cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The tritone paradox: effects of spectral variables.

A paradoxical two-tone pattern is explored, which is heard as ascending when played in one key but as descending when played in a different key. The pattern thus provides a striking counterexample to the principle of invariance under transposition. In addition, the pattern in any one key is heard as ascending by some listeners but as descending by others. This study examines the effects of spectral variables on how the pattern is perceived.
Highly time resolved calorimetry using pyroelectric thin film electrets

The use of pyroelectric thin film electrets for calorimetry of transient heating processes is explored. A pyroelectric calorimeter which combines a time resolution of nanoseconds with a sensitivity of nanocalories is described. The versatility and the unique properties of this new type of device are demonstrated with several applications in spectroscopy and the thermal analysis of thin films. Data are presented on thermal properties of thin films and on phase transitions in optical recording materials during laser annealing. In addition results on spectroscopy of thin films and adsorbates are reported.
Distracted Practice: A Concept Analysis

D'EsmondProblem Distracted practice is a growing concern for all healthcare professionals working in today's complex, technology-rich, acute care hospital environment. Distractions are a threat to patient safety, frequently cited as a contributing factor when reporting an adverse event. The number of new technologies introduced to the healthcare environment has significantly increased the number of distractions. Shrinking resources and the resultant time pressure placed on all practitioners has added to the list of human factors known to be contributing to potential errors. Delivering safe, quality care in this environment has now become a daily challenge for all members of the healthcare team. Distracted practice was found to have no consistent definition in the healthcare literature. Method Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was used to develop a preliminary definition and model of distracted practice. Findings This analysis includes a definition, characteristics, antecedents, and consequences of distracted practice. Conclusion More research is needed to fully understand this critical human experience of distracted practice. With additional knowledge we will be able to raise awareness and create interventions to reduce its occurrence among members of the healthcare team. This will positively contribute to the team's efforts to keep all our patients safe while in the hospital. D'Esmond
Prehistoric hunter-gatherer population growth rates rival those of agriculturalists.

Among the many useful yardsticks of evolutionary success, trajectory of population growth is perhaps the most telling, and it is the focus on this metric that makes the contribution by Zahid et al. (1) in PNAS so compelling. They document hunter–gatherer population growth between 13,000 and 6,000 y ago in the western US states of Wyoming and Colorado, in doing so showing (i) that reliable population trajectories can be obtained through careful analysis of the radiocarbon record, and (ii) that the Wyoming-Colorado hunter–gatherers they studied achieved long-term rates of population growth comparable to the rates of population growth achieved by prehistoric New and Old World agriculturalists, and (iii) they proceed on the basis of this and other evidence to generalize that contrary to received wisdom, prehistoric hunter–gatherers consistently achieved long-term growth rates equivalent to the growth rates of prehistoric agriculturalists. These findings raise a multitude of interesting questions regarding the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture, particularly why, without enjoying any competitive advantage in rate of population growth, agriculture was so consistently able replace hunting and gathering worldwide during the Holocene.
Effectiveness and Safety of Aldosterone Antagonist Therapy Use Among Older Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background While aldosterone antagonists have proven benefit among post‐myocardial infarction (MI) patients with low ejection fraction (EF), how this treatment is used among older MI patients in routine practice is not well described. Methods and Results Using ACTION Registry‐GWTG linked to Medicare data, we examined 12 080 MI patients ≥65 years with EF ≤40% who were indicated for aldosterone antagonist therapy per current guidelines and without documented contraindications. Of these, 11% (n=1310) were prescribed aldosterone antagonists at discharge. Notably, 10% of patients prescribed an aldosterone antagonist were eligible for, but not concurrently treated with, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. Spironolactone was the predominantly prescribed aldosterone antagonist. At 2‐year follow‐up, aldosterone antagonist use was not associated with lower mortality (unadjusted 39% versus 38%; HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88–1.33 using inverse probability‐weighted propensity adjustment) except in symptomatic HF patients (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.99, P interaction =0.009). Risks of hyperkalemia were low at 30 days, but significantly higher among patients prescribed aldosterone antagonists (unadjusted 2.3% versus 1.5%; adjusted HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.16–3.60), as was 2‐year risk of acute renal failure (unadjusted 6.7% versus 4.8%; adjusted HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.92) compared with patients not prescribed aldosterone antagonists. Conclusions Aldosterone antagonist use among eligible older MI patients in routine clinical practice was not associated with lower mortality except in patients with HF symptoms, but was associated with increased risks of hyperkalemia and acute renal failure. These results underscore the importance of close post‐discharge monitoring of this patient population.
In Situ X-Ray Scattering of Monolayers Adsorbed at Electrochemical Interfaces.

