cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing the "model" network

As network planners try to plan and operate networks that offer the best value for money, they often find it a difficult to choose among the many alternatives. Network modeling can yield insight into network performance and cost prior to investment. Network modeling is a decision support tool, only as good as the information it processes. Ultimately, a successful network manager understands current requirements and is prepared to meet requirements in the future. Modeling can perform essential services to keep a network manager better informed and prepared, and a business better poised to meet the demand of its users and ultimately the demands of its customers. >
Strategies of Economic Containment: U.S. Trade Relations with the Soviet Union

If a consensus exists in the literature on international economic sanctions, it is that attempts to use economic instruments to achieve political objectives are likely to fail.1 This widely shared conclusion has been based on the analysis of a number of highly visible but unsuccessful attempts, including the League of Nations' sanctions against Italy in 1935–1936, the Arab boycott of Israel, U.S. sanctions against the Castro regime, United Nations sanctions against Rhodesia, and most recently, U.S. sanctions against the Soviet Union following the invasion of Afghanistan and the imposition of martial law in Poland.
A Novel Orally Active Small Molecule Potently Induces G1 Arrest in Primary Myeloma Cells and Prevents Tumor Growth by Specific Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6

Cell cycle deregulation is central to the initiation and fatality of multiple myeloma, the second most common hematopoietic cancer, although impaired apoptosis plays a critical role in the accumulation of myeloma cells in the bone marrow. The mechanism for intermittent, unrestrained proliferation of myeloma cells is unknown, but mutually exclusive activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4)-cyclin D1 or Cdk6-cyclin D2 precedes proliferation of bone marrow myeloma cells in vivo. Here, we show that by specific inhibition of Cdk4/6, the orally active small-molecule PD 0332991 potently induces G(1) arrest in primary bone marrow myeloma cells ex vivo and prevents tumor growth in disseminated human myeloma xenografts. PD 0332991 inhibits Cdk4/6 proportional to the cycling status of the cells independent of cellular transformation and acts in concert with the physiologic Cdk4/6 inhibitor p18(INK4c). Inhibition of Cdk4/6 by PD 0332991 is not accompanied by induction of apoptosis. However, when used in combination with a second agent, such as dexamethasone, PD 0332991 markedly enhances the killing of myeloma cells by dexamethasone. PD 0332991, therefore, represents the first promising and specific inhibitor for therapeutic targeting of Cdk4/6 in multiple myeloma and possibly other B-cell cancers.
Highly sensitive TaqMan RT-PCR assay for detection and quantification of both lineages of West Nile virus RNA.

Abstract Background Starting in 1999, the West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic represents the largest outbreak of arboviral encephalitis ever recorded in the U.S. The effective means to determine an infection are detection of viral nucleic acid and/or viral specific immunoglobulin, IgM and/or IgG. Objective To develop a highly sensitive and specific TaqMan RT-PCR assay for the detection and quantification of WNV RNA of lineage 1 and lineage 2. Study design A TaqMan RT-PCR primer–probe was designed to perfectly match target sequences of all sequenced WNV strains and isolates, which added a layer of protection against false-negative results due to strain variability. In addition, the inclusion of a low level RNA internal control (IC) in the assay increased the precision and accuracy of the assay. Results By optimizing the RNA preparation procedure for increased WNV RNA recovery, together with optimizing the primer–probe and TaqMan conditions for improved amplification efficiency, we developed a highly sensitive assay with the detection limit of 10 copies/mL. To evaluate the assay, we tested plasma samples from 12 transfusion-transmitted implicated cases in 2002 and from 68 positive blood donors in 2003. All tested specimens were WNV positive. The viral load of 68 positive blood donor samples collected in 2003 ranged from 10 copies/mL to 67,000 copies/mL with a mean of 8100 copies/mL. Furthermore, high sensitivity of the assay was achieved without compromising specificity. All 100 routine donor samples tested negative. Conclusions The assay results demonstrate that our in-house TaqMan RT-PCR procedure can detect and quantify WNV RNA of lineage1 and lineage 2 in human plasma with high sensitivity and specificity.
Molecular mechanism of pore creation in bacterial membranes by amyloid proteins

This study explores the mechanism of pore creation in cellular membranes by MccE92 bacterial proteins. The results of this study are then compared with the mechanism of alpha-synuclein (aS)-based pore formation in mammalian cells, and its role in Parkinson's disease.
Devising discontinuous Galerkin methods for non-linear hyperbolic conversation laws

