruit skin was either wiped off, or left unwiped, then, the fruits from these treatments along with fruits from non-Surround WP ® -treated trees as the control were stored at 6°C for 100 days. Surround WP ® film application reduced weight loss ratios during the period of storage while unaffecting firmness loss, sunburn index, starch conversion, and pH values. After 70 days of cold storage, fruits treated with Surround WP ® film showed less diminution in soluble solids and titratable acidity. A taste panel identified minor quality differences between fruits coated with and without the film. Fruits coated with the film had the highest appearance rating, but also exhibited the lowest smoothness rating due to film residue. This study indicates that Surround WP® may be safely used for ‘Galaxy’ apples before harvest for retaining postharvest quality during cold storage.
Seasonal and long-term effects of CO2 and O3 on water loss in ponderosa pine and their interaction with climate and soil moisture

Evapotranspiration (ET) is driven by evaporative demand, available solar energy and soil moisture (SM) as well as by plant physiological activity which may be substantially affected by elevated CO 2 and O 3 . A multi-year study was conducted in outdoor sunlit-controlled environment mesocosm containing ponderosa pine seedlings growing in a reconstructed soil-litter system. The study used a 2 × 2 factorial design with two concentrations of CO 2 (ambient and elevated), two levels of O 3 (low and high) and three replicates of each treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of chronic exposure to elevated CO 2 and O 3 , alone and in combination, on daily ET. This study evaluated three hypotheses: (i) because elevated CO 2 stimulates stomatal closure, O 3 effects on ET will be less under elevated CO 2 than under ambient CO 2 ; (ii) elevated CO 2 will ameliorate the long-term effects of O 3 on ET; and (iii) because conductance (g) decreases with decreasing SM, the impacts of elevated CO 2 and O 3 , alone and in combination, on water loss via g will be greater in early summer when SM is not limiting than to other times of the year. A mixed-model covariance analysis was used to adjust the daily ET for seasonality and the effects of SM and photosynthetically active radiation when testing for the effects of CO 2 and O 3 on ET via the vapor pressure deficit gradient. The empirical results indicated that the interactive stresses of elevated CO 2 and O 3 resulted in a lesser reduction in ET via reduced canopy conductance than the sum of the individual effects of each gas. CO 2 -induced reductions in ET were more pronounced when trees were physiologically most active. O 3 -induced reductions in ET under ambient CO 2 were likely transpirational changes via reduced conductance because needle area and root biomass were not affected by exposures to elevated O 3 in this study.
Two Distinct Roles for EGL-9 in the Regulation of HIF-1-Mediated Gene Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans

Oxygen is critically important to metazoan life, and the EGL-9/PHD enzymes are key regulators of hypoxia (low oxygen) response. When oxygen levels are high, the EGL-9/PHD proteins hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors. Once hydroxylated, HIFα subunits bind to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligases and are degraded. Prior genetic analyses in Caenorhabditis elegans had shown that EGL-9 also acted through a vhl-1 -independent pathway to inhibit HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Here, we characterize this novel EGL-9 function. We employ an array of complementary methods to inhibit EGL-9 hydroxylase activity in vivo . These include hypoxia, hydroxylase inhibitors, mutation of the proline in HIF-1 that is normally modified by EGL-9, and mutation of the EGL-9 catalytic core. Remarkably, we find that each of these treatments or mutations eliminates oxygen-dependent degradation of HIF-1 protein, but none of them abolishes EGL-9-mediated repression of HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Further, analyses of new egl-9 alleles reveal that the evolutionarily conserved EGL-9 MYND zinc finger domain does not have a major role in HIF-1 regulation. We conclude that C. elegans EGL-9 is a bifunctional protein. In addition to its well-established role as the oxygen sensor that regulates HIF-1 protein levels, EGL-9 inhibits HIF-1 transcriptional activity via a pathway that has little or no requirement for hydroxylase activity or for the EGL-9 MYND domain.
The origin of human aneuploidy: Where we have been, where we are going

Aneuploidy is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans, and is the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and congenital birth defects. Since the identification of the first human aneuploid conditions nearly a half-century ago, a great deal of information has accrued on its origin and etiology. We know that most aneuploidy derives from errors in maternal meiosis I, that maternal age is a risk factor for most, if not all, human trisomies, and that alterations in recombination are an important contributor to meiotic non-disjunction. In this review, we summarize some of the data that have led to these conclusions, and discuss some of the approaches now being used to address the underlying causes of meiotic non-disjunction in humans.
Mixture models for underwater burst noise and their relationship to a simple bivariate density representation

