cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are We Helping Foster Care Youth Prepare for Their Future

Abstract This article summarizes the findings from The National Evaluation of Title IV-E Independent Living Programs for Youth in Foster Care, conducted by Westat, Inc. for the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children, Youth, and Families. The study was conducted in two phases: (a) to evaluate the influence of Independent Living Initiatives, Public Law 99–272 on States' development of programs, policies, and services and (b) to develop national estimates of the characteristics and outcomes of older youth discharged from care and ultimately, the relationship between outcomes and whether or not youth received independent living skills training. Youth aged 18 to 24 years were interviewed by telephone and in person, 2.5 to 4 years after discharge from care. This article focuses on the results of the interviews and describes youths' post-discharge outcomes and the effects of receiving independent living skills training. The study found that with respect to education completion, young parenthood, and the use of public assistance, discharged foster care youth more closely resembled 18- to 24-year-olds living below the poverty level than they do 18- to 24-year-olds in the general population. The type of skills training encouraged by Public Law 99–272 was positively related to outcomes, particularly when the skill areas of money management, credit, consumer, education, and employment were provided in combination.
Resistance to erythropoietin-stimulating agents: etiology, evaluation, and therapeutic considerations

Routine clinical and laboratory assessments facilitate diagnosis of erythropoietin (EPO) resistant anemia by allowing early identification of patients with non-adherence. Any new event that impairs response to EPO (e.g., catheter sepsis) must be promptly controlled. Because of the confounding interaction of its risk factors, initial evaluation should include nutrition, dialysis adequacy, hemorrhage, bone mineral metabolism, and inflammation. Prevention of EPO resistance is more cost effective and should include adequate dialysis and nutritional supplements. Blood loss during hemodialysis (HD) procedures should be minimized. If there is laboratory proof of iron deficit intravenous repletion is most effective. Oxidative stress may be attenuated by vitamins E and C, while optimal control of hyperparathyroidism will enhance EPO stimulation. Contaminated dialysates should be suspected if there is EPO-stimulating agents (ESA) resistance at the same time among most members of a dialysis program. Heavy metal toxicity should be suspected in high-risk patients. The impact of co-morbidities such as hemoglobinopathy, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and connective tissue diseases must be excluded in an appropriate setting. In conclusion, given the multiple risk factors of EPO resistance promotion of the overall health status will most likely yield an enduring benefit. Finally, there are experimental trials of gene-based (therapy) to stimulate endogenous EPO synthesis with the goal of avoiding the off-target effect of excessive dosing.
Simultaneous Measurement of Soil Water Content and Salinity Using a Frequency‐Response Method

Laboratory tests were conducted to simultaneously measure soil water content and salinity using a four-electrode Wenner array sensor. The sensor was modified to enhance the capacitive effect. Soil bulk density and the depth to which the electrodes penetrate into the soil were strictly controlled during the experiments. Sinusoidal current signals with a constant amplitude and frequencies ranging from 1 Hz to 15 MHz were sent to the outer electrodes of the Wenner array, whereas voltage outputs were measured from the inner electrodes. Frequency-response data were analyzed using the partial least-squares method to establish calibration models for simultaneously predicting water content and salinity from the frequency-response patterns. The R 2 values for predicting water content and salinity at the 30-mm penetration depth reached 0.89 and 0.91, respectively, whereas the root-mean-square errors for the volumetric water content and salinity measurements were 0.019 m 3 m -3 and 0.173 cmol kg -1 , respectively. Test results showed that, in general, the calibration models predicted the water content more accurately than salinity. The depth to which the sensor penetrates into the soil has a strong effect on the measurement accuracy. This study has demonstrated that the modified Wenner array sensor and the frequency-response method have a potential for simultaneously measuring soil capacitive and conductive properties. However, numerous difficulties, including contact resistance, depth control, and the effect of soil type, will need to be addressed to improve the measurement accuracy.
Effect of dielectric permittivity on infinite arrays of single-polarized Vivaldi antennas

The effect of dielectric substrate on the performance of infinite arrays of single-polarized Vivaldi antennas is studied by computing the input impedance of an antenna in an array environment by using full wave method of moments techniques. It is found that dielectric permittivity plays an important role in the wideband performance of such arrays, and comparison with dielectric-free cases for similar geometries is also included to bring out the impact of the substrate. In particular, increasing dielectric permittivity improves the bandwidth considerably (bandwidth up to 10:1 is predicted). The parametric variation due to permittivity is presented in detail, and optimization involving other design parameters is discussed. Results from a parallel plate waveguide simulator technique employed to assess and compare the array performance of Vivaldi with different dielectric permittivities qualitatively support the predicted effect of dielectric substrate.
A fire-explicit population viability analysis of Hypericum cumulicola in Florida rosemary scrub

