cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hazard Analysis of Large Cargo Delivery UAVs Under the Chinese Air Traffic Control System

The mountainous landscape in western China provides cargo delivery unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a potentially enormous market, and Chinese logistics companies are developing and testing prototypes of such UAVs. Some prototypes, for example, the Feihong-98 by SF-express, may enter service in 2021. Despite the rapid development of heavy UAVs, the construction of associated infrastructures and the formulation of corresponding laws and regulations are disturbingly backlogged: lack of airports in western China limits the operation of the UAVs, and there are only basic regulations regarding operation and maintenance as of 2019. We analyzed China’s current air traffic control (ATC) system, relevant regulations, conditions of general aviation (GA) airports, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) systems, and cellular networks, and found existing problems in the systems, including inadequate airspace classification and workload distribution. We also conducted failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) over UAVs and control stations to better analyze the problems. Based on the information we obtained and on China’s social and political conditions, we explored solutions that provide a preliminary outlook for a new ATC system targeting heavy delivery UAVs. Such solutions include reassigning air traffic control duties and applying 5G cellular technologies in air traffic surveillance and management.
Nonparametric Estimation of Marketing-Mix Eects Using a Regression Discontinuity Design

We discuss how regression discontinuity designs arise naturally in settings where …rms target marketing activity at consumers, and discuss how this as- pect may be exploted for econometric inference of causal eects of marketing eort. Our main insight is to exploit commonly observed discreteness and kinks in the heuristics by which …rms target such marketing activity to consumers for nonparametric identi…cation. Such kinks, along with continuity restrictions that are typically satis…ed in marketing and industrial organization applications, are su¢ cient for identi…cation of local treatment eects. We review the theory of regression discontinuity estimation in the context of targeting, and explore its applicability to several marketing settings. We discuss identi…ability of causal marketing eects using the design, and show theoretically and using simula- tions the conditions under which the RD estimator may be valid, considering in particular, the role of strategic consumer self-selection. We present two empir- ical applications: the …rst, to measuring the eect of casino e-mail promotions targeted to customers based on ranges of their expected pro…tability; and the second, to measuring the eect of direct mail targeted by a B2C company to zip-codes based on thresholds of expected response. In both cases, we illus- trate that exploiting the regression discontinuity design reveals negative eects of the marketing campaigns that would not have been uncovered using other approaches. Our results are nonparameteric, easy to compute, and fully control for the endogeneity induced by the targeting rule.
Self-Deception and Practical Reasoning

Self-deception is commonly viewed as a condition that bespeaks irrationality. This paper challenges that view. I focus specifically on the connection between self-deception and practical reasoning, an area which, despite its importance for understanding self-deception, has not been systematically explored. I examine both how self-deception influences practical reasoning and how this influence affects the rationality of actions produced by practical reasoning. But what is self-deception? There are many accounts, yet there is probably none sufficiently well known and compelling to serve as an adequate background given my purposes. Hence, I shall briefly present my own account of self-deception and, on that basis, explore its connections with practical reasoning and rational action.
Measurement of low-energy backscatter factors using GAFCHROMIC film and OSLDs.

Some of the lowest voltages used in radiotherapy are termed Grenz and superficial X-rays of ~ 20 and ~ 100 kVp, respectively. Dosimetrically, the surface doses from these beams are calculated with the use of a free in-air air kerma measurement combined with a backscatter factor and the appropriate ratio of mass energy absorption coefficients from the measurement material to water. Alternative tools to the standard ion chamber for measuring the BSF are GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film and optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD) crystals made from Al2O3. The scope of this project included making three different backscatter measurements with an Xstrahl-D3100 X-ray unit on the Grenz ray and superficial settings. These measurements were with OSLDs, GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film, and a PTW ionization chamber. The varied measurement methods allowed for intercomparison to determine the accuracy of the results. The ion chamber measurement was the least accurate, as expected from previous experimental findings. GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film proved to be a useful tool which gave reasonable results, and Landauer OSLDs showed good results for smaller field sizes and an increasing overresponse with larger fields. The specific backscatter factors for this machine demonstrated values about 5% higher than the universal values suggested by the AAPM and IPEMB codes of practice for the 100 kVp setting. The 20 kvp measured data from both techniques showed general agreement with those found in the BJR Supplement No. 10, indicating that this unit’s Grenz ray spectrum is similar to those used in previous experimental work.
A Simple Domain-Independent Probabilistic Approach to Generation

We present a simple, robust generation system which performs content selection and surface realization in a unified, domain-independent framework. In our approach, we break up the end-to-end generation process into a sequence of local decisions, arranged hierarchically and each trained discriminatively. We deployed our system in three different domains---Robocup sportscasting, technical weather forecasts, and common weather forecasts, obtaining results comparable to state-of-the-art domain-specific systems both in terms of BLEU scores and human evaluation.
The challenge for American manufacturing

