cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information, economics, and the Cramér-Rao bound

Abstract In this chapter we explore the importance of the Cramer-Rao bound in the representation of risk in economics. As the Cramer-Rao bound is a function of Fisher information, we also examine the use of information-theoretic approaches to probability density extraction with a particular focus on the minimum Fisher information approach. The ubiquity of probability densities in economic theory in general and financial economics in particular recommends the use of information-theoretic approaches for their extraction and the Cramer-Rao bound as a practical measure of the risk implied by these distributions.
An End-to-End Learning Framework for Battery Capacity-Fade Trajectory Prediction Using Early Life Data

Predicting the capacity-fade trajectory of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cell is a critical task given its broad utility throughout the battery product life cycle. Even more useful is estimating a battery cell’s capacity-fade trajectory when this cell has not exhibited any noticeable capacity degradation. Accurately predicting the entire capacity-fade trajectory using early life data enables more efficient cell design, operation, maintenance, and evaluation for second-life use. To accomplish this challenging task, we propose an end-to-end learning framework combining empirical capacity fade models and data-driven machine learning models, in which the two types of models are closely coupled. First, we evaluate the accuracy of a library of relevant empirical models which have been shown to model the observed capacity fade of Li-ion cells with reasonable accuracy. After selecting a model, we formulate an end-to-end learning problem that simultaneously fits the chosen empirical model to estimate the capacity fade curve and trains a machine learning model to estimate the best-fit parameters of the empirical model. By solving this end-to-end learning problem, rather than sequentially executing the separate tasks of fitting the capacity fade model and training the machine learning model, we achieve a more optimal solution which is shown to better balance these two objectives. Our proposed end-to-end learning framework is evaluated using a publicly available battery dataset consisting of 124 lithium-iron-phosphate/graphite cells charged with various fast-charging protocols. This dataset was split into training, primary test, and secondary test datasets. Our method performs on par with existing early prediction methods in terms of cycle life prediction, attaining root-mean-square errors of 84 cycles and 169 cycles for primary and secondary test datasets, respectively. In addition to the cycle life prediction, our method possesses a unique ability to predict the entire capacity-fade trajectory.
Development of a media selection model using the analytic network process

The authors develop and test a comprehensive model for media selection utilising the Analytic Network Process (ANP). ANP is a flexible and powerful multi-attribute decision aid developed by Saaty (1996) for solving complex decision-making problems. It is aimed at integrating different measures (both qualitative/intangible and quantitative/tangible) into a single overall score for ranking decision alternatives. In applying the ANP method, the authors specifically incorporate web/internet media advertising into their list of media alternatives, using many of the same standard media attributes that have typically been employed in comparing more traditional media. The result is a model that may be utilised by expert and/or novice media planners with equal effectiveness.
Sensitivity of optimized control systems to minor structural modifications

A procedure for checking whether small changes in a structure have the potential for significant enhancements of its optimized vibration control system is described. The first step in the procedure consists of the calculation of the sensitivity of the parameters of the optimized control system to small changes in the structural parameters. Theh second step consists of the optimization of the structural parameters to produce maximal increase in the performance of the control system with minimal change in the structure. The procedure has been demonstrated for a flexible laboratory structure controlled by several rate-feedback colocated force-actuator velocity-sensor pairs. Significant improvements in the performance of the control system were obtained with small structural modifications. Analytical predictions of such effects have also been validated experimentally.
Purification of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase from potato tubers.

Publisher Summary The chapter briefly describes the assay, the purification, and the properties of arachidonate 5-1ipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.34) from potato tubers. Lipoxygenases (EC 1.13. 11. 12) are a group of closely related enzymes that appear to be widely distributed in plants and mammalian tissues. One of the most physiologically important lipoxygenases and the subject of greater interest in recent years is 5-lipoxygenase, which catalyzes the first committed step in leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis. Information on the mechanistic details of this enzyme-catalyzed reaction is scant because of limitations in obtaining sufficient quantity of the purified enzyme in stable form from mammalian sources. Therefore, potato tubers are frequently employed as the source of large amounts of 5-1ipoxygenase. The mechanism of dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) catalyzed by lipoxygenases involves the following three main steps: (1) Abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the double allylic methylene carbon atom (the first and rate-limiting step), (2) conjugation of double bonds followed by rearrangement of the radical electron, and (3) addition of molecular oxygen (this occurs at a diffusion-controlled rate under ambient O2 concentrations). Based on this mechanism, it is possible to determine the lipoxygenase activity by measuring the following: (1) absorbance of conjugated diene at 235 nm, (2) O2 uptake by means of a Clark oxygen electrode, and (3) product formation by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Although each one of these methods can be used for monitoring enzyme activity during the course of purification of 5 -lipoxygenase from potato tubers, the polarographic method is found to be the most convenient and reproducible.
Publication Rights in the Era of Open Data Release Policies

