cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Job growth and loss across sectors and time in the western US: The impact of large wildfires☆

Abstract The link between economic growth and natural hazards has long been studied to better understand the effects of natural hazards on local, regional, and country level growth patterns. However, relatively little generalizable research has focused on wildfires, one of the most common forest disturbances in the western United States (US). We examined the effect of large wildfires on employment growth across sectors and time in the western US. We matched wildfire occurrences from 2004 to 2008 and their duration with monthly employment data to identify the effect of wildfire on employment growth. Wildfires generally tended to exhibit positive effects on employment during the periods that suppression efforts were active. However, the overall positive effect masks winners and losers across sectors — such as natural resources and mining and leisure and hospitality, respectively. The overall positive effect then transitioned to a negative drag on local employment growth for a period of up to two years following the wildfire. We explore reasons why some sectors win while others lose and explanations for the lingering effects of a large wildfire on the economy as a whole.
The de Bruijn multiprocessor network: a versatile sorting network

Recent work has classified sorting architectures as: (A) Sequential input/Sequential output, (B) Parallel input/Sequential output, (D) Sequential input/Parallel output, (E) Hybrid input/Hybrid output. The classification is based, not only on the I/O method, but also on the interconnection network, the sorting algorithm, and the type of keys used. This reprint demonstrates that the architectures based on the undirected de Bruijn graphs can sort data items in all of the above-mentioned categories. Apparently, no other single network that can sort data items in all the categories is known. Sorting algorithms and time complexities that correspond to each of these categories are given here. It is shown that these architectures can achieve the previously known best upper-bound times, in all of the categories. Also, it is proven that they work as sorting networks, even in the presence of some faults.
Neuroendocrine-immune interactions in the neonate

Cytokine responses to lipopolysaccharides in neuroendocrine tissues are age- and tissue-dependent in neonatal pigs. Developmental differences in serum and tissue-specific responses are not necessarily equivalent. Lower levels of cytokine gene expression in neuroendocrine tissues of early neonates potentially could influence neuroendocrine and immune responses to infection. The limited information on neuroendocrine-immune responses and interactions in neonatal farm animals presents significant challenges, as well as opportunities for new discoveries and improvements of livestock production.
Mechanism of chloride corrosion of dental amalgam

Polarization of conventional dental amalgam in Ringer's solution produces a dissolution of the gamma 2 phase at--250 mV (SCE) and formation of Sn-Cl and Sn-O-Cl. This study was undertaken to determine the electrochemical nature of these reactions. Potentiostatic polarization scans were run at 4, 37 and 50 degrees C in several dilutions of aerated Ringer's solution. Manipulation of reactant concentrations and electrolyte temperature produced shifts in the potentiostatic profiles. At 50 degrees C, a gamma 2 dissolution peak shift to -300 mV was observed, and at 4 degrees C the peak shifted to -200 mV. Dilution of Ringer's solution with respect to [Cl-] over three orders of magnitude produced a linear shift in the noble direction of 500 mV. Cathodic polarization appears to be limited by the oxygen half cell reaction. Changes of [Cl] affect the shape of the peak, round out its approach to the current maximum. Shifts in peak potential due to temperature and concentration changes agreed with calculations based on critical pitting potential for gamma2 dissolution due to a chloride reaction. Polarization profiles in pooled saliva agreed with calculated potentials based on known saliva [Cl-].
Determination of silver in sea water by coprecipitation with cobalt pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and Zeeman graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract A preconcentration technique is described for silver, which allows the precise and accurate determination of silver in sea water at nanogram per liter levels. Silver is co-precipitated with cobalt(II) pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate from 200-ml samples. The precipitate is dissolved in concentrated nitric acid and silver is quantified by Zeeman graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, with acid phosphate matrix modification. The detection limit is 0.1 ng l−. The method is simple and rapid, and also allows the simultaneous extraction of lead, copper, cadmium, and nickel.
Approximate kernel for wave propagation from a curved surface

We used the stationary-phase approximation to derive an approximate kernel for the propagation of a monochromatic wave specified on a curved source plane.
The Influence of Grazing and Other Environmental Factors on Lichen Community Structure along an Alpine Tundra Ridge in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, U.S.A

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of snowmelt, vascular plants, grazing, substrates, and soil characteristics on the distribution of lichen communities along an alpine tundra ridge in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. Percent cover of lichens, rocks, snow, and vascular plants were estimated at 18 study sites along an altitudinal transect. Vascular plant cover and species diversity were greatest at the lower elevation sites, and differences in plant communities were related to differences in rock cover and grazing. Lichens showed a similar trend, with rock cover, grazing, vascular plants, and timing of snowmelt all defining community structure. We hypothesize that domestic sheep have dispersed fragments of two lichen species from western Wyoming to grazed sites along the study transect. Generally, terricolous and epiphytic lichens differed between the lower and upper sites in species composition and growth-form distribution. Distribution of lichen growth forms was positively correlated with increasing ...
EXAFS studies of interfaces in bilayers and multilayers