Abstract In this paper, we give a simple introduction to the devising of discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods for nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws. These methods have recently made their way into the main stream of computational fluid dynamics and are quickly finding use in a wide variety of applications. The DG methods, which are extensions of finite volume methods, incorporate into a finite element framework the notions of approximate Riemann solvers, numerical fluxes and slope limiters coined during the remarkable development of the high-resolution finite difference and finite volume methods for nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws. We start by stressing the fact that nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws are usually obtained from well-posed problems by neglecting terms modeling nondominant features of the model which, nevertheless, are essential in crucial, small parts of the domain; as a consequence, the resulting problem becomes ill-posed. The main difficulty in devising numerical schemes for these conservation laws is thus how to re-introduce the neglected physical information in order to approximate the physically relevant solution, usually called the entropy solution. For the classical case of the entropy solution of the nonlinear hyperbolic scalar conservation law, we show how to carry out this process for two prototypical DG methods. The first DG method is the so-called shock-capturing DG method, which does not use slope limiters and is implicit; the second is the Runge–Kutta DG method, which is an explicit method that does not employ a shock-capturing term but uses a slope limiter instead. We then focus on the Runge–Kutta DG methods and show how to obtain a key stability property which holds independently of the accuracy of the scheme and of the nonlinearity of the conservation law; we also show some computational results.
Transcriptional regulation of NAD metabolism in bacteria: NrtR family of Nudix-related regulators

A novel family of transcription factors responsible for regulation of various aspects of NAD synthesis in a broad range of bacteria was identified by comparative genomics approach. Regulators of this family (here termed NrtR for Nudix-related transcriptional regulators), currently annotated as ADP-ribose pyrophosphatases from the Nudix family, are composed of an N-terminal Nudix-like effector domain and a C-terminal DNA-binding HTH-like domain. NrtR regulons were reconstructed in diverse bacterial genomes by identification and comparative analysis of NrtR-binding sites upstream of genes involved in NAD biosynthetic pathways. The candidate NrtR-binding DNA motifs showed significant variability between microbial lineages, although the common consensus sequence could be traced for most of them. Bioinformatics predictions were experimentally validated by gel mobility shift assays for two NrtR family representatives. ADP-ribose, the product of glycohydrolytic cleavage of NAD, was found to suppress the in vitro binding of NrtR proteins to their DNA target sites. In addition to a major role in the direct regulation of NAD homeostasis, some members of NrtR family appear to have been recruited for the regulation of other metabolic pathways, including sugar pentoses utilization and biogenesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate. This work and the accompanying study of NiaR regulon demonstrate significant variability of regulatory strategies for control of NAD metabolic pathway in bacteria.
Failures in complex systems: case studies, causes, and possible remedies

Computers are the pervasive technology of our time. As computers become critically tied to human life, it also becomes more important that interactions with them are under control. They are no longer a novelty, but are integrated into the fabric of our world, performing both high and low-level tasks. That is, computers may be used to eliminate heavy, redundant work and more sophisticated machines have been deployed to perform remote surgery or detect subterranean landmines in repopulated civilian areas. The increasing importance of computers in our lives means that it is essential that the design of computer systems incorporates techniques that can ensure reliability, safety, and security. This paper will examine technological mishaps involving the use of computers. This review will include notorious software bugs that have affected finance, communication, transit, defense, health and medicine and other systems or industries. The sequences and etiology of these "accidents" will be discussed as well as how catastrophes may be avoided in the future through lessons and practices based on artificial intelligence research.
Consumer views of representative payee use of disability funds to leverage treatment adherence.

OBJECTIVE: Although representative payee arrangements are common among people with psychiatric disabilities, only a small body of research has investigated how consumers feel about representative payees' use of disability funds to attempt to improve treatment adherence. METHODS: Consumers who were in treatment for a recently documented diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related disorder (N=104) were interviewed to assess their perceptions of the use of disability funds and other legal pressures to attempt to improve treatment adherence. RESULTS: Most consumers in the sample (65 percent) did not agree that withholding money was a useful method to improve treatment adherence. Multivariate analyses indicated that participants were more likely to agree that use of money as leverage was helpful if they also felt that other legal pressures were helpful for improving adherence and if they felt free to do as they wanted regarding their mental health treatment. On the other hand, participants were less likely to endo...
Fish rhabdovirus replication in non-piscine cell culture: new system for the study of rhabdovirus-cell interaction in which the virus and cell have different temperature optima.

