cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation in the Magnitude of Financial Returns

Correlation between the magnitudes of asset returns is an overlooked concept in financial research. It affects portfolio variance explicitly when the directions of returns are predictable. I present a link from Pearson correlation to magnitude correlation and examine its empirical levels in the U.S. stock market. Magnitude correlation is time-varying and has increased marketwide since the recent financial crisis. Abnormally high levels can be interpreted as market anxiety and are connected to the VIX index measuring the implied volatility of stock options.
Detecting T-cell reactivity to whole cell vaccines Proof of concept analysis of T-cell response to K562 cell antigens in CML patients

BcR-aBL + K562 cells hold clinical promise as a component of cancer vaccines, either as bystander cells genetically modified to express immunostimulatory molecules, or as a source of leukemia antigens. To develop a method for detecting T-cell reactivity against K562 cell-derived antigens in patients, we exploited the dendritic cell (D c)-mediated cross-presentation of proteins generated from apoptotic cells. We used UVB irradiation to consistently induce apoptosis of K562 cells, which were then fed to autologous D cs. These D cs were used to both stimulate and detect antigen-specific cD8 + T-cell reactivity. a s proof-of-concept, we used cross-presented apoptotic influenza matrix protein-expressing K562 cells to elicit reactivity from matrix protein-reactive T cells. Likewise, we used this assay to detect increased anticML antigen T-cell reactivity in c ML patients that attained long-lasting clinical remissions following immunotherapy (donor lymphocyte infusion), as well as in 2 of 3 c ML patients vaccinated with lethally irradiated K562 cells that were modified to secrete high levels of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- csF). This methodology can be readily adapted to examine the effects of other whole tumor cell-based vaccines, a scenario in which the precise tumor antigens that stimulate immune responses are unknown.
Exploring loss to follow-up: Abnormal pap screening in Hispanic patients

purpose: The loss of patients to follow-up for abnormal findings from Pap screenings is an important public health concern, particularly among poor and minority women. This study explores factors affecting incomplete follow-up among a group of Hispanic women with low incomes. description of study: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted of 11 Hispanic patients with incomplete Pap smear follow-up at a public clinic in a major city in south Texas. Patients were interviewed using a semistructured, open-ended schedule of questions, and their medical records were abstracted. The clinic's five staff members also were interviewed. Comparative chronologies were constructed for each case, contrasting patient and staff accounts of the same set of events. All data were coded by at least two investigators. results: All study patients had mildly abnormal Pap smear results and had not met the follow-up criteria, but all understood and were committed to Pap screening. Although viewed by staff as noncompliant, none of the patients viewed her behavior this way. This staff-patient discrepancy was attributable to poor communication, mixed messages, clinic errors, and, perhaps most importantly, to a conflict between program policies and the specific circumstances of individual cases. Two case examples are presented to illustrate key points. clinical implications: Strategies that may help to reduce loss to follow-up among similar patients include the following: allowing clinic staff more flexibility in follow-up procedures for women who have consistently normal follow-up tests, including Spanish translations of written messages; enlisting patients' agreement in setting appointments; and updating patient records to reflect follow-up care that had been received in other clinics.
Structuring the kernel as a toolkit of extensible, reusable components

Applications often require functionality that is implemented in the kernel, but as not directly available to the user level. While extensible operating systems allow kernel functionality to be augmented, we believe that the emphasis on extensibility is misplaced. Applications should be able to reuse kernel code directly and the emphasis should be placed on designing a kernel with that reuse in mind. The advantage of structuring the kernel as a set of reusable, extensible tools is that applications can avoid re-implementing functionality that is already present in the kernel. This will lead to smaller applications, fewer lines of total code, and a more unified computing environment that will be easier to maintain and perform better. >
Global 30–240 keV proton precipitation in the 17–18 April 2002 geomagnetic storms: 3. Impact on the ionosphere and thermosphere

[1] NOAA Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites 30–240 keV proton precipitation measurements in the 17–18 April 2002 geomagnetic storms are used with a Monte Carlo ion transport model to obtain ionization and heating rates that are subsequently fed into the Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model to investigate the proton impact on the ionosphere and thermosphere. Simulation results show that after the addition of proton precipitation in a moderate geomagnetic storm (specifically, the one during mid-April 2002), there are places at low altitudes (100–120 km) on the nightside undergoing significant increases in electron and nitric oxide (NO) densities. The enhancement can be as large as several factors or even by an order of magnitude. Moreover, the temporal profiles of the enhancement in ionospheric electron densities demonstrate a direct correlation with proton precipitation imposed on the topside boundary, and there is no integral effect. This is in contrast with a continuous buildup process illustrated in the time variation of the thermospheric NO density enhancement because NO at these altitudes has a long lifetime. In addition, by including high-energy precipitating protons in a global ionosphere thermosphere coupled model, significant changes take place in the ion convection (locally around ±20%) and in the neutral winds (locally around ±40%). This study represents the first attempt to understand the global influence of proton precipitation on the ionosphere and thermosphere using in situ observational data.
High-Fidelity Modeling of Flexible Timing Belts Using an Explicit Finite Element Code

