cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Recidivism and Pathways to Success

This chapter focuses on assessing the efficacy of MHCs using quantitative and qualitative data. Focusing first on criminal recidivism, the chapter describes reductions in criminal behavior post court-exit using administrative court data. Incentives at opt-in, mental health treatment usage, and completing MHC are associated with reductions in the likelihood of new crimes after exiting from one MHC. Drawing from interviews with MHC team members, the role of incentives, mental health treatment and graduation are explored further. Data illustrate the relationship between benefits offered to clients at entry and rewards throughput the court process and compliance levels with MHC conditions. MHC team members use rituals in order to work toward positive outcomes for MHC clients. The chapter ends with a discussion on how to assess success, calling for a more expansive understanding.
Bully Victimization Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Longitudinal Examination of Behavioral Phenotypes:

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of experiencing bully victimization compared with peers with and without disabilities. Yet the association between...
Treatment of Advanced Carcinoma of the Bladder with Concomitant 5-Fluorouracil Infusion and Radiation

It is estimated that in the United States during 1989, a total of 47100 patients will be diagnosed with bladder carcinoma (Silowberg and Lubera 1989). During this same year, a sizeable number of patients (approximately 10200) are expected to die from this disease. Unfortunately, despite recent advances in surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques, the percentage of patients dying from this disease has not changed since 1930. For superficial bladder carcinomas (stage 0, A, B1), acceptable locoregional control rates and 5-year survivals have been obtained with transurethral resection of the bladder, partial cystectomy, interstitial implants, and intravesicular chemotherapy. With deeply infiltrating tumors, a high incidence of lymphatic involvement significantly worsens the prognosis, whatever treatment modality is attempted. In the best reported series, surgery or definitive radiotherapy for invasive bladder carcinoma achieved only a 25%-30% survival rate (Pearse et al. 1978; Prout 1976; Richie et al. 1975).
Information Technology, Complementary Capital, and the Transatlantic Productivity Divergence

In March 2000, all the heads of government and of states of the European Union (EU) gathered in Lisbon (Portugal) to develop a strategic plan for Europe for the next ten years. This plan was known as the Lisbon Agenda, and it sought to make the EU the world’s most competitive economy within a decade. That decade has now nearly elapsed; few inside or outside or Europe would regard the Lisbon Agenda as a success. The main concern confronting European leaders in 2000 was the evident widening gap in economic performance between the USA and the European Union. After the gathering in Lisbon, a heated debate began about the future of the EU.
MicroPulse™ transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of canine glaucoma: Preliminary results (12 dogs).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical application and effect of MicroPulse™ transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP‐TSCPC) in dogs with glaucoma. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twelve dogs with primary (n = 8) or secondary (n = 4) glaucoma, aged 2‐13 years (mean ± SD, 7.2 ± 3.8 years). PROCEDURES: MP‐TSCPC was performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Laser duty cycle was 31.3%, laser power varied from 2000‐2800 mW, and each hemisphere was treated for 90‐180 seconds. The probe was applied to each quadrant in a “sweeping motion,” sparing the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. RESULTS: The number of MP‐TSCPC procedures per eye varied from 1 to 3 (1.4 ± 0.7). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled (<25 mm Hg) in 11/12 dogs (92%) within 1‐15 days post‐operatively. The IOP control at 1 month and the duration between repeated procedures were significantly greater in eyes treated with high energy laser (2800 mW) compared to 2000‐2500 mW. Long‐term follow‐up (315.3 ± 100.7 days) showed controlled IOP in 5/12 (42%) and vision retention in 4/8 (50%) dogs. In unsuccessful cases, loss of IOP control or vision loss occurred within 3‐245 days (109.1 ± 93.7 days) and 28‐261 days (114 ± 101.6 days), respectively, resulting in a salvage procedure in 6 dogs. Complications were as follows: corneal hypoesthesia (92%), anterior uveitis (67%), post‐operative ocular hypertension (50%), neurotrophic corneal ulcer (25%), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (8%), and rubeosis iridis (8%). CONCLUSIONS: MP‐TSCPC is a viable tool for managing canine glaucoma, although further studies are required to improve the long‐term effect and reduce the complication rate.
CULTURAL ELITE OR POLITICAL VANGUARD? AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS JOIN THE EUROPEAN WAR, 1914–1917

This essay investigates the motives by American volunteers during the neutrality period between 1914 and 1917 who decided to go to the war zone in Europe. Thousands of American men and women supported the Allies as nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, soldiers, or fighter pilots. Even though they had chosen to support one side in the war, however, even avid and well-connected supporters of the Allies rarely called for U.S. intervention. The absence of a political perspective was tied to peculiar personal motives. Calling for intervention in the war would have turned the fight into a national cause and public duty, reducing the value of a personal decision to go to war. When the United States entered the war in 1917, some volunteers joined the American war effort to support their flag, whereas others abandoned a war they no longer considered interesting. These responses were part of a significant shift in the role of American government.
RNA interference and validation of reference genes for gene expression analyses using qPCR in southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis

RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly specific gene-silencing mechanism that can cause rapid insect mortality when essential genes are targeted. RNAi is being developed as a tool for integrated pest management of some crop pests. Here we focus on an aggressive forest pest that kills extensive tracts of pine forests, the southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis. We sought to identify reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and validate RNAi responses in SPB by mortality and gene silencing analysis. Using an adult beetle feeding bioassay for oral ingestion of dsRNA, we measured the expression and demonstrated knockdown of target genes as well as insect mortality after ingestion of target genes. Our study validates reference genes for expression analyses and demonstrates highly effective RNAi responses in SPB, with RNAi response to some target dsRNAs causing 100% beetle mortality after ingestion.
Using Eye Tracking to Assess the Navigation Efficacy of a Medical Proxy Decision Tool

Making a life-or-death decision about the best course of action for a loved one is emotionally taxing and cognitively complex. Decision aids can help reduced the burden by providing relevant important information that facilitates decision making while allowing the decision maker to process the information at their own pace. Given the intense cognitive effort required to process complex medical alternatives, it is crucial to provide a decision aid that is easy to understand and easy to use. We designed a digital decision aid based on a validated paper-based decision aid targeting proxies making survival or comfort care decisions for their loved ones suffering traumatic brain injury. In this study, we focused on the effects of navigation design, which plays an essential role in helping users consume the provided content. We used eye tracking to study users’ information processing and navigation behavior throughout the entire decision making process. Our results showed that one of our navigation designs reduced the feeling of “lostness” and improved the overall perception of the usability of the tool. The same navigation design improved the information processing behavior by increasing engagement with the system and helped decision makers spend more time processing content rather than searching for the provided information.
Real-time dissolved carbon dioxide monitoring II: Surface aeration intensification for efficient CO2 removal in shake flasks and mini-bioreactors leads to superior growth and recombinant protein yields

Mass transfer is known to play a critical role in bioprocess performance and henceforth monitoring dissolved O2 (DO) and dissolved CO2 (dCO2 ) is of paramount importance. At bioreactor level these parameters can be monitored online and can be controlled by sparging air/oxygen or stirrer speed. However, traditional small-scale systems such as shake flasks lack real time monitoring and also employ only surface aeration with additional diffusion limitations imposed by the culture plug. Here we present implementation of intensifying surface aeration by sparging air in the headspace of the reaction vessel and real-time monitoring of DO and dCO2 in the bioprocesses to evaluate the impact of intensified surface aeration. We observed that sparging air in the headspace allowed us to keep dCO2 at low level, which significantly improved not only biomass growth but also protein yield. We expect that implementing such controlled smart shake flasks can minimize the process development gap which currently exists in shake flask level and bioreactor level results.
Moderate Alcohol Intake and Cancer: The Role of Under-Reporting

ABSTRACT Background There is consensus that heavy alcohol drinking is related to increased risk of several cancer types. However, the role of light-moderate drinking and the existence of a threshold amount of alcohol for risk are less clear. Methods We exploredpossible underreporting among moderate drinkers in a cohort study of 129,987 persons. From baseline in 1978-85 through 2008 cancer was diagnosed in 15,080 persons. Cox proportional hazard models were controlled for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, education, and body mass index. Alcohol was studied categorically, with lifelong abstainers as referent. We studied risk of any cancer and of a composite of 5 types with alcohol-associated risk in this cohort (upper airway digestive, liver, breast, lung, colo-rectal). We stratified moderate drinking categories ( Results The relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) among the alcohol categories for any cancer were: exdrinkers = 1.17 (1.07-1.27, p Conclusions We conclude that apparent increased risk of cancer among light-moderate drinkers is substantially due to underreporting of intake. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
High level MYC amplification in B-cell lymphomas: is it a marker of aggressive disease?

While MYC translocations in B-cell lymphoma (BCL) have been extensively studied, the significance of MYC amplification (MYC amp) is poorly understood. This study characterizes BCL showing MYC amp, defined as uncountable FISH signals. Retrospective analysis of all BCL FISH for MYC aberrations performed at our institution (1/2010–2/2018) identified 44/9715 (0.45%) cases with MYC amp. MYC amp probe signals appeared in a cloud-like distribution (70%) or in a single homogenous-staining-region (30%). In total 59% also had MYC separation by breakapart probe indicating concurrent MYC translocation. The most common morphology was large cell (82%) and diagnosis was diffuse large BCL (DLBCL, 50%). In total 88% were germinal center B-cell-like by Hans algorithm. In total 12/42 (29%) cases were “double-hit” by WHO criteria (DHL/THL) in addition to having MYC amp. The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) of DLBCL cases with MYC amp was 80%. There was no significant difference in OS between DLBCL and DHL/THL among cases with MYC amp, suggesting a poor prognostic impact of MYC amp. However, when compared to a larger cohort of DLBCL and DHL/THL, MYC amp did not have prognostic significance. In summary, MYC amp in BCL is rare, most commonly occurs in DLBCL, and was not associated with survival in our cohort.
Burkholderia-Derived Natural Products: From Discovery to Target Identification Towards Chemical Ecology

