cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response by coccinellids to spatial variation in cereal aphid density

The objectives of this study were to determine if coccinellids adjusted their distribution within spring wheat fields in response to spatial variation cereal aphid density in the fields and to describe the patterns of cereal aphid population growth that resulted. Field experiments were completed in which the physical dimensions of patches infested with cereal aphids, cereal aphid density, and access to patches by coccinellids were varied. Aphid infestations consisted of naturally occurring densities (natural patches) and much greater densities created by supplementing patches with aphids (supplemented patches). Coccinellids were denied access to some supplemented patches (exclusion patches) but allowed unlimited access to others. Densities of adult Hippodamia convergens and Coccinella septempunctata were correlated with aphid density in patches whereas density of Coleomegilla maculata was not. Aggregation by coccinellids was independent of patch area. The realized aphid population growth rate (r) was lower in supplemented than natural patches in all four trials but was significantly lower in only one trial. The lower r in supplemented patches was not exclusively caused by coccinellid predation, and emigration of aphids from patches probably also contributed. r was significantly greater in exclusion patches than supplemented and natural patches, indicating that coccinellids markedly reduced aphid numbers in patches even when aphid density was extremely high.
Stereoselective preparation of deuterated reduced nicotinamide adenine nucleotides and substrates by enzymatic synthesis.

Abstract A-Side (4- R )-(4- 2 H)-reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADD) was prepared by a stepwise oxidation of ethanol- d 6 to acetate in the presence of NAD, alcohol dehydrogenase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The B-side (4- S ) isomer of NADD was prepared using the glucose dehydrogenase activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to oxidize to oxidize glucose-1- d in 40% dimethyl aulfoxide. Subsequent purifieation of the reduced nucleotides was achieved using a column of strongly basic polystyrene macroporous resin (AG MP-1) eluted with 0.2 m LiCl, pH 10, and applying the pooled NADD peak to a polyacrylamide gel (Bio-Gel P-2) column. The final A 260 A 340 ratio obtained for these preparations was below 2.3. Preparation of the deuterated reduced nucleotides in this manner allows production of specifieally deuterated substrates by coupled enzymatic synthesis. L -Malate-2- d was prepared by coupled synthesis of A-side NADD to the reduction of oxaloacetate by the A-side enzyme malate dehydrogenase.
Electricity in the production of metals: From aluminum to zinc

This article treats some electrometallurgical and electromagnetic aspects of the production of metals, but it opens with an examination of whether there is ldelectricity”(i.e., vitality) in the primary metals industries, particularly within the United States of America. That question is examined in terms of the economics of two examples: aluminum and zinc. Then, three examples are provided of potential improvements in the production of metals arising from industrial and university research: use of new electrode materials in Hall-Heroult cells to reduce energy consumption in aluminum smelting, the fluidized bed electrowinning of copper and other metals, and the employment of electromagnetic forces in metals processing, particularly electromagnetic casting. The article concludes with observations on the paucity of United States support for research and development (R & D) in primary metals production, compared with that of other industrial activities and of other nations, and suggests a prognosis for the future of academic research and teaching in extractive and process metallurgy.
R wave of the surface and intracoronary electrogram during acute coronary artery occlusion

Increases in electrocardiographic R-wave amplitude in humans have been described with positive and negative dynamic exercise test findings, episodes of variant angina and myocardial ischemia and infarction. The role of factors other than acute reversible ischemia in the genesis of these R-wave size alterations is unclear. To evaluate the contribution of acute ischemia to changes in R-wave size in the absence of other confounding variables, electrocardiograms were recorded before and during coronary angioplasty balloon inflation. The frontal leads and V 1 , V 2 , V 5 and V 6 were recorded during the last 10 seconds of coronary occlusion in 20 patients and intracoronary epicardial electrograms were recorded continuously during balloon inflation in 10 patients. Inflations were 8 ± 2 atm for 52 ± 36 seconds. Chest pain occurred in 26 of 30 patients with balloon inflation and ST elevation occurred in 22. No significant increases in R amplitude were noted in any lead or in the sum of the R waves in all leads, including intracoronary electrograms. In contrast, R amplitude tended to decrease. The initial decrease in both surface and epicardial R amplitude was similar to the first of the biphasic changes observed in animal models. An increase in R-wave amplitude is not by itself always a marker for myocardial ischemia, but depends on severity and duration of the process.
Indifference pricing of pure endowments and life annuities under stochastic hazard and interest rates