The open data release policy adopted by the large-scale DNA sequencing centers has made accessible valuable information that facilitates research. Herein, we argue that the data producers' rights to receive credit for at least some portion of the analyses of the data must be protected. We suggest that this protection take the form of a specification of the probable content of the primary paper the data producers intend to publish when the data gathering is complete. Rights to publish that paper ought then be restricted to the producers unless they give permission otherwise.
An application intersection marketing ontology

We consider the design of an ontology for marketing knowledge. Such an ontology contains two hierarchies, a customer hierarchy and a product hierarchy. The product hierarchy representation is straightforward, as in general each level consists of products that are more specific than the products on the previous level. However, the customer hierarchy is problematic, since it involves many independent dimensions such as age, gender, income, etc. A straightforward ordering of the different dimensions to create a tree hierarchy is ineffective. We present an innovative design for the customer hierarchy based on introducing intersections of options for various dimensions on demand. We call such an ontology an intersection ontology. The advantages of such a design are explored and evaluated using our Web marketing project.
Direct preputial hernia, associated with a ventral abdominal wall defect in a two year-old gelding

Summary The case of a 2-year-old gelding with acute onset of preputial swelling and prolapse is presented. After initiating conservative management using a penile repulsion device, the horse repeatedly displayed signs of mild abdominal discomfort with sudden deterioration to an episode of violent colic after 5 days of hospitalisation. Ultrasonographic examination of the preputial swelling at that time demonstrated the presence of small intestine between the internal and external laminae of the prepuce and led to the diagnosis of a direct preputial hernia. The contents of the hernia were readily reduced through a defect in the ventral abdominal wall after the anaesthetised horse was placed in dorsal recumbency. The historical information, clinical progression and surgical findings were supportive of an acquired ventral abdominal wall defect. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a direct preputial hernia associated with an acquired ventral abdominal wall defect.
"Dios tinieblas": paradoja central en el discurso agónico de Unamuno

This essay is essentially a stylistic and ideological analysis of the seventh poem of the first part of Unamuno’s The Christ of Velazquez. The contrast between light and darkness is highlighted, both in Velazquez’ painting as well as in Unamuno’s poem. The central paradox is that, while God is light and creator of light, He is presented as surrounded with darkeness. This «negative theology» is expressed with brilliant brushstrokes within the hendecasyllabic line, «the art in form» of Velazquez’ vision. The poet emphasizes the Exodus text where it says that he who sees God dies. In Christ’s body humans can see God without having to die. Or we die in order to live, that profound unamunian paradox. Unamuno’s poem is also a good example of how the poet-philosopher foresees universal concepts that later are proven by science. Such was the case of Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, where physics and metaphysics join to get us closer to a unified theory of the universe. As math is the poetry of science, so poetry is the science of the Humanities.
Logic and the Structure of the Web of Belief

In this paper, I examine Quine's views on the epistemology of logic. According to Quine's influential holistic account, logic is central in the “web of belief” that comprises our overall theory of the world. Because of this, revisions to logic would have devastating systematic consequences, and this explains why we are loath to make such revisions. In section1, I clarify this idea and thereby show that Quine actually takes the web of belief to have asymmetrical internal structure. This raises two puzzles. First, as I show in section 2, Quine's mature thoroughly naturalized view has it that logic is simply obvious, and this is explains why we do not typically consider revising it. While Quine presents this naturalized view as a way to make good on his earlier metaphor of centrality in a web of belief, I argue that the resources of Quine's naturalized epistemology cannot adequately explain why we are reluctant to revise logic. And, Quine seems to recognize this point himself. In light of this, I explain in section 3 how Quine can allow that our overall scientific theory has systematic structure in a way that is consistent with his naturalistic strictures. Second, the asymmetrical internal structure of the web of belief seems to be inconsistent with its being a holistic web at all. I defuse this problem in section 4 by showing how Quine distinguishes between structural and confirmational considerations. I close by using this distinction to show how Quine's view can evade Michael Friedman’s criticisms, and allow for important methodological distinctions between areas of the web of belief.
Specific configurations of hydrogen bonding. I. Hydrogen bonding and conformational preferences of N-acylamino-acids, peptides and derivatives.

