cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Missouri workshop on methods for life history data analysis

This special issue features contributions from seven invited speakers who participated in the Workshop on Methods for Life History Data Analysis held at the University of Missouri, Columbia, October 16–18, 2008. The workshop is part of a series of conferences on applied statistics that was previously known (from 2000 to 2004) as The Winemiller Symposium on Applied Statistics. The goal of these symposia is to communicate the value of statistical and methodological techniques in an applied setting. Originally, the Winemiller Symposium was designed to help create a campus-wide community of scholars at the University of Missouri, Columbia. To serve this purpose, each year the symposium presented two internationally known and prominent keynote speakers (one from the statistical community and one from another field such as psychology, human genetics or political science). In addition, the Symposium featured contributed presentations from scholars from the University of Missouri who were using statistics in a wide variety of disciplines. In 2004, the Symposium Committee decided to redefine the symposium as a national conference to be held every two years, each time on a new and important applied topic. This was the third conference in this new format. Life history data arise in many fields including medicine, public health, demography, economics, finance, engineering, political science, psychology and sociology. One important type of life history data is failure time data, which corresponds to studies on the time until the occurrence of a certain event such as death, HIV infection and cancer tumor onset. An extensive literature has been developed for failure time
Enhancing α-Tocopherol and Linoleic Acid in Ewe's Milk by Feeding Emulsified Sunflower Oil and dl-α-Tocopheryl Acetate in a Chemically Treated Protein Matrix

Chemically treated dietary supplements (CTDS) were prepared with defatted soy flour, sunflower oil, dl-α-tocopheryl acetate (TA), and 2,3-butanedione (a generally recognized as safe chemical), and the effects on α-tocopherol (VE) concentration and fatty acid profile in ewe's milk were estimated. Ewes fed control diet (CD) had the lowest levels of milk VE (0.66 μg/mL) and serum VE (1.59 μg/mL). Feeding ewes the CD plus 500 IU of TA increased milk and serum VE by 30 and 70%, respectively, compared to ewes fed the CD. The CTDS-fed ewes showed further increased milk and serum VE levels by 40 and 32%, respectively, over those in ewes fed the CD plus 500 IU of TA. Feeding ewes CTDS did not affect milk fat content (3.13%) but altered the fatty acid composition by decreasing the levels of hypercholesteremic fatty acids, while increasing the content of linoleic acid (8.5%). Inclusion of CTDS in ruminant diets might produce nutritionally enhanced milk products. Keywords: α-Tocopherol; α-tocopheryl acetate; ewe's mi...
Age-related neuromorphological distortion affects stability and robustness in a simulated test of spatial working memory

Normal aging in humans and nonhuman primates is associated with cognitive decline, particularly in tasks involving working memory function that relies on the prefrontal cortex [1]. Because normal aging is not correlated with widespread neuron death or gross morphological degeneration, the biological substrate of these deficits remains unclear [2]. We have constructed a simulated network of model neurons with sufficient detail to model age-related perturbations to morphology and network connectivity, in order to investigate the extent to which these morphological changes in single neurons could explain the functional degradation. Spatial working memory can be modeled with a "bump"-style network of recurrently connected model neurons, characterized by a continuum of dynamical attractor states that provide an analogue of working memory of spatial orientation [3]. A bump-attractor network (Figure ​(Figure1)1) was constructed using branching compartmental models of layer 2/3 neocortical pyramidal neurons [4]. Spine number and density are reduced with age in this neuron type [5], a morphological perturbation that was modeled as a reduction in both recurrent network connectivity and equivalent dendritic surface area. Network function was quantified in terms of the dynamical stability of network attractor states during the delay period of a simulated memory task, as well as the robustness of task performance against perturbation of network parameters. Stability and robustness were compared between "young" and "aged" model neuron populations with the multi-dimensional stability manifold method, which has been used in a previous study to examine the dependence of network simulations on modeling methodology [6]. Figure 1 "Bump" attractor network model receiving input encoding the direction '315°' (green neuron), with fully interconnected populations of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons. Neurons are arranged in direction-selective columns. ... By defining a stability manifold, we demonstrate how stability and robustness can be quantified as a function of biologically relevant perturbations to single cell morphology and network parameters. This provides a novel technique for evaluating the functional significance of local morphological changes, caused by age, disease or injury, upon cognition at the organism scale.
Automated Purification of Recombinant Proteins: Combining High-throughput with High Yield

