cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tournament selection: stable fitness pressure in XCS

Although it is known from GA literature that proportionate selection is subject to many pitfalls, the LCS community somewhat adhered to proportionate selection. Also in the accuracy-based learning classifier system XCS, introduced by Wilson in 1995, proportionate selection is used. This paper identifies problem properties in which performance of proportionate selection is impaired. Consequently, tournament selection is introduced which makes XCS more parameter independent, noise independent, and more efficient in exploiting fitness guidance.
INSM1 Is More Sensitive and Interpretable than Conventional Immunohistochemical Stains Used to Diagnose Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an extremely aggressive skin cancer that must be distinguished from other basaloid cutaneous neoplasms that have different treatments and prognoses. This is sometimes challenging in small shave specimens, crushed samples, lymph nodes, and core needle biopsies. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) immunohistochemistry is a sensitive nuclear marker of neuroendocrine differentiation. INSM1 staining was performed on 56 MCC (47 primary tumors, 9 nodal metastases), 50 skin control cases that included basal cell carcinomas, basaloid squamous cell carcinomas, Bowen disease, sebaceous neoplasms, melanoma, and B-cell lymphomas, and 28 lymph node control cases that included metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, and adenocarcinomas. Percent of staining nuclei (0, 75%) and intensity (weak, moderate, strong) were recorded for each sample. All 56 MCC expressed INSM1. By comparison, synaptophysin, CK20, and chromogranin were expressed in 96%, 92%, and 32% of MCC, respectively. While the 3 conventional markers showed significant variability in staining intensity and distribution, INSM1 stained >75% tumor nuclei in 89% of MCC and 50% to 75% of tumor nuclei in 11%. Staining intensity was strong in 85% and moderate in 15%. None of the 50 cutaneous basaloid non-MCC neoplasms in the control group stained with INSM1, and among the lymph node controls 5 of 5 neuroendocrine neoplasms expressed INSM1, confirming that INSM1 staining cannot distinguish MCC from metastatic extracutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. INSM1 holds promise as a neuroendocrine marker that can distinguish MCC from its mimickers in the skin and improve detection of sentinel lymph node metastases.
Development of an Embryonic Zebrafish Oligodendrocyte-Neuron Mixed Coculture System

Abstract During vertebrate neural development, oligodendrocytes insulate nerve axons with myelin sheaths. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful model organism for studying oligodendrocyte...
Deciphering the degradation mechanism of the lead-free all inorganic perovskite Cs2SnI6

Organic-inorganic perovskite materials are revolutionizing photovoltaics with high power conversion efficiencies, but experience significant environmental degradation and instability. In this work, the phase stability and decomposition mechanisms of lead-free all inorganic Cs2SnI6 perovskite upon water and moisture exposure were systematically investigated via in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, environmental SEM, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. A critical relative humidity (80%) is identified below which Cs2SnI6 perovskite is stable without decomposition. Under higher humidity or aqueous environment, Cs2SnI6 perovskite decomposes into SnI4 and CsI through etch pits formation and stepwave propagation, leading to rapid crystal dissolution. A partial reversibility of the Cs2SnI6 perovskite upon dissolution and re-precipitation with subsequent dehydration was identified, suggesting a self-healing capability of Cs2SnI6 and thus enhanced air stability. Mechanistic understanding of the Cs2SnI6 degradation behavior can be a vital step towards developing new perovskites with enhanced environmental stability and materials performance. The perovskite Cs2SnI6 has been investigated using numerous in-situ techniques to understand its environmental stability. While organic–inorganic perovskites show great promise for photovoltaic applications, their poor stability remains a problem. Perovskite Cs2SnI6 shows enhanced stability properties, however, how it degrades is not fully understood. Now a team lead by Jie Lian at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, has investigated the phase stability and decomposition mechanisms of Cs2SnI6 when exposed to moisture. This systematic study used in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, environmental scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy and discovered that there was a critical relative humidity of 80% above which Cs2SnI6 decomposes into SnI4 and CsI. They attribute the degradation process to etch pit formation on the surface of the crystals, which results in the dissolution of the entire crystal through a stepwave model.
Nonlinear XUV signal generation probed by transient grating spectroscopy with attosecond pulses