Abstract We study indifference pricing of mortality contingent claims in a fully stochastic model. We assume both stochastic interest rates and stochastic hazard rates governing the population mortality. In this setting we compute the indifference price charged by an insurer that uses exponential utility and sells k contingent claims to k independent but homogeneous individuals. Throughout we focus on the examples of pure endowments and temporary life annuities. We begin with a continuous-time model where we derive the linear pdes satisfied by the indifference prices and carry out extensive comparative statics. In particular, we show that the price-per-risk grows as more contracts are sold. We then also provide a more flexible discrete-time analog that permits general hazard rate dynamics. In the latter case we construct a simulation-based algorithm for pricing general mortality-contingent claims and illustrate with a numerical example.
Modeling and simulation of a PEM fuel cell stack considering temperature effects

Management of the water and heat ejected as byproducts in an operating PEM fuel cell stack are crucial factors in their optimal design and safe operations. Models currently available for a PEM fuel cell are based on either empirical or 3-D computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Both models do not fully meet the need to represent physical behavior of a stack because of either their simplicity or complexity. We propose a highly dynamic PEM fuel cell stack model, taking into account the most influential property of temperature affecting performance and dynamics. Simulations have been conducted to analyze start-up behaviors and the performance of the stack in conjunction with the cells. Our analyses demonstrate static and dynamic behaviors of a stack. Major results presented are as follows: (1) operating dependent temperature gradient across through-plane direction of the fuel cell stack, (2) endplate effects on the temperature profile during start-up process, (3) temperature profile influences on the output voltage of individual cells and the stack, (4) temperature influence on the water content in membranes of different cells, and (5) cathode inlet relative humidity influence on the temperature profile of the stack.
Dynamics of development of the metabolic and compositional alterations of depot fat in hypothalamic obese rats.

Abstract In rats destined to become obese as a result of lesion placement in the ventromedial hypothalamus, study of serial biopsy specimens of epidymal fat showed that impairment of epinephrine stimulated free fatty acid (FFA) release to incubation medium occurred more promptly than the alteration in distribution of total tissue (largely glyceride) fatty acids. Both were nearly fully developed by the sixth postoperative day, well before gross obesity was manifest. When the alteration of fatty acid distribution in tissue reached full development its extent became closely correlated with the reduction in hormone stimulated FFA release. The findings support the concept that in rats with hypothalamic lesions predisposing to obesity there is an early impairment of the hormone sensitive lipase system of adipose tissue, and that this defect underlies the alteration in the pattern of distribution of fatty acids within the tissue.
Time of growth model for proteolytic Clostridium botulinum

Abstract A model was developed to predict the time for growth of 10 4 spores/tube of proteolytic strains of C. botulinum in sealed tubes of broth media with varying pH (5-7), NaCl levels (0-3%) and storage temperatures (15-37°C). The proportion of positive samples from a set of inoculated tubes of an individual treatment combination were fitted to a logistic function having parameters for the time to turbidity, the rate at which tubes become turbid and the proportion of positive tubes after 62 days. These three parameters were then fitted to multiple regression equations where pH, NaCl levels and temperature were the descriptive parameters. Sodium chloride (
Sensitivity of BP-1 glass detectors etched in methanesulfonic acid

Abstract We recently discovered that methanesulfonic acid is a suitable etchant for BP-1 barium phosphate glass detectors. This paper reports on the sensitivity and charge resolution of BP-1 detectors etched in methanesulfonic acid in comparison with those etched in commonly used etchants such as hydrofluoric acid and fluoboric acid using 11 A GeV 197Au ions at the Brookhaven Alternating Gradient Synchrotron. This new etchant, as a replacement for hydrofluoric acid, is environmentally easy to handle and would have applications to relativistic heavy-ion studies. We also tested ethanesulfonic acid and found it has no practical use due to its extremely slow general etch rate.
Momentum and Energy Exchanges due to Orographically Scattered Gravity Waves

Abstract The scattering of two-dimensional, hydrostatic, Boussinesq, internal gravity waves by orographic features is considered, with special attention paid to energy and momentum fluxes. A general integral equation for the streamfunction is derived from which a special Fourier representation is shown to hold in a well-defined region of the atmosphere. This leads to simple expressions for the energy and momentum fluxes and to a useful form for the energy conservation law. Scattering efficiency functions are defined. When the topography satisfies certain conditions, analytic approximations can be used to determine the scattering; it is found that the reflected momentum flux is larger than the incident flux. The manner in which viscosity affects this result is discussed. In the special case that the maximum topographic slope is less than that of the incident wave fronts, a simple integral equation is derived and used to calculate numerically the scattering from several different orographies. In every case,...
Fertility Related Attitudes of Minority Mothers with Large and Small Families1

