cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Air Pollutant Reduction Credits for Alternative-Fuel Vehicles with AirCred

Primarily to assist the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities coalitions in estimating the net benefits of reducing air pollutant emissions gained by acquiring original equipment manufacture (OEM) alternativefuel vehicles (AFVs), Argonne National Laboratory has developed a graphical user interface-based benefit calculation model called AirCred. The application of this modeling tool has been extended to the estimation of state implementation plan credits for AFVs that may be claimed in nonattainment and maintenance regions for ozone and carbon monoxide. The tool also has been approved for and applied to the quantification of projected program benefits in applications for grant support to purchase OEM AFVs under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. First, the model's founding principles and relatively simple mechanics are presented, accompanied by graphic displays of data input screens and comparative results for various vehicular categories. Current and ...
Factor Analysis of Fracture‐Toughness Test Parameters for Al2O3

The double-cantilever-beam technique was used to determine the effects of varying 6 factors related to specimen preparation, size, and testing conditions on the fracture toughness of polycrystalline Al2O3. Experimental design and statistical factor analysis techniques were used to investigate each factor at two levels. Direct fracture surface replication and electron microscopy provided supporting information about the fracture mode and fracture surface features for each test condition. The fracture toughness of Al2O3 was higher for 30-μm grain size than for 10-μm grain size. Pretest annealing (900°C) and specimen width were both significant factors for 10-μm Al2O3. The effects of variations of beam width, beam height, and test machine speed were masked by data scatter and are being studied further. The ratio of specimen width to fracture web width caused no effect in the range studied. The sensitivity of the test results to sample dimensions and surface finish is small enough that special care in cutting and measuring of samples is not required.
New point-of-care intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay for intraoperative guidance in parathyroidectomy.

The use of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (QPTH) to guide a limited parathyroidectomy in patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (SPHPT) is well established. The advantage of having this assay performed in the operating room is immediate feedback for (1) confirming the complete excision of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid(s); (2) differential jugular venous sampling for localization; and (3) diagnosing suspected tissue without histopathology. For these reasons, the reliability of the hormone measurement and a short assay turnaround time are essential for surgical guidance. We report our experience using a new "point-of-care" assay for intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). A new two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay was used. The antibodies are inside a microtiter well, where the iPTH is measured by a strip luminometer after incubation for 5 minutes. Sixteen frozen samples were measured simultaneously using the traditional iPTH assay and this new assay for comparison. Fifty-one patients with SPHPT underwent parathyroidectomy guided by this new assay. The criteria used to predict postoperative normocalcemia was a drop in the hormone level of ≤ 50% from the highest preincision or preexcision levels at 10 minutes after excision of all hypersecreting gland(s). The correlation between the traditional and new assays was 0.98. The assay predicted the postoperative calcium levels in all patients except one (false negative-delayed drop). The assay turnaround time was 8 minutes. This new point-of-care assay is reliable for predicting postoperative calcium levels when used with the described criteria. It has advantages over the traditional assay in that it is faster and easier to perform.
Executive Function Impairment and Recidivism in Adult Protective Services Clients Referred for a Decision Making Capacity Assessment

The objective of this study was to determine if recidivistic Adult Protective Services (APS) cases referred for a decision-making capacity assessment were more cognitively impaired than nonrecidivistic cases. A retrospective medical record review of neuropsychological and demographic data was gathered during decisional capacity assessments. Recidivistic clients were those referred to APS more than once; those with a single open case were nonrecidivistic. Mean neuropsychological test scores were compared between recidivistic (n = 138) and nonrecidivistic (n = 95) subjects. No significant differences were found for age, gender, ethnicity, education, or dwelling status. Both recidivistic and nonrecidivistic cases performed poorly in all cognitive domains. Recidivistic clients performed significantly worse on measures of executive function (CLOX1, EXIT25). Executive function impairments seem to be one risk factor for recidivism in APS referrals. With 60% of cases referred for decision capacity assessments being recidivistic, identifying risk factors may help identify when targeted interventions are indicated to preclude recurrence of abuse.
Demographics and trends in nonoperating-room anesthesia.