Many non-Gaussian processes have been modeled as having simple mixtures for their univariate densities. In this paper a switched-source model is presented and is shown to be such a process. The bivariate density of samples arising from this model is derived; this density is a particularly simple bivariate density, the Frechet density. It is further shown that any symmetric Frechet density can be thought of as being produced by some switched-source model. This bivariate density is used to derive the locally optimal memoryless nonlinearity, which, in a wide class of models, turns out to be identical to that derived under an independence assumption. Suboptimal detectors taking advantage of dependence are derived, and a simulation is carried out under this model. It is seen that there is some improvement possible through knowledge of dependence.
Intracellular Mechanisms Involved in Leptin Regulation of Sympathetic Outflow

Leptin acts in the hypothalamus to decrease appetite and increase sympathetic nerve activity. The leptin receptor is known to signal through the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway to modulate transcription of target genes. Alteration of the activity of phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) by leptin has also been reported, and inhibition of PI3K is known to block the leptin-induced suppression of feeding. We tested the hypothesis that leptin-induced renal sympathetic nerve activation is mediated by PI3K. We evaluated renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and feeding responses of C57BL/6J mice to intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of leptin in the presence or absence of selective inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002 or wortmannin). As expected, ICV administration of leptin decreased food intake at 4 hours and 24 hours and increased RSNA. Pretreatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 markedly attenuated both the decrease in food intake and the increase in RSNA induced by leptin. Wortmannin also inhibited the RSNA response to leptin. In contrast, PI3K inhibitors did not affect the RSNA response to MTII (melanocortin-3/4 receptor agonist). Our data demonstrate that PI3K appears to play an important role in the transduction of leptin-induced changes in renal sympathetic outflow.
JavaWIDE: innovation in an online IDE: tutorial presentation

Over the past decade applications have been moving from the desktop into the cloud. Only relatively recently have integrated development environments begun emerging in cloud computing. The Java Wiki Integrated Development Environment (JavaWIDE) is one of these new online IDEs, and it is designed to be simple enough for novice programmers to use. JavaWIDE is free and provides anyone the capability to create, edit and run programs anytime, anywhere, all from within a web browser -- no specialized software required. JavaWIDE promotes collaboration, integrates well with social networking sites, and includes novel features such as concurrent editing support, a common code base for all users, revision history explorer, automatic posting of programs as applets, annotated and hyperlinked source code, an integrated Java API and many others. This workshop is presented by the developer of JavaWIDE Jam Jenkins, by Evelyn Brannock who has used JavaWIDE in the classroom, and by Sonal Dekhane who has surveyed students about their perceptions of using JavaWIDE.
International Christian Schoolteachers’ Traits, Characteristics, and Qualities Valued by Third Culture Kids

In this qualitative grounded theory study, 24 participants, referred to as third culture kids (or TCKs), ages 18–30 years, who had previously attended international Christian schools were interviewed to determine the dispositions they valued in their teachers. Incorporating principles of grounded theory, a series of rigorous steps were undertaken resulting in the construction of three primary findings TCKs valued in international Christian schoolteachers. These findings were then situated within an extensive literature review. The results provide insight into the “ideal” international Christian schoolteacher desired and valued by TCKs. These findings should be of great interest to anyone responsible for training, preparing or recruiting international Christian schoolteachers, and/or providing ongoing professional development to the teachers in such schools.
Decreased contraction economy in mouse EDL muscle injured by eccentric contractions

Warren III, Gordon L., Jay H. Williams, Christopher W. Ward, Hideki Matoba, Christopher P. Ingalls, Karl M. Hermann, and R. B. Armstrong. Decreased contraction economy in mouse EDL muscle injured b...
Simulation, fabrication, and measurement of a plasmonic-enhanced terahertz photoconductive antenna

In this work a new plasmonic thin-film based terahertz photoconductive antenna is proposed. The computational method utilized to design the antenna is outlined, as well as the steps and preliminary results for the fabrication and characterization of the device. The model predicted over two orders of magnitude increase in the peak photocurrent as compared to a conventional device design, while slightly reducing the width of the induced current pulse. This indicates that the proposed design will be effective as a high efficiency terahertz emitter. In addition to the computational modeling, preliminary results demonstrating the proposed fabrication processes and experimental characterization are presented. It is demonstrated that when using a pyroelectric detector to quantify the output terahertz power it is important to first quantify the power of the IR photons generated by thermal relaxation in the device.
Sequential Sampling Plans for Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Eggplant

