cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Treatment of Descending Thoracic Aortic Disease: Single-Center, 15-Year Experience

Abstract Purpose To report the experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a single center over a 15-year period. Materials and Methods All patients undergoing TEVAR during the period 1994–2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Results The study comprised 133 patients (96 men, age 69.5 years ± 14.7) who underwent 21 emergency and 112 elective TEVAR procedures. Aortic pathologies included 91 aneurysms, 14 pseudoaneurysms, 14 penetrating ulcers with or without pseudoaneurysms or intramural hematomas, 8 type B dissections (3 acute and 5 chronic), and 6 traumatic transections. Technical success was 97.7% with a 30-day mortality of 7.5%. There were 101 patients followed to 1 year, 35 patients followed to 5 years, and 6 patients followed to 10–15 years. The overall estimated survivals at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years were 81%, 48%, and 36%. The 30-day mortality rates in emergency and elective TEVAR procedures were 23.9% and 4.5% ( P = .005). However, among patients who survived > 30 days, there was no significant difference in mortality between groups undergoing emergency and elective TEVAR procedures ( P = .9, hazard ratio [HR] 0.94, confidence interval [CI] 0.4–2.2). There was no significant gender survival difference. The 30-day mortality rate in octogenarians (n = 31) was higher than in younger patients ( P = .03). Incidences of stroke and paraplegia within 30 days of TEVAR were 6.8% and 2.2%. Endoleaks were found in 39 (29%) patients, and secondary interventions were performed in 6 (4.5%) patients. Conclusions The data support the safety and efficacy of TEVAR for aortic pathologies with a low mortality rate. Younger patients have fewer complications after TEVAR. After the acute perioperative period, TEVAR procedures performed emergently are as durable as the procedures performed electively.
Sampling spin configurations of an Ising system

We present the first provably polynomial time sampling scheme for generating spin configurations of any ferromagnetic Ising system, one of the most widely studied models in statistical mechanics. The algorithm is based on the randomized approximation scheme of Jerrum and Sinclair which estimates the partition function of the Ising system using the so-called `high temperature expansion’ representation. Their estimation algorithm did not give rise to an Ising sampling algorithm via self-reducibility because ferromagnetism was not preserved by the reductions. Recently Nayak, Schulman and Vazirani gave a quantum algorithm for sampling Ising spin states based on the JS algorithm. We show that by using the JS algorithm and a third equivalent representation of the Ising partition function (the Fortuin-Kasteleyn `random-cluster model’), self-reducibility yields a (classical) polynomial time algorithm for sampling Ising spin configurations.
Shifting replication between IInd, IIIrd, and IVth gears

We used to think cells could get by with just a few DNA polymerases. One processive polymerase in Escherichia coli [polymerase III (Pol III)] was needed to make the long trip around the genome, and another one (Pol I) was needed to replace Okazaki fragment primers or damaged nucleotides. This view changed radically after 2 seminal studies by Nelson, Lawrence, and Hinkle (1, 2) in which 2 yeast enzymes, Rev1 and Rev3-Rev7, were found to incorporate nucleosides or polymerize past template sites with missing or damaged bases. These new polymerases helped to explain a rich history of mutational phenomena and led to the realization that organisms have several of these specialized DNA polymerases; E. coli has 3 (Pol II, Pol IV, and Pol V). Yeast have 5. Humans have >10. Each appears specialized for polymerization through different structural classes of DNA damage (3). Although there is no shortage of polymerases from which to choose, the question of how and when they act in the cell has proved difficult to answer. Perhaps this is not so surprising when one considers how long they went unnoticed. A novel and provocative function is proposed in this issue of PNAS in a study by Indiani et al. (4). They demonstrate that either Pol II or Pol IV can replace Pol III at an active replication fork. When this occurs, the new polymerases shift the replisome into a “lower gear,” reducing the speed of replication. That observation complements a recent in vivo study by Uchida et al. (5) in which the rate of DNA synthesis could be slowed or inhibited by overexpression of Pol IV. Indiani et al. (4) found that this was also true when Pol II was overexpressed. Both studies speculate that the slower Pol II or Pol IV replisomes are biologically relevant, serving a checkpoint-like function that allows more time for damaged DNA to be repaired before it is replicated (Fig. 1A).
European and East Asian exceptionalism: Agriculture and economic growth

Agriculture's role in development has traditionally been seen to be a provider of things to the modern industrial sector. In this paper it is argued that those countries which historically have succeeded as those which have, at least for some time period, nurtured agriculture. Bates has pointed out that this was the case for English agriculture and this paper argues that it was also the case for Japan during both the Tokugawa and Meiji periods. Japanese colonization of Korea and Taiwan assured that agriculture was also protected, at least prior to World War II, in these latter two countries. Finally, this paper argues that the key role of agriculture in industrialization is in terms of providing a growing market for manufactured goods.
Synergism between Gibberellin and Auxin in the Growth of Intact Tomato