Purpose of review Nonoperating-room anesthesia includes sedation or anesthesia for radiological imaging, cardiac catheterization, office-based surgery, and pediatric procedures or investigations, all of which have seen explosive growth over the last decade. This review discusses the factors that are driving this growth and the challenges we face as a profession to accommodate new practice paradigms. Recent findings Many departments have difficulty providing services for nonoperating-room anesthesia. A shortage of providers, insufficient reimbursement, and lack of institutional support have been identified as barriers limiting delivery of pediatric nonoperating-room sedation services. Practitioners from other specialties appear increasingly eager to provide sedation at an institutional level. The use of propofol by nonanesthesiologists is widespread, and the issue of provider credentialing has yet to be fully resolved. The shift to nonoperating-room locations will continue, driven by cost savings and convenience for patients and providers. Summary Nonoperating-room anesthesia will play a central role in anesthesia practice in the future. Provision of these services requires planning, personnel, and institutional resources. This should be a high priority for anesthesiology departments to ensure delivery of the highest quality of patient care in a cost-effective and organized manner.
Oscillation and nonoscillation for systems of two first-order linear differential equations with delay

Functional differential equations with delay provide a mathematical model for a physical or biology system in which the rate of change of the system depends upon its past history. In the literature, there are several papers [14] concerning the study of oscillatory behavior of solutions of first order differential equations with time delay. But there are few results [S] about the oscillation of linear system of first order equation with delay. In this paper, we study the oscillatory behavior of linear system with delay. First, in Section 2, we consider the case of constant coefficients in details. We show that the delay can cause or destroy the oscillations. We present constructive procedure to generate or destroy oscillations of a system. In section 3 we consider the case of variable coefficients and obtain some results analogous to the result in Section 2.
Functional outcomes and life satisfaction in long-term survivors of pediatric sarcomas.

Abstract Gerber LH, Hoffman K, Chaudhry U, Augustine E, Parks R, Bernad M, Mackall C, Steinberg S, Mansky P. Functional outcomes and life satisfaction in long-term survivors of pediatric sarcomas. Objectives To describe the inter-relationships among impairments, performance, and disabilities in survivors of pediatric sarcoma and to identify measurements that profile survivors at risk for functional loss. Design Prospective, cross-sectional. Setting Research facility. Participants Thirty-two participants in National Cancer Institute clinical trials. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Range of motion (ROM), strength, limb volume, grip strength, walk velocity, Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS); Human Activity Profile (HAP), Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), standard form of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36); and vocational attitudes and leisure satisfaction. Results Twenty of 30 survivors tested had moderate or severe loss of ROM; 13 of 31 tested had 90% or less of predicted walk velocity; all of whom had trunk or lower-extremity lesions. Women with decreased ROM ( r =.50, P =.06) or strength ( r =.74, P =.002) had slow gait velocity. Sixteen of 31 tested were more than 1 standard deviation below normal grip strength. Eighteen had increased limb volume. These 18 had low physical competence (SF-36) ( r =−.70, P =.001) and high SIP scores ( r =.73, P =.005). AMPS scores were lower than those of the matched normed sample ( P P Conclusions Survivors with lower-extremity or truncal lesions and women with decreased ROM and strength likely have slow walk velocity, low exercise tolerance, and high risk for functional loss. They should be identified using ROM, strength, limb volume, and walk time measures.
Calculating biodegradation rates

Abstract Mathematical modeling of biodegradation is useful in determining the rate of loss of parent compound and the rate of production of secondary metabolites. These measures are important in estimating the persistence of xenobiotics in the environment. This paper reviews methods of fitting one and two compartment models to experimental data. Models for both decrease in parent compound and increase in metabolites in batch systems are discussed. The uses of the various mathematical parameters derived from the models are summarized.
Coagulation Properties of Abnormal and Normal Milk from Individual Cow Quarters

Abstract Individual quarter milk samples from two Jersey and two Holstein herds were tested for chymosin coagulation time and curd firmness in the Formagraph instrument. Normal and abnormal milk samples were identified from somatic cell counts. Conductivity measurements and pH were determined. Coagulation properties of normal and abnormal milk drawn from individual quarters were significantly different. Abnormal milk had longer coagulation times and formed weaker curd than normal milk. Both normal and abnormal Jersey milk had shorter coagulation times and formed firmer curd than normal and abnormal Holstein milk. Coagulation properties of milk samples containing primary or secondary pathogens were not significantly different from each other but were inferior to samples that contained no pathogens.
Energy monitoring in residential spaces with audio sensor nodes: TinyEARS

Awareness on how and where energy is consumed is being increasingly recognized as the key to prevent waste in next-generation smart buildings. However, while several solutions exist to monitor energy consumption patterns for commercial and industrial users, energy reporting systems currently available to residential users require time-consuming and intrusive installation procedures, or are otherwise unable to provide device-level reports on energy consumption. To fill this gap, this paper discusses the design and performance evaluation of the Tiny Energy Accounting and Reporting System (TinyEARS), an energy monitoring system that generates device-level power consumption reports primarily based on the acoustic signatures of household appliances detected by wireless sensors. Experiments demonstrate that TinyEARS is able to report the power consumption of individual household appliances within a 10% error margin.
Descending neural projections to the spinal cord in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase was used to determine the descending projections to the spinal cord in an otophysan fish, the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. The majority of cells projecting to the spinal cord are located in the reticular formation, which is organized into rhombomeric segments. Vestibulospinal neurons are located in the descending, magnocellular, and tangential octaval nuclei, as well as in the medial octavolateralis nucleus of the lateral line system. Cells in the facial lobe project to the spinal cord. Additionally, axons of cells of the trigeminal system and the nucleus of the lateral lemniscus project caudally into the spinal cord. In the midbrain, descending spinal projections arise from cells of the medial longitudinal fasciculus and the red nucleus. More rostrally, cells of the ventrolateral thalamus, dorsal periventricular hypothalamus, central pretectal and magnocellular preoptic nuclei also project to the cord. The results of this study indicate that there are a number of homologies in the descending systems of bony fishes and other vertebrate taxa, including tetrapods. We also provide further evidence that a red nucleus is present in the brains of bony fishes and is therefore a primitive vertebrate character antedating the evolution of tetrapods. Anat. Rec. 252:235–253, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recurrent cerebral vascular accidents are an indication for ascending aortic endarterectomy

