cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation on diode surge forward current ruggedness of Si and SiC power modules

This paper investigates the behavior of selected Si-PiN and SiC (BD-MOS & SBD) FWD in multichip power modules during current surge event conditions. Surges can occur in high power converters used for motor drives and grid connected systems. A novel testbench and testing procedure is introduced which allows fairly rapid type-test characterization of modules without the need to perform manual-intensive module characterization after each test. Based on the limited tests done so far, it can be seen that Si PiN diodes still retain an advantage as far as surge current limitation is concerned, followed by Mosfet body diodes in SiC with Schottky diodes in SiC at the last place. Experimental and manufacturer data are here combined into a transient thermal model which helps understand the destruction mechanisms.
Interventions for Adolescents: Two Programs Based on a Multisystemic Problem-Solving Approach

This article describes two interventions for adolescents based on a multisystemic problem-solving approach. One intervention is a school reentry program for chronically ill adolescents, while the other is a violence prevention program for at-risk youth. Commonalties across the two programs include individualized interventions; an educationally oriented, skills based approach; systems consultation; peers as important change agents; and inclusion of parents, teachers, and community agents. The article discusses the importance of a multisystemic, problem solving approach to interventions. Next, the two individual prevention programs are described. Finally, implications for practice are reviewed for each of the programs.
Lymph node volume predicts survival but not nodal clearance in Stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC.

Background Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients have poorer survival and local control with mediastinal node (N2) tumor involvement at resection. Earlier assessment of nodal burden could inform clinical decision-making prior to surgery. This study evaluated the association between clinical outcomes and lymph node volume before and after neoadjuvant therapy. Materials and methods CT imaging of patients with operable LA-NSCLC treated with chemoradiation and surgical resection was assessed. Clinically involved lymph node stations were identified by FDG-PET or mediastinoscopy. Locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastasis (DM), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the Kaplan Meier method, concordance index and Cox regression. Results 73 patients with Stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgical resection were identified. The median RT dose was 54 Gy and all patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Involved lymph node volume was significantly associated with LRR and OS but not DM on univariate analysis. Additionally, lymph node volume greater than 10.6 cm3 after the completion of preoperative chemoradiation was associated with increased LRR (p<0.001) and decreased OS (p = 0.04). There was no association between nodal volumes and nodal clearance. Conclusion For patients with LA-NSCLC, large volume nodal disease post-chemoradiation is associated with increased risk of locoregional recurrence and decreased survival. Nodal volume can thus be used to further stratify patients within the heterogeneous Stage IIIA-IIIB population and potentially guide clinical decision-making.
Effects of federal socioeconomic contracting preferences

The 8(a) business development program supports small disadvantaged U.S. federal contractors through benefits such as set-aside and sole-source contracts, management and technical assistance, and mentor-protege relationships with established firms. This study examines the effectiveness of the 8(a) program at producing positive firm-level outcomes by comparing 8(a) firms with those participating in other preferential contracting programs with different benefits. The average 8(a) program participant performs well relative to baseline firms that do not receive contracting preferences; however, these effects are driven directly by funding and not by broader stimulation of sound business practices as intended by program designers. Program participants perform similarly to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, which benefit from comparable contract preferences but none of the mentorship, administrative support and management assistance offered to 8(a) firms. While growing at similar rates, 8(a) firms are substantially more likely to go out of business than firms in this comparison group.
The origin and evolution of a differentiated Mimas

Abstract In stark contrast with its neighbor moon Enceladus, Mimas is surprisingly geologically quiet, despite an eccentric orbit and distance to Saturn prone to levels of tidal dissipation 30 times higher. While Mimas’ lack of geological activity could be due to a stiff, frigid interior, libration data acquired using the Cassini spacecraft suggest that its interior is not homogeneous. Here, we present one-dimensional models of the thermal, structural, and orbital evolution of Mimas under two accretion scenarios: primordial, undifferentiated formation in the Saturnian sub-nebula, and late, layered formation from a debris ring created by the disruption of one or more previous moons. We find it difficult to reproduce a differentiated, eccentric Mimas under a primordial accretion scenario: either Mimas never differentiates, or the internal warming that leads to differentiation increases tidal dissipation, yielding runaway heating that produces a persistent ocean, thereby circularizing Mimas’ orbit. Only if Mimas accretes very early (so that the decay of short-lived radionuclides initiates differentiation) but its rheology is not highly dissipative (in order to stop runaway tidal heating even if the eccentricity is not negligible) can the simulations match the observational constraints. Alternatively, a late, layered accretion scenario yields a present-day Mimas that matches observational constraints, independently of the magnitude of tidal dissipation. Consistent with previous findings, these models do not produce an ocean on Enceladus unless its orbital eccentricity is higher than today’s value.
A persuasive virtual chat agent based on sociolinguistic theories of influence

