cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
100.10 Social Predictors of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for NSTEMI in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database

The treatment of choice for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The choice of early invasive versus conservative treatment strategies is less clear-cut for unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and is often based on
Declines in HPV vaccine type prevalence in women screened for cervical cancer in the United States: Evidence of direct and herd effects of vaccination.

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been recommended in the United States since 2006 for routine vaccination of girls at age 11–12 years and through age 26 years for women not previously vaccinated. Changes in vaccine-type HPV (VT) prevalence can be used to evaluate vaccine impact, including herd effects. Methods We determined type-specific HPV in cytology specimens from women aged 20–29 years screened for cervical cancer at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in 2007 and in two vaccine era periods: 2012–2013 and 2015–2016. Detection and typing used L1 consensus PCR with hybridization for 37 types, including quadrivalent vaccine types (HPV 6/11/16/18). Results Among 20–24 year-olds in 2012–2013 and 2015–2016, 44% and 64% had a history of ≥1-dose vaccination. VT prevalence decreased from 13.1% in 2007 to 2.9% in 2015–2016 (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17–0.29). HPV 31 prevalence was also lower in the vaccine periods compared with 2007. VT prevalence in 2015–2016 among 20–24 year-olds was lower in both vaccinated, 1.3% (PR = 0.10; 95% CI 0.06–0.16), and unvaccinated women, 5.8% (PR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.33–0.61). Among 25–29 year-olds, 21% and 32% had a history of ≥1-dose vaccination. VT prevalence decreased from 8.1% in 2007 to 5.0% in 2015–2016 (PR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50–0.78). Non-VT high risk prevalence was higher in the vaccine periods compared with the pre-vaccine era in both age groups, however, not in 2015–2016 compared with 2012–2013. Conclusion Within 9–10 years of vaccine introduction, VT prevalence decreased 78% among 20–24 year-olds and 38% in 25–29 year-olds. There were declines in both vaccinated and unvaccinated women, showing evidence of direct and herd protection.
A Corpus Study on the Item-based Nature of Early Grammar Acquisition.

This paper explores the item-based nature of child language acquisition by examining data from the CHILDES database (MacWhinney 2000). Two studies are explicated: the first uses pooled data from several children, and the second follows a single child longitudinally. The results show that the learning of the complex construction consisting of a main clause followed by an infinitival compliment, e.g. I want to play, center around a single verb, want, even though other candidate verbs exist in the children’s vocabulary. We provide empirical evidence to show that children initially learn grammar via item-based units and gradually break down complex constructions as units into smaller pieces in a process that leads towards the organization of language into the abstract categories consistent with a fully competent adult grammar.
X-linked duplication copy number variation in a familial overgrowth condition.

We describe an overgrowth condition associated with X-linked copy number variation. Three brothers displayed an overgrowth pattern at birth that continued postnatally. Clinical findings included macrocephaly, distinctive facial features, developmental delay and variable clubfoot. Normal fetal growth was noted until the third trimester by Hadlock standards, revealing a late gestational overgrowth pattern. Microarray analysis in the family showed a maternally inherited 680 kb copy number duplication at Xq26.1-q26.2 in all three brothers. Molecular sequencing for known overgrowth conditions including GPC3, Sotos 1 (NSD1), Malan (NFIX), Perlman (DIS3L2), Weaver (EZH2), Opitz-Kaveggia (MED12) loci were negative. BWS IC1 and IC2 methylation and CDKN1C testing was also negative. Normal IGF1 levels excluded X-linked acrogiantism. The duplicated region Xq26.1-q26.2 contained IGSF1 and at least part of the lncRNA FIRRE. IGSF1, a highly expressed pituitary immunoglobulin superfamily gene, was recently implicated in a genome-wide association study of canine size. IGSF1 variants were associated with large canine breeds compared to smaller breeds. Our findings support the hypothesis that an X-linked variant encompassing the IGSF1 region may be associated with body size. Although IGSF1 loss has been noted in human hypothyroidism, this is the first reported phenotype in a family with copy number duplication in the region. Our findings suggest that prenatal evaluation, cross-species evaluation, Mendelian, and GWAS studies may describe a distinctive familial condition and its corresponding phenotypic features.
Investigating the effects of pragmatic instruction: a comparison of L2 Spanish compliments and apologies during short term study-abroad