We present a patient with severe pedunculated ascending atherosclerosis associated with recurrent cerebral vascular accidents. We recommend that endarterectomy be considered for patients with recurrent cerebral vascular accidents associated with severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta when no other cause is found to explain the symptoms.
Unusual Nucleic Acid Binding Properties of Factor 2, an RNA Polymerase II Transcript Release Factor

Abstract Drosophila factor 2, an RNA polymerase II transcript release factor, exhibits a DNA-dependent ATPase activity (Xie, Z., and Price D. H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 31902–31907). We examined the nucleic acid requirement and found that only double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) effectively activated the ATPase. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) not only failed to activate the ATPase, but suppressed the dsDNA-dependent ATPase. Gel mobility shift assays showed that factor 2 formed stable complexes with dsDNA or ssDNA in the absence of ATP. However, in the presence of ATP, the interaction of factor 2 with dsDNA was destabilized, while the ssDNA-factor 2 complexes were not affected. The interaction of factor 2 with dsDNA was sensitive to increasing salt concentrations and was competed by ssDNA. In both cases, loss of binding of factor 2 to dsDNA was mirrored by a decrease in ATPase and transcript release activity, suggesting that the interaction of factor 2 with dsDNA is important in coupling the ATPase with the transcript release activity. Although the properties of factor 2 suggested that it might have helicase activity, we were unable to detect any DNA unwinding activity associated with factor 2.
Preliminary screening procedure for the MINLP synthesis of process systems. II: Heat exchanger networks

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present an implementation of the preliminary screening procedure for the MINLP synthesis of heat exchanger networks, based on the MINLP model by Yee and Grossmann, and utilizing as the aggregated model an MILP reformulation of the transshipment model. It is shown that the MILP reformulation of the transshipment model can be derived mathematically as an aggregation of the MINLP model. Several important aspects that enhance the preliminary screening are the following: First, the generation of the superstructure, as originally proposed, is modified in a preliminary analysis step. The resulting modified superstructure is shown to require no more, and generally fewer units than the original superstructure. Secondly, the transshipment model incorporates the aggregated area cost as an optimization variable, yielding a tight lower bound to the global optimal solution and better cost estimates of alternative solutions. Numerical examples are presented to show: (1) the extent to which the size of the original MINLP problem can be reduced, and thus the computational efficiency enhanced; (2) the robustness of the solution improved through the elimination of poor alternatives; and (3) the value of the global optimal solution of the reduced MINLP bounded.
Clausen's theorem and hypergeometric functions over finite fields

We prove a general identity for a F23 hypergeometric function over a finite field F"q, where q is a power of an odd prime. A special case of this identity was proved by Greene and Stanton in 1986. As an application, we prove a finite field analogue of Clausen's theorem expressing a F23 as the square of a F12. As another application, we evaluate an infinite family of F23(z) over F"q at z=-1/8. This extends a result of Ono, who evaluated one of these F23(-1/8) in 1998, using elliptic curves.
Galactic Chemical Evolution, AGB Stars, and the Apparent Time Variation of the Fine Structure Constant

Observations of quasar absorption spectra have suggested a variation of the fine structure constant α. This variation is a generic feature of many unified models of particle physics beyond the standard model, and hence, is a profound result. However, the most statistically significant portion of this sample involves the ratio of Mg to Fe wavelength shifts using the many-multiplet (MM) method. Recent calculations of low-metallicity intermediate-mass AGB stars are particularly important in this regard because they are shown to be copious producers of the heavy Mg isotopes. We have implemented these yields into a chemical evolution model and show that the ensuing isotope distribution of Mg can account for the observed α variation. These observations of quasar absorption spectra can be used to probe the nucleosynthetic history of high redshift (z > 0.5), low metallicity systems. This analysis and other abundances of low metallicity systems strengthen the mounting evidence that early star formation may have been influenced by an enhanced population of intermediate-mass stars. These intermediate-mass stars also affect other elemental and isotopic abundances, particularly CNO cycle elements. We compare our model to independent measurements of the C N, and O elements in Lyman-alpha clouds and show that the scenario we propose is consistent with observations.
Should all pregnant women be screened for gestational glucose intolerance