A time-accurate high-fidelity finite element model for timing belt-drives is presented. The belt is modeled using flexible spatial lumped parameters beam elements. Each finite element belt node can be considered as a rigid body whose contact geometry is used to model the contact surfaces of the belt teeth. The sprockets and pulleys are modeled as rigid bodies. A penalty model is used to impose the joint/contact constraints. An asperity-based friction model is used to model joint/contact friction. A recursive bounding box contact search algorithm is used to allow fast contact detection between contact points on the belt surface (master contact surface) and a polygonal surface representation of the sprockets/pulleys. The governing equations of motion are solved along with joint/constraint equations using a time-accurate explicit solution procedure. The model is partially validated by comparing to a previously published steady-state study where the belt tooth loads over the driven sprocket were experimentally measured. The model can help improve the design of timing belts including increasing the range of operating speeds, reduce the vibrations and noise and increase the drive durability.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: An Integrated Approach to Clinical Evaluation, Laboratory Testing, and Imaging

Like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a high clinical suspicion is required, especially in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors, to make a timely diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Diagnosis of acute PE is often challenging because the disease presents as a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from pleuritic pain to cardiac arrest. A diagnostic algorithm that integrates an assessment of clinical probability with appropriate laboratory testing and imaging modalities is critical. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomogram (CT) is the predominant imaging test used to diagnosis PE.
Natural Histories of Conduct Problems, Delinquency, and Associated Substance Use

In the past, distinctions between subclasses of conduct problems and delinquency were a matter of dispute among scholars in juvenile delinquency and child psychology (American Psychiatric Association, 1987; Jessor, Donovan, & Widmer, 1980; Klein, 1971; Patterson, 1982; Reiss, 1951). Much progress has been made, however, in the conceptualization of developmental changes in behavior during childhood and adolescence. A key question that now must be asked is whether or not early distinctions in children’s conduct problems are maintained over time and whether or not some children eventually engage exclusively in specific forms of delinquency while others adopt a “cafeteria style” of criminal activities. A related question is whether or not youngsters develop antisocial behaviors along one path, as suggested by Robins and others (Jessor & Jessor, 1977; Robins, 1966; Snyder, Dishion, & Patterson, 1986), or whether several developmental paths exist.
Relationship of body mass index and other anthropometric measures and prostate specific antigen, NHANES 2001–2002

4649 Background: Obesity has been suggested to be a risk factor for prostate cancer. However, there has been limited information examining the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and other a...
Family environment as a moderator of the association between anxiety and suicidal ideation

The present study examined associations among anxiety symptoms, anxiety disorder diagnoses, perceptions of family support and conflict, and suicidal ideation (SI) in a clinical sample of psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Participants were 185 adolescents (72% female; 84% white, mean age = 15.02 years, SD = 1.33) hospitalized on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. RESULTS indicated that anxiety disorders and symptoms were positively associated with SI, even after controlling for mood disorder diagnoses and sex. Moreover, this relationship was stronger among youth who reported lower (versus higher) levels of family support. Family conflict was positively associated with SI but did not moderate the relationship between anxiety and SI. RESULTS suggest that family support may represent an important intervention target to decrease suicide risk among anxious youth. Integrating positive parenting techniques (e.g., attending to positive behaviors, providing praise, emotion coaching) and effective parent-child communication into treatment with anxious youth may help achieve this aim. Language: en
Detection of Chiller Energy Efficiency Faults Using Expectation Maximization

To detect degradation in energy efficiency of a chiller in a chiller plant, a multivariate Gaussian mixture model is applied. This classification technique was selected to take advantage of an expected correlation between measurable state variables and equipment and operation specifications and system control targets. The hidden variable is the faultiness of the chiller and can take on one of three possible states. The five observed variables correspond to sensor measurements that are typically available and monitored in commercially available chiller plants. The fault detection algorithm is trained on simulated data for the Molecular Foundry at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and tested on measured sensor data. The results show that detection of severe faults and no faults are relatively accurate, while detection of moderate faults is sometimes mistaken for severe faults. The computation needs are moderate enough for deployment and continuous energy monitoring. Future research outlines the next steps in regards to sensitivity analyses with alternate probability density functions.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Phonon-mediated superconductivity in electron-doped single-layer MoS 2 : A first-principles prediction