Summary form only given. The status of various segments of the American manufacturing industry is discussed, comparing the prominence of these segments now versus a decade ago. Tools (concepts) in use today by prominent manufacturers and examples of success experienced by manufacturers utilizing these tools are presented. The examples are sufficiently specific to provide simulating questions to those not presently utilizing these tools/concepts. Finally, there is a look into a future of alliances and partnerships. One example is presented in detail: the IBM/Siemens alliance to manufacture 16 Mb memory product. >
Collaborative work networks among distributed learners

Examines collaborative work networks and media use among a class of distributed university distance learners. Social network data on interactions via each of the available media were gathered three times during the term. Class members made most use of Webboard, IRC, e-mail and face-to-face meetings. The results showed that these media filled different niches in the collaborative work patterns of this distributed group, and they suggest that, while some media provided support almost exclusively for project work (e.g. e-mail), others provided the type of class-wide interaction that supports the exposure to ideas and experiences of others that is a requirement for collaborative learning (e.g. IRC, face-to-face).
Brain-tumor therapy. Quantitative analysis using a model system.

✓ A recently developed colony-formation assay has been used to evaluate in vivo 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) therapy of a transplantable rat brain-tumor model. A comparison of the in vitro colony-forming capacity of treated and untreated tumor cells permits calculation of the fraction of clonogenic tumor cells surviving in vivo therapy. The plateau that we previously observed on the BCNU dose-response curve is not the result of repair of potentially lethal damage, since no change in the 0.1% of surviving clonogenic tumor cells occurs during the first 2 to 4 days after treatment. Although reanalysis of the dose-response curve indicates that sublethal damage exists, its repair is probably minimal. The most likely explanation for the observed limitation of the BCNU effect is the drug's failure to reach all clonogenic cells. A dose of BCNU that kills more than 99.9% of clonogenic tumor cells within 30 minutes of treatment results in only a 60% decrease in tumor weight by Day 14. This disparity...
Differentiating sulfate aerosol oxidation pathways for varying source altitudes using 35S and Δ17O tracers

[1] Due to the complex nature of the sulfur cycle, uncertainties remain in the transport rate and chemical transformation mechanisms of sulfur species, including sulfate aerosols. Here, we report oxygen isotopic anomaly and radioactive 35S measurements in sulfate aerosols collected at La Jolla, California during 2009–2010. A strong correlation results from increased levels of specific activity (up to 195 atoms of 35S/nmol non sea salt (nss)-SO4) and Δ17O (up to 1.50‰) in sulfate aerosol (fine fraction) samples during Santa Ana wind events compared to background levels. This is possibly due to an increase in mixing of free tropospheric air mass, containing higher levels of 35S specific activity and higher Δ17O, into the boundary layer. These tracers show the ability to detect changes in oxidation chemistry during high altitude air mixing events and have the potential to trace the changes in oxidation pathways of sulfur species during Stratospheric-Tropospheric exchange events. Sampling at higher latitudes where deep stratospheric intrusions are more prominent can help further parameterize how stratosphere-troposphere exchange events (STE) affect oxidation chemistry in the boundary layer.
Patterns of Antibiotic Use and Expenditures During 7 Years at a University Hospital

Before 1982, annual retrospective drug-use audits clearly established the pattern of increased antibiotic use and expenditures at the University of Minnesota Hospital. At that point, a concurrent trend analysis system was developed to track this use by individual drug and therapeutic class, to identify trends in use for qualitative evaluation, and to provide an assessment of any intervention intended to alter use. Monthly use of all injectable antibiotics and antifungal agents, and selected oral antifungals has been tracked since 1982 as both defined daily doses and dollars. Use patterns in 1981 served as baseline. The defined daily dose index, which captures changes associated with intensity of antibiotic use per patient, increased 62% from baseline through 1988. This increase, however, resulted in a disproportionate 228% rise from baseline in antibiotic expenditures to nearly $3 million/year for 1988. The defined daily dose index peaked in 1985, declined in 1986, and remained stable for 1987 and 1988. Qualitative drug-use review programs were associated with this positive change. These results demonstrate the utility of concurrent trend analysis as a resource-management tool and as a measure of effectiveness for collaborative physician-pharmacist programs to foster safe, appropriate, and economical use of antiinfective agents.
Forecasting Strategies for Haboobs: An Underreported Weather Phenomenon