The relationship between certain attitudes and levels of fertility in five cultural groups–Blacks, Cubans, American Indians, migrant Chicanos, and white Protestants–was explored. Mothers, aged 35–45, with one or two children (small family, N= 253) or five children (large family, N= 196) were compared. Subjects responded to semantic differentials measuring attitudes toward pregnancy, family, abortion, sex, birth control, and parent. Large family mothers were generally more negative toward birth control, sex, and family. Cultures differed significantly on all six attitudes, with those toward abortion and pregnancy being the best discriminators. Significant interactions between cub ture and size were found on attitudes toward birth control and pregnancy. In general, large families wanted fewer children than they had and their negative attitudes toward birth control might be associated with their ineffective experiences; however, the trend was reversed in the migrant group where small family mothers were more negative toward birth control. Since small family mothers among migrant Chicanos were difficult to find and their estimates of ideal family size was large, it is likely that their negative attitudes toward birth mntrol reflected an aversion to its use.
The Impact of Top Management’s Environmental Attitudes on Hotel Companies’ Environmental Management

This study integrates the environmental attitude–behavior theory and the upper echelons theory to examine hotel companies’ environmental behavior. This study hypothesizes that top managers’ environmental attitudes have a positive effect on perceived advantages of the environmental program, which in turn leads to hotel companies’ involvement in environmental management. An online survey brought responses from 206 top managers (e.g., general managers, owners, CEOs, presidents, etc.) in U.S. hotels. The contact information of the participating hotels was taken from the websites of 11 state lodging associations in the United States. The results of structural equation modeling indicate that top managers’ perceived advantages, derived from environmental management, mediate the proposed relationship. In other words, top managers’ environmental attitudes influence hotels’ environmental management activities through perceived benefits of the environmental program. Managerial implications are discussed based on the...
Complex linear polycondensation—II Polymerization rate enhancement in thick film reactors

Abstract A “mixing film” model is developed for the case of complex polycondensation in a thick film, i.e. where reaction and simultaneous diffusion of two volatile by-products toward the free surface are coupled with a step to account for periodic complete mixing of the film. Enhancement of the degree of polymerization as high as the 30 per cent reported in the patent literature for commercial rectors can be demonstrated for optimum concentrations of zero and monofunctional reactants initially present. Based on these and earlier results it is concluded that the monomerization stage in a polycondensation process should be intentionally operated to yield incompletely converted product. Significant increases in equipment capacity can result, not only in the monomerization stage, but also in the subsequent polymerization stage through enhancement of the coupled reaction-diffusion mechanism governing condensation polymerization rates.
For Better or Worse? Gender and Perceptions of Formal and Informal Justice Systems in Afghanistan

We draw on survey data from a national probability sample of 6,406 Afghan adults (aged 18 years and older) to explore gender differences in the perceptions of formal and informal justice systems. The study utilizes binary logistic regression to probe whether men and women differ in their attitudes and the extent to which other factors may mediate both within– and across–ethnic group differences. We find that women have more confidence in the formal system than their male counterparts, whereas the opposite is true for the informal system. The scholarly and policy implications of these results are discussed.
The Role of Precollege Data in Assessing and Understanding Student Engagement in College.

. They come with a variety of highschool academic experiences, exposure to college information, and familysocioeconomic and educational influences, all of which help shape expec-tations and attitudes of what it is like to be an enrolled college student.Research studies show that high school experiences, engagement, and aca-demic achievement, as well as entering expectations and attitudes, areimportant predictors of student success. Therefore, to better understandfirst-year student engagement, it makes sense to consider the backgroundsand precollege characteristics of entering college students.This chapter has two goals. The first is to clarify conceptually the rela-tionship between precollege characteristics and high school engagement,first-year student engagement expectations, and subsequent first-yearengagement and experience. The second is to provide examples of how aca-demic affairs and student affairs use data on precollege student characteris-tics and student expectations to enhance student learning and personaldevelopment. We provide examples from institutions that have used theBeginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE), the precollegecompanion to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).55
Temperature Preference versus Acclimation in Fishes: Selection for Changing Metabolic Optima

Abstract We present a model that accounts for the variety in observed relationships between temperature preference and acclimation in fishes. The preferred temperature is that temperature at which Fry's scope for metabolism is maximized. Thermal acclimation shifts the temperature for maximum scope in such a way that Zahn's types of temperature-preference acclimation correspond with Precht's types of metabolic compensation. The model predicts that fishes exhibiting Precht's “partial,” “no,” and “inverse” compensation prefer temperatures that are increasing, independent, and decreasing functions of acclimation temperature, respectively. Experiments with bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and blue tilapia Tilapia aurea, together with information from the literature, provide support for the model.
Evolving statewide transfer policies: persistent efforts in tension with workforce development among Massachusetts community colleges