Nonlinear spectroscopies are utilized extensively for selective measurements of chemical dynamics in the optical, infrared, and radio-frequency regimes. The development of these techniques for extreme ultraviolet (XUV) light sources facilitates measurements of electronic dynamics on attosecond timescales. Here, we elucidate the temporal dynamics of nonlinear signal generation by utilizing a transient grating scheme with a subfemtosecond XUV pulse train and two few-cycle near-infrared pulses in atomic helium. Simultaneous detection of multiple diffraction orders reveals delays of ≥1.5 fs in higher-order XUV signal generation, which are reproduced theoretically by solving the coupled Maxwell-Schrodinger equations and with a phase grating model. The delays result in measurable order-dependent differences in the energies of transient light induced states. As nonlinear methods are extended into the attosecond regime, the observed higher-order signal generation delays will significantly impact and aid temporal and spectral measurements of dynamic processes.
In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates, Including Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Background There is increasing demand for compounds to treat antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and essential oils have gained interest. Moreover, previous studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity of these nonpharmaceutical products. We investigated the activity of essential oils against multiresistant bacteria and other clinical isolates to evaluate the potential of their use topically and/or internally for treatment of bacterial infections. Methods We studied the in vitro activity of 10 essential oils and 1 essential oil blend against clinical isolates including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Results Essential oils of oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, and lemongrass had the largest zones of inhibition against Gram-positive organisms, whereas cinnamon bark had the largest zone of inhibition against P aeruginosa. Oregano, thyme, and cinnamon bark had the largest zones of inhibition against Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusions Essential oils have promising in vitro activity that warrants further study of their activity and use in the clinical setting.
'To Awaken the Medical and Hygienic Conscience of the People': Cultivating Enlightened Citizenship through Free Public Healthcare in Haiti from 1915-34.

This paper addresses the relative scholarly oversight of the history of public health in Haiti through a close examination of the colonial public health system constructed and operated by the United States (US) during its occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934. More than simply documenting a neglected aspect of Caribbean history, the paper offers the US occupation of Haiti as a remarkably clear example of a failed attempt to use a free public health service to cultivate a health conscientiousness among the Haitian citizenry through the aggressive treatment of highly visible ailments such as cataracts and yaws. I argue that the US occupation viewed the success of the Haitian Public Health Service as critical to the generation of a taxable, compliant and trusting citizenry that the colonial state could enter into a contract with. This idealistic programme envisioned by the US occupation was marred by financial mismanagement, racism, delusions of grandeur and contempt for Haitian physicians that resulted in the production of a far more precarious public health service and administrative state than the US occupation had hoped. By the time the Great Depression arrived in 1930 the Haitian Public Health Service was gutted and privatised, having successfully provided the majority of Haitians with free healthcare, yet failed to have persuaded them of the value of being governed by a centralised administrative state.
Quantum Radiation Pressure Noise Reduction and Evasion

The measurement of quantum radiation pressure noise in Chap. 6 creates the opportunity to study various techniques for reducing QRPN. This chapter describes two experiments in which we reduce the amount of QRPN. The first experiment demonstrates the elimination of QRPN from the measurement, or QRPN evasion, by modifying how the light from the cavity is detected. The second experiment modifies or squeezes the light that is injected into the optomechanical cavity by altering the quantum mechanical fluctuations in the amplitude and phase quadratures of the light. The motivation for doing each of these experiments stems from the fact that they represent two methods that have been proposed for reducing quantum radiation pressure noise in gravitational wave detectors (Kimble et al. in Phys Rev D 65:022002, (2001) [1]), with squeezing currently being installed in the LIGO interferometers for reducing the shot noise during the third observing run and beyond (Tse et al. in Phys Rev Lett 123:231107, (2019) [2]). Results from this chapter can be found in Cripe et al. (Quantum back action cancellation in the audio band, (2018), [3]) and Yap et al. (Nature Photonics 14:19–23, (2020) [4]).
Millimeter wave measurements of the TFTR line integrated density & electron temperature profile

Millimeter — submillimeter wave diagnostics are expected to contribute to the characterization of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) plasma. The goal of TFTR is to demonstrate energy breakeven by generating fusion neutron power equal to the input power to the plasma. Plasma breakeven conditions includeg electron and ion temperatures on the order of 108 °K and plasma densities of n ∼ 1014 particles/cm3. Four millimeter-submillimeter instruments will diagnose the TFTR plasma: (1) 1mm wave density interferometer, (2) Fast Scanning heterodyne radiometer, (3) Fourier Transform Spectrometer, and (4) 1mm wave density scattering. With the exception of the scattering system, the design of these diagnostics were presented at the Sixth International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves.1 This past year the 1mm interferometer and the fast scanning heterodyne receiver have measured the line average density and the time evolution of the electron temperature profile of the TFTR plasma during its initial operation. The performance of these diagnostics will be presented including examples of plasma density and temperature measurements.
Sex-specific effects of in vitro fertilization on adult metabolic phenotypes and hepatic transcriptomic and proteomic pathways in mouse

Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, an increasing concern is the long-term health implications. We augmented our IVF mouse model to longitudinally investigate cardiometabolic outcomes in offspring from optimal neonatal litter sizes. We found that IVF-conceived females had higher body weight and cholesterol levels compared to naturally-conceived females, whereas IVF-conceived males had higher levels of triglycerides and insulin, and increased body fat composition. Through transcriptomics and proteomics of adult liver, we identified sexually-dimorphic dysregulation of the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) pathways that are associated with the sex-specfic phenotypes. We also found that global loss of DNA methylation in placenta was linked to higher cholesterol levels in IVF-conceived females. Our findings indicate that IVF procedures have long-lasting sex-specific effects on metabolic health of offspring and lay the foundation to utilize the placenta as a predictor of long-term outcomes.
Incidence of Cerebral Palsy, Seizure Disorder and Developmental Delay in Newborns with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Following Treatment with Hypothermia

Neonatal Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition that can lead to significant neurological problems, developmental delay, and mortality. Fetal oxygen deficiency decreases cardiac output, leading to reduced cerebral blood flow and brain injury. In 2006 the United States spent over 300 billion dollars in disability related health care expenditure. HIE if left untreated leads to poor quality of life, and survivors end up with lifelong disabilities. Therapeutic hypothermia became standard of care in 2002, and evidence has shown it has neuroprotective benefit. We hypothesize that neonates treated with hypothermia will have lower incidence of cerebral palsy (CP), seizure disorder (SD) and developmental delay (DD), compared to neonates diagnosed with HIE prior to the current standard of care. Compared to healthy neonates, neonates treated with hypothermia will have higher incidence of CP, SD, and DD Project Methods: A retrospective chart review will be performed using 200 participants with medical records from Lutheran health network neonate intensive care unit. Historical data from prior to the current standard of care (January 2007 to 2011) will be used for newborns with HIE. Another data set from January 2015 to December 2019 will be used for newborns treated with hypothermia and healthy patients as well. The TIMP test will be used to assess motor performance in early infancy. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition will be used to measure cognitive, language and motor development. Cerebral palsy will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Results: We expect that the results of this study will match previous research, which found that neonates treated with hypothermia had better outcomes compared to neonates not treated with hypothermia. Potential Impact: If found to be effective, this intervention may improve the quality and quantity of a patient’s life and reduce the cost of healthcare spending on disability.
The distribution in native populations from Mexico and Central America of the C677T variant in the MTHFR gene

Objectives To explore evolutionary hypotheses for the high frequencies of a substitution in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, in Mexican and Central American Indigenous populations. Materials and methods We obtained allele frequencies for the C677T variant in the MTHFR gene and ecological information for 37 indigenous samples from Mexico and Central America. We calculated Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and computed Fst statistics. We computed correlations between the samples' allele frequencies and ecological and geochemical variables. Results Many of the samples have extremely high frequencies of the T allele ( q ¯ = 0.62, median = 0.66). In this region, the frequency of the T allele decreases from Southeast to Northwest and is significantly correlated with longitude, latitude, altitude, and insolation. Conclusions The native people of Central America and Mexico evolved high frequencies of an allele which has been shown to produce deleterious clinical effects including neural tube effects, cardiovascular events, and cancer. This allele has a clinal distribution in the region, perhaps associated with solar irradiation. As (Contreras-Cubas et al., 2016) noted, the traditional diet of these populations, which is high in folate, has likely mitigated the negative effect of the allele. It is of primary importance that their rights to their homeland and traditional diets be respected. It is a matter of Public Health to investigate whether this allele is a factor in the current wave of cardiovascular diseases affecting the majority population of this region, since it descends from the Native peoples and the Mediterranean population, which also has high frequencies of the allele.
Long-term follow-up of salvage therapy using a combination of inotuzumab ozogamicin and mini-hyper-CVD with or without blinatumomab in relapsed/refractory Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background The outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is poor. The combination of inotuzumab with low-intensity mini-hyper-CVD (mini-hyper-CVD; cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone at 50% dose reduction, no anthracycline, methotrexate at 75% dose reduction, cytarabine at 0.5 g/m2 × 4 doses) chemotherapy has shown encouraging results. The sequential addition of blinatumomab might improve outcome in patients with R/R ALL. Methods We used lower intensity chemotherapy, mini-hyper-CVD (cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone at 50% dose reduction, no anthracycline, methotrexate at 75% dose reduction, cytarabine at 0.5 g/m2 x 4 doses) compared to conventional hyper-CVAD. Results Ninety-six patients with a median age of 37 years (range, 18-87 years) were treated. Overall, 77 patients (80%) responded, 55 (57%) of whom achieved complete response. The overall measurable residual disease negativity rate among responders was 83%. Forty-four (46%) patients underwent later allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Veno-occlusive disease of any grade occurred in 10 (10%) patients. The rates were 13% with the original schedule and 3% with the use of lower-dose inotuzumab and sequential blinatumomab. With a median follow-up of 36 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 13.4 months, with 3-year OS rates of 33%. The 3-year OS rate for patients with CD22 expression ≥70% and without adverse cytogenetics (KMT2A rearrangements, low hypodiploidy/near triploidy) was 55%. Conclusion The combination of inotuzumab and low-intensity mini-hyper-CVD chemotherapy with or without blinatumomab shows sustained efficacy in patients with R/R ALL.
Nutrition Guided Recipe Search via Pre-trained Recipe Embeddings