On June 5, 2013, Lubbock Texas is hit by a haboob at 10:30 pm. The storm is categorized as a wind event by television media and the dust component goes unreported. This event is used as a case study to evaluate the usefulness of the polarimetric variables differential reflectivity (ZDR) and correlation coefficient (CC) in identifying the storm as a haboob. Photographic evidence of the haboob is collected and correlated to NEXRAD signatures of base reflectivity and velocity from the Lubbock TX NEXRAD station (KLBB). NEXRAD level III products ZDR and CC are also obtained. The storm presents with gust front features to the north and east of the station. Low values returned from CC indicate nonmeteorological content. ZDR representations weakly indicate the presence of gust fronts to the east, with a stronger signal to the north. As no visual evidence of the northern gust front is available, the ZDR data are inconclusive. The correlation of low CC values to the visual representation of the haboob is an indicator that CC in combination with the NEXRAD base reflectivity and velocity products may be used to test wind events for the presence of sand, dust, and dirt and therefore exhibit predictive qualities.
Glutamate joins the ranks of immunomodulators.

Elevated amounts of glutamate, which acts as a neurotransmitter but is also a neurotoxin, are a hallmark of the autoimmune neurological disease multiple sclerosis and may contribute to its pathology. The discovery that a receptor for glutamate can inhibit the development of autoimmunity and protect from neuroinflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis suggests that glutamate may also have a protective role and that its receptor may represent a therapeutic target (pages 897–902).
Synthesis and screening of thin films in the CeCl3–CeBr3 system for scintillator applications

Abstract Thin film samples of CeCl3, CeBr3, and combinatorial compositions along the CeCl3–CeBr3 join were produced using thermal evaporation, which is being evaluated as a method for rapid screening of scintillator materials. The combinatorial thin films were shown to be compositionally reproducible from run-to-run within reasonable limitations. Analytical results suggest a continuous variation in the combinatorial samples in terms of their compositions, crystal structures, and luminescence characteristics.
Ultrastructure of the Parabasalid Protist Holomastigotoides

The ultrastructure of two species of Holomastigotoides is presented. The basic unit of organization of these large cells is the flagellar band. Each flagellar band consists of a row of flagellar basal bodies linked by three fiber systems. The number of flagellar bands is species dependent. The flagellar bands originate at the cell apex and are arranged in parallel spirals of increasing gyre, thus defining the conical shape of the cell. In the cell apex a striated root called a parabasal fiber is juxtaposed with the basal bodies of each flagellar band. Linear extensions of two parabasal fibers function as the spindle poles for the persistent extra-nuclear spindle. The nucleus is in close contact with the spindle poles and spindle microtubules. Parallel sheets of microtubules which constitute axostyles are nucleated along the underside of the parabasal fibers. The axostyles extend away from the cell apex, with many reaching the basal region of the cell. Some of the axostyles follow the spiral pattern of the flagellar bands. Numerous Golgi bodies are spaced regularly along the flagellar bands. Together the parabasal fiber, axostyles and Golgi bodies associated with a flagellar band are termed a parabasal complex.
Symbolic representation and clustering of bio-medical time-series data using non-parametric segmentation and cluster ensemble

Representation of time series data is a fundamental problem that impacts data analysis in many problems of medicine and life sciences. Due to the inherent high dimensionality of time-series data, dimensionality reduction constitutes one of the important requirements for a successful representation. Piecewise aggregate approximation (PAA) of time series is a widely used approach in this context. In PAA, the time-series is represented as a set of points where each point is defined as the average of the original data points that it represents. Though highly promising, PAA requires estimating the number of segments required for the representation a priori. In this paper we propose a data driven method for optimally and non-parametrically segmenting a time-series. Instead of depending on a single estimation of the segments, we employ multiple methods and combine the results using an ensemble approach. This allows the proposed approach to be robust for different types of data. With difficult biomedical time series data sets, experimental results show that our method estimated the optimal segments correctly and achieved the highest accuracy in a number of unsupervised time-series classification tasks.
New laboratory data on the spectral line parameters in the 1-0 and 2-0 bands of relevant to atmospheric remote sensing

Abstract Absolute intensities, self-broadened and air-broadened half-widths, self-induced and air-induced line shifts, and the temperature dependence of all of these parameters have been measured for lines in the 1-0 and 2-0 bands of 12 C 16 O with rotational quantum number m between −24 and 26 at several temperatures between 174 and 296 K using a Fourier-transform spectrometer and a multi-spectral-line-fitting technique. The absolute intensities of the 1-0 and 2-0 bands have been deduced to be (1.013±0.007)×10−17 and (7.532±0.066)×10 −20 cm / molecule , respectively.
Abstract PD03-05: A Novel Combination Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Erlotinib and Metformin