Since their inception, community colleges have included the transfer function as a central mission, yet arguments have been made contending that two-year/community colleges have systematically diverted students toward occupational education and served to “cool out” students’ expectations for bachelor’s degrees. In the 21 st century, community colleges continue to contend with multiple missions and identities. The diversionary discourse of cooling out continues to carry a lot of weight, especially when viewed from a workforce-development perspective stressing short-term employability as the primary community college objective. The two-fold purpose of this study focuses on the academic transfer mission of community colleges in a context where this mission has been in tension with, and often seemingly dominated by, the vocational mission. We utilize document and thematic analysis to identify the elements of formal transfer and articulation policies in the United States leading into the 21 st century. Using these findings as a framework for comparison, we then draw on Massachusetts as a case study to explore how transfer and articulation policies have resembled and/or diverged from the components identified. We present implications in light of transfer policy development in Massachusetts, expanding discussion to stress the importance of common articulation guidelines within state-determined higher education priorities.
Economics of liquid hydrogen from water electrolysis

An economical model for preliminary analysis of LH2 cost from water electrolysis is presented. The model is based on data from vendors and open literature, and is suitable for computer analysis of different scenarios for 'directional' purposes. Cost data associated with a production rate of 10,886 kg/day are presented. With minimum modification, the model can also be used to predict LH2 cost from any electrolyzer once the electrolyzer's cost data are available.
The role of electron-stimulated production of O2 from water ice in the radiation processing of outer solar system surfaces

Abstract We present measurements of the electron energy threshold, fluence, and temperature dependence for O2 production during low-energy (5–100 eV) electron bombardment of thin (∼40 bilayer) amorphous and crystalline D2O ice films deposited on a Pt(1 1 1) substrate in vacuum. The electron energy threshold (referenced to the vacuum level) for O2 formation is approximately 10±2 eV. This threshold is due to valence level electronic excitations or ionization of condensed water molecules. Comparison of the fluence dependence with kinetic models shows that the formation of O2 is dominated by direct excitation and dissociation of a stable precursor molecule, and not by diffusion and recombination of oxygen atoms. The O2 yield is also strongly dependent upon the temperature of ice, is different for crystalline and amorphous ice films, and is indicative of surface and bulk structural transitions. We demonstrate that electron-stimulated production of O2 is important in radiation processing of low-temperature icy surfaces present on outer solar system bodies. This is particularly true in regions with strong magnetospheres such as the Saturnine and Jovian systems.
Combustion calorimetry of oil shales

Abstract Samples of raw oil shale and spent shale from combustion-retorting experiments are burned in a calorimeter to determine their heats of combustion. The shales are mixed with an equal amount of benzoic acid to achieve complete combustion. A platinum crucible with a basket is used to allow minimal contact of sample with platinum. This design reduces quenching effects by permitting oxygen to completely surround the sample. The heats of combustion, −Δ H c , for raw shale range from 1150 to 1250 cal g −1 while those for spent shale range from −65 to −15 cal g −1 . The precision of the analysis gives a standard deviation of approximately 5 cal g −1 . Uncertainties in the sulfur correction and the gas correction, Δ n , have the largest effect on the accuracy of the analysis.
Selective Coronary and Left Ventricular Cineangiography during Intraaortic Balloon Pumping for Cardiogenic Shock

Eleven patients underwent selective coronary and left ventricular cineangiography during intraaortic balloon pumping for acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Studies were performed when the clinical and hemodynamic trend predicted in-hospital death. Angiograms were reviewed by dividing the left ventricle into six segments, each with its characteristic coronary perfusion. No patient with avascular and akinetic segments survived with or without surgery. One patient with residual perfusion of all segments showed massive necrosis at operation that eventually led to his death. In four patients the findings of residual contraction and perfusion of most segments suggested reversible ventricular dysfunction. Three of these underwent coronary surgery with two excellent survivors.
GeoDeepDive: statistical inference using familiar data-processing languages

We describe our proposed demonstration of GeoDeepDive, a system that helps geoscientists discover information and knowledge buried in the text, tables, and figures of geology journal articles. This requires solving a host of classical data management challenges including data acquisition (e.g., from scanned documents), data extraction, and data integration. SIGMOD attendees will see demonstrations of three aspects of our system: (1) an end-to-end system that is of a high enough quality to perform novel geological science, but is written by a small enough team so that each aspect can be manageably explained; (2) a simple feature engineering system that allows a user to write in familiar SQL or Python; and (3) the effect of different sources of feedback on result quality including expert labeling, distant supervision, traditional rules, and crowd-sourced data.Our prototype builds on our work integrating statistical inference and learning tools into traditional database systems. If successful, our demonstration will allow attendees to see that data processing systems that use machine learning contain many familiar data processing problems such as efficient querying, indexing, and supporting tools for database-backed websites, none of which are machine-learning problems, per se.
Direct variational approach to the calculation of dynamic structure functions

