cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of ureteral calculi

J Endourol. 2010; 24: 953-4.This is the fourth in a series of articles on an electronic survey of practicing urologists in the United States and elsewhere that concerns endourologic management of a variety of conditions. There were 416 e-mail responses to the survey, which was conducted in late 2007 and early 2008. The electronic mail lists of the American Uro-logical Association and the Endourological Society were used. A little more than half of the respondents were from the United States, with 15% from Europe and 12% from Asia. Further details regarding the survey can be found in a previous publication.1The present report focuses on questions from the survey that concern the treatment of patients with ureteral calculi: 1. Do you have access to the holmium laser for ureteroscopic stone treatment? (Answer choices, yes or no)2. Which treatment would you recommend for an uncomplicated patient with a symptomatic distal ureteral stone that was 4 (or 8 or 15) mm? (Answer choices, ureteroscopic stone removal, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or ureteral stent placement alone)3. Which treatment would you recommend for an uncomplicated patient with a symptomatic midureteral stone that was 4 (or 8 or 15) mm? (Same answer choices as question 2)4. Which treatment would you recommend for an uncomplicated patient with a symptomatic proximal ureteral stone that was 4 (or 8 or 15) mm? (Same answer choices as question 2)
Absorption of Botulinal Toxin from the Gastrointestinal Tract

Oral toxicity of botulinal toxin is manifested when the toxin is absorbed from one or more anatomic regions of the intestinal tract and reaches target neurons. Toxin is absorbed primarily in the small intestine, although in infants the large intestine may be a site of absorption. Nanogram amounts of toxin that escape proteolytic digestion in the intestine may be sufficient to produce neurologic symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 10(11) molecules of toxin reaching peripheral nerve endings is sufficient to cause clinical botulism in adults, although the amount required to cause infant botulism is probably less. Absorption of toxin from the intestine is achieved by means of an endocytic mechanism, as is the absorption of nutritional proteins. Specific toxin receptors may be involved in the movement of toxin from the gastro-intestinal epithelium to target neurons across cellular barriers.
An Automated Method of MFRSR Calibration for Aerosol Optical Depth Analysis with Application to an Asian Dust Outbreak over the United States

Abstract Over the past decade, networks of Multifilter Rotating Shadowband Radiometers (MFRSR) and automated sun photometers have been established in the United States to monitor aerosol properties. The MFRSR alternately measures diffuse and global irradiance in six narrow spectral bands and a broadband channel of the solar spectrum, from which the direct normal component for each may be inferred. Its 500-nm channel mimics sun photometer measurements and thus is a source of aerosol optical depth information. Automatic data reduction methods are needed because of the high volume of data produced by the MFRSR. In addition, these instruments are often not calibrated for absolute irradiance and must be periodically calibrated for optical depth analysis using the Langley method. This process involves extrapolation to the signal the MFRSR would measure at the top of the atmosphere (Iλ0). Here, an automated clear-sky identification algorithm is used to screen MFRSR 500-nm measurements for suitable calibration da...
Prospects for future beauty physics at the Tevatron

We discuss prospects for future B physics studies at the Tevatron. Plans for Tevatron improvements are outined. The basic features of beauty production at collider energies are discussed in the context ofCP violation measurements. Physics prospects for the upgrades of CDF and D0 as well as possible future dedicated B collider detectors are examined.
Perceptions of Operating Room Learning Experiences During the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship

Background There is little published describing curriculum development for the medical student in the operating room (OR). Purpose Explore student and faculty perceptions of learning experiences in the OR during the Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clerkship as a prelude to defining OR-specific learning objectives and curriculum. Methods Fourth year students and Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty participated in structured, audiotaped focus groups aimed at defining OR educational objectives and curriculum content. Review of audiotapes identified emergent themes used to categorize perceived learning experiences. Results Two focus groups including 13 students and 1 focus group including 5 faculty were conducted. Four dominant categories of OR learning were identified: (1) development of a foundation of clinical knowledge; (2) surgical technique and skill acquisition; (3) personal insight into career choice; and (4) surgical culture and OR functioning. Conclusions Students and faculty were aligned regarding general categories of key OR learning experiences, building an experiential framework for developing OR-specific learning objectives and curricular components.
Development and cellular organization of Pinus sylvestris pollen tubes

