cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunities for impact: Statistical analysis of the National Science Foundation’s broader impacts criterion

Though the US National Science Foundation introduced a broader impacts criterion to their merit review process in 1997, policy evaluations remain still scarce. Reactions from different scientific fields varied. This paper aims to quantitatively compare the proposed broader impacts of 360 funded abstracts from biology, engineering, and mathematical/physical sciences. Specifically, it considers whether or not certain fields are more likely to propose certain types of broader impacts activities, whether women principal investigators are more likely to propose broader impacts, and the effect of grant size. This study demonstrates that cultural differences exist between scientific fields and also supports existing policy recommendations that encourage the creation of organizations and partnerships at university level to allow scientists to more easily participate in activities with broader impacts. Emphasizing broader impacts activities may also attract a more diverse scientific workforce, as many individuals do not pursue science because of a perceived lack of impact. Copyright The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com, Oxford University Press.
Resistance Training During Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Older Adults: What Are the Benefits?:

Obesity and sarcopenia are important public health challenges that affect the healthy aging trajectory of older adults. Although weight loss is recommended for overweight and obese older adults to ...
Effect of Mirex on Predator‐Prey Interaction in an Experimental Estuarine Ecosystem

Abstract Tests of 14- to 16-days duration were conducted to determine the distribution and sublethal effects of mirex in an experimental estuarine ecosystem. The insecticide was translocated from water at concentrations of 0.011 to 0.13 μg/liter to sand, plant, and animal components. An alteration of predator-prey interaction due to mirex was manifested by a significant difference (X2 test, α = 0.05) in survival of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes vulgaris, in control and treated tanks after one, two, or three days of predation by pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides.
A Stochastic Learning Model of Economic Behavior

Stochastic learning theory, 242. — Probability matching: an example, 244. — The model, 247. — Alternative states of the market: a monopoly model, 252. — A simple market model, 254. — Further properties of the single-firm model, 256. — The dynamics of adjustment, 258. — The firm in disequilibrium, 261. — A final note: rules of thumb, 264.
N-Methyl-D-aspartate inhibits apoptosis through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in cerebellar granule neurons. A role for insulin receptor substrate-1 in the neurotrophic action of n-methyl-D-aspartate and its inhibition by ethanol.

Abstract Primary cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons underwent apoptosis when switched from medium containing 25 mm K+ to one containing 5 mmK+. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) protected granule neurons from apoptosis in medium containing 5 mm K+. Inhibition of apoptosis by NMDA was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor LY294002, but it was unaffected by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD 98059. The antiapoptotic action of NMDA was associated with an increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), an increase in the binding of the regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase to IRS-1, and a stimulation of PI 3-kinase activity. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, NMDA was unable to prevent apoptosis or to phosphorylate IRS-1 and activate PI 3-kinase. Significant inhibition of NMDA-mediated neuronal survival by ethanol (10–15%) was observed at 1 mm, and inhibition was half-maximal at 45–50 mm. Inhibition of neuronal survival by ethanol corresponded with a marked reduction in the capacity of NMDA to increase the concentration of intracellular Ca2+, phosphorylate IRS-1, and activate PI 3-kinase. These data demonstrate that the neurotrophic action of NMDA and its inhibition by ethanol are mediated by alterations in the activity of a PI 3-kinase-dependent antiapoptotic signaling pathway.
Kinetics of in Vitro Bread Bolus Digestion with Varying Oral and Gastric Digestion Parameters

The rate of bolus disintegration in the stomach plays an important role in gastric emptying, which has been shown to be directly correlated with post-food consumption blood glucose levels and satiety. This study examined the effect of various oral and gastric factors on bread bolus disintegration, including flour type, hydrodynamic forces, saliva level, and presence of α-amylase. The kinetics of bolus disintegration were determined by measuring the mass retention of boluses and fitting their disintegration profiles to a linear-exponential model. Artificially masticated bread was mixed with simulated saliva to form a bolus, which was soaked in simulated gastric juice for 120 min. The mass retention kinetics during static and agitated soaking followed three distinct profiles: exponential, sigmoidal, and delayed sigmoidal. The differences in profiles were attributed to varying levels of water absorption, caused by variations in bread structure and moisture content. Increasing the bolus saliva level decreased cohesive forces and increased bolus disintegration rate. These changes could have been caused by the increase of water inside the food matrix, or by the softening effect of α-amylase, which was shown to have a significant effect on bolus texture and also caused an increase in bolus disintegration. This work studies the driving factors in the breakdown of different types of bread during simulated gastric digestion. Our results demonstrate that bread structure and moisture content are key features controlling the rate of bread breakdown during gastric digestion.
Cathode Materials Characteristics of CsI Coated Carbon Fiber