The replication of three rhabdoviruses associated with diseases of fish has been demonstrated in cells of continuously cultivated non-piscine cell lines. Spring viremia of carp (SVC) virus and the salmonid fish viruses, Egtved and infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, all replicated in mammalian WI-38 (human diploid cell strain) and BHK/21 cells and in cells of one or more reptilian cell lines at the temperatures commonly used to propagate these viruses in fish cells. The infections were cytopathic: SVC virus plaque assays may be performed in several types of mammalian cell culture. “Autointerference” apparently mediated by abortive “T” particle formation was observed during serial nondiluted passages of SVC virus in BHK/21 and TH1 cells, but not in RTG-2 or WI-38 cells. Optimal temperatures for replication of SVC and Egtved viruses in BHK/21 cells were identical to those determined in poikilothermic vertebrate cell cultures. However, these viruses replicated relatively more efficiently at suboptimal temperatures in “cold-blooded” vertebrate cells than in the hamster cells. Studies of [3H]uridine incorporation into uninfected BHK/21 cells incubated at different temperatures revealed that [3H]uridine uptake is sharply reduced at temperatures below 24.5 C. Growth curve studies of SVC virus in BHK/21 cells incubated at 23 C revealed that a clear-cut large excess of virus-induced [3H]uridine incorporation could be demonstrated in the absence of actinomycin D. Actinomycin D treatment (1 μg/ml) led to efficient inhibition of control cell [3H]uridine uptake, but also markedly reduced the total counts per minute of virus-induced [3H]uridine uptake, without depressing the yield of released infectious virus. Actinomycin D added to SVC virus-infected BHK/21 cell cultures at concentrations as low as 0.01 μg/ml caused a significant decrease in the level of virus-induced [3H]uridine uptake, despite the fact that this concentration is insufficient to efficiently suppress “background” cellular [3H]uridine incorporation. Images
The effect of interleukin-1 on adhesion formation in the rat

Abstract The potential role of interleukin-1 in postoperative adhesion formation was examined. Cecal abrasion gave a consistently higher adhesion score when compared with sham laparotomy, on the basis of adhesion number, density, and vascularity, and so was chos(m for use in further studies. The extent of serosal bleeding during cecal abrasion did not affect adhesion scores. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 ILg murine recombinant interleukin-1 &#x0026;#x0026;#x03B1; in cecally abraded animals on the day of surgery and on the following 4 days resulted in a significant increase in adhesion scores, when compared with those of cecally abraded animals injected with vehicle alone. Adhesions enhanced with murine recombinant interleukin-1α., which were thicker and more vascular, were equivalently enhanced at doses from 10 to 10,000 ng, implying maximal response over that range. Rats not operated on and receiving recombinant interleukin-1 α 2 weeks after injury had increased adhesion formation. These results demonstrate that interleukin-1α may be an important short-term mediator of postsurgical adhe:3ion formation.
An Hourly-Wage-Based Earned Income Tax Credit: Implications For Workers, Employers, And Taxpayers

What is the best way to compensate low-paid workers? A “generous” minimum wage may cause substantial unemployment and serious dislocations. The current combination of a modest minimum wage plus the annual-income-based earned income tax credit is, in some cases, a disincentive to work. An hourly-wage-based earned income tax credit, on the other hand, may be the most efficient and effective way to compensate the low-wage worker.
Isoneutral Diffusion in a z-Coordinate Ocean Model

This paper considers the requirements that must be satisfied in order to provide a stable and physically based isoneutral tracer diffusion scheme in a z-coordinate ocean model. Two properties are emphasized: 1) downgradient orientation of the diffusive fluxes along the neutral directions and 2) zero isoneutral diffusive flux of locally referenced potential density. It is shown that the Cox diffusion scheme does not respect either of these properties, which provides an explanation for the necessity to add a nontrivial background horizontal diffusion to that scheme. A new isoneutral diffusion scheme is proposed that aims to satisfy the stated properties and is found to require no horizontal background diffusion.
Light in Relation to the Experimental Modification of the Breeding Season of Turkeys

Abstract AMONG the domesticated farm birds, the reproductive cycle of the turkey bears the most striking similarity to that of birds in the wild state. The turkey is therefore, very favorable material for studies relating to the experimental modification of the breeding season. Sexual periodicity is fixed from year to year among wild birds although climatic conditions may fluctuate widely with respect to inception and severity. The incidence of daylight and darkness is, however, the most constant of the environmetal factors. These facts led Schafer (1907) to conclude that the length of the day influences the sex-cycle of birds. Rowan (1928) concluded that sexually inactive juncos could be made sexually active by forced muscular work. Bissonnette (1930), however, failed to activate the germinal elements of the starling’s testes by induced muscular work during the months of December and January when they are normally quiescent. Irradiation, however, with a 60-watt incandescent bulb . . .
Macro Theory and the Study of Political Development

This article is based on the Skytte Prize lecture delivered at the University of Uppsala in October 2015.
Management of Pediatric Posterior Segment Trauma in Children

Posterior segment trauma in children has particular clinical features and carries unique implications unlike those in adults. The critical history associated with the injury may be difficult to obtain, and the examination of the patient is almost always challenging. In addition, the response of the eye to injury and the visual outcome differ from older patients because of the adherence of the posterior hyaloid and the risk of amblyopia. A basic understanding of these challenges can improve the outcome of intervention.
A proof-of-concept trial of protein kinase C iota inhibition with auranofin for the paclitaxel-induced acute pain syndrome