Surface x-ray scattering has been used to study in-situ the structure of Pb monolayers electrochemically adsorbed on Ag (111) electrodes. Pb forms an incommensurate, hexagonal two-dimensional (2D) solid, which is rotated approximately 4.5° from the substrate symmetry directions and compressed relative to bulk Pb. Between monolayer formation and bulk deposition, the Pb-Pb near neighbor distance decreases linearly with applied potential. Due to the chemical equilibrium between the Pb monolayer and the Pb in solution, the isothermal compressibility of the monolayer can be measured and is in good agreement with that calculated for a 2D non-interacting free electron gas model of the monolayer. It is observed that the intensity of surface diffraction from the Ag substrate (the Ag crystal truncation rod) decreases when the Pb monolayer is adsorbed, although the cause of this is not known.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF TECHNETIUM PYROPHOSPHATE UPTAKE INTENSITY BY NUCLEAR SCINTIGRAPHY IN TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS

In transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR), nuclear scintigraphy using Technetium 99m-pyrophosphate (TcPYP) manifests as diffuse myocardial uptake and is sensitive and specific for this diagnosis. We examined the prognostic ability of TcPYP uptake intensity and its relationship with
Development of a New Mechanistic Low-Level Waste Source Term Model

A new mechanistic low-level waste source term model was developed. Key features of this effort are: use of cumulative probability functions to describe the failures of waste containers; capability to describe diffusion controlled release which is dependent on the conditions of the waste package surroundings; consideration of the effects of gas generation on the source term, and; use of a source inventory characterization routine to provide a built-in capability for defining the distributions of radionuclides in various waste forms and streams. The model is capable of describing the diffusion of radionuclides in waste forms with the use of concentration and flux continuity boundary conditions. Release of radionuclides from various waste streams is modeled by the combination of diffusion, dissolution, and surface release. Failures of waste containers are portrayed by the use of probabilistic failure functions based on Weibull and lognormal distributions. The model for radionuclide release from waste packages is coupled with the near-field transport model to describe the effects of migration and dispersion within the disposal unit. Characteristics of the new model were evaluated through sensitivity analysis and compared with existing source term codes.
Ecological Momentary Assessment is a Neglected Methodology in Suicidology

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a group of research methods that collect data frequently, in many contexts, and in real-world settings. EMA has been fairly neglected in suicidology. The current article provides an overview of EMA for suicidologists including definitions, data collection considerations, and different sampling strategies. Next, the benefits of EMA in suicidology (i.e., reduced recall bias, accurate tracking of fluctuating variables, testing assumptions of theories, use in interventions), participant safety considerations, and examples of published research that investigate self-directed violence variables using EMA are discussed. The article concludes with a summary and suggested directions for EMA research in suicidology with the particular aim to spur the increased use of this methodology among suicidologists.
Abstract 1224: PDGFR as a novel target for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor type that accounts for approximately 5-10% of soft tissue sarcomas. MPNSTs arise either spontaneously or in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1). These tumors are highly resistant to chemotherapy and there are no effective treatment options. It has been demonstrated that MPNSTs with NF1 mutations are highly sensitive to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. However, inhibition of this pathway by rapamycin in sarcomas has been shown to release negative feedback inhibition of IGF-1R and activate AKT (pAKT). We have shown that treatment of MPNST cell lines (MPNST and ST8814) with rapamycin activates AKT, but not through IGF-1R, since IGF-1R is not expressed in these cells. This would suggest an alternate route for rapamycin induced AKT activation. To understand this process, we treated MPNST and ST8814 cells, with or without rapamycin, and used cellular lysates to determine whether the release of negative feedback by mTOR inhibition was mediated by alternate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Using RTK array profiling (R&D Systems), our results indicate that both p-PDGFRα and p-PDGFRs are activated in response to rapamycin. Using imatinib (STI571) to target both PDGFRα and PDGFRs, we show that imatinib blocks rapamycin induced reactivation of pAKT. In order to rule out off target effects of imatinib, knockdown of PDGFR using siRNA followed by treatment with rapamycin recapitulates the effects observed with imatinib treatment. The combination of imatinib and rapamycin in MPNST cells resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation when compared to either of the two drugs alone. Mouse xenograft studies also show that tumor growth volume is decreased significantly when xenografts are treated with imatinib in combination with rapamycin compared to either drug alone. Taken together, our data strongly suggests that in MPNST cells, PDGFR pathway is involved in rapamycin mediated release of the negative feedback loop that activates pAKT. Furthermore, the targeting of PDGFR in combination with inhibitors of mTOR could provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1224. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1224
Intelligent LED control system

