cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexible job shop scheduling problem with parallel batch processing machines

A flexible job-shop scheduling problem with parallel batching machines is addressed.We propose a constraint programming model and a MIP model with valid inequalities.We also discuss future adoption opportunities of constraint programming. A flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) with parallel batch processing machines (PBM) is addressed. First, we exhibit an enhanced mixed integer programming (MIP) model. Secondly, several valid inequalities are added for a reduction of solution space. Finally, we propose a constraint programming (CP) model, which is likely to be superior in many scheduling problems. Those different approaches are tested on a set of common problem instances from the literature. Computational results find three key lessons: the proposed MIP model significantly reduces computational time compared to the original model from the literature, the valid inequalities further reduce a computational time, and CP incomparably outperforms all three MIP models. Authors also discuss future adoption opportunities of CP, which has not got well deserved attention by OR/IE practitioners yet.
An Exploration of Organizational Trust in Intercollegiate Athletic Departments

Scholars in in educational leadership, business management, and organizational psychology have thoroughly explored the construct of organizational trust. While trust has attracted some attention from sport management scholars, the research has primarily focused on the individual, rather than organization. This manuscript provides an overview of the organizational trust literature with specific application to the area of intercollegiate athletic departments. Additionally, the Athletic Department Trust Scale (ADTS) is introduced as an instrument to measure organizational trust in the setting. The procedures taken to refine and test the instrument are summarized. Results revealed the ADTS as psychometrically sound. The instrument was used to explore three research questions related to coaching tenure and status. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between coaching tenure and organizational trust. Practical and research implications are also presented.
It's not funny: How changes in If limit maximum heart rate with aging.

Although many of us optimistically try to be “younger next year” ([Crowley and Lodge, 2004][1]), there is one inescapable fact: maximum heart rate declines over the decades regardless of fitness level. A parallel decrease in our so-called intrinsic heart rate, measured in the absence of
The SLC22 Transporter Family: A Paradigm for the Impact of Drug Transporters on Metabolic Pathways, Signaling, and Disease

The SLC22 transporter family consists of more than two dozen members, which are expressed in the kidney, the liver, and other tissues. Evolutionary analysis indicates that SLC22 transporters fall into at least six subfamilies: OAT (organic anion transporter), OAT-like, OAT-related, OCT (organic cation transporter), OCTN (organic cation/carnitine transporter), and OCT/OCTN-related. Some-including OAT1 [SLC22A6 or NKT (novel kidney transporter)] and OAT3 (SLC22A8), as well as OCT1 (SLC22A1) and OCT2 (SLC22A2)-are widely studied drug transporters. Nevertheless, analyses of knockout mice and other data indicate that SLC22 transporters regulate key metabolic pathways and levels of signaling molecules (e.g., gut microbiome products, bile acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, dietary flavonoids and other nutrients, prostaglandins, vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, urate, and ergothioneine), as well as uremic toxins associated with chronic kidney disease. Certain SLC22 transporters-such as URAT1 (SLC22A12) and OCTN2 (SLC22A5)-are mutated in inherited metabolic diseases. A new systems biology view of transporters is emerging. As proposed in the remote sensing and signaling hypothesis, SLC22 transporters, together with other SLC and ABC transporters, have key roles in interorgan and interorganism small-molecule communication and, together with the neuroendocrine, growth factor-cytokine, and other homeostatic systems, regulate local and whole-body homeostasis.
Acquired Impairments in Reading

The act of reading-converting light reflected from printed text into both understanding and speech-is a complex cognitive endeavor. In modern society, it has become a critically valuable skill for learning and communication. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that underlie how specific aspects of reading are robbed from individuals with acquired neurological impairments is of critical scientific interest. Commensurate with this interest, there has been an explosion of recent scientific query into acquired reading deficits, spanning a broad range of fields such as neuropsychology, experimental psychology, and computational neuroscience.
Preoperative Evaluation and Patient Selection for Office-Based Oral Surgery Anesthesia

Provision of an outpatient anesthetic requires careful review of the patient's medical history along with salient aspects of the physical examination. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon may need to consult with the patient's medical providers to gain an understanding of the patient's potential risks for an adverse event. This article reviews key aspects of the patient evaluation so that an informed determination of suitability for an office anesthetic can be made.
A Laser-Based Noncontact Vibration Technique for Health Monitoring of Structural Cables: Background, Success, and New Developments