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors and accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer. TNBC patients have a poor prognosis and novel therapies are needed. The majority of TNBC are basal-like tumors that overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, clinical use of EGFR inhibitors has yielded disappointing results likely due, in part, to downstream driving mutations including PTEN. TNBC occurs more frequently in type II diabetic patients indicating that aberrations in glucose metabolism may contribute to TNBC development. The type II diabetes drug metformin has been associated with a decreased incidence of breast cancer and enhanced response to chemotherapy. In this study, we explored the combined effect of erlotinib (an EGFR kinase inhibitor) and metformin on TNBC. Results and Methods: Using the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-468 and BT549 with known p53 mutation, PTEN mutation and EGFR expression, we observed the novel combination of metformin and erlotinib potently induced cell death in these TNBC cell lines in a 6-day proliferation assay. Using metformin or erlotinib alone at the same doses partially inhibited growth but was unable to induce cell death. In a cytotoxic clonogenic assay, erlotinib combined with metformin significantly suppressed formation of colonies compared with either drug alone, and compared with the TORC1 inhibitor rapamycin combined with erlotinib or metformin. In addition, as compared with control MCF10A cells (an immortalized nontransformed human mammary epithelial cell line), the combined treatment preferentially induced cell death in an MCF10A cell line modified with PTEN loss, expression of dominant negative p53 and increased expression of EGFR. Again, cell death was not observed when either drug was used alone. We showed through western blots that erlotinib as a single agent is very effective in down-regulating the activity of the MAPK pathway but is less effective in down-regulating the activity of the PI3K pathway. We demonstrated that metformin and erlotinib together potentiate the inhibition of AKT and downstream S6 ribosomal protein which might be one of the mechanisms contributing to the observed synergy of the drugs. Discussion: A significant subset of TNBC expresses EGFR, has PTEN loss and mutated p53. This recurrent set of lesions possibly leads to a unique and aberrant signaling and metabolic signature that confers TNBC an advantage for survival. We demonstrated that erlotinib and metformin act synergistically to remove this survival advantage in basal breast cancer cell lines while having minimal effect on normal epithelial breast cells. This drug combination potently down-regulates both the MAPK and PI3K pathways which are often aberrantly activated in basal-like breast tumors. Our results provide a rationale for the continued assessment of combining EGFR inhibitors with metformin in the treatment of TNBC. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD03-05.
Twinrix vaccination schedules among injecting drug users.

Twinrix® is the only licensed vaccine that provides dual protection against infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The standard vaccination schedule for Twinrix is 0, 1 and 6 months. However, many high-risk populations, such as injecting drug users (IDUs), do not complete the vaccination series and, thus, do not acquire sufficient immunity against HAV and HBV. Twinrix can be administered using an accelerated vaccination schedule of 0, 7 and 21 days, with a booster recommended at 12 months. This manuscript reviews the available literature on vaccinating IDUs against HAV and HBV. The authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence regarding whether the accelerated Twinrix HAV/HBV vaccination schedule would yield a greater number of IDUs protected against both HAV and HBV.
Surgical implications of the superior oblique frenulum.

The superior oblique (SO) tendon is attached to the undersurface of the superior rectus muscle by an areolar frenulum. The frenulum, if left intact, causes the SO tendon to move posteriorly with the superior rectus muscle when it is recessed. This can prevent the SO from becoming scarred into the superior rectus insertion when the latter is recessed. It can, however, prevent the superior rectus muscle from taking up slack when recessed with a suspension technique. An intact frenulum can result in the SO tendon scarring into the superior rectus insertion when the latter is resected. The posterior SO tenectomy procedure is effective in collapsing small A patterns but often does not eliminate overdepression in adduction. This apparent contradiction can be explained by the change in SO vector force that results from cutting the frenulum, which is unavoidable with this surgical procedure.
Does Occupational Mobility Influence Health among Working Women? Comparing Objective and Subjective Measures of Work Trajectories:

Occupational mobility is highly valued in American society, but is it consequential to women’s health? Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results, but most measured occupational mobility by identifying transitions across occupational categories. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, this study (1) compares objective and subjective measures of work trajectories and (2) examines the contributions of each to self-rated health. With 36 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women (1967-2003), growth curve models are used to estimate the effects of middle-aged work trajectories on health among 2,503 U.S. women. Work trajectories as measured by the Duncan Socioeconomic Index predict health, but not after adjustment for perceived work trajectories and status characteristics. The findings reveal that subjective measures of occupational mobility provide important information for assessing health consequences of work transitions and that downward occupational mobility in middle a...
Aβ immunization: Moving Aβ peptide from brain to blood