We consider the problem of calculating the dynamic structure function $S(k,\ensuremath{\omega})$ via a properly posed initial-value problem for a linear kinetic equation. A variational principle is introduced and shown to give a direct bounded estimate of $S(k,\ensuremath{\omega})$. The variational trial functions for the problem are the space-time transforms of the phase-space correlation function. The choice of such trial functions are discussed and general expressions for $S(k,\ensuremath{\omega})$ are developed which are applicable to simple gases. Numerical results are presented for the specific case of hard spheres, these results being compared to previous first-principle calculations based upon kinetic equations with and without the inclusion of memory effects. Excellent agreement with previous results, at all ratios of fluctuation wavelength to mean free path, is obtained with considerably less computational complexity. This computational efficiency of the variational approach suggests that it should be a valuable technique, from the standpoint of feasibility, in attempts at first-principle calculations for more complex many-body systems. In this regard, further study and improvement of the variational techniques themselves appear to be warranted.
Resolving Existential Sentiments with Music: Evidence for a “Mental Chemistry” of Emotions:

In three of the between-subjects conditions in this research, 76 subjects perceived one of three musical stimuli and rated their emotional reactions to the stimulus. In three more between-subjects ...
Oxygen requirements of benthic insects as determined by manometric and polarographic techniques

Abstract Determinations of oxygen consumption at or near 20°C were made on immature, aquatic insects belonging to the orders Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera by manometric and electrochemical methods. The plecopteran Pteronarcys pictetii and the dipteran Tipula abdominalis had the lowest respiratory rates; all the Ephemeroptera had high rates. Trichopteran Pycnopsyche guttifer and Macronemum zebratum , odonatan Hetaerina sp. and Calopteryx sp., dipteran Atherix variegata , and plecopteran Paragnetina media had intermediate rates. The respiratory rates generally agree with the usual index-organism classification of these insects. Those with high rates have been found in clean water zones, while those with moderate and low rates, in recovery zones. The correlation was 0.8920 when the same 30 insects were examined by the Warburg and electrochemical, flow-through methods. The latter method is described.
General Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Behavior Management and Intervention Strategies:

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with kindergarten and first-grade general education teachers to determine their perceptions of student behavior. This study describes the teachers’ perspectives of and approaches to behavior management and intervention strategies (e.g., use of praise, rewards, implementation of classroom management, and knowledge about PBIS and RTI). A unique contribution of this study is the in-depth data that provide specific descriptions of the teachers’ perceptions. Findings indicated that the teachers in this study tended to concentrate more on individual student behavior when describing behavior management strategies than on group or schoolwide behavior. In addition, the teachers were unfamiliar with RTI and PBIS despite training occurring in the system on these initiatives during the study. Lastly, the teachers perceived themselves as strong influences on student behavior development and described the use of positive strategies. Meeting teachers’ training needs for imp...
A Study of the Characteristics and Assimilation of Retrieved MODIS Total Precipitable Water Data in Severe Weather Simulations

This study determined the accuracy and biases associated with retrieved Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) total precipitable water (TPW) data, and it investigated the impact of these data on severe weather simulations using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. Comparisons of MODIS TPW with the global positioning system (GPS) TPW and radiosonde-derived TPW were carried out. The comparison with GPS TPW over the United States showed that the root-mean-square (RMS) differences between these two datasets were about 5.2 and 3.3 mm for infrared (IR) and near-infrared (nIR) TPW, respectively. MODIS IR TPW data were overestimated in a dry atmosphere but underestimated in a moist atmosphere, whereas the nIR values were slightly underestimated in a dry atmosphere but overestimated in a moist atmosphere. Two cases, a severe thunderstorm system (2004) over land and Hurricane Isidore (2002) over ocean, as well as conventional observations and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) retrievals were used to assess the impact of MODIS nIR TPW data on severe weather simulations. The assimilation of MODIS data has a slightly positive impact on the simulated rainfall over Oklahoma for the thunderstorm case, and it was able to enhance Isidore’s intensity when the storm track was reasonably simulated. The use of original and bias-corrected MODIS nIR TPW did not show significant differences from both case studies. In addition, SSM/I data were found to have a positive impact on both severe weather simulations, and the impact was comparable to or slightly better than that of MODIS data.
Study of ZnTe:Cu Back Contacts on CdTe/CdS Thin Film Solar Cells

Vacuum-evaporated Cu-doped ZnTe films have been studied as the intermediate layer between CdTe and metal contacts in CdTe/CdS thin-film solar cells for the formation of low resistance back contacts. Different metals (Au, Ni, Co) have been investigated as the contact material to the ZnTe layer. The effects of Cu concentration, ZnTe:Cu layer thickness, and ZnTe post-deposition annealing temperature on the cell performances have been investigated. We found that different metal contacts on the ZnTe layer lead to different doping densities in the CdTe layer and different open-circuit photovoltages of the solar cells. The possible formation of a back contact diode at the CdTe/ZnTe interface was explored, based on capacitance-voltage analysis. The series resistance of the CdTe/CdS cells was reduced significantly by the introduction of the ZnTe layer. Fill factors greater than 0.76 and an energy conversion efficiency of 12.9% have been achieved using ZnTe back contacts on electrodeposited CdTe.
Sensory Architectures for Biologically Inspired Autonomous Robotics