Structural cables are susceptible to the effects of high stress concentrations, corrosion, and wind-induced and other vibrations. Cables are normally the most critical elements in a cable-supported structure and their well-being is very important in the health of the structure. The laser-based vibration technique discussed in this paper is a means for health monitoring of cables and therefore the entire cable-supported structure. This technique uses a noncontact remote sensing laser vibrometer for collecting cable vibration data from distances of up to several hundreds of feet and determines its dynamic characteristics including vibration frequencies and damping ratios. A formulation specifically developed for structural cables capable of accounting for important cable parameters is then used to calculate the cable force. Estimated forces in the cables are compared to previously measured forces or designer’s prediction to detect patterns associated with damage to the cable itself and/or changes to the structure elsewhere. The estimated damping ratios are also compared against predefined criteria to infer about susceptibility against wind-induced vibrations and other vibrations. The technique provides rapid, effective, and accurate means for health monitoring of cable-supported structures. It determines the locations and elements with potential damage and the need for detailed and hands on inspection. To date, the technique has been used successfully for evaluation of twenty-five major bridges in the US and abroad. Though originally devised for condition assessment of stay cables, it has been developed further to include a variety of systems and conditions among them structural hanger ropes in suspension, truss, and arch supported bridges, ungrouted stay cables, cables with cross-ties, and external posttensioning tendons in segmental bridge construction. It has also found a valuable place in construction-phase activities for verification of forces in tension elements with minimal efforts. Future endeavors for automation and aerial delivery are being considered for this technique.
The roles of order, distance, and interstitial items in temporal visual statistical learning.

Humans are adept at learning regularities in a visual environment, even without explicit cues to structure and in the absence of instruction—this has been termed “visual statistical learning” (VSL). The nature of the representations resulting from VSL are still poorly understood. In five experiments, we examined the specificity of temporal VSL representations. In Experiments 1A, 1B, and 2, we compared recognition rates of triplets and all embedded pairs to chance. Robust learning of all structures was evident, and even pairs of non-adjacent items in a sequentially presented triplet (AC extracted from a triplet composed of ABC) were recognized at above-chance levels. In Experiment 3, we asked whether people could recognize rearranged pairs to examine the flexibility of learned representations. Recognition of all possible orders of target triplets and pairs was significantly higher than chance, and there were no differences between canonical orderings and their corresponding randomized orderings, suggesting that learners were not dependent upon originally experienced stimulus orderings to recognize co-occurrence. Experiment 4 demonstrates the essential role of an interstitial item in VSL representations. By comparing the learning of quadruplet sets (e.g., ABCD) and triplet sets (e.g., ABC), we found learning of AC and BD in ABCD (quadruplet) sets were better than the learning of AC in ABC (triplet) sets. This pattern of results might result from the critical role of interstitial items in statistical learning. In short, our work supports the idea of generalized representation in VSL and provides evidence about how this representation is structured.
Telecobalt Therapy for prostatic cancer: rationale, results and future considerations.

External supervoltage radiation is now an accepted form of treatment for adenocarcinoma of the prostate but the tumor response cannot be predicted. We hope in the future that accurate clinical staging coupled with a biological staging of the tumor cells with catalase activity will enable us to predict this response. Ionizing radiations act by producing active radicals, hence the rationale of studying the tissue catalase activity in conjunction with the histological grading may provide a more accurate index of patients who would gain the most benefit from radiotherapy. (auth)
Analyze and Design of Thin Planar High Impedance Surface as an Antenna

In this paper, an extremely thin planar antenna comprising only a high impedance surface (HIS) layer as the main radiator has been proposed. By eliminating the need of the dipole on top of the HIS, the proposed structure is formed with an extremely thin grounded dielectric layer covered by a patterned sheet of dogbone-shaped metal patches. This HIS antenna has been designed and optimized on a thin substrate with a thickness of 1/100 of the wavelength at the operating frequency, 900MHz. The proposed antenna is constructed from a 6 × 6 unit-cells where the performance is being analyzed and compared with an array of 2 × 2 rectangular patches designed to operate at the same frequency band. Despite the very thin substrate, the antenna radiates with a broadside gain of 13 dBi and a gain-bandwidth of 23.14 %.
Pharmacokinetic biodistribution assessment of Phosphorescent sensor, PtG4 Oxyphor in mice for optimization of in vivo oxygenation imaging

Luminescence molecular tomography with Cherenkov excitation offers the ability to non-invasively image and quantify temporal changes in fluorescence throughout the body, and then further realize tumor localization. This can be done in radiotherapy to determine the response to treatment in fractionated therapy. To obtain high signal-to-background or signal-to-noise ratio measurement, it is critical to know the best post time point of in-vivo agent-based molecular imaging, which could account on a high signal ratio of target to skin (TSR). For this purpose, ex-vivo murine experiments were performed to quantify the biokinetics and biodistribution of the major organs, plasma, tumor, and skin.
Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: Use of Fat Implant to Prevent Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula

For the prevention of cerebrospinal fluid fistula (CSF) after vestibular schwannoma surgery a meticulous sealing of opened air cells in the skull base bone is necessary. To find out whether muscle or fat tissue is superior for this purpose, we performed a retrospective analysis. Four hundred and twenty patients between January 2001 and December 2006 had a retrosigmoidal microsurgical removal in a standardized procedure. Opened air cells at the inner auditory canal and the mastoid bone were sealed with muscle in 283 patients and in 137 patients with fat tissue. Analysis was performed regarding the incidence of postoperative CSF fistula and correlation with the patient’s tumor grade and sex. The incidence of postoperative CSF leak after application of fat tissue was lower (2.2%) than after usage of muscle (5.7%). Women suffered less from postoperative CSF leaks (3.4%) than men (5.6%). With the tumor grade we found an inverse correlation. Patients with smaller tumors seemed to have a higher rate of CSF leak than patients with large tumors without hydrocephalus. Only large tumors with severe dislocation of the brainstem and hydrocephalus showed a higher rate of CSF-leaks. Fat implant is superior to muscle implant for the prevention of CSF leak after vestibular schwannoma surgery, and should be used for the sealing of opened air cells in skull base surgery.
Researching the Appropriateness of Care in the Complementary and Integrative Health Professions Part 5: Using Patient Records: Selection, Protection, and Abstraction.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this paper is to describe the 4-step process (consent, selection, protection, and abstraction) of acquiring a large sample of chiropractic patient records from multiple practices and subsequent data abstraction. Methods From April 2017 to December 2017, RAND acquired patient records from 99 chiropractic practices across the United States. The records included patients enrolled in a survey e-study (prospective sample) and a random sample of all clinic patients (retrospective sample) with chronic back or neck pain. Clinic staff were trained to collect the sample, scan, and transfer the records. We designed an online data collection tool for abstraction. Protocols were instituted to protect patient confidentiality. Doctors of chiropractic were selected and trained as abstractors, and a system was established to monitor data collection. Results In compliance with data protection protocols, 3603 patient records were scanned, including 1475 in the prospective sample and 2128 in the random sample. A total of 1716 patients (prospective sample) consented to having their records scanned, but only 1475 could be retrieved. Of records scanned, 19% were unusable owing to illegibility, no care during the period of interest, or poor scanning. The abstractor interrater reliability for appropriateness of care decisions was fair to moderate (κ .38-.48). Conclusion The acquisition, handling, and abstraction of a large sample of chiropractic records was a complex task with challenges that necessitated adapting planned approaches. Of the records abstracted, many revealed incomplete provider documentation regarding the details of and rationale for care. Better documentation and more standardized record keeping would facilitate future research using patient records.
Oculoplastic surgical services in Nigeria: status and challenges

To assess the status and challenges of oculoplastic surgical services in Nigeria. An IRB-exempt, web-based survey was distributed to Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria members via e-mail. Information regarding demographics, type and location of practice, subspecialization training, availability and barriers of oculoplastic surgical services, pattern of oculoplastic diseases and surgical procedures was obtained. Responses were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Forty-four percent (155/356) of ophthalmologists invited completed the online survey. Of these respondents, 104 (67.1%) do provide oculoplastic surgical services with 8 (5.2%) trained in oculoplastic surgery. Respondents reported most commonly treating eyelid trauma (98.1%), orbital inflammatory diseases (92.1%) and lacrimal system disorders (86.5%) with globe removal procedures (98.1%), eyelid reconstruction (92.1%) and lacrimal drainage procedures (84.5%) being the most common procedures performed in their practices. Barriers to availability of oculoplastic surgical services identified by respondents were few trained oculoplastic surgeons (92.9%), lack of training centers (70.3%) and accessibility of services (60%). On multivariable analysis, predictors of availability of oculoplastic surgical services were greater number of years in practice (P < 0.001) and subspecialty training (P < 0.001). The availability and geographical distribution of oculoplastic surgical services in Nigeria are suboptimal with training deficiencies identified as the main challenge. Strategies to improve availability of oculoplastic care should entail a sustainable training program for this emerging subspecialty and physician deployment to under-resourced areas of the country.
Infusion of Recombinant Full-Length ADAMTS13 and Carboxyl-Terminal Truncated Variant Alters Composition of Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombi in Adamts13−/− mice