Abstract Burkholderia spp. have emerged as prolific producers of structurally and functionally diverse natural products. They offer several advantages compared to other talented bacterial phyla, such as rapid growth under laboratory conditions, genetic tractability, and an exceptional capacity to communicate and compete with other microbes, plants, insects, and mammals using diffusible small molecules. In this article, we review Burkholderia-derived natural products with well-characterized structures, biosynthetic pathways and gene clusters, biological activities, and modes of action. Our analysis reveals an impressive array of natural products with diverse molecular targets, even for individual strains within the genus. This tremendous metabolic output offers an explanation for the ubiquitous distribution of Burkholderia in varied habitats and sets the stage for interrogating the chemical ecology underlying these natural products. It also provides a compelling argument for further exploration of this understudied genus in the search for new bioactive natural products.
Using e-learning modules to teach ongoing-visual inspection of functional analyses

Despite the effectiveness of function-based treatments, most clinicians do not conduct functional analyses (FA). The time required to conduct an FA is a major barrier preventing their use. One way to increase FA efficiency is to discontinue the analysis as soon as it has produced clear results. Saini et al. (2018) evaluated a structured procedure for ongoing-visual inspection of FAs and found that it produced accurate interpretations while averaging 40% fewer sessions than author interpretation. This study evaluated the efficacy of an e-learning module for training registered behavior technicians (RBTs) to implement ongoing visual inspection of FAs. Following training, 5 of the 6 participants showed mastery of ongoing visual inspection, and the final participant did so with the addition of supplemental procedures. We discuss how this training may increase the efficiency of FAs by teaching individuals who are less experienced in FA methodology when to seek supervision from a supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
Title: Poor Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Human Herpesvirus 6 Encephalitis

Abstract Background: Human herpesviruses 6 (HHV-6) A and B cause encephalitis in patients with hematologic malignancies especially those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Data on the long-term outcomes of patients with HHV-6 encephalitis is limited. Methods: To assess the clinical and diagnostic characteristics, and outcomes of patients with HHV-6 encephalitis, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with positive HHV-6 in plasma or CSF between Nov 2011 and Jun 2017. Cases were categorized based on pre-defined criteria for possible, probable and definite HHV-6 encephalitis. Results: Ten patients with leukemia (n=5), lymphoma (n=2), and other hematologic cancers (n=3) met the criteria for definite (n=8), probable (n=1) and possible (n=1) HHV-6 encephalitis (Table 1). All except one were allogeneic HSCT recipients (three umbilical cord and six matched unrelated donors). Among 9 cases, the median time to onset of illness was early at 23 days (IQR: 20.5-29.5) after transplantation. The clinical symptoms were confusion (80%), retrograde amnesia (60%), fever (50%), rash (50%) and seizures (20%). Before or at the time of illness, patients had GVHD (55%), pre-engraftment syndrome (44%) and CMV (22%). CSF showed mild pleocytosis (WBC 5-22; n=6) and elevated protein (n=8). Plasma HHV-6 PCR was negative in 2 cases, while brain MRI was normal in one definitive case. The most common MRI abnormality was increased T2 signal in the bilateral hippocampal (40%) and mesial temporal lobes (50%). All patients received intravenous ganciclovir for a median duration of 27 days (range: 10-48). Follow-up MRI at 4-40 weeks in 6 patients showed moderate to severe bilateral hippocampal atrophy (50%) or no interval improvement (33%). Five patients died; none were due to HHV-6 encephalitis. One patient developed possible HHV-6 encephalitis with retinitis at post-transplant day +429; despite clinical improvement, the HHV-6 load remained at >2x106 copies/ml suggesting this case as reactivated chromosomally integrated-HHV-6. Conclusions: HHV-6 infection among patients with hematologic malignancies and transplantation is associated with significant long-term morbidity and all-cause mortality. A negative plasma HHV-6 PCR does not rule out the diagnosis. Despite prolonged treatment, persistent neurologic deficits associated with moderate to severe bilateral hippocampal atrophy are characteristic long-term findings. Download : Download high-res image (280KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Micro-structural foundations of network inequality: Evidence from a field experiment in professional networking