During a 4-yr period (1988–1991), Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), eggmass, larvae, and adult populations in 17 commercial eggplant, Solanum melongena L., fields were sampled twice weekly using a 100-plant fixed sampling program. Eggmass and combined adult/larvae (placed on an equivalent feeding basis) densities were determined. The Taylor power law was calculated for use in developing sequential estimation sampling plans. Two plans were created, 1 for eggmasses and 1 standardized for combined adults and larvae. Resampling for validation of sampling plans software was used to test each plan using 18 independently collected data sets from 2 eggplant fields during 1992. Each year, beetle densities ranged between 0.0 and 8.0 for eggmasses and between 0.0 and 55.0 for combined larvae/adults. Application of the Taylor power law to the data resulted in a significant linear relationship between the means and variances for each year and described aggregated sampling distributions for both eggmasses and combined adults/larvae. Based on the lack of significant differences in regression slopes between years, combined year values for the Taylor a and b (eggmasses, a = 1.74, b = 1.18; combined adults/larvae, a = 3.55, b = 1.56) were calculated and used to generate optimal sample sizes and critical stop lines. The simulations conducted to validate each sampling program resulted in mean precision levels for each data set tested that were lower than the precision level specified ( D = 0.25). The simulations also showed a high degree of agreement between actual and estimated densities on all sampling occasions.
A Colorimetric Assay for Male Sex Hormones in Urine

SummaryA colorimetric method is described for male sex hormone assays on urine. The color assays are compared with comb growth assays on capons.
Light Sensing of a-Si:H Pin Diode - Wavelength and Intensity Effects

The light sensing of the a-Si:H pin photodiode with respect to the wavelength and power intensity of the illumination light has been investigated. With the decrease of the wavelength, the diode's external quantum efficiency is dependent on the competition of electron-hole pairs generation from the light absorption and recombination from defects in the structure. Both the series resistance and the shunt resistance decreased with the increase of the light intensity following the power law, which are contributed by the combination of changes of photocurrent and leakage current. The light sensing is a complicated function of the incident light and the film properties.
Discount Rates and Infrastructure Safety: Implications of the New Economic Learning

Discounting is a tool used by economists to make tradeoffs over time. Discounting is relevant to disaster risks because they are generally low-probability and hence are not likely to occur immediately. The combination of low probability and the on-going nature of the risks make discounting especially salient for large-scale disasters. Because infrastructure can last for many decades in the future, the choice of discount rates can significantly affect assessments of the value of increased safety measures. An emerging consensus among economists calls for applying discount rates that are lower for risks farther in the future as compared with harms in the immediate future. The rationale is that long-term investments provide a hedge against uncertainty regarding future economic growth. Declining rates are also justified when portions of the population have low prospects for income growth compared with other societal groups. Inequality, particularly the future economic prospects of poorer individuals, matters in terms of discounting. Fixed discounting rates such as those now used by the U.S. government may undervalue disaster risks by using too high a discount rate. The implication is that society has been underinvesting in infrastructure resiliency.
Probe into Effectiveness Supervision in Power Network Enterprise

Effectiveness supervision is a task with complex supervision in the process of enterprise management,is the part of administrative supervision.The necessity to conduct effectiveness supervision is elaborated in power network enterprise.Combined with work practice,the work procedures to develop effectiveness supervision is presented.
A New Control Method for Optimal Switching of Low Voltage Reactive Power Compensation

Considering that the traditional control algorithm of low voltage reactive power compensation has unsatisfied response speed and effect of compensation,a new control method is proposed. After the first switching of capacitor based on power factor control mode,the proposed method can realize the secondary optimal switching of capacitor by using three variables: voltage,reactive power and power factor,and fuzzy control algorithm. Test results show that the controller which uses the proposed method has a simple control algorithm and fast response speed,which solves the contradiction between voltage quality control and power factor control and the oscillation caused by repeat switching of capacitor. The power factor of 400 V distribution network can get its best value.
The use of random-breakage mapping to locate the genes APN1 and YUH1 in the Saccharomyces genome, and to determine gene order near the left end of chromosome XI

We have used the previously described technique of random-breakage mapping to locate the two yeast genes APN1 and YUH1. The APN1 locus is located approximately 235 kb from the left telomere of chromosome XI, and shows weak (approximately 53 cM) genetic linkage to ura1. The YUH1 locus is located approximately 140 kb from the right telomere of chromosome X, and genetically maps 3.6 cM distal to cdc11. In addition, we show by random-breakage mapping that TRP3 is located approximately 45 kb from the left telomere of chromosome XI, whereas FAS1 is approximately 110 kb from the same telomere. This supports a gene order on the left distal portion of chromosome XI that agrees with other physical reports but is inverted with respect to Edition 11 of the published genetic map. This report confirms that random-breakage mapping is a rapid and convenient method of locating cloned genes.
Neurologic complications of antiphospholipid antibodies