From a reexamination of the X-ray studies of the crystal structures of 27 N-acylamino acids, peptides and their derivatives and 30 linear peptides, it is concluded that specific formation of short intermolecular hydrogen bonds (2,5 to 2.6 A) from the carboxyl OH to the N-acyl oxygen is an important feature for N-acylamino acids. For N-acyl-N-amides, the formation of hydrogen bonds 2.7 to 2.9A long between N(acyl-H...O(amide) is strongly preferred. The dihedral angle delta between the N-acyl and carboxyl groups or adjacent amide groups shows a preference for values near 20 degrees or 90 degrees for N-acylamino acids and 90 degrees for N-acyl-N-amides.
Development of an Autonomous Broadband Acoustic Scattering System for Remote Characterization of Zooplankton

Abstract : The long term goal of this research is to develop autonomous, high-frequency broadband acoustic scattering techniques, appropriate for use on a variety of platforms, including towed, profiled, moored, and mobile platforms that enable the remote characterization of zooplankton distributions on ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales
Goal Programming Model for Water Quality Planning

The broad goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (PL 92-500) and the regional nature of water quality plans require that multiple objectives be considered in planning. Goal programming is an extension of linear (or integer) programming where the objective is to minimize the deviations from a set of goals, subject to system constraints. The model is applied to an example river basin system where the planning goals are the quality levels of four constituents required for three desired beneficial water used in five stream reaches, and the budget availability in four municipal regions for financing wastewater treatment. The model solution indicates the combination of treatment levels and costs that minimize deviations from user quality and budgetary goals for all stream reaches. Values of deviation variables in the solution indicate the water quality levels achieved. A comparison with the minimum cost solution for meeting stream standards identifies the costs and tradeoffs of achieving higher user quality goals.
Radiative Heating of the ISCCP Upper Level Cloud Regimes and its Impact on the Large-scale Tropical Circulation

Radiative heating profiles of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud regimes (or weather states) were estimated by matching ISCCP observations with radiative properties derived from cloud radar and lidar measurements from the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites at Manus, Papua New Guinea, and Darwin, Australia. Focus was placed on the ISCCP cloud regimes containing the majority of upper level clouds in the tropics, i.e., mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), deep cumulonimbus with cirrus, mixed shallow and deep convection, and thin cirrus. At upper levels, these regimes have average maximum cloud occurrences ranging from 30% to 55% near 12 km with variations depending on the location and cloud regime. The resulting radiative heating profiles have maxima of approximately 1 K/day near 12 km, with equal heating contributions from the longwave and shortwave components. Upper level minima occur near 15 km, with the MCS regime showing the strongest cooling of 0.2 K/day and the thin cirrus showing no cooling. The gradient of upper level heating ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 K/(day∙km), with the most convectively active regimes (i.e., MCSs and deep cumulonimbus with cirrus) having the largest gradient. When the above heating profiles were applied to themore » 25-year ISCCP data set, the tropics-wide average profile has a radiative heating maximum of 0.45Kday-1 near 250 hPa. Column-integrated radiative heating of upper level cloud accounts for about 20% of the latent heating estimated by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR). The ISCCP radiative heating of tropical upper level cloud only slightly modifies the response of an idealized primitive equation model forced with the tropics-wide TRMM PR latent heating, which suggests that the impact of upper level cloud is more important to large-scale tropical circulation variations because of convective feedbacks rather than direct forcing by the cloud radiative heating profiles. However, the height of the radiative heating maxima and gradient of the heating profiles are important to determine the sign and patterns of the horizontal circulation anomaly driven by radiative heating at upper levels.« less
Acetylsalicylic Acid and Ionic Fluxes Across the Gastric Mucosa of Man

Summary The effect of a 100 mm HCl solution on the movement of hydrogen, sodium, potassium, and chloride ions across the human gastric mucosa and on volumes secreted by the stomach and emptied through the pylorus was determined and compared with a 100 mm HCl-20 mm acetylsalicylic acid solution. The results of 45-min irrigations on 9 subjects are reported. During irrigation with the aspirin-acid solution, movement of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions into the lumen was significantly increased, but significant changes in hydrogen ion movement were not detected. Volumes recovered from the stomach during the aspirin study were significantly increased. Neither the presence of a pre-existing abnormal mucosal barrier permeability nor the quantity of aspirin absorbed had any apparent effect on ion movement. We conclude that, under the conditions of this study, irrigation of the human stomach with the aspirin-acid solution lowered the barrier of the gastric mucosa to ion movement but did not produce unequivocal evidence of chemical damage to the mucosa.
Fine Structure and Function of the Ear