Abstract Sociological accounts of network inequality typically rely on the logic of preferential attachment, holding that individuals in a social network prefer to form ties with central rather than peripheral actors. We develop an alternative explanation for the growth of network inequality that does not require actors to have knowledge about the social position of others or to hold explicit preferences for partners based on such knowledge. Instead, we theorize that central actors benefit from being exposed to more opportunities for triadic closure, which confounds a quality- or popularity-based signal that their greater connectedness might also send. We test this prediction an observational study and a field experiment across multiple professional conferences. In the field experiment, we test whether network centrality is predictive of tie formation if the benefits that central actors receive through their disproportional exposure to second-order network neighbors are randomly suppressed. The findings demonstrate that for the same level of exposure to opportunities for triadic closure, central actors and less central actors are equally likely to be selected as network partners. We discuss how the proposed mechanism may be used to rectify social capital disadvantages among disadvantaged groups.
A framework for triple oxygen isotopes in speleothem paleoclimatology

Abstract Speleothem oxygen isotope (δ18O) records provide key insight into the rate and timing of terrestrial paleoclimate changes during the late Quaternary. However, it can be difficult to deconvolve the δ18O signal into individual components, which include processes related to moisture source, moisture transport, temperature, precipitation amount, infiltration, and the cave environment. We developed a framework that uses triple oxygen isotope distributions in speleothems to refine interpretations of δ18O speleothem records. This framework identifies the influence of dominant processes on δ18O values through time by their characteristic (although not necessarily unique) trends in δ’18O vs. Δ’17O space, where Δ′17O = δ’17O – 0.528δ’18O and δ’xO = ln(δxO+1). Following Guo and Zhou (2019a), we expect that ‘cave kinetic’ processes (e.g., fast degassing at the drip site, prior calcite precipitation) will drive positive trends between δ’18O and Δ′17O. In contrast, we can identify hydrologic processes from near–horizontal trends that reflect Rayleigh–type meteoric water processes and negative trends driven by changes in evaporation processes at the moisture source region or at the cave site, mineralization temperature, and seasonality in precipitation/infiltration amount. We applied this framework to four western USA speleothems from Cave of the Bells (Arizona), Leviathan Cave (Nevada), and Lehman Caves (Nevada). The Cave of the Bells and Leviathan data have near–horizontal to negative trends indicating δ18O variability was driven largely by changes in Rayleigh distillation of atmospheric moisture and moisture source conditions, supporting prior interpretations. We analyzed two Lehman Caves records because they were likely influenced by non-equilibrium processes and the data show weak to moderate negative trends. For sample LMC–12b, chosen for its extreme 7.5 ‰ δ18O range, the trend is statistically distinct from the near–horizontal Rayleigh–process trend and most consistent with changes in local evaporation intensity and infiltration seasonality as primary drivers. None of these records displays a positive covariation slope between δ’18O and Δ′17O, suggesting limited variability in cave kinetic processes through time or unknown limitations to the kinetic model of Guo and Zhou (2019a). Additionally, reconstructed formation waters for all sites fall near the δ’18O vs. Δ′17O Local Meteoric Water Line, a correlation we suggest as a novel test of the absolute magnitude of isotopic offset due to cave kinetic processes. More broadly, our framework adds context to the only other study of carbonate speleothem triple oxygen isotope composition (Sha et al., 2020). We find that positive to negative δ’18O vs. Δ′17O trends likely exist in speleothem data that may reasonably be expected from regional climate processes and that, combined with other proxy data, triple oxygen isotope data will be useful in constraining interpretations of δ18Ospeleothem records.
High-resolution analysis of central nervous system expression patterns in zebrafish Gal4 enhancer-trap lines

Background: The application of the Gal4/UAS system to enhancer and gene trapping screens in zebrafish has greatly increased the ability to label and manipulate cell populations in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). However the ability to select existing lines for specific applications has been limited by the lack of detailed expression analysis. Results: We describe a Gal4 enhancer trap screen in which we used advanced image analysis, including three-dimensional confocal reconstructions and documentation of expression patterns at multiple developmental time points. In all, we have created and annotated 98 lines exhibiting a wide range of expression patterns, most of which include CNS expression. Expression was also observed in nonneural tissues such as muscle, skin epithelium, vasculature, and neural crest derivatives. All lines and data are publicly available from the Zebrafish International Research Center (ZIRC) from the Zebrafish Model Organism Database (ZFIN). Conclusions: Our detailed documentation of expression patterns, combined with the public availability of images and fish lines, provides a valuable resource for researchers wishing to study CNS development and function in zebrafish. Our data also suggest that many existing enhancer trap lines may have previously uncharacterized expression in multiple tissues and cell types. Developmental Dynamics 244:785–796, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of dose and infusion time on the delivery of p-boronophenylalanine for neutron capture therapy.