SUMMARY Antibodies directed against phospholipids are highly associated with venous and arterial thrombotic episodes, which are often recurrent. There seems to be a skewed frequency of cerebral and ocular events when the arterial circulation is affected. Other neurologic syndromes, including dementia, migraine, chorea, transverse myelopathy, Guillain Barre syndrome, transient global amnesia, seizures, motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, and depression, have also been described in association with aPL. Although some of them (for example, dementia, chorea, seizures, and transient global amnesia) could well be the result of aPL-related cerebrovascular disease, the relationship of aPL to the underlying pathophysiology of these syndromes is less clear. Clues that should lead one to consider evaluating for these antibodies include recurrent thrombosis (especially in young people), recurrent fetal loss, and thrombocytopenia. Associated laboratory abnormalities may include a biologically falsepositive VDRL test, abnormal ANA or anti-DNA titers, and a high ESR. If the APTT is positive on routine screening and does not correct with mixing studies, a LA should be highly suspected. More sensitive and specific tests are usually necessary to detect aPL, however. Many in vitro and, more recently, in vivo systems strongly suggest that aPL may be directly implicated in the pathogenesis of thrombosis, as opposed to being markers of a procoagulant state. The management of patients with aPL-associated thrombosis can be difficult. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategies for this group of patients.
Risk of Gastric Cancer Among Patients With Intestinal Metaplasia of the Stomach in a US Integrated Health Care System

Background & Aims Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a common finding from routine endoscopies. Although GIM is an early step in gastric carcinogenesis, there is controversy regarding routine surveillance of patients with GIM in regions with a low prevalence of gastric cancer. We aimed to determine the incidence of gastric cancer among patients with GIM and risk factors for gastric cancer. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California region diagnosed with GIM from 2000 through 2011. GIM was identified by a keyword search of pathology reports; gastric cancer cases were identified by cross-reference with an internal cancer registry. The incidence of gastric cancer in patients with GIM (n = 923; median age at diagnosis, 68 y) was compared with that of an age- and sex-matched reference population (controls). Risk factors such as ethnicity, smoking status, history of Helicobacter pylori infection, and family history of gastric cancer were evaluated by individual Cox proportional hazards regression. We then performed a second case–cohort study to evaluate the risk of gastric cancer based on the location and extent of GIM. The median duration of follow-up evaluation was 4.6 years (interquartile range, 3.0–6.7 y). Results We identified 25 patients with GIM who developed gastric cancers. Seventeen cases of cancer were diagnosed at the same time as the diagnosis of GIM. Eight cases of cancer were identified within a median time period of 4.6 years after a diagnosis of GIM (interquartile range, 2–5.7 y). The overall incidence rate for the cohort was 1.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–3.39). Among the risk factors evaluated, only family history (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–9.7; P = .012) and extent of GIM (odds ratio, 9.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–50.4) increased the risk for gastric cancer. The incidence rate for gastric cancer in patients with a positive family history was 8.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.67–23.73). Conclusions In an analysis of patients with GIM listed in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California database, 2.7% were diagnosed with gastric cancer; almost 70% of cases of gastric cancer were detected at the time of GIM diagnosis. Family history and extensive metaplasia were associated with an increased risk of subsequent gastric cancer. Targeted surveillance of patients with these criteria could increase early detection of gastric cancer.
Information retrieval systems for end users: Primetime players that just don't make the grade

L'article decrit la recherche necessaire pour ameliorer les systemes de recherche d'information en ligne et leur interaction avec les utilisateurs finaux. Ces ameliorations portent sur l'analyse a facettes, les algorithmes de classement, le vocabulaire controle, les strategies de recherche et les tâches de recherche d'experts dans le domaine.
The Authentication Of A Discursive Islam