After many years of intense research on the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, the major component of senile plaques, has become a realistic target for developing effective therapies for AD. A recent study showing that simple immunization with the more amyloidogenic 42-aa-long Aβ peptide (Aβ42) can reduce Aβ levels, inhibit the deposition of amyloid onto existing plaques, and clear established senile plaques that are present in brain of a mouse model of AD amyloidosis has raised hopes for a potentially important new therapeutic approach to treat AD (1). This observation surprised the AD community, and the significance of this finding has already resulted in a request for applications of grants initiated by former President Clinton from the National Institute on Aging targeted specifically at providing an understanding of how and why this approach may work as potential therapy for AD. Thus, although the underlying mechanism(s) of Aβ immunotherapy remain unclear, it has already opened up a whole new area of research to gain insight into why such an approach can lead to the elimination of amyloid deposits in the brains of transgenic mice that develop AD amyloidosis. In a recent PNAS issue, DeMattos et al. (2) provide mechanistic insights on this remarkable effect. These authors peripherally administered an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody m266 by i.v. injection into transgenic mice (PDAPP) that overexpressed a mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) in which valine, the normal amino acid residue at position 717, is mutated to phenylalanine, and they showed a dramatic 1,000-fold increase in plasma Aβ level. Because the plasma levels of Aβ in the untreated animals were very low and because Aβ is produced only in the brains of these mice, the authors proposed that m266 in the plasma acts as a “peripheral Aβ sink” to facilitate the efflux of Aβ from brain to plasma in the PDAPP mice. They then went on to show that long-term peripheral administration of m266 to PDAPP mice markedly reduces Aβ burden without the antibody actually crossing the blood brain barrier and binding to Aβ deposits in the brain. Because recent studies have shown that exogenous 40-aa-long Aβ peptides (Aβ40) can be transported rapidly from cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to plasma (3–5), the authors conclude that the likely mechanism to explain why peripherally administered m266 can remove Aβ deposits from brain is by altering the dynamic equilibrium of Aβ between brain, CSF, and plasma such that a reduction of plasma Aβ can lead to an efflux of brain Aβ to the CSF and into the circulation.
Disk Generators for a Raster Display Device

A simple modification of Horn's circle drawing procedure yields a disk generator for a class of graphic devices capable of drawing rectangular areas. Another variation produces a disk a scan-line at a time, allowing it to be drawn at the refresh rate of the display. The calculations involve only additions and binary shifts.
Estimation of linear rational expectations models, in the presence of deterministic terms

Abstract Hansen and Sargent (1981b) discussed instrumental variables procedures for estimating linear rational expectations models, under the assumption that all variables have zero unconditional means. This note points out two implications if variables instead have nonzero unconditional means: first, there are additional restrictions beyond those noted by Hansen and Sargent (1981b), and second, imposing these restrictions results in more efficient estimates of the parameters that are the focus of Hansen and Sargent (1981b). Explicit formulas are given for the restrictions generated by some commonly assumed deterministic terms.
Role of potassium in hypokalemia-induced hyponatremia: lessons learned from the Edelman equation.

It is well known that changes in the mass balance of K+ can lead to an alteration in the plasma water sodium concentration ([Na+ ]pw). We have recently shown that based on the Edelman equation, the [Na+ ]pw is determined by the total exchangeable Na+ (Nae), total exchangeable K+ (Ke), total body water (TBW), osmotically inactive Nae and Ke, plasma water [K+], intracellular and extracellular osmotically active non-Na+ and non-K+ osmoles, and plasma osmotically active non-Na+ and non-K+ osmoles. In light of these findings, a re-analysis of the role of K+ in modulating the [Na+]pw is required in understanding the pathophysiology of hypokalemia-induced hyponatremia. In this article, we characterize the complex role of K+ in the pathogenesis of hypokalemia-induced hyponatremia using a three-compartment model and the known parameters in the Edelman equation. Our analysis indicates that K+ modulates the [Na+]pw by changing Ke in addition to the parameters in the y-intercept of the Edelman equation. Moreover, the magnitude of potassium-induced changes in the [Na+]pw is determined by the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which changes in Ke occur.
Film Cooling for Cylindrical and Fan-Shaped Holes Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint Measurement Technique

A systematic study was performed to investigate the combined effects of film-hole geometry, blowing ratio, density ratio, and freestream turbulence intensity on a flat-plate film cooling. Detailed film-cooling effectiveness was obtained using a pressure-sensitive-paint technique. Four common geometries were used in this study: simple-angled cylindrical and fan-shaped holes, and compound-angled (β=45 deg) cylindrical and fan-shaped holes. Each plate contained one row with seven holes, and the hole diameter D and hole-length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) are 4 mm and 7.5, respectively. The effects of the blowing ratio M, coolant-to-mainstream-density ratio DR, and freestream turbulence intensity Tu were tested within the ranges of 0.3∼2.0, 1.0∼2.0, and 0.5∼6%, correspondingly. Detailed variations of the laterally averaged effectiveness from low to high blowing ratios were obtained for three density ratios. The results indicated that effectiveness increased as increasing density ratio in general for all geometrie...
Barriers to hospice enrollment among lung cancer patients: a survey of family members and physicians.