Land managers seeking to reestablish historical fire regimes need guidance on how to apply pre- scribed fire to promote the population persistence of endangered species. We explored extinction risks of Hy- pericum cumulicola , a fire-dependent plant endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge, Florida (U.S.A). Stochastic and deterministic matrix population models based on six censuses (1994-1999) and data from several germina- tion and seedling survival experiments were used to compare H. cumulicola demography and extinction prob- abilities under different fire regimes. Environmental variation associated with site, year, and winter precipi- tation was included in these models. We estimated time to extinction of unburned populations of different sizes and the probabilities of extinction under no fire, different regular fire-return intervals, and alternating short and long fire-return intervals. Following an initial fire, even relatively large populations of thousands of individuals may become locally extinct within 300-400 years without additional fires. Extinction proba- bility declined as intervals between fires decreased. Fire intervals of � 50 years resulted in an appreciable ex- tinction probability after 200 years. Cycles of highly staggered short and long fire-return intervals caused slightly higher chances of extinction than regular fire-return intervals. The simulations were sensitive to esti- mates of survival in the seed bank. Active management will be required to restore favorable fire regimes in areas where fire has been suppressed. To maintain biodiversity, managers should consider variable fire re- gimes to match the requirements of a variety of species with different life histories.
Variables as Resource for Shared-Memory Programs: Semantics and Soundness

Parkinson, Bornat, and Calcagno recently introduced a logic for partial correctness in which program variables are treated as resource, generalizing earlier work based on separation logic and permissions. An advantage of their approach is that it yields a logic devoid of complex side conditions: there is no need to pepper the inference rules with ''modifies'' clauses. They used a simple operational semantics to prove soundness of the sequential fragment of their logic, and they showed that the inference rules of concurrent separation logic can be translated directly into their framework. Their concurrency rules are strictly more powerful than those of concurrent separation logic, since the new logic allows proofs of programs that perform concurrent reads. We provide a denotational semantics and a soundness proof for the concurrent fragment of their logic, extending our earlier work on concurrent separation logic to incorporate permissions in a natural manner.
Networked Resistance: Digital Populism, Online Activism, and Mass Dissent in China

The ever-expanding communicative space online has provided Chinese individuals with unprecedented access to an exploding base of user-generated content and has engendered innovative ways of mass collaboration and grassroots participation in the information production process. Within this context, an emerging pattern has redefined the contours of Chinese cyber culture in which dispersed individuals creatively coordinate efforts to expose outrageous wrongdoings and transgressions committed by government officials and other targeted individuals. This article scrutinizes the role of social media in China in opening up new windows of opportunities for mass collaboration and collective action. The analysis is embedded in the current Chinese socio-political power relations and hegemonic structure, and focuses on the salient themes, trending patterns, and circumstantial factors underlying this type of social media activism. It concludes with a deliberation on the implications of this type of populism for so-calle...
The National HPCC Software Exchange

Helping the high-performance computing and communications (HPCC) community to share software and information, the National HPCC Software Exchange (NHSE) is an Internet-accessible resource that promotes the exchange of software and information among those involved with HPCC. Now in its infancy, the NHSE will link varied discipline-oriented repositories of software and documents, and encourage Grand Challenge teams and other members of the HPCC community to contribute to these repositories and use them. By acting as a national online library of software that makes widely distributed materials available through one place, the exchange will cut down the amount of time, talent and money spent reinventing the wheel. The target audiences for the NHSE include scientists and engineers in diverse HPCC application fields, computer scientists, users of government and academic supercomputer centers, and industrial users. >
A cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of a mechanical barrier system to reduce the risk of mistransfusion.

Background: A blood component is transfused to a patient other than the intended recipient because of patient and sample identification problems once in about every 24,000 transfusions. An investigation was performed of the cost-effectiveness of a barrier system to prevent mistransfusion of a unit of red cells through this kind of error. Study Design and Methods: A decision analysis model was constructed that took into account nonfatal and fatal events, costs of patient care, and legal costs. The model was used to determine the cost-effectiveness of the barrier system in terms of cost per year of life saved and lives saved per million transfusions. Results: The barrier system is predicted to save 1.5 lives per million transfusions when used as intended. If the cost-effectiveness calculations are based on an average damage award for a fatality of more than $725,000 and a chance of mistransfusion exceeding 1 in 16,700, use of the system results in reduced healthcare expenditures. If no legal costs are included in the cost-effectiveness calculations, use of the system costs $197,000 per year of life saved. Routine use of the system extends patient life by 1 year per 60,000 units transfused. Conclusion: The application of a barrier system to prevent mistransfusion and related morbidity and mortality can be cost-effective. If legal costs are included in the calculations, the use of a barrier system reduces total costs.
Symmetric convolution and the discrete sine and cosine transforms