Gibberellin A4&7 was more effective than gibberellic acid in increasing shoot elongation when applied to the apex of intact Lycopersicum esculentum seedlings of Tiny Tim, a dwarf cultivar, and Winsall, a tall cultivar. After 14 days, gibberellic acid and gibberellin A4&7 stimulated growth of the dwarf more than the tall tomato. In tall tomato the application of indole-3-acetic acid alone (6.1 μg/plant) showed an inhibitory growth effect, but when applied with 17.5 μg per plant of gibberellic acid, it had a synergistic effect at 7 days but not at 14 days. When the auxin concentration was reduced to 0.61 μg per plant a synergistic effect was observed on tall plants at 7 and 14 days between indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid. Application of gibberellin A4&7 with auxin did not give a synergistic response in tall or dwarf tomato.
Improving mixing efficiency of a polymer micromixer by use of a plastic shim divider

In this paper, a critical modification to a polymer based affordable split-and-recombination static micromixer is described. To evaluate the improvement, both the original and the modified design were carefully investigated using an experimental setup and numerical modeling approach. The structure of the micromixer was designed to take advantage of the process capabilities of both ultraprecision micromachining and microinjection molding process. Specifically, the original and the modified design were numerically simulated using commercial finite element method software ANSYS CFX to assist the re-designing of the micromixers. The simulation results have shown that both designs are capable of performing mixing while the modified design has a much improved performance. Mixing experiments with two different fluids were carried out using the original and the modified mixers again showed a significantly improved mixing uniformity by the latter. The measured mixing coefficient for the original design was 0.11, and for the improved design it was 0.065. The developed manufacturing process based on ultraprecision machining and microinjection molding processes for device fabrication has the advantage of high-dimensional precision, low cost and manufacturing flexibility.
Ordinary Knowing and Policy Science: Making Ends Meet

This article addresses the interaction between ordinary knowing and policy science knowledge and the implications of this interaction for knowledge utilization. The role of ordinary knowing is assessed from two perspectives. First, the significance of evolu tionary epistemologies is discussed. Second, communication and persuasion theory as they are related to ordinary knowledge are explicated. The implications of these two perspectives are then assessed.
Implications of Using Hemoglobin A1C for Diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus

Until 2010, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was based solely on glucose concentration, but the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations now include a new criterion: hemoglobin A1C ≥6.5%. Because this change may have significant implications for diabetes diagnosis, we conducted a comprehensive literature review including peer-reviewed articles not referenced in the ADA report. We conclude that A1C and plasma glucose tests are frequently discordant for diagnosing diabetes. A1C ≥6.5% identifies fewer individuals as having diabetes than glucose-based criteria. Convenience of A1C test might increase the number of patients diagnosed, but this is unproven. Diagnostic cut-points for both glucose and A1C are based on consensus judgments regarding optimal sensitivity and specificity for the complications of hyperglycemia. A1C may not accurately reflect levels of glycemia in some situations, but in comparison with glucose measurements, it has greater analytic stability and less temporal variability. When choosing a diagnostic test for diabetes, the limitations of each choice must be understood. Clinical judgment and consideration of patient preference are required to appropriately select among the diagnostic alternatives.
Intra - operative Anesthesia Management in Patients Undergoing Surgical Irreversible Electroporation of the Pancreas, Liver, Kidney, and Retroperitoneal Tumors

Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a relatively new approach to the management of multiple types of locally advanced soft tissue tumors. Unique peri-procedural anesthetic management is needed in the safe and effective delivery of this therapy. Objectives This study analyzed IRE therapy in relation to anesthetic management for our initial cohort and then established and validated a set of best practical guidelines for general anesthesia in patients undergoing IRE for abdominal tumors. Patients and methods An IRB-approved prospective data collection outcome protocol was utilized. This study was broken up into two cohorts as follows: the initial 38 patients (pts) undergoing IRE in which anesthetic management was not defined or optimized and then a 40-pt validation cohort to establish the most efficacious anesthetic protocols. Results During IRE delivery, a deeper neuromuscular blockade is required to ensure that all retroperitoneal muscle excitation was minimized. In the initial 38-pt cohort, attempts to treat hypertension (median SBP 190, range 185-215 and median diastolic 98, range 91-115) were made with various types of anti-hypertensives with minimal-to-insufficient effects. The established inhalation was sevoflurane with an approximate median dose of 8.0 volume percentage. Analgesic management of continuous remifentanil was utilized with epidural management, which optimized HTN and tolerance to IRE therapy. Conclusions Anesthetic management for IRE of soft tissue deviates from standard anesthetic medical therapy in regards to depth of neuromuscular blockade and analgesic management during IRE energy delivery. However, minor modifications in anesthesia management allow for a safe and efficient patient procedure.
Collective plasmon excitations in random layered superlattices