One of the most striking features in the auditory system of fishes is the extensive structural diversity in the inner ear and its peripheral accessories. In this chapter we will summarize this diversity in the ear, from the gross structure to the ultrastructure of the sensory epithelia, and suggest some of the possible functional meanings for these structural differences. We hope that this discussion will stimulate interest in pursuing direct experimentation on the function of the fish ear in order to fill in the gaps in our understanding of peripheral auditory mechanisms. Two major points will be stressed throughout this chapter. First, we feel that dividing up of auditory and vestibular functions between the different otolithic organs of the ear may not be as absolute as has been often implied, so it may be necessary to reconsider some of the basic “classical” assumptions of auditory organ functions, at least with regard to the teleost ear. Second, we suggest that the notion of a functionally or structurally “typical teleost ear” is no longer tenable, since the breadth of interspecific structural variation in teleost ears may imply significant functional variation.
The Quality of Ambulatory-based Primary Care: A Framework and Recommendations

Goal of the framework : The goal of the framework described in this review article is to provide a comprehensive model for the development of quality improvement programs in ambulatory-based primary care currently being tested at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This review article assesses the past and present, and speculates on the future, of quality improvement in primary care through a comprehensive review of 30 years of literature. Principle conclusions : (1) Although much of the past literature in the quality area has been concentrated in hospital care, there is a strong tradition in ambulatory-based primary care. (2) Past incentives promoted to a large extent hospital-based quality assurance, prospects for health reform and the result of recent quality initiatives will in the future promote improved methods for ambulatory-based quality. (3) There are unique dimensions of primary care that must be taken into account to accurately, appropriately, and comprehensively measure its quality. (4) A systematic process for the development of quality improvement that takes the perspective of those closest to the care being assessed, in this case the primary care provider, is necessary to develop a meaningful system. (5) Recommendations for further work in this arena are offered as they relate to both the health care system and providers.
EFFECT OF AMILORIDE ON AIRWAY TONE. ▴ 2306

Amiloride, an inhibitor of the Na+-H+ antiporter in airway epithelium, has been proposed as nebulized therapy to loosen secretions in patients with cystic fibrosis. Studies with bovine and canine trachea have determined that amiloride produces airway relaxation in vitro, suggesting that it may also have potential benefit as a bronchodilator. However, amiloride has not been shown to relax guinea pig trachea. Since guinea pig trachea is felt to be a useful model of human airway, we hypothesized that human airway response to amiloride would be similar to that of guinea pigs. Newborn guinea pig along with mouse tracheal responses to amiloride were compared to those of human fetal airway. Airway ring segments were constricted with an EC50-75 dose of acetylcholine and changes in isometric force to cumulative additions of amiloride (10-8 to 10-4 M) were recorded. In guinea pig airway with intact epithelium, amiloride produced contraction, increasing tension at maximum by 26±4%(n=16). Removal of epithelium did not alter this response (41±10%, n=8, p=0.12). Mouse trachea also responded with an increase in tension(10±6%, n=4). Likewise, human fetal airway tone increased by 14±9% [n=6 from 2 fetuses (16 wk gestation)]. In summary, unlike adult bovine and canine trachea, human fetal airway contracted upon exposure to amiloride. Guinea pig and mouse airways also contracted, and this contraction was independent of epithelium. These results, along with previous work employing furosemide, support the notion that guinea pigs and mice are useful paradigms in the study of ion transporters in the regulation of human airway tone. Funded by: US Army HSC, CRC, and NIH HL-45220.
Multiple pathways to tumor immunity and concomitant autoimmunity