In the clinical trial of BNCT of glioblastoma multiforme currently in progress at Brookhaven National Laboratory, p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) complexed with fructose (BPA-F) was administered to patients intravenously over a two-hour period at an initial dose of 250 mg (currently 290 mg) BPA/kg body weight.1,2 Biodistribution studies indicated that this infusion regimen yields tumor-to-blood (T:B) and tumor-to-normal brain tissue boron concentration ratios of about 3.5 to 1.3 Enhancement of either tumor boron uptake and/or the tumor-to-blood (T: B) boron concentration ratio would have the potential of significantly improving the therapeutic gain of BNCT. In this study, the rat 9L gliosarcoma model was used to examine the effect of the total dose of BPA and the infusion time on tumor boron concentration and T: B boron concentration ratios.
The European Commission’s Directive on Electronic Signatures: Technological “Favoritism” Towards Digital Signatures

The increasing use of e-COIIllnerce generally is considered a positive trend that should be fostered. Yet, many lawmakers believe that laws requiring signatures to authenticate certain transactions represent obstacles to e-comlllerce and threaten to keep it from reaching its full potential. In the European Union, several Member States have drafted or enacted "electronic signature" laws to define the legal validity of electronic signatures. However, many of these laws are taking diverging approaches, thus creating an inconsistent framework for electronic signatures. In response, the European Commission recently adopted a directive to provide a common framework for elecu'onic signatures. In its present form, the Signature Directive appears to favor the use of a particular type of electronic signature called a digital signature to the potential detriment of other current and future technologies. This Note examines the Signature Directive's approach to defining the legal validity of electronic signatures and concludes that the Commission should revise the Signature Directive to take a more technologically
Pole Placement, Internal Stabilization and Interpolation Conditions for Rational Matrix Functions: A Grassmannian Formulation

The problem of pole placement via dynamic feedback and the bitangential interpolation problem are shown to be both particular instances of a general subspace interpolation problem formulated for rational curves from projective space into a Grass-mannian manifold. The problem of determining the minimal degree d for an interpolant in terms of the problem data is shown to be computable via intersection theory in projective space. Using the projective dimension theorem bounds for the minimal degree interpolant curve are given.
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: NEW LEADERSHIP IN THE POLITICAL CULTURE OF OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma political culture is set for a new era. Several political and demographic factors explain why the change is occurring, such as term limits, growing suburbanization, and increased newcomers in some rural legislative districts. As term limits decreases the importance of seniority, the power structure in the legislature may be determined by the sheer number of representatives each area brings to the capitol. The effect of term limits and population shifts will cause the energies of the legislature to be focused more on the issues of concern for urban and suburban Oklahomans, often at the expense of their rural counterparts. These factors will affect primarily rural legislators, which, from statehood to the present, have disproportionately influenced Oklahoma politics.
State Oversight of Hospital Conversions: Preserving Trust or Protecting Health?

This paper explores the recent trend of hospital conversions from not-for-profit to for-profit corporate organizational form. Hospital conversions implicate the public interest in charitable assets and affect health policy goals. The paper concludes that current and developing oversight regimes do not adequately protect these interests. The paper finds that state attorneys general are frequently the only government actors with authority to review conversions. In some states, there is no effective regulation of conversions, and/or converted assets are not accurately valued. Without adequate oversight and thorough valuations, assets meant for charitable purposes are transferred to for-profit buyers or executives of the not-for-profit sellers. Even when attorneys general are able to oversee conversion, the doctrines upon which their authority is based - trust law and corporations law - hinder the advancement of health policy goals. These doctrinal limitations do not constrain all attorneys general from conducting substantive health policy reviews when they oversee conversions. While conversion statutes and proposed legislation resolve some of the obstacles to oversight, they do not address the conflict between health policy goals and trust and corporations law. The data are drawn primarily from interviews with assistant attorneys general in thirty-two states.
Twenty Open Problems in Enumeration of Matchings: Progress Report

This document is a brief summary of progress that has been made on the problems posed in the document "Twenty Open Problems in Enumeration of Matchings" (also available from this server as math.CO/9801060). NOTE: This article has now been superseded by math.CO/9904150.
Bidders with hard valuation problems

Auctions provide efficient and distributed ways of allocating goods and tasks among agents. In this paper we study optimal strategies for computationally limited agents, where agents must use their limited computing resources to determine valuations for (bundles of) the items being auctioned. Agents are free to compute on any valuation problems including their opponents'. The deliberation actions are incorporated into the agents' strategies and different auction settings (both single--item and combinatorial) are analyzed in order to determine equilibrium strategies. We show that in some auction mechanisms, but not others, in equilibrium the bidders compute on others' problems as well. We show that the model of bounded rationality (limited or costly computing) impacts the agents' equilibrium strategies and so must be considered when designing mechanisms for computationally limited agents.
A Test-Based Methodology for A Priori Selection of Gain/Phase Relationships in Proportional, Phase-Shifting Control of Combustion Instabilities