Summary form only given. Csl coated carbon fiber cathodes have shown promise as a cold cathode for microwave and x-ray devices. In particular, the cathodes have demonstrated over 1 million shots lifetime at operating voltages at or in excess of 165 kV and current densities greater than 50 A/cm2. Further, the materials have also operated in a DC mode. While the vacuum emission characteristics have been well-studied1, the materials characteristics of the cathodes themselves, particularly after operation have not received great attention. Furthermore, while researchers at University of Wisconsin" have demonstrated a reduction in work function due to the Csl coating, the emission mechanism remains poorly understood. This paper gives results of a series of materials diagnostics investigating the cathode surface morphology as well as the changes in the carbon fiber structure with cathode shot history. We rely principally upon SEM images and Raman microscopy for this data. Finally, we present a basic model for electron emission from Csl coated carbon fibers that begins to satisfy some of the experimental results.
Shell-model studies for the Sn 132 region. II. Exact and statistical results for multi-proton cases

Level structures and level densities of nuclei consisting of a $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ core plus as many as nine valence protons are calculated using a realistic effective interaction ($G$ matrix) plus previously determined correction terms. The correction terms were determined so that the total interaction, when used in shell-model calculations, gave a fit to the observed $^{134}\mathrm{Te}$ spectrum. Recently developed trace reduction methods are employed to determine the energy moments of the level densities for each spin value. Comparisons between these moments and results of exact shell-model diagonalizations show excellent agreement. Level density comparisons demonstrate that the effect of the necessary correction terms on the spectra is small and decreases as the number of allowed orbits increases. This level density method is also used to investigate the effects of the Coulomb force on the multi-proton spectra.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Exact and statistical shell-model structure of $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ core plus valence protons; shell-model effective interaction consisting of Brueckner reaction matrix plus phenomenological multipole corrections; level densities via moment expansions.
Temperature and water content effects on the viscoelastic behavior of Tilia americana (Tiliaceae) sapwood

The effects of temperature and water content on the viscoelasticity of living and dehydrated Tilia americana sapwood were examined using transient creep (time- and load-dependent deformation) tests under sustained bending loads. Creep tests were performed at 21.1°C and –20.5°C to determine the magnitudes and types of strains in living and dehydrated samples. Temperature had no effect on the creep rate of living sapwood. However, the creep rate of dehydrated samples at –20.5°C was significantly faster than that at 21.1°C. Regardless of temperature, sapwood had a faster creep rate than dehydrated samples. With small bending loads, the residual strains in sapwood were larger at 21.1°C compared to –20.5°C. Temperature did not significantly affect the residual strains in dehydrated samples. For small bending loads, frozen sapwood recovered all residual creep strains when thawed. With larger loads, residual and plastic (permanent) strains increased. We speculate that ice formation in cell lumens partially dehydrates (and thus stiffens and strengthens) cell wall materials and prevents cell wall buckling and elastic restoration after unloading. However, when thawed, sapwood can elastically restore its original configuration, provided it is not excessively bent (by ice or snow accumulations) when frozen.
The use of fluid inclusions to constrain fault zone pressure, temperature and kinematic history: an example from the Alpi Apuane, Italy

The Alpi Apuane is a tectonic window that exposes ductilely deformed greenschist facies metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks beneath relatively unmetamorphosed, brittlely deformed sedimentary rocks of the Tuscan nappe. The brecciated fault zone, the ‘window fault’, separating the two tectonic units was originally described as a simple thrust fault, but has recently been interpreted to have been reactivated as a later extensional detachment. Although evidence for extensional faulting is seen above and below the window fault, the amount of extensional displacement along this fault is unclear. Fluid inclusions from veins cementing the fault breccia were used to estimate the pressures and temperatures during the last fault movement. Minimum pressure estimates obtained from these inclusions range from 105 to 240 MPa. Pressure-corrected trapping temperatures for these fluids range from about 300 to 345°C. These pressures and temperatures indicate that the fault was last active at a depth of about 10 km, assuming a geothermal gradient at the time of 31°C km−1. This rules out complete extensional unroofing of the Alpi Apuane by movement along the window fault. Fluid salinities increase abruptly from the footwall into the fault zone. This pattern suggests that fluids rose from the footwall, entered the fault zone and were channeled within it, leaching salt from the overlying evaporite. The lack of quartz veins above the fault zone indicates that these fluids did not circulate into the overlying Tuscan nappe.
Serrated adenomatous polyposis in humans