Summary: The immune repertoire contains T cells and B cells that can recognize autologous cancer cells. This repertoire is directed against self, and in some cases altered self (mutations). Priming immune responses against self antigens can be difficult. Strategies are presented using altered self to elicit immunity against self in poorly immunogenic tumor models. Mechanisms underlying immunity to self antigens on cancer cells show that the immune system can use diverse strategies for cancer immunity, in both the immunization and the effector phases. CD4+ T cells are typically, but not always, required for immunization. The effector phase of tumor immunity can involve cytotoxic T cells, macrophages with activating Fc receptors, and/or killer domain molecules. This diversity in the effector phase is observed even when immunizing with conserved paralogs. A consequence of tumor immunity is potentially autoimmunity, which may be undesirable. Autoimmunity uses similar mechanisms as tumor immunity, but tumor immunity and autoimmunity can uncouple. These studies open up strategies for active immunization against cancer.
Soluble Substituted Silane High Poymers

High molecular weight polysilane derivatives represent a new class of radiation sensitive polymers with very unusual electronic properties for which a number of potential applications have been discovered. This talk will touch briefly on polymer synthesis and characterization, mechanisms for the photo chemical decomposition and describe certain selected applications.
The scaling approach to multicenter molecular integrals with Slater-type orbitals

Abstract A scaling approach to multicenter molecular integrals with Slater-type orbitals (STOs) is presented. The result is significant in that it shows (1) the existence of a simple relationship between multicenter integrals and (2) an implied computational savings. Operation count estimates indicate that the significant savings would occur for a system having large numbers of STOs on each atom.
The Impact of Geographic Context on E-Shopping Behavior

Recent studies have examined what factors affect the adoption of e-shopping (electronic shopping), why people adopt e-shopping, and what changes in activity–travel patterns will occur as a response to e-shopping. Very few studies to date, however, have investigated the impact of geographic context on people's e-shopping behavior. This study reexamines the explanatory factors that are related to people's e-shopping patterns through a study of the Columbus Metropolitan Area, OH. It focuses on the effect of accessibility to local shops and the residential context on the adoption of e-shopping and the frequency of buying online. Using an activity–Internet diary dataset, the results suggest that people with lower levels of accessibility to local shopping opportunities are more likely to engage in e-shopping, since the Internet enhances the efficiency of shopping by providing more product information and by eliminating the need of travel in the physical world. Further, people who live in areas with a white majo...
Restoration of ascending noradrenergic projections by residual locus coeruleus neurons: compensatory response to neurotoxin-induced cell death in the adult rat brain.

There is clinical and experimental evidence that monoamine neurons respond to lesions with a wide range of compensatory adaptations aimed at preserving their functional integrity. Neurotoxin-induced lesions are followed by increased synthesis and release of transmitter from residual monoamine fibers and by axonal sprouting. However, the fate of lesioned neurons after long survival periods remains largely unknown. Whether regenerative sprouting may contribute significantly to recovery of function following lesions which induce cell loss has been questioned. We have previously analyzed the response of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons to systemic administration of the noradrenergic (NE) neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) to adult rats. This drug causes ablation of nearly all LC axon terminals within 2 weeks after administration, followed by a profound loss of LC cell bodies 6 months later. The present study was conducted to determine the fate of surviving LC neurons and to characterize their potential for regenerative sprouting during a 16 month period after DSP-4 treatment. The time-course and extent of LC neuron degeneration were analyzed quantitatively in Nissl-stained sections, and the regenerative response of residual neurons was characterized by dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. The results document that LC neurons degenerate gradually after DSP-4 treatment, cell loss reaching on average 57% after 1 year. LC neurons which survive the lesion exhibit a vigorous regenerative response, even in those animals in which cell loss exceeds 60–70%. This regenerative process leads progressively to restoration of the NE innervation pattern in the forebrain, with some regions becoming markedly hyperinnervated. In stark contrast to the forebrain, very little reinnervation takes place in the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. These findings suggest that regenerative sprouting of residual neurons is an important compensatory mechanism by which the LC may regain much of its functional integrity in the presence of extensive cell loss. Furthermore, regeneration of LC axons after DSP-4 treatment is region-specific, suggesting that the pattern of reinnervation is controlled by target areas. Elucidation of the factors underlying recovery of LC neurons after DSP-4 treatment may provide insights into the compensatory mechanisms of central neurons after injury and in disease states. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changes in regional myocardial metabolism during partial stenosis in the presence of coronary vasodilators.