Machine intelligence breaks new ground with each passing day, achieving feats like winning against humans in the game of Go and Jeopardy!. However, the goal of implementing social competence in machines so that they may achieve specific social goals remains elusive. Persuasion, the ability to tailor messaging to the target audience is closely related to social competence (Gass and Seiter, 2015). In using technology to persuade, we delegate a central function of human communication to a computer. This central function is intentional and goal-directed communication - deliberate, purposeful messaging with a clear outcome in mind. Our goal in this thesis is to automate the very process of persuasive communication, by designing a system which can purposefully communicate, without any restrictions on domain or genre or task, and which has the clear intention of persuading the recipients of its messaging.
Existence and blow-up of solutions to the fractional stochastic heat equations

In this work, we will show existence and blow-up of the solution to $$\frac{\partial }{\partial t} u_{t}(x) = \mathcal {L} u_{ t}(x) + \sigma (u_{t}(x))\eta $$ on a circle with space-time white noise $$\eta $$ . The operator $$\mathcal {L}$$ is taken to be the generator of a Levy process (superset of fractional derivatives) and $$\sigma $$ is a nonlinear function of form $$\sigma (x) \propto |x|^\gamma $$ , for $$\gamma >1$$ . We will develop a precise condition for existence or blow-up of the solution in terms of $$\gamma $$ and the Levy process corresponding to $$\mathcal {L}$$ .
High-Frequency Acoustic Propagation in the Presence of Oceanographic Variability

Broadband mid-to-high frequency (0.6–18 kHz) acoustic wave propagation in shallow coastal waters (< 20 m) is influenced by a variety of oceanographic conditions. Physical parameters such as temperature and salinity as well as hydrodynamic parameters such as surface waves, tide and current can influence amplitude and travel time of signal transmissions. In this paper a unique set of simultaneous ocean and acoustic observations that reveal interesting temporal behavior of the acoustic signal and its correlation with environmental variability are presented. The temporal variations in salinity, including those induced by the semi-diurnal tides and a northerly wind event, are accurately predicted by using the measured acoustic signals and temperature profile.
An Examination of Social Adaptation Processes of Vietnamese Adolescents

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that affect the ways in which Vietnamese youth feel about themselves and their “place” in society. More specifically, the purpose was to determine the relationship between sociocultural factors (L e. language proficiency, length of residence, socioeconomic class, ethnic identity, and cultural continuity) and such person-oriented variables as depression and alienation. Thrity-one college and fifteen high school students responded to a series of questions about themselves, family, relationships, personality, and achievement motivation. It was found that perceived problems with one9s ethnic group, cultural continuity, and parental attitudes toward schooling significantly predicted depression. Degree of attachment to one9s ethnic community, English speaking and writing abilities, and outlets for derpession tended to predict future outlook or feelings of hope versus alienation. Several variables were highly predictive of acculturation. Some of those variables are native language ability, English speaking and writing ability, outlets for depression, and perceived problems with one9s ethnic group. Implications of the findings for Vietnamese youth and future directions are discussed.
Student and School-level Predictors of Pharmacy Residency Attainment

Objective. To identify student and school level predictors of pharmacy residency attainment.Methods. Data were collected from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Logistic multilevel modeling was used to examine the effects of select student and school level characteristics on pharmacy residency attainment, as indicated by students on the AACP Graduating Student Survey (GSS) from 2013 to 2015.Results. The dataset included 24,351 graduating pharmacy students from 101 schools and colleges of pharmacy. Predictors of residency attainment included working in an institutional pharmacy, female gender, student age, school age, and Research I classification. Nonsignificant variables included curriculum type, class size, and institutional control.Conclusion. Student and pharmacy school characteristics impact the likelihood of pharmacy residency attainment. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms associated with t...
Identification and functional characterization of type II toxin/antitoxin systems in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Summary Type II toxin/antitoxin (TA) systems contribute to the formation of persister cells and biofilm formation for many organisms. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans thrives in the complex oral microbial community subjected to continual environmental flux. Little is known regarding the presence and function of type II TA systems in this organism or their contribution to adaptation and persistence in the biofilm. We identified 11 TA systems that are conserved across all seven serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans and represent the RelBE, MazEF and HipAB families of type II TA systems. The systems selectively responded to various environmental conditions that exist in the oral cavity. Two putative RelBE-like TA systems, D11S_1194-1195 and D11S_1718-1719 were induced in response to low pH and deletion of D11S_1718-1719 significantly reduced metabolic activity of stationary phase A. actinomycetemcomitans cells upon prolonged exposure to acidic conditions. The deletion mutant also exhibited reduced biofilm biomass when cultured under acidic conditions. The D11S_1194 and D11S_1718 toxin proteins inhibited in vitro translation of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and degraded ribosome-associated, but not free, MS2 virus RNA. In contrast, the corresponding antitoxins (D11S_1195 and D11S_1719), or equimolar mixtures of toxin and antitoxin, had no effect on DHFR production or RNA degradation. Together, these results suggest that D11S_1194-1195 and D11S_1718-1719 are RelBE-like type II TA systems that are activated under acidic conditions and may function to cleave ribosome-associated mRNA to inhibit translation in A. actinomycetemcomitans. In vivo, these systems may facilitate A. actinomycetemcomitans adaptation and persistence in acidic local environments in the dental biofilm.
Epigenetic variation in OPRM1 gene in opioid‐exposed mother‐infant dyads

