cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Socioscientific Topics on Discourse within an Online Game Designed to Engage Middle School Students in Scientific Argumentation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of argumentation discourse displayed by students when they engaged in chat as part of an online multiplayer game about both socioscientific and scientific topics. Specifically, this study analyzed discourse episodes created by middle school students as they discussed scientific and socioscientific topics within an online, multiplayer game. Using a Discourse Analysis Scoring Guide, student discussions were coded based on the type of interaction or statements made. Analysis included a comparison between the types of topics (scientific vs. socioscientific) and the student author’s justification for their decision to accept, reject or withhold judgement about the claim; teammate comments related to the author’s justification; an overall rating of the discourse episode interaction; and frequency of argumentation vocabulary use throughout the discourse episode. Results indicated that socioscientific topics produced collaborative discourse episodes that were positive, supportive, and civil within an argumentation framework.
A 0.4-/spl mu/m CMOS 10-Gb/s 4-PAM pre-emphasis serial link transmitter

A 10-Gb/s serial link transmitter fabricated in the LSI 0.4-/spl mu/m CMOS process uses multilevel signaling (4-PAM) and a 3-tap pre-emphasis filter to reduce intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by channel low-pass effects. Due to the maximum on-chip frequency set by process limitations, a 5:1 output multiplexer is used to reduce the required clock frequency to 1/5 the symbol rate. With a 3.3-V supply, the chip shows an eye opening of >200 mV after a 10-m coaxial cable in simulations.
The unique and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation in relation to posttraumatic stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters.

Abstract Background Firefighters are chronically exposed to traumatic events. Relatedly, past work has documented high rates of psychiatric problems, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, among firefighters. Less is known regarding anxiety symptoms among firefighters. Moreover, little work has examined risk/maintenance factors related to these symptoms among firefighters. Doing so may be important to developing interventions tailored to trauma-exposed firefighters. The current study examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety among trauma-exposed firefighters. Procedure Using structural equation modeling, the main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation were examined in relation to these symptom outcomes. Participants included 787 male urban firefighters reporting at least one past traumatic event. Results There was a statistically significant main effect of anxiety sensitivity on each outcome. Emotion dysregulation exerted a statistically significant main effect on posttraumatic stress, depression, and social anxiety symptoms. Interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation did not reach statistical significance but examination of effect sizes suggests that interactive effects may be present for posttraumatic stress symptoms (R2 = 0.011), depression (R2 = 0.008), and panic (R2 = 0.016) such that emotion dysregulation is more strongly related to outcomes when anxiety sensitivity levels are relatively lower. All effects were evident after controlling for trauma severity and history of armed forces service. Conclusion Overall, results suggest that anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation represent unique risk/maintenance factors related to a broad range of emotional symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. These findings replicate patterns found among the general population and extend the findings to potentially vulnerable firefighters.
Side-by-side laboratory comparison of space heat extraction rates and thermal energy use for radiant and all-air systems

Abstract Radiant cooling systems extract heat from buildings differently than all-air cooling systems. These differences impact the time and rate at which heat is removed from a space, as well as the total amount of thermal energy that a mechanical system must process each day. In this article we present measurements from a series of multi-day side-by-side comparisons of radiant cooling and all-air cooling in a pair of experimental testbed buildings, with equal heat gains, and maintained at equivalent comfort conditions (operative temperature). The results show that radiant cooling must remove more heat than all-air cooling – 2% more in an experiment with constant internal heat gains, and 7% more with periodic scheduled internal heat gains. Moreover, the peak sensible space heat extraction rate for radiant cooling (heat transfer at the cooled surface, not the cooling plant) must be larger than the peak sensible space heat extraction rate for all-air systems, and it must occur earlier. The daily peak sensible space heat extraction rate for the radiant system was 1–10% larger than for the all air system, and it occurred 1–2 hours earlier. These findings have consequences for the design of radiant systems. In particular, this study confirms that cooling load estimates for all-air systems will not represent the space heat extraction rates required for radiant systems.
The Threefold Body in Eschatological Perspective: With and Beyond Henri de Lubac on the Church

In this article, I draw from Henri de Lubac’s ecclesiology to delineate the relations between the three forms of Christ’s body (historical, ecclesial, and sacramental). Using the heuristic frameworks of scholastic sacramental theology and of spiritual exegesis, I demonstrate that language concerning the ecclesial body is significantly more complex than with the historical or sacramental bodies. The ecclesial body is at once entirely provisional—the sacrament of Christ—and the fulfillment itself—the totus Christus. This leads me to pose the question: what aspects of the Church endure through eternity and which pass away? I argue that it is the faithful who abide, while the visible institutional structures of the Church will be no more. I clarify how the institutional aspects of the Church relate to the congregatio fidelium and suggest that academic ecclesiology concern itself with the lives of the faithful rather than simply with faith and order.
Identification of an oncogenic network with prognostic and therapeutic value in prostate cancer