The relation of regional myocardial metabolism to coronary blood flow during pharmacologic flow elevation with dipyridamole was studied in four unsedated dogs. Chronic catheters were implanted in the aorta, left atrium, and coronary sinus at the anterior cardiac vein for determination across the left anterior descending coronary vascular bed of arteriovenous O2 content, glucose, free fatty acids, and lactate. A flowmeter and inflatable occluder were placed on the left anterior descending coronary artery, and mean aortic pressure and heart rate were recorded. Flow was increased with dipyridamole (0.4 mg/kg i.v.) and subsequently lowered by a partial stenosis in order to examine effects of relative flow decrease on metabolism without reducing flow below resting control or producing ischemia. Regional metabolism was compared at maximum flow and at submaximal flow with partial stenosis. Resting flow, maximal flow, and submaximal flow values were 72 +/- 3, 231 +/- 12, and 121 +/- 10 ml/min/100 g, respectively. When flow was lowered from maximal to submaximal levels, there was a significant decrease in both MVO2, from 8.2 +/- 0.7 to 6.4 +/- 0.5 ml/min/100 g, and free fatty acid uptake, from 23.9 +/- 5.5 to 6.8 +/- 1.0 muEq/min/100 g, p less than 0.01. There was no significant change in glucose uptake, lactate uptake, or external work (heart rate-pressure product). These results demonstrate that coronary blood flow and/or distal coronary pressure is a primary determinant of myocardial metabolism in the absence of changes in external metabolic demand, ischemia, or shifts in substrate utilization. We suggest that this phenomena accounts for the relative infrequency of anginal pain in the presence of perfusion defects during diagnostic imaging.
Crack Initiation and Arrest in a SiC Whisker/A12O3 Matrix Composite

The fracture initiation and arrest stress intensity factors were determined for a SiC-whisker-reinforced AI2O3 matrix composite. A chevron-notched, three-point-bend specimen was used to genera e the load/displacement curve, which exhibited repeated crack initiation, followed by crack arrest behavior. Corresponding stress intensity factors were determined for both situations using the compliance technique. Calculated crack arrest positions were in agreement with fractographic observations. Both the crack arrest and the crack initiation stress intensity factors exhibited a rising R -curve with increasing crack length, suggesting the presence of wake toughening effects on the crack growth resistance.
Franchiser influence strategy use and franchisee experience and dependence

Abstract Data from a survey of franchisees of a packaging, mailing, and business services franchise system indicate franchisers make more frequent use of requests, threats, and legalistic pleas, and less use of recommendations to coordinate less dependent franchisees. Franchisee dependence mediates the relationship between franchisee experience and franchiser use of recommendations, threats, and legalistic pleas. At the same time, it is interesting to find that franchiser use of information exchange and promise does not vary as franchisees mature in a system.
Validity of the psychopathy checklist-revised in male methadone patients

The psychopathy checklist-revised (PCL-R) has been shown to be reliable when used with male methadone patients, but validity has not been established in this population. This paper examines the PCL-R's validity in 251 male methadone patients. Correlations between the PCL-R and background variables, Axis I and Axis II disorders, and several self report measures of related constructs are evaluated. Correlations with Axis I disorders were low except for substance dependencies, but strong correlations between Cluster B personality disorders were found. Results provide evidence of construct validity for the PCL-R, particularly total and Factor 2 scores, in male methadone patients.
A distributed algorithm for cooperative relay beamforming

We consider the problem of cooperative beamforming in relay networks. Assuming knowledge of the second-order statistics of channel state information (CSI), the optimal beamforming weights are determined so that the total transmitted power at the relays is minimized, while meeting signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) requirements at the destinations. Our formulation utilizes the Semidefinite Relaxation (SDR) technique to produce an efficient, tractable convex programming approximation of the problem in centralized form. We propose a distributed optimization algorithm to calculate the optimal beamforming weights for scenarios where multiple clusters of source-destination node pairs, along with their dedicated relays, coexist in space. Our method relies on dual decomposition techniques with regularization, that can significantly improve on the inherent disadvantages of simple dual subgradient methods. Numerical anaysis demonstrates that the proposed algorithm exhibits very fast convergence rates.
Expulsion of Dummy Transmitters by Rainbow Trout

Abstract Surgically implanted dummy transmitters were expelled from the body cavity of 13 of 22 rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri within 42–175 d after they were implanted. Encapsulation of the dummy transmitters by the intestine and passage through the anus appeared to be the mechanism of expulsion.
Nutritional Quality of Raw, Precooked and Canned Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