Objective:Most patients diagnosed with lung cancer present with advanced stage disease and have a poor chance of long-term survival. Despite the advantages of hospice care for lung cancer patients, many are enrolled late in the course of their illness or not at all. We sought to identify reasons for this pattern.Method:A list of perceived barriers to hospice enrollment was generated and used to create two self-administered surveys, one for physicians and one for caregivers. After focus group testing, the finalized instruments were mailed to physicians in South Carolina and to caregivers of lung cancer patients who died under hospice care with a local hospice between 2000 and 2004.Results:Fifty-three caregivers and 273 physicians responded to the survey. From the caregivers' perspectives, leading reasons for deferred hospice enrollment included patients' unanticipated rapid transition from well to sick and a belief that hospice means giving up hope. From the physicians' perspectives, impediments to earlier hospice enrollment included patients and caregivers overestimating survival from lung cancer and an (incorrect) assumption that patients need to be “DNR/DNI” prior to hospice enrollment.Significance of results:Lung cancer patients may benefit from earlier introduction to the concepts of hospice care and more education regarding prognosis so that an easier transition in goals of care could be achieved. A smaller proportion of lung cancer patients may benefit from earlier hospice enrollment.
SOME RECENT OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SELF-MIX CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS

ABSTRACT There has been an increasing awareness of the utility of conventional chemical dispersants in general, and self-mix dispersants in particular as a viable means to minimize damage from oil spills. This paper will update the use of, and activity regarding the self-mix dispersant as noted in applications over the past two years. In addition, those aspects that are still little understood are discussed. Specifically, uniformly sized, dispersed oil droplets of approximately 1 micron diameter are formed by the diffusion action of self-mix chemical dispersants. The droplet size influences the dilution rate of the spilled oil in field applications, and data to support this are presented. The results of laboratory bioassays performed with these much smaller dispersed oil droplets, as opposed to larger droplets formed with mechanical mixing, can be misinterpreted since the increased rate of dilution afforded by smaller droplet size is not replicated. In addition to the vital dilution study results, this pa...
Father involvement program effects on fathers, father figures, and their head start children: a quasi-experimental study

An evaluation study was conducted to examine the effects of participation in a Head Start-based father involvement intervention program for fathers and their children. The study used a quasi-experimental research design that compared pretest and post-test measures for participants in four intervention sites against nonparticipants in geographically and demographically matched comparison (control) sites. The treatment and comparison groups were further divided into dosage groups based on the amount of time that fathers were involved in the program. The results suggest a positive association between high dosage participation in the intervention and increased father involvement with children at post-treatment. The children of high dosage intervention fathers also showed higher mathematics readiness change scores. Children in the low dosage comparison group showed a significant increase in behavior problems.
The memory conjunction error paradigm: Normative data for conjunction triplets

In the typical memory conjunction experiment, participants are presented with two “parent” stimulus items (e.g.,blackmail andjailbird) that are later recombined to form a “conjunction lure” (e.g.,blackbird). This paradigm is an efficient way to test false memories because participants frequently show false recognition for the recombined features of the previously studied stimuli. Two experiments are reported in which normative data for 96 memory conjunction triplets are presented. The first experiment provides descriptive statistics for how often the conjunction triplets show true and false recognition. Due to the variance in the rates of false recognition for the conjunction lure, the second experiment was conducted to help build an understanding of the factors that affect the rate of false recognition of the conjunction lures. Conceptual overlap of the first parent word and the conjunction item predicted false recognition. Digital files containing norms for 96 memory conjunction triplets may be downloaded from www.psychonomic.org/archive.
Heterodyne frequency measurements on carbonyl sulfide near 1050 cm -1

Abstract Heterodyne techniques have been used to measure the frequency differences between carbonyl sulfide (OCS) absorption lines and CO 2 laser transitions. A tunable diode laser was used both to scan the OCS absorption spectrum and to provide a beat signal against a CO 2 laser. Frequency differences as great as 8.6 GHz were measured. Many different OCS hot-band transitions were measured near 1050 cm −1 , and the measurements on the 02 0 0-00 0 0 band have been extended to such high J levels ( J ′ = 86) that higher-order centrifugal distortion terms are needed to fit the data.
Computer simulation of geometric stable distributions