Abstract We consider the effect of variations in film thickness on plasmons propagating in finite superlattices. We present a brief theoretical discussion valid for structures composed of random-layered media. Although an explicit dispersion relation is not derived, we present numerical examples which demonstrate the effect of varying the thickness of a single film. For the geometry we consider, the collective plasmon excitations are nearly insensitive to random perturbations in thickness.
The Hawaii geothermal applications program

The Puna Research Center (PRC) will provide a facility next to the Hawaii Geothermal Project for high technology research, development and demonstration in geothermal and related activities. PRC will initiate an industrial park development and examine multi-purpose dehydration, minerals utilization and biomass applications related to this technology. The facility will become operational in autumn 1985.
RADIOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF PULMONARY METASTASIS IN 25 CATS

Thoracic radiographs of 25 cats with pulmonary metastatic disease and confirmed primary tumors were reviewed retrospectively. Pulmonary patterns of metastasis were divided into three categories, described as well-defined interstitial nodules, ill-defined interstitial nodules or a diffuse pulmonary pattern. The latter consisted of an alveolar pattern with or without ill-defined pulmonary nodules and/or pleural effusion. More cats presented with pulmonary metastatic disease in the category of either ill-defined nodules (n = 10) or a diffuse pattern (n = 7). Within this group, the most commonly represented primary tumor was mammary gland adenocarcinoma.
Crosstalk between ubiquitin and other post-translational modifications on chromatin during double-strand break repair

The cellular response to DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) involves a conserved mechanism of recruitment and activation of numerous proteins involved in this pathway. The events that trigger this response in mammalian cells involve several post-translational modifications, but the role of non-proteasomal ubiquitin signaling is particularly central to this pathway. Recent work has demonstrated that ubiquitination does not act alone, but in concert with other post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, ADP-ribosylation, and other ubiquitin-like modifiers, particularly SUMOylation. We review novel and exciting crosstalk mechanisms between ubiquitination and other post-translational modifications, many of which work synergistically with each other to activate signaling events and help recruit important DNA damage effector proteins, particularly BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) and 53BP1 (tumor protein p53 binding protein 1), to sites of DNA damage.
Expression profiling of genes encoding glutamate and GABA receptor subunits in three immortalized GnRH cell lines.

Abstract Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a central role in regulating development and function of the reproductive axis, and its secretion is known to be influenced by glutamate and GABA. In the present study, we used gene microarrays and RT-PCR to compare the expression profiles of glutamate and GABA receptor subunits in three immortalized GnRH cell lines: GT1-1, GT1-7, and Gn10. All of these cell lines expressed the AMPA glutamate receptor subunit genes GluR2 and GluR4, but only the GT1-1 and GT1-7 cells expressed the kainate glutamate receptor subunit gene KA2. Additionally, GluRδ2, a subunit that can form heteromeric receptors with kainate and AMPA subunits, was present in GT1-1 and Gn10 cells but not in GT1-7 cells. Genes encoding the GABAA receptor α3, β2, β3, e, and π subunits, as well as the GABAB receptor 1 subunit, were evident in all three cell lines. However, the gene encoding the expression of GABAA receptor γ subunit was noticeably absent. Taken together, these data demonstrate comprehensive screening of neurotransmitter receptor genes in a controlled neuronal culture system, and reveal novel features.
Lead concentrations and reproductive success in european starlings Sturnus vulgaris nesting within highway roadside verges

In 1981, we studied lead concentrations and reproductive success in freeliving European starlings Sturnus vulgaris nesting within the verges of two Maryland highways with different traffic volumes, Route 197 (average daily traffic volume [ADT] = 10 800 vehicles) and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (ADT = 52 500 vehicles) and a nearby control area. Concentrations (mgkg−1 dry weight) of lead in the ingesta (84–94 mg kg−1), carcasses (4·0–9·6 mgkg−1) and feathers (6·8–52 mgkg−1) of Parkway nestlings and adults were 3 to 13 times those found in starlings from the control area, whereas lead concentrations in the ingesta and tissues of starlings from the verge of Route 197 were similar to those of controls. Activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in red blood cells (RBCs) of adult and nestling starling from the Parkway was depressed from 43 to 60% compared to controls. RBC ALAD activity in adults from nests along Route 197 was similar to that of adult starlings from the control area, but that of their young was depressed 17%. Haemoglobin concentrations (−16%) and haematocrits (−10%) in Parkway nestlings were depressed compared with those of nestlings from the other two study areas, whereas those of adults were not affected. Clutch size, number of young hatched and the number of young in nests 1 to 3 days before fledging were similar among sites, as were body weights of adults and prefledging weights of their young. However, brain weights of Parkway nestlings were lower (P<0·05) than those of nestlings from the other study areas. Results suggest that lead within verges of major highways probably does not pose a serious hazard to adult ground-foraging songbirds. However, the effects of lead-induced reductions in haemoglobin concentration, haemotocrit, RBC ALAD activity and brain weight on the postfledging survival of their young are not known.
Application of screening tools in the prevention of reactive chemical incidents