Protein crystallography, mapping protein interactions, and other functional genomic approaches require purifying many different proteins, each of sufficient yield and homogeneity, for subsequent high-throughput applications. To fill this requirement efficiently, there is a need to develop robust, automated, high-throughput protein expression, and purification processes. We developed and compared two alternative workflows for automated purification of recombinant proteins based on expression of bacterial genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The first is a filtration separation protocol in which proteins of interest are expressed in a large volume, 800 ml of E. coli cultures, then isolated by filtration purification using Ni-NTA-Agarose (Qiagen). The second is a smaller scale magnetic separation method in which proteins of interest are expressed in a small volume, 25 ml, of E. coli cultures then isolated using a 96-well purification system with MagneHis Ni2+ Agarose (Promega). Both workflows provided comparable average yields of proteins, about 8 microg of purified protein per optical density unit of bacterial culture measured at 600 nm. We discuss advantages and limitations of these automated workflows, which can provide proteins with more than 90% purity and yields in the range of 100 microg to 45 mg per purification run, as well as strategies for optimizing these protocols.
The prevalence of immediate and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions to Microsporum canis antigens in cats.

Spontaneous recovery from Microsporum canis infections in cats is thought to be dependent on the development of a competent immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive delayed type hypersensitivity reactions in cats with and without dermatophytosis. Four groups of cats were intradermally skin tested with M canis extract and test sites were evaluated both subjectively and objectively at 0, 24 and 48 h after injection. Delayed intradermal testing (IDT) reactions were absent in cats not exposed to dermatophytosis (n=20); infected–recovered cats (n=38 culture negative lesion negative and n=43 lesion negative but culture positive) had significantly larger IDT reactions than unexposed cats and cats that were still actively infected (n=18). Based on the results of this study, IDT with M canis extract can be used to assess the cellular immune response of cats with dermatophytosis.
TRANSFER TRAINING METHOD: ITS INFLUENCE ON SKILL GENERALIZATION, SKILL REPETITION, AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL

This study contrasted goal setting and self-management training designs for their effectiveness in facilitating transfer of training to a novel task. Behavioral measures of performance were used to assess transfer in terms of skill generalization, skill repetition and overall performance level. Skill generalization was more limited among the goal-setting trainees as compared to the self-management trainees. While goal-setting trainees generalized fewer skills to the novel task context, these skills tended to be used more repeatedly. In contrast, self-management trainees exhibited higher rates of skill generalization and higher overall performance levels on the transfer task, even after the effects of outcome goal level were controlled. Implications are discussed for future research on training transfer.
Lateral supragenicular pedicle perforator flap: clinical results and vascular anatomy.

Summary Background The lateral supragenicular artery flap has been previously described for soft-tissue reconstruction around the knee. It provides an excellent alternative to muscle and musculocutaneous flaps with less morbidity. The evolution of the understanding of perforator flap anatomy has increased their clinical use and improved flap design. Methods The authors present a series of cadaveric anatomic studies to further delineate the anatomy of the lateral supragenicular pedicled perforator (LSGAP) flap. The lateral genicular perforator was injected with barium sulphate to locate and map the perforator vascular territories, zones of perfusion and location in relation to standard bony landmarks. Two case presentations exemplify the clinical application of the anatomic findings. Results Anatomic dissections and selective injection of the genicular perforator found consistent anatomic attributes of pedicle location, axis of flow, linking vessels and vascular territory. LSGAP flaps were used in the case presentations with excellent flap viability and coverage. Conclusions The LSGAP is another option for soft-tissue coverage around the knee and poplitaeal fossa. The morbidity is minimal as the donor site may frequently be closed primarily without incurring functional impairment. The anatomy of the lateral supragenicular perforator perforasome is reliable and consistent resulting in an additional dependable flap option in our reconstructive armamentarium for coverage of knee and poplitaeal defects.
What do foreign neighbors say about the mental lexicon

A corpus analysis of phonological word-forms shows that English words have few phonological neighbors that are Spanish words. Concomitantly, Spanish words have few phonological neighbors that are English words. These observations appear to undermine certain accounts of bilingual language processing, and have significant implications for the processing and representation of word-forms in bilinguals.
Is Consultation Effective? A Review of Outcome Research

This review summarizes the findings of consultation and teaming research from 1985 to 1995. It analyzes and critiques various methodological FEATURES OF THE research and draws conclusions regarding the current state of consultation and teaming outcome studies. specific questions addressed in this review include (a) how much empirically based outcome research has been conducted since 1985, (b) what the common methodological features incorporated into the current consultation research are, and (c) what conclusions regarding the current status of outcome research in consultation can be drawn. behavioral consultation studies were most prevalent (compared to mental health consultation, organizational development consultation, teaming, and other models). nearly three-fourths of all studies reported some positive outcomes. Methodological advances have been made in some areas, such as the use of experimental designs, multiple outcome measures, assessment of acceptability, and attention to social validity. however...
Melter Feed Reactions at T ≤ 700°C for Nuclear Waste Vitrification