Abstract EXAFS is demonstrated to be a useful probe of interface structure. Glancing angle techniques can be used on bilayer samples for cases in which the overlayer is less dense than the substrate. It is shown that the anomalous dispersion distortions which affect the EXAFS signal can be accurately removed using an analytic model for δ0 and β0, allowing quantitative analysis to be carried out. Examples are given for the Cu-Al system. In other cases multilayer samples can be employed to enhance the interface signal, as is illustrated by results on W-C multilayers. A disadvantage of multilayers is that two types of interfaces are simultaneously probed. To deal with this standing wave techniques can be employed to selectivity enhance the EXAFS signal from regions within the multilayer unit cell, and results on Ni-Ti demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Theological Higher Education In Cuba: Part 2: Origins And Ministry Of Protestant Seminaries

This article provides an overview of the main Protestant theological seminaries in Cuba: Western Cuba Baptist Seminary, Cedars of Lebanon Seminary, The New Pines Evangelical Seminary, Evangelical Theological Seminary, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center, Nazarene Theological Seminary and International School of Theology. The history and institutional analysis of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Theological Seminary will be discussed in a later paper. Also, there is a discussion of Christianity before the Cuban Revolution and of the Cuban educational system.
Effect of Displaying Human Videos During an Evaluation Study of American Sign Language Animation

Many researchers internationally are studying how to synthesize computer animations of sign language; such animations have accessibility benefits for people who are deaf and have lower literacy in written languages. The field has not yet formed a consensus as to how to best conduct evaluations of the quality of sign language animations, and this article explores an important methodological issue for researchers conducting experimental studies with participants who are deaf. Traditionally, when evaluating an animation, some lower and upper baselines are shown for comparison during the study. For the upper baseline, some researchers use carefully produced animations, and others use videos of human signers. Specifically, this article investigates, in studies where signers view animations of sign language and are asked subjective and comprehension questions, whether participants differ in their subjective and comprehension responses when actual videos of human signers are shown during the study. Through three sets of experiments, we characterize how the Likert-scale subjective judgments of participants about sign language animations are negatively affected when they are also shown videos of human signers for comparison -- especially when displayed side-by-side. We also identify a small positive effect on the comprehension of sign language animations when studies also contain videos of human signers. Our results enable direct comparison of previously published evaluations of sign language animations that used different types of upper baselines -- video or animation. Our results also provide methodological guidance for researchers who are designing evaluation studies of sign language animation or designing experimental stimuli or questions for participants who are deaf.
Managing low back pain--a comparison of the beliefs and behaviors of family physicians and chiropractors

Abstract Random samples of 605 family physicians and 299 chiropractors in Washington were surveyed to determine their beliefs about back pain and how they would respond to three hypothetic patients with back pain. With 79% of the family physicians and 70% of the chiropractors responding, family physicians and chiropractors differed greatly not only in their technical approaches to back pain--such as drug therapy versus spinal manipulation--but also in their underlying beliefs and attitudes. Family physicians think that most back pain is caused by muscle strain, that lumbosacral radiographs are rarely useful, that appropriate therapy does not depend on a precise diagnosis, and that back pain will usually resolve within a few weeks without professional help. Family physicians were more likely than chiropractors to feel frustrated by patients with back pain, less likely to think they can help patients prevent future episodes of back pain, and less confident that their patients are satisfied with their care. Studies are needed to determine whether the different perspectives of family physicians and chiropractors are associated with differences in the costs and outcomes of care.
Metal Nanofibers with Highly Tunable Electrical and Magnetic Properties via Highly Loaded Water‐Based Electrospinning

Nanofibers are synthesized by electrospinning highly loaded water-based precursor-polymer hybrid solutions followed by thermal treatment to control crystal structure. Electrical conductivity and magnetic coercivity, as shown, are tested displaying independent magnetic and electrical property control from coercive to superparamagnetic and resistive to near-bulk conductivity at room temperature.
Collaborative Hypertension Case Management by Registered Nurses and Clinical Pharmacy Specialists within the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) Model