This paper discusses the use of symmetric convolution and the discrete sine and cosine transforms (DSTs and DCTs) for general digital signal processing. The operation of symmetric convolution is a formalized approach to convolving symmetrically extended sequences. The result is the same as that obtained by taking an inverse discrete trigonometric transform (DTT) of the product of the forward DTTs of those two sequences. There are 16 members in the family of DTTs. Each provides a representation for a corresponding distinct type of symmetric-periodic sequence. The author defines symmetric convolution, relates the DSTs and DCTs to symmetric-periodic sequences, and then use these principles to develop simple but powerful convolution-multiplication properties for the entire family of DSTs and DCTs. Symmetric convolution can be used for discrete linear filtering when the filter is symmetric or antisymmetric. The filtering will be efficient because fast algorithms exist for all versions of the DTTs. Conventional linear convolution is possible if one first zero-pad the input data. Symmetric convolution and its fast implementation using DTTs are now an alternative to circular convolution and the DFT. >
Differential Effects of the Rejection of Bone Marrow Allografts by the Depletion of Activating Versus Inhibiting Ly-49 Natural Killer Cell Subsets

Natural killer cells mediate the specific rejection of bone marrow cell (BMC) allografts in lethally irradiated mice. The Ly-49 family of molecules present on subsets of murine NK cells appears capable of binding class I MHC molecules, resulting in transmission of an inhibitory signal to the NK cell. These Ly-49 family members have been shown to have an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif that is responsible for the inhibitory signal. However, a new Ly-49 family member was found that lacks this motif, Ly-49D, and evidence suggests that this may be an activating receptor. We therefore compared the role of the activating Ly-49 member with NK cells bearing inhibitory Ly-49 receptors in BMC rejection. Depletion of Ly-49D + NK cells in H-2 b mice abrogated their ability to reject H-2 d BMC allografts. Similarly, Ly-49C + NK cells also were shown to mediate the specific rejection of H-2 d BMC. When both subsets were depleted, an additive enhancement of BMC engraftment was observed, indicating that both subsets play a role in the rejection of allogeneic H-2-homozygous H-2 d BMC. However, rejection of H-2 b × d or D8 (H-2 b , D d transgene) BMC allografts was unaffected by Ly-49C + NK cell depletion in H-2 b mice. In marked contrast, depletion of Ly-49D + NK cells in H-2 b mice totally abrogated the rejection of H-2 b × d heterozygous BMC in support of in vitro data suggesting that Ly-49D + NK cells receive activating signals. Therefore, NK subsets demonstrate a differential ability to reject H-2 homozygous and heterozygous BMC.
T Cell Activation and Senescence Predict Subclinical Carotid Artery Disease in HIV-Infected Women

Background. Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have increased risk of cardiovascular events. It is unknown whether T cell activation and senescence, 2 immunologic sequelae of HIV infection, are associated with vascular disease among HIV-infected adults. Methods. T cell phenotyping and carotid ultrasound were assessed among 115 HIV-infected women and 43 age- and race/ethnicity-matched HIV-uninfected controls participating in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of T cell activation (CD38+HLA-DR+) and senescence (CD28−CD57+) with subclinical carotid artery disease. Results. Compared with HIV-uninfected women, frequencies of CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+, CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+, and CD8+CD28−CD57+ T cells were higher among HIV-infected women, including those who achieved viral suppression while receiving antiretroviral treatment. Among HIV-infected women, adjusted for age, antiretroviral medications, and viral load, higher frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and immunosenescent CD8+ T cells were associated with increased prevalence of carotid artery lesions (prevalence ratiolesions associated with activated CD4+ T cells, 1.6 per SD [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.1–2.2]; P = .02; prevalence ratiolesions associated with activated CD8+ T cells, 2.0 per SD [95% CI, 1.2–3.3]; P < .01; prevalence ratiolesions associated with senescent CD8+ T cells, 1.9 per SD [95% CI, 1.1–3.1]; P = .01). Conclusions. HIV-associated T cell changes are associated with subclinical carotid artery abnormalities, which may be observed even among those patients achieving viral suppression with effective antiretroviral therapy.
Integrated dynamic fluidic lens system for in vivo biological imaging

We have developed an integrated dynamic lens system for in vivo optical imaging. Bioinspired dynamic microfluidic lenses allow for real-time dynamic manipulation of the lens focal length via microfluidic injection into a PDMS membrane-capped chamber. A piezoelectrically actuated micropump is integrated with with the lens to provide highspeed, accurate lens tunability. The 5mm dynamic lens has demonstrated focal length tunability from 8.5mm to 23mm, numerical aperture values from 0.39 to 0.77, and resolution of 40 linepairs/mm. The micropump operates at 5 kHz and achieved a flow rate of /spl sim/2.4 mL/min. This system can be applied to optical probe techniques to improve diagnosis with real-time depth resolution and variable numerical aperture.
Perceptions and Use of the Male Condom among African American University Students