To understand feed-to-glass conversion for the vitrification of nuclear waste, we investigated batch reactions and phase transitions in a simulated nuclear waste glass melter feed heated at 5 K/min up to 700°C using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. To determine the content and composition of leachable phases, we performed leaching tests; the leachates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. By 400°C, gibbsite and sodium borates lost water and converted to amorphous phase, whereas other metallic hydroxides dehydrated to oxides. Between 400°C and 700°C, carbonates decomposed before 500°C; amorphous aluminum oxide and calcium oxide reacted with the sodium borate and formed the more durable amorphous borate phase along with intermediate crystalline products; above 500°C, quartz began to dissolve, and hematite started to convert to trevorite.
Structural basis for glycosphingolipid transfer specificity

Lipid transfer proteins are important in membrane vesicle biogenesis and trafficking, signal transduction and immunological presentation processes. The conserved and ubiquitous mammalian glycolipid transfer proteins (GLTPs) serve as potential regulators of cell processes mediated by glycosphingolipids, ranging from differentiation and proliferation to invasive adhesion, neurodegeneration and apoptosis. Here we report crystal structures of apo-GLTP (1.65 A resolution) and lactosylceramide-bound (1.95 A) GLTP, in which the bound glycosphingolipid is sandwiched, after adaptive recognition, within a previously unknown two-layer all-alpha-helical topology. Glycosphingolipid binding specificity is achieved through recognition and anchoring of the sugar-amide headgroup to the GLTP recognition centre by hydrogen bond networks and hydrophobic contacts, and encapsulation of both lipid chains, in a precisely oriented manner within a 'moulded-to-fit' hydrophobic tunnel. A cleft-like conformational gating mechanism, involving two interhelical loops and one alpha-helix of GLTP, could enable the glycolipid chains to enter and leave the tunnel in the membrane-associated state. Mutation and functional analyses of residues in the glycolipid recognition centre and within the hydrophobic tunnel support a framework for understanding how GLTPs acquire and release glycosphingolipids during lipid intermembrane transfer and presentation processes.
Meta-Analysis of Diffusion Metrics for the Prediction of Tumor Grade in Gliomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion tensor metrics are potential in vivo quantitative neuroimaging biomarkers for the characterization of brain tumor subtype. This meta-analysis analyzes the ability of mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy to distinguish low-grade from high-grade gliomas in the identifiable tumor core and the region of peripheral edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis of articles with mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy data for World Health Organization low-grade (I, II) and high-grade (III, IV) gliomas, between 2000 and 2013, was performed. Pooled data were analyzed by using the odds ratio and mean difference. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for patient-level data. RESULTS: The minimum mean diffusivity of high-grade gliomas was decreased compared with low-grade gliomas. High-grade gliomas had decreased average mean diffusivity values compared with low-grade gliomas in the tumor core and increased average mean diffusivity values in the peripheral region. High-grade gliomas had increased FA values compared with low-grade gliomas in the tumor core, decreased values in the peripheral region, and a decreased fractional anisotropy difference between the tumor core and peripheral region. CONCLUSIONS: The minimum mean diffusivity differs significantly with respect to the World Health Organization grade of gliomas. Statistically significant effects of tumor grade on average mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were observed, supporting the concept that high-grade tumors are more destructive and infiltrative than low-grade tumors. Considerable heterogeneity within the literature may be due to systematic factors in addition to underlying lesion heterogeneity.
Mobilization of leucocytes and subsequent release of histamine and lysosomal enzymes into the peritoneal and pleural cavities of rats by actinomycin D (dactinomycin).

SUMMARY 1 The effects of intraperitoneal injections of actinomycin D on the temporal characteristics of the accumulation of the inflammatory exudate and cells into the peritoneal and pleural cavities were studied in male Sprague Dawley rats. 2 A measurable quantity of the exudate appeared in both cavities within 24 h and reached maxima in the peritoneal and pleural cavities on the fourth and third days, respectively. Thereafter, the accumulated volume of liquid decreased progressively in the peritoneal cavity but stayed more or less at about the same level in the pleural cavity until the sixth day. 3 The pooled peritoneal and pleural exudates contained neutrophils, macropha-ges, mast cell and eosinophils. The leucocyte infiltration occurred in two phases, the maximum cell numbers being found on the third and fifth days. A precipitous fall in the number of leucocytes occurred on the fourth day. Neutrophils and macro-phages accounted for 85–95% of the total number of leucocytes. 4 The supernatant of the inflammatory exudate after centrifugation at 3,000 g contained histamine and the soluble lysosomal enzyme proteins, acid phosphatase and /?-glucuronidase until the sixth day following the initial dose of actinomycin D. 5 It is suggested that the release of lysosomal enzymes in the exudate, subsequent to leucocyte mobilization and the release of histamine from the mast cells, are probably involved in the genesis of inflammatory conditions induced by actinomycin D.
Depression, Correlates of Depression, and Receipt of Depression Care Among Low-Income Women With Breast or Gynecologic Cancer