We present a new method for computer simulation of strictly geometric stable random variables. The method is based on their representation as a product of two independent random variables with explicit distribution functions, coupled with the inversion method. We also extend the method to the multivariate case, by deriving new representation and simulation algorithm for multivariate Linnik distribution.
JavaStat: a Java/R-based statistical computing environment

Architectures are described which allow a Java-based front-end to run R code on a server. The front-end described here is a Java application called JavaStat (http://javastat.stat.wvu.edu). JavaStat is a highly-interactive program for data analysis and dynamic visualization with data management capabilities. The objective is to bring the high-level functions of R to JavaStat, without excessive duplicative development work. Results returned from R are wrapped and then displayed using linked, dynamic plots in JavaStat. The principal idea is to use Remote Method Invocation to communicate with a Java server program (JRIServer), which in turn communicates with R using Java/R Interface (JRI). Two versions have been implemented. The first (basic) architecture maintains a connection between the client and server in order to return the results from R. This is suitable for small to moderate data sets in which relatively simple models are run. The second (enhanced) architecture queues the requests and uses polling to fetch the results. It is suitable for large data sets and complex models, e.g., those encountered in genomic studies. JavaStat supports the basic architecture out of the box, but a user account is required to enable the enhanced architectures. The enhanced architecture supports workflows, e.g., genomic and modeling workflows.
Predicting symptomatology and self-blame among child sex abuse victims

Abstract Fifty-six sexually-abused girls and their nonoffending female caretakers from primarily low-income, African American families were comprehensively assessed in order to determine factors related to child symptomatology and self-blame. Girls whose overall relationships with their caretakers were somewhat negative exhibited more behavioral difficulties. Girls with disruptions in their relationship with a primary caretaker and who felt powerless as a result of the abuse were rated as functioning less well overall by clinicians. Child age, general attributional style, and caretaker blame of the child were related to child self-blame. Clinical implications of these findings include identification of clients at high risk for negative sequelae and development of interventions targeted at specific clinical issues.
Gas Phase Dissociation Behavior of Acyl-Arginine Peptides.

The gas phase dissociation behavior of peptides containing acyl-arginine residues is investigated. These acylations are generated via a combination of ion/ion reactions between arginine-containing peptides and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters and subsequent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Three main dissociation pathways of acylated arginine, labeled Paths 1-3, have been identified and are dependent on the acyl groups. Path 1 involves the acyl-arginine undergoing deguanidination, resulting in the loss of the acyl group and dissociation of the guanidine to generate an ornithine residue. This pathway generates selective cleavage sites based on the recently discussed “ornithine effect”. Path 2 involves the coordinated losses of H2O and NH3 from the acyl-arginine side chain while maintaining the acylation. We propose that Path 2 is initiated via cyclization of the δ-nitrogen of arginine and the C-terminal carbonyl carbon, resulting in rapid rearrangement from the acyl-arginine side chain and the neutral losses. Path 3 occurs when the acyl group contains α-hydrogens and is observed as a rearrangement to regenerate unmodified arginine while the acylation is lost as a ketene.
A case study of stakeholder perspective and experience with wild American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ) conservation efforts in Pennsylvania, U.S.A.: limitations to a CITES driven, top-down regulatory approach

Following its inclusion in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the harvest, sale and trade of wild ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) for international commerce has been restricted by law in Pennsylvania since the late 1980s. Since then, exports from the state have declined driving the need to better understand the impact of CITES listing and related state and federal laws. Between 2004 and 2010, we conducted a mixed-methods study in Pennsylvania of stakeholder perspectives on state and federal government conservation efforts and experiences relating to enforcement of harvest and trade restrictions. Results from a survey, key informant interviews, and facilitated group discussions indicate widespread support for ginseng conservation efforts but, not with the CITES driven, top-down regulatory approach. It was widely asserted that ginseng stewardship has been, and will continue to be, governed by personal experience, family teachings, and industry norms and not CITES driven restrictions per se. Moreover, study participants were unable to cite instances where prosecution for ginseng-related “crimes” had occurred within their networks and most believed laws are an ineffective deterrent to “bad behavior.” This emic is externally validated by the fact that agency enforcement is constrained by limited personnel and jurisdictional boundaries, not least of which is an inability to enforce on private lands in the state. These findings suggest that a CITES driven regulatory approach has limitations in actually conserving wild ginseng in Pennsylvania, and suggests that this approach should be complemented by stakeholder supported “bottom-up” partnerships involving greater stakeholder participation, such as government-sponsored or supported ginseng planting programs to counter over-exploitation by collectors and/or extirpation resulting from habitat loss.
Potential for kenaf cultivation in south-central Arizona