The organization ofPinus sylvestris pollen tubes during growth was studied by video microscopy of living cells and by electron microscopy after freeze-fixation and freeze-substitution (FF-FS). Pollen germinated and the tubes grew slowly for a total period of about 7 days. Some of the grains formed two tubes, while 10–50% of the tubes ramified. These features are in accordance with development in vivo. The cytoplasmic hyaline cap at the tip disappeared during the 2nd or 3rd day of culture. Aggregates of starch grains progressively migrated from the grain into the tube and later into the branches. Vacuoles first appeared at day 2 and eventually filled large parts of the tube. The tube nucleus was located at variable distances from the tip. Some of the organelles showed linear movements in a mostly circulatory pattern, but the majority of the organelles showed brownian-like movements. Rhodamine-phalloidin-stained actin filaments had a gross axial orientation and were found throughout the tube including at the tip. The ultrastructure of pollen tubes was well preserved after FF-FS, but signs of shrinkage were visible. The secretory vesicles in growing tips were not organized in a vesicle cone, and coated pits had a low density with only local accumulations, which is in accordance with slow growth. The mitochondria contained small cristae and a darkly stained matrix and were located more towards the periphery of the tube, indicating low respiratory activity and low oxygen levels. The dictyosomes carried typical trans-Golgi networks, but some contained less than the normal number of cisternae. Other elements of the cytoplasm were irregularly spaced rough endoplasmic reticulum, many multivesicular bodies, lipid droplets and two types of vacuoles. The typical organization associated with tip growth in angiosperm pollen tubes, e.g.Nicotiana tabacum, was not present inP. sylvestris pollen tubes. The different morphology may relate to the growth rate and not to the type of growth.
Comparison of immune-mediated models of acute and chronic otitis media.

The distribution of immunoglobulin-bearing cells and the pattern of histopathological changes in the middle ear (ME) mucosa, round window membrane (RWM), and inner ear were compared during acute and chronic immune-mediated otitis media with effusion (OME) in the guinea pig as an animal model. In both acute and chronic immune responses (IRs), mucosal hyperplasia, edema, neovascularization, and cellular infiltration were observed. IgG+ cells were predominant in both the acute and chronic IRs. The number of IgA+ cells, however, increased in the mucosa and RWM during chronic IRs. Only the chronic IR resulted in gland formation within the ME and inflammation within the cochlea. These results indicate that the chronic IR was more similar to reports of clinical OME than the acute IR, The cochlear inflammation associated with chronic OME can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, as reported in clinical studies.
CI potential energy curves for three states of RuO2

Abstract Three low-lying states of RuO2+ are analyzed using large-scale configuration interaction (CI) calculations based on multireference wavefunctions. Relativistic effects are included using relativistic effective core potentials and a spin–orbit (SO) CI approach. The ground state is predicted to be a triply bonded system of 0+ (1Σ+) symmetry having a dissociation energy of 83.8 kcal/mol, an equilibrium bond length of 1.55 A and a vibrational frequency of 1227 cm−1. Two close-lying states (3Φ) and (3Δ) states have dissociation energies, bond lengths and frequencies of 82.2 and 68.5 kcal/mol, 1.83 and 1.90 A, and 974 and 974 cm−1, respectively. The states differ in energy at their respective minima by 551 and 4777 cm−1.
Corticopontine remodelling after cortical and/or cerebellar lesions in newborn rats.

The distribution of corticopontine projections was studied, primarily with the Fink-Heimer technique, in adult rats which at 2-3 days of age had sustained unilateral sensorimotor (SMC) or occipital (OC) cortical lesions and in animals that had received neonatal hemicerebellar (HCb) lesions singly or in combination with the neonatal SMC or OC lesions. Neonatal left SMC or left HCb lesions induced an anomalous increase in crossed sensorimotor corticopontine (SMP) projections originating from the right SMC. This increase appeared more dense after cortical lesions as compared to cerebellar lesions and appeared more dense in those animals receiving the combined SMC plus HCb lesions. No alterations in the distribution of SMP fibers were observed after neonatal OC lesions nor were any alterations of occipital corticopontine (OP) fibers observed in any of the neonatal lesion groups. The remodelling of right SMP projections after neonatal left SMC lesions demonstrates an interaction between corresponding pathways originating from opposite sides of the brain and which occurs in response to the partial removal of afferents to pontine gray neurons as a result of the SMC lesions. In contrast, the absence of SMP plasticity after OC lesions, and vice versa, demonstrates the absence of plasticity between pathways which differ anatomically and functiondly. The substantial neuronal loss which occurs within the right PG after neonatal left HCb lesions is believed to influence the increase in crossed SMP fibers coursing from the right hemisphere to the larger left PG. No increase in crossed OP fibers from the right hemosphere was observed in these animals. The increase in crossed SMP fibers after neonatal SMC lesions combined with neonatal HCb lesions is more dense than found in the single lesion groups. These findings suggest that separate mechanisms of plasticity might be operational for each lesion and that these mechanisms may be additive.
Biomass-to-bioenergy and biofuel supply chain optimization: Overview, key issues and challenges