BACKGROUND Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPSs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are integrally involved in the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) model, especially as physician extenders in the management of chronic disease states. CPSs may be an alternative to physicians as a supporting prescriber for RN case management (RNCM) of poorly controlled hypertension.
Cannabinoid Receptors, CB1 and CB2, as Novel Targets for Inhibition of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide; however, only limited therapeutic treatments are available. Hence, we investigated the role of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, as novel therapeutic targets against NSCLC. We observed expression of CB1 (24%) and CB2 (55%) in NSCLC patients. Furthermore, we have shown that the treatment of NSCLC cell lines (A549 and SW-1573) with CB1/CB2 and CB2-specific agonists Win55,212-2 and JWH-015, respectively, significantly attenuated random as well as growth factor-directed in vitro chemotaxis and chemoinvasion in these cells. We also observed significant reduction in focal adhesion complex, which plays an important role in migration, upon treatment with both JWH-015 and Win55,212-2. In addition, pre-treatment with CB1/CB2 selective antagonists AM251 and AM630, prior to JWH-015 and Win55,212-2 treatments, attenuated the agonist-mediated inhibition of in vitro chemotaxis and chemoinvasion. Additionally, both CB1 and CB2 agonists Win55,212-2 and JWH-133, respectively, significantly inhibited in vivo tumor growth and lung metastasis (~50%). These effects were receptor-mediated as pre-treatment with CB1/CB2 antagonists abrogated CB1/CB2 agonist-mediated effects on tumor growth and metastasis. Reduced proliferation and vascularization along with increased apoptosis was observed in tumors obtained from animals treated with JWH-133 and Win55,212-2. Upon further elucidation into the molecular mechanism, we observed that both CB1 and CB2 agonists inhibited phosphorylation of AKT, a key signaling molecule controlling cell survival, migration and apoptosis, and reduced MMP-9 expression and activity. These results suggest that CB1 and CB2 could be used as novel therapeutic targets against NSCLC.
Mutational analyses of the extracellular domain of the full-length lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor suggest leucine-rich repeats 1-6 are involved in hormone binding.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the amino-terminal extracellular domain of the lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR) is sufficient for conferring high affinity binding and binding specificity. The present study was undertaken to further delineate those regions involved in hormone binding. Since the extracellular domains of the gonadotropin receptors are defined by multiple leucine-rich repeat motifs, LHR deletion mutants were constructed in which individual or multiple leucine-rich repeats were deleted from the full-length receptor. These mutants were transiently expressed in mammalian 293 cells, assayed for protein expression by Western blotting of cell extracts, and then tested for hormone binding in both intact cells and detergent-solubilized cell extracts. Western blot analyses confirmed the expression of all LHR deletion mutant proteins in the transfected cells. Although human (h) CG binding activity was not detected for any of the mutants when intact cells were assayed, mutants in which...
Physical realization and reflection phase characteristics of a flexible high impedance surface

This paper presents the fabrication and reflection phase measurements of a flexible high impedance surface (FHIS). The surface is fabricated by using DuPont pyralux polyimide as the substrate. Cyanoacrylate is used to adhere the samples of polyimide. The reflection phase response of the FHIS, which is curved in the form of a cylinder, is measured in the anechoic chamber and compared with that of the flat FHIS. As expected, reflection phase characteristics of the curved FHIS are polarization dependent and slightly different than those of the flat one. The measured reflection phase characteristics of the curved FHIS will be compared with simulations which presently are under consideration.
Managing multiple faculty learning communities

As FLC programs expand, there is an increasing need to use technology and diplomacy to manage the details of multiple concurrent FLCs.
Preservice Teachers' Classroom Management Training: A Survey of Self-Reported Training Experiences, Content Coverage, and Preparedness.

Many teachers report that their preservice training in classroom management was inadequate or ineffective, but little is known about the types of training they receive. In this exploratory study, 157 preservice teachers from throughout the United States were surveyed about the training sources through which they obtained knowledge and skills in classroom management as well as the content and their attitudes toward the training. A majority of students took stand-alone courses in classroom management, which were reported to provide the most comprehensive content, but the most frequently reported sources were mentoring and fieldwork. Participants reported that a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on training were associated with the highest sense of preparedness to use classroom management strategies. Implications for future research and school psychological services are discussed.
Caustic surfaces and the structure of the geometrical image

A general solution of the eikonal equation is used to derive general expressions for both the wave fronts and the caustic surface associated with an orthotomic system of rays in a homogeneous optical medium. Both wave front and caustic can be expressed as the sum of two vectors, the first being the direction vector of the ray and the second being the gradient of the arbitrary function occurring in the general solution of the eikonal equation. This vector can be determined from a knowledge of the angle characteristic function and is closely related to Herzberger’s diapoint characterization of the geometrical image.
The impacts of stochastic capacity on freeway traffic flow benefits and costs: A model and a case study from Portland, Oregon