Study abroad has been proposed as a crucial aspect to acquire pragmatics in a second language, under the assumption that learners receive more access to authentic input than is available in the classroom. Recent trends indicate a rise in the frequency of short-term study abroad programs (less than 3 months, Allen, 2010), although research has shown that learners may need closer to 9 months to approximate native-like norms without instruction (FELIX-BRASDEFER, 2004). This raises the question of how much pragmatic development can be seen in short-term programs, and how to maximize this development. The current study analyzed the development of two expressive speech acts, compliments and apologies, in students who completed a five-week study abroad program in Merida, Mexico. During the program, learners received instruction on compliments, but not apologies. Speech act data was collected via a 24-item oral discourse completion task administered at both the beginning and end of the program and was further analyzed in SPSS. Results indicate that only some learners developed their production of apologies, while almost all learners showed development in their production of compliments, operationalized by an increased repertoire of strategies available. These results suggest the need for pragmatic instruction during short-term study abroad, and question the utility of native-speaker norms to measure pragmatic development during short-term programs.
Die-hard fans: Selective self-presentation in newspaper obituaries

Basking in Reflected Glory or BIRGing is the tendency for sport fans to promote their connection to successful teams and players. This archival study examines deceased individuals’ BIRGing behaviou...
Student, Educator, and Parent Perspectives of Self-Determination in High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Self-determination refers to an individual being a causal agent in their daily activities, including the ability to express their own needs, interests, and wants, make choices, and set goals. Self-determination is critical during adolescence and has been linked to positive educational outcomes in individuals with disabilities. Few studies have characterized the measurement of self-determination in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of the current study was to (a) examine the agreement across the American Institutes for Research Self-Determination Scale (Wolman et al., AIR Self-determination scale and user guide. Palo Alto, CA: American Institute for Research, 1994) student, educator, and parent forms for high school students with ASD, and (b) examine student and family predictors of self-determination. Participants included adolescents with ASD (N = 547, mean chronological age = 16.1 years, SD = 1.4 years), their parents, and educators. Student reports did not correspond to parent or educator reports, and parent and educator reports were in moderate agreement. Adaptive behavior was a significant predictor of self-determination across reporters, highlighting the significance of adaptive behavior skills during high school. In addition to promoting adaptive behavior, supporting family empowerment, and reducing family burden may help to increase self-determination in high school students with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Self-determination refers to the abilities and opportunities for students to make choices, plans, and set goals. The current study examined self-determination from multiple perspectives in a large, diverse sample of high school students with ASD. Students, parents, and their teachers each completed a questionnaire on self-determination and had little to some agreement across reporters. Providing support to families and help for students to increase independent skills may promote self-determination.
Varied Incident Rates of Global Maritime Piracy: Toward a Model for State Policy Change:

Maritime piracy is a problem that plagues our navigable seas. This study provides a quantitative understanding of factors that influence the frequency of yearly maritime piracy occurrences. Using a...
Adolescent Sleep Problems and Susceptibility to Peer Influence

Susceptibility to peer influence among adolescents is associated with a variety of negative interpersonal and psychosocial outcomes. Although proper sleep is crucial for adolescent development and ...
Research on Multi-period Voltage Coordinated Control Technology Supporting New Energy Dissipation of Regional Power Grid

The penetration rate of new energy in the current regional power grid is gradually increasing. New energy puts forward higher requirements for traditional reactive voltage control due to its high uncertainty and the strong coupling of active and reactive power at the low-voltage level. In order to support the new energy dissipation and meet the requirements of voltage security and stability, this paper proposes a multi-period voltage coordinated control method which takes into account the day-ahead and ultra-short-term prediction, which can give a optimization target plan under high uncertainty, and rolling optimization control in the day, and realize multi cycle voltage coordinated control to fully support the automatic control of reactive power and voltage in regional grid. The simulation in the actual power grid is implemented to prove the effectiveness of this method.
Effect of hydrogen peroxide on the microbial community present in biofloc production systems of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract The biofloc technology (BFT) allows the production of aquatic organisms in high stocking densities with low effluent production. BFT is a system compounded of flocs highly colonized by aerobic heterotrophic and chemoautotrophic biota, which guarantee good water quality and represent a supplementary food source for the produced organisms. However, the large abundance of bacteria, protozoan, metazoan and raised organisms, may lead to a rapid consumption of dissolved oxygen in case of aeration systems malfunction or energy outbreaks. In BFT systems, one extreme alternative to keep oxygen in high levels is the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, H2O2 is a neutral molecule that can easily cross the cell membranes by diffusion, producing lipid and protein peroxidation and affecting the cells integrity. In a 10 days experiment, we have evaluated the effect of H2O2 on the microorganisms present in bioflocs during the production of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in a BFT system. Twelve 45-l containers with saltwater and mature bioflocs were stocked with 15 (5.51 ± 1.05 g) shrimp (333 shrimp m−3). Tanks were distributed into four treatments: control, with aeration and without application of H2O2, and the treatments 12 h, 24 h and 48 h with aeration suppression and the addition of hydrogen peroxide (10 μL H2O2 L−1) during these periods, whenever necessary to maintain dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg L−1. The mean levels of dissolved oxygen were similar among treatments. Total suspended solids were significantly higher in the 12-h treatment. The addition of H2O2 did not affect the shrimp survival, but negatively influenced the nitrification process with the increment of ammonia and nitrite concentration. However, ammonia levels decreased few days after stopping H2O2 addition, whereas nitrite was still present in high concentration at the end of the experiment, indicating that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria recovered faster than nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. The Chlorophycea Planctonema sp. was mostly affected by hydrogen peroxide, with higher abundance in control than in 24 h and 48 h treatments. The abundance of these microalgae probably decreased due to light limitation caused by high total suspended solids in tanks. Protozoans, especially flagellates, were also negatively affected by the H2O2. Considering the results presented here, we must say that H2O2 should be used only in extreme cases, as an emergency tool.
Retrospective analysis on the effect of spinal cord stimulation on opioid consumption.