Abstract This article describes the key challenges and opportunities in modeling and optimization of biomass-to-bioenergy supply chains. It reviews the major energy pathways from terrestrial and aquatic biomass to bioenergy/biofuel products as well as power and heat with an emphasis on “drop-in” liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Key components of the bioenergy supply chains are then presented, along with a comprehensive overview and classification of the existing contributions on biofuel/bioenergy supply chain optimization. This paper identifies fertile avenues for future research that focuses on multi-scale modeling and optimization, which allows the integration across spatial scales from unit operations to biorefinery processes and to biofuel value chains, as well as across temporal scales from operational level to strategic level. Perspectives on future biofuel supply chains that integrate with petroleum refinery supply chains and/or carbon capture and sequestration systems are presented. Issues on modeling of sustainability and the treatment of uncertainties in bioenergy supply chain optimization are also discussed.
Structural technologies - Systems challenges and NASA thrusts.

Some significant areas of emphasis in the NASA airframes structures program are highlighted. The topics treated include automated analysis and design processes, building confidence in advanced composites, improving the technology base for future supersonic and hypersonic vehicles, validation of concepts for active control systems, development of predictive methods for aircraft loads and aeroelasticity, and generation of methodology to assure structural integrity as a part of the design process. An integrated long-range program for fatigue and fracture is recommended.
Direct observation of the symmetric bending vibrations (v2) of NH3 physisorbed on a partially hydroxylated planar (0001) surface of ZnO

Abstract For the first time the symmetric bending vibrational frequencies ( v 2 ) of NH 3 physisorbed on a partially hydroxylated metal oxide surface have been obtained with the coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) using the planar optical waveguide geometry. The CARS signal from the adsorbed NH 3 was enhanced by establishing an interference condition within the waveguide to reduce the CARS contribution from the oxide surface. The surface CARS spectra, in the investigated v 2 spectral region, provided evidence that the partially hydroxylated ZnO surface supported several sites for the physisorption of NH 3 . The physisorbed species had v 2 frequencies around 950, 963, 975 and 1012 cm −1 and were very quickly desorbed as soon as evacuation of the vacuum chamber began. In addition, the presence of NH 3 which is coordinated to Zn 2+ sites on the surface was detected.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding a human DNA-binding protein similar to ribosomal protein S1

Abstract We report the cloning of a human complementary DNA that encodes a protein which exhibits 36% identity and 62% similarity to Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S1 (rpS1), including conservation of four copies of an RNA-binding domain. This clone was obtained by ligand-screening a λgt11 expression library with a DNA probe derived from the CYBB gene promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift and Southwestern blot assays confirm DNA binding activity of the protein, which exhibits preferential binding to single-stranded and double-stranded DNA and a low binding affinity for RNA. Hence, the rpS1 protein domain previously identified as an RNA-binding motif can also serve as a DNA-binding domain
Determination of Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline in Standard Reference Material 2384, Baking Chocolate, Using Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

A rapid and selective isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to simultaneously measure caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in a food-matrix standard reference material (SRM) 2384, Baking Chocolate. The method uses isocratic elution with a mobile phase composition (volume fractions) of 10% acetronitrile/90% water (pH adjusted to 2.5 using acetic acid) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min with ultraviolet absorbance detection (274 nm). Total elution time for these analytes is less than 15 min. Concentration levels of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline were measured in single 1-g samples taken from each of eight bars of chocolate over an eight-day period. Samples were defatted with hexane, and beta-hydroxyethyltheophylline was added as the internal standard. The repeatability for the caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline measurements was 5.1, 2.3, and 1.9%, respectively. The limit of quantitation for all analytes was <100 ng/mL. The measurements from this method were used in the value-assignment of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in SRM 2384.
The Careers in Health and Medical Professions Program (CHAMPS): An Impact Study of a University-Based STEM+H Outreach Program

The present study investigated the impact of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health (STEM+H) university-based pipeline program, the Careers in Health and Medical Professions Program, over the course of two summers among predominantly African-American high school students recruited from urban school districts (N = 155). Based on a mixed methods approach, results indicated that youth made significant gains in both academic and career knowledge. Furthermore, youth generally rated the program’s sessions favorably, but also rated sessions with varying levels of satisfaction. The limitations and implications for program delivery and evaluation methods among pipeline programs are discussed.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Managing Suicidal Patients in the Patient-Centered Medical Home