Identifying critical pathways governing disease progression is essential for accurate prognosis and effective therapy. We developed a broadly applicable and novel systems-level gene discovery strategy. This approach focused on constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) splice variant-driven pathways as representative of an intractable mechanism of prostate cancer (PC) therapeutic resistance. We performed a meta-analysis of human prostate samples using weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with experimental AR variant transcriptome analyses. An AR variant-driven gene module that is upregulated during human PC progression was identified. We filtered this module by identifying genes that functionally interacted with AR variants using a high-throughput synthetic genetic array screen in Schizosaccharomyces pombe This strategy identified seven AR variant-regulated genes that also enhance AR activity and drive cancer progression. Expression of the seven genes predicted poor disease-free survival in large independent PC patient cohorts. Pharmacologic inhibition of interacting members of the gene set potently and synergistically decreased PC cell proliferation. This unbiased and novel gene discovery strategy identified a clinically relevant, oncogenic, interacting gene hub with strong prognostic and therapeutic potential in PC.
A review of trypanosomes of gekkonid lizards, including the description of five new species

Four species ofTrypanosoma were found in geckoes in Tanzania:T. lygodactyli n. sp. parasitisedLygodactylus luteopicturatus, L. grotei andHemidactylus platycephalus;T. cnemaspi n. sp. was found inCnemaspis barbouri andH. platycephalus; T. uluguruensis n. sp. was found inH. platycephalus, L. luteopicturatus, L. grotei andLygodactylus williamsi; andT. kimbozae n. sp. parasitizedH. platycephalus. Gekko gecko in Thailand was host toT. gekkonis n. sp. Evaluation of commonly used taxonomic characters found body length, maximum width and the distance between kinetoplast and anterior body margin to be least variable; most variable were length of the free flagellum, distance between kinetoplast and posterior body margin, and distance between kinetoplast and centre of the nucleus. The distance from anterior body margin to centre of the nucleus, and length and width of the nucleus, were slightly more variable than the most conservative characters but were nevertheless useful. A review of the describedTrypanosoma species from gekkonid lizards indicates that the following are valid species, although in many cases their descriptions are inadequate:T. garnhami, T. gallayi, T. platydactyli, T. pertenue, T. leschenaulti, T. petteri, T. phlebotomi, T. turcici, T. phylluri, T. ryukyuense, T. thecadactyli, T. torrealbai, T. gonatodi andT. ocumarensis. The status ofT. hemidactyli is unclear, and the identification ofT. loricatum fromHemidactylus fasciatus of The Gambia is unlikely.
Amicus Curiae Brief to the NLRB in Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino

This amicus brief urges the NLRB to uphold its ruling in Purple Communications, which recognized employees' limited right to use employer-provided email for NLRA-protected communications. In particular, the brief argues that preexisting Supreme Court precedent and basic principles of property law give employees in many instances the right to communicate with each other about protected topics using employers' electronic communications systems. The brief also argues that even after the Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision, Purple Communications is consistent with the First Amendment.
Priority effects of wheat seed endophytes on a rhizosphere symbiosis

Seed endophytes, as primary symbionts, may influence formation of secondary symbioses in maturing hosts. We hypothesize that such priority effects are a function of the presence and the identity of the primary symbiont, and are simulated via inoculation with primary symbionts. We sampled primary symbionts in winter wheat using culture-based techniques and next generation sequencing. Ninety-one percent of 6300 seeds had either one or no isolates. NGS data supported this with over 99% fewer reads detected in seeds having no isolates. Alternaria and Cladosporium spp., accounted for almost 80% of the primary symbionts isolated from seeds but only 36% of OTUs. Bacteria accounted for 13% of isolates but 27% of OTUs. We grew seedlings with or without primary symbiont isolates aseptically in vitro with roots in contact with a suspension of the rhizosphere symbiont Phialocephala fortinii. Seedlings having Cladosporium spp. or bacteria as primary symbionts increased the P. fortinii root colonization in 3 weeks by 30% and 50%, respectively, compared to seedlings lacking symbionts. Alternaria primary symbionts had no effect on root colonization by P. fortinii. However, Cladosporium and Alternaria inocula reduced P. fortinii colonization by 75% and 42%, respectively, at 3 weeks, so natural priority effects were not simulated by inoculation with fungi. Bacillus inoculum doubled P. fortinii colonization, but colonization was delayed. Primary symbionts of wheat seed can have strong, natural priority effects dependent on their presence and identity, but inoculation does not always simulate natural effects.
THE RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADOPTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN DIGNITY COMMUNICATION IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