Although gestational glucose intolerance is associated with the remote development of diabetes mellitus, the risk to the mother during the index pregnancy and the risk to her fetus remain uncertain. Nevertheless, universal screening for gestational glucose intolerance has many strong advocates. The scientific data supporting a universal screening programme--showing that treatment of gestational glucose intolerance does more good than harm--are limited. Until the evidence can be extended beyond that on infant birthweight, a more restrained approach than universal screening may be appropriate.
The covering law model in archaeology: Practical uses and formal interpretations

Abstract In a recent issue of World Archaeology, Charles Morgan criticized our book, Explanation in Archaeology. We find much of his discussion to be not only unfair but wrong because: (1) He attacks us as though we were advocating the adoption of a formalist version of the Covering Law (CL) model by archaeologists, which we are not.
A framework for Monte Carlo simulation calculations in geant4

Abstract A description is given of a framework code that enables Monte Carlo simulations of experiments to be carried out easily and flexibly in geant4 . The structure of the code and a few limitations are discussed.
Generalized Model-Free Spectral Density Analysis Applied to Rhodopsin Activation in Membranes

Although molecular structures of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are becoming increasing available from X-ray crystallography, understanding their functions requires information about molecular dynamics in membranes. Here we use rhodopsin as a model to illuminate general features of GPCR activation. With solid-state 2H NMR spectroscopy we obtain experimental data pertinent to both structure and dynamics. Experimentally, order parameters and relaxation rates are the two observables of solid-state 2H NMR experiments. We propose that the local dynamics of the retinylidene ligand are coupled to large-scale fluctuations of the transmembrane helices of rhodopsin, leading to activation of the receptor. To study the structural dynamics of retinal bound to rhodopsin, we start with an irreducible representation of the correlation function in terms of mean-squared amplitudes and correlation times [1]. The mean-squared amplitudes are related to the orientational order parameter, while the irreducible correlation times include the preexponential factor and energy barrier. To bridge the generalized model-free theory with experimental measurements, we separated the relaxation rates into spectral densities by applying Redfield theory. The spectral densities are Fourier transformation partners of the irreducible correlation functions. By fitting theoretical spectral densities to experimental data we can readily obtain the values of preexponential factors and activation energies [2]. We are currently applying our generalized model-free method to interpret the behavior of active Meta-II rhodopsin. Our aim is to establish if the local fluctuations of the ligand initiate the structural changes of rhodopsin to understand the activation mechanisms of GPCRs in general. Moreover, the results from our generalized model-free analysis method can be used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations without the limitations of simplified motional models. [1] M.F. Brown (1982) JCP 77, 1576-1599. [2] A.V. Struts et al. (2011) NSMB 18, 392-394.
Primiparous and multiparous monkey mothers in a mildly stressful social situation: First three months

Eight primiparous rhesus monkey mothers were matched with 8 multiparous rhesus monkey mothers with regard to date of delivery and sex of infant. Each mother was housed and tested individually with her infant to preclude the compensating effects of peer experience. The test situation involved transporting each mother-infant pair from the home cage to a test cage of similar size where the pair was visually exposed to a strange mother-infant pair and human observers. The primiparous mothers looked at, threatened, fear grimaced, and lip-smacked to these social stimuli significantly more frequently than did the multiparous females. In addition, the inexperienced mothers stroked or petted their infants significantly more frequently than the experienced mothers. The results support the idea that primiparous mothers are more “anxious” or concerned for their infants' welfare than are multiparous mothers.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHANOL METABOLISM IN EUGLENA GRACILIS VAR. BACILLARIS.

SYNOPSIS. Respiration of nonphotosynthetic Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris is maximally stimulated by 10–30 on ethanol; lower ethanol concentrations produce lesser stimulation. The rate of respiration on ethanol is independent of pH (pH 3.0–9.0). Acetate-grown and ethanol-grown cells are similar in these respects. The respiratory quotient of ethanol metabolism is 0.30, and 0.966 mole O2 is consumed per mole of ethanol utilized. Constancy of the respiratory quotient and O2: ethanol ratio with time indicates that there is no transitory accumulation of partially oxidized intermediates during ethanol metabolism. A variety of tests indicate that oxidation of intracellular reserves continues during ethanol metabolism.
The impact of land use on estimates of pesticide leaching potential: Assessments and uncertainties

Abstract This paper illustrates the magnitude of uncertainty which can exist for pesticide leaching assessments, due to data uncertainties, both between soil orders and within a single soil order. The current work differs from previous efforts because the impact of uncertainty in recharge estimates is considered. The examples are for diuron leaching in the Pearl Harbor Basin. The results clearly indicate that land use has a significant impact on both estimates of pesticide leaching potential and the uncertainties associated with those estimates. It appears that the regulation of agricultural chemicals in the future should include consideration for changing land use.
Investigation of graft extenders in lumbar fusions: methodological and clinical concerns for current and future studies.