Abstract Reactive chemical incidents have led to numerous losses in the process industries and have affected the environment and the public. However, at present there is no real consensus on how to manage or regulate reactive chemicals. This paper analyzes 167 reactive incidents reported in a study conducted by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). This analysis concludes that most of the information to identify and assess hazards in order to prevent incidents already existed in the literature. This paper discusses a few simple and easy approaches to access the needed hazard information. Using the described screening tools, reactive hazards can be easily identified. These tools will be especially helpful for small- or medium-sized companies who do not have extensive capabilities or resources for experimental testing.
Kant's Concept of the Highest Good and the Archetype-Ectype Distinction

Kant’s concept of the highest good continues to puzzle and confound readers of his practical philosophy. Many interpretations have been offered of the concept and the role it plays in Kant’s moral philosophy. In fact, Kant’s moral philosophy demands both a secular highest good in the world and a non-secular highest good beyond this world. It is neither a careless mistake nor simple religious devotion that leads Kant to speak of the highest good as both a state to be pursued in the world we live in and an otherworldly, future state. Instead, there are logical reasons that require positing both a highest good in this world and a highest good outside this world. Kant draws a distinction between archetypes and ectypes and this distinction is crucial to explaining the full complexity and relationship of his two descriptions of the highest good.
Direct and indirect assessment of skeletal muscle blood flow in chronic congestive heart failure.

In patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), skeletal muscle blood flow can be measured directly by the continuous thermodilution technique and by the xenon 133 clearance method. The continuous thermodilution technique requires retrograde catheterization of the femoral vein and, thus, cannot be repeated conveniently in patients during evaluation of pharmacologic interventions. The xenon 133 clearance, which requires only an intramuscular injection, allows repeated determination of skeletal muscle blood flow. In patients with severe CHF, a fixed capacity of the skeletal muscle vasculature to dilate appears to limit maximal exercise performance. Moreover, the changes in peak skeletal muscle blood flow noted during long-term administration of captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, appears to correlate with the changes in aerobic capacity. In patients with CHF, resting supine deep femoral vein oxygen content can be used as an indirect measurement of resting skeletal muscle blood flow. The absence of a steady state complicates the determination of peak skeletal muscle blood flow reached during graded bicycle or treadmill exercise in patients with chronic CHF. Indirect assessments of skeletal muscle blood flow and metabolism during exercise performed at sub-maximal work loads are currently developed in patients with chronic CHF.
Episodic predation of mammals by stream fishes in a boreal river basin

Stream-dwelling fish typically feed on small prey items, such as benthic invertebrates, but maintain the capacity to opportunistically feed on rare, large-bodied prey when available. However, consumption of particularly large prey is typically viewed as isolated events that are not organised spatially or temporally across watersheds. We assessed the occurrence of small mammals in the stomach contents of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) over 13 years in the Wood River basin, Alaska (59°34′N, 158°48′W). Shrews (Sorex spp.) were the dominant mammals observed episodically every 2–3 years in the stomach contents of fish. Notably, shrew consumption was correlated in both Arctic grayling and rainbow trout within individual streams, and across the river basin in several subwatersheds. Predators of shrews were usually the largest individuals within each population, suggesting that smaller fish are gape-limited and that dominant fish monopolised mammal prey. On average, 24% (11–38%) of Arctic grayling >298 mm (fork length) and rainbow trout >290 mm contained mammal prey during peak years. Small mammal populations often cycle every 2–5 years with well-known functional and numerical effects for terrestrial predators, a dynamic that may be reflected in our 13 years data set of diet contents for aquatic predators. Although numerically infrequent when averaged over time, small mammal subsidies to streams may be episodically important to the energy budgets of long-lived consumers in freshwater environments.
Clinical predictors of neurocognitive deficits in children with chronic kidney disease