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to in-utero opioid exposure has significant variability of severity. Preliminary studies have suggested that epigenetic variation within the μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene impacts NAS. We aimed to determine if DNA methylation in OPRM1 within opioid-exposed mother-infant dyads is associated with differences in NAS severity in an independent cohort. Full-term opioid-exposed newborns and their mothers (N = 68 pairs) were studied. A DNA sample was obtained and then assessed for level of DNA methylation at 20 CpG sites within the OPRM1 promoter region by next-generation sequencing. Infants were monitored for NAS and treated with replacement opioids according to institutional protocol. The association between DNA methylation level at each CpG site with NAS outcome measures was evaluated using linear and logistic regression models. Higher methylation levels within the infants at the -18 (11.4% vs 4.4%, P = .0001), -14 (46.1% vs 24.0%, P = .002) and +23 (26.3% vs 12.9%, P = .008) CpG sites were associated with higher rates of infant pharmacologic treatment. Higher levels of methylation within the mothers at the -169 (R = 0.43, P = .008), -152 (R = 0.40, P = .002) and +84 (R = 0.44, P = .006) sites were associated point-wise with longer infant length of stay. Maternal associations remained significant point-wise for -169 (β = 0.07, P = .007) and on an experiment-wise level for +84 (β = -0.10, P = .003) using regression models. These results suggest an association of higher levels of OPRM1 methylation at specific CpG sites and increased NAS severity, replicating prior findings. These findings have important implications for personalized treatment regimens for infants at high risk for severe NAS.
Glioblastoma Model Using Human Cerebral Organoids

We have developed a cancer model of gliomas in human cerebral organoids that allows direct observation of tumor initiation as well as continuous microscopic observations. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to target an HRasG12V-IRES-tdTomato construct by homologous recombination into the TP53 locus. Results show that transformed cells rapidly become invasive and destroy surrounding organoid structures, overwhelming the entire organoid. Tumor cells in the organoids can be orthotopically xenografted into immunodeficient NOD/SCID IL2RG-/- animals, exhibiting an invasive phenotype. Organoid-generated putative tumor cells show gene expression profiles consistent with mesenchymal subtype human glioblastoma. We further demonstrate that human-organoid-derived tumor cell lines or primary human-patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines can be transplanted into human cerebral organoids to establish invasive tumor-like structures. Our results show potential for the use of organoids as a platform to test human cancer phenotypes that recapitulate key aspects of malignancy.
Solution and Solid State Structural Chemistry of Th(IV) and U(IV) 4-Hydroxybenzoates.

Organic ligands with carboxylate functionalities have been shown to affect the solubility, speciation, and overall chemical behavior of tetravalent metal ions. While many reports have focused on actinide complexation by relatively simple monocarboxylates such as amino acids, in this work we examined Th(IV) and U(IV) complexation by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in water with the aim of understanding the impact that the organic backbone has on the solution and solid state structural chemistry of thorium(IV) and uranium(IV) complexes. Two compounds of the general formula [An6O4(OH)4(H2O)6(4-HB)12]·nH2O [An = Th (Th-1) and U (U-1); 4-HB = 4-hydroxybenzoate] were synthesized via room-temperature reactions of AnCl4 and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in water. Solid state structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the compounds were further characterized by Raman, infrared, and optical spectroscopies and thermogravimetry. The magnetism of U-1 was also examined. The structures of the Th and U compounds a...
Diniconazole's effect on peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and development

Greenhouse nutrient solution studies demonstrated that diniconazole will decrease peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) shoot growth when either root or shoot applied. Root growth and development were decreased by root and, to a lesser extent, by shoot uptake of diniconazole. Diniconazole is apparently xylem translocated, but not phloem translocated. Concentrations of 200 ppb ES isomer of diniconazole in nutrient solution (root uptake) increased specific leaf weight and starch deposits in the leaf. Field applications of 193 g ES isomer ha−1 of diniconazole reduced main stem height by 33%, leaf area index by 16%, and total vegetative dry weight by 19%, but had no effect on average leaf size. Decreased germination of seeds from plants treated with 1435 g ha−1 diaminozide was associated with increased seed dormancy. Seed dormancy was counteracted by either ethylene gas or storage for 150 days after harvest. Soil applications of diniconazole were more effective than foliar appliations in reducing vine growth. Diniconazole's ER isomer is a broad spectrum fungicide that reduced damage (when compared to the control) bySclerotium rolfsii andRhizoctonia solani. The reduced damage by these diseases was thought to be the primary reason for the significant pod yield increase (when compared to the control) observed with the diniconazole treatments. In drought-stressed plots, populations of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) were increased by diniconazole.
Brief announcement: a conjecture on traceability, and a new class of traceable networks