The electron-phonon interaction in electron-doped single-layer MoS${}_{2}$ is investigated using first-principles calculations. The electron-phonon coupling is found to be very weak at low doping levels. It then grows rapidly to a maximum of $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\approx}1.7$, after which it begins to decrease with additional doping. The superconducting transition temperature is expected to follow the same trends. This behavior is attributed to the growth and shrinkage of Fermi sheets with different orbital character. These results, which are similar to the experimentally observed superconducting dome in gate-tuned MoS${}_{2}$ thin flakes, reveal that having the right combination of electronic states at the Fermi level is crucial for optimizing the electron-phonon interaction in this material. By appropriately tuning the band structure, it may be possible to further enhance the superconducting properties of this material.
Self-referential processing in adolescents: Stability of behavioral and ERP markers

The self-referential encoding task (SRET)-an implicit measure of self-schema-has been used widely to probe cognitive biases associated with depression, including among adolescents. However, research testing the stability of behavioral and electrocortical effects is sparse. Therefore, the current study sought to evaluate the stability of behavioral markers and ERPs elicited from the SRET over time in healthy, female adolescents (n = 31). At baseline, participants were administered a diagnostic interview and a self-report measure of depression severity. In addition, they completed the SRET while 128-channel ERP data were recorded to examine early (P1) and late (late positive potential [LPP]) ERPs. Three months later, participants were readministered the depression self-report measure and the SRET in conjunction with ERPs. Results revealed that healthy adolescents endorsed, recalled, and recognized more positive and fewer negative words at each assessment, and these effects were stable over time (rs = .44-.83). Similarly, they reported a faster reaction time when endorsing self-relevant positive words, as opposed to negative words, at both the initial and follow-up assessment (r = .82). Second, ERP responses, specifically potentiated P1 and late LPP positivity to positive versus negative words, were consistent over time (rs = .56-.83), and the internal reliability of ERPs were robust at each time point (rs = .52-.80). As a whole, these medium-to-large effects suggest that the SRET is a reliable behavioral and neural probe of self-referential processing.
Two-pulse ablation of polyimide

Excimer laser pulses can efficiently ablate polyimide. The ablation depth per pulse rapidly increases with laser fluence above a threshold and then saturates at high fluences. Determining the total ablation depth due to two sequential pulses as a function of separation time can yield information about pulse width effects and provide insight into ablation mechanisms.
Could Bob Solow Have Replaced Pythagoras? An Alternate Universe Where Economists Solve the Problem of Right-Triangles

This essay demonstrates the full range and potential contributions economists have to offer many academic disciplines. We argue that in the absence of a formula which identifies the length of the hypotenuse on a right-triangle, known today as the Pythagorean theorem, economists would have eventually discovered it. In the absence of the traditional mathematical proof, chances are good that it would have become known as Solow's theorem, an equation which would have predicted the hypotenuse without residual.
Anti-inflammatory effect of prophylactic macrolides on children with chronic lung disease: a protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Introduction Recent studies suggest that the high mortality rate of respiratory viral infections is a result of an overactive neutrophilic inflammatory response. Macrolides have anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to downregulate the inflammatory cascade, attenuate excessive cytokine production in viral infections, and may reduce virus-related exacerbations. In this study, we will test the hypothesis that prophylactic macrolides will reduce the severity of respiratory viral illness in children with chronic lung disease by preventing the full activation of the inflammatory cascade. Methods and analysis A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial that will enrol 92 children to receive either azithromycin or placebo for a period of 3–6 months during two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons (2015–2016 and 2016–2017). We expect a reduction of at least 20% in the total number of days of unscheduled face-to-face encounters in the treatment group as compared with placebo group. Standard frequentist and Bayesian analyses will be performed using an intent-to-treat approach. Discussion We predict that the prophylactic use of azithromycin will reduce the morbidity associated with respiratory viral infections during the winter season in patients with chronic lung disease as evidenced by a reduction in the total number of days with unscheduled face-to-face provider encounters. Ethics and dissemination This research study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston on 9 October 2014. On completion, the results will be published. Trial registration number NCT02544984.
Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome

In a prospective study of 19 pregnancies monitored by amniocentesis at the Center for Human Genetics and the Meyer Rehabilitation Institute, University of Nebraska, Omaha, an adverse outcome was predicted for four fetuses on the basis of low epoxide hydrolase activity (30% of standard).
Adjunctive and Alternative Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present in over 2% of the population in most developed countries, and this disorder is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and neurobehavioral impairment. The most effective therapy is a mechanical pump tightly adhered to the nose and/or mouth worn across sleep periods to stent open the upper airway. This pressure therapy is tolerated by less than half of the individuals with OSA. Many mechanical and chemical therapies have been tested over the past three decades. To date, there is no therapy as effective as pressure therapy. However, all patients must be screened for unique circumstances that would suggest other therapies might improve outcomes. Upon initial visit, it is important to screen for hypothyroidism, acromegaly, and nasal obstruction, and to assess the risk of drowsy driving and impaired performance at school or work. This information may guide a more personalized and more effective complete treatment for individuals with OSA.
Identification of New Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA) Metabolites in Human Hepatocytes

ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA) is a new synthetic cannabinoid with high potency and many reported adverse events and fatalities. The drug is currently scheduled in several countries in Europe and the USA. Analytical methods need to be developed to confirm ADB-CHMINACA intake for clinical and forensic programs. For many synthetic cannabinoids, parent compound is not detectable in biological samples after intake, making the detection of metabolites the only way to prove consumption. Therefore, detection of ADB-CHMINACA metabolites in biological specimens is critical. Since there are currently no published data on ADB-CHMINACA metabolism, we aimed to identify its major metabolites. Cryopreserved human hepatocytes were incubated with 10 μmol/L ADB-CHMINACA for 3 h. Incubations were analyzed with liquid chromatography on a biphenyl column, high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (orbitrap), and metabolite identification software. A reference standard of six commercially available potential metabolites was simultaneously analyzed under the same conditions to allow correct assignment of isomers. We detected ten major metabolites. Biotransformations mainly occurred at the cyclohexylmethyl tail of the compound, as also observed with structural analogs’ metabolism. Minor reactions also occurred at the tert-butyl chain. Only two analytical standards of potential metabolites matched an actual metabolite detected in hepatocyte incubations. We recommend A9 (ADB-CHMINACA hydroxycyclohexylmethyl), A4 (ADB-CHMINACA 4″-hydroxycyclohexyl), and A6 (ADB-CHMINACA hydroxycyclohexylmethyl) as metabolite targets to document ADB-CHMINACA intake in clinical and forensic cases. Additionally, these results will guide analytical standard manufacturers to better provide suitable references for further studies on ADB-CHMINACA metabolism.
Neuropsychological functioning in college students who misuse prescription stimulants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Relatively little is known about the neuropsychological profiles of college students who misuse prescription stimulant medications. METHODS Data presented are from college students aged 18-28 years who misused prescription stimulants prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and controls (no prescription stimulant misuse). Students were assessed neuropsychologically using the self-report Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-A), the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test and Battery (CANTAB), and other tests of cognitive functioning. The analyses included 198 controls (age 20.7 ± 2.6 years) and 100 prescription stimulant misusers (age 20.7 ± 1.7 years). RESULTS On the BRIEF-A, misusers were more likely than controls to endorse greater dysfunction on 8 of 12 measures including Inhibition, Self Monitor, Initiation, Working Memory, and Plan/Organize, when adjusting for race and sex (all p's < .05). Similarly, when dichotomizing the BRIEF-A as abnormal (T score ≥ 65), misusers had more abnormalities on five of nine subscales, as well as all major indices (p's < .05). Misusers also performed worse on several subtests of the CANTAB and standardized cognitive battery (p's < .05). A proxy of prescription stimulant misuse frequency was positively correlated with greater executive dysfunction on the BRIEF-A. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate elevated risk for neuropsychological dysfunction among students who misuse prescription stimulants compared to non-misusing peers. The presence of ADHD contributed significantly to these cognitive findings. Students who misuse prescription stimulants should be screened for neuropsychological dysfunction. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These data may better elucidate the neuropsychological profile of college-aged prescription stimulant misusers. (Am J Addict 2017;26:379-387).
Wrestlers on the Awasena Path: Wrestling, Fertility, and Rites of Passage among the Diola of Southern Senegal

The existing literature on religion and sport focuses on the ways that sporting events take on many aspects of religious events, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing a sense of opposition to external groups. This article focuses on a different aspect, the use of ritual to reduce the uncertainties of athletic competition in wrestling matches and its role in socializing boys and girls into the religious obligations that they will assume as adults. Utilizing a case study from the southern Diola of the Casamance area of Senegal, it builds on the author’s participation in wrestling rituals to analyze the ways in which rituals surrounding wrestling matches socialize boys and girls into ritual life, while providing individual wrestlers with a sense of protection against spiritual attacks and the uncertainties of individual competitions.
Incremental Hole Drilling for Residual Stress Analysis of Thin Walled Components with Regard to Plasticity Effects