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hyperplastic polyposis clinically resembles adenomatous polyposis and has not generally been considered precancerous. However, since the original description, a number of cases associated with adenocarcinoma have been reported. The aim of this study was to reevaluate patients previously diagnosed with hyperplastic polyposis. METHODS: Pathological analysis of polyps in 6 patients with putative hyperplastic polyposis and 4 with associated carcinoma was compared with classic isolated hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and solitary serrated adenomas. Immunohistochemical study for the detection of p53 protein, blood groups antigens, including Lewis(a) and Lewis(b), and peanut lectin binding was performed. RESULTS: Polyps in our patients were much more similar to serrated adenomas than to hyperplastic polyps and were characterized by large size, prominent architectural distortion, cytologically atypical nuclei, focal nuclear crowding and nuclear dispolarity, and rare upper zone mitotic figures. The polyps in our patients and control serrated adenomas had a decrease or absence of endocrine cells compared with classic hyperplastic polyps and normal colon and similar immunohistochemical reactivity for p53 and Lewis(a) and Lewis(b) antigens. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the polyps in our patients are serrated adenomas. Serrated adenomatous polyposis has not been described before and should be distinguished from true hyperplastic polyposis given a possible association with adenocarcinoma in the former group. (Gastroenterology 1996 Mar;110(3):748-55)
Comparison of Workload Measures on Computer—Generated Primary Flight Displays:

Four Air Force pilots were used as subjects to assess a battery of subjective and physiological workload measures in a flight simulation environment in which two computer-generated primary flight display configurations were evaluated. A high- and low-workload task was created by manipulating flight path complexity. Both SWAT and the NASA-TLX were shown to be effective in differentiating the high and low workload path conditions. Physiological measures were inconclusive. A battery of workload measures continues to be necessary for an understanding of the data. Based on workload, opinion, and performance data, it is fruitful to pursue research with a primary flight display and a horizontal situation display integrated into a single display.
Simulated group counseling for group work training: A four-year research study of group development

Abstract Simulated Group Counseling (SGC) as a training model for graduate-level group workers is examined. SGC requires counseling students to role-play a group character during 8 sessions of a personal development group. During a 4-year period, 98 graduate students participated in 12 role-played SGC groups. Group member behaviors were rated using the Group Observer Form. SGC followed a 4-stage model of group development and was highly consistent (p < .001) with expected changes in well-functioning, non-role-played groups. SGC advantages are discussed, especially related to dual relationship issues of experiential group training.
Part‐time work: models that work

Part‐time work has been put forward as a solution to the problem of balancing career and family demands. However, there is mounting evidence that most part‐time arrangements do not regularly produce such positive solutions. Looks into the causes of women′s different reactions to part‐time arrangements. Draws from a literature review, case studies of individuals who work part‐time, and case studies of organizations who employ part‐timers. Finds evidence for both negative and positive outcomes resulting from part‐time employment. Analyses the organizational factors which influence negative and positive outcomes. Ends by summarizing the lessons for individual women that can be drawn from the research.
Reexamining the field experiences of preservice teachers

The following study spans three consecutive semesters of investigation into the teaching and learning responses of 77 preservice teachers enrolled in a 3-week language arts field practicum just prior to student-teaching. Despite consistent efforts by university professors to help preservice teachers examine theory into practice during their practica, the data indicated that procedural concerns of time management, teaching expected lessons and content, and classroom management most often focused the practicum experience for the preservice teachers.
Investigation of Fracture Behavior of Heterogeneous Infrastructure Materials with Extended-Finite-Element Method and Image Analysis

Infrastructure materials are essential components of the nation’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Deteriorating infrastructures require the development of computational tools to predict fracture behavior. The extended-finite-element method (XFEM) has been recently developed to eliminate remesh efforts by allowing crack propagation within continuous elements. The object of this study is to employ XFEM and image analysis techniques to numerically investigate fracture behavior within infrastructure materials. The XFEM was addressed with a discontinuous crack and inclusion enrichment function with the level-set method. The crack growth and stress intensity factors were also formulated. An extended-finite-element fracture model (XFE-FM) was developed with the MATLAB program for predicting fracture behavior with single-edge-notched beam (SEB) and split tensile (ST) tests. The developed XFE-FM was first validated with SEB testing on a homogeneous sample. In order to capture the real material microstru...
Pathogenesis of 2,2′-dichlorodiethyl sulfide in hairless guinea pigs