Engineers have a lot to gain from studying biology. The study of biological neural systems alone provides numerous examples of computational systems that are far more complex than any man-made system and perform real-time sensory and motor tasks in a manner that humbles the most advanced artificial systems. Despite the evolutionary genesis of these systems and the vast apparent differences between species, there are common design strategies employed by biological systems that span taxa, and engineers would do well to emulate these strategies. However, biologically-inspired computational architectures, which are continuous-time and parallel in nature, do not map well onto conventional processors, which are discrete-time and serial in operation. Rather, an implementation technology that is capable of directly realizing the layered parallel structure and nonlinear elements employed by neurobiology is required for power- and space-efficient implementation. Custom neuromorphic hardware meets these criteria and yields low-power dedicated sensory systems that are small, light, and ideal for autonomous robot applications. As examples of how this technology is applied, this article describes both a low-level neuromorphic hardware emulation of an elementary visual motion detector, and a large-scale, system-level spatial motion integration system.
A ‘Just Culture’ for performance measures

Fear of the kind engendered by the disciplinary approach poisons improvement in quality, since it inevitably leads to dissatisfaction, distortion of information, and the loss of the chance to learn. —Donald Berwick1 Quality improvement has a culture problem. In its inception, the quality movement adopted a model of continuous improvement, in which the purpose of performance measurement was to offer providers an opportunity for continual learning.1 Starting in the mid-1990s, healthcare systems explored the role of performance measures in monitoring quality on a national scale and demonstrated significant improvements in the care provided to patients.2 ,3 This initial success has led to an explosion in the number of performance measures.4 ,5 However, as the number of performance measures has increased, the role of performance measures in quality has become increasingly burdensome and punitive for providers and hospitals.4 ,6 To make performance measurement relevant for patients and providers, quality improvement needs to dismiss the current culture of punishment and join patient safety in a ‘Just Culture’ of continual learning and improvement.7 Providing high-quality care is an important contributor to physician professional satisfaction.8 However, the quality improvement work that is valued by healthcare institutions is often driven by national performance measures rather than local needs identified by providers.9 As performance improves and the margins for further improvement are reduced, clinicians perceive that performance measures result in care that is clinically inappropriate, inconsistent with patient-centredness and less focused on patient concerns.10 ,11 The utility of performance measures as drivers of quality improvement is also unclear. Studies regarding the implementation of public reporting and non-reimbursement policies from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have shown little impact on national trends in mortality and healthcare-associated infections.12 ,13 This is coupled …
Accuracy of profile maintenance in optimizing compilers

Modern processors rely heavily on optimizing compilers to deliver their performance potentials. The compilers, in turn, rely greatly on profile information to focus the optimization efforts and better match the generated code with the target machines. Maintaining the profile in an optimizing compiler is important as many optimizations can benefit from profile information and they are often performed one after the other. Maintaining a profile is, however, tedious and error prone. An erroneous profile is not easy to detect as it affects only the performance, not the correctness, of a program. Maintaining a profile also inherently loses accuracy, as the profile update operations often have to use probabilistic approximation. In this paper, we measure the accuracy of maintaining CFG profiles in a high-performance optimizing compiler. Our data indicates that the compiler maintains the profile more accurately within individual functions than globally across functions, and function inlining may be responsible for the loss of profile accuracy globally. We also identify a number of research issues related to profile maintenance.
Zebrafish nma is involved in TGFbeta family signaling.

Summary: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are members of the TGFβ superfamily of secreted factors with important regulatory functions during embryogenesis. We have isolated the zebrafish gene, nma, that encodes a protein with high sequence similarity to human NMA and Xenopus Bambi. It is also similar to TGFβ type I serine/theronine kinase receptors in the extracellular ligand-binding domain but lacks a cytoplasmic kinase domain. During development, nma expression is similar to that of bmp2b and bmp4, and analysis in the dorsalized and ventralized zebrafish mutants swirl and chordino indicates that nma is regulated by BMP signaling. Overexpression of nma during zebrafish and Xenopus development resulted in phenotypes that appear to be based on inhibition of BMP signaling. Biochemically, NMA can associate with TGFβ type II receptors and bind to TGFβ ligand. We propose that nma is a BMP-regulated gene whose function is to attenuate BMP signaling during development through interactions with type II receptors and ligands. genesis 28:47–57, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Extraperitoneal Approach and Subcutaneous Emphysema are Associated with Greater Absorption of Carbon Dioxide During Laparoscopic Renal Surgery