Aim: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to clinically manage and/or treat several chronic pain etiologies. A limited amount is known about the influence on patients' use of opioid pain medication. This retrospective analysis evaluated SCS effect on opioid consumption in patients presenting with chronic pain conditions. Materials & methods: Sixty-seven patients underwent a temporary trial device, permanent implant or both. Patients were divided for assessment based on the nature of their procedure(s). Primary outcome was change in morphine equivalent dose (MED), ascertained from preoperative and postoperative medication reports. Results: Postoperative MED was significantly lower in patients who received some form of neuromodulation therapy. Pretrial patients reported an average MED of 41.01 ± 10.23 mg per day while post-trial patients reported an average of 13.30 ± 5.34 mg per day (p 50 mg per day. Conclusion: Spinal cord stimulation may reduce opioid use when implemented appropriately. Neuromodulation may represent alternative therapy for alleviating chronic pain which may avoid a number of deleterious side effects commonly associated with opioid consumption.
A New Approach to Social Assistance: Latin America's Experience with Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes

Conditional cash transfers are a departure from more traditional approaches to social assistance that represents an innovative and increasingly popular channel for the delivery of social services. Conditional cash transfers provide money to poor families contingent upon certain behaviour, usually investments in human capital such as sending children to school or bringing them to health centres on a regular basis. They seek both to address traditional short-term income support objectives and promote the longer-term accumulation of human capital by serving as a demand-side complement to the supply of health and education services. Evaluation results reveal that this innovative design has been quite successful in addressing many of the failures in delivering social assistance such as poor poverty targeting, disincentive effects and limited welfare impacts. There is clear evidence of success from the first generation of programmes in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Nicaragua in increasing enrolment rates, improving preventive healthcare and raising household consumption. Despite this promising evidence, many questions remain unanswered about conditional cash transfer programmes, including the replicability of their success under different conditions their ability to address a broader range of challenges posed by poor and vulnerable populations, their within a broader social protection system, and their long-term effectiveness in preventing the intergenerational transmission of poverty.
Peer Experiences of Military Spouses with Children with Autism in a Distance Peer Mentoring Program: A Pilot Study

Previous research has indicated military families with children with autism reported significant difficulties when relocating with their child with autism. One possible relocation support for these families is an online peer mentorship program with another military spouse with a child with autism who has more relocation experience. The purpose of this pilot investigation was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and collect initial outcome data for an online peer mentorship program for military spouses with children with autism. Results from this study indicated an online peer mentorship program is feasible, and may be a helpful program to support military spouses with children with autism before relocations.
Fault Tolerant Lanczos Eigensolver via an Invariant Checking Method

An extensive survey of the literature shows that the Lanczos eigensolver is a popular iterative method for approximating a few maximal eigenvalues of a real symmetric matrix, particularly if the matrix is large and sparse. In recent years, graphics processing units (GPUs) have become a popular platform for scientific computing applications, many of which are based on linear algebra, and are increasingly being used as the main computational units in supercomputers. This trend is expected to continue as the number of computations required by scientific applications reach petascale and exascale range. In this paper, building on our earlier work [22], we investigate in detail the error checking mechanism for the Lanczos eigensolver. We identify a low cost invariant for efficient error checking, and through mathematical analysis determine the efficiency of our mechanism when used by the Lanczos eigensolver. We evaluate the proposed fault tolerant scheme using an open-source sparse eigensolver on a GPU platform, with and without the injection of faults. We use a large number of sparse matrices from real applications, to determine the efficiency and efficacy of our method and our implementation shows that the proposed fault tolerant method has good error coverage and low overhead. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to introduce such a scheme for the Lanczos method.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Collaborative Practice Scale in Certified Nurse-Midwife and Obstetrician Teams.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Team-based care has been proposed as a means of improving maternity care in the United States. METHODS The study evaluated the individual and group-level psychometric properties of the Collaborative Practice Scale (CPS) among 108 midwives and physicians who provided team-based care in military hospitals. RESULTS Psychometric properties of the CPS included Cronbach's alpha of .98. Internal consistency was measured with item-to-total correlations from .83 to .94 and inter-item correlations from .71 to .88. Principal components analysis resulted in a single-factor loading, accounting for 80% of total variance. Properties of the scale at the group level; strong within team agreement (rwg(j) = .94) and between team variance (ICC1 = .15, ICC2 = .65). CONCLUSION The CPS demonstrated reliability and validity of the instrument at the individual and group levels. The collaborative process can be measured among midwife-physician teams.
Specification and Implementation of Digital Control Algorithms in Chemistry Automation