The use of machine learning to recommend foods that are both healthy and tasty is an open problem. Fundamentally, it is challenging to balance health goals with preferences in taste, while offering users a large diversity of options. Representing recipes via embedding vectors trained on large-scale food datasets can capture the implicit semantics of a recipe. We utilize pre-trained embeddings to perform recipe search and compare our search results with a keyword based search. We compare the health score, nutritional content and recipe titles returned using both search approaches. Our exploratory experiments show that recipe search via embeddings can return more diverse recipe titles in contrast to keyword based search.
Religious Arguments Against Prostitution

In this chapter, I critique three religious nonconsequentialist arguments for the immorality of prostitution. As religious, they are arguments wherein a claim regarding the immorality of prostitution is derived from at least one religious claim. And as nonconsequentialist, they are arguments wherein a claim regarding the immorality of prostitution is derived from at least one nonconsequentialist moral claim and no consequentialist moral claims whatsoever.
Rituxan-Induced Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Patient With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Rituximab or Rituxan is a common drug used in the treatment of lymphomas. It is almost always used in conjunction with other chemotherapy regimens. Mechanism of action involves killing of the CD 20+ cells. Rituximab is implicated in precipitating tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients with diffused large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The precise pathophysiological mechanism is not well known. Here, we present a case where the patient only received Rituxan for her newly diagnosed B-cell lymphoma which triggered a tumor lysis cascade. This in turn resulted in multiple electrolyte disturbances, multi-organ failure, and mortality. This report discusses the case presentation in addition to the different types of TLS and how this knowledge can be applied in the clinical setting for the future.
An empirical assessment of the “healthy prisoner hypothesis”

Lower mortality among inmates, compared to the general population, is typically ascribed to access to health care during incarceration and the low risk of death due to homicide, accidents, and drug overdose. In this study, we test an alternative explanation based on selection of healthy individuals into jails and prisons-"the healthy prisoner hypothesis." According to this hypothesis, inmates have to be healthy to commit crimes and become incarcerated, which explains why they experience lower mortality than comparable segments of the general population. Using ten waves of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we compare individuals who become incarcerated the following year to those who do not on four measures of health-depression, self-rated health, functional limitations, and injury or illness requiring medical attention. Results from matched samples indicate that future inmates are hardly ever in significantly better health the year prior to their incarceration. These findings strongly suggest that the paradoxical mortality advantage of inmates is not due to health selection.
Election of States to United Nations Membership

The question of admission of states to membership in the United Nations, hardened by the “cold war,” has been from the very beginning one of the important issues in both the Security Council and the General Assembly. It involves the relation between, and the respective roles of, these two principal organs of the United Nations in the procedure of admission; the applicability of the “veto” and the double veto; it led to two requests to the International Court of Justice for advisory opinions; and it has provoked an impressive array of juridical arguments to break the deadlock over the admission of a substantial number of states and thus promote the universality of the United Nations.
Hormones as Etiological Agents in Neoplasia

The hormonal concept of carcinogenesis was initiated by the intuitive studies of Beatson (1896) on the relation of breast cancer to the ovary. Epidemiological studies of mammary tumors of highly inbred strains of mice led Bittner and his associates (Bittner, 1946–1947) to the recognition of genetic, viral, and hormonal components in the development of breast cancer. Independently, Rous and Kidd (1941), on the basis of experimental studies on induction of skin cancers with carcinogens, advanced the multifactorial concept of tumorigenesis and postulated the existence of latent cancer cells. The recognition of “progression” during the course of neoplastic disease was best conceived by Foulds (cf. 1969). Finally, the recognition of immunosurveillance (Burnet, 1970; Jerne, 1973; Klein, 1973–1974) and of immunological and hormonal factors capable of restraining or enhancing tumor growth completed the picture of the complexity of forces involved in initiation and growth of tumors. The last of these—hormones—is reviewed here in light of all other forces.
Complex fluid flow revealed by monitoring CO2 injection in a fluvial formation