Developing skin lesions on hairless guinea pigs due to 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard, HD) exposure were examined to determine the time course for the appearance of histopathologic markers in relationship to skin NAD+ and NADP+ content after HD exposure. Hairless guinea pig skin was exposed to HD for 8 min by means of a vapor cup. Skin punches were taken at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h after HD exposure. Intracellular edema (IE) appeared at 2 h and increased steadily over 24 h. Epidermal necrosis (EN) and pustular epidermatitis (PE) developed at 8 h and reached a maximum at 16 h. Follicular necrosis (FN) appeared at 8 h and increased up to 24 h. Microvesicles (MV) developed between 12-16 h reaching a maximum at 24 h. Niacinamide (750 mg/kg, ip) pretreatment (30-min) reduced the incidence of MV (40%) and FN (45%) at 24 h, but did not reduce IE, EN, or PE. In all animals, skin NAD+ content decreased to a minimum (20% of control) at 16 h, but NAD+ decreases did not precede microvesicle formation. Skin NADP+ content increased (260%) between 1-2 h and returned to control at 4 h. Skin cell NADP+ increases may be indicative of an early phase of cellular oxidative stress that may contribute to HD-induced dermal pathogenesis. Since NAD+ reductions did not precede microvesication and NAM-induced increases in NAD+ content did not delay or reduce early cellular alterations, the contributory role of NAD+ to microvesicle formation may be limited and other biochemical changes should be investigated.
Regional Implications of New Gravity And Magnetic Maps of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Summary New gravity and magnetic maps of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado reveal NW-SE trending lineaments that align with known trends of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen (SOA). We have implemented a new gravity processing technique that employs digital topography and geologically reasonable densities in order to calculate Bouguer slab-like corrections, resulting in a new Bouguer anomaly-like map. A new compilation of existing aeromagnetic datasets over the study area is a vast improvement over previous compilations and provides a clearer view of geologic trends. The results presented here suggest that the trend of the SOA probably continues through the San Juan Mountains to the Uncompahgre uplift region, where similar trends and rift-age intrusive rocks are known to exist. The results may also imply basement control on younger igneous structures.
Gene expression changes are age-dependent and lobe-specific in the brown Norway rat model of prostatic hyperplasia.

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related enlargement of the prostate, characterized by increased proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of BPH is unknown.
The Role of Western Asia in Modern Human Origins

Western Asia provides the best collection of human skeletal remains relevant to the two basic models for the emergence of modern humans, namely the \`rapid replacement' and the \`regional continuity' models. Regardless of the taxonomies of particular hominids, their chronology is of crucial importance. Thermoluminescence (TL) and electron spin resonance (ESR) dates demonstrate that the Acheulo-Yabrudian and Mousterian entities and their associated fossils (Zuttiyeh, Tabun, Skhul, Qafzeh, Kebara, Shanidar, Amud) span the late Middle and Upper Pleistocene period. These new dates initiated major chronological revisions and renewed discussion of the cultural-archaeological implications. One of the most important conclusions is that the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition (or Revolution) 45-40 ka ago has nothing to do with the appearance of anatomically early modern humans in western Asia, which occurred some 100 ka ago or more. The Levant, the coastal region of the eastern Mediterranean, was both a corridor for movement of humans and animals as well as a refugium during climatically harsh periods. The mixture of morphological characteristics among the available Middle Palaeolithic human fossils is interpreted as reflecting the presence of immigrant and local populations. Archaeologically observable behavioural changes are taken as hints to the pre-adaptations of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic revolution. The archaeological record of western Asia can contribute significantly to explaining the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic revolution. This region was the core area where the \`Neolithic Revolution' took place. The shift to systematic cultivation and the domestication of animals occurred within a short time. Population increase resulted from predictable supplies of food, and growth initiated the expansion of early Neolithic communities first northward and then westward and eastward. The westward dispersal into Europe was by demic diffusion and acculturation. I recommend adopting the same research strategy employed to resolve the \`where' and `when' of the Neolithic revolution for the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. Once the source region is identified and dated, the search for causes can be more focused.
Acoustic propagation in rigid ducts with blockage

The effect of blockage on the acoustic propagation in finite cylindrical cavities is studied. The shift in acoustic resonances corresponding to longitudinal and transverse standing waves is determined from a simplified one‐dimensional plane‐wave theory and compared to a more precise three‐dimensional analysis based on a Green’s function surface element method adopted to axisymmetric geometries. One‐dimensional theory is qualitatively acceptable even for large blockage while details of the acoustic field are revealed only by the three‐dimensional analysis.
MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

The article discusses effective management in the public sector. As the U.S. government's response to Hurricane Katrina revealed, the cost of poor management can be high. As former Western Digital ...
Line-scan hyperspectral imaging system for real-time inspection of poultry carcasses with fecal material and ingesta