The purpose of the study was to explore associations between neurocognitive function and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related clinical characteristics. Twenty-nine children, ages 7 to 19 years, with an estimated creatinine clearance (eCrCl) of 4-89 ml/min per 1.73 m2 body surface area were enrolled. Intellectual function (IQ), memory, and attention were measured and expressed as age-based standard scores. Clinical data were obtained by physical examination, laboratory testing, parental questionnaires and medical chart review. Pearson correlations and standard Student's t-tests were used to identify significant (P < 0.05) relationships between targeted clinical variables and neurocognitive scores. Increased CKD severity correlated with lower IQ (P = 0.001) and memory function (P = 0.02). Memory function was lower in children with longer duration of disease (P = 0.03). Similarly, IQ scores were lowest when kidney disease had started at a younger age (P = 0.03) and with a greater percent of life with CKD (P = 0.04). Our findings provide preliminary evidence that increased disease severity, longer duration of disease, and younger age of onset of kidney disease potentially place children with CKD at increased risk of neurocognitive deficits. Additional investigation is required to better quantify these risk factors, particularly regarding how much variability is accounted for by these specific risk factors.
High latitude minor ion enhancements: A clue for studies of magnetosphere-atmosphere coupling

Unexpectedly abrupt and pronounced distributions of the thermal molecular ions NO(+), O2(+) and N2(+) were observed at mid and high latitudes by the OGO-6 ion mass spectrometer. These minor ions may reach concentration levels exceeding 1000 ions/cu cm at altitudes as great as 1000 km, suggestive of scale heights well in excess of those inferred from low and mid-latitude measurements, under relatively undisturbed conditions. The high latitude ion enhancements were observed to be narrowly defined in time and space, with molecular ion concentrations changing by as much as an order of magnitude between successive orbits.
Fatty acid modulation and polyamine block of GluK2 kainate receptors analyzed by scanning mutagenesis.

RNA editing of kainate receptor subunits at the Q/R site determines their susceptibility to inhibition by cis-unsaturated fatty acids as well as block by cytoplasmic polyamines. Channels comprised of unedited (Q) subunits are strongly blocked by polyamines, but insensitive to fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), whereas homomeric edited (R) channels resist polyamine block but are inhibited by AA and DHA. In the present study, we have analyzed fatty acid modulation of whole-cell currents mediated by homomeric recombinant GluK2 (formerly GluR6) channels with individual residues in the pore-loop, M1 and M3 transmembrane helices replaced by scanning mutagenesis. Our results define three abutting surfaces along the M1, M2, and M3 helices where gain-of-function substitutions render GluK2(Q) channels susceptible to fatty acid inhibition. In addition, we identify four locations in the M3 helix (F611, L614, S618, and T621) at the level of the central cavity where Arg substitution increases relative permeability to chloride and eliminates polyamine block. Remarkably, for two of these positions, L614R and S618R, exposure to fatty acids reduces the apparent chloride permeability and potentiates whole-cell currents ∼5 and 2.5-fold, respectively. Together, our results suggest that AA and DHA alter the orientation of M3 in the open state, depending on contacts at the interface between M1, M2, and M3. Moreover, our results demonstrate the importance of side chains within the central cavity in determining ionic selectivity and block by cytoplasmic polyamines despite the inverted orientation of GluK2 as compared with potassium channels and other pore-loop family members.
The Relationship between Total Cloud Lightning Behavior and Radar-Derived Thunderstorm Structure

AbstractTotal lightning detection systems have been in development since the mid-1980s and deployed in several areas around the world. Previous studies on total lightning found intra- and intercloud lightning (IC) activity tends to fluctuate significantly during the lifetime of thunderstorms and have indicated that lightning jumps or rapid changes in lightning flash rates are closely linked to changes in the vertical integrated liquid (VIL) reading on the National Weather Service’s Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) systems. This study examines the total lightning and its relationship to WSR-88D signatures used operationally to determine thunderstorm severity to highlight the potential benefit of a combined forecast approach. Lightning and thunderstorm data from the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona, areas from 2006 to 2009, were used to relate total lightning behavior and radar interrogation techniques. The results indicate that lightning jumps can be classified into severe win...
Acoustic droplet vaporization for the enhancement of ultrasound thermal therapy

Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) is an ultrasound method for converting biocompatible microdroplets into microbubbles. The objective is to demonstrate that ADV bubbles can enhance high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy by controlling and increasing energy absorption at the focus. Thermal phantoms were made with or without droplets. Compound lesions were formed in the phantoms by 5-second exposures with 5-second delays. Center to center spacing of individual lesions was 5.5 mm in either a linear pattern or a spiral pattern. Prior to the HIFU, 10 cycle tone bursts with 0.25% duty cycle were used to vaporize the droplets, forming an “acoustic trench” within 30 seconds. The transducer was then focused in the middle of the back bubble wall to form thermal lesions in the trench. All lesions were imaged optically and with 2T MRI. With the use of ADV and the acoustic trench, a uniform thermal ablation volume of 15 cm3 was achieved in 4 minutes; without ADV only less than 15% of this volume was filled. The commonly seen tadpole shape characteristic of bubble-enhanced HIFU lesions was not evident with the acoustic trench. In conclusion, ADV shows promise for the spatial control and dramatic acceleration of thermal lesion production by HIFU.
Transmission of scotopic signals from the rod to rod-bipolar cell in the mammalian retina