With ARM as controller,pyroelectric infrared sensor as trigger,LED on/off and brightness can be adjusted according to environment light.The mode is suitable to the classroom or laboratory.
Quality of care and relative resource use for patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between quality of care and relative resource use for patients with diabetes enrolled in commercial insurance plans. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study employing data from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set for 2009 to 2011. METHODS Correlations between quality of care and various relative resource use measures are estimated. In addition to overall estimates, the sample is disaggregated by year, plan type, and geographic region. Correlations are also estimated for year-to-year changes in quality and relative resource use. RESULTS The overall results are generally consistent with previous findings regarding the relationship between quality of care and relative resource use. However, the disaggregated results indicate nuanced associations; for instance, the relationship appears to vary by year. Also, while there is a positive relationship between quality and evaluation and management services for preferred provider organizations, the relationship is negative for the other 2 plan types studied. The analysis of year-to-year changes indicates that changes in quality are negatively related to inpatient costs. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest, given that quality and relative resource use are not necessarily positively related, that it may be possible to improve diabetes care quality at minimal cost. However, the disaggregated results suggest that the potential to increase quality can vary significantly by resource type, plan type, and geographic region. Thus, the most effective policies to improve quality may vary by plan.
It's Not Race, It's Politics! A Natural Experiment Examining the Influence of Race in Electoral Politics*

Objective Minority candidates for office must overcome numerous hurdles in order to win elective office, with one such hurdle being the racial resentment of voters. This article tests the impact racial resentment has on white support for a minority candidate in relation to a similar white candidate. Method This article employs a natural experiment provided by the 2014 South Carolina Senate elections. Examining these elections, this article examines what impact a voter's racial resentment has on his or her support for the two candidates. Results The results show that voters who score highly on the racial resentment scale are just as likely to support a minority Republican as they are to support a white Republican. Conclusion These findings indicate that racial resentment scores may not adequately measure a person's true feelings on race, particularly when the minority candidate is a Republican.
Adverse effects of marijuana use.

Marijuana has consistently been reported as the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States each year. Currently, the legalization of marijuana is up for debate across the nation. Whi...
Dar a Luz: a perinatal care program for Hispanic women on the U.S.-Mexico border.

In Arizona, undocumented pregnant Hispanic women without private care have no recourse but to enter an emergency room after labor begins. A survey we conducted showed over 150 such "emergency" births annually in Tucson. As a result, a prenatal care program, "Dar a Luz," specifically targeted at this population, was developed. It includes prenatal obstetrical care and anticipatory birthing education that is sensitive to Mexican-American traditions, community consciousness-raising, and a cooperative obstetrical agreement with Tucson hospitals. Bilingual community volunteers act as patient advocates, following these patients through pregnancy and accompanying them to emergency rooms for hospital deliveries. Based in an Hispanic neighborhood community center, professional and lay volunteers provide health care coordinated by medical students in the paracurricular Commitment to Underserved People Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Forschungsdesign und methodische Herangehensweise

Nachdem der theoretische Standpunkt geklart ist, beschaftigt sich das vorliegende Kapitel mit der methodischen Herangehensweise. Ziel des Dissertationsprojektes ist es zu untersuchen, wie sich mannliche hinduistische und muslimische Jugendliche bezuglich verschiedenen sozialen Gruppen und Kategorien positionieren. Dabei soll eine Vielfalt an moglichst unterschiedlichen individuellen Sichtweisen berucksichtigt werden, um der Heterogenitat der Untersuchungsgruppe gerecht zu werden. Da sich das geplante Projekt fur Prozesse der Positionierung und der Konstruktion von Zugehorigkeit und Differenz aus einer akteurzentrierten Perspektive interessiert, eignen sich offene, induktive und nicht-standardisierte Erhebungs- und Auswertungsmethoden, wie sie in der qualitativen Sozialforschung haufig angewendet werden.
Complexity analysis of fetal heart rate preceding intrauterine demise.