Abstract 2313 Proteolytic cleavage of ultra large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) released from endothelial cells by ADAMTS13 metalloprotease is critical for maintaining normal hemostasis. However, the effect of infusing ADAMTS13 on thrombus composition remains poorly understood. In this study, we determined the morphology and composition of thrombi formed in carotid arteries after topical application of FeCl3 in Adamts13 −/− mice receiving PBS, recombinant human full-length ADAMTS13 (FL) and carboxyl-terminal truncated variant after spacer domain (S), using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis. We showed that in Adamts13 −/− mice 5 min after FeCl3 injury, formed arterial thrombi were comprised ∼39% platelets, ∼26% red blood cells, and ∼35% fibrin. The arterial thrombi in these mice were structurally deformed. An infusion of recombinant FL (final concentration of 10 nM) significantly reduced the accumulation of platelets (∼18%) but increased the fibrin network (57%) without affecting the composition of red blood cells (∼25%) in the arterial thrombi formed at the same time point after FeCl3 injury. Similar effects on the morphology and composition of FeCl3-induced arterial thrombi were observed after infusion of recombinant S (10 nM) into Adamts13 −/− mice. Kinetic analysis showed that there was a decrease in platelet accumulation over the time of 30 min during thrombus formation with a slight increase in accumulation of red blood cells and formation of fibrin in Adamts13 −/− mice. But, the infusion of recombinant FL and S into Adamts13 −/− mice restored the kinetics of platelet/red blood cell accumulation and fibrin formation to those observed in wild-type mice. Our findings, revealing the apparent difference in thrombus composition, provide novel insight into the mechanism of ADAMTS13 function in vivo , which may shed more light on the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other arterial thrombotic disorders associated with deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Enhancing the incorporation of lysine derivatives into proteins with methylester forms of unnatural amino acids.

We have improved the incorporation of l- and d-forms of unnatural amino acid (UAA) Ne-thiaprolyl-l-lysine (ThzK) into ubiquitin (UB) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) by 2-6 folds with the use of the methylester forms of the UAAs in E coli cell culture. We also improved the yields of UAA-incorporated UB and GFP with the methylester forms of Ne-Boc-l-Lysine (BocK) and Ne-propargyl-l-Lysine (PrK) by 2-5 folds compared to their free acid forms. Our work demonstrated that using methylester-capped UAAs for protein expression is a useful strategy to enhance the yields of UAA-incorporated proteins.
Chinese Parenting and the Collective Desirable Path Through Sociopolitical Changes

Family life in China has gone through drastic changes in the past decades. Chinese society has, for centuries, been organized in a highly communitarian manner; people have been oriented toward collective rather than individual goals. Since 1979, the beginning of the economic reform era, Chinese families have gradually evolved into individual enterprises whose members were linked together through bonds of sentiment instead of duties. These cultural changes accompanying with the launch of the “one-child” policy affected the parenting styles and the philosophy of parenting in the families in both rural and urban areas. This framework describes how parents in China, a collectivistic and competitive society, collectively perceive a particular path as the path to success for their children (CDP). The chapter explores some contributing factors to adopting a collective path and factors in forming the path. The current CDP for Chinese parenting and education is to get into good universities and receive a degree in desirable majors, which leads to a career of power, status, and money. Some parenting outcomes of adopting the CDP are focusing too much on academic excellence, favoring obedience over free will, and encouraging children to fit in. There are benefits of adopting the CDP such as social mobility and family prosperity. However, it can also be detrimental to the full development of children. Western influences and new-generation parents (parents born in and after the 1980s) may help to reform the current CDP and parenting practices to promote a balanced development of future children.
The evolution of (non)species-specific pheromones

Pheromones are chemical signals that elicit innate and stereotyped responses in conspecifics, often with intricate species specificity. The remarkable diversity of pheromones has made them particularly useful for studying the physiological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying communication. However, most discussions on pheromone evolution focus on divergence among species and give little attention to the processes underlying overlap or cross-reaction among species. Here, we review the evolution of pheromones with particular emphasis on the processes that yield pheromones that are not species specific. Although costly interactions with heterospecifics exert selection for pheromone divergence, species isolation via other chemical or multi-modal cues and temporal or spatial barriers can alleviate selection for species specificity. Likewise, common aspects of animals’ evolutionary history, physiology, and ecology can yield convergent, homologous, or otherwise cross-reacting pheromones. We hope that our review stimulates continued research on pheromone species specificity, which has implications for understanding their identity, function, and evolution, and predicting the ecological consequences of changing environments.
Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome Complicated by Diffuse Ophthalmoparesis and Polyradiculopathy

Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is defined by elevated intracranial pressure in the absence of a structural or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormality. Typical features include headache, visual symptoms, and pulsatile tinnitus. Cranial nerve deficits are seen in a minority of cases, most often sixth nerve palsies. We present a unique cause of PTCS complicated by diffuse ophthalmoparesis and polyradiculopathy. A 27-year-old healthy woman presented with 2 weeks of blurry vision, diplopia, and facial and arm weakness. On examination, she had decreased visual acuity, markedly constricted visual fields in both eyes, with severe bilateral optic disc edema on fundus examination. There was diffuse ophthalmoparesis, right upper and lower facial weakness, and bilateral arm weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed optic disc protrusion and a partially empty sella but no other abnormalities. Electromyogram (EMG) was consistent with bilateral C5-6 radiculopathies. Lumbar puncture revealed an opening pressure of 56 cm H2O with otherwise normal CSF constituents. She was treated with high-dose acetazolamide and methylprednisolone followed by optic nerve sheath fenestration. Due to progressive vision loss, she ultimately required ventriculoperitoneal shunting, after which her papilledema, ophthalmoparesis, and facial and arm weakness rapidly improved. This is a unique case of PTCS associated with diffuse ophthalmoparesis and polyradiculopathy. This constellation of abnormalities usually suggests an underlying inflammatory process in the subarachnoid space. However, once this has been excluded, the possibility of PTCS should be considered as early treatment can result in rapid reversal of symptoms and preserve visual function.
Surface acoustic waves in biosensing applications