Mammals can see at low scotopic light levels where only 1 rod in several thousand transduces a photon. The single photon signal is transmitted to the brain by the ganglion cell, which collects signals from more than 1000 rods to provide enough amplification. If the system were linear, such convergence would increase the neural noise enough to overwhelm the tiny rod signal. Recent studies provide evidence for a threshold nonlinearity in the rod to rod bipolar synapse, which removes much of the background neural noise. We argue that the height of the threshold should be 0.85 times the amplitude of the single photon signal, consistent with the saturation observed for the single photon signal. At this level, the rate of false positive events due to neural noise would be masked by the higher rate of dark thermal events. The evidence presented suggests that this synapse is optimized to transmit the single photon signal at low scotopic light levels.
A generic framework for machine transliteration

Machine Transliteration deals with the conversion of textstrings from one orthography to another, while preservingthe phonetics of the strings in the two languages. Translit-eration is an important problem in machine translation orcrosslingual information retrieval, asmost propernamesandgeneric iconic terms are out-of-vocabulary words, and there-fore need to be transliterated. There are numerous methodsexplored in the literature for machine transliteration, rang-ing from rule-based techniques to statistical learning tech-niques. Herewefocusourattentiononlanguage-independenttechniques that potentially can scale well with a large num-ber of languages. In this paper, we present a modular, sta-tistical learning framework that lends itself for easy exper-imentation with transliteration tasks between a variety ofdiﬀerentlanguages, in a language-independentmanner. Theworkbench includes a variety of components – algorithms,data-sets and transliterations scripts – for a quick assemblyof an eﬀective transliteration system across langauges. Webelieve that such workbenches would be important in an in-creasingly multilingual world, for buildingsystemsthat spana number of languages, quickly and eﬀectively.
Model-driven development: the good, the bad, and the ugly

In large software development organizations, increased complexity of products, shortened development cycles, and heightened expectations of quality have created major challenges at all the stages of the software life cycle. As this issue of the IBM Systems Journal illustrates, there are exciting improvements in the technologies of model-driven development (MDD) to meet many of these challenges. Even though the prevalent software-development practices in the industry are still immature, tools that embody MDD technologies are finally being incorporated in large-scale commercial software development. Assuming MDD pervades the industry over the next several years, there is reason to hope for significant improvements in software quality and time to value, but it is far from a foregone conclusion that MDD will succeed where previous software-engineering approaches have failed.
Activation and inhibition of native neuronal alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic ACh receptors

Tuberomammillary histamine neurons (TM) of the posterior hypothalamus exclusively express alpha-bungarotoxin (alphaBgt) sensitive nicotinic receptors, providing a unique model system for studying physiological properties of native alpha7-like receptors. Here the properties of alphaBgt-sensitive receptors were investigated using the patch-clamp technique and rapid application of acetylcholine (ACh) or the alpha7-selective agonists, 3-(4-hydroxy,2-methoxybenzylidene)anabaseine (4OH-GTS-21), and choline. Alpha-Bgt-sensitive receptor responses to rapid application of high agonist concentrations were characterized by a transient current which rapidly decayed in a voltage-independent concentration-dependent manner to a relatively sustained slow current. Upon agonist removal, current persisted for several milliseconds (or longer) and increased above the level of the slow current (rebound). Lower agonist concentrations did not produce a rebound. Our analysis suggests that the current rebound represents a recovery phase from a low potency inhibition. This inhibition was voltage-dependent for ACh and choline but voltage-independent for 4OH-GTS-21. A slow form of desensitization was present which was relatively agonist-independent and was faster than the rate of 4OH-GTS-21 unbinding. Kinetic analysis revealed that the concentration dependence of the transient response amplitudes was compromised by solution exchange; net charge measurements over the late response phases were chosen as an alternative measure of concentration/response function. Our data suggest that low agonist concentrations can evoke a prolonged or tonic-like receptor activation. Functioning in this modality, receptors would regulate calcium homeostasis over a narrow, but therapeutically important, range of intracellular calcium concentrations. This could then provide the basis for cytoprotective effects of 4OH-GTS-21 and other nicotinic agonists, mediating trophic and neuromodulatory functions.
Roles of family cohesiveness, marital adjustment, andchild temperament in predicting child behavior with mothers and fathers