AbstractPurpose: We investigated the association of carbon dioxide absorption with the approach (transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal) and other factors during laparoscopy.Materials and Methods: Carbon dioxide elimination during laparoscopic renal surgery was retrospectively calculated in 63 patients.Results: Carbon dioxide elimination increased with time. Multiple factorial analysis revealed that subcutaneous emphysema and the extraperitoneal approach were independently associated with a greater increase in carbon dioxide elimination. Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum were more common during extraperitoneal procedures.Conclusions: Carbon dioxide absorption during laparoscopic renal surgery increases with time, and is greatest in patients treated through an extraperitoneal approach and in those with subcutaneous emphysema. Nonetheless, with attentive ventilatory management adverse sequelae of hypercapnia can be avoided.
The double-edged sword of electronic health records: implications for patient disclosure.

Objective Electronic health record (EHR) systems are linked to improvements in quality of care, yet also privacy and security risks. Results from research studies are mixed about whether patients withhold personal information from their providers to protect against the perceived EHR privacy and security risks. This study seeks to reconcile the mixed findings by focusing on whether accounting for patients’ global ratings of care reveals a relationship between EHR provider-use and patient non-disclosure. Materials and methods A nationally representative sample from the 2012 Health Information National Trends Survey was analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logit regressions to examine whether global ratings of care suppress the relationship between EHR provider-use and patient non-disclosure. Results 13% of respondents reported having ever withheld information from a provider because of privacy/security concerns. Bivariate analysis showed that withholding information was unrelated to whether respondents’ providers used an EHR. Multivariable analysis showed that accounting for respondents’ global ratings of care revealed a positive relationship between having a provider who uses an EHR and withholding information. Discussion After accounting for global ratings of care, findings suggest that patients may non-disclose to providers to protect against the perceived EHR privacy and security risks. Despite evidence that EHRs inhibit patient disclosure, their advantages for promoting quality of care may outweigh the drawbacks. Conclusions Clinicians should leverage the EHR's value in quality of care and discuss patients’ privacy concerns during clinic visits, while policy makers should consider how to address the real and perceived privacy and security risks of EHRs.
Gender in the Muslim Middle East

Feminists, Islam, and Nation: Gender and the Making of Modern Egypt. Margot Badran. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1995. 352 pp. Gender Politics in Sudan: Islamism, Socialism, and the State. Sondra Hale. Boulder, CO. Westview Press, 1996. 294 pp. Quest for Conception: Gender, Infertility, and Egyptian Medical Traditions. Marcia C. Inhorn. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1994. 441 pp.
Physical and Cooking Quality of Spaghetti Made from Whole Wheat Durum

ABSTRACT The effects of cultivar on dough properties of ground whole wheat durum, and the effects of cultivar and drying temperature on the physical and cooking quality of spaghetti made from semolina and whole wheat were evaluated. Rankings of cultivars based on dough properties were similar for whole wheat and semolina. Dough made from whole wheat was weak and had poor stability. Whole wheat spaghetti had a rough reddish brown surface compared with the very smooth, translucent yellow color of spaghetti made from semolina. The reddish brown color of whole wheat spaghetti was enhanced by high-temperature drying (70°C). Mechanical strength and cooking quality of spaghetti made from ground whole wheat or semolina varied with cultivar and with drying temperature. Compared with spaghetti made from semolina, whole wheat spaghetti had lower mechanical strength and cooked firmness and had greater cooking loss. Mechanical strength of whole wheat spaghetti was lower when dried at high temperature (70°C) than at lo...
GENOTYPE-BY-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION AND THE FITNESS OF PLANT HYBRIDS IN THE WILD

Natural hybrid zones between related species illustrate processes that contribute to genetic differentiation and species formation. A common viewpoint is that hybrids are essentially unfit, but they exist in a stable tension zone where selection against them is balanced by gene flow between the parent species. An alternative idea is that selection depends on the environment, for example, by favoring opposite traits in the two parental habitats or favoring hybrids within a bounded region. To determine whether selection of hybrids is environment dependent, we crossed plants of naturally hybridizing Ipomopsis aggregata and I. tenuituba in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and reciprocally planted the seed offspring into a suite of natural environments across the hybrid zone. All types of crosses produced similar numbers and weights of seeds. However, survival of the offspring after 5 years differed markedly among cross types. On average, the F1 hybrids had survival and growth rates as high as the average for their parents. But hybrid survival depended strongly on the direction of a cross, that is, on which species served as the maternal parent. This fitness difference between reciprocal hybrids appeared only in the parental environments, suggesting cytonuclear gene interactions that are environment specific. These results indicate that complex genotype-by-environment interactions can contribute to the evolutionary outcome of hybridization.
The relationship between labial vibrotactile detection and pure-tone hearing thresholds in healthy, ageing adults