In this paper an overview of control system design is presented to provide the chemist with some background on the topic. This background is necessary when writing specifications for a chemistry control system. Then procedures for characterizing and specifying error due to roundoff in digital control algorithms are discussed.
Regulating the Privatization of War: How to Stop Private Military Firms from Committing Human Rights Abuses

Private Military Firms (PMFs) have recently stepped in to all the growing global demand for temporary, highly-specialized military services. These private corporations can be a blessing to their client countries in that they offer many economic, military, and political beneats not ordinarily found in standing armies. However, PMFs fall within a gap in international law, which presumes and prefers a monopolization of force by state actors, thereby leaving no effective way to deal with those PMFs that commit human rights abuses. This Note traces the history of private militaries and the applicable legal standards and argues for a coordinated domestic approach among a handful of countries to legitimize and regulate PMFs.
Disturbances of Taste and Smell Induced by Drugs

We reviewed the current literature (1980-1990, 1991-1996) concerning drugs associated with anosmia, hyposmia, dysgeusia, parageusia, and ageusia, and the impact of these adverse effects. Case reports of patients with sudden and delayed onset of one of these disorders with evidence for implication of a drug were included. Disturbances of taste and smell among the elderly and chronically ill, including those with thermal injury, decreases interest in eating and secondarily impairs healing of wounds. Mechanisms involved with these sensory disturbances include deposition of silver sulfate in nerves after use of topical agents containing silver, altered influx of calcium and other ions, chelation or depletion of tissue-bound zinc, disturbed bradykinin catabolism and second messenger synthesis, catabolism, and altered prostaglandin systems. Other mechanisms, particularly prolonged chemosensory disorders after early drug discontinuation, remain unknown.
Virtual reality and hypermedia in learning to use a turning lathe

A Virtual reality environment with hypermedia was designed to help undergraduates understand the structure and functioning of a turning lathe. Study 1 was carried out with 30 novice students and Study 2 involved 24 students attending a machining course. These studies demonstrated that the virtual lathe can foster the comprehension of some core machining concepts. Further, the studies suggest that novice students benefit most from earlier free navigation of the virtual environment whereas expert students benefit from an analysis of the hypermedia.
Antibacterial Effect of Water-Soluble Arrowroot (Puerariae radix) Tea Extracts on Foodborne Pathogens in Ground Beef and Mushroom Soup

Antimicrobial activity of water-soluble arrowroot tea extract was evaluated against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus in ground beef and mushroom soup. The concentrations of arrowroot tea used were 0, 3, and 6% (wt/wt) for ground beef and 0, 1, 5, and 10% (wt/vol) for mushroom soup. Samples without tea extract were considered controls. Each sample was stored for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days at 7 degrees C for ground beef and for 0, 1, 3, and 5 days at 35 degrees C for mushroom soup. On each sampling time, proper dilutions were spread plated on each pathogen-specific agar. Viable cell counts of each pathogen were performed after incubation at 35 degrees C for 24 to 48 h. For ground beef, Salmonella Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes were slightly suppressed by approximately 1.5 log, compared with the control, on day 7 at 3 and 6% arrowroot tea treatment. For mushroom soup, all test pathogens were suppressed by 6.5, 4.7, 3.4, and 4.3 log at 5% and 6.0, 4.7, 5.0, and 4.3 log at 10% against E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus, respectively, compared with the control on day 5. Mushroom soup with 1% arrowroot tea also showed 2.3- and 2.7-log growth suppression of Salmonella Enteritidis and S. aureus, respectively, compared with the control on day 5. This study showed that the use of arrowroot tea would effectively inhibit the microbial growth of both gram-negative and gram-positive foodborne pathogens in various foods, especially liquid foods.
Toward a theory of learner-centered training design: An integrative framework of active learning.