This paper examines the accelerating growth in social media usage in Nigeria, with special attention on youth in the South Eastern part of the country. The implication of this development for human dignity communication is also considered. The paper argues that social media is an effective communication tool with the potential to promote human dignity, if properly exploited, especially among youth in Nigeria. Hinged on the Development Media Theory and Technological Acceptance Model, this study investigated the relationship between increase in social media adoption among young people in two cities of Enugu and Onitsha and the reoccurring incidences of human right violations and abuse in society. A total of 300 young people selected from the two cities were surveyed and results indicated that numerous media reports, user generated contents and updates on human rights issues uploaded to social media (mostly on Facebook and YouTube) negatively affects the perception and attitude of people towards the concept of human dignity. Drawing on Ede (2007, p.97) position that “human beings are the principal focus of the visible world,” the paper recommends that a new educational policy on social media literacy be included in the university curriculum as well as in all levels of education in Nigeria.
A mapped set of DNA markers for human chromosome 17

Abstract We have developed and mapped by genetic linkage a primary set of markers for chromosome 17. The map consists of 21 loci derived from 27 probe/enzyme systems, including eight highly informative markers at loci containing a variable number of tandemly repeated DNA sequences (VNTRs). The map is continucus from the telomeric region of the short arm to the telomeric region of the long arm, covering estimated genetic distances of 218 cM in males and 279 cM in females. The average heterozygosity among all 21 loci in the population sample analyzed is 58%; 77% heterozygosity was observed among the eight VNTR markers that were highly informative. This map will make it possible to detect by linkage the location of genetic defects associated with chromosome 17 and will also provide anchor points for a high-resolution map of this chromosome.
Donation after Circulatory Death in Heart Transplantation May Increase the Donor Pool by 20% in the U.S

Purpose A shortage of donor hearts and high waiting list mortality have resulted in many transplant centers pursuing alternate strategies for utilization of adult donor hearts. Programs in Europe and Australia have demonstrated success with heart transplantation following donation after circulatory death (DCD); however, there are no active DCD heart transplant centers in the US. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential impact of DCD donors on the US heart transplant donor pool. Methods The 2005-2017 UNOS/OPTN registry was retrospectively reviewed for all deceased donors. Potential donors who did not donate any organ for transplant were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model for successful heart transplantation among donation after brain death (DBD) donors was generated using relevant demographic and clinical characteristics based on clinical experience. Covariates included donor age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, medical history, and ABO blood type. This model was then applied to Maastricht 3 DCD donors of other organs to identify suitable donors for heart transplantation. Results A total of 73,119 DBD donors and 12,148 DCD donors from 2005-2017 met inclusion criteria. Among the DBD donors, 30,422 (41.6%) were used for heart transplantation and 42,697 (58.4%) were not. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of successful heart transplantation. After applying this model to suitable DCD donors, an additional 5,271 potentially eligible heart transplant donors were identified during the study period, including 671 in 2016 alone. The supply of potential DCD hearts has increased annually (Figure). Conclusion DCD donation in heart transplantation has the potential to increase the pool of donor organs by approximately 20% per year in the United States.
A maximum likelihood approach to electronic health record phenotyping using positive and unlabeled patients.

OBJECTIVE Phenotyping patients using electronic health record (EHR) data conventionally requires labeled cases and controls. Assigning labels requires manual medical chart review and therefore is labor intensive. For some phenotypes, identifying gold-standard controls is prohibitive. We developed an accurate EHR phenotyping approach that does not require labeled controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our framework relies on a random subset of cases, which can be specified using an anchor variable that has excellent positive predictive value and sensitivity independent of predictors. We proposed a maximum likelihood approach that efficiently leverages data from the specified cases and unlabeled patients to develop logistic regression phenotyping models, and compare model performance with existing algorithms. RESULTS Our method outperformed the existing algorithms on predictive accuracy in Monte Carlo simulation studies, application to identify hypertension patients with hypokalemia requiring oral supplementation using a simulated anchor, and application to identify primary aldosteronism patients using real-world cases and anchor variables. Our method additionally generated consistent estimates of 2 important parameters, phenotype prevalence and the proportion of true cases that are labeled. DISCUSSION Upon identification of an anchor variable that is scalable and transferable to different practices, our approach should facilitate development of scalable, transferable, and practice-specific phenotyping models. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed approach enables accurate semiautomated EHR phenotyping with minimal manual labeling and therefore should greatly facilitate EHR clinical decision support and research.
Can the COP21 stop the rise of CO2s

Abstract. The UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 is a huge international reunion to attempt to enact with unanimity policies that counteract global warming or its effects. Can such really overcome the difficult problematic of collective action inherent in providing global public good? The Global Environmental Process runs meeting after meeting - no results. The global thermometer keeps rising, as Co2s do not decrease. The first manifestations of Hawking's irreversible change have appeared around the world. Only one major non-incremental policy would make a difference: close down coal power. Keywords. UNFCCC COP (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties), Hawkings, Lomborg, Coal substitution by solar plants, Bhadla Solar Park. JEL. B14, B24, B51.
Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Favorable Result after Laparoscopic Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation: Single-Institution Experience with More than 500 Patients.