The nutritional quality of raw, precooked and canned tuna was assessed by determining the total amino acids, in-vitro protein digestibility, Computed Protein Efficiency Ratio (C-PER), Tetrahymena Relative Protein Value (RPV), and fluorodinitrobenzene reactive lysine, together with selected vitamin and mineral assays. Amino acid composition, in-vitro protein digestibility, C-PER and Tetrahymena RPV remained almost the same for the raw, precooked and canned tuna. The percent retention of FDNB-reactive lysine was 91% for the precooked tuna and 80–85% for canned tuna. Thiamin retention for the canned tuna was about 5%, while niacin and riboflavin ranged from 71–73% and 49–50% respectively. The values for Cu, Fe, K, and Ca were significantly lower in canned tuna.
Global existence in a general Stefan-like problem

Abstract We consider a one-dimensional two-phase Stefan-like free boundary problem for the heat equation with nonlinear Neumann boundary conditions. Local existence has been shown in 8, furthermore it is clear that cases exist, where global existence fails. The question arises, under which conditions the solution exists globally. In this paper it is shown that especially the natural sign conditions are sufficient for global existence.
Mexican immigration and the port-of-entry school.

The results of an immigrant student census in a California port-of-entry school district are used to describe the educational backgrounds of Mexican immigrant students and to distinguish types of Mexican immigrant students by school entry patterns. Interviews with recently arrived Mexican immigrant parents reveal the educational and occupational expectations they hold for their children in the US. The study findings are used as a basis for raising policy questions and generating research issues. The most notable observation from the study is that the children of Mexican immigrants in La Entrada do not migrate once they are in school. Parents may be migrating back and forth between the US and Mexico but children once in La Entrada do not leave the school to return to school in Mexico. The study suggests that the parents of immigrant students do not know how the US educational system works but they are interested in helping teachers educate their children. (authors modified)
Pharmacological management of treatment-resistant pediatric depression.

‘‘Psychopharmacology Perspectives,’’ a new feature in the Clinical Perspectives section of the Journal, aims to discuss practical approaches to everyday issues in pediatric pharmacotherapy. ‘‘Psychopharmacology Perspectives’’ will provide clinicianswith a quarterly case vignette followed by commentary from three or four experts in pediatric psychopharmacology. The cases and discussions will specifically target aspects of clinical care related to psychopharmacology for which we do not have applicable controlled trials. Given the need to address symptoms in youths with complex, severe, and comorbid disorders, recommendations are likely to be ‘‘off label,’’ from the perspective of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While it is important that clinicians address psychosocial issues in the evaluation and treatment of their patients, such discussion is beyond the specific scope of this feature. I hope you find these case examples and the clinical experience of our respondents to be practical and helpful in your use of medications for children with psychiatric disorders.
A study of fracture criteria for ductile materials

Abstract In order to establish a ductile fracture criterion, several potential fracture parameters were investigated by comparing numerical simulations of crack extension with available experimental data. Based on the comparison, a fracture criterion, the Global-Local Fracture Criterion (GLFC), was proposed. The J-integral is employed as a global parameter to characterize the initial stage of crack extension. In the subsequent steady state crack growth, the fracture criterion is switched to a local parameter characterizing the crack tip stress or strain. The accuracy of the proposed fracture criterion in predicting ductile fracture behavior was verified.
Effective retrieval with distributed collections

Abstract : This paper evaluates the retrieval effectiveness of distributed information retrieval systems in realistic environments. We find that when a large number of collections are available, the retrieval effectiveness is significantly worse than that of centralized systems, mainly because typical queries are not adequate for the purpose of choosing the right collections. We propose two techniques to address the problem. One is to use phrase information in the collection selection index and the other is query expansion. Both techniques enhance the discriminatory power of typical queries for choosing the right collections and hence significantly improve retrieval results. Query expansion, in particular, brings the effectiveness of searching a large set of distributed collections close to that of searching a centralized collection.
Differential Diagnosis and Management of a Recurrent Hepatic Cyst: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Echinococcus granulosus, which causes cystic echinococcosis, is an uncommon condition in the United States. We report a case of a 78-year-old Caucasian female who presented to her primary care physician in 1999 with right upper quadrant pain. She had a history of frequent foreign travel. Abdominal imaging demonstrated a 12.5-cm hepatic cyst. The cyst was drained and the pathology report on the fluid indicated no bacterial, parasitic, or malignant etiology. Serology tests for Entamoeba and Echinococcus antibodies were negative. The patient underwent multiple hepatic cyst aspirations until 2008 for recurring symptoms. In 2008, abdominal imaging demonstrated solid internal components within the cyst. Repeat Echinococcus antibodies ordered were abnormally elevated. Cyst aspiration demonstrated Echinococcus protoscolex. We report this case to discuss the diagnosis and management of hydatid cyst and to emphasize that with increasing globalization, physicians must maintain a high index of clinical suspicion for parasitic etiologies in patients with hepatic cysts.
Proton radiation therapy: a summary of the world wide experience