The problem of reconstructing the topology of a network, given a set of hop-by-hop traces of packet paths through it, is called 'network tracing'. Unfortunately, there are only a few known classes of networks (trees and odd rings) that are traceable, i.e. that have the property that a unique network topology can be reconstructed from a trace set. Here, we suggest a property that may be the reason such networks are traceable, and use it to identify a new class of traceable networks.
Deformed shapes of axisymmetric capsules enclosed by elastic membranes

A boundary-value problem is formulated describing the shapes of inflated and deflated axisymmetric capsules enclosed by elastic membranes. When the membrane tension is isotropic and the principal bending moments obey constitutive equations involving the principal curvatures in the reference and deformed state but not the stretch ratios, the capsule shape is governed by a third-order ordinary differential equation for the meridional curvature involving the difference between the internal and external pressure. Numerical solutions of the boundary-value problem illustrate the shape of deflated spherical capsules enclosed by incompressible membranes and the shape of inflated and deflated biconcave capsules resembling red blood cells. The results demonstrate that the solution space of deformed spherical capsules consists of bifurcating branches arising at a sequence of transmural pressures, and illustrate the pressure developing inside spherical and biconcave capsules when a certain amount of fluid has been injected into, or withdrawn from, the interior.
A Psychobiographical Analysis of Faith, Hope, and Despair in Suicide

This paper presents a psychobiographical analysis of a young woman who committed suicide over 50 years ago. Among the documents analyzed are her letters, a high-school diary, creative writing, college newspaper book reviews, and academic papers. Using both an Eriksonian and object-relational theoretical framework, the roles of faith, hope, and despair in suicide—and the ways in which these were represented in the young woman's self-system—are analyzed. Although she possessed strong elements of both faith and hope, along with a will to implement them in a purposeful manner, she was prone to the defense mechanisms of splitting, devaluation, and dissociation, which led to an inability to create an abiding sense of self that may have prevented her descent to despair. Among other issues discussed in the article are the usefulness of psychobiography as a method of studying suicide and both the benefits and limitations of spiritual faith in countering depression and suicide.
The lateral meningocele syndrome mutation causes marked osteopenia in mice

Lateral meningocele syndrome (LMS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by neurological complications and osteoporosis. LMS is associated with mutations in exon 33 of NOTCH3 leading to a truncated protein lacking sequences for NOTCH3 degradation and presumably causing NOTCH3 gain of function. To create a mouse model reproducing human LMS-associated mutations, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a tandem termination codon at bases 6691–6696 (ACCAAG→TAATGA) and verified this mutation (Notch3tm1.1Ecan) by DNA sequencing of F1 mice. One-month-old male and female heterozygous Notch3tm1.1Ecan mice had cancellous and cortical bone osteopenia but exhibited no obvious neurological alterations, and histopathology of multiple organs revealed no abnormalities. Microcomputed tomography of these mutants revealed a 35–60% decrease in cancellous bone volume associated with a reduction in trabecular number and decreased connectivity. During maturation, cancellous and cortical bones were restored in female but not in male mice, which exhibited cancellous bone osteopenia at 4 months. Cancellous bone histomorphometry revealed increased osteoblast and osteocyte numbers and a modest increase in osteoclast surface and bone formation rate. Notch3tm1.1Ecan calvarial osteoblasts had increased proliferation and increased bone γ-carboxyglutamate protein (Bglap) and TNF superfamily member 11 (Tnfsf11) mRNA levels and lower Tnfrsf11b levels. Tnfsf11 mRNA was increased in osteocyte-rich femora from Notch3tm1.1Ecan mice. Cultures of bone marrow–derived macrophages from Notch3tm1.1Ecan mice revealed increased osteoclast formation, particularly in cocultures with osteoblasts from Notch3tm1.1Ecan mice. In conclusion, the Notch3tm1.1Ecan mutation causes osteopenia despite an increase in osteoblast proliferation and function and is associated with enhanced Tnfsf11 expression in osteoblasts and osteocytes.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Proliferation of Parents: The More, the Merrier?