Purpose To assess the prevalence of depression among low-income, ethnic minority women with breast or gynecologic cancer, receipt of antidepressant medications or counseling services, and correlates of depression. Patients and Methods Study patients were 472 women receiving cancer care in an urban public medical center. Women had a primary diagnosis of breast (stage 0 to III) or gynecologic cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage 0 to IIIB). A diagnostic depression screen and baseline questionnaire were administered before or during active treatment or during active follow-up. Self-report data were collected on receipt of depression treatment, use of supportive counseling, pain and receipt of pain medication, functional status and well-being, and perceived barriers to cancer care. Results Twenty-four percent of women reported moderate to severe levels of depressive disorder (30% of breast cancer patients and 17% of gynecologic cancer patients). Only 12% of women meeting criteria for major depression reported currently receiving medications for depression, and only 5% of women reported seeing a counselor or participating in a cancer support group. Neither cancer stage nor treatment status was correlated with depression. Primary diagnosis of breast cancer, younger age, greater functional impairment, poorer social and family well-being, anxiety, comorbid arthritis, and fears about treatment side effects were correlated with depression. Conclusion Findings indicate that depressive disorder among ethnic minority, low-income women with breast or gynecologic cancer is prevalent and is correlated with pain, anxiety, and health-related quality of life. Because these women are unlikely to receive depression treatment or supportive counseling, there is a need for routine screening, evaluation, and treatment in this population.
Characterizing rule-based category learning deficits in patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and normal controls were tested in three category learning experiments to determine if previously observed rule-based category learning impairments in PD patients were due to deficits in selective attention or working memory. In Experiment 1, optimal categorization required participants to base their decision on a single stimulus dimension and ignore irrelevant variation on another dimension, thus emphasizing selective attention processes. In Experiment 2, optimal categorization required participants to base their decision on both stimulus dimensions using a conjunction of unidimensional decisions. Thus, this task placed less emphasis on selective attention and more on working memory. In Experiment 3, optimal categorization again required participants to base their decision on both stimulus dimensions using a disjunction of two unidimensional decisions in which an additional verbal operation was needed, thereby placing even greater emphasis on working memory. Results indicated that PD patients were impaired in the unidimensional rule-based condition, but not the other two rule-based conditions. These results are consistent with previous studies that demonstrate that PD patients are impaired in learning rule-based categories when selective attention demands are greatest, whereas these patients are normal in learning rule-based tasks when working memory demands are emphasized. Overall, these findings help to delineate the conditions under which PD patients display rule-based category learning deficits.
Beaches and dunes of human-altered coasts:

Landforms are created, reshaped or eliminated to suit human needs. These alterations affect the mechanisms of change, freedom of movement, locations of sources and sinks for sediment, internal structure, outward appearance and spatial and temporal scales of landform evolution. The processes by which landscapes are transformed by human agency follows a progression of alterations that may be subtle or overt, planned or unplanned, but most of them are predictable. Models of change for human-altered coasts may be formulated by viewing them as open or closed systems. Alternative methodologies for examining evolution of these coasts include: 1) comparing and contrasting a developed area with an undeveloped area that is assumed to have the same process controls; 2) assuming that the kind of shoreline change that occurred in the recent past will continue unabated by local actions; or 3) basing predictions on probabilities of future human action. Evidence suggests that human alterations are an integral component o...
Characterization of a Cerium-Rich Pyrochlore-Based Ceramic Nuclear Waste Form

Titanate ceramics have been proposed as candidate materials for immobilizing excess weapons plutonium. This study focuses on the characterization of a titanate-based ceramic through X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Three distinct phases have been identified, and their volume fraction was determined from element distribution maps using Scionimage-NIH Analysis software. This analysis revealed that the pyrochlore-group phase betafite (A2Ti2O7) forms the matrix of the ceramic and occupies 90.4% of the volume. Uniformly distributed in this matrix are perovskite (A2Ti2O6) and Hf-enriched rutile (TiO2), which account for 6.4 vol% and 3.1 vol%, respectively. The studied ceramic exhibits a very low porosity (0.3 vol%), which is characterized by small (<6 μm), rounded and isolated voids. In the studied ceramic, A-site cations are represented by Ca, rare earth elements, and Hf. The powder XRD pattern of the ceramic allowed refining the unit cell parameters for the cubic betafite, which is characterized by a cell edge of 10.132±0.003A. The EELS data indicate that Ce is present as both Ce3+ and Ce4+ in betafite, whereas in perovskite, all Ce is trivalent.
Response of Psyttalia humilis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to Olive Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Conditions in California Olive Orchards