Abstract In this paper, we review the utilization of surface acoustic waves in biosensing applications. A brief background on the theoretical aspects and on the modeling principles for acoustic wave propagation in a liquid medium is provided first. Subsequently, different types of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) generated on piezoelectric substrates are discussed, with the basics of wave formation, operation principles, and material considerations. Several advancements in SAW biosensor design that have been developed to achieve enhanced sensor functionality are also presented. We have overviewed different sensing capabilities of SAW devices in different biosensing applications, such as the detection and manipulation of cells, and the quantification on proteins, vapor molecules and DNA hybridizations. The challenge of biofouling, which can affect the sensitivity and specificity of bioassays, is addressed in detail. Several techniques used to reduce biofouling are discussed including one based on acoustic streaming using Rayleigh SAWs. With their ability to mitigate sensor signal interference due to biofouling, and reduce incubation times using acoustic streaming, and combined with their high sensitivity, SAWs can be used as cost-effective platforms for various point of need (PON) based biosensing applications.
Comparative analyses of modeling techniques for cathodic protection

The investigation in this paper provided an outline of the used scientific models for the cathodic protection framework modeling and relatively assessed current modeling strategies. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) investigation was applied in six alternatives and five criteria. Among the criteria, a high criticality was put on the strengths in complex geometries and the unwavering quality of the results. From the study outcomes, it can be established that the best cathodic protection modeling technique considering a number of factors like, the strength in complex geometries like subsea structures, simplicity of use, time allotment required for estimation, industry track record and robustness of the results was the Finite Element Method (FEM) with a score of 0.73 which is a value of relative closeness to the ideal solution of 1. The second best modeling procedure was Boundary Element Method (BEM) having a value of 0.72, while the least cathodic protection modeling method was analytical models with a TOPSIS score of 0.3372. Regardless of FEM rising as the best cathodic protection modeling technique, the significant detriment related with it is the timeframe required for the estimation. Finally, this research concluded by showing different models performance and comparison made with the numerical results. It is expected that the result of this work will be of significant help for the strengthening of the application of TOPSIS for offshore/subsea engineers.
Machine learning-based scoring models to predict hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in allogeneic donors

Mobilized peripheral blood has become the primary source of hematopoietic stem cells for both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is currently the standard agent used in the allogeneic setting. Despite the high mobilization efficacy in most donors, G-CSF requires 4-5 days of daily administration, and a small percentage of the donors fail to mobilize an optimal number of stem cells necessary for a safe allogeneic stem cell transplant. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 1361 related allogeneic donors who underwent stem cell mobilization at Washington University. We compared the standard mobilization agent G-CSF with five alternative mobilization regimens, including GM-CSF, G-CSF+GM-CSF, GM-CSF + Plerixafor, Plerixafor and BL-8040. Cytokine-based mobilization strategies (G-CSF or in combination with GM-CSF) induce higher CD34 cell yield after 4-5 consecutive days of treatment, while CXCR4 antagonists (plerixafor and BL-8040) induce significantly less but rapid mobilization on the same day. Next, using a large dataset containing the demographic and baseline laboratory data from G-CSF-mobilized donors, we established machine learning (ML)-based scoring models that can be used to predict patients who may have less than optimal stem cell yields after a single leukapheresis session. To our knowledge, this is the first prediction model at the early donor screening stage, which may help identify allogeneic stem cell donors who may benefit from alternative approaches to enhance stem cell yields thus insuring safe and effective stem cell transplantation.
Albedo susceptibility of Northeastern Pacific stratocumulus: the role of covarying meteorological conditions

Abstract. Quantification of the radiative adjustment of marine low-clouds to aerosol perturbations, regionally and globally, remains the largest source of uncertainty in assessing current and future climate. An important step towards quantifying the role of aerosol in modifying cloud radiative properties is to quantify the susceptibility of cloud albedo and liquid water path (LWP) to perturbations in cloud droplet number concentration (Nd). We use 10 years of space-borne observations from the polar-orbiting Aqua satellite, to quantify the albedo susceptibility of marine low-clouds over the northeast (NE) Pacific stratocumulus region to Nd perturbations. Overall, we find a low-cloud brightening potential of 20.8 ± 0.96 W m−2 ln(Nd)−1, despite an overall negative LWP adjustment for non-precipitating marine stratocumulus, owing to the high occurrence (37% of the time) of thin non-precipitating clouds (LWP
Sample Complexity for Worst-Case System Identification Problems