The incremental hole-drilling method is widely used in residual stress depth distribution analysis. However, two specific difficulties with the generalization of the incremental method exist, including the consideration of the sample thickness and residual stress states close to the local material’s yield strength. The stress concentration effect of the hole can lead to plastic deformation in the vicinity of the hole, which results in an overestimation of residual stresses. Typically, the effect of the component’s thickness and the plasticity effects are analyzed separately and correction approaches are proposed. In the current paper, we analyze the combined effects of plasticity and thickness on residual stress analysis using the incremental hole-drilling method. A systematic study was performed on steel samples with (i) isotropic and (ii) anisotropic elastic and elasto-plastic material behavior with varying thicknesses ranging between 1 mm and 4 mm. Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) hole-drilling experiments were conducted on beam samples loaded using a 4-point bending fixture. Finite element simulations were conducted to gain insight into the effects of incremental hole-drilling. The results indicate that reducing the component’s thickness increases the plastic deformation in the vicinity of the hole and results in significant stress deviations. Thin components bend during hole-drilling as a result of the loss of stiffness, which amplifies the plasticity effect.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Effects on Body Composition and Metabolic Health

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy diagnosed in American men. Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) has become the standard treatment for locally invasive, recurrent and metastatic PCa. Despite its effectiveness in lowering testosterone levels and improving survival in a subset of patients, ADT is associated with adverse effects including sexual dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms, anemia, osteoporosis and decreased quality of life. Altered body composition, resulting in reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass, is also frequently encountered in patients receiving ADT. As a result of these adverse changes in body composition, metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome have also increased. These metabolic disturbances might be responsible for the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen in this patient population. Thus, screening, monitoring and treatment for cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. hyperglycemia, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity) in men receiving ADT might be prudent. Here we review the literature evaluating body composition changes as well as metabolic and cardiovascular complications of ADT.
Service readiness of health facilities in Bangladesh, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Objective To evaluate the service readiness of health facilities in Bangladesh, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Methods Using existing data from service provision assessments of the health systems of the 10 study countries, we calculated a service readiness index for each of 8443 health facilities. This index represents the percentage availability of 50 items that the World Health Organization considers essential for providing health care. For our analysis we used 37-49 of the items on the list. We used linear regression to assess the independent explanatory power of four national and four facility-level characteristics on reported service readiness. Findings The mean values for the service readiness index were 77% for the 636 hospitals and 52% for the 7807 health centres/clinics. Deficiencies in medications and diagnostic capacity were particularly common. The readiness index varied more between hospitals and health centres/clinics in the same country than between them. There was weak correlation between national factors related to health financing and the readiness index. Conclusion Most health facilities in our study countries were insufficiently equipped to provide basic clinical care. If countries are to bolster health-system capacity towards achieving universal coverage, more attention needs to be given to within-country inequities.
Synthesis of 1,6-Hexanediol from Cellulose Derived Tetrahydrofuran-Dimethanol with Pt-WOx/TiO2 Catalysts

Cellulose-derived tetrahydrofuran-dimethanol (THFDM) can be converted over Pt-WOx/TiO2 catalysts to 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HDO) with up to 70% yield. This reaction involves ring-opening of THFDM to 1,2,6-hexanetriol (HTO) and then hydrogenolysis of HTO to 1,6-HDO. Hydrogen atoms spill over from Pt sites onto WOx/TiO2 to reduce the W═O functional group and create Bronsted acid sites. Similar catalytic activity for THFDM conversion can be been obtained with a physical mixture of Pt/TiO2 and WOx/TiO2 due to hydrogen spillover over spatially separate Pt and WOx when a reducible support (TiO2) is used.
Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can produce devastating consequences from complete paralysis to less severe, permanent deficits. Like most other traumatic injuries, it occurs in a bimodal distribution: afflicting younger patients in high energy accidents and elderly patients with degenerative changes more susceptible to cord injury from low energy events. Traumatic SCI is incredibly costly to society, rendering more severely injured patients unemployable and necessitating hospital care throughout their lifetimes. SCI is often thought to be the cumulative result of two separate processes. The initial time and mechanism of injury produces the majority of the potential deficits, while the second hit is the result of inflammatory cells causing damage and edema around the cord. The intervention of the healthcare provider can help minimize the effect of the second hit by ensuring appropriate precautions, spinal immobilization and stabilization, and spinal cord perfusion during the period after initial injury.
Carbon Dioxide Action on Neuronal Membranes

Medullary respiratory neurones of mammals are exquisitely sensitive to CO2, the excitation by this agent providing the main stimulus for respiration (VON EULER and SODERBERG [1952]). On the other hand, cortical and phrenic neurones are inhibited by CO2 (KINJEVIC, RANDIC, and SIESJO [1965]; GILL and KUNO [1963]). The mechanism whereby CO2 produced these diverse effects was unknown (LAMBERTSON [1961]), so my colleagues and I undertook a study of this problem. The results of this study have been recently published (BROWN, WALKER and SUTTON [1970]; BROWN and BERMAN [1970]) and are reported briefly here.
Microorganisms and Microbial Toxins