The combination of advances in assisted reproductive technology and increased social acceptance of nontraditional families has raised issues regarding the legal recognition of multi-parent families. Sperm donors, egg donors, and surrogates have become increasingly involved in the reproductive process and occasionally play a continuing role in the resulting child’s life. When more complex family units subsequently fracture, courts are forced to resolve complicated parentage disputes.
Age associated decline in the arcuate fasciculus and IQ

The arcuate fasciculus (AF) has been implicated in its association with intelligence. Probabilistic tractography on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data provides isolation of white matter tracts between two distant cortical structures. In this study, we performed probabilistic tractography between Wernicke’s and Broca’s area in the left and right hemisphere, to examine the association of the arcuate fasciculus’s integrity with age and intelligence, using DTI data from 488 individuals whose age ranges between 6 to 85 years. The left, but not right, AF showed significant decline with age. Both left and right AF showed significant association with the full-scale IQ measured by the Wechsler Abbreviated Intelligence Scale. Both fasciculi showed significant association with the subscale verbal IQ, but only the left showed performance IQ. This study demonstrates that the bilateral arcuate fasciculi are associated with IQ; left vs. right asymmetry is present in its aging and function.
Predicting women's height from their socioeconomic status: A machine learning approach

Abstract The social determinants of health literature routinely deploy socio-economic status (SES) as a key factor in accounting for women's height—an established indicator of human welfare at the population level—using traditional regression. However, this literature lacks a systematic identification of the predictive power of SES as well as the possible non-linear relationships between the measures of SES (education, occupation, and material wealth) in predicting variation in women's height. This study aims to evaluate this predictive power. We used the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 66 low- and middle-income countries (women = 1,273,644), sampled between 1994 and 2016. The analysis consisted of training seven machine-learning algorithms of different function classes and assessing their predictive power out-of-sample, vis-a-vis OLS regression. In an OLS framework, SES accounts for 0.7%, R2, of the total variance in women's height (from σ O L S F i x 2 = 31.82 to σ O L S S E S 2 = 31.57), adjusting for country, community, and sampling year fixed effects. The country-specific variances range from as low as 25.10 units in Egypt to as high as 74.46 units in Sao Tome and Principe. With the same set of SES measures, the best performing learner, a Bayesian neural net, produces a predictive variance of σ B n n S E S 2 = 31.52. This is a negligible improvement in variance explained by 0.3% ( σ B n n S E S 2 − σ O L S S E S 2 ). Given our selection of algorithms, our findings indicate no relevant non-linear relationships between SES and women's height, and also the predictive limits of SES. We recommend that scholars report both the average effect of SES on health outcomes as well as its contribution to the variance explained. This will improve our understanding of how key social and economic factors affect health, deepening our understanding of the social determinants of health.
Introduction to “inoperable” gliomas

Abstract The idea of writing a book about “inoperable” gliomas is of course a paradox, in that many of the tumors traditionally deemed to be inoperable can in fact be safely resected. It is important to place these technical advancements in historical context, as the history of glioma surgery is based on the works of leaders in neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery.
(56) Self-Harm with Insulin – Expect the Unexpected

Background: Hypoglycemia is a common and potentially fatal complication of insulin preparations. Risk factors for medication-induced hypoglycemia include: incorrect dosing, poor timing of administration, increased glucose utilization and decreased sensitization to insulin. Lantus® insulin can be more dangerous in comparison to short acting insulin preparations. The unique characteristics of its preparation make the duration of action difficult to truly predict and can vary based on injection site, mode of injection, and volume or concentration of injection. Published cases show varied duration of Lantus® insulin effects, and some authors have postulated a …
Selection practices and evaluation of growth and composition in three lines of synthetic beef cattle

Data in the present study came from two separate beef cattle breeding projects at Iowa State University. Data set-I included growth and carcass information of progeny in the small, medium, and large lines of synthetic cattle. Progeny were bom during the years 1978 through 1990 at Rhodes and McNay research farms. Data were used to evaluate selection practices in the three synthetic lines, to evaluate effects of some crossbreeding parameters on carcass traits, and to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends for carcass traits. Data set-II included carcass and serially measured live-animal traits collected over a 6-year period (1991 1996). Most of the data came from progeny of purebred Angus and Simmental sires with known expected progeny difference and synthetic females from a previous project. Data set-II was used to study effects of sex and breed on growth and composition of feedlot cattle and to determine the best strategy to adjust serially measured traits to a constant age end point. The overall mean generation interval was 4.11 years. When averaged by line, 1.82, 1.47, and 1.28 generations of selection was made in the small, medium, and large lines, respectively. Mean actual sire index differentials per generation were, 1.28, -.47, and .84o for the small, medium, and large lines, respectively. There was a significant (P .10). Heritability of hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, fat thickness, and percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat in the small line were, .30, .09, .21, .34, and .15, respectively. The respective values in the medium line were, .52, .35, .33, .29, and .07. Heritability values in the large line were in the order of .31,. 18,. 17, .31, and .18,
The drug purity discounting task: Ecstasy use likelihood is reduced by probabilistic impurity according to harmfulness of adulterants.