Paclitaxel causes the paclitaxel-induced acute pain (PIAP) syndrome. Based on preclinical data, we hypothesized that the protein kinase C (PKC) iota inhibitor, auranofin (a gold salt used for other pain conditions), palliates this pain. In a randomized, double-blinded manner, patients who had suffered this syndrome were assigned a one-time dose of auranofin 6 mg orally on day #2 of the chemotherapy cycle (post-paclitaxel) versus placebo. Patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory and a pain diary on days 2 through 8 and at the end of the cycle. The primary endpoint was pain scores, as calculated by area under the curve, in response to “Please rate your pain by circling the one number that best describes your pain at its worse in the last 24 hours.” Thirty patients were enrolled. For the primary endpoint, mean area under the curve of 55 units (standard deviation 19) and 61 units (standard deviation 22) were observed in auranofin-treated and placebo-exposed patients, respectively (p = 0.44). On day 8 and at the end of the cycle, pain scores in auranofin-treated patients were more favorable, although differences were not statistically significant. In the dose schedule studied, auranofin did not palliate the PIAP syndrome, but delayed beneficial trends suggest further study for this indication.
STUDIES OF MOUSE POLYOMA VIRUS INFECTION : I. PROCEDURES FOR QUANTITATION AND DETECTION OF VIRUS

Three procedures have been compared for usefulness in titration and detection of polyoma virus: production of cytopathic effect (CPE) in mouse embryo tissue culture, production of HI antibody after inoculation into weanling mice (MAP test), and production of tumors in suckling hamsters during a 3 to 5 week observation period. The tissue culture and mouse antibody production tests were generally comparable in sensitivity, reproducibility, and time required to obtain results. Titration by tumor production in suckling hamsters was not suitable for quantitation because of marked variation in susceptibility among animals. Virus was detected in tissues of normal mice from spontaneously infected colonies by either production of CPE in mouse embryo tissue culture or by the MAP test; virus was found in organs of 15 (58 per cent) of 26 mice with antibody, and 2 (8 per cent) of 24 mice without antibody.
Three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of OMEGA implosions

The effects of large-scale (with Legendre modes ≲10) asymmetries in OMEGA direct-drive implosions caused by laser illumination nonuniformities (beam-power imbalance and beam mispointing and mistiming), target offset, and variation in target-layer thickness were investigated using the low-noise, three-dimensional Eulerian hydrodynamic code ASTER. Simulations indicate that these asymmetries can significantly degrade the implosion performance. The most important sources of the asymmetries are the target offsets ( ∼10 to 20 μm), beam-power imbalance ( σrms∼10%), and variations ( ∼5%) in target-layer thickness. Large-scale asymmetries distort implosion cores, resulting in a reduced hot-spot confinement and an increased residual kinetic energy of implosion targets. The ion temperature inferred from the width of simulated neutron spectra is influenced by bulk fuel motion in the distorted hot spot and can result in up to an ∼1-keV increase in apparent temperature. Similar temperature variations along different li...
Three design aspects for high quality post-marketing cohort studies

Spelsberg and colleagues showed that ascertaining the results of post-marketing safety studies is challenging.1 In the US and Europe, brand name drug manufacturers are required to summarise data from post-marketing studies and submit them to the regulatory authority.2 Aspects of these reports should be made publicly available to inform the medical community about important emerging data and allow the scientific community to evaluate …
Implementation of the Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology results in lower atypical diagnostic rates.

Introduction The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (PSRUC) provides a standardized reporting schema for urine cytology with defined criteria for each diagnostic category. We report the impact at our institution of adopting the PSRUC on the frequency and distribution of urine cytology diagnoses, with particular attention to the “atypical” category as it serves as a potential laboratory quality control measure. Materials and methods Urine cytology specimen diagnoses were evaluated during 5-month periods prior to and after the introduction of PSRUC. The number of cases in each diagnostic category by either the laboratory as a whole or by individual cytopathologists were analyzed. Following confidential feedback given to individual cytopathologists, a third 5-month period of cytology diagnosis analysis was performed. Results The overall laboratory atypical call rate was significantly lower in the post-PSRUC as compared with the pre-PSRUC period (29.5% versus 21.8%; P Conclusions Adoption of PSRUC resulted in a significant decrease in the number of atypical diagnoses with little change in the suspicious or malignant categories. Future studies are needed to determine the effect of decreased atypical call rates on the sensitivity/specificity of urine cytopathology, as well as to see if other measures (such as continued cytopathologist feedback or educational modules) can further reduce atypical rates.
Sub-ambient air separation via Li+ exchanged zeolite