COMMENTARY ON: Epstein NE. Beta tricalcium phosphate: observation of use in 100 posterolateral lumbar instrumented fusions. Spine J 2009;9:630–8 (this issue) .
Rehearsal the perils of obedience - Itziar Barrio, July 2014, Abrons Art Center, New York

A group of actors is rehearsing a scene led by a director. All follow a script of exercises, where physical movements are combined with interviews, improvisations, and the reading of texts. Different contexts interlay in a large chain of events. Over the course of four days, the actors work until exhaustion, searching for nuances of the performing act, which reverberate in their own lives. For the final two days, the rehearsal opens to an audience. The entire process is recorded by a set of cameras, under the guidance of the artist.
Order‐disorder transitions in the extrusion of fiber‐filled poly (ethylene terephthalate) and blends

Order-disorder transitions occur in fiber orientation and distribution during extrusion of fiber-filled poly (ethylene terephthalate) and its blends with other polymers. Associated with these transitions are three characteristic regimes of extrudate surface morphology, cross-sectional structure and fiber distribution. Low wall shear rates result in a “smooth porcupine” surface, polygonal cross section, and uniform fiber distribution. Medium wall shear rates produce a “rough porcupine” surface, irregular cross section and tubular depletive fiber distribution with fibers depleting at a relative radial position r/R of 0.63 and accumulating at the surface and the axis. This is exactly opposite to the tubular pinch effect observed for neutrally buoyant rigid spheres which accumulate at r/R of 0.63 and deplete at the surface and the axis. High wall shear rates give a “shorn porcupine” surface, rounded or distorted polygonal cross section and radial migration of fibers toward the axis. The extant of disorder decreases with increasing pseudoplasticity, of the fluid, suggesting that the characteristic fiber orientation, distribution and transitions arise from normal stress effect and/or the eccentric rotation of fibers dictated by the complex velocity profile of the flowing fluid. These phenomena have not been previously reported.
Out in the Market: A History of the Gay Market Segment in the United States:

In recent years, the American gay market segment has been recognized by publications and businesses as large and lucrative. Whether purposefully or inadvertently, U.S. businesses have been marketin...
AN APPLICATION OF THE GIRTON‐ROPER EXCHANGE MARKET PRESSURE MODEL TO MEXICO

This paper is an application of the Girton‐Roper (G‐R) exchange market pressure model to Mexico for the period 1953 through 1980. The analysis is both a test of the basic thesis of the model as well as an attempt to incorporate improvements in the model as suggested by recent literature on the monetary approach to the balance of payment.
The effects of nonlinear sorption on the diffusion of volatile organic compounds from air-dry soils: A theoretical study

Abstract The effects of nonlinear (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, BET) sorption on the rates of diffusion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within and from uniformly contaminated air-dry soils were evaluated by numerical solution of the one-dimensional gas-phase diffusion equation. A dimensionless sorption parameter, which accounts for the importance of BET sorption on the diffusive transport was identified. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the dimensionless gas-phase and total-soil concentration profiles, and the dimensionless emission rates of VOC from the soil surface, varied in response to changes in the initial concentration of the VOC in the soil, in marked contrast with the case of linear sorption of the VOC. The sensitivity of the numerical results towards the BET sorption parameters in the model was evaluated. A linearization step in the derivation of the continuity equation of diffusion and BET sorption was used to obtain an analytical solution for the soil surface flux of VOC to the atmosphere, by substituting a linear sorption isotherm for the BET isotherm. The errors associated with this step were evaluated and the deviations were found to be
The Broader Autism Phenotype in Simplex and Multiplex Families

Mothers, fathers, and siblings from 87 multiplex (M-mothers, M-fathers, and M-siblings) and 41 simplex (S-mothers, S-fathers, and S-siblings) Autism spectrum disorder families were assessed using the Broader Phenotype Autism Symptom Scale. S-mothers, S-fathers, and S-siblings showed more social interest and were more expressive in their use of nonverbal communication compared to M-mothers, M-fathers, and M-siblings. Conversational skills were also improved in S-fathers and S-siblings compared to M-fathers and M-siblings. S-siblings showed significantly lower rigidity and intense interests compared to M-siblings. The decreased number and intensity of broader autism phenotype traits observed in parents and siblings within simplex families provide behavioral evidence consistent with findings of increased de novo genetic events in simplex families.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities Associated With Initial Hemodialysis Access.