When freeway traffic flow approaches capacity, minor disturbances or perturbations can cause traffic streams to break down into queued or bottleneck conditions. Traffic research has shown that the traffic volume at which flow breaks down is a stochastic variable. Since travel in heavily congested conditions increases travel time, fuel consumption, and emission levels, this research characterizes the impacts of stochastic capacity on travel, fuel, and emissions costs. We apply this stochastic model to a congested freeway corridor in Portland, Oregon to illustrate the sensitivity and impact of various traffic parameters on costs and net social benefits of traffic flow. Portland results indicate that travel time is the dominant cost, followed by fuel costs. For a given value per trip (in $/mile), the traffic flow volume that maximizes social benefits decreases as travel time reliability decreases. Traffic flows near capacity are justified by trip values that are, at least, 50% higher than trip values under deterministic freeway capacity.
Dextrorotatory isomer of sotalol: Electrophysiologic effects and interaction with verapamil

The dextrorotatory isomer of sotalol (d-sotalol) has class III antiarrhythmic properties with known action potential duration (APD) prolonging effects, and is largely devoid of beta-adrenergic blocking activity. We studied its electrophysiologic effects and the mechanism of its APD prolonging effects in sheep Purkinje fibers by means of standard microelectrode techniques. At all concentrations (10−6 to 10−4 mol/L), d-sotalol had no effect on Vmax. At 10−6 mol/L, d-sotalol had no effect on APD. A concentration-dependent effect of 10−5 to 10−4 mol/L d-sotalol was found on APD. At peak effect, APD was prolonged by 56% and 49% at 50% (APD50) and 90% (APD90) of repolarization (p < 0.01). Early afterdepolarizations (EADs) were noted at high concentration of d-sotalol (10−4 mol/L). These EADs were increased in number by epinephrine. To assess the mechanism of APD prolongation, verapamil (2.0 × 10−6 mol/L) was added before and after d-sotalol treatment. In the presence of verapamil, no APD prolongation was observed even at the highest d-sotalol concentration (10−4 mol/L). Next, during APD prolongation at the highest d-sotalol concentration, we added verapamil, noticing a remarkable shortening of APD. In addition, d-sotalol-induced EADs disappeared with addition of verapamil. Thus (1) verapamil blocks d-sotalol-induced APD prolongation and EADs and (2) this may be consistent with a mechanism via slow inward current.
Stem-cell-based therapy in the field of urology: a review of stem cell basic science, clinical applications and future directions in the treatment of various sexual and urinary conditions.

Introduction: Stem cell (SC) research plays a key role in the increasingly promising area of regenerative medicine, with the potential to treat, prevent and cure disease. The following article provides an overview of the basic science and brief summary of major preclinical animal studies and clinical studies pertaining to SC-based research in the field of urology.Areas covered: A literature review was conducted based on MEDLINE/PubMed searches for English articles using a combination of the following keywords: SC, SC-based therapy (SCT), urology, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease (PD), bladder dysfunction, urinary incontinence, regeneration technology, tissue engineering, prostate disease and urinary bladder.Expert opinion: While current evidence is accruing to suggest that SCT showed great promise in animal studies such as in erectile dysfunction, PD and urothelial tissue engineering, and is likely to be effective and has minimal adverse effects as observed in stress urinary incontinence and bladd...
Methionine-Dependent Synthesis of Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid During Sporulation and Vegetative Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methionine limitation during growth and sporulation of a methionine-requiring diploid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae causes two significant changes in the normal synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA). First, whereas 18S ribosomal RNA is produced, there is no significant accumulation of either 26S ribosomal RNA or 5.8S RNA. The effect of methionine on the accumulation of these RNA species occurs after the formation of a common 35S precursor molecule which is still observed in the absence of methionine. During sporulation, diploid strains of S. cerevisiae produce a stable, virtually unmethylated 20S RNA which has previously been shown to be largely homologous to methylated 18S ribosomal RNA. The appearance of this species is not affected by the presence or absence of methionine from sporulation medium. However, when exponentially growing vegetative cells are starved for methionine, unmethylated 20S RNA is found. The 20S RNA, which had previously been observed only in cells undergoing sporulation, accumulates at the same time as a methylated 18S RNA. These effects on ribosomal RNA synthesis are specific for methionine limitation, and are not observed if protein synthesis is inhibited by cycloheximide or if cells are starved for a carbon source or for another amino acid. The phenomena are not marker specific as analogous results have been obtained for both a methionine-requiring diploid homozygous for met13 and a diploid homozygous for met2. The results demonstrate that methylation of ribosomal RNA or other methionine-dependent events plays a critical role in the recognition and processing of ribosomal precursor RNA to the final mature species.
Charge distribution of flanking amino acids inhibits O-glycosylation of several single-site acceptors in vivo