The current study explored how family characteristics (i.e., family cohesiveness and marital adjustment) and child characteristics (i.e., temperament) assessed when the child was 13 months old predicted child behavior with mothers and fathers at 36 months. Mother–father–child interaction was observed to assess family cohesiveness at 13 months. Mothers and fathers also completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of marital adjustment and their child’s temperament at 13 months. Based on dyadic parent–child interactions at 36 months, under-controlled behavior and positive engagement were examined as outcome variables. Results indicated that observed family cohesiveness predicted positive engagement with both parents. Moreover, in families with high cohesiveness at 13 months, child behavior was significantly consistent across mother–child and father–child interactions, whereas in families with low cohesiveness, consistency of child behavior was not observed. Results also revealed that fathers’ percep...
Characterization of low-cycle fatigue damage in inconel 718 by laser light scanning

A technique for in situ laser light scanning (LLS) was developed to monitor surface damage on nickel-base superalloy specimens under low-cycle fatigue conditions. This technique characterizes the surface state with a parameter called the defect frequency which minimizes memory requirements and data processing time since it does not involve image processing. As a result, the present technique is capable of scanning speeds that are substantially greater than those achieved with image processing methods. Cylindrical Inconel 718 specimens were tested using an automated servo-hydraulic machine at ambient temperature under fully reversed strain control conditions for constant strain amplitudes ranging from 0.3% to 1%. The fatigue damage was monitored by scanning a laser beam along the gauge section of the specimens during periodic interruptions of the cyclic loading. Acetate replicas of the gauge section surface were also made on some of the specimens to characterize the damage using SEM and image analysis techniques. Comparisons of the results demonstrate the capabilities of the present light-scanning technique for characterizing fatigue damage on the surface of the Inconel 718 specimens. In particular, a rapid rise in the mean defect frequency is shown to correspond to an initial increase in microcrack density that saturates at approximately 20% of the fatigue life. This transient behavior is followed by a plateau in defect frequency which corresponds to crack propagation and interlinkage until failure occurs. The number of cycles to microcrack density saturation as indicated by the defect frequency is found to be linearly related to the number of cycles to failure. Accordingly, the present system provides a characterization of microcrack damage that may be used to predict the low-cycle fatigue life of Inconel 718 specimens long before failure occurs.
The COMPASS family of H3K4 methylases in Drosophila

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is implemented by Set1/COMPASS, which was originally purified based on the similarity of yeast Set1 to human MLL1 and Drosophila melanogaster Trithorax (Trx). While humans have six COMPASS family members, Drosophila possesses a representative of the three subclasses within COMPASS-like complexes: dSet1 (human SET1A/SET1B), Trx (human MLL1/2), and Trr (human MLL3/4). Here, we report the biochemical purification and molecular characterization of the Drosophila COMPASS family. We observed a one-to-one similarity in subunit composition with their mammalian counterparts, with the exception of LPT (lost plant homeodomains [PHDs] of Trr), which copurifies with the Trr complex. LPT is a previously uncharacterized protein that is homologous to the multiple PHD fingers found in the N-terminal regions of mammalian MLL3/4 but not Drosophila Trr, indicating that Trr and LPT constitute a split gene of an MLL3/4 ancestor. Our study demonstrates that all three complexes in Drosophila are H3K4 methyltransferases; however, dSet1/COMPASS is the major monoubiquitination-dependent H3K4 di- and trimethylase in Drosophila. Taken together, this study provides a springboard for the functional dissection of the COMPASS family members and their role in the regulation of histone H3K4 methylation throughout development in Drosophila.
A General Saltus LLTM-R for Cognitive Assessments

The purpose of this paper is to propose a general saltus LLTM-R for cognitive assessments. The proposed model is an extension of the Rasch model that combines a linear logistic latent trait with an error term (LLTM-R), a multidimensional Rasch model, and the saltus model, a parsimonious, structured mixture Rasch model. The general saltus LLTM-R can be used to (1) estimate parameters that describe test items by substantive theories, (2) evaluate the latent constructs that are associated with the knowledge structures of the test items, and (3) test hypotheses on qualitative differences between the sub-populations of subjects with different problem solving strategies, cognitive processes, or developmental stages. Bayesian estimation of the proposed model is described with an application to a test of deductive reasoning in children.
The Idiōtēs and the Tyrant: Two Faces of Unaccountability in Democratic Athens

Athenian democracy is rightly recognized for its extensive network of accountability institutions. This essay focuses instead on popular unaccountability in democratic Athens: ordinary citizens participating but not speaking in the Courts and the Assembly were unaccountable. I explore possible justifications of popular unaccountability, including arguments from democratic sovereignty and epistemic arguments, and stress the importance of a third strand: the identification of jurors and assemblymen with deservedly unaccountable, because comparatively weak and powerless, idiōtai (private citizens), whose political activity failed to reach a level requiring intense scrutiny and control. Nonetheless, such a justification was always tenuous in light of the power jurors and assemblymen collectively wielded in the city. As I show through a reading of Aristophanes’s Wasps, it was always possible to destabilize the juror idiōtēs identity and replace it with a much more troubling image: the identification of the jur...
Friending, IMing, and hanging out face-to-face: overlap in adolescents' online and offline social networks.