Importance Superior outcomes have been established with the use of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) at first hemodialysis. However, considering the influence of comorbidities, medical insurance, and specialist care, racial/ethnic differences in the patterns of utilization of AVFs are unknown and deserve evaluation. Objective To assess national trends in initial hemodialysis access with respect to race/ethnicity stratified by comorbid disease, nephrology care, and medical insurance status within the US Renal Data System. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective analysis of all patients with end-stage renal disease in the US Renal Data System who initiated hemodialysis between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Univariable statistics (χ 2 test and analysis of variance) and logistic regression were used to compare racial/ethnic groups (white vs black vs Hispanic). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score–matching techniques were used to evaluate hemodialysis access rates between patients of different races/ethnicities with comparable characteristics. Main Outcomes and Measures Utilization rates of AVF, arteriovenous graft, and intravascular hemodialysis catheter. Results In this cohort of 396 075 patients, more white patients initiated hemodialysis with an AVF than black patients or Hispanic patients (18.3% vs 15.5% and 14.6%, respectively; P P P Conclusions and Relevance Black patients and Hispanic patients tend to initiate hemodialysis with an AVF less frequently than white patients despite being younger and having fewer comorbidities. These disparities persisted independent of factors that drive health access for fistula placement, such as medical insurance status and nephrology care. The sociocultural underpinnings of these disparities deserve investigation and redress to maximize the benefits of initiating hemodialysis via fistula in patients with end-stage renal disease irrespective of race/ethnicity.
Binuclear Copper Complexes Based on the 6,6'-Bis[[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl]-2,2'-bipyridine Ligand.

The tripodal tetradentate ligand TMPA (tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) has provided a wealth of valuable new Cu(I) and Cu(II) chemistry, in particular associated with copper(I)/dioxygen reactivity studies (Karlin, K. D.; Kaderli, S.; Zuberbuhler, A. D. Acc. Chem. Res. 1997, 30, 139-147). Dinucleating analogues have also been recently investigated, and here we describe new copper complexes of the 6,6'-bis[[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl]-2,2'-bipyridine ligand (bTMPA). The synthesis and X-ray crystallographic characterization of [(bTMPA)Cu(II)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](2+) (1, as ClO(4)(-) salt) and [(bTMPA)Cu(II)(2)(N(3))(2)(ClO(4))(2)] (2) are provided. [1: space group C2/c; a = 15.907(4) A, b = 29.268(7) A, c = 13.941(2) A; beta = 97.79(2) degrees; Z = 4; volume = 6431(2) A(3). 2: space group P2(1)/c; a = 8.118(5) A, b = 29.743(8) A, c = 9.120(6) A; beta = 114.00(5) degrees; Z = 2; volume = 2012(2) A(3).] Both solid state structures possess six-coordinate copper(II) ions, and in neither case does the 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) moiety within bTMPA chelate to a single metal ion. Dissociation of bound perchlorate and the presence of pentacoordinate solution structures are suggested by spectroscopic (UV-vis with two d-d absorptions; axial EPR spectra) along with conductivity data (1, 1:4 electrolyte; 2, 1:2 electrolyte). Electrochemical measurements by cyclic volammetry have been carried out, and for a dicopper(I) analogue, [(bTMPA)Cu(I)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3(ClO(4))(2)), a single quasireversible redox wave is observed; E(1/2) = +199 mV (versus Ag/AgCl in dimethylformamide), which is approximately 280 mV more positive than that observed for the simple "parent" compound [Cu(I)(TMPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4)). Unlike [Cu(I)(TMPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4)), 3 does not readily form dioxygen adducts.
Ascending aortopulmonary fistula 40 years after previous cardiac surgery.

We present a case of a 64-year-old female presenting with hemoptysis and an ultimate diagnosis of ascending aortopulmonary fistula 40 years after an atrial septal defect repair. A literature review of this rare complication of ascending aortic cannulation includes the pathogenesis and etiology of this rare diagnosis. Aortobronchopulmonary fistula is a rare diagnosis with grave consequences if not treated urgently. We present a case of such diagnosis that was treated with a good outcome. (J Card Surg 2011;26:210-211)
Current and Emerging Approaches for Natural Product Biosynthesis in Microbial Cells

Microorganisms and plants synthesize a tremendous diversity of chemical compounds. For centuries, these compounds have been used as medicines, foods and other useful materials. The still largely unexplored structural and chemical diversity of natural products is unmatched by synthetic methodology and continues to be the most successful source for the discovery of novel scaffolds with important biological activities. Thus, exploiting the selectivity and specificity of the biosynthetic machineries that make these complex compounds can provide ways of synthesizing diverse natural products or their core scaffolds for further synthetic modification. Microbial cells can be fitted with new biosynthetic abilities using metabolic and genetic engineering strategies to overproduce desired compounds. Efforts in genome sequencing give access to an incredible number of genes from microorganisms and, more recently, from plants that can be in silico screened for new biosynthetic functions allowing tapping into the synthetic potential of microorganisms, and especially plants. In addition, by exploiting natural biodiversity by using traditional screening methods or metagenomics approaches, novel biosynthetic pathways and genes can be discovered for the synthesis of additional structures in engineered microbial cells. In this review, we will describe some of the recent developments in natural product biosynthesis, and also describe some of the emerging approaches to harness the chemical diversity that lies hidden in nature.
Distributed function calculation via linear iterations in the presence of malicious agents — Part II: Overcoming malicious behavior