[1] At Cranfield, Mississippi, United States, a large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) injection through an injection well (∼3,080 m deep) was continuously monitored using U-tube samplers in two observation wells located 68 and 112 m east of the injector. The Lower Tuscaloosa Formation injection zone, which consists of amalgamated fluvial point-bar and channel-fill deposits, presents an interesting environment for studying fluid flow in heterogeneous formations. Continual fluid sampling was carried out during the first month of CO2 injection. Two subsequent tracer tests using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and krypton were conducted at different injection rates to measure flow velocity change. The field observations showed significant heterogeneity of fluid flow and for the first time clearly demonstrated that fluid flow evolved with time and injection rate. It was found the wells were connected through numerous, separate flow pathways. CO2 flowed through an increasing fraction of the reservoir and sweep efficiency improved with time. The field study also first documented in situ component exchange between brine and gas phases during CO2 injection. It was found that CH4 degassed from brine and is enriched along the gas–water contact. Multiple injectate flow fronts with high CH4 concentration arrived at different times and led to gas composition fluctuations in the observation wells. The findings provide valuable insights into heterogeneous multiphase flow in rock formations and show that conventional geological models and static fluid flow simulations are unable to fully describe the heterogeneous and dynamic flow during fluid injection.
The Federal Farm Bill and the Environment

four to five years since the Roosevelt administration, the United States Congress has enacted legislation that is commonly referred to as "the 'farm bill," the device by which we as a nation provide financial support to farmers who grow basic field crops (commodities) and to those who produce milk Even when measured by federal standards, the support has been generous. For example, direct payments to farmers through the 1970s ran at about $3 billion per year, but by 1986 it was up to $26 billion. Since then the amount has varied; it ran at about $32 billion in 2000 and there is no indication that the numbers will abate. If we add to this direct federal
Two Studies in Swimming Starts

(1939). Two Studies in Swimming Starts. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 89-98.
Market Delineation under the Merger Guidelines: Monopoly Cases and Alternative Approaches

Despite the well-known Cellophane fallacy, the Merger Guidelines' market-delineation paradigm, which examines the effects of price increases above the prevailing level, has substantial utility in many monopoly cases. For monopoly cases in which the Guidelines' approach is not appropriate due to the Cellophane fallacy, no modification of that approach appears to solve the problem is a useful way. More direct methods for assessing monopoly power are likely to be preferable to structural analysis in many monopoly and merger cases.
Recruitment and Dynamics of Proteasome Association with rhTRIM5α Cytoplasmic Complexes During HIV-1 Infection

A variety of proteins have been identified that restrict infection by different viruses. One such restriction factor is the rhesus macaque variant of TRIM5α (rhTRIM5α), which potently blocks infection by HIV-1. The block to infection mediated by rhTRIM5α occurs early after entry into the host cell, generally prior to reverse transcription. However, proteasome inhibitors reveal an intermediate step of restriction in which virus can complete reverse transcription, but still fails to infect the cell. While proteasome inhibitors have been a useful tool in understanding how restriction takes place, the role of the proteasome itself during restriction has not yet been examined. Here, we characterize the interaction of rhTRIM5α and incoming virions with the proteasome. We show that proteasomes localize to rhTRIM5α cytoplasmic bodies, and this localization is more evident when the activity of the proteasome is inhibited pharmacologically. We also show that restricted virus associates with complexes of proteasomes and rhTRIM5α, suggesting that rhTRIM5α utilizes the proteasome during restriction. Finally, live cell imaging experiments reveal that virus associates with proteasomes, and proteasome inhibition affects the duration of association. Taken together, these studies implicate the proteasome as playing a functional role during rhTRIM5α restriction of incoming virions.
Collision-aware channel monitoring at the link layer of a wireless network

In this paper, we investigate and propose a method to address the problem of estimating channel quality at the medium access control (MAC) layer for a CSMA/CA type of wireless LAN that is subject to time-varying impairments. A key step in solving this problem is to distinguish the packet loss caused by channel impairments from that caused by collisions. Our proposed method estimates packet loss due to the channel impairments alone from the overall packet loss statistics at the MAC layer of a transmitter by exploiting the benefits of the bandwidth manager in such a wireless LAN. The state of each wireless channel can be estimated by deriving a channel quality factor from the estimated packet loss probability due to channel impairments.
Separation of Proteins in Concentrated Cerebrospinal Fluid by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis in Acrylamide Gel

Two-dimensional electrophoresis in acrylamide was used to separate the proteins in concentrated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). More than 60 such components could be detected, twice as many as separated by conventional polyacrylamide techniques. Many of the proteins were common to CSF and serum. The high resolution attainable with this procedure may make it useful in detecting specific CSF alterations associated with neurologic diseases.
Spatial and Temporal Correlates of Greenhouse Gas Diffusion from a Hydropower Reservoir in the Southern United States