Purpose: Orofacial anatomy is unique from other body systems in that oral musculature inserts directly into the underlying cutaneous skin, allowing for tight temporal synchronicity between somatosensory and auditory performance feedback to maintain correct orofacial behaviours across the lifespan. Unfortunately, little is currently known regarding the changes in orofacial sensory capacities associated with ageing and how these somatosensory and auditory changes may impact feedback during functional behaviours such as speech or swallowing. The purpose of this descriptive study was to begin assessing the relationship between the auditory and labial somatosensory system in healthy ageing adults.Method: Pure-tone hearing thresholds were determined for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz. Using a 2-alternative forced choice paradigm, 60 adults (19–84 years) completed vibrotactile detection thresholds (VDT) at the 5 and 10 Hz test frequencies.Result: A significant difference for age by group was identified at the 5 Hz ...
16-Point Reversible Integer Discrete Fourier Transform With 12 Control Bits

This correspondence discusses the reversible integer 16-point discrete Fourier transform (RiDFT) which uses integer operations with control bits. The decomposition of the RiDFT is based on the paired representation, when the Fourier transform is split recursively into a set of short transforms of orders 8, 4, 2, and 1. Control bits allow for inverting the integer approximations of multiplications by twiddle factors. The proposed 16-point RiDFT uses 16 operations of real multiplication and 62 additions. The integer approximation of the transform with eight control bits with additional two lifting schemes, which requires two more multiplications, is also considered.
Insulin at Physiological Concentrations Selectively Activates Insulin But Not Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) or Insulin/IGF-I Hybrid Receptors in Endothelial Cells

In muscle, physiologic hyperinsulinemia, presumably acting on endothelial cells (ECs), dilates arterioles and regulates both total blood flow and capillary recruitment, which in turn influences glucose disposal. In cultured ECs, however, supraphysiological (e.g. >or=10 nM) insulin concentrations are typically used to study insulin receptor (IR) signaling pathways and nitric oxide generation. IGF-I receptors (IGF-IRs) are more abundant than IR in ECs, and they also respond to high concentrations of insulin. To address whether IR mediates responses to physiologic insulin stimuli, we examined the insulin concentration dependence of IR and IGF-IR-mediated insulin signaling in bovine aortic ECs (bAECs). We also assessed whether insulin/IGF-I hybrid receptors were present in bAECs. Insulin, at 100-500 pM, significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of IRbeta, Akt1, endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase, and ERK 1/2 but not the IGF-IRbeta subunit. At concentrations 1-5 nm or greater, insulin dose-dependently enhanced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-IRbeta, and this was inhibited by IGF-IR neutralizing antibody. In addition, immunoprecipitation of IRbeta pulled down the IGF-IRbeta, and the IRbeta immunocytochemically colocalized with IGF-IRbeta, suggesting that ECs have insulin/IGF-I hybrid receptors. We conclude that: 1) insulin at physiological concentrations selectively activates IR signaling in bAECs; 2) bAECs express IGF-IR and insulin/IGF-I hybrid receptors in addition to IR; 3) high concentrations of insulin (>or=1-5 nM) activate IGF-IR and hybrid receptors as well as IR; and 4) this crossover activation can confound interpretation of studies of insulin action in ECs when high insulin concentrations are used.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with End‐Stage Renal Disease: A Review of the Issues

Hormone replacement is an integral part of therapies to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and may be considered a component in the treatment of dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and possibly cognitive function. The indications for, and efficacy and prescription of, hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with ESRD have been infrequently studied and less than 10% of postmenopausal women on dialysis are receiving hormone replacement. Small studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy is valuable in treating the dyslipidemia of women on dialysis, but indicate that a reduction in the dosage of hormone replacement may be needed. A potential role for hormone replacement therapy in the treatment and/or prevention of osteoporosis and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women on dialysis exists as well.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN WITH EOSINOPHILIC CYSTITIS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare disorder, with fewer than 30 pediatric cases reported in the literature. We describe our experience with pediatric eosinophilic cystitis during a 20-year period.Materials and Methods: Four children referred to our institution were subsequently diagnosed with eosinophilic cystitis between 1984 and 2004. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.Results: Mean patient age at presentation was 10.8 years (range 5 to 18) and male-to-female ratio was 3:1. All 4 patients presented with irritative urinary symptoms, including 3 with dysuria and/or gross hematuria and 2 with urinary frequency, lower abdominal pain and/or a concomitant urinary tract infection. Allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, etc) were present in 3 patients, and a formal allergen skin test was positive in 2 of those tested. A bladder mass mimicking malignancy was documented in 2 patients. Three patients had symptom resolut...
Embroiderers of Ninhue: Stitching Chilean Rural Life (Benavente)

This work is a book review considering the title Embroiderers of Ninhue: Stitching Chilean Rural Life by Carmen Benavente.