From surveys of known O-glycosylation sites and in vitro glycosylation assays with synthetic peptide acceptors, it appears that the presence of charged amino acids near serine/ threonine residues reduces the likelihood of O-glycosylation by UDP-GalNAc polypeptide:N-acetyIgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGaNTases). Previously, we demonstrated that the in vivo O-glycosylation of a sequence derived from a known glycosylation site of human von Willebrand factor (PHMAQVTVGPGL) was markedly reduced when charged residues were substituted at position -1 and +3 relative to the single threonine. In contrast, acidic residues at positions -2 , +1, and +2 had no effect (Nehrke et al, 1996), suggesting that charge distribution but not charge density was important To determine whether the charge distribution effect on O-glycosylation is limited to a specific sequence context or restricted to unique isoforms of ppGaNTase, we have analyzed the in vivo O-glycosylation of six secreted recombinant reporter proteins in three different cell backgrounds. The differential presence of known ppGaNTase transcripts was determined in each cell type by Northern blot analysis. Each reporter, which contains a single site of O-glycosylation, was O-glycosylated in a cellbackground-specific manner; digestion with O-glycanase and a-N-acetylgalactosaminidase following mild acid hydrolysis suggested that simple type II core structures were acquired. However, in COS7 cells, one reporter peptide acquired glycosaminoglycans in preference to mucin-type O-gtycans. Regardless of cell background or the reporter examined, the substitution of glutamic acid residues at positions -1 and +3 markedly diminished the level of mucintype O-glycosylation. Charge distribution would appear, therefore, to play a more general role in determining the extent to which solitary O-glycosylation sites are modified.
Access to dental care: solving the problem for underserved populations.

ABSTRACT Background Americans are enjoying an increasing level of oral health. However, oral health improvements are not being experienced evenly across the population. The poor, some minorities, institutionalized elderly people and other groups do not have adequate access to dental care. Overview The author discusses the need to understand clearly the barriers to care affecting underserved populations and presents a framework for designing access-to-care programs. Conclusions The author concludes that access-to-care problems are complex and will not be solved easily or quickly. A complete understanding of the barriers to care being experienced by any group under consideration must be achieved, and an improvement plan must be designed to address those specific barriers considering the demand for care, the dental work force and the economic environment. Practice Implications Failure to understand the barriers to care and address them adequately will result in limited success in enhancing access to dental care for underserved populations.
A New Resource Curse? Impacts of China’s Boom on Comparative Advantage and Resource Dependence in Southeast Asia

Summary Due to China’s rapid growth and integration with global markets, Southeast Asia’s poorer economies are losing comparative advantage in labor-intensive manufacturing and gaining it in natural resources. The first trend may pose a threat to future industrial expansion. The second will generate short-run export windfalls but may not be environmentally sustainable. What are the implications for long-run growth, particularly in the poorest economies, and especially in light of weak institutions for environmental and natural resource management? Rapid resource depletion and reduced industrial growth could expose countries to a period of slow economic growth, as predicted by the “natural resource curse” hypothesis.
5-Lipoxygenase is required for proliferation of immature cerebellar granule neurons in vitro.

Abstract Primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons express 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme from the inflammatory pathway of arachidonic acid. Outside the central nervous system (CNS) 5-lipoxygenase participates in cell proliferation. We hypothesized that 5-lipoxygenase is needed for proliferation of immature cerebellar granule neurons. Using cultures prepared from 7-day-old rat pups, we confirmed in vitro neurogenesis by immunocytolabeling with 2-bromo-5-deoxyuridine and β-tubulin isotype III and quantified the rate of cell proliferation by assaying [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. We found that immature cerebellar granule neurons express large amounts of 5-lipoxygenase, and that treatment with a 5-lipoxygenase antisense, to reduce expression of this gene, decreased significantly (by 60%) the content of 5-lipoxygenase protein and effectively reduced cell proliferation. [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation was significantly reduced by each of the three 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors we tested: AA-861 [2-(12-hydroxydodeca-5, 10-diynyl)-3,5,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone], MK-886 (C 27 H 33 ClNO 2 S·Na), and L-655,238 [α-penyl-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol]. Their anti-proliferative effect was reversible. We propose that neuronal expression of 5-lipoxygenase is crucial for neurogenesis in vitro, and possibly also in vivo.
Computational Modeling of Cell Adhesion and Movement Using a Continuum-Kinetics Approach