The primary concern in food safety issues focuses on microorganisms and microbial toxins. Effective food preservation requires that the growth and proliferation of hazardous microorganisms be well controlled, and that the presence of significant quantities of microbial toxins in foods be prevented. The traditional effective preservation methodologies, such as canning, are being supplemented by new technologies which are less destructive of the food qualities. New strategies are therefore needed to prevent the transmission of microbial contamination or to prevent the formation of microbial toxins which remain in food. This paper discusses the role of modern processing methodologies in helping protect consumers from hazards of microbial origin.
Breast Cancer: Influence of Endocrine Hormones, Growth Factors and Genetic Alterations

Breast cancer is a disease whose frequency as well as pathologic characteristics vary markedly with age and sex. Women develop breast cancer with an incidence of approximately 1 in 10 in the United States, about 100 times the frequency in men. In women, the incidence of breast cancer increases with increasing age, but the rate of increase drops off sharply at the age of menopause (Pike et al., 1981). Breast cancer is more likely in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women to be positive for the receptor for estrogen (Ottman et al., 1981). Estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, whether postmenopausal or premenopausal, is associated with better prognosis than receptor negative breast cancer (Sunderland and McGuire, 1990). These statistics have contributed to the view that exposure of the mammary gland to ovarian estrogens (and progestins) is critical to onset and malignant progression of breast cancer. Indeed, perimenarchal loss of ovarian function can result in a decrease in breast cancer risk by a factor of 100 to about that found in men (Brown, 1981). Furthermore, ovariectomy and/or antiestrogenic and antiprogestational drugs have been successfully used in treatment of breast cancer (lino et al., 1990).
Optimising Outcomes in the Treatment of Obesity

Although modest, sustained weight loss can decrease the risks of morbidity and mortality associated with obesity, medical approaches to the treatment of obesity can be very expensive and time-consuming. Adjunctive use of appetite suppressants in selected patients and use of gastroplasty in morbidly obese individuals not responding to other treatments can be effective in obesity management. Self-help, work-site programmes, proprietary and lifestyle programmes may be of benefit. For patients who have failed to control their weight despite their best efforts, it may be more cost effective to address other risk factors, particularly aerobic fitness, smoking cessation, lipid and glucose control, rather than focus only on obesity management.
Abstract WP343: EEG Seizures in Patients With Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage Reveals a Significant Role for Subcortical Hemorrhages in Epileptogenicity

Introduction: Patients with intra-parenchymal (IPH) have seizures detected on continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring, but data that define seizure risk in IPH patients is limited. Methods: A retrospectiv...
Seasonal Prediction of North Atlantic Accumulated Cyclone Energy and Major Hurricane Activity

AbstractBuilding upon our previous seasonal hurricane prediction model, here we develop two statistical models to predict the number of major hurricanes (MHs) and accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) i...
Notes on the two-stage procedure under an incomplete block two-period crossover design

Under an incomplete block crossover design with two periods, we derive the least-squares estimators for the period effect, treatment effects and carry-over effects in explicit formulae based on wit...
Name That Price: Determining Which Price Variable to Use in Estimating Demand for Major League Baseball Games, 1952-56

Estimating demand for events that have multiple ticket prices, such as sporting, musical, and theater performances requires choosing the relevant price variable. Previous attempts may have suffered from errors in variables and from using ordinary least squares instead of panel data techniques. We estimate the price elasticity of demand for 1950s Major League Baseball games by using both a weighted-average ticket price series and an average-gate-revenue per ticket series in separate equations; the first time a direct comparison of the two series has been done successfully for baseball. The weighted-average ticket price series suffers from its implicit assumption that the proportion of seats sold in the various classifications remains unchanged, regardless of attendance at a particular game. The average-gate-revenue per ticket series proved statistically significant while the former did not. (L83, N82.)
Asymmetric reactions of chiral imide enolates with α-keto esters

Abstract A method for the synthesis of a variety of 2-hydroxy-2,3-trisubstituted succinates ( I ) is presented. The synthesis is achieved by the asymmetric reactions of lithium, boron or titanium enolates of Evans' chiral imides with α-keto esters.
Toward Accessible Graphics and Visualization (Invited Keynote)

Computer science has become an increasingly visual discipline. Tools in a wide variety of domains, from gaming environments to programming or scientific ones, use graphics for a variety of purposes (e.g., entertainment, knowledge acquisition, general user interactions). While the impact is clear enough for the general population, the disabilities community can have significant challenges in using such content, especially the blind or visually impaired. In this talk, we will discuss the research challenges involved in making graphical and visualization technologies accessible. This will include discussion of new techniques for designing interactive graphical applications that are usable even by those that cannot see the screen.
Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1: pathophysiology, natural history, and therapeutic frontier.