Abstract In this study, we extend the concept of adsorptive air separation using zeolites to sub-ambient temperature conditions. Sub-ambient temperature conditions investigated in this study (210–270 K) enable larger swing capacities for solid adsorbents under significantly milder conditions than those required by cryogenic distillation systems. Experimental O2 and N2 isotherms—measured in a wide range of temperatures (150 K–300 K)—were utilized to construct multicomponent isotherms (IAST) and estimate the temperature-dependent separation performances of Li+-exchanged type X zeolite (Si/Al ratio ∼1) under synthetic air mixture (22 mol% O2 and 78 mol% of N2). As temperature decreases from ambient conditions, the IAST selectivity (N2/O2) increases. Sorption breakthrough tests at 240 K with synthetic air mixtures further validated the enhanced swing capacity and selectivity provided by sub-ambient conditions. Dual-bed vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) experiments at sub-ambient temperatures were compared to standard VPSA experiments at room temperature. The sub-ambient temperature (240 K) application of VPSA process using synthetic air mixture produced O2 with a purity over 99% and recovery over 56%, surpassing the VPSA performance at ambient temperature conditions (298 K). The separation process investigated in this study could potentially be coupled to certain cryogenic air separation units to reduce the overall energy cost of the unit by supplying O2 enriched stream into the distillation system.
RADIOSITY VIA RAY TRACING

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the radiosity through ray tracing. In a radiosity program, the indirect lighting that contributes to surface color is calculated explicitly. This is used in place of the less accurate ambient term usually used in computer graphics. Radiosity solutions are applicable to scenes that are made up of diffuse reflectors. Progressive refinement radiosity has become popular. In progressive refinement solutions, power is transported within the environment until one have an estimate for the power reflected from each surface. It is found that when the zone z i sends its accumulated power out into the environment, the quantity sent in a particular direction is proportional to cos θ; , where θ; is the angle between the direction and the surface normal of z t . The simplest way to find vertex colors that meet the constraint is to set each vertex color to the average of L i for all z i that have that vertex on their boundaries.
Carbon nanofiber modified with osmium based redox polymer for glucose sensing

Electrochemical detection of glucose was performed on carbon nanofibers containing an osmium based redox polymer and using glucose oxidase enzyme. Redox polymer assembled on the nanofibers provided a more stable support that preserved enzyme activity and promoted the electrical communication to the glassy carbon electrode. The morphologies, structures, and electrochemical behavior of the redox polymer modified nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and voltammetry. The glucose oxidase showed excellent communication with redox polymer as observed with the increased activity toward glucose. Both cyclic voltammetry and amperometry showed a linear response with glucose concentration. The linear range for glucose determination was from 1 to 12 mM with a relatively high sensitivity of 0.20±0.01 μA mM −1 for glucose oxidase in carbon nanofibers and 0.10±0.01 μA mM −1 without carbon nanofibers. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant (K m ) for glucose oxidase with carbon nanofibers was 0.99 mM. On the other hand, the K m value for the glucose oxidase without the nanofibers was 4.90 mM.
Coping and defending styles among Vietnam combat veterans seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.

A review of the literature on coping processes in addiction disorders yields at least two notions: one, that substance abuse is associated with less efficient, avoidant ways of coping with problems in living; and two, that substance abusers with a background of traumatic and stressful experiences are readily distinguishable by even more avoidant coping styles. These notions were tested in the form of three hypotheses: (1) substance abusers in general employ more avoidant coping styles than do nonaddicted groups; (2) Vietnam combat veterans meeting DSM-III criteria for both substance use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evidence significantly more avoidant coping styles than do Vietnam combat veterans meeting criteria only for substance use disorder but not PTSD—particularly when dealing with internal states of anxiety; and (3) for those meeting both substance use disorder and PTSD criteria, black Vietnam combat veterans (who presumably have encountered more stress, as minority group members) evidence more avoidant coping styles than do white Vietnam combat veterans. These three hypotheses were tested with Peck’s (1981) newly developed Individual Styles of Coping, measuring four stages in the coping process for five behavioral contexts. All three hypotheses were confirmed. Results were discussed as confirming recent changes in DSM-III-Revised (1987) criteria, emphasizing generalized avoidance manuevers as criterial, in part, for diagnosing PTSD (in addition to behaviors of specific avoidance of traumatic memories). Theoretical implications about a traumatogenic dimension for substance abuse among some Vietnam combat veterans were discussed, as well as ramifications for treatment programming.
Contracts and Capacity Investment in Supply Chains

Suppliers are often reluctant to invest in capacity if they believe that they will be unable to recover their investment costs in subsequent transactions with buyers. In theory, a number of different contracts can solve this issue and induce first-best investment levels by the supplier. In this study, we investigate the performance of these contracts in a two-tier supply chain. We develop an experimental design where retailers and suppliers bargain over contract terms—and have the ability to make multiple back-and-forth offers—while also providing feedback on the offers they receive. One key result from our study is that an option contract and a service-level agreement are best at increasing first-best investment levels and overall supply chain profits. However, these same contracts also generate the largest inequity in expected profits between the two parties. We find that both of these results are driven by the bargaining tendencies of retailers and suppliers, which we refer to as “superficial fairness....
Economical and biological efficiencies of beef cattle differing in level of milk production.