Abstract Background Visual non-stress test interpretation lacks the optimal specificity and observer-agreement of an ideal screening tool for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) syndrome prevention. Computational methods based on traditional heart rate variability have also been of limited value. Complexity analysis probes properties of the dynamics of physiologic signals that are otherwise not accessible and, therefore, might be useful in this context. Objective To explore the association between fetal heart rate (FHR) complexity analysis and subsequent IUFD. Our specific hypothesis is that the complexity of the fetal heart rate dynamics is lower in the IUFD group compared with controls. Study design This case-control study utilized cases of IUFD at a single tertiary-care center among singleton pregnancies with at least 10 min of continuous electronic FHR monitoring on at least 2 weekly occasions in the 3 weeks immediately prior to fetal demise. Controls delivered a live singleton beyond 35 weeks’ gestation and were matched to cases by gestational age, testing indication, and maternal age in a 3:1 ratio. FHR data was analyzed using the multiscale entropy (MSE) method to derive their complexity index. In addition, pNNx, a measure of short-term heart rate variability, which in adults is ascribable primarily to cardiac vagal tone modulation, was also computed. Results 211 IUFDs occurred during the 9-year period of review, but only 6 met inclusion criteria. The median gestational age at the time of IUFD was 35.5 weeks. Three controls were matched to each case for a total of 24 subjects, and 87 FHR tracings were included for analysis. The median gestational age at the first fetal heart rate tracing was similar between groups (median [1st–3rd quartiles] weeks: IUFD cases: 34.7 (34.4–36.2); controls: 35.3 (34.4–36.1); p = .94). The median complexity of the cases’ tracings was significantly less than the controls’ (12.44 [8.9–16.77] vs. 17.82 [15.21–22.17]; p Conclusions FHR complexity analysis using multiscale entropy analysis may add value to other measures in detecting and monitoring pregnancies at the highest risk for IUFD. The decrease in complexity and short-term variability seen in the IUFD cases may reflect perturbations in neuroautonomic control due to multiple maternal-fetal factors.
A study of the gas-phase reaction of nitrogen dioxide with ozone by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy

The observed products of the NO2 + O3 reaction are N2O3 and N2O4. The presence of N2O3 as a product indicates that NO is formed in secondary reactions and subsequently reacts with NO2 to produce N2O3. In the experiments where ozone was allowed to deposit at a rapid rate (0.27 mmol/h), infrared absorptions attributable to N2O5 and NO were observed. They attribute the production of N2O5 to the formation of the symmetrical NO3 radical. Their data indicate that both the symmetrical and asymmetrical NO3 radicals are intermediates in the reaction of NO2 + O3. An explanation for the presence of NO in nighttime chemistry is given. Attempts to isolate symmetrical NO3 were unsuccessful.
World Wide Brain: Self-Organizing Internet Intelligence as the Actualization of the Collective Unconscious

Publisher Summary The World Wide Brain—a hybrid human–digital intelligent network, spanning the globe and carrying out information processing different in extent and nature from anything that has come before—is as yet little more than a dream and a little less than a reality. It is coming into being, bit by bit, each year. This process of emergence is, as all Net-aholics know, a wonder to behold, and growing more wondrous all the time. This is an exploration in which human psychology and sociology interact in a fascinating way, with the psychology of an emerging, nonhuman organism. It is an exploration in which mundane technical issues such as groupware and server–server communication software rub up against concepts from transpersonal psychology, such as the Collective Unconscious and the Hierarchy of Being. It is, therefore, an exploration that not only transcends disciplinary boundaries but pushes the boundaries of human thought itself. The increasing integration of human activity with World Wide Brain operations may ultimately occur via body-modifying or body-obsolescing technologies a la Moravec, or it may occur without them, through the advent of more sophisticated noninvasive interfaces. One way or another, it will fuse the global Web.
A New Look at Geometry

We close Part II with an examination of two of the most revolutionary developments in modern mathematics—both directly related to infinity. The first of these, the creation of projective geometry, takes us back to the Renaissance, and it has its roots not in science but in art. During the Middle Ages, both science and art were subordinated to the religious and mythological beliefs of the time. Nature was depicted not as she really was, but as the observer’s fantasies and religious beliefs wanted her to be. Thus, the world believed in a sun that moved around the earth, not because the available evidence, based on an objective observation of the heavens, made such a conclusion inevitable, but because the Roman Catholic church decreed that it must be so. The earth itself was flat—despite mounting evidence to the contrary—because to believe in a round earth meant to let the poor creatures on the “other side” plunge into the abyss of infinite space. And a painter depicted his saints and heroes not in their natural perspective—that is, faraway figures appearing smaller than nearby ones—but according to their status in the Church hierarchy.
Cholangiocarcinoma: Endoscopic therapies

Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a difficult-to-treat biliary malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality because of its typically late symptomatic presentation. Though curative surgical options do exist, most patients with perihilar CCA are deemed unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, the efficacy of chemoradiation for tumor control is limited. However, advances in endoscopic technology and techniques have enabled improved symptom palliation via internal biliary decompression, which is associated with improved quality of life. The introduction of radioactive, intraductal brachytherapy for the management of unresectable CCA has resulted in prolonged biliary stent patency and it has the ability to provide local tumor control. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)–directed photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the palliative treatment of patients with unresectable CCA have recently been added to the armamentarium of the biliary endoscopist. Patients now have these nonradioactive, minimally invasive endoscopic treatment options at their disposal, which can help to reduce the rate of biliary infections and might also offer survival benefit. Moreover, ERCP–directed PDT has been used in lieu of intraductal brachytherapy for locoregional tumor control in patients with unresectable perihilar CCA who are awaiting liver transplantation. Despite the studies supporting the use of endobiliary PDT and RFA, the optimal timing, treatment locations (in bilateral disease), and frequency for these ablative therapies have yet to be established. Although endobiliary PDT and RFA both have their respective advantages and disadvantages, attention to patient education and providing detailed informed consent remains paramount to their proper use. This is a point of emphasis given the ongoing technological maturation of these endoscopically delivered ablative therapies and the evolving ways in which they are used.
Reflections on the use of 10 IARC carcinogenic characteristics for an objective approach to identifying and organizing results from certain mechanistic studies