This study examines differences in condom use among female and male African-American young adults; investigates how perceptions of contraceptive characteristics vary by gender; and determines which combination of contraceptive attitudes best discriminates between condom users and nonusers. In a classroom setting, 244 African-American college students completed the Contraceptive Attributes Questionnaire-2. Significantly more men than women reported condom use, both actual and intended. Women and men differed in the importance they place on contraceptive characteristics and in their perceptions of both the condom and the contraceptive pill. Finally, perceived contraceptive attributes significantly differentiated men and women who used condoms from those who did not and predicted those who reported that they definitely intend to use condoms from those who do not. These findings suggest that prevention efforts to promote condom use must be gender specific as well as culture specific if they are to be effective.
Stochastic-Algebraic Calculation of Available Transfer Capability

Power systems are stochastic in nature due to uncertainty in bus loading and transmission system asset status. The available transfer capability (ATC) is a measure of "available capacity" in a power transmission system beyond already committed uses, i.e., beyond base case loading. To render the ATC as a more realistic measure of transmission availability, a stochastic calculation of ATC is proposed. A stochastic power flow algorithm can be used to help quantify and evaluate the uncertainty of the ATC. The limitations considered in the stochastic ATC calculation algorithm are: transmission thermal rating limits; bus voltage magnitude limits; and transmission circuit outages. The stochastic-algebraic calculation of ATC is described and tested using a reduced order WECC 179 bus system
Protected hinge in the immunoglobulin G2-A2 disulfide isoform

Human IgG2 consists of disulfide-mediated structural isoforms, classified by the number of Fab arms disulfide-linked to the heavy chain hinge. In the IgG2-B isoform, both Fab arms are linked to the hinge region, and in IgG2-A, neither Fab arm are linked to the hinge. IgG2-A/B is a hybrid between these two forms, with only one Fab arm disulfide-linked to the hinge. Within each of these isoform types are subtypes, with subtle disulfide-linkage differences. Here we explored the structural basis for the A1 and A2 isoform subtypes. Whereas A1 isoform converts into the A/B and B isoforms under mild redox conditions, A2 does not. Characterization of the disulfide connectivities of A2 isoform revealed a similar structure to A1 isoform, with parallel inter heavy chain disulfide linkages in the hinge region. However, the hinge disulfides in A2 isoform were resistant to reduction under conditions where A1 isoform hinge disulfides became reduced and they required thermal treatment (>55°C) to obtain thiol-dependent disulfide reduction. Structural analysis of the hinge region indicated that the protected disulfides were restricted to cysteines 219 and 220 of the upper hinge. Disruption of the upper hinge through insertion mutagenesis eliminated A2 isoform behavior. 1H NMR studies showed that the A1 isoform Fc glycan was more dynamic than that on A2 isoform and showed some other conformational differences. Results point to an IgG2-A2 upper hinge region that is more akin to the interior of a globular protein than the flexible hinge region expected on an IgG.
Results of the Diet, Exercise, and Weight Loss Intervention Trial (DEW-IT)

National guidelines for the prevention and treatment of hypertension recommend sodium reduction, weight loss, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and regular aerobic exercise. However, no trial has assessed the efficacy of simultaneously implementing all of these recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine the effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 44 hypertensive, overweight adults on a single blood pressure medication. Participants were randomized to a lifestyle or control group. For 9 weeks, the lifestyle group was fed a hypocaloric version of the DASH diet that provided 100 mmol/d of sodium. This group also participated in a supervised, moderate-intensity exercise program 3 times per week. The control group received no intervention. Outcomes were ambulatory blood pressure, serum lipids, weight, and fitness. At the end of the intervention, mean weight loss in the lifestyle group, net of control, was 4.9 kilograms. In the lifestyle group mean net reductions in 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 9.5 mm Hg (P<0.001) and 5.3 mm Hg (P<0.002), respectively. Corresponding changes in daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 12.1 mm Hg (P<0.001) and 6.6 mm Hg (P<0.001). The lifestyle group experienced mean reductions in total cholesterol (-25 mg/dL, P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-18 mg/dL, P=0.005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-5 mg/dL, P<0.001), net of control. In conclusion, among hypertensive overweight adults already on antihypertensive medication, a comprehensive lifestyle intervention can substantially lower blood pressure and improve blood pressure control.
Cesium hydroxide (CsOH): a useful etchant for micromachining silicon

The CsOH-H/sub 2/O etchant system was studied over a range of concentrations (10%-76% by weight) and temperatures (25-90 degrees C). The etch rates of
“Recalcitrant understory layers” revisited: arrested succession and the long life-spans of clonal mid-successional species