Since the 1980s some Senegalese Sunni Muslims have been “converting”1 to Shi’a Islam. This small but growing community is not well—known. In fact most scholars of Senegal and Senegalese Sunni religious leaders and their followers are surprised to hear that Shi’a Islam is spreading among West Africans. The discovery of this branch of Islam is one of the responses of the Senegalese search for an authentic Islam. Throughout the Muslim world there is a tendency to return to earlier practices of Islam perceived as a solution to the failures attributed to Western influence and the innovations (bida) in recent Islamic practice. It is this desire for “true” knowledge about Islam in a return to the scriptural sources that drove some Senegalese Muslims to read various religious and legal books, visit Islamic scholars and clerics seeking the truth about their religion, and learn about other ways of being Muslim.2 This chapter explores how a collectivity of converts works to establish Shi’a Islam as not only authentic Islam but also as authentically Senegalese.3 Adapting Shi’a Islamic practice to the culture of Senegalese Sufi orders is one way of distancing religious ritual from the perception that Shi’a Islam is Iranian or revolutionary.
Validation of Pharmacokinetic {PK} Simulation for Fondaparinux (FPX) Dosing by FPX-Specific Anti-Factor Xa Assay in Elderly Cancer Patients with Severe Renal Dysfunction

Background: Fondaparinux (FPX) is a synthetic pentasaccharide inhibitor of factor Xa indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It has an 18 hr half-life (T 1/2 ), thus is suitable for once-daily dosing, but is cleared by the kidney and not recommended for patients with SRD (creatinine clearance (CrCl) Methods: A retrospective analysis of institutional pharmacokinetic protocol outcomes was conducted in a small population of elderly cancer patients with chronic or acute-on- chronic SRD (CrCl 72 hrs) who received subcutaneous FPX 2.5 mg every 48 hrs for VTE prophylaxis. Peak and trough levels were determined at 3 hours post-dose and 1hr pre-dose respectively, for at least 3 doses. FPX levels were assayed with FPX-specific calibrators. Descriptive data appear in Table 1. Results: Eight patients were included in this study with mean age of 69.5 ± 11.5 years and creatinine clearance of 19 ± 7.9 mL/min. The mean peak FPX concentration was 0.39 ± 0.13 mcg/mL, in the lower target range for prophylaxis efficacy (0.39–0.50 mcg/mL) and mean trough concentration, thought to be an indicator of drug accumulation, 0.12 ± 0.05 mcg/mL (target range: 0.14–0.19 mcg/mL). No major bleeding or VTE events were noted during FPX administration. Conclusion: A pharmacokinetic simulation permitting extrapolation of FPX dosing for VTE prophylaxis in patients with severe renal dysfunction from data in patients with mild dysfunction has been shown to be valid in a small population of sick elderly cancer patients by PK monitoring using a FPX -specific anti-Factor Xa assay, showing no drug accumulation over at least three doses (144 hrs) [cyl1] and the drug clinically safe as dosed.
The Effects of Computer Graphic Organizers on the Persuasive Writing of Hispanic Middle School Students with Specific Learning Disabilities.

A multiple baseline design investigated the effects of computer graphic organizers on the persuasive composition writing skills of four Hispanic students with specific learning disabilities. Participants reviewed the elements of persuasive writing and then developed compositions using a word processing program. Baseline planning was done with a paper and pencil, while intervention planning was done using a computer graphic organizer program. With variation, the use of computer graphic organizers during planning resulted in an increase in the total number of words written, time spent planning, number of supporting details planned, percentage of planned supporting details transferred to the composition, and syntactical maturity as measured by the number of T-units. Also observed was an improvement in the overall organization of the compositions as measured by an analytical scoring guide or rubric.
IL-33: biological properties, functions, and roles in airway disease

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a key cytokine involved in type 2 immunity and allergic airway diseases. Abundantly expressed in lung epithelial cells, IL-33 plays critical roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mucosal organs. In innate immunity, IL-33 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) provide an essential axis for rapid immune responses and tissue homeostasis. In adaptive immunity, IL-33 interacts with dendritic cells, Th2 cells, follicular T cells, and regulatory T cells, where IL-33 influences the development of chronic airway inflammation and tissue remodeling. The clinical findings that both the IL-33 and ILC2 levels are elevated in patients with allergic airway diseases suggest that IL-33 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. IL-33 and ILC2 may also serve as biomarkers for disease classification and to monitor the progression of diseases. In this article, we reviewed the current knowledge of the biology of IL-33 and discussed the roles of the IL-33 in regulating airway immune responses and allergic airway diseases.
Learning theory and psychometrics: room for growth

Baird, Andrich, Hopfenbeck & Stobart (2017) make some valuable observations about the relationship – or lack thereof – between assessment and learning. A common thesis here is that decades of testi...
Effect of a National Tobacco Public Education Campaign on Youth's Risk Perceptions and Beliefs About Smoking.

Purpose:To assess the relationship between youth’s exposure to the Food and Drug Administration’s national tobacco public education campaign, The Real Cost, and changes in campaign-targeted beliefs...