Feedback control system design, for general single-in-single-out (SISO) applications, requires accurate knowledge of the loop transfer function. Active combustion control design is usually implemented using such SISO architectures, but is quite challenging because the thermoacoustic response results from a relatively unknown, self-excited system and nonlinear processes that must be understood before learning the gain/phase relationship of the system precisely at the instability frequency. However, recent experiments have shown that it is possible to obtain accurate measurements of the relevant loop transfer (frequency response) functions at frequencies adjacent to the instability frequency. Using a simple tube combustor, operating with a premixed, gaseous, burner-stabilized flame, the loop frequency response measurements have been used to develop a methodology that leads to ‘test-based predictions’ of the absolute phase settings and ‘best’ gain settings for a proportional, phase-shifting controller commanding an acoustic actuator in the combustor.The contributions of this methodology are twofold. First, it means that a manual search for the required phase setting of the controller is no longer necessary. In fact, this technique allows the absolute value of controller phase to be determined without running the controller. To the authors’ knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the literature. In addition, the ‘best’ gain setting of the controller, based on this new design approach, can be defined as one that eliminates or reduces the limit cycle amplitude as much as possible within the constraint of avoiding generation of any controller-induced instabilities. (This refers to the generation of ‘new’ peaks in the controlled acoustic pressure spectrum.) It is shown that this tradeoff in limit cycle suppression and avoidance of controller-induced instabilities is a manifestation of the well-known tradeoff in the sensitivity/complementary sensitivity function for feedback control solutions. The focus of this article is limited to the presentation of the design method and does not discuss the detailed nonlinear phenomena that must be understood to determine the optimal gain/phase settings at the limit cycle frequency for a real (versus theoretical) combustor system. A companion paper describes how the proposed design method can be used to generate an AI controller that maintains stabilizing control for a range of changing operating conditions.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
A review of ten years of triggered-lightning experiments at Camp Blanding, Florida

The principal results of triggered-lightning experiments conducted at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) at Camp Blanding, Florida, from 1993 through 2002 are reviewed. These results include (a) characterization of the close lightning electromagnetic environment, (b) first lightning return-stroke speed profiles within 400 m of ground, (c) new insights into the mechanism of the dart-stepped (and by inference stepped) leader, (d) identification of the M-component mode of charge transfer to ground, (e) first optical image of upward connecting leader in triggered-lightning strokes, (f) electric fields in the immediate vicinity of the lightning channel, (g) inferences on the interaction of lightning with ground and with grounding electrodes, (h) discovery of X-rays produced by triggered-lightning strokes, (i) new insights into the mechanism of cutoff and reestablishment of current in rocket-triggered lightning. Selected results are discussed.
In Vitro Nuclear Assembly Using Fractionated Xenopus Egg Extracts

Nuclear membrane assembly is an essential step in the cell division cycle; this process can be replicated in the test tube by combining Xenopus sperm chromatin, cytosol, and light membrane fractions. Complete nuclei are formed, including nuclear membranes with pore complexes, and these reconstituted nuclei are capable of normal nuclear processes.
Low temperature specific heat of B.C.C. alloys of 3d transition elements with 20 per cent Al

Abstract Low temperature specific heat measurements in the range of 1·5–4·2°K. were made with ternary alloys of the types: (Ti, V) 0·8 Al 0·2 , (V, Cr) 0·8 Al 0·2 , (Cr, Fe) 0·8 Al 0·20 , and (Fe, Co) 0·08 Al 0·20 . The results are consistent with the following interpretation: in the Ti-V and V-Cr alloys the addition of 20 at.% Al considerably decreases the density of states at the Fermi surface, whereas in the Cr-Fe and Fe-Co alloys it decreases slightly the number of electrons in the d band, without appreciable change in the shape of the d band.
Supercritical and near-critical CO2 in green chemical synthesis and processing

Abstract Carbon dioxide is often promoted as a sustainable solvent, as CO 2 is non-flammable, exhibits a relatively low toxicity and is naturally abundant. However, injudicious use of carbon dioxide in a process or product can reduce rather than enhance overall sustainability. This review specifically examines the use of CO 2 to create greener processes and products, with a focus on research and commercialization efforts performed since 1995. The literature reveals that use of CO 2 has permeated almost all facets of the chemical industry and that careful application of CO 2 technology can result in products (and processes) that are cleaner, less expensive and of higher quality.
Time-Resolved Spectral Measurements Above 80 Å