Background Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a promising surgical treatment for patients with GERD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of MSA in a large cohort of patients with GERD and to determine the factors predicting a favorable outcome. Methods This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 553 patients who underwent MSA at our institution in a 5-year period. Preoperative clinical, endoscopic, manometric, and pH data were used in a univariate analysis. This was followed by a regression multivariable analysis to determine the factors predicting a favorable outcome. Favorable outcome was defined as freedom from proton pump inhibitors and ≥50% improvement in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) total score. Results At a mean (SD) follow-up of 10.3 (10.6) months after MSA, 92.7% of the patients were free of proton pump inhibitor use and 84% reported at least 50% improvement in their GERD-HRQL total score. The GERD-HRQL total score was improved from a mean (SD) baseline value of 33.8 (18.7) to 7.2 (9.0) (p 15 (OR 7.5; 95% CI, 3.3 to 16.8; p Conclusions In this largest single-institution series, we demonstrate that MSA implantation is associated with very good clinical and objective outcomes. Age younger than 45 years, male sex, GERD-HRQL total score >15, and abnormal DeMeester score are the 4 preoperative factors predicting a favorable outcome and can be used in patient counseling and MSA use.
Blunted Neural Reward Responsiveness and Recent Suicidal Ideation in Children and Adolescents: Failure to Replicate Across Two Independent Samples

Abstract A recent study by Tsypes, Owens, and Gibb (2019) found that children with recent suicidal ideation had blunted neural reward processing, as measured by the reward positivity (RewP), compared to matched controls, and that this difference was driven by reduced neural responses to monetary loss, rather than blunted neural response to monetary reward. Here, we aimed to conceptually replicate and extend these findings in two large samples of children and adolescents (n = 275 and n = 235). Results from our conceptual replication found no evidence that children and adolescents with suicidal ideation have abnormal reward or loss processing. We extended these findings in a longitudinal sample of children and adolescents with two time points and found no evidence that reward- or loss-related ERPs predict changes in suicidal ideation. The results highlight the need for greater statistical power, and continued research examining the neural underpinnings of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Pregnancy management in a patient with stickler syndrome

Background Stickler syndrome is a collagen disorder that can affect multiple organ systems. It is characterized by ocular abnormalities, hearing loss, midfacial hypoplasia, hypermobility, and joint abnormalities. The phenotypic expression of Stickler syndrome can vary among those affected. Since Stickler syndrome is a collagen disorder, it is possible to expect pregnancy complications similar to those reported in other collagen disorders. To our knowledge, there is only one case report in the literature on the management of pregnancy and delivery of a patient with Stickler syndrome. Methods/case report A 37-year-old primigravid woman with a diagnosis of Stickler syndrome presented at 9 weeks gestation for prenatal genetic consultation. At 26, the patient had prophylactic laser therapy for lattice degeneration of the retina. At 32, she was found to be heterozygous for the c.1527 G>T variant in the COL2A1 gene, which is associated with ocular abnormalities and autosomal dominant form of Stickler syndrome. Subsequently, she desired to pursue prenatal diagnostic testing for the familial variant. The patient voiced that the results would impact pregnancy management. Amniocentesis was performed at 16 weeks gestation. Results were negative for the maternal COL2A1 variant. Karyotype was normal (46, XX). Results A multidisciplinary team using a patient-centered approach including obstetrics, ophthalmology, maternal-fetal medicine, and genetics determined that there were no contraindications for vaginal delivery. At 39 weeks, the patient underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery with no complications. Conclusion There is a paucity of data available regarding the maternal outcomes of women affected with collagen disorders, especially Stickler Syndrome. This case highlights the importance of accurate genetic diagnosis in the prenatal period and provides information to physicians caring for patients with Stickler syndrome.
A Nonparametric Nonclassical Measurement Error Approach to Estimating Intergenerational Mobility Elasticities

This article provides a framework for estimating intergenerational mobility elasticities (IGEs) of children’s income with respect to parental income. We allow the IGEs to be heterogeneous, by leavi...
Feasibility Study of Catheter-Based Interventions for Anisotropic Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Cardiovascular Conduits in a Growing Lamb Model.