Abstract Background Ecstasy typically contains adulterants in addition to, or in lieu of, MDMA which may pose a greater risk to users than MDMA itself. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adulterant-related informational prompts in reducing Ecstasy use using a novel probability discounting task. Methods An online sample of past-month Ecstasy users (N = 278) were randomized to one of four different framing prompt conditions: no prompt; a prompt describing MDMA’s effects; a prompt describing adulterants as inert “filler”; or a prompt describing adulterants as pharmacologically-active, potentially-harmful compounds. Each prompt contained general, potential public-health information that was not specifically related to subsequent behavioral tasks. All participants then completed an identical Drug Purity Discounting Task, in which they indicated the likelihood of using a sample of Ecstasy across different probabilities of the sample being impure, and then completed a hypothetical Ecstasy purchasing task. Results Likelihood of Ecstasy use decreased as impurity probability increased across conditions. Ecstasy use likelihood was highest in the “inert” prompt condition, whereas pharmacologically-active adulterant or adulterant-nonspecific prompts resulted in comparably low likelihood of use. Ecstasy-use likelihood did not differ among conditions when the likelihood of sample impurity was 0. Ecstasy purchasing did not differ among groups. Inelastic purchasing was associated with greater likelihood of using potentially-impure Ecstasy. Conclusions Altogether, these data highlight the necessity of education regarding pharmacologically-active, rather than inert, adulterants in Ecstasy, and suggest that increased access to drug checking kits and services may mitigate some of the harms associated with Ecstasy use.
Balance between oxygen transport and blood rheology during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with polymerized bovine hemoglobin.

Large-molecular diameter polymerized bovine hemoglobin avoided vasoconstriction and impairment of cardiac function during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock that was seen with previous hemoglobin...
Bi Us, For Us: Articulating Foundational Principles for Research in Partnership with Bisexual Communities

Bisexual people comprise over half of all adults who identify as sexual minorities within the United States. Increasingly, population level health research has revealed that bisexual people face st...
Nonadiabatic Dynamics at the Gas–Molten Metal Interface: State-to-State Resolved Scattering of NO from Hot Gallium (600–1000 K)

This work reports the first quantum-state-resolved collisional energy-transfer studies of supersonically cooled NO colliding with the surface of hot, molten Ga and detected by laser-induced fluores...
Data Synthesis for Testing Black-Box Machine Learning Models.

The increasing usage of machine learning models raises the question of the reliability of these models. The current practice of testing with limited data is often insufficient. In this paper, we provide a framework for automated test data synthesis to test black-box ML/DL models. We address an important challenge of generating realistic user-controllable data with model agnostic coverage criteria to test a varied set of properties, essentially to increase trust in machine learning models. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique.
The Roles of Cost and Quality Information in Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Decisions: an Observational Study

To facilitate informed decision-making in the Medicare Advantage marketplace, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes plan information on the Medicare Plan Finder website, including costs, benefits, and star ratings reflecting quality. Little is known about how beneficiaries weigh costs versus quality in enrollment decisions. We aimed to assess associations between publicly reported Medicare Advantage plan attributes (i.e., costs, quality, and benefits) and brand market share and beneficiaries’ enrollment decisions. We performed a nationwide, beneficiary-level cross-sectional analysis of 847,069 beneficiaries enrolling in Medicare Advantage for the first time in 2011. Matching beneficiaries with their plan choice sets, we used conditional logistic regression to estimate associations between plan attributes and enrollment to assess the proportion of enrollment variation explained by plan attributes and willingness to pay for quality. Relative to the total variation explained by the model, the variation in plan choice explained by premiums (25.7 %) and out-of-pocket costs (11.6 %) together explained nearly three times as much as quality ratings (13.6 %), but brand market share explained the most variation (35.3 %). Further, while beneficiaries were willing to pay more in total annual combined premiums and out-of-pocket costs for higher-rated plans (from $4,154.93 for 2.5-star plans to $5,698.66 for 5-star plans), increases in willingness to pay diminished at higher ratings, from $549.27 (95 %CI: $541.10, $557.44) for a rating increase from 2.5 to 3 stars to $68.22 (95 %CI: $61.44, $75.01) for an increase from 4.5 to 5 stars. Willingness to pay varied among subgroups: beneficiaries aged 64-65 years were more willing to pay for higher-rated plans, while black and rural beneficiaries were less willing to pay for higher-rated plans. While beneficiaries prefer higher-quality and lower-cost Medicare Advantage plans, marginal utility for quality diminishes at higher star ratings, and their decisions are strongly associated with plans’ brand market share.
Development and validation of an ultrasound scoring system for children with suspected acute appendicitis