We have made time-resolved spectral measurements above 80 A from laser-produced plasmas. These are made using a transmission grating spectrograph whose primary components are a cylindrically-curved x-ray mirror for light collection, a transmission grating for spectral dispersion, and an x-ray streak camera for temporal resolution. A description of the instrument and an example of the data are given. We have built a spectrograph to time resolve the spectrum above 80 A from laser-produced plasmas. Several possible schemes using high-powered lasers have been identified that produce x-ray lasing lines in the 80 A to 300 A range.1 This spectrograph has been built to measure the output from these targets. The principal components of the spectrograph are a cylindrically-curved x-ray mirror for light collection, a transmission grating for wavelength dispersion, and a soft x-ray streak camera for x ray detection. These have been combined to produce an instrument having high spectral resolution, E/tL > 200, continuous wavelength coverage from 80 A to 300 A, good time resolution, 1,20 psec, and high sensitivity, 1,10 photons/sec-sr. In addition, because an application is to measure x-ray lasing output, we have devised an optical alignment system which can accurately point the instrument to the target with an accuracy of less than one milliradian. A schematic of the instrument design is shown in Fig. 1. X rays from the target are collected and focused at the detection plane by a cylindrically-curved grazing incidence x-ray mirror. The mirror acts like one element of a Kirkpatrick-Baez x-ray microscope producing a line focus perpendicular to the plane of dispersion. 2 The mirror has an eight meter radius of curvature and operates at an angle of incidence of 4°. It is 68 cm from the target midway between the target and detection circle. This produces a magnification of unity. Spherical aberrations for these conditions are estimated to be less than 10 μm, which is much less than target sizes.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An ohmic-heated thermal-ionization source

Abstract A thermal-ionization ion-source intended for on-line use at the UNISOR facility is described. This source is a compact design, well heat-shielded, and is directly heated by a helical filament. It has been operated at temperatures in excess of 2300 K at an input power of 800 W.
Calcium Sparks and Homeostasis in a Minimal Model of Local and Global Calcium Responses in Quiescent Ventricular Myocytes

We present a minimal whole cell model that accounts for both local and global aspects of Ca signaling in quiescent ventricular myocytes. This includes random spontaneous Ca sparks, changes in myoplasmic and SR [Ca] mediated by the balance of stochastic release and reuptake by the SR, and the feedback of myoplasmic and SR [Ca] on spark frequency. We correlate our modeling results with recent experiments showing that tetracaine, an inhibitor of RyRs, causes a transient suppression of Ca sparks followed by an increase in SR [Ca], partial recovery of spark frequency, and an increase in Ca spark duration [Zima et al. Biophys. J. 94(5):1867, 2008]. Using release sites composed of clusters of two-state RyRs with Ca activation (but no Ca inactivation or luminal regulation), we find that mean spark duration is a biphasic function of the RyR Ca-activation rate constant (closed dwell time). In spite of the fact that spark duration is biphasic, the aggregate release flux and bulk SR [Ca] overload are monotone functions of RyR closed dwell time. The same degree of SR overload and balance of stochastic release and reuptake can be achieved by high-frequency short-duration or low-frequency long-duration Ca sparks, depending on the mechanism of RyR inhibition (i.e., whether RyR open probability is reduced by increasing the closed dwell time or decreasing the open dwell time). Our calculations suggest that the hidden flux mediated by stochastic Ca release events below detection threshold are suppressed more strongly by tetracaine than observable release events.
Vascular surgeons have better outcomes than non-vascular surgeons in key index open vascular procedures

METHODS: The vascular procedure specific American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for 2011-2012 was queried for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Univariate statistics were performed to identify factors associated with MI and pre-procedural beta-blockers. A propensity score was created for beta-blocker use, accounting for selection bias. A forward stepwise multivariable analysis was undertaken for the primary endpoint using factors meeting criteria of p<0.01.
Chronicity of posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of disability in older persons.

Importance Little is known about the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and disability into later life. Most studies of late-life psychiatric disorders and function have focused on depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Objectives To determine the association between PTSD and disability among older adults and investigate if association differs by chronicity of PTSD. Design, Setting, and Participants In total, 3287 participants 55 years and older (mean [SD] age, 66.0 [8.7] years, 60.1% women) involved in the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (2001-2003), including 3 aggregated, nationally representative studies (National Comorbidity Survey Replication, National Survey of American Life, and National Latino and Asian American Study). Analyses used weights and complex design-corrected statistical tests to infer generalizability to the US population. Main Outcomes and Measures Disability defined by 5 domains (out of role, self-care, mobility, cognition, and social) using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Results Of the 3.7% older adults who had a history of PTSD defined by DSM-IV criteria, 1.8% had persistent PTSD into later life (age of onset P Conclusions and Relevance Disability in older Americans is strongly associated with PTSD, particularly PTSD that persists into later life. These findings suggest that monitoring and treatment of PTSD are important over the long term.
The incorporation of the semi-implicit linear equations into Newton’s method to solve radiation transfer equations