Cardiovascular repair in children often requires implant of conduits which do not have growth potential and will require reoperation. In the current study we sought to determine the feasibility of ...
Prior Nonarthroplasty Surgery Increases Risk of Complication in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Prior ipsilateral knee surgery may increase the risk for complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It remains unclear if the extent of previous surgery affects those risks disparately. The purpose of this study is to evaluate prior nonarthroplasty bony procedure (BP) and soft tissue only procedure (STP) as a potential risk factor for complications after TKA and determine the association with charges or reimbursement of the primary TKA. Methods Patients who underwent primary TKA with previous knee surgery were identified using a national Medicare database and matched 1:5 to controls without prior knee surgery. Rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications were calculated in addition to hospital-associated charges and reimbursements. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors. Results Patients who underwent BP (n = 835) had increased risk of readmission (58.6% vs 45.3%, odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59-1.85, P Conclusion Prior ipsilateral knee surgery is associated with significantly increased risks of postoperative complications after primary TKA. Interestingly, previous STP but not BP increased the risk of short-term revision and venous thromboembolism.
U.S. ESCO Industry: Industry Size and Recent Market Trends

Author(s): Stuart, Elizabeth; Hanus, Nichole L; Carvallo, Juan Pablo; Larsen, Peter H | Abstract: This study is the latest in a series of LBNL research into U.S. ESCO industry characteristics and market trends. The research is based on interviews with ESCO industry executives conducted during the fall of 2019 and the first half of 2020. Nearly all companies that identified themselves as ESCOs were contacted as part of this project. We find that after a period of little growth (2011-2014), industry revenues reached an estimated $6 billion in 2018, or a 3.4% annual average growth rate from 2015-2018. ESCOs primarily serve the public an institutional sectors (e.g., federal, state, and local governments; university and colleges; and K-12 schools). In 2018, project investments by public and institutional organizations accounted for over 90% of industry revenue, which is consistent with previous industry studies. ESCO activity in the Middle Atlantic, East North Central, and Pacific regions in the U.S. delivered the highest share of revenue in 2018, which is also consistent with earlier research. ESCOs reported that a majority of their customers use energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) primarily for facility capital improvement needs and resilience rather than utility savings. In addition, the importance of non-energy benefits (e.g., water savings, avoided operations and maintenance costs, and avoided capital costs) accounted for in the project savings guarantee reportedly increased in all markets during 2016-2018 compared to previous time periods. The study found that the ESCO industry faces several key challenges, including: (1) increasing project development times due to more complex projects and other factors; (2) difficulty finding qualified subcontractors in some regions, including minority- women- and disadvantaged population-owned small business enterprises; and (3) difficulty accessing project documents and quickly fulfilling customer requests to justify project payments several years into the performance period of a project.
Image watermarking using wavelets

This paper proposes a novel image watermarking scheme. This technique uses a 2-D discrete wavelet transform to decompose an image into various frequency channels. A scaled image is used as the watermark and inserted into a mid-frequency wavelet channel. The watermark embedded image is produced by taking the inverse 2-D discrete wavelet transform of the altered wavelet decomposition. The image size, the non-zero scaling factor, the channel in which the watermark is inserted, and the wavelet transform filters can be used as security keys for the extraction of the inserted watermark. The propose watermark extraction technique is independent of the original image. A compromise between visually perceptible artifacts and resiliency in preserving the watermark from attacks by JPEG compression, median filtering, and image cropping can be achieved by adjusting the scaling factor.
Serum biomarkers for assessing histology and outcomes in patients with metastatic lung cancer.

BACKGROUND Serum biomarkers are not in routine clinical use for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment selection in lung cancer. OBJECTIVE We examined serum protein biomarkers from patients with metastatic lung cancer to determine whether they correlate with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), or histologic subtype. METHODS Serum samples were collected prior to chemotherapy from 153 patients with metastatic lung cancer treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Serum biomarkers were selected for ELISA testing based on their availability in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory: ProGRP, SCC-Ag, NSE, CYFRA 21-1, TIMP1, and HE4. Pretreatment biomarker levels were correlated with outcome using proportional hazards analysis and tumor histology using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Univariate analysis indicated that only higher levels of CYFRA 21-1 were significantly associated with worsened PFS (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1--1.5, p< 0.01) and OS (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7, p< 0.001). Multivariate analysis of NSE, CYFRA 21-1, and TIMP1 indicated that CYFRA 21-1 remained independently associated with lower OS (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6, p< 0.01). Univariate analysis indicated that ProGRP (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.5, p< 0.001) and NSE (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.6-8.8, p< 0.0001) had the highest probabilities of differentiating SCLC from NSCLC. Multivariate analysis of these two markers demonstrated that they predicted SCLC histology with 94% accuracy. Univariate analysis showed that only SCCL-Ag distinguished squamous cell histology from adenocarcinoma (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.5, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serum CYFRA 21-1 may be useful in predicting patient survival, and serum ProGRP, NSE 21-1, and SCCL-Ag may be helpful in distinguishing between lung cancer sub-types.
Sensitivity of Stratospheric Ozone to Present and Possible Future Aircraft Emissions