In poultry processing plants, fecal material and ingesta are the primary source of carcass contamination with microbial pathogens. The current practice of the poultry inspection in the United States is primarily human visual observations. Since the visual inspection is becoming more challenging in poultry processing plants adopting high-speed lines, a rapid sorting system could significantly improve the detection and monitoring of carcasses with surface fecal material and ingesta. As a result, we developed a prototype line-scan hyperspectral imaging system configured as a real-time multispectral imaging subsystem for online detection of surface fecal material and ingesta. Specifically, we integrated a commercially available off-the-shelf hyperspectral image camera into the system with two line lights and a custom software program for real-time multispectral imaging. The bottleneck of the imaging system was the data acquisition. For that reason, a multithreaded software architecture was designed and implemented not only to meet the application requirements such as speed and detection accuracy, but also to be customizable to different imaging applications such as systemic disease detection in the future. The image acquisition and processing speed tests confirmed the system could operate to scan poultry carcasses in commercial poultry processing plants. The fecal detection algorithm was based on the previous research using different hyperspectral imaging systems. A new carcass detection and image formation algorithm was developed to allow existing image processing and detection algorithms reusable without any modifications. Sixteen chicken carcasses and four different types of fecal and ingesta samples were used in a study to test the imaging system at two different speeds (140 birds per minute and 180 birds per minute) in a pilot-scale poultry processing facility. The study found that the system could grab and process three waveband images of carcasses moving up to 180 birds per minute (a line-scan rate 286Hz) and detect fecal material and ingesta on their surfaces. The detection accuracy of the system varied between 89% and 98% with minimum false positive errors (less than 1%), depending on tested detection algorithms. Therefore, these findings provide the basis of not only a commercially viable imaging platform for fecal detection but also a single poultry inspection system for multiple tasks such as systemic disease detection and quality sorting.
Comparative aspects of opioid-dopamine interaction.

1. Opiate receptors are found in invertebrate as well as mammalian systems, often in proximity to dopamergic systems. This review summarizes the interrelationships between these two transmitter systems in invertebrates. 2. The comparative data discussed here are of considerable significance. They recall that the opioid-dopamine relationships first demonstrated in the mammalian nervous system also apply to invertebrates and are therefore of more general importance. The results obtained in the molluskMytilus strengthen the concept that the activity of dopaminergic neurons may be modulated by afferent opioid signals and that, even in “more primitive” animals, interneuronal transfer of information is more complex than formerly visualized. Furthermore, the data indicate that endogenous opioids may exert tonic control over dopamine metabolism, thus implying interdependence of the two systems.
Reduced‐size orthotopic liver transplantation: Use in the management of children with chronic liver disease

Reducing the size of a liver for use in a recipient smaller than the donor is one way to reduce mortality before orthotopic liver transplantation in children because of the scarcity of pediatric organ donors. In this report, we review the results of this approach over the past 2 years, during which we have used reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation routinely in small children. Forty-nine children underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between September, 1986, and October, 1988; orthotopic liver transplantation with a whole organ (full-size orthotopic liver transplantation) was performed in 36 children, whereas 13 patients received reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation. In two pairs of patients, the reduced grafts were obtained from single donors, using a "split-liver" procedure. All grafts were implanted in the orthotopic position following total recipient hepatectomy. The preoperative diagnostic categories were not significantly different between groups. Patients receiving reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation were younger (1.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 4.4 +/- 4.6 years), and a higher percentage were in the intensive care unit prior to transplant (31 vs. 9%). Thirty of 36 (82%) patients receiving full-size orthotopic liver transplantation and 10 of 13 (77%) patients receiving reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation are alive 3 to 27 months after transplantation. The rates of retransplantation were 24% for full-size orthotopic liver transplantation and 15% for reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation. Despite the greater complexity of reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation and the higher frequency of critically ill recipients selected for the procedure, the results of reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation are comparable with full-size orthotopic liver transplantation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Medial antebrachial cutaneous sensory studies in the evaluation of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

Over 3 years, we studied 8 patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and tested the medial antebrachial sensory response (MASR) to determine its diagnostic value. The MASR and ulnar sensory response (USR) were abnormal in all 8 patients. Seven had a low median motor response (MMR) with a low USR. In 1, the MASR and USR were abnormal but the MMR was normal. We conclude that the MASR is of diagnostic value in patients with neurogenic TOS.
Promoting undergraduate research: a classroom model

This paper describes a computer science course designed to develop and enhance undergraduates' research skills. The course pedagogy served to significantly reduce the faculty mentor's tedious task of building the mentee's research-related skill set, yet facilitated the establishment of partnerships between mentors and mentees.
Graph Laplacian Regularization for Large-Scale Semidefinite Programming

In many areas of science and engineering, the problem arises how to discover low dimensional representations of high dimensional data. Recently, a number of researchers have converged on common solutions to this problem using methods from convex optimization. In particular, many results have been obtained by constructing semidefinite programs (SDPs) with low rank solutions. While the rank of matrix variables in SDPs cannot be directly constrained, it has been observed that low rank solutions emerge naturally by computing high variance or maximal trace solutions that respect local distance constraints. In this paper, we show how to solve very large problems of this type by a matrix factorization that leads to much smaller SDPs than those previously studied. The matrix factorization is derived by expanding the solution of the original problem in terms of the bottom eigenvectors of a graph Laplacian. The smaller SDPs obtained from this matrix factorization yield very good approximations to solutions of the original problem. Moreover, these approximations can be further refined by conjugate gradient descent. We illustrate the approach on localization in large scale sensor networks, where optimizations involving tens of thousands of nodes can be solved in just a few minutes.
Ray tracing in the ionosphere.