To find a scientifically based method for evaluating mechanistic data related to risks to human beings, a new protocol for identifying, organizing, and summarizing mechanistic data for decision-mak...
The Oppression of Latina Mothers: Experiences of Exploitation, Violence, Marginalization, Cultural Imperialism, and Powerlessness in Their Everyday Lives

Despite Latinos being the largest growing population in the United States, research has not examined the impact of social structures on the well-being of Latina immigrants; negative social discourse and restrictive laws exacerbate inequality and discrimination in this population. Through combined inductive/deductive analysis of in-depth semistructured interviews, we examined immigrant Mexican mothers' ( N = 32) descriptions of oppression in the United States. All five forms of oppression, described in Young's oppression framework are evident: exploitation, violence, marginalization, cultural imperialism, and powerlessness. Discrimination places a high burden on Latinas due to the intersection of forms of oppression and nondominant identities.
Synthesis of a Nonracemic C2-Symmetric Tetrahydro-1,4-azaborine and Evaluation of Hydroboration Enantioselectivity.

Tetrahydro-1,4-azaborines were accessed by hydroboration of N,N-diprenyltoluenesulfonamide 4. Conversion to the methylborinates 11 and 12 followed by heating with l-alanine and crystallization afforded (R,R,S)-13 (27%). Reduction of borinic acid (R,R)-18 with Soderquist’s KH* gave (R,R)-19, and hydride abstraction by TMSCl in the presence of alkenes resulted in hydroboration, 84–86% ee for (Z)-alkenes, but (E)-alkenes or 1,1-disubstituted alkenes gave <5% ee.
Voluntarily exiled? Korean state’s cultural politics of young adults’ social belonging and Korean students’ exile to a US community college

This study examines the complicated interlink between the Korean state’s neoliberal identity politics and working- and lower middle-class Korean students’ study abroad as a form of voluntarily exile. Drawing on a critical discourse analysis and a 14-month ethnographic study, this study discusses how these students’ decisions to study abroad are inextricably intertwined with the authoritarian Korean state’s neoliberal political-economic strategies of pushing out seemingly less-profitable citizens (namely, students and graduates of low-ranking 4-year institutions). This study also examines students’ strategies for simultaneously resisting and conforming to this neoliberal ethos. For working-class and lower middle-class Korean community college students, study abroad means a deviation from the normal educational and life trajectories in Korea while, at the same time, their education in the USA opens a pathway for reentering the Korean neoliberal system as more profitable citizens. Their being recognized as members of a profitable workforce indicates their achievement of neoliberal normalcy.
Will They Listen to Me? An Examination of In-Group Gender Bias in Children’s Communication Beliefs

We assessed developmental and gender differences in children’s beliefs about their peers’ communication styles. We hypothesized that children hold more favorable beliefs (i.e., more responsiveness and less interruption) about communicating with same-gender peers than with other-gender peers. We also explored whether these beliefs related to children’s friendships and expectations that they will feel included or discomfort with their peers. Participants (n = 311) were 159 U.S. third-graders (Mage = 7.13, SD = .49, 52% girls) and 152 U.S. fifth-graders (Mage = 9.08, SD = .71, 46% girls). Children showed in-group biases: They expected more positive responses when communicating with same-gender versus other-gender peers. These patterns were stronger in girls and younger children. Beliefs about interruption varied by gender: girls expected girls to interrupt less than boys, and boys thought boys and girls interrupt equally often. Finally, the more children believed that they would receive positive communication responsiveness, the more friends, the more inclusion, and the less discomfort they expected with same- and other-gender peers. The more they expected interruptions, the less included and more discomfort they reported. The results suggest that children’s communication beliefs may perpetuate same-gender preferences; however, promoting mixed-gender interactions may help children cultivate beliefs and skills needed to function successfully in mixed-gender contexts.
Unsolved Problems in the Asymptotic Estimation of Special Functions