The aircraft industry is showing renewed interest in the development of supersonic, high flying aircraft for intercontinental passenger flights. There appears to be confidence that such high­-speed civil transports can be designed, and that these aircraft will be economically viable as long as they are also environmentally acceptable. As such, it is important to establish the potential for such environmental problems early in the aircraft design. Initial studies with LLNL models of global atmospheric chemical, radiative, and transport processes have indicated that substantial decreases in stratospheric ozone concentrations could result from emissions of NOx from aircraft flying in the stratosphere, depending on the fleet size and magnitude of the engine emissions. The purpose of this study is to build on previous analyses of potential aircraft emission effects on ozone in order to better define the sensitivity of ozone to such emissions. In addition to NOx, the effects of potential emissions of carbon monoxide and water vapor are also examined. More realistic scenarios for the emissions as a function of altitude, latitude, and season are examined in comparison to prior analyses. These studies indicate that the effects on ozone are sensitive to the altitude and latitude, as well as the magnitude, of the emissions.
A Case of Empirical Reverse Engineering: Estimation of the Pricing Kernel

We revisit the Roll (1977) critique regarding the unobservability of the market portfolio in the framework of the CAPM. It is equivalent to the unobservability of the pricing kernel (also known as the stochastic discount factor) in the language of the modern asset pricing theory. We advocate an econometric procedure which allows the estimation of the pricing kernel without either any assumptions about the investors preferences or the use of the consumption data. We propose a model of equity price dynamics, which allows for (i) simultaneous consideration of multiple stock prices, (ii) analytical formulas for derivatives such as futures, options and bonds, and (iii) a realistic description of all of these assets. The analytical specification of the model allows us to infer the dynamics of the pricing kernel. The model, calibrated to a comprehensive dataset including the S&P 500 index, individual equities, T-bills and gold futures, yields the conditional filter of the unobservable pricing kernel. As a result we obtain the estimate of the kernel, which is positive almost surely (i.e. precludes arbitrage), consistent with the equity risk premium, the risk-free discounting, and with the observed asset prices by construction. We find that the S&P 500 index contains virtually zero idiosyncratic volatility. The pricing kernel filter involves a highly nonlinear function of the contemporaneous and lagged returns on the index. This contradicts typical implementations of CAPM, which use a linear function of the market proxy return as the pricing kernel. Hence, the S&P 500 index does not have to coincide with the market portfolio if it is used in conjuction with nonlinear asset pricing models.
Three Major Risks Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for Multinational Companies Doing Business in China

U.S. multinational companies (MNCs) that do business in China are exposed to major risks under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a federal statute that prohibits the giving of bribes or anything of value to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining business. Three key statutory elements of FCPA apply with special force in China: the definitions of “foreign official,” anything of value, and the use of third parties. These factors pose special risks because of China’s state-controlled economy, a pervasive business culture in which bribes are demanded and in which various forms of corruption, both petty and significant, are common and tolerated.
Curves with Many Points and Their Applications

The use of curves in algebraic geometries in applications such as coding and cryptography is now extensive. This note reviews recent developments in the construction of such curves and their application to these subjects.
Efficient coupling of acoustic modes in microfluidic channel devices

This work introduces a new numerical simulation approach to acoustic microfluidic chip design based on coupled-resonator theory. A simplified acoustofluidic device operating in the transverse elastic mode is investigated and optimized for maximal pressure standing wave amplitude. This design approach provides insights into the symmetry and frequency characteristics of acoustic chip resonances that cannot be obtained from analysis based on wave propagation arguments. The new approach reveals that optimal performance requires spatial symmetry-matching and frequency-matching of the full device's elastic resonance to the channel's acoustic resonance. Symmetry selection is demonstrated for a three terminal piezoelectric transducer actuation scheme showing suppression of opposite-symmetry and enhancement of same-symmetry acoustic modes. Excitation of ultrasonic waves exhibits the anti-crossing behaviour predicted by coupled mode theory with the acoustic mode splitting into two distinct branches. Increased efficiency of energy transfer from the transducer into the fluid, with its corresponding increase in pressure amplitude, suggests a potential path toward significant increases in acoustic separator performance.
Phase transitions in a probabilistic cellular neural network model having local and remote connections

Inspired by a neuronal architecture, we show how to produce dynamical behaviors in a special kind of probabilistic cellular neural network system. We demonstrate that the spatial and temporal behavior of neural activity undergoes sudden changes if the connection structure and noise component are varied. We characterize quantitatively phase transitions using the activation and cluster size. We indicate the potential role our present results may play in developing the theory of computation using non-convergent neurodynamic principles, called neurpercolation.
Do patients use marijuana as an antidepressant

Several lines of evidence suggest that cannabis may have antidepressant effects. However, methodologic limitations in available studies make the results difficult to interpret. We review this literature and present five cases in which the evidence seems particularly clear that marijuana produced a direct antidepressant effect. If true, these observations argue that many patients may use marijuana to "self-treat" depressive symptoms.
Mass transport and membrane separations: Universal description in terms of physicochemical potential and Einstein's mobility