In their recent review of arrested succession, Royo and Carson (A.A. Royo and W.P. Carson. 2006. Can. J. For. Res. 36: 1345–1362) demonstrate that “recalcitrant understory layers” are widespread an...
Cell-free protein engineering of Old Yellow Enzyme 1 from Saccharomyces pastorianus

Abstract In protein engineering, cell-free transcription/translation of linear mutagenic DNA templates can tremendously accelerate and simplify the screening of enzyme variants. Using the RApid Parallel Protein EvaluatoR (RAPPER) protocol, we have evaluated the impact of amino acid substitutions and loop truncations on substrate specificity and stereoselectivity of Old Yellow Enzyme 1 from Saccharomyces pastorianus. Our study demonstrates the benefit of systematically assessing amino acid variations including substrate profiling to explore sequence-function space.
Yours, Mine, Ours? - Why the Texas Legislature Should Simplify Caretaker Consent Capabilities for Minor Children and the Implications of the Addition of Chapter 34 to the Texas Family Code

In “Yours, Mine, Ours? - Why the Texas Legislature Should Simplify Caretaker Consent Capabilities for Minor Children and the Implications of the Addition of Chapter 34 to the Texas Family Code” author John Ellis discusses the rise of the extended-care network and the evolution and dissolution of the American nuclear family. Ellis then describes the challenges for nonparent caregivers, including the need for flexible and cost-effective caregiver authorization agreements, the expanded use of power of attorney, and de facto custodian statutes. He also examines the passage of Senate Bill 1598 and the addition of chapter 34 to the Texas Family Code. Ellis looks at the history behind the chapter and the implications of its addition. Finally, Ellis examines the proposed amendments to chapter 34. He concludes by pointing out the shortcomings in the proposed amendments and recommending amendments of his own.
Emergence of Self-Sustaining Activation in Dynamically Growing Networks

Here we present a network model in which self-sustaining recurrent activation emerges from simple cascades of activation. It is demonstrated that the ability to support such self-sustaining activation in our model depends on network connectivity as well as the ability to grow new links over time. Additionally, we explore how the probability of emergence of self-sustaining activity can be modulated by changing various network parameters and suggest potential applications of our findings.
Waterbird response to management practices in rice fields intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract There are many benefits of agricultural landscapes for wildlife. In California's Central Valley, post-harvest flooding of rice fields increases the decomposition of rice stubble and provides habitat for over 50 species of waterbirds. These fields are also flooded during planting, providing habitat for spring migrants and locally breeding birds. Because California has lost over 90% of its historic wetlands, flooded rice is critical wildlife habitat, providing 80% of the total flooded habitat in the Sacramento Valley. Flooding rice fields, however, contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Several rice field management practices may reduce methane emissions including reduced flooding in winter, removal of rice straw after harvest (baling), and drill seeding during planting. During the winters of 2011–2012 and 2012–2013, we compared waterbird use in four combinations of post-harvest practices: baled/flooded, baled/non-flooded, non-baled/flooded, and nonbaled/non-flooded. We found significantly higher dabbling duck and shorebird densities in the non-baled/flooded practice compared to the other three practices. During the spring of 2012 and 2013, we compared waterbird use of drill-seeded fields (reduced GHG) with flooded fly-on seeded fields (status quo GHG). We found no significant differences in mean density between the two seeding practices for waterbirds. Our study found evidence that some post-harvest practices (reduced winter flooding, baling) that reduce GHG emissions from rice also reduce use by waterbirds. While reducing GHG is globally necessary to minimizing the impacts of climate change, doing so in an area of hemispheric importance for waterbirds should be done with caution.
Some Variations of the Multiple-Choice Question

(1945). Some Variations of the Multiple-Choice Question. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 1-6.
Harmonic analysis of the ballistocardiogram.

SummaryBallistocardiograms of the Starr and Nickerson type exhibit prominent resonance peaks, and contain no significant frequency components above 10 CPS. Ultra-low-frequency ballistocardiograms are distorted by body resonance to a far lesser degree, and exhibit components to at least 20 CPS. The band 0.5-20 CPS is therefore the minimum though not necessarily optimum frequency range for force ballistocardiography. The effects of respiration and vasoactive drugs suggest that harmonic analysis may prove useful as a diagnostic criterion for clinical ballistocardiography. Frequency spectra of blood velocity and acceleration pulses and of velocity and acceleration ballistocardiograms are strikingly similar, suggesting a cause and effect relationship between these wave forms.
Note on Occupational Mobility and Union Membership in Detroit: A Replication

on the other hand see the lawyer as least useful to society followed closely by the minister, and they accord to the dentist an intellectual ability greater only than that of the elementary school teacher. When comparing the simple arithmetic order of the mean relative rank assignments made by American and Swedish students agreement is found in 10 of the 32 possible comparisons. However, when probability tests are made of the differences in the mean rankings, 23 are found to be significant at P = .002 or less. An additional two are significant at P = .003, and one more at P = .029.8 In view of these statistical differences the null hypothesis is rejected. There are clear and distinct differences between the relative statuses accorded the professional occupations in two western nations when several dimensions or aspects of status are considered.
Life cycle assessment of N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone reduction strategies in the manufacture of resin precursors