Many new and important developmental issues are encountered during adolescence, which is also a time when Internet use becomes increasingly popular. Studies have shown that adolescents are using these online spaces to address developmental issues, especially needs for intimacy and connection to others. Online communication with its potential for interacting with unknown others, may put teens at increased risk. Two hundred and fifty-one high school students completed an in-person survey, and 126 of these completed an additional online questionnaire about how and why they use the Internet, their activities on social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace) and their reasons for participation, and how they perceive these online spaces to impact their friendships. To examine the extent of overlap between online and offline friends, participants were asked to list the names of their top interaction partners offline and online (Facebook and instant messaging). Results reveal that adolescents mainly use social networking sites to connect with others, in particular with people known from offline contexts. While adolescents report little monitoring by their parents, there was no evidence that teens are putting themselves at risk by interacting with unknown others. Instead, adolescents seem to use the Internet, especially social networking sites, to connect with known others. While the study found moderate overlap between teens’ closest online and offline friends, the patterns suggest that adolescents use online contexts to strengthen offline relationships.
Employment Dynamics and the Nashville Tornado

This study examines changes in Nashville's labor market following the April 16, 1998 tornado. Specifically, the study focuses on whether or not employment growth experienced a change in mean around the time of the tornado. A time series intervention model that allows for time- varying variance is used to examine the labor market dynamics associ- ated with the impact of the tornado and the ensuing recovery process. The analysis of employment growth is conducted at the aggregate (over- all) level as well as for seven industrial sectors. The empirical findings may be summarized as follows. The aggregate Nashville labor market, along with manufacturing, service, transportation and public utilities, and wholesale, retail trade sectors, experienced a more stable employ- ment growth rate in the post-tornado period. Employment in the con- struction and mining and government sectors exhibited no evidence of change between the pre- and post-tornado periods. Employment growth in the finance, insurance, and real estate sector was lower in the post- tornado period than in the pre-tornado period, while employment growth in the transportation and public utilities sector significantly in- creased in the period following the tornado.
Random Bayesian networks with bounded indegree

Bayesian networks (BN) are an extensively used graphical model for representing a probability distribution in articial intelligence, data mining, and machine learning. In this paper, we propose a simple model for large random BNs with bounded indegree, that is, large directed acyclic graphs (DAG) where the edges appear at random and each node has at most a given number of parents. Using this model, we can study useful asymptotic properties of large BNs and BN algorithms with basic combinatorics tools. We estimate the expected size of a BN, the expected size increase of moralization, the expected size of the Markov blanket, and the maximum size of a minimal d-separator. We also provide an upper bound on the average time complexity of an algorithm for nding a minimal d-separator. In addition, the estimates are evaluated against BNs learned from real world data.
RODMRP: Resilient On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol

ODMRP (on-demand multicast routing protocol) [S. Lee et al., 1999] [S.J. Lee et al., 2000] [S. Ho et al., 2000] is a popular multicast protocol for wireless ad hoc networks. The strengths of ODMRP are simplicity, high packet delivery ratio, and non-dependency on a specific unicast protocol. ODMRP floods a route request over the entire network to select a set of forwarding nodes for packet delivery. However, a single forwarding path is vulnerable to node failures, which are common due to the dynamic nature of mobile ad hoc networks. Furthermore, a set of misbehaving or malicious nodes can create network partitions and mount denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. We propose a ODMRP-based wireless multicast protocol named RODMRP that offers more reliable forwarding paths in face of node and network failures. A subset of the nodes that are not on forwarding paths rebroadcast received packets to nodes in their neighborhoods to overcome perceived node failures. This rebroadcasting creates redundant forwarding paths to circumvent failed areas in the network. Each node makes this forwarding decision probabilistically. Our simulation results indicate that RODMRP improves packet delivery ratio with minimal overheads, while retaining the original strengths of ODMRP.
Affordability of the National Flood Insurance Program: Application to Charleston County, South Carolina

AbstractIn March 2014, Congress passed legislation delaying the phasing-in of premium increases on discounted flood insurance policies that had been authorized in July 2012 by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. This reversal highlights the tension between the realization of risk-based premiums and affordability of flood insurance for homeowners in flood-prone areas. This study on Charleston County, South Carolina, seeks to understand how the tension can be resolved using a voucher program coupled with required mitigation. It specifically focuses on home elevation as the mitigation method. This paper demonstrates a potential average increase of 108 to 159% for high-risk single-family properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Charleston moving from a current discounted premium to a full risk-based premium as proposed by the 2012 legislation. Implementation of the proposed voucher program coupled with required mitigation can reduce government expenditures by more than half over a program that d...