In this paper we treat a general worst-case system identification problem. This problem is worst-case with respect to both noise and system modelling un-certainty. We consider this problem under various a priori information structures. We determine bounds on the minimum duration identification experiment that must be run in order to identify the plant to within a specified guaranteed worst-case error bound. Our results are algorithm independent. We show that this minimum duration is prohibitively long. Based on our results we conclude that worst-case (with respect to noise) system identification requires unrealistic amounts of experimental data.
Subtypes of victims and aggressors in children's peer groups

This study reports an investigation of the behavioral profiles and psychosocial adjustment of subgroups of victims and aggressors in elementary school peer groups. Peer nomination scores for aggression and victimization were used to classify 354 inner-city children (mean age of 10.3 years) into one of four subgroups: aggressive victims, nonaggressive victims, nonvictimized aggressors, and normative contrasts. Subgroup comparisons were then conducted using multi-informant assessment of social behavior, social acceptance-rejection, behavioral regulation, academic functioning, and emotional distress. Children in each of the victim-aggressor subgroups were characterized by a degree of social and behavioral maladjustment. However, impairments in behavioral and emotional regulation were most evident for the aggressive victim subgroup. Aggressive victims were also characterized by academic failure, peer rejection, and emotional distress. The results of this investigation highlight the distinctive nature of the aggressive victim subgroup.
Comparison of P53 mutation status, primary cytoreductive surgical outcomes, and overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer

Optimal surgical cytoreduction continues to be an important prognostic variable in patients with ovarian cancer independent of p53 mutational status. Among patients with suboptimal cytoreduction a p53 mutation may offer a survival advantage.
Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells in Cutaneous Melanoma

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the progression of melanoma, the prototypical immunologic cutaneous malignancy. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family of innate immune receptors modulates inflammatory and innate immune signaling. It has been investigated in various neoplastic diseases, but not in melanoma. This study examines the expression of TREM-1 (a proinflammatory amplifier) and TREM-2 (an anti-inflammatory modulator and phagocytic promoter) in human cutaneous melanoma and surrounding tissue. Indirect immunofluorescence staining was performed on skin biopsies from 10 melanoma patients and staining intensity was semiquantitatively scored. Expression of TREM-1 and TREM-2 was higher in keratinocytes than melanoma tissue (TREM-1: p < 0.01; TREM-2: p < 0.01). Whereas TREM-2 was the dominant isoform expressed in normal keratinocytes, TREM-1 expression predominated in melanoma tissue (TREM-1 to TREM-2 ratio: keratinocytes = 0.78; melanoma = 2.08; p < 0.01). The increased TREM ratio in melanoma tissue could give rise to a proinflammatory and protumor state of the microenvironment. This evidence may be suggestive of a TREM-1/TREM-2 paradigm in which relative levels dictate inflammatory and immune states, rather than absolute expression of one or the other. Further investigation regarding this paradigm is warranted and could carry prognostic or therapeutic value in treatment for melanoma.
A News Analysis and Tracking System

Continuous monitoring of web-based news sources has emerged as a key intelligence task particularly for Homeland Security. We propose a system for web-based news tracking and alerting. Unlike subscription-based alerts, alerting is implemented as a personalized service where the system is trained to recognize potentially important news based on user preferences. Preferences are expressed as combinations of topics and can change dynamically. The system employs Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic discovery and Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) for alerting.
RCT of mind reading as a component of a psychosocial treatment for high-functioning children with ASD

Abstract This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of mind reading as a component of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment for 36 high-functioning children, ages 7–12 years with ASD (HFASD). All participants received the comprehensive 5-week summer treatment (summerMAX), with half randomly assigned to also receive mind reading (emotion-recognition) computer instruction as part of the treatment (summerMAX + MR). Primary analyses of proximal measures indicated significantly better performance on face emotion-recognition testing for the summerMAX + MR group (vs. summerMAX alone), and significant gains in voice emotion-recognition child testing and parent- and clinician-rated emotion recognition skills for the overall group, but no between-groups differences. Secondary analyses of distal measures indicated significant improvements on broader emotion-recognition child testing and parent and clinician ratings of program-targeted social/social-communication skills, broad social skills, and ASD-related symptoms for the overall group (summerMAX + MR and summerMAX combined) and no significant differences between the conditions (summerMAX + MR vs. summerMAX). Results suggested that mind reading may result in significant but narrow gains when included as part of this intensive psychosocial treatment for children with HFASD.
Orai1 expression pattern in tooth and craniofacial ectodermal tissues and potential functions during ameloblast differentiation