Abstract The first part of this paper surveys the tools of asymptotic analysis that are presently available and those that are needed for the next stages of development of the asymptotic theory of special functions. Methods are grouped according to the number of free variables to which they achieve a uniform reduction. Topics include the approximation of functions defined parametrically by a definite integral or infinite sum, and approximate solutions of linear ordinary differential equations. The main areas in which work appears to be needed are (i) problems of confluence, that is, coalescing saddle points and singularities of integrals, or coalescing turning points and singularities of differential equations; (ii) rigorous error analysis. The second part of the paper discusses the more important special functions in increasing order of the total number of variables and parameters involved. Almost all asymptotic problems concerning special functions of one variable have been solved. For functions of two variables the problems are solved, or can be solved by use of existing asymptotic tools. It is in the case of functions depending on three variables (including parameters) that the most significant work can be expected in the immediate future. Two new asymptotic tools have been developed very recently, one for integrals with three coalescing saddle points, the other for second-order differential equations having two coalescing turning points. Applications of these tools are needed, as well as the development of similar tools for other three-variable problems involving confluence. As the total number of variables increases beyond three, our knowledge of the asymptotic behavior of the special functions becomes more fragmentary. It will undoubtedly be many years before we have complete knowledge of the asymptotic behavior of any of the functions of four variables, including for example, the hypergeometric function F(a,b;c;z).
Work-related Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Acculturation Among Employed Latinos in Batterer Intervention Programs

Intimate partner violence (IPV), typically considered in the domestic context, has been shown to have considerable effects on women’s employment and health. While the literature has recently grown in this area, very few studies have examined the prevalence of work-related IPV among men. Furthermore, the extant literature on work-related IPV has largely ignored the experience of ethnic minorities, specifically Latinos. Many factors suggest that rates and forms of IPV might be different among other racial and ethnic groups. Some studies that examine IPV among Latinos have sought to understand the role of acculturation and socioeconomic contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine work-related IPV among a sample of men enrolled in batterer intervention programs. In addition, we sought to examine the relationship between acculturation, socioeconomic contexts, and reports of workrelated IPV among a subset of male Latinos. Overall, the findings confirm the upper ranges of previous estimates across studies (36% to 75%) of employed victims of IPV and their harassment by abusive partners while at work (Swanberg, Logan, & Macke, 2005; Taylor & Barusch, 2004). Specifically, we found that 60% of the entire sample reported work-related IPV that involved threatening behaviors and physical violence at their partner’s job. The findings among Latinos suggest that a positive relationship exists between acculturation and work-related IPV. Specifically, proxy variables of acculturation
Genetic Immunotherapy Approaches

The idea of exploiting the immune system to treat tumors (cancer immunotherapy) is at least a century old. Immunotherapy is generally classified into two functional approaches: Passive immunotherapy administers preformed elements of the immune system (tumor-reactive antibodies, antitumor cytokines, or tumoricidal effector cells) to patients with the intent that these agents will directly attack the cancer cells. Active immunotherapy (including tumor vaccines and immunostimulatory cytokines) is intended to stimulate the patients’ immune system to generate effective antitumor immunity. Both passive and active immunotherapies are integral parts of modern medical practice for problems as diverse as the treatment of snakebites and the prevention of infectious diseases. Yet, for cancer, the role of the immune system and immunotherapy has been a topic of spirited debate for the last 50 years (1). Major points of contention have been whether tumor cells are immunogenic in their host of origin and whether the immune system is capable of controlling or eradicating malignant cells.
Exploring the Validity of Multi Causal Models in Problem Analysis: The Case of Child Abuse

The purpose of the study reported here was to assess the validity of a multi-causal view of child abuse as it is manifested in children's institutions. The analytical model utilized underlines the powerful role that norms play in creating differential predispositions to violence, that pressures and structural position play in creating differential chances of violence among people with different predispositions and that a sense of injustice plays as a dynamic through which violence is generated. This ex post facto study utilized role playing techniques to examine voluntary harm doing in a purposive sample of 100 direct caregivers in 42 living units in 15 children's homes for the dependent, neglected and disturbed. The dependent variable was level of justified force. Data was collected on 20 background and organizational variables. Several variables were moderately associated with level of force. More force was espoused when respondents were older, had less education, were married, had "live in" schedules, were reared in smaller towns, had less participation in decision making, worked where residents were managed in more organization centered ways and experienced higher amounts of felt injustice. A larger structure of understanding was developed by determining how strong the association was between all of the variables taken together and level of force. A multiple correlation of .63 was obtained at the .01 level of significance. Some implications for preventing and managing the use of force by caregivers are suggested.
Sulchem Process for Treatment of Chemical Weapons-Related Wastes

The Sulchem Process is a chemical treatment process that uses elemental sulfur at elevated temperatures in an oxygen-free environment to clean up soil contaminated with organic and metallic waste. The Process relies on the high reactivity of sulfur and its ability to oxidize organic compounds rapidly and non-selectively at reaction conditions. Organic compounds react with the sulfur to form an inert fine solid of carbon and sulfur, as well as a variety of simple gases whose composition varies with the waste material being treated. By-product gases may be scrubbed or treated to recover elemental sulfur using an auxiliary process unit. Heavy metals contained in the soil react to form insoluble sulfides that become immobilized. The Process is potentially applicable to a variety of chemical weapons-related wastes, including soil contaminated with chemical agents, nerve agents, or energetics.
Differentiation of low grade from high grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma neoplasms using a CAD algorithm on four-phase CT.