Given a network of interconnected nodes, each with a given initial value, we develop a distributed strategy that enables some or all of the nodes to calculate any arbitrary function of these initial values, despite the presence of some malicious (or faulty) nodes. Our scheme utilizes a linear iterative strategy where, at each time-step, each node updates its value to be a weighted average of its own previous value and those of its neighbors. We consider a node to be malicious if, instead of following the predefined linear iterative strategy, it updates its value arbitrarily at each time-step (perhaps by conspiring and coordinating with other malicious nodes). When there are up to f malicious nodes, we show that any node in the network is guaranteed to be able to calculate any arbitrary function of all initial node values if the graph of the network is at least (2f +1)-connected. Specifically, we show that under this condition, the nodes can calculate their desired functions after running the linear iteration for a finite number of time- steps (upper bounded by the number of nodes in the network) using almost any set of weights (i.e., for all weights except for a set of measure zero). Our approach treats the problem of fault-tolerant distributed consensus, where all nodes have to calculate the same function despite the presence of faulty or malicious nodes, as a special case.
A microstructure flux profiler control system design

A microstructure flux profiler (MFP) which uses variation of its buoyancy to maintain the speed required for data logging is detailed. The variation of buoyancy to control speed is uncommon among profilers, and the autonomous operation of this device allows a much greater degree of flexibility in the data collection. The complete development of the control system, from modeling through simulation and control system design to commissioning, is examined, and the performance is reviewed. >
Synchronous millennial-scale climatic changes in the Great Basin and the North Atlantic during the last interglacial

Stalagmites from Goshute Cave, located in the Great Basin of the western United States, preserve ~20,000 yr of millennial-scale oxygen isotopic variability during marine isotope stages 5c and 5b, similar in timing and structure to Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events 23–21 from the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 record. That D-O interstades 23–21 were of longer duration than many of the later D-O events, coupled with the asymmetric shape of the D-O oxygen isotope curve, and the direct U-Th dating of the Goshute Cave stalagmites, allows for an improved understanding of the synchroneity of climatic changes between the western continental United States and the North Atlantic. Eastern Pacifi c–atmosphere interactions are a likely mechanism for transmission of millennial-scale climate variability into the Great Basin.
Chronic Testicular Pain in Adult Men: An Integrative Literature Review

Past investigations of chronic testicular pain provide a sparse representation of the men with this condition and lack key details to aid our understanding of this important men's health condition. As a chronic pain syndrome, more research is necessary to understand the phenomenon of chronic testicular pain and the pain experience of these men. This integrative literature review provides a summary of the current state of the science of chronic testicular pain in men, identifies the gaps in our knowledge, and provides recommendations to address this knowledge gap.
Studies on Mechanisms of Impairment of Cerebral Circulation Following Ischemia: Effect of Hemodilution and Perfusion Pressure

Reperfusion of cerebral vessels is impaired following total cerebral ischemia of more than five minutes; this is possibly the initial factor responsible for neurological sequela. Failure of cellular ion transport mechanisms during ischemia was thought to lead to swelling of endothelial cells and perivascular glia and this, in turn, was thought to be the primary cause of the impairment of recirculation. A method of quantitating this circulatory impairment in rabbits was devised after infusing carbon black into the ischemic cerebral vasculature in a standardized way. The amount of circulatory impairment was shown to be unaffected by heparin, inversely related to the infusion pressure of the carbon black, and greatly reduced by acute hemodilution with saline. This latter observation does not support the theory that cellular swelling is the major cause of the postischemic vascular impairment, but rather implicates changes in the blood itself, possibly erythrocyte aggregation which is responsible for increased blood viscosity in low flow and no flow states.
Airport surface management as a distributed supervisory control task

This paper outlines design concepts that approach airport surface management as a distributed supervisory control system. It emphasizes the need to both distribute the management tasks among a number of different Stakeholders and to support supervisory control by human operators at different levels of abstraction in order to deal with the full range of relevant scenarios and distributed tasks. More specifically, the discussion uses a concrete scenario to describe conceptual solutions to support more effective supervisory control, and illustrates design concepts consistent with these conceptual solutions.
Verification of mitotic gynogenesis in ornamental (koi) carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellite DNA markers