Adhesion of leukocytes to substrate involves the coupling of disparate length and timescales between molecular mechanics and macroscopic transport, and existing models of cell adhesion do not use full cellular information. To address these challenges, a multiscale computational approach for studying the adhesion of a cell on a substrate is developed and assessed. The cellular level model consists of a continuum representation of the field equations and a moving boundary tracking capability to allow the cell to change its shape continuously. At the receptor-ligand level, a bond molecule is mechanically represented by a spring. Communication between the macro/micro- and nanoscale models is facilitated interactively during the computation. The computational model is assessed using an adherent cell, rolling and deforming along the vessel wall under imposed shear flows. Using this approach, we first confirm existing numerical and experimental results. In this study, the intracellular viscosity and interfacial tension are found to directly affect the rolling of a cell. Our results also show that the presence of a nucleus increases the bond lifetime, and decreases the cell rolling velocity. Furthermore, it is found that a cell with a larger diameter rolls faster, and decreases the bond lifetime. This study shows that cell rheological properties have significant effects on the adhesion process contrary to what has been hypothesized in most literature.
Reasoning with incomplete knowledge in a resource-limited environment: integrating reasoning and knowledge acquisition

This paper describes an approach to reasoning with incomplete information in a resource-limited environment. Approaches to date either assume infinite resources and proceed to enumerate a large inference space, or assume few resources and ignore the missing information. They do not reason about resource constraints and the inference methods admissable under them. A hearsay-Il-like system is described where each knowledge source is a separate production system. During rule evaluation, a rule antecedant is evaluated using minimal - resource methods. A rule antecedant is evaluated to true, false, or an expected resource cost to acquire the information necessary to complete its evaluation. If conflict resolution chooses a partially evaluated rule, it posts a goal asking other knowledge sources to provide the missing information, suspends the knowledge source, and informs the knowledge source's manager about the suspension and accompanying goal. The manager decides whether the goal is worth pursuing now, the amount of resources to apply to the task, what knowledge source to apply, and when to give up. The knowledge sources that attempt the goal can implement a variety of inferential and knowledge acquisition techniques.
Automated induction of rule-based neural networks from databases

This paper describes our approach to the problem of automated knowledge acquisition from large databases of examples using an information-theoretic approach. Our previous research has resulted in practical algorithms ITRULE for the automatic induction of rules from large example databases. Utilizing these algorithms, the raw data can be transformed into a set of human readable IF THEN rules, thus giving insight into the knowledge hidden within the data. These rules can then be automatically loaded into an expert system shell. Alternatively, they can be used to build a new type of parallel inference system-a rule-based neural network. This process enables a prototype expert system to be automatically generated and up and running in a matter of minutes, compared with months using a manual knowledge-acquisition approach. The resulting expert system can then be used as a sophisticated search and analysis tool to query the original database capable of reasoning with uncertain and incomplete data.
Improving active space telescope wavefront control using predictive thermal modeling

Active control algorithms for space telescopes are less mature than those for large ground telescopes due to differences in the wavefront control problems. Active wavefront control for space telescopes at L2, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), requires weighing control costs against the benefits of correcting wavefront perturbations that are a predictable byproduct of the observing schedule, which is known and deter- mined in advance. To improve the control algorithms for these telescopes, we have developed a model that calculates the temperature and wavefront evolution during a hypothetical mission, assuming the dominant wave- front perturbations are due to changes in the spacecraft attitude with respect to the sun. Using this model, we show that the wavefront can be controlled passively by introducing scheduling constraints that limit the allowable attitudes for an observation based on the observation duration and the mean telescope temperature. We also describe the implementation of a predictive controller designed to prevent the wavefront error (WFE) from exceeding a desired threshold. This controller outperforms simpler algorithms even with substantial model error, achieving a lower WFE without requiring significantly more corrections. Consequently, predictive wave- front control based on known spacecraft attitude plans is a promising approach for JWST and other future active space observatories. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or repro- duction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI. (DOI: 10.1117/1.JATIS.1.1.014004)
The effects of "pair-pressure" and "pair-learning" on software engineering education

Anecdotal evidence from several sources, primarily in industry, indicates that two programmers working collaboratively on the same design, algorithm, code, or test perform substantially better than the two would working alone. In this technique, often called "pair programming" or "collaborative programming", one person is the "driver" and has control of the pencil/mouse/keyboard and is writing the design or code. The other person continuously and actively observes the work of the driver-watching for defects, thinking of alternatives, looking up resources, and considering strategic implications of the work at hand. A course in Web programming was taught at the University of Utah in Summer Semester 1999. In this course, the students worked in pairs, continuously collaborating on all programming assignments. Using the technique, the students applied a positive form of "pair-pressure" on each other, which proved beneficial to the quality of their work products. The students also benefited from "pair-learning", which allowed them to learn new languages faster and better than they had experienced with solitary learning. "Pair-learning" also reduced the workload of the teaching because the students no longer relied primarily on them for technical support and advise.
Neural network-based routing in an intelligent computer communication network