Background and aims We describe the pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of Crigler-Najjar type 1 syndrome (CN1) in 28 UGT1A1 c.222C>A homozygotes followed for 520 aggregate patient-years. Approach and results Unbound ("free") bilirubin (Bf ) was measured in patient sera to characterize the binding of unconjugated bilirubin (BT ) to albumin (A) and validate their molar concentration ratio (BT /A) as an index of neurological risk. Two custom phototherapy systems were constructed from affordable materials to provide high irradiance in the outpatient setting; light dose was titrated to keep BT /A at least 30% below intravascular BT binding capacity (i.e., BT /A = 1.0). Categorical clinical outcomes were ascertained by chart review, and a measure (Lf ) was used to quantify liver fibrosis. Unbound bilirubin had a nonlinear relationship to BT (R2 = 0.71) and BT /A (R2 = 0.76), and Bf as a percentage of BT correlated inversely to the bilirubin-albumin equilibrium association binding constant (R2 = 0.69), which varied 10-fold among individuals. In newborns with CN1, unconjugated bilirubin increased 4.3 ± 1.1 mg/dL per day. Four (14%) neonates developed kernicterus between days 14 and 45 postnatal days of life; peak BT ≥ 30 mg/dL and BT /A ≥ 1.0 mol:mol were equally predictive of perinatal brain injury (sensitivity 100%, specificity 93.3%, positive predictive value 88.0%), and starting phototherapy after age 13 days increased this risk 3.5-fold. Consistent phototherapy with 33-103 µW/cm2 •nm for 9.2 ± 1.1 hours/day kept BT and BT /A within safe limits throughout childhood, but BT increased 0.46 mg/dL per year to reach dangerous concentrations by 18 years of age. Liver transplantation (n = 17) normalized BT and eliminated phototherapy dependence. Liver explants showed fibrosis ranging from mild to severe. Conclusion Seven decades after its discovery, CN1 remains a morbid and potentially fatal disorder.
Wear particles induce a new macrophage phenotype with the potential to accelerate material corrosion within total hip replacement interfaces

Evidence that macrophages can play a role in accelerating corrosion in CoCrMo alloy in total hip replacement (THR) interfaces leads to questions regarding the underlying cellular mechanisms and immunological responses. Hence, we evaluated the role of macrophages in corrosion processes using the cell culture supernatant from different conditions and the effect of wear particles on macrophage dynamics. Monocytes were exposed to CoCrMo wear particles and their effect on macrophage differentiation was investigated by comparisons with M1 and M2 macrophage differentiation. Corrosion associated macrophages (MCA macrophages) exhibited upregulation of TNF-α, iNOS, STAT-6, and PPARG and down-regulation of CD86 and ARG, when compared to M1 and M2 macrophages. MCA cells also secreted higher levels of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-12p70 than M1 macrophages and/or M2 macrophages. Our findings revealed variation in macrophage phenotype (MCA) induced by CoCrMo wear particles in generating a chemical environment that induces cell-accelerated corrosion of CoCrMo alloy at THR modular interfaces. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fretting wear and corrosion within the implant's modular taper junction are prominent causes of implant failure, as they promote the release of corrosion products and subsequent development of adverse local tissue reactions. Being a multifactorial process, several in vitro models have been developed to recreate the in vivo corrosion process, often summarized as mechanically-assisted crevice corrosion. Considering the excellent corrosion properties of CoCrMo alloy, the severity of chemically-generated damage observed at the modular interface has been surprising and poorly understood. The aim of the current study is to provide a better understanding of macrophages and their plasticity at the THR taper interface when they encounter wear debris from CoCrMo alloy. This is a preliminary study along the path towards determining the mechanism(s) of CAC.
Residential (Secondary-Use) Energy Storage System with Modular Software and Hardware Power Electronic Interfaces

Secondary-use energy storage systems (ESS) are a potential low-cost energy storage system for the electric grid. These systems propose a low-cost solution to the challenge, what to do with electric vehicle batteries once EV end-of-life has been reached. However, the development of an ESS is complex by nature. Typically, the bidirectional power electronics conversion (PEC) system has hardware which includes power stages, auxiliary circuits, protection circuits, and the control interfaces all embedded and integrated as a system. This leads to interoperability challenges and vendor dependencies that increase balance of system costs. This paper proposes a modular approach of software and hardware interfaces to reduce the costs of an ESS.
Statistical methods for biomarker data pooled from multiple nested case-control studies