The larval parasitoid, Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri), reared on Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann), by USDA-APHIS-PPQ, San Miguel Petapa, Guatemala was imported into California for biological control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi). This study reports the results of field releases and recovery of P. humilis in California, and laboratory investigations to determine the effects of food provision, high temperature, and insecticidal bait spray on the parasitoid's survival and fecundity. Parasitoids (3,613-7,823) were released in Orland, San Juan Bautista, Cayucos, Sylmar, Santa Barbara, and San Diego during October through December 2006. Mean daily temperatures at the release sites ranged from 10.7°C in Orland to 20.9°C in San Juan Bautista. The lowest (0.5) and highest (29.7) mean number of adult B. oleae per day per trap was captured in Orland and Sylmar, while the lowest (0.01) and highest (2.21) number of third instar larvae per fruit was collected on 11 December in Orland and on 5 October in San Diego in prerelease samples, respectively. Parasitoids were recovered from all release sites, the lowest (0.3%) and highest (100%) parasitism occurred on 25 January in Sylmar and on 26 October in Cayucos, respectively. At 24°C, parasitoids reared from B. oleae larvae survived 36 d on honey, 31 d on orange juice, and 28 d on honeydew, which was significantly longer than on cut olive fruit (8 d) or without food (11 d), but was similar to those reared from C. capitata larvae under the same food conditions. Under a high diurnal temperature regime (18.3-35°C) reflecting the summer olive growing conditions in the California Central Valley, the parasitoids survived <5 d when no food or only water was provided. Its longevity and life-time fecundity significantly increased by provision of honey or honeydew. There was no difference in the parasitoid's longevity between females and males or between food and sexes. Percent mortality of parasitoid adults was not significantly affected by the exposure to insecticidal fruit fly bait (GF-120) in four different types of choice tests with artificial honeydew and GF-120.
Quantification of egg yolk contamination in egg white using UV/Vis spectroscopy: Prediction model development and analysis

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a statistical model for predicting egg yolk contamination level in egg white using a spectroscopic method. Eggs that were stored for 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, and 6.5 wk at 4 °C were manually processed to cleanly separate the yolk from the white. Egg white samples containing 0–0.5% (w/w) of yolk were prepared by adding yolk to the white and further diluting with the pure egg white. Transmission spectra of samples were acquired at 500 nm wavelength. The optical absorbance of the “contaminated” egg white samples positively correlated with the yolk concentration, and its intensity was affected by the freshness of eggs, egg variety, and measuring temperature. A nonlinear prediction model, or a detection function, was developed using 182 measurements to predict yolk concentration with a known storage time. This highly sensitive method was validated using 102 separate measurements.
Prion protein biosynthesis and its emerging role in neurodegeneration.

Various fatal neurodegenerative disorders are caused by altered metabolism of the prion protein (PrP). These diseases are typically transmissible by an unusual ‘protein-only’ mechanism in which a misfolded isomer, PrPSc, confers its aberrant conformation onto normal cellular PrP. An impressive range of studies has investigated nearly every aspect of this fascinating event; yet, our understanding of how PrPSc accumulation might lead to cellular dysfunction and neurodegeneration is trifling. Recent advances in our understanding of normal PrP biosynthesis and degradation might have unexpectedly shed new light on this complex problem. Indeed, our current understanding of normal PrP cell biology, coupled with a growing appreciation of its complex metabolism, is providing new hypotheses for PrP-mediated neurodegeneration.
Global precipitation measurement (GPM)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is studying options for future space-based missions for the EOS Follow-on Era (post 2003), building upon the measurements made by Pre-EOS and EOS First Series Missions. One mission under consideration is the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), a cooperative venture of NASA, Japan, and other international partners. GPM will capitalize on the experience of the highly successful Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM). Its goal is to extend the measurement of rainfall to high latitudes with high temporal frequency, providing a global data set every three hours. A reference concept has been developed consisting of an improved TRMM-like primary satellite with precipitation radar and microwave radiometer to make detailed and accurate estimates of the precipitation structure and a constellation of small satellites flying compact microwave radiometers to provide the required temporal sampling of highly variable precipitation systems. Considering that DMSP spacecraft equipped with SSMIS microwave radiometers, successor NPOESS spacecraft equipped with CMIS microwave radiometers, and other relevant international systems are expected to be in operation during the timeframe of the reference concept, the total number of small satellites required to complete the constellation will be reduced. A nominal plan is to begin implementation in FY'03 with launches in 2007. NASA is presently engaged in advanced mission studies and advanced instrument technology development related to the mission.
Walking across Wikipedia: a scale-free network model of semantic memory retrieval.