Abstract Primary care is a critical setting for suicide prevention because it is often the first and only source of mental health care for the U.S. general population. It is also important because suicidal patients report a greater number of somatic complaints and make more frequent medical visits compared to nonsuicidal patients. Models for managing suicide within primary care have recently arisen, yet no models have been proposed for use within the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a primary care model that integrates behavioral health into its practice. The authors suggest a chronic disease model for the management of suicide risk in the PCMH along with collaborative strategies that may include suicide screening and targeted assessment, warm hand-offs, cognitive-behavioral interventions, routine collaborative medication management, and means restriction counseling. The current paper advises how those within the PCMH can adapt and implement evidence-based practices to manage suicide. Finally, the authors discuss a case example illustrating these evidence-based and collaborative methods.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in Barrett's Esophagus: Bigger Biopsies Are Better

Endoscomal mucosal resection is a new therapeutic technique that is useful for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of mucosal lesions. Studies suggest that it is useful in Barrett's Esophagus whenever a lesion can be endoscopically visualized. Several methods exist, however, all seem reasonably safe.
States-of-mind and negative affectivity

Although several studies have assessed the affective characteristics of individuals high in negative affectivity, less research has examined cognitive aspects such as self-statements. The states-of-mind (SOM) model specifies ratios of positive and negative self-statements for varying severity levels of psychological dysfunction. Participants completed measures of negative affectivity, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, current mood state, and positive and negative self-statements. Based on Depression scale, Anxiety scale and Negative Affectivity scale scores, participants were divided into five distinct groups: depressed participants, anxious participants, participants high in negative affectivity, depression and anxiety, participants high only on negative affectivity, and normal participants. Results indicated that participants scoring high on measures of negative affectivity, depression, and anxiety had SOM ratios that were significantly lower than all other groups. Depressed, anxious, or participants high only in negative affectivity had significantly lower ratios than normal subjects. The configuration of scores implies an additive model of affective distress and negative cognition. Such a model suggests that depression or anxiety might be related to a decrease in SOM ratios, while the combination of the two affects and negative affectivity appears related to an even further decrease in SOM ratios.
Closed-form expressions for the linear and quadratic strain tetrahedral finite elements

Abstract The use of closed-form expressions in a finite element code significantly reduces the time required to evaluate the element stiffness matrix as compared to Gaussian quadrature. The development of closed-form expressions for the element stiffness matrices for the plane-faced linear strain and quadratic strain tetrahedral finite elements has been previously presented elsewhere. In this paper, a reformulation of the process is given which significantly reduces the size of the element stiffness expressions. Expression growth is prevented by decomposing the strain-displacement matrix and utilizing a new matrix which is geometry and material dependent.
Rated-voltage enhancement by fast-breaking of the fault current for a resistive superconducting fault current limiter component

Abstract Performance of a resistive superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) component is usually limited by temperature rise associated with energy input by fault current application during a fault. Therefore, it is expected that short application of the fault current may enhance the power ratings of the component. This can be accomplished by a combination of a HTS component and a mechanical switch. The fast switch (FS) developed recently enables the fault duration to be as short as 1/2 cycle after a fault. Various second-generation (2G) high temperature superconductors (HTS) and YBCO thin films have been tested. The relation between the rated voltage V and the fault duration time t was found to be V 2 ∼ t − 1 . Based upon the relation, we predict that when the FS break the fault current within 1/2 cycle after a fault, the amount of HTS components required to build an SFCL can be reduced by as much as about 60%, of that when breaking the fault current at three cycles.
Interaction of grid turbulence with a uniform mean shear

Experiments to explore the effect of initial disturbance length-scale on turbulence developed in the presence of a uniform mean shear are the subject of this paper.Flows with nearly the same mean shear (8·6 sec−1) and initially different turbulent scales are generated in a wind tunnel test-section by placing grids just downstream of a honeycomb of uniform cell diameter (¼ in.) and non-uniform cell length. Both round-rod grids of uniform square mesh and parallel-rod construction with roughly equal solidity (0.34) are used. Grid mesh sizes range from in. to 2 in.From the results it is concluded that for a given value of mean shear the imposed length scale fixes the energy level of the resulting turbulence, provided the scale is sufficiently large. When it is reduced below some minimum value the turbulence decays. Also, it is found that two-dimensional flow-generator geometries are more effective than three-dimensional geometries in producing a roughly homogeneous turbulent field with a higher fluctuation level in a shorter distance.
Cardiopulmonary Adjustments During Exercise and an Aversive Reaction Time Task: Effects of Beta-Adrenoceptor Blockade