The dynamicity and complexity of the current business landscape mean that, now more than ever, organizations must rely on workplace learning and continuous improvement to gain and sustain competitive advantage (Salas & Cannon-Bowers, 2001). However, the same trends that are driving the renewed emphasis on workplace learning have also introduced new training challenges. Traditionally, training has focused on developing routine expertise, or providing employees with competencies that directly transfer to the job. Yet, the changing nature of work has increasingly shifted attention toward the development of adaptive expertise, or competencies that are not only specialized but also flexible enough to be modified to changing circumstances. Although our understanding of how to develop adaptability remains limited, emerging research suggests that training designs that selectively influence cognitive, motivational, and affective self-regulatory processes to induce an active approach to learning may hold promise for developing adaptive capabilities (for a review, see Kozlowski, Toney, et al., 2001, and chapters by Mayer and CannonBowers & Bowers, this volume).
Vitamins C and E in adolescents and young adults with HIV infection

Oxidative stress during HIV infection may impair immune function cause more rapid disease progression and increase requirements for dietary antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. The study had 2 principal objectives. The first was to ascertain whether HIV infection and immune activation were associated with lower plasma concentrations of ascorbate urate and a- and t-tocopherols and with total antioxidant status (TAS). The second objective was to ascertain whether these antioxidants were associated with protection against oxidative damage. This was a cross-sectional study involving 241 HIV positive and 115 HIV-negative subjects aged 14-23 y. Subjects were primarily female (76%) and African American (70%) and 21%were Hispanic. Plasma ascorbate was significantly lower but t-tocopherol and TAS were significantly higher in subjects with HIV infection when the analysis was adjusted for dietary intake and sex. Plasma a-tocopherol did not differ significantly by HIV status. Plasma t-tocopherol also was higher in subjects with oxidative damage than in those without such damage. More than 90% of subjects had adequate plasma concentrations for both ascorbate and a-tocopherol although a-tocopherol concentrations were lower than expected on the basis of third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Low plasma ascorbate concentrations in HIV positive subjects suggest that vitamin C requirements are significantly higher in those with HIV infection. Plasma tocopherol concentrations were not depressed by HIV infection and may be maintained by compensatory mechanisms such as the activity of a-tocopherol transfer protein. (authors)
Hundred forty eight more days with depression: the association between marital conflict and depression-free days.

Background Although collaborative care programs are effective in improving late-life depression, only about half of treated patients achieve clinically meaningful improvement. Thus, we need to examine what characteristics may predict poor late-life depression course. Despite the robust evidence for the negative association between the quality of couple relationships and depression outcomes, few studies have examined these associations in the context of long-term late-life depression course. Aim The objective of this study is to examine the relations between the severity of couple conflict, receiving collaborative depression care program, and 24-months depression outcomes. Methods Study sample comprised 840 depressed older adults subsample from the improving mood, promoting access to collaborative treatment for late-life depression trial (IMPACT). Depression and couple conflict were assessed at baseline, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine mean 24-month depression-free days (DFD) and the marginal effects of receiving IMAPCT program over usual care among participants with varying degrees of 24-month couple conflict. Results Compared with those who never endorsed frequent couple conflict over the three observation points, those who did twice had 63 fewer DFD (p = 0.01), and those who did three times experienced 148 fewer DFD (p < 0.001). Although the marginal effects of receiving IMPACT program over usual care was greater in overall sample, it was not statistically significant among those who endorsed frequent conflict at two or three times. Conclusion Frequent couple conflict is associated with worse long-term late-life depression outcomes among the patients in primary care clinics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kelo Through the Lens of Therapeutic Jurisprudence

“Boiled down to its most essential element, therapeutic jurisprudence adds to legal analysis in a formal way, the dignity and value of the individual human being.” It therefore provides a fascinating jurisprudential lens through which to analyze the project that resulted in the infamous eminent domain case, Kelo v. City of New London. A therapeutic jurisprudence analysis of this project draws attention to additional considerations not fully appreciated in Kelo, in particular, the especially antitherapeutic impacts of this private-to-private taking undertaken solely for economic development. Recognition of these impacts helps to explain the level the public outrage that followed the Supreme Court’s decision. The therapeutic jurisprudence analysis also points to important norms that compete with that case’s expansive interpretation of government’s power to utilize eminent domain for private-to private-takings for economic development. It highlights the need for further work on this controversial topic by scholars, by members of the eminent domain and by members of the constitutional law bar. It suggests that therapeutic jurisprudence can contribute to that effort.
Semiconducting ZnSnxGe1−xN2 alloys prepared by reactive radio-frequency sputtering

We report on the fabrication and structural and optoelectronic characterization of II-IV-nitride ZnSn_x Ge(1−x)N_2 thin-films. Three-target reactive radio-frequency sputtering was used to synthesize non-degenerately doped semiconducting alloys having <10% atomic composition (x = 0.025) of tin. These low-Sn alloys followed the structural and optoelectronic trends of the alloy series. Samples exhibited semiconducting properties, including optical band gaps and increasing in resistivities with temperature. Resistivity vs. temperature measurements indicated that low-Sn alloys were non-degenerately doped, whereas alloys with higher Sn content were degenerately doped. These films show potential for ZnSn_x Ge_(1−x)N_2 as tunable semiconductor absorbers for possible use in photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, or optical sensors.
Analysis of tap-changer dynamics and construction of voltage stability regions