Economical and biological efficiencies of beef production to weaning and to slaughter were estimated in three groups, different in milk available (low, medium, and high) to the calves but with the same potential for growth. Data from different breed groups of cows (low (Ll = Hereford x Angus, medium (MI = Red Poll x Angus, and high (HI = Milking Shorthorn x Angus) were used. Economical efficiency was the ratio of income to expenses and biological efficiency was the ratio of calf weight to total feed energy required. Income was derived from cull cows and calves at weaning or carcasses of calves fed to slaughter. Feed and non-feed expenses for the cowherd and for calves to weaning or to slaughter were included in economical efficiency. Efficiencies were estimated assuming observed reproductive rates and energy requirements for maintenance, as well as for equal reproductive rates and equal energy require- ments for maintenance in the M and H groups. With the observed reproductive rates and maintenance requirements, biological efficiencies to weaning and to
Tetris: A Study of Randomized Constraint Sampling

Approximate Dynamic Programming is a means of synthesizing nearoptimal policies for large scale stochastic control problems. We examine here the LP approach to approximate Dynamic Programming [98] which requires the solution of a linear program with a tractable number of variables but a potentially large number of constraints. Randomized constraint sampling is one means of dealing with such a program and results from [99] suggest that in fact, such a scheme is capable of producing good solutions to the linear program that arises in the context of approximate Dynamic Programming. We present here a summary of those results, and a case study wherein the technique is used to produce a controller for the game of Tetris. The case study highlights several practical issues concerning the applicability of the constraint sampling approach. We also demonstrate a controller that matches - and in some ways outperforms - controllers produced by other state of the art techniques for large-scale stochastic control.
The Fourier Transform

The concept of an integral transform is undoubtedly familiar to the reader in its manifestation as the Laplace transform. This is a useful mechanism for handling certain differential equations. In general, integral transforms are helpful in problems where there is a function f to be determined from an equation that it satisfies. A judiciously chosen transform is then applied to that equation, the result being a simpler equation in the transformed function F. After this simpler equation has been solved for F, the inverse transform is applied to obtain f. We illustrate with the Laplace transform.
Novel childhood experience suggests eccentricity drives organization of human visual cortex

The functional organization of human high-level visual cortex, such as face and place-selective regions, is strikingly consistent across individuals. A fundamental, unanswered question in neuroscience is what dimensions of visual information constrain the development and topography of this shared brain organization? To answer this question, we scanned with fMRI a unique group of adults who, as children, engaged in extensive experience with a novel stimulus, Pokemon, that varied along critical dimensions (foveal bias, rectilinearity, size, animacy) from other ecological categories such as faces and places. We find that experienced adults not only demonstrate distinct and consistent distributed cortical responses to Pokemon, but their activations suggest that it is the experienced retinal eccentricity during childhood that predicts the locus of distributed responses to Pokemon in adulthood. These data advance our understanding about how childhood experience and functional constraints shape the functional organization of the human brain.
Semen Parameters Among Transgender Women With a History of Hormonal Treatment.

Abstract Objective To report on the semen quality parameters in transgender women who pursued semen cryopreservation either in the presence or absence of gender-affirming hormonal medication. Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted as a chart review of consecutive transgender women presenting for semen cryopreservation between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2018. Demographic data and semen parameters were assessed. Primary outcomes were the semen parameters in subjects with either no exposure, previous exposure or current exposure to gender-affirming hormonal medication. Results Twenty-eight patients presented for semen cryopreservation and produced 69 specimens. Using a Kruskal-Wallis test, semen analyses were compared between patients who had never used gender-affirming hormonal medication, those who had previously used hormonal medication but discontinued prior to specimen collection, and those who used medication at the time of specimen collection. Median semen parameters for each group were as follows: volume—2.7 mL, 2.1 mL, 0.9 mL, respectively (P = .12); concentration—63.6 M/mL, 39.0 M/mL, 2.4 M/mL, respectively (P Conclusion Specimens collected in the presence of hormonal medication were associated with abnormal semen parameters. Specimens collected after discontinuation of gender-affirming treatments were comparable to transgender women who had never used hormonal medication. Transgender women should be counseled about the potential impact of gender-affirming hormones and to consider fertility preservation prior to gender-affirming treatments.
Construction Detection in a Conventional NLP Pipeline.