Pooling biomarker data across multiple studies allows for examination of a wider exposure range than generally possible in individual studies, evaluation of population subgroups and disease subtypes with more statistical power, and more precise estimation of biomarker-disease associations. However, circulating biomarker measurements often require calibration to a single reference assay prior to pooling due to assay and laboratory variability across studies. We propose several methods for calibrating and combining biomarker data from nested case-control studies when reference assay data are obtained from a subset of controls in each contributing study. Specifically, we describe a two-stage calibration method and two aggregated calibration methods, named the internalized and full calibration methods, to evaluate the main effect of the biomarker exposure on disease risk and whether that association is modified by a potential covariate. The internalized method uses the reference laboratory measurement in the analysis when available and otherwise uses the estimated value derived from calibration models. The full calibration method uses calibrated biomarker measurements for all subjects, including those with reference laboratory measurements. Under the two-stage method, investigators complete study-specific analyses in the first stage followed by meta-analysis in the second stage. Our results demonstrate that the full calibration method is the preferred aggregated approach to minimize bias in point estimates. We also observe that the two-stage and full calibration methods provide similar effect and variance estimates but that their variance estimates are slightly larger than those from the internalized approach. As an illustrative example, we apply the three methods in a pooling project of nested case-control studies to evaluate (i) the association between circulating vitamin D levels and risk of stroke and (ii) how body mass index modifies the association between circulating vitamin D levels and risk of cardiovascular disease.
EasyPZ.js: Interaction Binding for Pan and Zoom Visualizations

The creation of data visualizations has become easier as the skillbarrier to our tools has decreased. However, adding interactivity, such as gestures for pan and zoom, still requires significant coding expertise. We introduce an open-source library—EasyPZ.js—for the creation of multi-scale (pan and zoom) visualizations across desktop and mobile devices. EasyPZ is fully customizable and extendable with flexible options for interaction design. For example, it is easy to choose gestures which are compatible with selection interactions such as clicking. EasyPZ can be enabled on any SVG-based visualization on the web with one line of code, or by simply clicking a bookmark without requiring commitment to code changes. With this library, we contribute ways for the visualization community to more easily author interactive multi-scale visualizations.
Wearable chemical sensors

Abstract Wearable biomonitoring technologies provide insight into the body’s physiological state in real-time, thus play a critical role in promoting awareness and adoption of healthy lifestyles. Currently, wearable sensors mainly focus on tracking physical activities and vital signs and are unable to capture molecular-level information related to the body’s dynamic chemistry. Additionally, the invasive nature of the current blood-based sensing techniques makes them unsuitable for the daily monitoring of individuals across the general population. As an alternative, other biofluids, such as sweat and interstitial fluid, can be accessed noninvasively and analyzed to provide physiologically meaningful measures of biomarkers. To this end, chemical sensing interfaces are excellent candidates for performing wearable biomarker analysis in these biofluids. In this chapter, we discuss the underlying principles in the design and operation of wearable chemical biomarker sensors as well as the recent advances in the scientific field.
“Our Schools Turned Into Literal Police States.”: Disciplinary Power and Novice Teachers Enduring a Cheating Scandal

The voices of teachers experiencing and reacting to highly-publicized testing scandals are rarely heard, despite high-levels of criticism and blame from many stakeholders. Drawing on Foucault’s con...
Uncertainty quantification and global sensitivity analysis for progressive failure of fiber-reinforced composites

In this paper, a framework for the stochastic progressive failure analysis (PFA) of fiber-reinforced composites is presented. The nonlinear responses of composite structures are hugely influenced by the randomness in material properties of plies, thereby yielding significantly different responses compared with that with deterministic simulations. Moreover, performing PFA using finite element analysis (FEA) is a computationally intensive process that becomes unaffordable while performing uncertainty analysis that requires numerous FEA runs. So, to alleviate this computational cost while maintaining an acceptable accuracy, an efficient technique called polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) was implemented. Another advantage of PCE is that it allows performing global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to estimate the influence of the random inputs on the stochastic responses as a post-processing step without any additional cost. The effects of randomness in material properties on the first ply failure load and ultimate failure responses of a composite laminate were compared with the framework using PCE as well as 5000 LHS simulations and the results underlined the cost-effectiveness as well as the high accuracy of PCE. Moreover, the GSA successfully identified the influential random material properties that correlated well with the failure modes. Thus, the presented approach and the results of this study will be instrumental in understanding the failure as well as improving the design of composite structures.
Phenelzine and Morphine Drug-Drug Interaction? A Literature Review.

The objectives of this manuscript are to describe a case report of a patient whose phenelzine maintenance therapy was discontinued due to concern for a phenelzine-morphine drug interaction, to revi...