Background: Orai1 is a plasma membrane protein that forms the pore of the calcium release activated calcium channel. Humans with mutated Orai1 present with hereditary combined immunodeficiency, congenital myopathy and anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Consistent with the ectodermal dysplasia phenotype, enamel formation and mineralization is also abnormal in Orai1 deficient patients. The expression pattern and potential functions of Orai1 in enamel formation remains unclear. To contribute toward understanding the role of Orai1 in amelogenesis we characterized ORAI1 protein developmental pattern in comparison with other ectodermal organs. We also examined the effects of Orai1 down-regulation in ameloblast cell proliferation and differentiation. Results: Our data show strong expression of ORAI1 protein during the ameloblast secretory stage, which weans at the end of the maturation stage. In salivary glands, ORAI1 is expressed mainly in acini cells. ORAI1 expression is also found in hair follicle and oral epithelium. Knockdown of Orai1 expression decreases cell proliferation and results in RNA expression levels changes of key ameloblast genes regulating enamel thickness and mineralization. Conclusions: This study provides insights in the anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia phenotype due to Orai1 mutation and highlights the importance of calcium signaling in controlling ameloblast differentiation and maturation during tooth development. Developmental Dynamics 244:1249–1258, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface segregation in bimetallic clusters: Predictions using a molecular dynamics/Monte Carlo corrected effective medium theory

Abstract Computer simulations were performed to study the surface composition of Rh x Pd 1 − x , Rh x Ni 1 − x and Ni x Pd 1 − x clusters where 0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.9. Clusters containing 201 and 1289 atoms were simulated at 200, 600 and 1000 K. The simulation consists of the Monte Carlo (MC) exchange of the positions of unlike atoms and the molecular-dynamics (MD) evolution of all atoms between exchanges. A corrected effective medium (CEM) theory based interatomic potential, with acronym MD/MC-CEM, was used to generate the forces. Our simulations indicate that the metal with lower surface energy segregates first to the catalytically very important edge-corner sites, then to other surface sites. Increasing the temperature decreases the degree of segregation at edge-corner sites more strongly than on the entire surface. Interestingly, NiPd exhibits stronger surface segregation but weaker edge-corner segregation than RhNi. Results for other 201- and 1289-atom 50%-50% bimetallic clusters at 600 K, selected from Rh, Ni, Pd, Cu and Ag, are also presented. In particular, the large lattice-size mismatch in NiAg and CuAg invalidates the simple geometrical constraints on surface segregation that hold for other bimetallic clusters.
Immunologic studies of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Antigammaglobulins of the IgG, IgA and IgM classes, and whole hemolytic complement and complement components were measured in the sera and synovial fluid of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Two groups of patients were distinguishable using these measurements. A group of patients with chronic active disease had elevated levels of IgG, IgA and IgM antigammaglobulins and relative depressions of complement and complement components in sera and synovial fluid. Another group of patients with acute self-limited disease had elevated levels of IgG and IgA antigammaglobulins and serum complement and negative latex fixation tests in association with disease activity. These values returned to normal with clinical remissions.
Parallel computing of a quasi-Monte Carlo algorithm for valuing derivatives

Abstract The performance of the standard Monte Carlo method is compared with the performance obtained through the use of ( t , m , s )-nets in base b in the approximation of several high dimensional integral problems in valuing derivatives and other securities. The ( t , m , s )-nets are generated by a parallel algorithm, where particular considerations are given to scalability of dynamic adaptive routing and load balancing in the design and implementation of the algorithm. From the numerical evidence it appears that such nets can be powerful tools for valuing such securities.
Erosion Rate of the Double Cuff AMS800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Long-Term Followup

AbstractPurpose: We reviewed the erosion rate of the double cuff artificial urinary sphincter.Materials and Methods: Charts of 95 patients were evaluated for erosions and underlying etiology.Results: Ten patients had erosion of the cuffs, for an erosion rate of 10.5 percent. Of the 10 erosions 4 (40 percent) were secondary to iatrogenic injuries.Conclusions: Addition of a second cuff to the artificial urinary sphincter remains a safe alternative for patients with severe urinary stress incontinence.
COMPARISON OF PERINATAL/PUERPERAL AND ADULT NON-PEURPERAL INFECTIONS WITH GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS. † 1800

COMPARISON OF PERINATAL/PUERPERAL AND ADULT NON-PEURPERAL INFECTIONS WITH GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS. † 1800
Current strategies for diversity-oriented synthesis.