Semantic knowledge has been investigated using both online and offline methods. One common online method is category recall, in which members of a semantic category like “animals” are retrieved in a given period of time. The order, timing, and number of retrievals are used as assays of semantic memory processes. One common offline method is corpus analysis, in which the structure of semantic knowledge is extracted from texts using co-occurrence or encyclopedic methods. Online measures of semantic processing, as well as offline measures of semantic structure, have yielded data resembling inverse power law distributions. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether these patterns in data might be related. A semantic network model of animal knowledge is formulated on the basis of Wikipedia pages and their overlap in word probability distributions. The network is scale-free, in that node degree is related to node frequency as an inverse power law. A random walk over this network is shown to simulate a number of results from a category recall experiment, including power law-like distributions of inter-response intervals. Results are discussed in terms of theories of semantic structure and processing.
Semi-Supervised Collective Classification via Hybrid Label Regularization

Many classification problems involve data instances that are interlinked with each other, such as webpages connected by hyperlinks. Techniques for collective classification (CC) often increase accuracy for such data graphs, but usually require a fully-labeled training graph. In contrast, we examine how to improve the semi-supervised learning of CC models when given only a sparsely-labeled graph, a common situation. We first describe how to use novel combinations of classifiers to exploit the different characteristics of the relational features vs. the non-relational features. We also extend the ideas of label regularization to such hybrid classifiers, enabling them to leverage the unlabeled data to bias the learning process. We find that these techniques, which are efficient and easy to implement, significantly increase accuracy on three real datasets. In addition, our results explain conflicting findings from prior related studies.
Public Perceptions of the Legitimacy of Water Governance Organizations in Nebraska and Washington

Environmental scholars propose increasing organizational legitimacy to improve the effectiveness of natural resource governance. This study applies Suchman's (1995) organizational legitimacy types to understand how Washington and Nebraska residents legitimize organizations involved in the governance of the Ogallala Aquifer and the Columbia–Snake River system. Using a representative survey, I explore the views of members of the public on which water governance organization they believe should be most responsible for resolving conflicts over their respective water system, and how they legitimize their selection. Results indicate almost half of Nebraska and Washington residents view state government as most responsible, followed by either local or federal government organizations. Findings also show similarities in the ways residents legitimize their selections, though multivariate analyses demonstrate certain legitimacy types are more predictive of a person's selection of one governance organization over an...
Ingested and Aspirated Foreign Bodies

Esophageal and aspirated foreign bodies have important clinical significance, and both should be considered carefully when the history or physical examination findings raise sufficient suspicion. The published evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of foreign body ingestion or aspiration is weighted disproportionately with observational studies, case controls, expert opinion, and systematic reviews. Most of the publications would receive a categorization of C (observational studies including case-control and cohort design) and D (expert opinion, case reports, and clinical reasoning). One of the few prospective studies examining the diagnostic evaluation of foreign body aspiration in children could be considered level B evidence (randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, or diagnostic studies with minor limitations). This study found that the medical history is the most important predictive part of the evaluation. There is evidence for considering bronchoscopy if there is significant history suggestive of foreign body aspiration, even in the setting of normal physical examination findings. (28). Most ingested foreign bodies spontaneously pass without incident. However, special attention should be paid to objects in the esophagus as well as to batteries and magnets. Based on a systematic review of the literature (level B evidence) and the potential for rapid and life-threatening damage, batteries in the esophagus should be removed immediately. (10) Other objects, such as coins, may be observed for passage in an asymptomatic patient. In addition, given the high risk of significant complications, ingestion of high-powered magnets should be quickly and carefully evaluated. Although single magnets are likely to pass without complication, multiple magnets or magnets ingested with other metal objects can cause significant damage and should be removed if there is any concern for mural entrapment, bowel perforation, or failure to progress. (10)(16)(17)(18)(19). Lastly, another systematic review of the literature (level B evidence) about the aspiration of food objects in children suggests that this is a significant public health concern with potentially devastating consequences. Despite clear legislation and regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding toys, there is no similar regulation of high-risk foods. The data suggest that there is opportunity for improvement in legislation about the production and packaging of high-risk items as well as in the education of caregivers. (22)
Docetaxel as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III breast cancer.