A neural network-based traffic routing algorithm, to be implemented in an intelligent computer communication network, is presented. It simultaneously takes into account the shortest path and channel capacity and determines the necessary connections and weights of the neural network, thus providing an optimum transmission path from source node to destination node. The algorithm is based on the Hopfield type of neural network approach, and can be considered as a massively parallel distributed processing system with the ability to improve performance through dynamic learning. The power of neural network algorithms to solve routing problems and provide dynamic response to traffic conditions measured throughout the network system is investigated. No congestion occurs in this network because of the changes in the statistics of the input traffic load. A computer simulation result for a 10-node network shows the efficiency of using the neural network-based algorithm. >
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Chronic Illness: A Case Study

We examined the outcome of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) for a child diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and cancer. “Robert,” a 4-year-old Caucasian male, showed significant and meaningful changes in his behavior over the course of 13 weeks of PCIT, and Robert no longer met diagnostic criteria for ODD following treatment. His scores on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory and the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist were in the clinical range before treatment and in the normal range at the conclusion of treatment. His mother also reported dramatic improvements in Robert's behavior during medical visits. Physician and social worker reports were consistent with her report. Such anecdotal data may have implications for the generalization of compliance to the medical setting for children with chronic illnesses. The results of this case study should prompt further investigation of parent-training interventions for children with chronic illnesses and disruptive behavior.
Modified atmosphere treatments as a potential disinfestation technique for arthropod pests in greenhouses.

Incidental transport of arthropods on plant material can be a significant mode of pest entry into greenhouses. We evaluated the use of controlled atmosphere treatments as a potential way to eliminate arthropod pests on plant propagules (i.e., cuttings or small rooted plants). Lethal exposures to CO2 or N2 were determined for common greenhouse pests including fungus gnat larvae, Bradysia sp.; green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer); sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia sp.; twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch; and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). We also studied the effect of pest species, life stage, and presence or absence of plants on efficacy of modified atmosphere treatments. Finally, effects of modified atmospheres on plant quality were evaluated for several bedding plant species including begonia, Begonia semperflorens-cultorum Hort. ‘Cocktail Series’, chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev., geranium, Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey, and impatiens, Impatiens wallerana Hook f., and among cultivars of geranium and chrysanthemum. Exposure for 12–18 h to >99% N2 or CO2 caused complete mortality of aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Fungus gnat larvae were more tolerant of hypoxic conditions. Adult mites and eggs were equally susceptible. For most pests, there was no difference in response to atmospheres modified by CO2 or N2. However, there was variation in response among plant species and cultivars, with effects ranging from delayed flowering to mortality. Despite the possibility of adverse effects on some plants, this work indicates that use of modified atmospheres has potential to eliminate arthropod pests on plant propagules before they are introduced into greenhouses.
The Impact of Relationship-Specific Support and Strain on Depressive Symptoms Across the Life Course

Objective: This study integrates stress process theory into a life course framework to examine how support and strain from particular relationship types (spouse/partner, children, mother, and frien...
Patterns in the human brain mosaic discriminate males from females

In their PNAS article, Joel et al. (1) demonstrate extensive overlap between the distributions of females and males for many brain characteristics, measured across multiple neuroimaging modalities and datasets. They pose two requirements for categorizing brains into distinct male/female classes: ( i ) gender differences should appear as dimorphic form differences between male and female brains, and ( ii ) there should be internal consistency in the degree of “maleness–femaleness” of different elements within a single brain. Based on these criteria, the authors convincingly establish that there is little evidence for this strict sexually dimorphic view of human brains, counter to the popular lay conception of a “male” and “female” brain. This … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: adam.chekroud{at}yale.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Supporting Synchronous Distributed Communication and Coordination Through Multimodal Information Exchange

Increasingly, operators in complex event-driven domains, such as the military, need to coordinate their goals and activities with numerous co-located and distributed human and machine agents. One promising way to support this requirement is the introduction of multimodal interfaces that afford functions such as increased bandwidth, complementarity, redundancy, and substitution. To inform the design of a robust multimodal system, the present study explored natural tendencies for, and the role of context in, modality usage in the context of simulated battlefield operations. Three groups of three ROTC cadets/officers each completed a set of 30-minute scenarios. The within-subject variables included participant location, the availability of radio communication, the amount of coordination required by the scenario, and the tempo of operations. Our findings show that participants were highly selective in their use of multiple modalities. Multimodal interaction was observed primarily in the context of spatial tas...
Influence and disincentive factors of rice farmers' financial demand based on Probit model ——Taking the survey data of 195 rice farmers in Guangdong as example