A case study has been conducted on the reduction of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent waste in the manufacture of polyimide and polybenzoxazole precursors. The evaluation includes the environmental and economic life cycle assessment of solvent recovery and solvent substitution strategies. A two-step distillation process proved effective in recovering 95 % of the NMP at a purity of 99.97 % from an aqueous waste stream comprised 17 % NMP, 0.5 % hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 0.5 % trifluoroacetic acid, and 0.5 % hydrochloric acid. Yearly operating costs were reduced by 83 %, with the greatest impact on the reduction in virgin NMP purchase and hazardous waste disposal cost. Even if a capital acquisition was needed, the recovery option would still result in a net present value at 10 years of 3.12 MM $US. The environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) showed that a 44 % reduction of total emissions is possible with the solvent recovery process, impacting the virgin NMP and hazardous waste disposal life cycle emissions the most. The efficiency in the reduction in life cycle emissions is limited by the thermodynamics of the system, in particular the large composition of water in the waste stream which requires significant energy to distill, thus generating significant life cycle emissions. Solvent substitutes dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane reduce life cycle emissions by 44 and 47 %, respectively, when they replace NMP in the process, even without a recovery operation, due to their greener manufacturing profile. Although, when the recovery systems for the solvent substitutes are incorporated into the design, no further reductions in the environmental impact are seen. This demonstrates the need for a complete analysis of all the aspects of a greener design (including the recovery step), since the thermodynamic characteristics of the solvents are important when performing an LCA. Water reuse was also considered for the overall process, but not recommended due to the cost of recovering it from the waste stream to ultrapure water standards.
Nuclear Energy Levels of Cr 52 , Mn 55 , and Zn 66

Nuclear energy levels of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}$, ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$, and ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{66}$ have been determined by analyses of particles from the ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}(p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}$, ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}(p,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}$, ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}(p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$, ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{66}(p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Zn}}^{66}$, and ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{69}(p,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{Zn}}^{66}$ reactions with a broadrange single-gap magnetic spectrograph. In the first 6.3 MeV of excitation energy, 66 levels of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}$; in the first 3.9 MeV, 62 levels of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$; and in the first 4.8 MeV, 74 levels of ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{66}$ were resolved and investigated.
Assessing the remanufacturability of office furniture: a multi-criteria decision making approach

While the average life cycle of consumer goods is continuously decreasing, the amounts of used products at their end-of-life (EOL) is accumulating proportionally fast. Remanufacturing is one of the EOL strategies which is highly environmentally friendly. The selling price of remanufactured products is usually about 50—80% of a new one depending on the quality, making remanufacturing a win—win solution. The goal of this exploratory research is to present the first framework of its kind that aims at assessing the remanufacturability of office furniture. The proposed evaluation model considers three aspects of the assessment problem: economic, social and environmental to obtain a holistic view of the remanufacturability of office furniture. We apply the fuzzy TOPSIS methodology to deal with incomplete and often subjective information during the evaluation process. Furthermore, we validate our evaluation model using published research data for a multi-criteria allocation decision making (MCDM) problem. Through the validation results, we show that the proposed evaluation model has the capability to solve MCDM problems. Lastly, a case study which involves three pieces of office furniture is used to illustrate the application of the proposed model.
Effects of roughage inclusion and particle size on digestion and ruminal fermentation characteristics of beef steers

Roughage is fed in finishing diets to promote ruminal health and decrease digestive upset, but the inclusion rate is limited because of the cost per unit of energy and feed management issues. Rumination behavior of cattle may be a means to standardize roughage in beef cattle finishing diets, and increasing the particle size of roughage could modulate the ruminal environment and aid in maintaining ruminal pH. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine the effects of corn stalk (CS) inclusion rate and particle size in finishing diets on digestibility, rumination, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of beef steers. Four ruminally cannulated steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with treatments consisting of 5% inclusion of a short-grind roughage (5SG), 10% inclusion of a short-grind roughage (10SG), 5% inclusion of a long-grind roughage (5LG), and 10% inclusion of a long-grind roughage (10LG). Differences in particle size were obtained by grinding corn stalks once (LG) or twice (SG) using a commercial tub grinder equipped with a 7.6-cm screen and quantified using the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) to estimate physically effective NDF (peNDF). Each period included 14 d for adaptation and 4 d for diet, fecal, and ruminal fluid collections. Animals were outfitted with rumination monitoring collars to continuously measure rumination activity. The 10LG treatment had a greater ( < 0.01) percentage of large particles (retained on the top 3 sieves of the PSPS) compared to the other treatments. This resulted in a greater ( < 0.01) percentage of estimated peNDF for the 10LG diet compared to the others. Feeding diets containing 5% roughage tended to increase ( ≤ 0.09) DM, NDF, and starch total tract digestibility compared to diets containing 10% roughage. Cattle consuming LG treatments had greater ( < 0.01) rumination time and greater ( < 0.01) ruminal pH than cattle consuming diets containing SG roughage. Cattle receiving the 5% inclusion rate of roughage tended to have greater ( = 0.09) time (h/d) under a ruminal pH of 5.6 and a larger ( = 0.03) area under the threshold compared to cattle receiving the 10% roughage treatments. Overall, feeding a lower inclusion of roughage with a larger particle size may stimulate rumination and aid in ruminal buffering similar to that of a higher inclusion of roughage with a smaller particle size, without negatively impacting digestibility and fermentation.
CHAPTER 282 – JAK-STAT Signaling