The Japanese ornamental (koi) carp is a popular decorative fish all over the world. In koi, clones have not yet been obtained, although production of fish with identical colour patterns could be of commercial interest. Mitotic gynogenetic progenies are essential for subsequent production of clones in fish. However, resulting late-shocked progenies may be contaminated with meiotic gynogens from spontaneous suppression of the second meiotic division in eggs. In this study, microsatellite DNA markers were used to confirm mitotic gynogenetic origin of obtained late-shocked progenies. Recombination rate (y) and mapping distance relative to centromere (M-C) of 10 microsatellite loci were determined based on percentage of heterozygotes in meiotic gynogenetic progenies. The range of y varied from 0.01 to 0.96 and the M-C map ranged from 0.5 to 48 cM. The mean value of y over the 10 loci was 0.481. Six loci, which had y 0.47 and higher, were used as markers in two late-shocked gynogenetic progenies. Complete homozygosity was revealed at all six microsatellite loci indicating mitotic gynogenetic origin of analysed progenies.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Graduate Teaching Assistants Teaching Self-Efficacy

The graduate experience is a critical time for development of academic faculty, but often there is little preparation for teaching during the graduate career. Teaching self-efficacy, an instructor's belief in his or her ability to teach students in a specific context, can help to predict teaching behavior and student achievement, and can be used as a measure of graduate students' development as instructors. An instrument measuring teaching self-efficacy of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) was developed from a general university faculty teaching instrument to the specific teaching context of STEM GTAs. Construct and face validity, measurement reliability, and factor structure of the instrument were determined from survey data of 253 STEM GTAs at six universities. STEM GTA teaching self-efficacy correlated to various measures of GTA professional development and teaching experience. Implications and applications for faculty involved in GTA professional development, supervision, and research are discussed.
Automated assistance for maintenance of medical expert systems: the POSCH AI project

A classifier-based strategy to assist in the maintenance of expert systems is proposed. Substantiated claims about the results can be made by computing the error in probability of classification using established statistical techniques. Expert systems whose input, output, and intermediate state value(s) can be recorded as the values of a finite number of variables are considered. This class includes many expert systems including ETA and ESCA, expert systems developed by the program on surgical control of the hyperlipidemias (POSCH). Algorithmic approaches can provide automated assistance in helping tackle some issues of knowledge debugging. Some of these issues are mentioned. Details of using the algorithmic approach are covered in brief. Three types of algorithms that can be used have been identified. They are: classifier algorithms, similarity measures and generating algorithms. >
The Estimated Ocean Detector: Derivation and Predicted Performance under Gaussian Assumptions

This paper presents a derivation of the Maximum Likelihood (ML) detector for acoustic signals that have propagated through a random or uncertain ocean environment. The derivation requires probability distribution functions (pdfs) of relevant signal and noise parameters belonging to the exponential class. (A companion paper describes how available knowledge of the environment and the Maximum Entropy method can be used to calculate exponential class pdfs for signal and noise parameters.) The resultant ML detector operates on the observations to compute parameter means, referred to as conditional mean estimates (CMEs), and then correlates the CME with the observations to obtain a detection statistic. For this reason, the detector is referred to as an Estimated Ocean Detector (EOD). For Gaussian signal and noise, the EOD reduces to the weighted sum of a correlation detector (CD) and an energy detector (ED), which agrees with Van Trees' result. When the signal variance is low the weights strongly favor the CD, while for high signal variance the weights strongly favor the ED. A closed-form solution is not available for the Gaussian EOD. However, results obtained using a Monte Carlo simulation show that when the signal variance is low, EOD performance equals that of the CD, while under high signal variance, performance equals the ED. For intermediate signal variance, the simulation shows that the EOD weights the CD and ED outputs so as to perform better than either detector by itself. Finally, EOD robustness to incorrect estimates of received signal and noise parameters pdfs is investigated using the Monte Carlo simulation. The EOD is shown to be a promising method for improving passive sonar performance by directly incorporating available information about the ocean environment without sacrificing robustness to errors in the signal parameter distributions
The application of information technology in the teaching of veterinary epidemiology and public health.

Information technology (IT) is an imprecise term currently used to describe computer-based techniques for data manipulation, storage, dissemination, publication, and retrieval. IT possesses several characteristics that promote meaningful learning, including (1) just-in-time, personalized; (2) student-centered versus teacher-centric; (3) self-paced; (4) anytime, anywhere; and (5) discovery (through bibliographic and other information searches). However, if done improperly, IT-based teaching can be counterproductive. Factors to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of IT-based teaching methods include (1) content, (2) learning, (3) delivery support, (4) usability, and (5) technological. IT has been used to support instruction in epidemiology and public health at many levels, ranging from basic computer literacy to hands-on training in epidemiological methods through computer-based problem sets, case workups, outbreak investigations, and tutorials. Online quizzes based on articles selected from practice...