The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic adjustments to a physical (bicycle exercise) and behavioral (aversive reaction time) stressor. A related aim was to assess the role of beta-adrenergic mechanisms in mediating these physiological responses. Thirty-four subjects were exposed to both stressors while oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, pulmonary ventilation, end-tidal oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as heart rate were calculated breath-by-breath. Fourteen of these subjects were pretreated with 4 mg (iv) of propranolol hydrochloride. The remaining 20 subjects (intact) were subdivided post-hoc into the 10 most and 10 least reactive on the basis of their heart rate response to the reaction time task. The results indicate that for the intact group both exercise and the reaction time task produced significant increases in heart rate although the magnitude of the heart rate change was reliably greater during exercise. Beta-adrenergic blockade partially diminished the tachycardia to exercise but entirely abolished the tachycardia to behavioral stress. Interestingly, the most and least reactive subjects did not exhibit differential heart rate acceleration during exercise despite a reliable difference during the reaction time task. Oxygen consumption significantly increased to predictable levels during exercise but failed to change during the reaction time task for both the most and least reactive groups. These results suggest that the tachycardia elicited by the reaction time task in reactive subjects was not associated with an appropriate increase in oxygen consumption, relative to exercise, and may therefore be indicative of systemic overperfusion.
Market equilibrium via a primal-dual-type algorithm

Although the study of market equilibria has occupied center stage within mathematical economics for over a century, polynomial time algorithms for such questions have so far evaded researchers. We provide the first such algorithm for the linear version of a problem defined by Irving Fisher in 1891. Our algorithm is modeled after Kuhn's (1995) primal-dual algorithm for bipartite matching.
Growing old, angiotensin II, cardiac hypertrophy, and death: making the connection with p66Shc.

Hypertension and aging have similar effects on the structure and function of blood vessels and the heart. Both commonly result in decreased vascular compliance, endothelial dysfunction, and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and stiffness. Moreover, the risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, increases exponentially with age in those >40 years of age. Therefore, one might surmise that hypertension and aging have some cause in common. The idea that angiotensin II (Ang II) might be the “missing link” was suggested by reports that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, in addition to being effective in treating cardiovascular and renal diseases, protect the cardiovascular system, kidney, and brain against the harmful effect of aging.1 Although findings based on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the Ang II type 1 receptor blocker losartan should be interpreted with caution because of extra-RAS actions, evidence linking Ang II to increased collagen content and fibrosis of the aged heart is persuasive.2 Intriguingly, in light of the article by Graiani et al in this issue,3 the mitochondria from hearts of rats chronically treated with losartan were found to have increased NO synthase (NOS) activity and decreased hydrogen peroxide formation compared with controls, suggesting that blocking the action of Ang II could offset the deleterious effect of aging on cardiac mitochondrial function and integrity.4 But Ang II has never been a major interest of aging research, which has focused recently on the oxidative stress experienced by aging cells because of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.5 Mitochondria represent a major source for this increased ROS because their defense mechanisms are thought to become less effective with age in handling the superoxide and other ROS formed naturally during oxidative respiration. Although it was once thought that all …
Cyclic changes in the vaginal epithelium of normal rhesus macaques.

Studies in nonhuman primates indicate that changes in the thickness and integrity of the vaginal epithelium affect the transmission rates of HIV-1, but few studies have examined the normal variations that may occur in the vagina of normal macaques as a result of aging or changes in the menstrual cycle. This study was conducted to determine if differences occur in the thickness of the vaginal mucosa with age or menses. Vaginal mucosal thickness was compared in 46 rhesus macaques grouped as juvenile (1–3 years old), mature cycling (3–21 years old), and geriatric (O21 years old). Epithelia of mature cycling macaques were also compared at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Older females (O21 years) had the thinnest and least keratinized epithelium of all groups, followed by the youngest females (!3 years). The vaginal epithelium was also thinner in cycling macaques during menses compared to the follicular stage. In addition, young, geriatric, or cycling macaques during menses had minimal keratinization. We hypothesize that normal physiologic changes in the vaginal epithelium of women occur with age and menses, which may affect a woman’s susceptibility to HIV-1 transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. Also, age and menstrual cycle should be considered when designing vaginal transmission experiments in rhesus macaques.
1: Learning and Instructional Sequence:

Anyone who undertakes to bring about learning of a particular sort finds himself arranging a set of stimulus conditions that act upon the learner. In the simplest of cases, these stimuli may need to be made to occur only during a single brief period of time in order for the desired learning to take place. Far more frequently, however, the expected learning requires a stimulus situation that extends over a period ranging from seconds to minutes, even when one is dealing with a single learning objective. Since such durations are involved, the question of sequence naturally arises with respect to the arrangement of conditions for learning. What conditions need to occur first, what next, and what last in order for effective learning to be assured? The problem of arranging sequences of learning conditions, or, in other words, sequences of instruction, continues to be a topic of considerable importance for those who design and carry out instruction. In empirical research, the topic of this review has been capably addressed by several previous writers, sometimes in part and sometimes comprehensively. Interest in research related to instructional sequence continues to be reasonably high, and a substantial number of reports of empirical investigations has appeared from 1967 to the present.
CA7-03: Adolescent and Adult Immunizations: Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness

Background/Aims The scope of vaccines recommended for adolescents and adults by ACIP has grown in number of vaccines and populations covered. We estimated the relative health impact and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines to help guide quality improvement initiative decisions.
The Relationship Between Principal Leadership Skills and School-Wide Positive Behavior Support: An Exploratory Study

This study investigated key principal leadership skills associated with socially proactive school environments and examined the relationship between School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) im...
Pedagogical Possibilities for the N-Puzzle Problem

In this paper we present work on a project funded by the National Science Foundation with a goal of unifying the Artificial Intelligence (AI) course around the theme of machine learning. Our work involves the development and testing of an adaptable framework for the presentation of core AI topics that emphasizes the relationship between AI and computer science. Several hands-on laboratory projects that can be closely integrated into an introductory AI course have been developed. We present an overview of one of the projects and describe the associated curricular materials that have been developed. The project uses machine learning as a theme to unify core AI topics in the context of the N-puzzle game. Games provide a rich framework to introduce students to search fundamentals and other core AI concepts. The paper presents several pedagogical possibilities for the N-puzzle game, the rich challenge it offers, and summarizes our experiences using it.
Parallel collocation solution of constrained optimal control problems

This paper presents a parallel collocation algorithm for the solution of a two-point boundary value problem (BVP) that involves index-1 differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) and inequality constraints due to complementarity conditions. BVP-DAEs of this type arise from the indirect approach to the solution of optimal control problems that control variable inequality constraints. In the collocation method presented here the differential and algebraic variables of the BVP-DAEs are approximated using piecewise polynomials on a mesh that may be nonuniform. A Newton interior point method is used to solve the collocation equations, and maintain feasibility of the inequality constraints. The implementation of the algorithm involves parallel evaluation of the collocation equations, parallel evaluation of the system Jacobian, and parallel solution of a boarded almost block diagonal (BABD) system to obtain the Newton search direction. A numerical example shows that the parallel implementation provides significant speedup when compared to a sequential version of the algorithm, and when compared to a direct method.
MicroRNA miR-155 Inhibits Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signaling and BMP-Mediated Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation

MicroRNA miR-155 is expressed at elevated levels in human cancers including cancers of the lung, breast, colon, and a subset of lymphoid malignancies. In B cells, miR-155 is induced by the oncogenic latency gene expression program of the human herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Two other oncogenic herpesviruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Marek's disease virus, encode functional homologues of miR-155, suggesting a role for this microRNA in the biology and pathogenesis of these viruses. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is involved in an array of cellular processes, including differentiation, growth inhibition, and senescence, through context-dependent interactions with multiple signaling pathways. Alteration of this pathway contributes to a number of disease states including cancer. Here, we show that miR-155 targets the 3' untranslated region of multiple components of the BMP signaling cascade, including SMAD1, SMAD5, HIVEP2, CEBPB, RUNX2, and MYO10. Targeting of these mediators results in the inhibition of BMP2-, BMP6-, and BMP7-induced ID3 expression as well as BMP-mediated EBV reactivation in the EBV-positive B-cell line, Mutu I. Further, miR-155 inhibits SMAD1 and SMAD5 expression in the lung epithelial cell line A549, it inhibits BMP-mediated induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and it reverses BMP-mediated cell growth inhibition. These results suggest a role for miR-155 in controlling BMP-mediated cellular processes, in regulating BMP-induced EBV reactivation, and in the inhibition of antitumor effects of BMP signaling in normal and virus-infected cells.
Conceptualizing the Role of Self-Esteem in the Burnout Process:

Recent studies have suggested that self-esteem may be an important variable in employee burnout, although questions remain as to how it affects burnout. Using separate, large samples of police officers (N = 1,163) and hospital workers (N = 494), self-esteem was investigated as an antecedent, moderator, or consequence of employee burnout. Self-esteem was clearly related to burnout, probably as both cause and consequence. However, we did not find that self-esteem acts as a "buffer" to protect individuals from becoming burned out or from experiencing health disorders once they have become burned out. These results indicate that self-esteem may be an important factor in predicting who will be more likely to develop burnout, and they also suggest the importance of rebuilding self-esteem as part of the rehabilitation of burned-out employees.
PARTNER ABUSE AND GENERAL CRIME: HOW ARE THEY THE SAME? HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?*