To facilitate consistent, reliable communication among providers, we developed a scoring system (Appy-Score) for reporting limited right lower quadrant ultrasound (US) exams performed for suspected pediatric appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation of this scoring system and its ability to risk-stratify children with suspected appendicitis. In this HIPAA compliant, Institutional Review Board-approved study, the Appy-Score was applied retrospectively to all limited abdominal US exams ordered for suspected pediatric appendicitis through our emergency department during a 5-month pre-implementation period (Jan 1, 2013, to May 31, 2013), and Appy-Score use was tracked prospectively post-implementation (July 1, 2013, to Sept. 30,2013). Appy-Score strata were: 1 = normal completely visualized appendix; 2 = normal partially visualized appendix; 3 = non-visualized appendix, 4 = equivocal, 5a = non-perforated appendicitis and 5b = perforated appendicitis. Appy-Score use, frequency of appendicitis by Appy-Score stratum, and diagnostic performance measures of US exams were computed using operative and clinical finding as reference standards. Secondary outcome measures included rates of CT imaging following US exams and negative appendectomy rates. We identified 1,235 patients in the pre-implementation and 686 patients in the post-implementation groups. Appy-Score use increased from 24% (37/155) in July to 89% (226/254) in September (P < 0.001). Appendicitis frequency by Appy-Score stratum post-implementation was: 1 = 0.5%, 2 = 0%, 3 = 9.5%, 4 = 44%, 5a = 92.3%, and 5b = 100%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 96.3% (287/298), 93.9% (880/937), 83.4% (287/344), and 98.8% (880/891) pre-implementation and 93.0% (200/215), 92.6% (436/471), 85.1% (200/235), and 96.7% (436/451) post-implementation – only NPV was statistically different (P = 0.012). CT imaging after US decreased by 31% between pre- and post-implementation, 8.6% (106/1235) vs. 6.0% (41/686); P = 0.048). Negative appendectomy rates did not change (4.4% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.8). A scoring system and structured template for reporting US exam results for suspected pediatric appendicitis was successfully adopted by a pediatric radiology department at a large tertiary children’s hospital and stratifies risk for children based on their likelihood of appendicitis.
A THREE-DIMENSIONAL BABCOCK-LEIGHTON SOLAR DYNAMO MODEL

We present a three-dimensional (3D) kinematic solar dynamo model in which poloidal field is generated by the emergence and dispersal of tilted sunspot pairs (more generally bipolar magnetic regions, or BMRs). The axisymmetric component of this model functions similarly to previous 2.5 dimensional (2.5D, axisymmetric) Babcock-Leighton (BL) dynamo models that employ a double-ring prescription for poloidal field generation but we generalize this prescription into a 3D flux emergence algorithm that places BMRs on the surface in response to the dynamo-generated toroidal field. In this way, the model can be regarded as a unification of BL dynamo models (2.5D in radius/latitude) and surface flux transport models (2.5D in latitude/longitude) into a more self-consistent framework that builds on the successes of each while capturing the full 3D structure of the evolving magnetic field. The model reproduces some basic features of the solar cycle including an 11 yr periodicity, equatorward migration of toroidal flux in the deep convection zone, and poleward propagation of poloidal flux at the surface. The poleward-propagating surface flux originates as trailing flux in BMRs, migrates poleward in multiple non-axisymmetric streams (made axisymmetric by differential rotation and turbulent diffusion), and eventually reverses the polar field, thus sustaining the dynamo. In this Letter we briefly describe the model, initial results, and future plans.
Apparent stress variations near the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, influenced by subducted bathymetric features

[1] We compute apparent stress for 114 aftershocks (0.9 ≤ ML ≤ 3.7) of the 1999 Mw = 6.9 Quepos, Costa Rica, thrust-faulting earthquake to examine the influence of subducting plate topographic complexity near the Osa Peninsula on earthquake rupture. Using seismic coda techniques, we find a heterogeneous distribution in apparent stress of 0.1–2.5 MPa (mean 0.6 MPa) for these aftershocks. Mean aftershock apparent stress is more than twice the global mean for thrust-faulting earthquakes at oceanic subduction zones and 1.5 times the mean for events just northward along the margin near the Nicoya Peninsula where the subducting plate has lower relief. We also find constant source scaling for the Osa aftershocks. The variation in apparent stress found near the Osa Peninsula, and high mean as compared to global and regional values, suggest areas of stress concentration in the region of bathymetric complexity in the subduction zone.
Cash flow and accrual surprises: Persistence and return implications

This paper investigates the return implications of the cash flows and accruals components of unexpected earnings. We find that unexpected cash flows have greater persistence than unexpected accruals and that this difference is driven primarily by loss firms. We also find that markets appear to react more (less) strongly to the unexpected cash flow (accrual) component of total unexpected earnings, but that only firms that beat both earnings expectations and cash flow expectations are rewarded with higher returns. These results are consistent with at least some fixation on the total earnings number, to the exclusion of more economically important cash flow surprises.
ADAPT: a media access control protocol for mobile ad hoc networks using adaptive array antennas

Adaptive array antennas have the ability to respond automatically to an unknown interference environment, in real time, by steering nulls and reducing side lobe levels in the direction of interference, while retaining some desired signal beam characteristics. We present a protocol (ADAPT) that enables nodes in an ad hoc network to utilize adaptive array antennas efficiently to communicate. We compare our adaptive antenna configuration {ADAPT, adaptive array antennas} to both an omni-directional setting {802.11, omni-directional antennas} and a directional one {DMAC protocol, directional antennas} in terms of network throughput and end-to-end delay. The DMAC protocol is described by M. Takai et al. (see Proc. ACM MobiHoc, 2002) and R. Roychoudhury et al. (see Proc. MOBICOM 2002). Our protocol achieves up to a 60% throughput and 2-3 times delay improvement over the omni-directional case and up to a 40% throughput and 55% delay improvement over the directional one, in most scenarios considered.
Seminoma with elevated human chorionic gonadotropin. The case for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