The destabilizing behavior of on-load tap-changers is an important mechanism responsible for the voltage collapse of power systems. The authors use a nonlinear dynamic model of the tap-changer, impedance loads, and decoupled reactive power-voltage relations to reconstruct the collapse. Based on the proposed M-bus network model, results presented include (1) a criterion for voltage stability, (2) a method to obtain a voltage region, and (3) qualitative characterizations of the equilibria. >
The Anisotropic Kepler Problem

The physically most appealing example of a conservative Hamiltonian system with hard chaos is the analog of the hydrogen atom inside a crystal of silicon or germanium. The significant difference with the ordinary Kepler problem is the anisotropy of the mass tensor, i. e., the electron moving in the crystal has a much larger inertia along one axis than along the two other axes. Although the trajectories cannot be written in terms of simple functions, the Poincare surface of section has a simple structure very close to an Anosov system. The energy surface foliates into two families of smooth submanifolds, the stable and unstable ones. All the trajectories can be coded uniquely with the help of binary sequences, and in particular, all the periodic orbits can be effectively enumerated.
Effects of homocysteine on endothelial nitric oxide production

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCy) is an independent and graded cardiovascular risk factor. HHCy is prevalent in patients with chronic renal failure, contributing to the increased mortality rate. Controversy exists as to the effects of HHCy on nitric oxide (NO) production: it has been shown that HHCy both increases and suppresses it. We addressed this problem by using amperometric electrochemical NO detection with a porphyrinic microelectrode to study responses of endothelial cells incubated with homocysteine (Hcy) to the stimulation with bradykinin, calcium ionophore, or l-arginine. Twenty-four-hour preincubation with Hcy (10, 20, and 50 μM) resulted in a gradual decline in responsiveness of endothelial cells to the above stimuli. Hcy did not affect the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but it stimulated formation of superoxide anions, as judged by fluorescence of dichlorofluorescein, and peroxynitrite, as detected by using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of proteins modified by tyr...
Wavelet version of Fourier optics

An introductory discussion of wavelets is presented for optics. By replacing the normed space of finite energy images with a phase-space (with twice as many variables) and by adding dilation invariance to the translation; a fiducial function called the mother wavelet is obtained, giving an enrichment of Fourier optics. This paradigm, wavelet optics, is discussed and the application to inverse scattering is indicated.
Supersystems for the 80's

LSI technology has led to architectural adaptation and increased computational concurrency—powerful means of improving throughput.
Dissecting cAMP Binding Domain A in the RIα Subunit of cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase DISTINCT SUBSITES FOR RECOGNITION OF cAMP AND THE CATALYTIC SUBUNIT

Abstract The two gene-duplicated cAMP binding domains in the regulatory subunits of cAMP dependent protein kinase are each comprised of an A helix, an eight-stranded β-barrel, and a B and C helix (1). The A domain is required for high affinity binding to C, while the B domain regulates access to the A domain. Using a combination of a yeast two-hybrid screen coupled with deletion analysis, cAMP binding domain A of RI was dissected into two structurally and functionally distinct subsites, one that binds cAMP and another that binds the C subunit. The minimum stable subdomain required for binding to C in the 1–3 micromolar range is composed of residues 94–169, while residues 236–244, mapped to the C helix of cAMP binding domain A, were defined as a second surface necessary for high affinity (5–10 nanomolar) binding to C. This portion of the C helix, due to its position directly between the two subsites, serves as a molecular switch for either a cAMP-bound conformation or a C-bound conformation and can thus modulate interactions of cAMP binding domain A with cAMP, with C, and with cAMP binding domain B.
The ORSA New Orleans Address on Compact City

The failure of urban planners, politicians, and bureaucrats to cope with urban crises and come up with solutions that work, stems from a fundamental inability to deal with complexity. The urban environment is complex, inter-related, highly dynamic. Nothing less than a total-system approach using the tools of mathematical and computer simulation models can hope to attack the problems of urban over growth. It is important to develop analytic, computer and simulation type models of the total urban system and of detailed subsystems in order to compare various arrangements such as the current megalopolis with its sprawl, and new satelite towns and cities built to make more effective use of vertical space and the round-the-clock use of facilities. Cities that make effective use of the vertical dimension and time, represent a viable alternative and should be given serious consideration.
Predation on Liothrips urichi Karny (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae): A Case of Biotic Interference

Predation on Liothrips urichi , introduced to Hawaii to control the weed Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don, was studied in field-cage exclusion experiments. Thrips in open cages (exposed to predation) experienced >40% mortality compared to <10% mortality in closed cages. Eggs and first instar larvae had the highest mean mortality. Two predators, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) (Formicidae) and Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton) (Anthocoridae), were observed attacking L. urichi in the cages. Their combined effect was approximately twice that observed in cages that selectively excluded P. megacephala , which suggested that their individual effects on the thrips were similar. Predation on L. urichi may reduce its effectiveness as a biological control agent against Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) in Hawaii.
Observation of direct vibrational excitation in collisions of H 2 and D 2 with a Cu(111) surface