The advantages of calculating the ray-position co-ordinates and time delay parametrically in terms of the vertical component of the wave-number vector, for a plane stratified plasma, are pointed out. The results are applied to ray tracing near the Spitze.
Pelvic lymph node dissection is associated with symptomatic venous thromboembolism risk during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: Venous thromboembolism is a potentially catastrophic complication of radical prostatectomy. It is unknown whether pelvic lymph node dissection is related to the development of venous thromboembolism. We hypothesized that omitting pelvic lymph node dissection may be associated with a decreased incidence of venous thromboembolism.Materials and Methods: The records of 773 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon from 2001 to 2009 were reviewed for postoperative venous thromboembolism. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with or without pelvic lymph node dissection and had at least 3 months of followup. Generally only patients at increased risk for lymph node metastasis received pelvic lymph node dissection. Diagnostic studies were not routinely performed but were initiated for clinical symptoms of venous thromboembolism. Separately a meta-analysis of radical prostatectomy studies with or without pelvic lymph node dissection was p...
Improving TCP performance over mobile ad-hoc networks with out-of-order detection and response

In a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), temporary link failures and route changes happen frequently. With the assumption that all packet losses are due to congestion, TCP performs poorly in such environment. While there has been some research on improving TCP performance over MANET, most of them require feedback from the network or the lower layer. In this research, we explore a new approach to improve TCP performance by detecting and responding to out-of-order packet delivery events, which are the results of frequent route changes. In our simulation study, this approach had achieved on average 50% performance improvement, without requiring feedback from the network or the lower layer.
Comment: Housing policy and health

We summarize and comment on the policy sections of the articles in this issue concerned with the health effects of residential environments. We review the implications in the context of public policies implemented over at least the last century to improve the least, as well as most, expensive housing. We make the argument that public policy can reduce but not eliminate the contribution of housing to the differences in health between the wealthy and poor. We conclude that the applied value of work such as that presented in this issue arises from its contribution to sustaining the improvements in health enjoyed over the last century, not from whether it helps eliminate the gap in health between the poor and wealthy.
Using focus groups to enhance student voice: a work-in-progress exploration of student learning experiences in large classes

While course evaluations are traditionally used to gauge teaching effectiveness and provide an outlet for student voice, this metric does not integrate students as collective partners in the teaching and learning process. In promoting a shared learning experience between teachers and students, this project uses a focus group approach to solicit student feedback and ideas, and disseminate the results to faculty. This paper explores the results of a qualitative pilot focus group study related to student engagement in large classes and demonstrates that a focus group approach is an effective and empowering way to prioritise student voice.
Nearly Sharp Sufficient Conditions on Exact Sparsity Pattern Recovery

Consider the n-dimensional vector y=Xβ+e where β ∈ \BBRp has only k nonzero entries and e ∈ \BBRn is a Gaussian noise. This can be viewed as a linear system with sparsity constraints corrupted by noise, where the objective is to estimate the sparsity pattern of β given the observation vector y and the measurement matrix X. First, we derive a nonasymptotic upper bound on the probability that a specific wrong sparsity pattern is identified by the maximum-likelihood estimator. We find that this probability depends (inversely) exponentially on the difference of ||Xβ||2 and the l2 -norm of Xβ projected onto the range of columns of X indexed by the wrong sparsity pattern. Second, when X is randomly drawn from a Gaussian ensemble, we calculate a nonasymptotic upper bound on the probability of the maximum-likelihood decoder not declaring (partially) the true sparsity pattern. Consequently, we obtain sufficient conditions on the sample size n that guarantee almost surely the recovery of the true sparsity pattern. We find that the required growth rate of sample size n matches the growth rate of previously established necessary conditions.
The Impact of Friendship on the Leadership Identity Development of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Students

This qualitative study explores the past experiences of six post-secondary students who self-identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Queer (LGBQ) and held leadership roles in student organizations at one large public institution. The purpose of this exploration was to better understand the impact of friendship on the development of a leadership identity. Utilizing Komives et al.’s (2005) Leadership Identity Development (LID) model as a framework, data were obtained from a series of three in-depth interviews with each participant and analyzed through a grounded theory approach. The significance of friendship was noted across all stages of the LID model. Based upon my findings and the suggestions put forth by the participants, a number of recommendations are made for higher education research and practice.
Issues in the Evaluation of Human Services Delivery

There is general agreement that human services (i.e., services that depend on direct inter personal contact between a deliverer and a client) are difficult to evaluate. This article points out some...
Water and energy footprints of the cities of the future.