Characterization of the ability of interferon α (IFN-α) to rapidly induce genes led to the discovery of the JAK-STAT pathway. Subsequent studies determined that JAKs (Janus kinases) and STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) represent a families of proteins that play a critical role in mediating the biological response to the ∼50 hematopoietins, all members of the mammalian cytokine family of ligands. Although components of this pathway can be found in the most primitive metazoans, the pathway has grown in complexity as multicellular organisms evolved. In mammals, this pathway regulates pivotal aspects of cellular homeostasis and inflammatory response. This chapter provides a brief overview of the significant progress that has been made in understanding this pathway since it was first discovered a decade ago.
Lost in translation? microRNAs at the rough ER

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function to post-transcriptionally regulate target RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs. A recent study demonstrates that Arabidopsis miRNAs are enriched at the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This enrichment is a surprise, given that most known miRNA targets are not expected to be translated at the rough ER.
From "Sisters" to "Comadres": Translating and Transculturating Tomson Highway's The Rez Sisters

Since theNative Canadian playwright Tomson Highway imagines his plays in Cree beforetranslating them into English, his dramatic texts are, in the words of Gayatri Spivak, “a history of the languagein-and-as-translation. “ As he acknowledges, Highway’s English is permeatedwith the rhythm of the Cree language: “I am actually using English filteredthrough the mind, the tongue and the body of a person who is speaking inCree” Highway’s text introduces Cree orOjibway words and phrases, providing English translations for them infootnotes. The other characteristic which makes Highway’s plays distinct istheir sexual content, as transmitted both in the spoken text and in the stagedirections. Highway explains in an article titled “Why Cree is the Sexiest ofAll Languages,” that talking about sex in English is a terrifying experience, whereasin Cree it is the funniest, most hysterical and most spectacular thing in theworld.” In addition, visceral and sexual language is an essential component ofthe play, This paper will explore the process of translation andtransculturation involved in the translation of Highway’s play The Rez Sisters, in the light of translationstudies theories and the notion of transculturation as coined by Fernando Ortizand expanded by Norman Cheadle in his book CanadianCultural Exchanges.
Can Implantable Cardiac Devices Be Used to Lower Risk of Stroke

Implantable cardiac devices provide continuous heart rhythm monitoring. Device-detected atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) are commonly encountered; however, there is no consensus on how this information is best applied to prevention of stroke. This article provides an overview of the current literature on AHREs, stroke prevention, and evolving areas of investigation. AHREs predict increased thromboembolic risk at durations of 24 h or less. Shorter cutoffs have been less consistently associated with risk. There is clinical equipoise for the use of oral anticoagulation for device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation alone. Very short episodes may not require action beyond continued monitoring. Studies are ongoing to address the use of oral anticoagulation for device-detected subclinical AHREs alone, as well as tailored anticoagulation in response to AHREs in those with known history of AF.
Employing single-stranded DNA donors for the high-throughput production of conditional knockout alleles in mice

The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium is generating null allele mice for every protein-coding gene in the genome and characterizing these mice to identify gene-phenotype associations. To test the feasibility of using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate conditional knockout mice for this large-scale resource, we employed Cas9-mediated homology driven repair (HDR) with short and long single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs and lssODNs). Using pairs of guides and ssODNs donating loxP sites, we obtained putative conditional allele founder mice, harboring both loxP sites, for 23 of 30 genes targeted. LoxP sites integrated in cis in at least one F0 for 18 of 23 targeted genes. However, loxP sites were mutagenized in 4 of 18 in cis lines. HDR efficiency correlated with Cas9 cutting efficiency but was not influenced by ssODN homology arm symmetry. By contrast, using pairs of guides and a single lssODN to introduce a loxP-flanked exon, conditional allele founders were generated for all 4 genes targeted. Our studies demonstrate that Cas9-mediated HDR with pairs of ssODNs can generate conditional null alleles at many loci, but reveal inefficiencies when applied at scale. In contrast, lssODNs are amenable to high-throughput production of conditional alleles when they can be employed.
Treatments of Missing Values in Large National Data Affect Conclusions: The Impact of Multiple Imputation on Arthroplasty Research.