Emissions of CO2 and CH4 from freshwater reservoirs constitute a globally significant source of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), but knowledge gaps remain with regard to spatiotemporal drivers of emissions. We document the spatial and seasonal variation in surface diffusion of CO2 and CH4 from Douglas Lake, a hydropower reservoir in Tennessee, USA. Monthly estimates across 13 reservoir sites from January to November 2010 indicated that surface diffusions ranged from 236 to 18,806 mg·m−2·day−1 for CO2 and 0 to 0.95 mg·m−2·day−1 for CH4. Next, we developed statistical models using spatial and physicochemical variables to predict surface diffusions of CO2 and CH4. Models explained 22.7% and 20.9% of the variation in CO2 and CH4 diffusions respectively, and identified pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and Julian day as the most informative predictors. These findings provide baseline estimates of GHG emissions from a reservoir in eastern temperate North America, a region for which estimates of reservoir GHGs emissions are limited. Our statistical models effectively characterized non-linear and threshold relationships between physicochemical predictors and GHG emissions. Further refinement of such modeling approaches will aid in predicting current GHG emissions from unsampled reservoirs and forecasting future GHG emissions.
Diesel engine speed regulation using linear parameter varying control

Traditionally, engine speed regulation is achieved using classical gain-scheduled PID control to address the variable operating conditions of the engine. However, this approach provides no guarantees for closed-loop system stability or performance. In this work, a model-based linear parameter varying approach is applied to address the fast operating condition changes of the engine and to guarantee system stability and optimized torque load rejection in the presence of variable transport delays and fuel saturation constraints. The design method is formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities that can be solved efficiently using recently developed interior point convex optimization algorithms. The proposed control designs are validated using both nonlinear off-line simulations and real-time hardware-in-the-loop implementation for a Cummins diesel engine model.
Extended permutation filters and their application to image edge enhancement

Extended permutation (EP) filters are defined and analyzed in this paper. In particular, we focus on extended permutation rank selection (EPRS) filters. These filters are constrained to output an order statistic from an extended observation vector. This extended vector includes N observation samples and K statistics that are functions of the observation samples. By selecting an appropriate extended observation space, we show that the EPRS filters can be designed to have excellent edge enhancement characteristics. Moreover, the EPRS filters contain several previously defined edge enhancing filters as a subset and can perform edge enhancement in the presence of noise.
Hacia una definición de la economía de la salud

Los economistas de la salud se ocupan de la organizacion del mercado de servicios de salud y del beneficio neto de la inversion en la salud de las personas. Las preferencias del consumidor no son una guia adecuada para la asignacion optima de recursos para salud. El uso optimo de recursos para la atencion de la enfermedad y la promocion de la salud define el campo especial de investigacion. Palabras Clave: Servicios de salud, mercado medico, mercancia homogenea, economias externas, capital humano, costo de la enfermedad, economia de la salud.
Obesity and mortality: are the risks declining? Evidence from multiple prospective studies in the United States.

We evaluated whether the obesity-associated years of life lost (YLL) have decreased over calendar time. We implemented a meta-analysis including only studies with ≥2 serial BMI assessments at different calendar years. For each BMI category (normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 60, YLL for grade 1 obesity decreased by 1.02 years (p 60, YLL for grade 1 obesity decreased by 3.98 years (p<0.001) and by 2.64 years (p=0.001) for grade 2–3 obesity. Grade 1 obesity’s association with decreased longevity has reduced for older white men. For white women, there is evidence of a decline in the obesity YLL association across all ages.
DNR in the OR. Resuscitation as an operative risk

Should do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders be routinely rescinded when terminally ill patients undergo palliative surgery? If so, patients will be forced to balance the benefits of palliative surgery against the risks of unwanted resuscitation. If physicians are required to honor intraoperative DNR orders, they may feel unacceptably restrained from correcting adverse effects for which they feel responsible. This dilemma has been overlooked by DNR policies. This article argues for the permissibility of honoring intraoperative DNR orders. The patient's right to refuse treatment outweighs physicians' concerns about professional scrutiny over intraoperative deaths. Physicians' moral concerns about hastening patient death are important but may be assuaged by (1) emphasizing patients' acceptance of operative mortality risk; (2) viewing matters as analogous to surgery on Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse lifesaving transfusion; (3) viewing the patient's intraoperative death as a double effect, that is, an unintended negative effect that is linked to the performance of a good act (palliation); and (4) distinguishing this from assisted suicide. (JAMA. 1991;266:2407-2412)
The Comorbidity of Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Results of a Retrospective Chart Review

Objective: To determine if a sample of children meeting diagnostic criteria for a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) display symptoms and impairment related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sufficient to warrant a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD. Further, do children with PDD displaying such symptoms demonstrate more impairment in daily life activities than those children only having PDD? Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted on children (N = 57) diagnosed with the PDD's of Autism or PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), or ADHD. Comparative analysis of questionnaire and neuropsychological test data was completed to determine the severity of ADHD-like symptoms presenting among children with PDD. Results: From the pool of subjects having PDD with sufficient data (N = 27), 7 or 26% met DSM-IV criteria for the combined type of ADHD. Nine or 33% met diagnostic criteria for the Inattentive Type of ADHD and 11 or 41% did not demonstrate a significant number of ADHD symptoms to warrant a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD. Results indicate that a subgroup of children with PDD displaying significant ADHD-like symptoms may in fact have ADHD thus warranting a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD. Current data did not suggest children with PDD and the combined type of ADHD demonstrated significantly more impairment in daily life functioning than those children only having PDD. However, this appeared likely the result of small sample size. The data, however, does indicate such children experience more difficulties in daily situations as rated by parents and teachers. Conclusion: These findings reinforce clinical observations indicating that some children with PDD may also experience an independent comorbid condition of ADHD, suggesting that a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD with PDD be considered in such cases. If further findings are replicated, the current exclusionary DSM-IV-TR criteria of making such a comorbid diagnosis should be re-considered.
Expectations of Teachers and Students: a Gifted Classroom Observed