We have observed the direct vibrational excitation (v=0\ensuremath{\rightarrow}v=1) of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ molecules colliding with a Cu(111) surface. The dependence of this process on kinetic energy is found to be similar for both molecules, resembling the function determined for dissociative chemisorption of molecules in the v=0 state. This suggests that translational-vibrational coupling is strong only when molecules closely approach the dissociation barrier.
Identification and characterization of auxotrophs of Neisseria meningitidis produced by Tn916 mutagenesis

Fourteen Tn916 mutants of Neisseria meningitidis strain NMB were identified as auxotrophs. Among these were eight amino acid auxotrophs, with five different phenotypes, and three isolates restricted in carbon source utilization, growing in the presence of glucose but not on L-lactate, D-lactate, pyruvate, or casamino acids as principal carbon sources.
Involvement of Protein Kinase C in Ethanol‐Induced Inhibition of NMDA Receptor Function in Cerebellar Granule Cells

Ethanol inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ in cerebellar granule cells apparently by reducing the potency of glycine to act as a co-agonist at the NMDA receptor. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on the NMDA response in these cells can be reversed not only by a high concentration of glycine, but also by the protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine and calphostin C. We previously showed that activation of protein kinase C in cerebellar granule cells also resulted in inhibition of the NMDA response, and in decreased potency of glycine at the NMDA receptor. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of ethanol and protein kinase C activation are not additive. These results suggest a role for protein kinase C in ethanol inhibition of NMDA responses in cerebellar granule cells. In contrast, although ethanol can inhibit the response to kainate in these cells in a "competitive" manner, this response is not affected by activation of protein kinase C.
Therapeutic Intravascular Normothermia Reduces The Burden of Metabolic Crisis

We aim to investigate whether therapeutic-induced normothermia (TIN) ≤37.5 °C, by means of intravascular cooling devices is more efficacious than standard medical therapy (MED) in alleviating metabolic crisis (MC) acutely following traumatic brain injury (TBI). We retrospectively analyzed data from 62 patients with severe TBI, GCS ≤ 8. We divided the cohort into two groups. (1) Patients who had temperature controlled via standard medical therapies (n = 52), (2) TIN group (n = 10). For each group, we analyzed the percent time spent in normothermia, and in MC. Furthermore, we focused the investigation on pre-TIN versus post-TIN comparing temp, intracranial pressure (ICP), sedation, and MC before and after intravascular cooling. TIN patients had a better temperature control than MED group (60.72 ± 19.53 vs 69.75 ± 24.98 %, p < 0.001) and spent shorter time in MC (22.60 ± 20.45 vs 32.17 ± 27.25 %, p < 0.001). Temperature control was associated with reduced incidence of MC in TIN (OR 0.51, CI 0.38–0.67, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) but not in MED (OR 0.97, CI 0.87–1.1, p = 0.63). Within TIN group analysis, following TIN both temperature and incidence of MC improved from 37.62 ± 0.34 versus 36.69 ± 0.90 °C (p < 0.005) and 41.95 ± 27.74 % before to 8.35 ± 9.78 % (p = 0.005) after, respectively. ICP was well controlled both before and after intravascular cooling (13.07 vs 15.83 mmHg, p = 0.20). Therapeutic normothermia, using intravascular cooling, results in a reduction in the burden of MC. This differential effect occurs despite equivalent control of ICP in both TIN and MED treatments. These results demonstrate proof of concept of normothermia, when applied in a controlled manner, being neuroprotective.
Oceanographic data issues for support of Navy Fleet Synthetic Training

In order to gain efficiencies throughout the fleet training cycle and conserve fuel, the Navy is in the process of increasing its use of synthetic training technologies. Maximum training value and increased readiness result from the most realistic training possible, which must include a robust and realistic physical environment. Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) will be providing meteorological and oceanographic data and expertise to enhance Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) events. This paper describes the issues associated with inserting operational data into modeling and simulation training events.
Vegetarian Dietary Patterns as a Means to Achieve Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are uncommon in people consuming vegetarian and vegan diets. Vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns tend to result in lower body weight and better nutritional profiles than conventional healthy eating patterns and have been shown to be an effective tool for management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. The consistency of observed beneficial outcomes with vegetarian and vegan eating styles warrants the expansion of dietary guidelines for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes to include well-planned vegetarian dietary patterns as a viable alternative to conventional dietary treatments.
The probabilistic analysis of testimony