Abstract General yet simple description of chemical transport processes in non-isolated system is suggested. It is based on extended Teorell equation and just two fundamental parameters: physicochemical potential and Einstein's mobility. Using mobility it is possible to compare the rates of all major linear transport phenomena, including pressure-driven migration and also nonideal and multicomponent diffusion. Relationship with the Stefan–Maxwell approach and Onsager's linear thermodynamics is demonstrated and physical interpretation of both diagonal and off-diagonal phenomenological coefficients is suggested. Imposing boundary conditions for transport equations allows description of transport in homogeneous membranes caused by several concurrent driving factors, such as concentration, pressure, and voltage. Differences of barodiffusion, membrane filtration, and reverse osmosis are considered. For a porous membrane an expression for the pressure-driven volumetric flux through the pores as a function of mobility and pore size is derived. It is explained why hydraulic flow prevails in submicron pores and why diffusion is the dominant mechanism in reverse osmosis if the pressure difference is not too high. The theory naturally leads to the solution-diffusion model equations but does not need usual assumptions of constant pressure across the membrane and the pressure jump only at one surface. Internal pressure and mechanical stress gradients within a membrane exist and can be useful in a description of rheology of aging polymer membranes. A new equation for concurrent diffusion and hydraulic transport is derived and two possible molecular mechanisms leading to the Kedem–Katchalsky equations for reverse osmosis membranes are suggested. Finally, electrokinetic processes are described and their similarity to concentration- and pressure-driven transport is discussed.
Successful Mentoring Programs: Examples from Within and Without the Academy

ABSTRACT There are numerous definitions of mentoring, but all emphasize a pairing of experienced professional with an employee needing guidance and advice in the workplace. Libraries are using mentoring to acclimate new hires, assist librarians through the promotion and tenure process, and to provide information to those interested in advancement to different positions in the organization. There is a wide range of mentoring programs and a review of successful programs, within libraries and in several other organizations, can provide guidance in developing or refining a library mentoring program.
Differential modulatory effects of norepinephrine on synaptically driven responses of layer V barrel field cortical neurons.

The effects of norepinephrine (NE) and the alpha-1 agonist phenylephrine (PE) on synaptically evoked responses of electrophysiologically identified pyramidal neurons in layer V of rat somatosensory cortex were studied in brain slices using intracellular recording techniques. When added to the bathing medium NE (10 μM) tended to increase the synaptic responsiveness of regular spiking neurons and decrease the responsiveness of intrinsic burst neurons. NE had mixed effects on layer V cells which were characterized as intermediate types between regular spiking and intrinsic burst neurons. PE exerted a similar spectrum of actions on layer V cortical neurons. For both adrenergic agents the greatest facilitating effect was observed on responses to low intensity synaptic stimulation. These results suggest that NE exerts different modulatory actions on different electrophysiologically-defined classes of layer V sensory cortical neurons.
Pediatric psychopharmacoepidemiology: an introduction.

ABSTRACT The increased use of psychopharmacological agents in children and adolescents, the increased public debate about the possible adverse effects of these agents, and the growth of managed care have led to a burgeoning of interest in the pharmacoepidemiology of child psychiatric medications. This special issue of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology reviews pharmacoepidemiology in child psychiatry. This introduction gives an overview of the articles that follow.
Community College Faculty Involvement in Institutional Governance.

The current study provided an investigation of 110 faculty who were very involved, moderately involved, and not involved in governance activities in community colleges. No differences were found between the three groups on characteristics of an ideal governance process or the roles faculty have in shared governance. Differences were found in responses to general perceptions toward faculty involvement in governance.
Computational modeling of the probabilistic impact response of flexible fabrics

Abstract The impact response of flexible woven fabrics is probabilistic in nature and described through a probabilistic velocity response curve or V 0 – V 100 curve. Computational impact analyses based on deterministic methods are incapable of predicting the experimentally observed probabilistic fabric impact response. To overcome this limitation we have developed a probabilistic computational framework within a finite element analysis to predict the V 0 –V 100 response. The finite element model is a yarn-based representation of the fabric architecture, with a principal stress based failure criterion implemented uniformly within each yarn, but varying for each yarn within the fabric. For each impact simulation, individual yarn strengths are mapped from experimentally obtained yarn strength distributions, resulting in fabric models with spatially non-uniform failure conditions. Impact simulations are run for the case of a spherical projectile of diameter 5.556 mm impacting a single layer of 50.8 × 50.8 mm, edge-clamped, unbacked, aramid fabric. Three different yarn strength models are implemented, representing spool yarns, and yarns extracted from greige and scoured woven fabrics. Decreases in yarn strength are found to correlate to decreases in the V 1 , V 50 , and V 99 velocities predicted by the simulations. The relationships between yarn strength distribution and probabilistic fabric impact response are discussed.
Comparison of cirrus cloud optical properties from ground-, aircraft-, and satellite-based measurements