This paper presents an approach to detecting constructions based on a conventional NLP pipeline: the "constructions on top" approach to integrating constructions into NLP, as opposed to "constructions all the way down." The approach is illustrated with the BECauSE corpus of causal language, the BECauSE constructicon, and the Causeway causal language detector, described elsewhere. We argue here that although BECauSE is not a full construction grammar, its lightweight design and compatibility with conventional NLP tools have facilitated progress on and insights into issues related to construction detection in news corpora. The issues we discuss are (1) individuating families of constructions, and (2) dealing with co-present, non-prototypical meanings that may be present alongside the prototypical meaning of a construction. Particularly significant is the observation that the BECauSE constructicon highlights the importance of integrating frame-evoking constructions into frame semantic resources such as FrameNet.
Is it time to take R(epressive) out of PRC1

All of the cells in our body share largely identical DNA, yet functionally distinct cells are generated to give rise to different tissues and organs. A fundamental question in biology is how different cell fates are specified and maintained. Epigenetic mechanisms hold a key answer to the question. Without changing the sequence of DNA but through modifying DNA, histones, or RNA, epigenetic mechanisms can decide which genes to express and which to suppress. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a group of evolutionarily conserved proteins that can regulate gene expression through histone modification. Although PcG proteins have been traditionally described as epigenetic repressors, emerging evidence suggests a more complex scenario in which PcG proteins can have a dynamic effect on gene expression. In this issue of Genes & Development, Cohen and colleagues (pp. 55-60) studied the function of Polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) in mouse skin development and identified PRC1's unique function independent of PRC2. Notably, the total loss of PRC1 but not canonical PRC1 in the skin leads to widespread down-regulation of genes involved in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization, resulting in skin fragility. This new study lays a foundation to examine the role of PRC1 in activating gene expression.
Practitioner-Suggested Voluntary Psychiatric Hospitalization from a Feminist Therapy Perspective

This study explores “practitioner-suggested voluntary psychiatric hospitalization,” or the gray area between voluntary and involuntary admission into psychiatric inpatient treatment where voluntary patients feel they have been persuaded into admission by practitioners with the authority to admit them involuntarily. Some scholars discuss this phenomenon in terms of power, indicating that what a practitioner views as a suggestion may be interpreted by a patient as coercion due to power imbalance within the psychiatric setting. However, research on how individuals with marginalized identities are affected by practitioner-suggested hospitalization is largely inconclusive. This study sought to address this gap by interviewing four feminist therapists, who focus on the intersections of social identities such as race, gender, and sexual orientation while promoting an egalitarian therapeutic relationship. The study discussed the experiences and opinions of feminist therapists and analyzed emerging themes.
Parental Attitudes and Beliefs Surrounding Play Among Predominantly Low-income Urban Families: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE Parents' perceived benefits and barriers to participation in cognitively stimulating activities may help explain why income-related discrepancies in early and frequent participation in such activities exist. We sought to develop an improved understanding of attitudes and beliefs surrounding play among families who live in predominantly low-income urban communities. METHODS Using qualitative methods, focus groups were conducted with parents of children 2 weeks to 24 months of age who attended a primary care clinic serving predominantly low-income urban communities. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-five parents participated in 6 focus groups. Participants were 61% female and 94% nonwhite; 71% had children who received public health insurance. Analyses revealed 7 major themes that mapped onto the Health Belief Model's core domains of perceived need, barriers, and cues to action: (1) play as important for developing parent-child relationships, (2) toy- and media-focused play as important for developmental and educational benefit, (3) lack of time due to household and work demands, (4) lack of knowledge regarding the importance of play, (5) media-related barriers, (6) need for reminders, and (7) need for ideas for play. CONCLUSION Caregivers of young children describe many important benefits of play, yet they have misconceptions regarding use of toys and media in promoting development as well as notable barriers to participating in play, which may be opportunities for intervention. Public health programs may be more effectively implemented if they consider these attitudes to develop new or refine existing strategies for promoting parent-child learning activities.
Variation in Practice Patterns and Reimbursements Between Female and Male Urologists for Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance Previous assessments of practice patterns and reimbursements for female urologists relied on surveys or board certification logs. A current evaluation of the geographic distribution and practice patterns by female urologists would reveal contemporary patterns of access for Medicare beneficiaries. Objective To characterize the variation in practice patterns and reimbursements by urologist sex and the regional deficiencies in care provided by female urologists. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study used the publicly available Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider Payment database to evaluate payments for US urologists. The cohort (n = 8665) included urologists who provided and were paid for 11 or more services to Medicare beneficiaries in 2016. Data collection and analysis were performed from October 3, 2018, through June 19, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of female-specific services, payments per beneficiary, and payments per work relative value unit (wRVU) by urologist sex were assessed. Density of female urologists across hospital markets was also identified. Results Among the 8665 urologists who received payments in 2016, 7944 (91.7%) were men and 721 (8.3%) were women. Female urologists, compared with male urologists, saw a lower proportion of patients with cancer (mean [SD], 16.3% [9.2%] vs 22.7% [8.8%];P Conclusions and Relevance Female urologists were more likely to provide care for female Medicare beneficiaries, to receive lower payments per wRVU generated and beneficiaries seen, and to be difficult to access in certain geographic areas; these findings have policy-related implications and highlight the regional deficiencies in urological care and reimbursement discrepancies according to urologist sex.
Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancers

While it is true that only a small proportion of patients develop gastrointestinal cancer in the setting of an inherited syndrome, it is important for the medical oncologist to recognize this unique group of patients for several reasons. First, genetic testing of the tumor can have implications for the patient’s prognosis and may help tailor chemotherapy in this age of personalized cancer medicine. Second, affected patients are often at risk for other malignancies either within the gastrointestinal tract or involving other organ systems and, as such, are in need of close clinical surveillance. Lastly, the oncologist is in an excellent position to encourage genetic counseling and testing of at-risk family members. In this chapter we will review familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), aka Lynch syndrome, in some detail. We will also discuss polyposis syndromes other than FAP, namely, Peutz-Jegher syndrome and juvenile polyposis as well as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and inherited pancreatic cancer syndromes.
Reduction of Sudden Death Syndrome Foliar Symptoms and Fusarium virguliforme DNA in Roots Inoculated With Rhizophagus intraradices.

There is increasing interest in incorporating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) into agricultural production because of the benefits they provide, including protection against pathogens and pests....
Microfluidics for Personalized Reactions to Demonstrate Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry, the ideal gas law, and the concept of limiting reagent are challenging principles for students to conceptualize in introductory chemistry. These topics are fundamental to successfully mastering other chemistry content. Therefore, a handheld microfluidic device was designed as a new tool to visualize these principles. Using food-grade baking soda, vinegar, and carbonated water as reagents, the students were engaged in a hands-on learning experience. The baking soda and vinegar were the source of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid which were combined in a 1:1 mol ratio to form carbon dioxide gas which was then quantified using the device, thereby illustrating the ideal gas law. Experiments were devised to support learning outcomes that involved using the ideal gas law to interconvert moles and volume, balancing chemical equations, quantifying the amount of product generated from a known amount of reactant, conveying measurement uncertainty, and postulating sources of experimental error. The microfluidic device is a fast and cost-effective tool to teach stoichiometry. Moreover, the use of food-grade reagents makes the activity accessible as well as safe enough to be conducted outside of a traditional laboratory setting.
Noninvasive Identification of Hypotension Using Convolutional-Deconvolutional Networks

High-frequency identification of a patient’s hypotensive state allows for early notification of adverse events and long-term trends. Risks of complications such as heart attack, acute kidney injury, and mortality increase with duration of hypotension during surgery, and a hypotensive state can affect the appropriate medication choices and dosages for congestive heart failure patients. Current methods for identifying hypotension are based on blood pressure cuff measurements, which are low-frequency and must be manually collected, or catheterized blood pressure sensors, which are invasive, painful, and not necessarily usable for the youngest and smallest neonatal patients.This paper explores the potential of replacing the high-frequency hypotensive state produced by the invasive arterial catheter with a high-frequency projection from a fusion of multiple noninvasive sensors. These noninvasive sensors are available for a large majority of hospital patients, and have a lower risk of adverse effects ranging from patient discomfort to site infection. In addition, using multiple sensor inputs and a robust model allows for higher-reliability identification than single-sensor architectures.Our results demonstrate that by using a single flexible convolutional-deconvolutional neural network architecture, a patient’s hypotensive state may be reconstructed from any combination of the input sensor channels, with fidelity increasing in the number of available inputs.
Anesthetic Care of a Child With Merosin-Deficient Muscular Dystrophy.

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDCMD) is a progressive autosomal recessive disorder caused by the lack of expression of the α 2 -chain of laminin-211 glycoprotein. The defect results in skeletal muscle dysfunction with severe muscle weakness, hypotonia, proximal joint contractures, facial dysmorphism, and late or failed ambulation. Given the progressive neuromuscular involvement and the potential for neuromuscular scoliosis, patients frequently require anesthetic care during surgical procedures to correct orthopedic deformities. We present a 9-year-old girl with MDCMD who required anesthetic care during insertion of growing rods to correct neuromuscular scoliosis. Previous reports of anesthetic care for patients with MDCMD are presented and options for perioperative care are reviewed. J Med Cases. 2020;11(5):115-119 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3460
Up the Wadi: Development of an Iron Age Industrial Landscape in Faynan, Jordan

In 2014, the Edom Lowlands Regional Archaeology Project renewed excavations at Khirbat al-Jariya (KAJ), an Iron Age copper smelting site in Faynan, Jordan. Located roughly 3 km from the prominent s...
‘Get Along Without It’: Negotiating Domesticity in Imperial Sudan

From 1898 to 1956, men of the elite Sudan Political Service cultivated an air of stoic, celibate (if sometimes lonely) bachelorhood which privileged a distinct form of imperial service. Redeeming S...