Abstract The probabilistic analysis of testimony is surveyed. The coverage is not comprehensive; attention is focused on several problems of particular interest or complexity. The theory often contains implicit assumptions, and some attempt is made to clarify the role these play. The theory originally arose in an attempt to understand the logic of belief. It was not empirically grounded, however, and later died out in the 19th century when its conclusions became largely self-evident, and its non-empirical background suspect.
Quantification of Sustainability Index for Underground Utility Infrastructure Projects

AbstractThis paper examines environmental impact, costs, and social impacts comparing four construction techniques commonly used in the installation of underground utility infrastructure. The three impact factors are quantified to develop an overall underground sustainability index rating (USIR) for evaluating utility projects with competing installation technologies. The main contribution to the overall body of knowledge is the demonstration of a method for calculating a sustainability index that enables decision makers to quantify public works utility projects with guidance for evaluating proposed technologies based on environmental impact, costs, and social impact criteria. The aim is to help change the myopic thought process of typical public works owners who typically base contractor selection on lowest cost, rather than examining sustainability factors. An emission calculator was used in this research to quantify environmental impact by comparing six airborne emissions: carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon ...
Undiagnosed depression and its correlates in a predominantly immigrant Hispanic neurology clinic

Abstract Objective Previous studies have reported a high incidence of depression in neurology clinics, however areas where there are predominantly underserved immigrants have not been studied. Methods Retrospective cohort study in an academic outpatient neurology clinic in Los Angeles, California. Newly referred patients ( N =318) were assessed consecutively for depression using a PHQ-9 questionnaire, accompanied by review of the assessment of the depressive disorder. Results The patient cohort consisted of 190 females (59%) and 130 males (41%), primarily of Hispanic descent (72%), with 8% Asian 11% white, and 5% African-American. Sixty-eight percent (68%) had depression, with 40% exhibiting moderate to severe depression. Patients who had moderate to severe depression (based on PHQ-9) were more likely to be unemployed (75.2% vs. 60.7%, p =0.008), dependent on government income (29.5% vs. 20.4%, p =0.06), and have headache or pain as the reason for referral (42.4% vs. 28.5%, p =0.03). Severity of depression also significantly correlated with current treatment by psychiatrist, current antidepressant use, and less independent living. Patients with moderate to severe depression were more likely to have made ER visits in the last 12 months (0.9 vs. 0.7, p =0.01) and were taking more medications (3.3 vs. 2.5, p =0.03), compared to patient with mild or no depression. Conclusion The presence of moderate to severe depression significantly correlated with socioeconomic status, use of emergency room, and presence of headache/pain. Neurology clinics with predominantly underserved immigrant patients have a disproportionate amount of depression, which may be related to socioeconomic factors resulting in overutilization of scarce healthcare resources.
The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on adrenocorticotropin secretion from perifused pituitaries in vitro: rapid inhibition by glucocorticoids.

The effect of synthetic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and glucocorticods on ACTH secretion from rat anterior pituitaries was examined in vitro. Pituitaries were cut into 12 fragments and perifused at 37 C with a modified Krebs buffer. CRF produced a rapid (1-min), Ca2+-dependent rise in ACTH secretion, with a half-maximally effective concentration of about 1 nm. ACTH secretion declined after 90 min of continuous perifusion with CRF. In vivo, glucocorticoids can inhibit stress-induced ACTH secretion with a latency of a few seconds. In our experiments, coperifusion with 10-7 M cortisol, corticosterone, or dexamethasone, but not cortisone, inhibited the effect of CRF by nearly 50%. The latency of the inhibition was between 10 and 20 min, and the inhibition persisted for as long as the steroid was present. Basal secretion was unaffected by steroid treatment for 30 min. These results indicate that rapid inhibition of stimulated ACTH secretion can occur at the level of the pituitary in vitro, but that th...
Delinquency, School Attendance and Dropout

Albert Cohen in Delinquent Boys suggests that the school in particular awards status upon the basis of middle-class standards. Here, lowerand middle-class youths compete for status in terms of the same set of middle-class criteria, with the result that lower-class youths are relegated to the lowest status positions. As a result of the unequal competition, lower-class youths develop feelings of insecurity, become frustrated, and begin to search for some solution to their status problem.2
The Chemistry of Deformation: How Solutes Soften Pure Metals

Solutes have been added to strengthen elemental metals, generating usable materials for millennia; in the 1960s, solutes were found to also soften metals. Despite the empirical correlation between the "electron number" of the solute and the change in strength of the material to which it is added, the mechanism responsible for softening is poorly understood. Using state-of-the-art quantum-mechanical methods, we studied the direct interaction of transition-metal solutes with dislocations in molybdenum. The interaction increases dramatically with increasing electron number and strongly influences the mechanisms responsible for plasticity in these materials. Our quantitative model explains solution softening of metals by using changes in energy and stress scales of plasticity from solutes.