Results will focus on cirrus events which occurred during the ARM FIRE Water Vapor Experiment (AFWEX 2000) and Texas 2002 (TX2002) field campaigns over the Southern Great Plains Cloud and Radiation Testbed site (Oklahoma, USA) on 8 December 2000 and 29 November 2002, respectively. Aircraft measurements were taken from the NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed-Interferometer (NAST-I) during AFWEX 2000 and the Scanning-High resolution Infrared Sounder (S-HIS) during TX2002. Surface measurements were acquired by the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), located at the Central Facility. A second AERI, operating in rapid-scan mode within the University of Wisconsin mobile AERIbago, was available during the Texas 2002 case. Spectral absorption optical depths were retrieved using the high spectral resolution infrared measurements combined with lidar measured cloud boundaries. The spectral variation in each optical depth measurement were used to infer cloud particle effective radius from a database of hexagonal column extinction calculations. Results will compare cloud optical properties from simultaneous below- and above-cloud measurements.
SU-FF-I-20: Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography (DTM) : Dependence of Reconstruction Image Quality On Number and Angular Range of Projection Views

Purpose: We have previously found in a phantom study that a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) could achieve similar image quality to maximum likelihood reconstruction, but with fewer iterations. In this study, we applied SART to patient and breast phantom images and evaluated the reconstructed image quality when the number and the angular range of the projection views (PVs) were varied. Method and Materials: A second generation GE prototype DTM system was used for image acquisition. PVs are acquired from 21 angles in 3° increments over a ±30° range in less than 8‐sec. The DTM system uses an Rh/Rh x‐ray source for all exposures. The total dose of the 21 PVs is set to be about 1.5X of that of a single‐view mammogram at the corresponding breast thickness. The phantom is composed of four 1‐cm‐thick breast‐shaped slabs of heterogeneous or homogeneous mixtures of fibroglandular‐and‐fatty‐tissue‐mimicking material with embedded masses. A 5×6 array of contrast‐detail disk‐shaped holes were drilled on one of the homogeneous slabs. DTMs were reconstructed with all 21 PVs, or subsets of the PVs to simulate different angular ranges and increments. The use of subsets of PVs resulted in a reduction in the total dose of the reconstructedDTM in this study. The image quality of the reconstructedDTMs under different conditions was compared. Results: For both the phantom and patient DTMs,image sharpness and contrast decreased with decreasing numbers of PVs used in the reconstruction. The interplane artifacts increased with decreasing angular range of the PVs. Conclusion: The image quality of DTMs depends on the number of PVs and the angular range used in image acquisition. Further investigation is needed to evaluate trade‐offs between the angular increment and angular range, as well as the effects of reconstruction parameters on image quality when the number of PVs varies.
Age hardening in Cu-2.5 Wt pct Ti

Age hardening in a Cu-2.5 wt pct Ti alloy has been examined as a function of aging time at 300 and 500 °C. Yield strength results exhibited a double peak in strength at each temperature,i.e., peaks at two different times. The work-hardening rate, however, increased monotonically with aging time. Slip line measurements showed that slip became coarser with aging time but remained planar. Lack of sufficient understanding of the details of the pzecipitation reactions and also of hardening mechanisms means that a convincing explanation of the double peak in strength cannot yet be made, but research needed to correct this situation was identified.
Analysis of the O-antigen biosynthesis regions of phase II Isolates of Coxiella burnetii

The O-antigen-encoding region in the genomes of 14 isolates of Coxiella burnetii was examined by PCR. Five phase I isolates (Nine Mile clone 7, KAV, Ohio, Henzerling RSA 343, Q173) were analyzed and no deletions were detected. Two other isolates of unknown phase (Scottish, WAV) were examined, but no deletions were detected. In contrast, RSA 514 and three phase II isolates (Nine Mile phase II clone 4, Nine Mile phase II clone 1, Nine Mile Baca) contained large deletions, and the latter two were further characterized by DNA sequencing. Three other phase II isolates (Henzerling RSA 331, M44, Australian QD) contained no apparent deletions. Reactivity to phase I- and phase II-specific antibodies by immunofluorescence assay was used to further characterize isolates. Selected ORFs in Australian QD and M44 DNA were sequenced to detect mutations, and no significant changes were found. Australian QD RNA was examined by reverse transcriptase-PCR specific to the four ORFs hypothesized to encode the O-antigen sugar virenose, which this isolate has been shown to lack, as well as one that is predicted to encode part of the O-antigen ABC transporter. Each of these five genes was found to be expressed.