Abstract An elevated serum level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HC G) in a patient whose primary tumor histologically appears to be a pure seminoma implies the presence of syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells either detectable by careful step sectioning of the primary tumor or present in metastatic disease. Inasmuch as the malignant potential and radioresponsiveness of syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells are unknown and the serum elevation of HCG may signal metastatic embryonal carcinoma, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with adjuvant chemotherapy dependent on pathologic staging should be considered for patients with seminoma and postorchiectomy elevated HCG levels. An illustrative case is herein reported.
Gastric motor disturbances in patients with idiopathic rapid gastric emptying.

Background The mechanisms of ‘idiopathic’ rapid gastric emptying, which are associated with functional dyspepsia and functional diarrhea, are not understood. Our hypotheses were that increased gastric motility and reduced postprandial gastric accommodation contribute to rapid gastric emptying. Methods Fasting and postprandial (300 kcal nutrient meal) gastric volumes were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 20 healthy people and 17 with functional dyspepsia; seven had normal and 10 had rapid gastric emptying. In 17 healthy people and patients, contractility was analyzed by spectral analysis of a time-series of gastric cross-sectional areas. Logistic regression models analyzed whether contractile parameters, fasting volume, and postprandial volume change could discriminate between health and patients with normal or rapid gastric emptying. Key Results While upper gastrointestinal symptoms were comparable, patients with rapid emptying had a higher (P = 0.002) body mass index than normal gastric emptying. MRI visualized propagating contractions at ∼3 cpm in healthy people and patients. Compared with controls (0.32 ± 0.04, Mean ± SEM), the amplitude of gastric contractions in the entire stomach was higher (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2–14.0) in patients with rapid (0.48 ± 0.06), but not normal gastric emptying (0.20 ± 0.06). Similar differences were observed in the distal stomach. However, the propagation velocity, fasting gastric volume, and the postprandial volume change were not significantly different between patients and controls. Conclusions & Inferences MRI provides a non-invasive and refined assessment of gastric volumes and contractility in humans. Increased gastric contractility may contribute to rapid gastric emptying in functional dyspepsia.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Binding in Mammalian Brain: Heterogeneity of Binding Sites

The binding of radioactive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to receptor-like sites in mammalian brain membranes was analyzed by computer for comparison with models which might explain the observed apparent heterogeneity of ligand binding. The best fit was obtained with two independent binding sites. Binding was measured by centrifugation, using thoroughly washed, frozen, and thawed membranes without detergent treatment. Assays were carried out at 0° under sodium ion-free conditions which have previously been shown to allow detection only of those binding sites having the chemical specificity and other properties expected of receptor sites for the neurotransmitter GABA. Quantitative analysis of binding curves for several brain regions, subcellular fractions, and species revealed the general presence of two affinity classes for GABA receptors, one with KD Of 13 ± 6 nM ( B max = 0.33 pmole/mg of protein in bovine cortex) and the other with KD of 300 ± 150 nM ( B max 1.8 pmole/mg of protein in bovine cortex). The two-site model fit the data better than did models with one site, three sites, or negative cooperativity, but the fit to the mobile receptor-effector coupling hypothesis was almost as good as that of the two-site model. Consistent with the heterogeneity in equilibrium binding data, heterogeneity was also observed for association and dissociation rates of ligand binding and for rates of thermal inactivation of binding activity. The rate of heat denaturation was biphasic, with earlier times corresponding to selective loss of one of the two binding affinity subpopulations. Kinetics studies revealed two subpopulations of binding sites with respect to on- and off-rates. A slow component with k +1 = 1.9 x 107 M-1 min-1, and k -1 = 0.2 min-1, KD = 11 nM, and low B max corresponded to the high-affinity component of the equilibrium binding curve, and a rapidly dissociating population with lower affinity and higher B max corresponded to the lower-affinity component of the equilibrium binding curve. Independent IC50 values for the high-affinity and low-GABA site were determined for a series of analogues. All analogues tested were more effective inhibitors of the high-affinity GABA sites, and a marked similarity in the relative drug potency for the two sites was observed. Thus the heterogeneity of GABA binding would appear to involve two discrete populations of receptors on the grounds of noninterconvertible heterogeneity under the conditions tested, whereas the similarity in the drug specificity of the two populations would be more consistent with a model involving multiple coupled or conformational states of a single receptor. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank N. Birdsall, E. Hulme, B. Meiners, W. B. Levy, and D. Ching for helpful discussions, and A. Snowman for expert technical assistance.