In recent years,the central document has continued to focus on the financial problems in rural China,the financial demand of farmers is an important part of rural finance,but farmers' financial repression is the bottleneck restricting rural financial reform,Thus solving the difficult of loans to farmers has a decisive role for the healthy development of rural finance. Rice farmers,the most micro business entities of rice industry in Guangdong Province,have a negligible role in the development of this industry. Therefore,research on the financial demand of rice farmers is very meaningful for lifting financial repression,improving the efficiency of financial support. This paper selected Taishan,Jiangmen,Meixian and Jiaoling in Meizhou,Hengli in Huizhou,the representative towns in the Pearl River Delta,eastern Guangdong,northern Guangdong and other regions,as study areas,conducted survey on 195 rice farmers to obtain micro data,and used Probit model to analyze the significant factors influencing farmers' financial demand. The results showed that the planting area,proportion of planting income and number of farmers at home had significant impacts on the financial demand of rice farmers. Furthermore,from three aspects including rice farmers themselves,financial institutions,macroeconomic policy,this paper summarized the causes of rice farmers' financial repression issues,and put forward policy recommendations,to ensure the smooth reproduction and extension of rice industry chain,strengthen the role of financial support as core driving force in rice industry
Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Service on Improving the Cognitive Dysfunction of Patients with Autoimmune Encephalitis

Objective To explore the influence of comprehensive nursing service on improving the cognitive dysfunction of patients with autoimmune encephalitis(AE). Methods 52 AE patients treated in our hospital from November 2010 to October 2014 were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 26 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional nursing, the interventional group was given comprehensive nursing service based on the control group. The improvement of cognitive dysfunction after treating for 6months of two groups was compared. The IQ(intelligence quotient), MQ(memory quotient) and DQ(damage quotient) of AE patients were tested by Wechsler intelligence scale, Wechsler memory scale and HR neuropsychological tests, and the difference of above indexes of two groups was observed. Results The IQ value and MQ value of patients receiving comprehensive nursing service in interventional group were significantly higher than those in control group, the DQ value was significantly lower than that in control group, with statistical difference(P0.05). Conclusions Comprehensive nursing service has positive influence on improving the cognitive dysfunction of patients with autoimmune encephalitis, and also plays an important role in improving the satisfaction of comprehensive nursing service.
Viral vaccines of the future.

Viral vaccines that have not yet been licensed but are either soon to be licensed or expected to become available eventually include varicella, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A, herpes simplex, and human immunodeficiency virus vaccines. Of these, varicella vaccine is the closest to licensure. Varicella vaccine is highly effective in preventing varicella even in immunocompromised patients. Healthy children seem to respond best to this vaccine. Eventually, it is hoped, varicella vaccine will be administered to healthy children routinely, along with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, as “MMRV.”
Crystallographic and spectroscopic characterization of (R)-O-acetyl-mandelic acid.

The title compound [systematic name: (R)-(−)-2-acet­oxy-2-phenyl­acetic acid], C10H10O4, is a resolved chiral ester derivative of mandelic acid. The compound contains an acetate group and a carb­oxy­lic acid group, which engage in inter­molecular hydrogen bonding, forming chains extending parallel to [001] with a short donor–acceptor hydrogen-bonding distance of 2.676 (2) A.
DEMYSTIFYING THE X –BAR PHRASE STRUCTURE RULE

The X- bar theory is a major property of natural languages. Often times, the claim of the X-bar phrase rule and the conditions in which it applies makes its explanation and understanding difficult especially to language students. The essence of the paper is to demystify the intricacies in the theory and the notion of bar level and uphold the notion of head as the central idea.
Tailored Measures of Performance

The repertoire of well-known measures described in Chapter 5 is useful. But it seems inadequate for serving other than relatively basic types of performance assessments. Hence, it is desirable to consider the construction of new and potentially more meaningful, multiaspect measures. This topic is motivated in two ways. First, in Section 7.2, we relate the basic measures to the nodes of the SEE aspects hierarchy presented in Chapter 6. Then, a proposed “interface acceptance test” is analyzed, in Section 7.3, using the terminology developed. It illustrates both what has already been done and the potential for extension to more complex types of tests.
A disambiguation algorithm for weighted automata

Abstract We present a disambiguation algorithm for weighted automata. The algorithm admits two main stages: a pre-disambiguation stage followed by a transition removal stage. We give a detailed description of the algorithm and the proof of its correctness. The algorithm is not applicable to all weighted automata but we prove sufficient conditions for its applicability in the case of the tropical semiring by introducing the weak twins property . In particular, the algorithm can be used with any weighted automaton over the tropical semiring for which the weighted determinization algorithm terminates and with any acyclic weighted automaton over an arbitrary weakly left divisible cancellative and commutative semiring. While disambiguation can sometimes be achieved using weighted determinization, our disambiguation algorithm in some cases can return a result that is exponentially smaller than any equivalent deterministic automaton. We also present some empirical evidence of the space benefits of disambiguation over determinization in speech recognition and machine translation applications.