4564Background: Up to 70% of renal masses are found incidentally on imaging. Pretreatment percutaneous biopsy is commonly used to diagnose tumor grade. A non-invasive method to assess grade on imag...
Does memantine improve memory in subjects with focal-onset epilepsy and memory dysfunction? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective Excitotoxic injury involving N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hyperactivity contributes to epilepsy-related memory dysfunction (ERMD). Current treatment strategies for ERMD have limited efficacy and fail to target the underlying pathophysiology. The present pilot study evaluated the efficacy of memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, for the treatment of ERMD in adults with focal-onset seizures. Methods Subjects underwent cognitive testing at baseline, after a 13-week randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded phase (of memantine titrated to 10 mg bid or placebo), and following a 13-week open-label extension phase (of memantine titrated to 10 mg bid). The selective reminding test (SRT) continuous long-term retrieval (CLTR) score and 7/24 Spatial Recall Test learning score served as the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures included tests of attention span, fluency, visual construction, and response inhibition, as well as assessments of quality of life, depression, sleepiness, and side effects. Results Seventeen subjects contributed data to the blinded phase (n = 8 memantine, n = 9 placebo). No significant differences were seen between groups on the primary or secondary outcome measures. Pooled data at the end of the open-label phase from 10 subjects (initially randomized to memantine n = 3 or placebo n = 7) demonstrated statistically significant improvement from baseline in CLTR score, memory-related quality of life, spatial span, and response inhibition. No significant changes were evident in depression, sleepiness, side effects, or seizure frequency throughout the trial. Significance Results demonstrated no significant effect of memantine on cognition when assessed at the end of the blinded period. Pooled data at the end of the open-label phase showed significant improvement over baseline performance in measures of verbal memory, frontal-executive function, and memory-related quality of life. These improvements, however, may be due to practice effects and should be interpreted cautiously. Findings suggest a favorable safety profile of memantine in the setting of epilepsy.
A Long-Cycle-Life Lithium–CO2 Battery with Carbon Neutrality

Lithium-CO2 batteries are attractive energy-storage systems for fulfilling the demand of future large-scale applications such as electric vehicles due to their high specific energy density. However, a major challenge with Li-CO2 batteries is to attain reversible formation and decomposition of the Li2 CO3 and carbon discharge products. A fully reversible Li-CO2 battery is developed with overall carbon neutrality using MoS2 nanoflakes as a cathode catalyst combined with an ionic liquid/dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte. This combination of materials produces a multicomponent composite (Li2 CO3 /C) product. The battery shows a superior long cycle life of 500 for a fixed 500 mAh g-1 capacity per cycle, far exceeding the best cycling stability reported in Li-CO2 batteries. The long cycle life demonstrates that chemical transformations, making and breaking covalent CO bonds can be used in energy-storage systems. Theoretical calculations are used to deduce a mechanism for the reversible discharge/charge processes and explain how the carbon interface with Li2 CO3 provides the electronic conduction needed for the oxidation of Li2 CO3 and carbon to generate the CO2 on charge. This achievement paves the way for the use of CO2 in advanced energy-storage systems.
Antibody therapy in follicular lymphoma

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are critical pieces in the current management of follicular lymphoma and the vast majority of lymphoid malignancies. While most practitioners are very familiar with the use of these drugs, many are not aware that the trajectory of mAb drug development was largely based on studies done in patients with follicular lymphoma. Starting with the approval of rituximab, the first monoclonal antibody for the treatment of human cancer, monoclonal antibodies continue to evolve and influence the field of oncology as a whole. In this chapter, we examine the studies supporting the use of mAb in follicular lymphoma and reconstruct the chronological landmarks that shaped our current management of this disease. Our review will focus on clinical studies using molecules targeting CD20, CD19, CD22, and antibody-drug conjugates used alone or in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Sensorimotor performance is improved by targeted memory reactivation during a daytime nap in healthy older adults.