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L. Malvaceae) is becoming a valuable crop for fabricating various consumer products. No information is available on kenaf culture for Arizona, where it can replace existing crops that are not profitable to grow. The objectives of this study were to determine the suitability of growing kenaf under water irrigation in south-central Arizona and to compare the yield components of kenaf cultivars. Five cultivars of kenaf (`Everglades 41', `Everglades 71', `Tainung #2', `SF459' and `KK60') were planted on 2 April 1996 at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, AZ. Cultivars were grown for 226 days in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Plots received 1947 mm of irrigation water and precipitation. Data collected included plant population, plant height and diameter, leaf and stalk fresh weight, dry stalk weight, total dry plant yield, and bast:core fiber ratio. Statistical differences among cultivars were detected for plant population, stalk dry weight and bast:core fiber. Despite having the lowest plant population (<100 000 plants/ha), cultivar KK60 had the heaviest stalk dry weight (0.312 kg/stalk) and greatest total plant yield (28.5 mt/ha/year). Cultivar SF459 had the highest bast:core ratio (0.62 g/g), and Tainung #2 and KK60 the lowest (both 0.48 g/g). Dry stalk weight and total yield were positively correlated with stalk diameter. Bast:core fiber ratio was inversely correlated with stalk height. Based on these results, we conclude that cultivar KK60 produces the greatest total yield under the conditions tested and that kenaf could be a viable crop system in south-central Arizona under irrigation.
DYNAMICS AND CAUSATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY, LOCALLY UNWANTED LAND USES, AND NEIGHBORHOOD CHANGES

/ Why are some environmental risks distributed disproportionately in the neighborhoods of the minorities and the poor? A hypothesis was proposed in a recent study that market dynamics contributed to the current environmental inequity. That is, locally unwanted land uses (LULUs) make the host communities home to more poor people and people of color. This hypothesis was allegedly supported by a Houston case study, whereby its author analyzed the postsiting changes of the socioeconomic characteristics of the neighborhoods surrounding solid waste facilities. I argue that such an analysis of postsiting changes alone is insufficient to test the causation hypothesis. Instead, I propose a conceptual framework for analysis of environmental equity dynamics and causation. I suggest that the presiting neighborhood dynamics and the characteristics of control neighborhoods be analyzed as the first test for the causation hypothesis. Furthermore, I present theories of neighborhood change and then examine alternative hypotheses that these theories offer for explaining neighborhood changes and for the roles of LULUs in neighborhood changes. These alternative hypotheses should be examined when analyzing the relationship between LULUs and neighborhood changes in a metropolitan area. Using this framework of analysis, I revisited the Houston case. First, I found no evidence that provided support for the hypothesis that the presence of LULUs made the neighborhoods home to more blacks and poor people, contrary to the conclusion made by the previous study. Second, I examined alternative hypotheses for explaining neighborhood changes-invasion-succession, other push forces, and neighborhood life-cycle; the former two might offer better explanation.KEY WORDS: Environmental equity and justice; Locally unwanted lane uses; Siting; Market dynamics; Invasion-succession; Neighborhood changes
Low jitter optical and microwave synthesis with frequency combs

An optically-stabilized femtosecond laser optical frequency comb can serve as a source of optical and microwave waveforms with absolute integrated timing jitter on the scale of a few femtoseconds. This ultralow jitter is due to the stability of a passive optical cavity, which is the frequency reference for the system. We will present recent results in the generation of low phase noise 10 GHz signals and will discuss our progress towards the synthesis of more complicated waveforms.
‘Me and My Drank:’ Exploring the Relationship Between Musical Preferences and Purple Drank Experimentation

Purple drank" is a label typically applied to mixtures of codeine cough syrup with soda, although it has also been applied to mixtures of over-the-counter cough syrups and alcohol. This novel drug formulation was first popularized in the Houston, Texas rap music scene in the 1990's, and since then references to purple drank have become common in rap and hip-hop songs, but remained virtually absent in other musical genres. Prior research has found that musical preferences can have an influence on choice and frequency of drug use. The goal of the present study is to examine the relationship between musical preferences and experimentation with purple drank. Self-reported information about musical preferences, substance use, and demographic characteristics were collected from 2,349 students at a large uni- versity in the southeastern United States. An analysis of lifetime purple drank and other drug use by musical preferences reveals that those who prefer rap/hip-hop music and rock/alternative have the highest risk for reporting purple drank use. Further, this relationship far exceeds the associations between musical preferences and other drugs. Results from logistic regression analyses indicate males, other drug users, and those that prefer rap/hip-hop music have a significantly higher likelihood of using purple drank.