The framework for sustainability of urban areas is tied to the patterns of urban metabolism in which resources (water, food, energy, materials and chemicals) are delivered to an urban area, metabolized and changed to outputs. Under the current linear concept water, energy and other inputs generate waste and pollution. Furthermore, lack of conservation and waste within the city leads to shortages and, in the near future, to exhaustion of resources. There is a need to change the current linear urban metabolism to one that would reuse and recycle and in which used water and solids would become a resource. This would be a paradigm change of building and retrofitting the cities. The footprints are quantitative measures of sustainability and metabolism. Footprints covered in this article are water, energy/greenhouse emissions, and ecology. When the footprints are defined, development of sustainability criteria should follow. The footprints may be global, regional or local and can be hierarchically interconnected.
Ocular findings as predictors of carotid artery occlusive disease: is carotid imaging justified?

Abstract Objectives Hemispheric neurologic symptoms, amaurosis fugax, and Hollenhorst plaques at eye examination are standard indications for carotid imaging to identify carotid artery occlusive disease (CAOD). Previous reports have suggested that other ocular findings, such as retinal artery occlusion and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, are associated with CAOD. However, the predictive value of ocular findings for the presence of CAOD is controversial. The purpose of this study was to define the predictive value of ocular symptoms and ophthalmologic examination in identifying significant CAOD. Methods Over 3 years 145 patients were referred for carotid imaging on the basis of ocular indications in 160 eyes. Forty patients were excluded because of concurrent non-ocular indications for carotid imaging, leaving 105 patients referred exclusively for ocular indications to evaluate. Ophthalmologic history and eye examination were correlated with carotid duplex ultrasound findings. Results Amaurosis fugax was associated with a positive scan in 20.0% of carotid arteries ( P = .022). Hollenhorst plaques at fundoscopic examination were associated with a positive scan in 18.2% of carotid arteries ( P = .02). Ocular findings exclusive of Hollenhorst plaques were particularly poor predictors of CAOD, inasmuch as only 1 of 64 arteries (1.6%) had significant ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis ( P = .022). Venous stasis retinopathy was the only ocular finding other than Hollenhorst plaques with any predictive value (1 of 5 scans positive; positive predictive value, 20.0%). Conclusions Ocular symptoms and findings are poor predictors of CAOD. Amaurosis fugax, Hollenhorst plaques, and venous stasis retinopathy demonstrated moderate predictive value, whereas all other ocular findings demonstrated no predictive value in identifying CAOD.
International Relations in the US Academy

Using two new data sources to describe trends in the international relations (IR) discipline since 1980—a database of every article published in the 12 leading journals in the field and three surveys of IR faculty at US colleges and universities—we explore the extent of theoretical, methodological, and epistemological diversity in the American study of IR and the relationship between IR scholarship and the policy-making community in the United States. We find, first, that there is considerable and increasing theoretical diversity. Although US scholars believe and teach their students that the major paradigms—realism, liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism—define and divide the discipline, most peer-reviewed research does not advance a theoretical argument from one of these theoretical traditions. There is no evidence, moreover, that realism and its focus on power relations among states dominate, or since 1980 ever has dominated, the literature. Second, although three times as many IR scholars report using qualitative methods as their primary approach, more articles published in the top journals currently employ quantitative tools than any other methodological approach. Third, there exists little epistemological diversity in the field: American IR scholars share a strong and growing commitment to positivism. Finally, there is a disjuncture between what American scholars of IR think about the value of producing policy-relevant work and the actual research they generate: few articles in top journals offer explicit policy advice, but scholars believe that their work is both prescriptive and useful to policymakers.
Purification, characterization, and immunofluorescence localization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae capping protein

Capping protein binds the barbed ends of actin filaments and nucleates actin filament assembly in vitro. We purified capping protein from Saccharomyces cervisiae. One of the two subunits is the product of the CAP2 gene, which we previously identified as the gene encoding the beta subunit of capping protein based on its sequence similarity to capping protein beta subunits in chicken and Dictyostelium (Amatruda, J. F., J. F. Cannon, K. Tatchell, C. Hug, and J. A. Cooper. 1990. Nature (Lond.) 344:352-354). Yeast capping protein has activity in critical concentration and low-shear viscometry assays consistent with barbed-end capping activity. Like chicken capping protein, yeast capping protein is inhibited by PIP2. By immunofluorescence microscopy yeast capping protein colocalizes with cortical actin spots at the site of bud emergence and at the tips of growing buds and shmoos. In contrast, capping protein does not colocalize with actin cables or with actin rings at the site of cytokinesis.
Blood Lead Levels in Early Childhood Predict Adulthood Psychopathy