Both partner abuse and general crime violate the rights and safety of victims. But are these phenomena the same or are they distinct, demanding their own research and intervention specialties? Are per- sons who abuse their partners the same people who commit other criminal behavior? Do partner abuse and general crime share the same correlates? We investigated these questions in a birth cohort of over 800 young adults, by testing whether a personality model known to predict general crime would also predict partner abuse. Personality data were gathered at age 18, and self-reported partner abuse and general criminal offending were measured at age 21. Results from modeling latent constructs showed that partner abuse and general crime represent different constructs that are moderately related; they are not merely two expressions of the same underlying antisocial propensity. Group comparisons showed many, but not all, partner abusers also engaged in violence against nonintimates. Personality analyses showed that partner abuse and general crime shared a strong propensity from a trait called Negative Emotionality. However, crime was related to weak Constraint (low self-control), but partner abuse was not. All findings applied to women as well as to men, suggesting that women's partner abuse may be motivated by the same intra-personal features that motivate men's abuse. The results are consistent with theoretical and applied arguments about the “uniqueness” of partner violence relative to other crime and violence.
Use of Max-Flow on FACTS devices

FACTS devices can be used to mitigate cascading failures in a power grid by controlling the power flow in individual lines. Placement and control are significant issues. We present a procedure for determining whether a scenario can be mitigated using the concept of maximum flow. If it can be mitigated, we determine what placement and control setting will solve the scenario. This paper treats fourteen cascading failure scenarios and reports on the use of the max-flow algorithm both in determining the mitigation of each scenario and in finding FACTS settings that will mitigate the scenario.
Windsor Forum and Michigan Debates on Urbanism - Edited by Stephanie Bothwell, Andres Duany, Peter Hetzel, Steven Hurtt, Dhiru Thadani and Douglas Kelbaugh

(2006). Windsor Forum and Michigan Debates on Urbanism - Edited by Stephanie Bothwell, Andres Duany, Peter Hetzel, Steven Hurtt, Dhiru Thadani and Douglas Kelbaugh. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 66-68.
Anterior Axial Lens Subluxation, Progressive Myopia, and Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Recognition and Treatment of Atypical Presentation of Ectopia Lentis

Purpose: To describe the clinical features of an atypical presentation of ectopia lentis consisting of primary anterior axial lens subluxation in childhood, associated progressive myopia, and complicating angle-closure glaucoma; to facilitate early diagnosis of this triad; and to report the results of lensectomy for treatment. Methods: A retrospective case review of eight patients. Clinical course, visual acuity, gonioscopy, axial length, refraction, fundus examination, associated systemic features, and results of treatment are provided. Results: This subgroup of patients with ectopia lentis is at risk for progressive, synechial, angle-closure glaucoma. Identification of a clinical triad consisting of rapidly increasing myopia, normal axial length, and progressive axial subluxation leads to earlier diagnosis. Prophylactic lensectomy provides a safe and sight-saving treatment that arrests and, at times, reverses the progression of angle-closure glaucoma. Conclusions: Ectopia lentis with anterior axial subluxation and progressive myopia can be a sight-threatening condition when significant forward mobilization of the lens results in synechial angle-closure glaucoma. Recognition of this clinical entity can expedite diagnosis and prevent irreversible loss of vision secondary to glaucoma. Because the primary mechanism of angle closure is angle crowding, peripheral iridotomy does little to control the rise in intraocular pressure. Prophylactic lensectomy has proven to be the most reliable treatment in our experience.
Relative importance of habitat quantity, structure, and spatial pattern to birds in urbanizing environments

Urbanization reduces the quantity of native vegetation and alters its local structure and regional spatial pattern. These changes cause local extirpations of bird species asso- ciated with native vegetation and increases in the abundance and number of bird species associated with human activity. We used 54-1 km 2 landscapes in the Seattle, Washington, USA metropolitan area to determine (1) the relative importance of habitat quantity, structure, and pattern to bird diversity and abundance and (2) whether housing developments can be managed to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on forest bird diversity. In general, bird species richness was high and many native forest species were retained where urban landcover comprised less than 52% of the landscape, tree density (especially that of ever- greens) remained at least 9.8 trees/ha in developments, and forest was at least 64% aggregated across the landscape. These results suggest that the quantity, structure, and pattern of forested habitat affected breeding bird diversity in urbanizing landscapes. However, habitat pattern appeared less influential than other habitat attributes when results from all community- and population-level analyses were considered. Conservation of native birds in reserves can be supplemented by managing the amount, composition, structural complexity, and—to a lesser extent—arrangement of vegetation in neighborhoods.
Women and Weight: Fad and Fiction

In this article, I argue that women's concern with body weight is a "fad," when taken in an historical context, and is limited to Western societies. I have presented evidence that the following aspects of weight are myths rather than reality: (a) There are objective definitions of obesity; (b) obesity is prevalent among women; (c) obese people take in more calories than the nonobese; (d) dieting is an effective way to reduce weight; and (e) obesity is related to poor physical health.
Second-generation prophylactic HPV vaccines: successes and challenges