Abstract Sensorimotor consolidation occurs during sleep. However, the benefit of sleep-based consolidation decreases with age due to decreased sleep quality and quantity. This study aimed to enhance sensorimotor performance through repetitive delivery of task-based auditory cues during sleep, known as targeted memory reactivation (TMR). Healthy older adults performed a non-dominant arm throwing task before and after a 1 h nap. While napping, half of participants received TMR throughout the hour. Participants who received TMR during sleep demonstrated a greater overall change in throwing accuracy from the start of the first to the end of the second throwing task session. However, there was no generalization of throwing accuracy to variants of the task or to a novel dart throwing task. Findings support the use of TMR during sleep to enhance task-specific sensorimotor performance in healthy older adults despite age-related decreases in sleep quality and quantity. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of TMR on rehabilitation protocols.
Engineered multicellular niches for pluripotent stem cell–derived immunotherapy

Abstract The unprecedented success of clinical trials using cell-based immunotherapies has fueled the pursuit of ‘off-the-shelf’ cell products from pluripotent stem cells to facilitate widespread patient access. However, the need to develop platforms that support the differentiation of phenotypically and functionally mature lymphoid cells in vitro remains a critical roadblock. Here we discuss the biology of lymphoid niches and review enabling advances in engineered multicellular systems for natural killer and T cell differentiation. We contrast the emergent properties of hematopoietic niches to support natural killer cell specification with the requirement for synthetic and xenogeneic cues to direct T cell fate. We envision that next-generation multicellular engineering will exploit quantitative approaches to engineer potent lymphoid niches and inform the reproducible manufacturing of pluripotent-derived immunotherapies.
Towards a causal model from pipeline incident data analysis

Abstract Pipeline network facilitates transportation of hazardous materials over long distances and is considered a relatively safer mode of transportation. However, a significant number of incidents occurred over the last few years that has increased the need for development of an accurate predictive model for incidents. Pipeline incident databases have been collecting a wide range of data regarding the incidents including the background operating conditions, the causes contributed to the incident, and the severity of consequences. Most academic studies analyzing these databases have developed predictive failure models focusing only on a narrow range of factors that played a role behind certain categories of incidents. They fail to provide a holistic understanding of how interaction of multiple factors contributing to an incident or how their combined effect eventually leads to failure. The amount of data collected in the databases are however huge. For example, the current reporting format of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) collects over six hundred datapoints from each incident. Given the large amount of information available and current technologies, it is now possible to look into ways to understand the holistic effect of all contributing factors. The current study looks into how the databases can be utilized to derive such a complete understanding. The study compares the databases of US PHMSA, Canada National Energy Board (NEB), and European Gas Pipeline Incident Data Group (EGIG) to examine the frameworks used to classify the causal factors of the incident data and shows that the background factors, underlying factors and the causal factors identified in the various databases are inter-related and show varying degrees of dependency. This curves the way forward to development of a causal model that will help identify the important factors that needs to be addressed and a prediction of future failure given existing conditions of a pipeline system.
Groundwater mixing in an alkaline paleolake: Eocene Green River Formation, Wyoming

Abstract Tufa in the Little Mesa area of the northern Bridger Basin has been interpreted to record carbonate deposition via subaqueous and subaerial springs emanating near the shoreline of Eocene Lake Gosiute. Sedimentary facies record an overall transgression, culminating with mound structures that reach up to 9 m in height and 40 m in diameter. Mounds exhibit a strong positive, linear covariance between δ13C and δ18O, defining a slope of ~1. Similar trends occur in many other paleolake deposits, where they are interpreted to reflect changes in evaporation, atmospheric CO2 exchange, and organic matter burial. However, δ13C and δ18O in this study also covary strongly with 87Sr/86Sr, a new finding that is inconsistent with previously proposed mechanisms. We conclude that Little Mesa isotopic trends reflect mixing of groundwater with low 87Sr/86Sr, δ18O and δ13C and lake water with opposite characteristics. Low 87Sr/86Sr in groundwater likely resulted from interaction with marine carbonate strata within the Sevier fold and thrust belt to the west, whereas drainage from Precambrian-cored uplifts that bounded Lake Gosiute to the north, east, and south was responsible for higher lake water ratios. Little Mesa carbonate facies are all less radiogenic than any time-equivalent facies near the center of the basin, implying horizontal and vertical gradients in Lake Gosiute 87Sr/86Sr. Previous studies have shown that the lowest 87Sr/86Sr in basin center deposits correspond to lake highstands. Results of this study support the hypothesis that climatic modulation of surface runoff and spring emanations from the Sevier belt were principally responsible for precessional-scale expansions and contractions of Lake Gosiute. More broadly, groundwater discharge may represent an important but underappreciated contributor to covariance between 87Sr/86Sr ratios, δ13C and δ18O in closed paleolake systems.