Using data from the Cincinnati Lead Study, this study examines the effects of postnatal blood lead concentrations in early childhood (78 months) on adult psychopathy and six subscales of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory. Results reveal that higher blood lead concentrations in early childhood are associated with higher levels of psychopathic symptoms in adulthood, controlling for the effects of gender, race, mother's IQ, child's intellectual achievement, and the quality of the home environment. Childhood lead levels predicted variation in Machiavellian Egocentricity, Social Potency, Impulsive Nonconformity, and Blame Externalization. Overall, these results implicate lead exposure in the etiology of psychopathy.
Using Hidden Markov Models in Vehicular Crash Detection

This paper presents a system for automotive crash detection based on hidden Markov models (HMMs). The crash pulse library used for training comprises a number of head-on and oblique angular crash events involving rigid and offset deformable barriers. Stochastic distribution characteristics of crash signals are validated to ensure conformity with the modeling assumptions. This step is achieved by analyzing the quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plot of actual pulses against the assumed bivariate Gaussian distribution. HMM parameters are next induced by utilizing the expectation-maximization (EM) procedure. The search for an optimal crash pulse model proceeds using the ldquoleave-one-outrdquo technique with the exploration encompassing both fully connected and left-right HMM topologies. The optimal crash pulse architecture is identified as a seven-state left-right HMM with its parameters computed using real and computer-aided engineering (CAE)-generated data. The system described in the paper has the following advantages. First, it is fast and can accurately detect crashes within 6 ms. Second, its implementation is simple and uses only two sensors, which makes it less vulnerable to failures, considering the overall simplicity of interconnects. Finally, it represents a general and modularized algorithm that can be adapted to any vehicle line and readily extended to use additional sensors.
Generalized local and nonlocal master equations for some stochastic processes

In this paper, we present a study on generalized local and nonlocal equations for some stochastic processes. By considering the net flux change in a region determined by the transition probability, we derive the master equation to describe the evolution of the probability density function. Some examples, such as classical Fokker-Planck equations, models for Levy process, and stochastic coagulation equations, are provided as illustrations. A particular application is a consistent derivation of coupled dynamical systems for spatially inhomogeneous stochastic coagulation processes.
Interleukin-1 beta peptides induce cerebral pial arteriolar dilation in anesthetized newborn pigs

Inflammatory cytokines may affect cerebral circulation under pathological conditions. Responses of cerebral pial arterioles to one such cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and its inhibitor [soluble IL-1 receptor (sIL-1R)] were examined in anesthetized newborn pigs using closed cranial windows. Levels of prostanoids and cyclic nucleotides in periarachnoid cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were measured. To examine the structure-activity relationship of the parent IL-1 beta molecule, two IL-1 beta fragments with amino acid sequences of 187-204 [IL-1 beta-(187-204)] and 208-240 [IL-1 beta-(208-240)] were tested for their effects on pial arterioles. Diameter changes of pial arterioles were sequentially recorded every 5 min for 30 min after topical application of IL-1 peptides. CSF was sampled at the end of the 30 min. IL-1 beta dose dependently induced arteriolar dilation and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). Intravenous indomethacin blocked the IL-1 beta-induced vasodilation, the increased prostanoids, and the increased cAMP, but not the increased cGMP. Neither heat-inactivated IL-1 beta nor IL-1 beta vehicle affected arteriolar diameter or CSF levels of prostanoids. The sIL-1R blocked the IL-1 beta-induced vasodilation and the increased CSF prostanoids. IL-1 beta-(208-240) also induced pial arteriolar dilation; however, its vasodilatory potency was 1,000 times less than that of the whole IL-1 beta molecule. IL-1 beta-(187-204) did not induce pial arteriolar dilation even when its dose was increased to the level of IL-1 beta-(208-240). These results suggest that IL-1 beta, through the activation of membrane-bound IL-1 beta receptors, induces pial arteriolar dilation via mechanisms that involve prostanoids and cyclic nucleotides. The results also indicate that the 208-240 amino acid sequence of IL-1 beta has a sequence-specific physiological function.
Dynamic Forces Induced by Spectators

Perceptible dynamic motion of a structure can be quite disturbing. During the first football games of the 1975 season the upper stands of the new Iowa State University (ISU) football stadium were instrumented with displacement transducers and the dynamic response was recorded. An analytical effort was undertaken to explain several observed phenomenon in the dynamic data. An approximate forcing function for crowds on a football stadium was deduced.