Abstract For large time steps, the nonlinear equations of radiation transfer may not be solved adequately by the semi-implicit linear approximation to yield physical solutions. This deficiency is rectified in three steps: the equations of the semi-implicit linear method are modified, the modified equations are incorporated into Newton’s method to solve nonlinear equations, and the transfer equations are solved by the resulting method. The new method also uses the Photon Free Method to search for the solution in a lower dimensional space than the space of the underlying transfer equations. Two algorithms are developed from the new method; they solve the modified semi-implicit linear equations by different approaches. The first is a physics approach; it solves the linear equations approximately by the Grey Transport Approximation. The second is a mathematical approach; it solves the linear equations exactly by the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula of linear algebra. However, both algorithms yield the solution to the nonlinear system derived by the Photon Free Method. Therefore, their solutions are equal to within the specified tolerance of the nonlinear solver. Moreover, both methods can take advantage of the unconditional stability which comes with the implicit differencing of the time derivative. The time step which both methods can take is much larger than the time step in which time discretization error is discernible. We shall relate the mathematical approach to the Photon Free Method. Numerical results for three test problems are presented.
Social Interaction of Partially Mainstreamed Hearing-Impaired Children

The study examined social interaction of partially mainstreamed children with their hearing and hearing-impaired peers. It was found that hearing-impaired children interacted less frequently with peers and more frequently with teachers than did hearing children. Hearing-impaired students interacted more frequently with hearing-impaired peers. Mode of communication did not appear to affect frequency of interaction. It was concluded that physical proximity was necessary but not a solely sufficient condition for interaction and that opportunities for social interaction between hearing and hearing-impaired students needed to be carefully planned by teachers.
Innovative approach for concurrent CD-uniformity monitoring and reticle inspection

In this paper a new approach of concurrent CD-uniformity monitoring is presented. This is achieved by using the Linewidth Bias Monitoring (LBM) tool, which utilizes data collected during the reticle inspection to concurrently generate real-time line width monitoring with superb precision without affecting inspection time or results. The capabilities of the LBM are presented by a specially designed test-plate, establishing the tool precision and repeatability. Analysis of case studies based on various production plates demonstrates the contribution to process control and mask fidelity.
Use of Viruses as Carriers of Added Genetic Information

USE of viral RNA or DNA information in the control of genetic deficiency and certain other diseases, including cancer, has been suggested by transduction with bacteriophage1 and by the recent report of the reduction in levels of blood arginine in certain animals and man as a result of infection with the Shope papilloma virus, which induces a virus-specific arginase2.
Regulation of myelination: axons not required for the biosynthesis of basal levels of the major myelin glycoprotein by Schwann cells in denervated distal segments of the adult cat sciatic nerve

The adult cat sciatic nerve was examined for Schwann cell biosynthesis of the major myelin glycoprotein (P0) in the distal segments after permanent nerve transection, where there is no axonal regeneration or myelin assembly. Endoneurial slices (intrafascicular tissue) from the distal segment of the desheathed cat sciatic nerves at 10 wk after transection and from normal adult desheathed brachial nerves were incubated with radioactive mannose; [3H]mannose incorporation into P0 was observed by fluorography after sodium dodecyl sulphate-pore gradient electrophoresis (SDS-PGE). Analysis of immune precipitates by SDS-PGE after incubation of an aliquot of an endoneurial fraction with rabbit antichick P0 gamma globulin verified that the [3H]mannose-labeled glycoprotein was P0. The level of incorporation of [3H]mannose into P0 and into other endoneurial glycoproteins in the normal brachial nerve from the adult cat was at substantially reduced levels compared with the transected nerve. Such incorporation was detectable by fluorography only after prolonged exposure to X-ray film (15 days). As a result, the level of biosynthesis of P0 in the normal adult cat is substantially reduced, suggesting that the extent of active myelination in the adult cat nerve is at a low level. Furthermore, Schwann cells are capable of continued synthesis of P0 in the adult, permanently transected nerve in the absence of axonal influence, suggesting that axonal association is not an absolute requirement for specifying myelin protein synthesis.
Satisficing in Gaussian bandit problems

We propose a satisficing objective for the multi-armed bandit problem, i.e., where the objective is to achieve performance above a given threshold. We show that this new problem is equivalent to a standard multi-armed bandit problem with a maximizing objective and use this equivalence to find bounds on performance in terms of the satisficing objective. For the special case of Gaussian rewards we show that the satisficing problem is equivalent to a related standard multi-armed bandit problem again with Gaussian rewards. We apply the Upper Credible Limit (UCL) algorithm to this standard problem and show how it achieves optimal performance in terms of the satisficing objective.