The purpose of this study was to enlarge on our understanding of the expectations of gifted students and their teachers in their classroom. Data were sought through participant observation and interviewing. Six domains of behaviour indicating teachers' expectations of themselves in the classroom were identified viz. as care-givers, authority figures, enforcers of order so that learning can take place, motivators, upholders of values and attitudes, and finally as teachers. Students' expectations were in the main compatible with teachers', their primary expectations being to learn and to have fun. A fit between student-teacher expectations is shown to be of major importance for successful teaching and learning.
Severity of color vision defects: electroretinographic (ERG), molecular and behavioral studies

Abstract Earlier research on phenotype/genotype relationships in color vision has shown imperfect predictability of color matching from the photopigment spectral sensitivities inferred from molecular genetic analysis. We previously observed that not all of the genes of the X-chromosome linked photopigment gene locus are expressed in the retina. Since sequence analysis of DNA does not necessarily reveal which of the genes are expressed into photopigments, we used ERG spectral sensitivities and adaptation measurements to assess expressed photopigment complement. Many deuteranomalous subjects had L, M, and L–M hybrid genes. The ERG results showed that M pigment is not present in measurable quantities in deutan subjects. Using these results to determine gene expression improved the correlations between inferred pigment separation and color matching. Furthermore, we found a subject who had normal L and M genes and normal proximal promoter sequences, yet he had a single photopigment (M) by ERG and tested as a protanope. These results demonstrate the utility of ERG measurements in studies of molecular genetics of color vision deficiencies, and further support the conclusion that not all genes are expressed in color deficient subjects. In particular, deuteranomaly requires a presently unknown mechanism of selective expression which excludes normal M genes and allows expression of L–M hybrid genes in one cone type, and the normal L in another.
Structural Basis for Dimerization and Activity of Human PAPD1, a Noncanonical Poly(A) Polymerase

Poly(A) polymerases (PAPs) are found in most living organisms and have important roles in RNA function and metabolism. Here, we report the crystal structure of human PAPD1, a noncanonical PAP that can polyadenylate RNAs in the mitochondria (also known as mtPAP) and oligouridylate histone mRNAs (TUTase1). The overall structure of the palm and fingers domains is similar to that in the canonical PAPs. The active site is located at the interface between the two domains, with a large pocket that can accommodate the substrates. The structure reveals the presence of a previously unrecognized domain in the N-terminal region of PAPD1, with a backbone fold that is similar to that of RNP-type RNA binding domains. This domain (named the RL domain), together with a β-arm insertion in the palm domain, contributes to dimerization of PAPD1. Surprisingly, our mutagenesis and biochemical studies show that dimerization is required for the catalytic activity of PAPD1.
Potential benefits of the new Leapfrog standards: effect of process and outcomes measures

Abstract Objective The Leapfrog Group standards for evidence-based hospital referral underwent significant revision in 2003. In addition to other changes, risk-adjusted mortality and process of care measures now augment or replace volume standards for some procedures. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential benefits of these newly expanded standards. Methods Leapfrog's 2003 standards were based on minimum volume standards alone for 2 operations (esophagectomy, pancreatectomy), volume standards and a process measure (perioperative beta blockade) for 1 operation (abdominal aortic aneurysm repair), and volume standards coupled with risk-adjusted mortality rates for 2 operations (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] and percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]). We used data from the 2000 Nationwide Inpatient Sample to determine eligible surgical populations, volume–outcome associations, and risk-adjusted hospital mortality rates for the 5 operations. A recent meta-analysis was used to estimate the effectiveness of perioperative beta-blocker use. Results Approximately 23,790 patients died in 2000 in the United States undergoing 1 of the 5 procedures. We estimate that full implementation of the Leapfrog standards would have averted 7818 of these deaths: CABG (4089), PCI (3016), elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (356), esophageal resection (180), and pancreatic resection (177). For CABG and PCI, standards based on risk-adjusted mortality rates would save at least 5 times more lives than those based on volume criteria alone. Conclusions Widespread implementation of the 2003 Leapfrog standards for evidence-based referral could avert a large number of surgical deaths. For some procedures, standards comprised of process of care or direct outcome measures would be more effective than those based on volume alone.
Radiation-Induced Defect Evolution and Electrical Degradation of AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistors

Threshold-voltage shifts and increases in 1/f noise are observed in proton-irradiated AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors, indicating defect-mediated device degradation. Quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate that low-energy recoils caused by particle interactions with defect complexes are more likely to occur than atomic displacements in a defect-free region of the crystal. We identify the responsible defects and their precursors in the defect-mediated displacement mechanism. The electronic properties of these defects are consistent with the increases in threshold voltage and 1/f noise in proton irradiation experiments.
PtII and RhIII Hydrocarbyl Complexes Bearing Coordinated Oxygen Atom Delivery Reagents

The reactivity of a series of oxidants with [(tbpy)Pt(Ph)(L)]+ and [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)(OTf)]+ [tbpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine, L = thf or triflate (OTf)] complexes was investigated. The PtII and RhIII complexes [(tbpy)Pt(Ph)(ONMe3)][BAr′4], [(tbpy)Pt(Ph)(OPy)][BAr′4], [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)(ONMe3)][BAr′4][OTf], and [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)(OPy)][BAr′4][OTF] (Ar′ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, OPy = pyridine N-oxide) have been isolated and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. In addition, single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [(tbpy)Pt(Ph)(OPy)][BAr′4], [(tbpy)2Rh(Cl)2][BAr′4], [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)2][BAr′4], [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)(I)][BAr′4], and [(tbpy)2Rh(Me)(OPy)][BAr′4][OTf] are reported. DFT calculations computationally model the conversions of Pt–Ph and Rh–Me species to the corresponding Pt–OPh and Rh–OMe complexes, providing insight into activation barriers for the oxygen-atom insertion into PtII–R and RhIII–R bonds.
Ultrafine microporous and mesoporous activated carbon fibers from alkali lignin

A facile and sustainable approach has been successfully devised to fabricate ultrafine (100–500 nm) highly porous activated carbon fibers (ACFs) by electrospinning of aqueous solutions of predominantly alkali lignin (low sulfonate content) followed by simultaneous carbonization and activation at 850 °C under N2. Incorporating a polyethylene oxide (PEO) carrier with only up to one ninth of lignin not only enabled efficient electrospinning into fibers but also retained fibrous structures during heating, alleviating the need for a separate thermal stabilization step. In situ impregnation of alkali hydroxide activating chemicals with only up to 50% of the lignin carbon precursor, i.e., merely one tenth to one quarter of the quantities used in manufacturing activated carbon particulates, allowed simultaneous carbonization and activation in a single heating step. A range of micropore-dominant to mesopore-dominant ACFs were successfully fabricated to achieve superior specific surface (>1400 m2 g−1) and porosity (>0.7 cm3 g−1) tuned by varying the type and contents of alkali hydroxides. This streamlined approach was robust and demonstrated the feasibility and versatility in processing and converting a readily available renewable carbon precursor, lignin, into highly porous activated carbon fibers.
The Power of Kiowa Song: A Collaborative Ethnography

The Power of Kiowa Song:. Collaborative Ethnography. Luke E. Lassiter. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1998. ix. 266 pp., illustrations, tables, photographs, appendixes, notes, references, index.
PCR amplification of 16S rDNA from lyophilized cell cultures facilitates studies in molecular systematics.

The sequence of the major portion of a Bacillus cycloheptanicus strain SCH(T) 16S rRNA gene is reported. This sequence suggests that B. cycloheptanicus is genetically quite distinct from traditional Bacillus strains (e.g., B. subtilis) and may be properly regarded as belonging to a different genus. The sequence was determined from DNA that was produced by direct amplification of ribosomal DNA from a lyophilized cell pellet with straightforward polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. By obviating the need to revive cell cultures from the lyophile pellet, this approach facilitates rapid 16S rDNA sequencing and thereby advances studies in molecular systematics.
Two Decades of Debate on Meadowcroft Rockshelter

Since the publication of the first of more than fifty internally consistent radiocarbon dates from Meadowcroft Rockshelter (36WH297), intense and sometimes acrimonious controversy has swirled around the timing of the initial human occupation of this deeply stratified site. Critics of a late Pleistocene presence at this locality have questioned its stratigraphy, floral and faunal associations, the “character” of its earliest artifact assemblage, and—with particular vigor—the radiocarbon dates from the site's basal deposits. While most conservative assessments concede a 12,000-year initial occupancy (cf. Fagan, 1995), it nonetheless continues to be asserted that Meadow-croft's earlier dates have suffered particulate or non-particulate contamination. Data bearing on myriad aspects of this controversy have been published since 1975, and in the continuing debate many once-vocal critics have become silent, bored, or perhaps both. To provide background for this debate, the Meadowcroft radiocarbon chronology and ...