The role of HPV as the causative factor in cervical cancer has led to the development of the HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix. These vaccines effectively protect against two HPV types associated with 70% of cervical cancer cases. Despite this success, researchers continue to develop second-generation HPV vaccines to protect against more HPV types and allow increased uptake in developing countries. While a reformulated vaccine based on the current technology is currently in clinical trials, another strategy consists of targeting highly conserved epitopes in the minor capsid protein of HPV, L2. Vaccines targeting L2 induce broadly neutralizing antibodies, capable of blocking infection by a wide range of HPV types. Several vaccine designs have been developed to optimize the display of L2 epitopes to the immune system and to reduce the cost of manufacture and distribution. L2-based vaccines show considerable promise as a potential next-generation HPV vaccine.
Fences and Deer-Damage Management: A Review of Designs and Efficacy

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) may cause more damage than any other species of wildlife. These damages include crop loss, automobile and aviation collisions, disease transmission, environmental degradation, and destruction of ornamental plantings. One practical method of controlling deer damage is the use of exclusionary fences. The relatively high cost of labor and materials required to build effective fences has limited most applications to the protection of orchards, vegetable farms, other high-value resources, and mitigation of human health and safety risks. Improvements in fence technology resulting in less expensive, yet effective fences have expanded the use of fences to manage damage caused by deer. Fences typically installed to manage white-tailed deer damage include wire or plastic mesh, electrified high-tensile steel wire, and electrified polytape or polyrope fence. We reviewed the scientific literature on fencing to determine which fence designs would be the most effective for excluding deer in a variety of situations.
Factors involved in the regulation of feed and energy intake of pigs

Abstract The ability of pigs to consume required energy and nutrients for optimal performance is an important consideration in commercial pork production. Voluntary feed intake (VFI) or energy intake in the pigs is affected by dietary factors (such as energy concentration, protein levels, and amino acid balance) and non-dietary factors (animal gender and body weight, health status, feed processing, thermal environment, and physical management). As producers continue to look for ways to manage high feed costs, a significant economic opportunity exists to achieve precise feeding based on predictable VFI. Optimization of dietary and non-dietary factors will be system dependent, and will rely heavily on gathering and interpreting information to make informed decisions, which will ultimately make pork production more efficient and competitive in the global protein production sector.
Two Models for Public Health Nursing Clinical Education

Objectives To evaluate the impact of two baccalaureate public health nursing (PHN) clinical education models, that vary on level of engagement with community agencies, on student perceptions of PHN. Design and Sample Two group, pretest/posttest design. Two cohorts of baccalaureate nursing students (traditional n = 62, accelerated n = 64) were included. The traditional students worked with one agency over an 8-week period. The accelerated students worked with several agencies over the same period. Eighty-seven students provided complete data at both time points, and were included in analyses. Measures Students answered questions at the beginning and end of the Spring 2014 semester to assess knowledge, confidence, satisfaction, and career intention related to PHN. Results At baseline, traditional students reported significantly higher confidence working independently and less intention to choose PHN as a career. Both cohorts reported a significant increase in knowledge and independence from pretest to posttest. At posttest, the accelerated group showed a significant decline in likelihood of choosing a PHN career. Conclusions In developing PHN clinical curriculum, careful consideration should be given to the level of engagement with the community and faculty. Future work should continue exploring different PHN clinical education models to ensure students are effectively prepared in this area of nursing.
MOCVD growth of N-polar GaN on on-axis sapphire substrate: Impact of AlN nucleation layer on GaN surface hillock density

We report on the impact of growth conditions on surface hillock density of N-polar GaN grown on nominally on-axis (0001) sapphire substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Large reduction in hillock density was achieved by implementation of an optimized high temperature AlN nucleation layer and use of indium surfactant in GaN overgrowth. A reduction by more than a factor of five in hillock density from 1000 to 170 hillocks/cm−2 was achieved as a result. Crystal quality and surface morphology of the resultant GaN films were characterized by high resolution x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy and found to be relatively unaffected by the buffer conditions. It is also shown that the density of smaller surface features is unaffected by AlN buffer conditions.
The Dog that Didn't Bark: Lower Court Treatment of Lopez and Morrison

This paper studies the effects of the "Rehnquist Revolution" in federalism jurisprudence on the lower courts. Specifically, it examines the rate of compliance with the Supreme Court's decisions in United States v. Lopez (1995) and United States v. Morrison (2000). It seeks to examine not just overall compliance, but compliance on a circuit-by-circuit basis, to see if the revolution was carried out less strongly in different parts of the country. Finally, this paper takes a heretofore unseen approach and uses lower court decisions prior to Lopez to serve as a control mechanism. In surprising results, this paper finds that while compliance with the decisions was fairly high, the outcomes in cases did not change following Lopez and Morrison.