Abstract Background Despite the advantages of large, national datasets, one continuing concern is missing data values. Complete case analysis, where only cases with complete data are analyzed, is commonly used rather than more statistically rigorous approaches such as multiple imputation. This study characterizes the potential selection bias introduced using complete case analysis and compares the results of common regressions using both techniques following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Methods Patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were extracted from the 2005 to 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. As examples, the demographics of patients with and without missing preoperative albumin and hematocrit values were compared. Missing data were then treated with both complete case analysis and multiple imputation (an approach that reproduces the variation and associations that would have been present in a full dataset) and the conclusions of common regressions for adverse outcomes were compared. Results A total of 6117 patients were included, of which 56.7% were missing at least one value. Younger, female, and healthier patients were more likely to have missing preoperative albumin and hematocrit values. The use of complete case analysis removed 3467 patients from the study in comparison with multiple imputation which included all 6117 patients. The 2 methods of handling missing values led to differing associations of low preoperative laboratory values with commonly studied adverse outcomes. Conclusion The use of complete case analysis can introduce selection bias and may lead to different conclusions in comparison with the statistically rigorous multiple imputation approach. Joint surgeons should consider the methods of handling missing values when interpreting arthroplasty research.
Fusion, Failure, Fatality: Long-term Outcomes After Surgical Versus Nonoperative Management of Type II Odontoid Fracture in Octogenarians.

Background Type II odontoid fracture is a highly morbid injury among octogenarians, with 41% 1-year mortality. Our objective was to assess long-term fusion, complication, and survival rates. Methods Retrospective review of prospective trauma registry and blinded review of follow-up radiographs. Results Follow-up cohort included 94 nonoperative and 17 operative patients (median, 52 and 79 months). The operative group had significantly higher rates of repeated surgery for primary treatment failure or complication (1% vs. 18%; P = 0.01) and dysphagia, aspiration events, or tracheostomy (29% vs. 78%, P = 0.002; 6% vs. 30%, P = 0.04; 1% vs. 18%, P = 0.01). Three-year all-cause mortalities were 71% and 76%, respectively (P = 0.78). No delayed myelopathy was observed. One-year postinjury radiographs were available for 13 and 6 patients in the nonoperative and operative groups (P = 0.9); bony union was observed in 3 and 5 patients (23% vs. 83%; P = 0.04). Retrolisthesis greater than 2 mm was observed in 2 and 1 patients (15% vs. 17%; P = 1.0). Two patients in the operative group underwent repeated surgery for primary treatment failure. Dysphagia was diagnosed in 3 and 5 operative patients (23% vs. 83%; P = 0.04), whereas aspiration events occurred in 0 and 3 patients (0% vs. 50%; P = 0.02). Three-year mortalities in this cohort were 38% and 67% (P = 0.35). Conclusions Radiographic union is significantly associated with operative management, but the corresponding clinical benefit is unclear. Complications were significantly more common after surgery. Long-term survival in octogenarians following type II odontoid fracture is poor, independent of management. Frequent complications without a proven survival benefit suggest that most patients are better managed conservatively.
Estimating Model Utility for Deformable Object Manipulation Using Multiarmed Bandit Methods

We present a novel approach to deformable object manipulation that does not rely on highly accurate modeling. The key contribution of this paper is to formulate the task as a multiarmed bandit problem, with each arm representing a model of the deformable object. To “pull” an arm and evaluate its utility, we use the arm’s model to generate a velocity command for the gripper(s) holding the object and execute it. As the task proceeds and the object deforms, the utility of each model can change. Our framework estimates these changes and balances the exploration of the model set with exploitation of high-utility models. We also propose an approach based on Kalman filtering for nonstationary multiarmed normal bandits to leverage the coupling between the models to learn more from each arm pull. We demonstrate that our method outperforms previous methods on synthetic trials and performs competitively on several manipulation tasks in simulation. Note to Practitioners —This paper is motivated by the problem of how to choose appropriate parameters for models used in deformable object manipulation. Existing approaches use time-consuming data collection and analysis methods to generate models for a given object and/or task. In contrast, our approach can be applied to multiple deformable objects or tasks without this time-consuming model generation step, learning what models are useful during the execution of the task itself. This enables the faster development of systems for a wide range of tasks, including those where a priori data collection is not possible. In this paper, we are only considering the modeling and control aspects of deformable object manipulation. These ideas can then be integrated with sensing and planning systems for commercial/industrial applications. We briefly discuss some methods and considerations for such an integration at the end of this paper.