Compounds accessed through diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) are showing promise in modulating the activities of several targets that are currently considered ‘undruggable’. Recently many new DOS pathways have been developed employing multi-component reactions, cycloadditions, ring-closing metathesis and tandem processes. Functional group pairing and ‘build/couple/pair’ strategies have been described as a means for generating structural diversity. Efforts have also been directed towards developing DOS libraries based on privileged scaffolds. Recent studies have provided several compelling examples for the utility of DOS compounds for producing novel biological probes and application of DOS in the context of drug discovery is extremely appealing.
The stability of the β-phase of tantalum: a molecular dynamics study

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on tantalum clusters using the embedded-atom-method potential. Melting simulations show that ?-Ta clusters have a lower melting temperature than the same size clusters of ?-Ta (bcc structure). Pure ?-Ta clusters are quite stable and do not transform to the ?-Ta on melting. Simulations on Ta clusters with mixed ?-?and ?-phases reveal that inclusion of a bcc-Ta cluster within a ?-Ta cluster induces the ?-to-?-phase transformation at a temperature far below the melting point of a pure ?-Ta cluster, depending on the cluster size and ?-to-?-atom ratio. The results suggest that the observed phase transformation of ?-Ta thin films is due to the presence of ?-phase inclusions in the ?-Ta film grains.
Beyond exceptionalism: Is a common history possible?

This paper is about finding common values among what appear to be different and competitive cultures. While recent international conflicts present a picture of a clash of civilizations rooted in past history and present differences, the historical evidence actually leads to other narratives. Social and cultural history in particular, allows for a reorganization of knowledge that allows for the diffusion of culture and the production of common traditions. Rather than accept a world divided by historical narratives that allow for exceptionalism and difference, the paper proposes a shift by which common histories based on process and diffusion of culture be attempted. It proceeds to do so at the level of legal history taking specific examples to illustrate the development of law from and to different parts of the world and different periods to bring about contemporary laws that seem to be in total variance one from the other. The intent is to illustrate that by sifting through sources and comparing specifici...
Simulation of proton-induced energy deposition in integrated circuits

A time-efficient simulation technique was developed for modeling the energy deposition by incident protons in modern integrated circuits. To avoid the excessive computer time required by many proton-effects simulators, a stochastic method was chosen to model the various physical effects responsible for energy deposition by incident protons. Using probability density functions to describe the nuclear reactions responsible for most proton-induced memory upsets, the simulator determines the probability of a proton hit depositing the energy necessary for circuit destabilization. This factor is combined with various circuit parameters to determine the expected error-rate in a given proton environment. An analysis of transient or dose-rate effects is also performed. A comparison to experimental energy-disposition data proves the simulator to be quite accurate for predicting the expected number of events in certain integrated circuits. >
Development of a high-throughput method for the determination of pharmacological levels of plasma D-serine.

Abstract d -Serine administration has been shown to be effective for the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms. However, d -serine must be administered at high doses to observe clinical effects. This is due in large part to d -serine undergoing oxidation by d -amino acid oxidase (DAAO) before it reaches the brain. Consequently, coadministration of d -serine with a DAAO inhibitor has been suggested as a way to lower the dose of d -serine required to treat schizophrenia. During the characterization of DAAO inhibitors as potential drugs, inhibitors are evaluated in rodents for their ability to increase plasma d -serine levels after oral coadministration. Current high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based methodologies to measure d -serine in plasma are time-consuming and are not amenable to concomitant analysis of multiple samples. We report the characterization of a 96-well format assay to monitor d -serine in plasma that greatly expedites analysis time. The assay involves the use of strong cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) to isolate d -serine from plasma followed by quantitation of d -serine using the DAAO-catalyzed reaction. Plasma d -serine determination using this assay could also be used as pharmacodynamic marker and as biomarker.
Edge-based block matching technique for video motion estimation

An important part of most video compression techniques is displacement vector estimation, which in many situations is achieved by Block Matching Algorithms (BMA). Traditional BMA uses costly integer arithmetic on 8-bit images to minimize a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) criterion that determines the displacement estimate. In this paper, we present an approach for motion estimation based on binary edge images. Specifically, we assign an intensity gradient vector to each edge pixel and apply BMA to the gradient vector. Our approach can potentially reduce the complexity of the VLSI implementation of motion estimation algorithms. We present simulation results comparing this technique to traditional BMA over several 50-frame sequences.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Measurements of non-axisymmetric effects in the DIII-D divertor

Abstract Non-stationary toroidal asymmetries are observed in the DIII-D divertor heat flux and scrape-off layer (SOL) currents. Using the present DIII-D diagnostics, asymmetries are seen much less frequently in single-null H-modes ( 50%). Divertor heat flux asymmetries are characterized by toroidal variations in the radial profile (i.e., multiple or bifurcated peaks) at some toroidal locations and single peaks at other toroidal locations while SOL currents sometimes have a strongly bipolar toroidal structure. SOL current asymmetries are particularly large during Edge Localized Modes (ELMs). The measurements reported here indicate that the asymmetries are best described by a model in which non-axisymmetric radial magnetic perturbations create magnetic islands in the plasma boundary and SOL which then cause toroidal variation in the divertor heat flux and the SOL currents.