Abstract Optimal management of locally advanced breast cancer (stage III) generally includes a combination of primary chemotherapy followed by surgery (if feasible), and local radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with or without hormonal therapy. An ongoing phase II study is being performed to evaluate the use of 4 cycles of 100 mg/m2 of docetaxel (Taxotere) administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks followed by surgery, 4 cycles of standard-dose doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) chemotherapy, and radiation, with and without tamoxifen (Nolvadex) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Preliminary results from 33 patients included in this phase II study are reported here. A partial response was achieved in 22 patients (67%), with 6 patients (18%) experiencing a complete response with this regimen. One patient with a complete response was confirmed to have a complete pathologic response at the time of surgery. Febrile neutropenia was noted in 8 patients (24%) and in 8 of the 120 treatment cycles (7%) administered. Future trials aimed at increasing the number of pathologic complete responses in patients with stage III breast cancer may require the use of docetaxel in combination with other active agents or the use of dose-dense scheduling schemes.
Understanding recurrent readmission after major surgery among patients with employer-provided health insurance

Abstract Background Most studies on readmission only report data on first readmission within 30 days. These data may underestimate the true impact of readmission, as recurrent readmissions are common among patients undergoing major surgery. We therefore sought to define characteristics and readmission patterns of patients recurrently readmitted after major surgery. Methods A total of 81,769 patients discharged after 10 major surgical procedures (coronary artery bypass graft, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid endarterectomy, aortic valve replacement, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, pulmonary resection, hepatectomy, and colorectal resection) between 2010 and 2012 were identified from a large employer-provided health plan. Maximum number of unplanned readmissions experienced within 365 days of discharge was measured. Results Median patient age was 55 years, and a slight majority (55.4%) was male. Comorbidities were common as 36.9% had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of ≥2. Median length of stay was 5 (interquartile range, 3 and 8) days. Among 24,344 (29.8%) patients who experienced readmission, 64.0% experienced 1 readmission, whereas 36.0% experienced recurrent readmissions within 365 day of a prior discharge. Compared with patients experiencing 1 readmission, patients with ≥2 readmissions were more likely to be female (47.3% vs 44.2%) and have more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index ≥2, 49.5% vs 42.5%; both P P P Conclusions Among patients who underwent major surgery, 3 in 10 patients experienced readmission of which 1 in 10 patients experienced recurrent readmission within 1 year after surgery. Overall 4.5% of patients with ≥3 readmissions accounted for 14.8% of total admission during the study period. Assessment of only first rehospitalization may not fully capture the long-term outcomes after major surgery.
Clinical Application of Medical Mode of Preoperative Constitution Differentiation and Postoperative Rapid Holistic Rehabilitation for Patients After Cesarean Section

Objective To evaluate the effect of medical mode of preoperative constitution differentiation(PCD) and postoperative rapid holistic rehabilitation(PRHR) for patients after cesarean section.Methods The qualified 5500 patients admitted from January,2000 to December,2005 were allocated in the control group,and qualified 2300 patients admitted from January,2006 to August,2007 were allocated in the treatment group.The treatment received constitution regulation with herbal medicine before operation,and ear acupuncture,acupoint application and injection after operation.Group B received antibiotics,energy mixture and vitamin C during peri-operative period.Postoperative parameters such as wound infection and pain,nausea and vomiting,the recovery of gastrointestinal function,lactation,the decrease of uterine fundus,24-hour bleeding volume,and white blood cell(WBC) count were observed.Results In the treatment group,postoperative symptoms of wound pain,wound infection rate,nausea and vomiting were relieved,exsufflation and defecation,and bed-off activity were ahead of time,appetite and lactation were increased,and life of quality was improved(P0.05 compared with the control group).Conclusion Medical mode of PCD and PRHR is beneficial to the recovery of patients after cesarean section,which meets the human-oriented requirement of modern medicine.
A Case Report on Severe Acute Occupational Nitrogen Oxide Poisoning

[Objective]To analyze the reason and process of an acute poisoning accident of nitrogen oxide and to propose measures for its control and prevention.[Methods]Diagnosis was based on clinical manifestations,occupational health survey findings in the workplace,and diagnosis criteria of occupational diseases.[Results]Exposure to nitrogen oxide led to the acute severe poisoning accident.[Conclusion]Comprehensive strategies for occupational disease control and prevention need to be adopted to prevent the re-occurrence of this kind of poisoning accident.
Present status of development and utilization of nitrate resources and its development prospect in China

The resources survey of nitrate and the present status of development and research of the resources in China were discussed in detail.At the same time,the development status of nitrate resources in the world was reviewed.Combined with exploration degree,technological level and market demands of nitrate resources in China,the development prospects of nitrate resources in China were analyzed objectively.
Lenalidomide Induces Interleukin-21 Production by T Cells and Enhances IL21-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells

The immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide has demonstrated efficacy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), despite a lack of direct cytotoxic effects in vitro The mechanism of lenalidomide efficacy in vivo is thought to occur via a combination of enhanced immune activity and an alteration of tumor cell-microenvironment interactions. We demonstrate in whole blood from patients with CLL that lenalidomide significantly depletes malignant B cells. Lenalidomide also induced production of interleukin-21 (IL21) and its mRNA in T cells from patients with CLL. In addition, lenalidomide enhanced upregulation of functional IL21 receptor (IL21R) on the cell surface and increased receptor mRNA in vitro The in vitro combination of IL21 and lenalidomide enhanced IL21-mediated cytotoxicity toward CLL cells through a variety of mechanisms. We show association of cell death with upregulation of Bid by IL21, enhanced upregulation of Bid by the combination therapy, and diminished Lck and downstream BCR signaling activation of Syk and PLCG2. Collectively, we demonstrated an immune cell-tumor cell interaction through lenalidomide-mediated induction of IL21 and IL21R, with enhanced IL21-mediated cytotoxicity, which provides justification for this combination in clinical trials for patients with CLL. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(8); 698-707. ©2016 AACR.
Taylor's Formula

This chapter reviews Taylor's formula. Taylor's formula is a more accurate local formula than the microscope approximation and has many uses. It presents the formulation of the algebraic forms of the microscope, smile and frown icons. The smile and frown icons are based on a simple intuitive mathematical idea: When the slope of the tangent increases, the curve bends up. The algebraic formulation of convexity (or bending) follows easily from a more detailed approximation formula. The basic theoretical fact needed is called the second order Taylor “small oh” formula. This formula approximates by a quadratic function in the change variable δχ (where x is considered fixed), not just a linear function in δχ . Taylor's formula can also be used to find a formula for second derivatives.
Doing it for free: digital labour and the fantasy of amateur online pornography

ABSTRACTTo date, scholars of digital labour have not turned sufficient attention to online sex work, which constitutes a sizeable portion of contemporary web-based labour. In particular, the rise of unpaid amateur pornography, circulated through YouTube-style tube sites, points toward an important shift in how adult content is being produced and distributed in digital spaces. This shift also raises questions about the cultural narratives that surround sexual labour. This article explores the labour politics that underlie the unpaid work of do-it-yourself (DIY) porn performers who are populating highly lucrative tube sites with hundreds of thousands of amateur videos. In doing so, the article argues for understanding DIY porn in relation to the increasing popularity of other digital maker movements. As feminist scholars of digital media have noted, crowdsourcing platforms like Wikipedia are commonly idealized as empowering and democratizing, yet they often reinforce existing social biases and obfuscate con...
Oxide Driven Strength Degradation of (1 1 1) Silicon Surfaces

Previous experiments have shown a link between oxidation and strength changes in single crystal silicon nanostructures but provided no clues as to the mechanisms leading to this relationship. Through a mix of atomic force microscope based fracture strength experiments, molecular dynamics modeling, and comparisons to past experiments we have shown that the previously described strength decrease is a result of oxidation induced roughening of an initially flat silicon (1 1 1) surface and we have shown this effect to be transient. In a fully developed native oxide the Si-SiO2 interface flattens. As a result the strength recovers with some indication that it becomes slightly stronger than in its initially hydrogen terminated state.
Die-level Characterization of Bulk-etched MEMS using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy

In this paper theory and experimental confirmation of a new die-level testing methodology is presented to measure physical parameters of the ubiquitous anisotropically-etched silicon-nitride membrane on a silicon substrate. We have used this technique to calculate dimensional and material properties of silicon-nitride/silicon structure from measured resonance spectra, which is obtained within seconds by the use of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. A linear model of the change in resonance frequencies of the structural modes to structural dimensions and material properties is extracted using finite-element analysis. Knowing this linear relationship allows one to solve the inverse problem of finding the material’s characteristics and dimensions of the structure by measuring the resonance frequencies of the structure. The accuracy of structural dimensions determined by this techniques has been verified within 0.35∼4.62% and Young’s modulus of the LPCVD silicon nitride thin film is 195±9GPa. This illustrates that method presented in this paper is viable for a fast industrial diagnosis for presorting of viable dies, measurement of mechanical design aid for MEMS ultrasonic transducers.
Cultivars from Antelope House

ABSTRACTA review of maize in context of the evolutionary, racial, utilitarian, and morphological aspects of archaeological and ethno- botanical interest is presented. Data collected from Antelope House are examined and discussed on these bases. A brief summary of the beans, cotton, and cucurbits from this site is included.
Site selection issues

The preservation of land resources is a major component of the land management process but just as important is the selection of sites for development. The litany of environmental disruption caused by the improper siting of residential complexes and industrial facilities is a long one and needs no repeating here. But an important objective of land planning is to keep such disruption to a minimum. To this end, this chapter will focus on three aspects of the land development process — site selection (primarily for large public works projects), zoning and subdivision regulations, and litigation resulting from the construction of certain facilities. Specifically, the chapter will attempt to demonstrate how remote sensing techniques can contribute to these activities.