Abstract There are 16 operating proton therapy centers world-wide in 1994. By July 1994, proton beams had been used to treat ∼ 14000 patients for both benign and malignant disease. Six centers are located in Europe, four in the United States, three in Russia, two in Japan and one in South Africa. Accelerators originally designed for other purposes and adapted for radiation therapy are employed at all but one center which has an accelerator designed and built for the hospital environment. At six centers the accelerator has a maximum energy of
Sonographic appearance of bladder malacoplakia

We report sonographic features of bladder malacoplakia (multiple polypoid solid masses) in a 16-year-old girl with Russell-Silver syndrome who presented with renal failure and urinary tract infection.
The impact of the development of a program to reduce urgent (off-hours) venous duplex ultrasound scan studies

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a protocol for evaluation of patients suspected of having deep venous thrombosis (DVT) who came to the hospital after normal noninvasive vascular laboratory (NIVL) working hours in an attempt to both retain registered vascular therapists and provide excellent patient care. Methods: We developed a protocol for evaluation of patients suspected of having DVT who were seen at night after normal NIVL working hours (8 am to 9 pm). After exclusion of those with contraindications, all eligible patients either received low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH; 1 mg/kg) and were sent home or were placed at bedrest in the emergency department until the NIVL opened the following morning. Those sent home were given maps to the NIVL and told what time to report. Parameters examined were numbers of after-hours venous duplex ultrasonography (VDU) studies, patient morbidity and mortality, and RVT retention. We compared results from October 1, 1997, through September 30, 1998, the year before the program started, with those from October 1, 1998, through September 30, 2000, the 2 years after program implementation. Data were compared with χ 2 analysis. Results: During the study period, 161 patients suspected of having DVT were seen at the NIVL after hours and were deferred for study until the morning. Eighty-eight patients received prophylactic LMWH and were sent home, and 73 patients were placed in observation. All had VDUs the next morning at 8 am. No deaths, pulmonary emboli, or immediate complications of anticoagulation therapy were seen. After implementation, we noted an 89% reduction in after-hours VDU studies. Before program implementation, four RVTs resigned during an 18-month period because of issues relating to excessive call. From 1998 through 2000, the NIVL had 100% retention of its nine RVTs. Conclusion: The development of the LMWH program has reduced after-hours VDUs by 89% without causing patient morbidity or mortality. Retention of RVTs has been 100% since program implementation. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:132-6.)
Japanese Buildings in the United States before 1900: Their Influence upon American Domestic Architecture

THE Japanese elements incorporated in contemporary American dwellings are now so numerous and readily recognized that it is no longer necessary to argue the fact of Far Eastern inspiration. The small house, essentially of wood, in close communion with its setting, having a flexible plan and sliding screen walls, with built-in furniture, restraint of decoration, and quiet color schemes largely achieved by the use of unpainted woods and other natural materials, is prevalent throughout America. There remains, however, some question with regard to the exact source, the date, and the manner in which the Japanese characteristics were first accepted.1
An experimental analysis of the behavioral rehearsal with feedback technique in assertiveness training

Nonassertive subjects participated in assertiveness training in which the treatment package of behavioral rehearsal with feedback was analyzed. The experimental conditions consisted of: (1) behavioral rehearsal without knowledge of recording and without the provision of playback; (2) rehearsal with knowledge of recording and without the provision of playback; (3) rehearsal with knowledge of recording and with provision of playback. Analysis of variance for pencil and paper and behavioral pre-post measures revealed no significant between-group difference. Response feedback does not seem to add to the effectiveness of behavioral rehearsal.
Epidermal and dermal integration into sphere-templated porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) implants in mice

Percutaneous medical devices remain susceptible to infection and failure. We hypothesize that healing of the skin into the percutaneous device will provide a seal preventing bacterial attachment, biofilm formation, and subsequent device failure. Porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] with sphere-templated pores (40μm) and interconnecting throats (16μm) were implanted in normal C57BL/6 mice for 7, 14 and 28 days. Poly(HEMA) was either untreated, keeping the surface non-adhesive for cells and proteins, or modified with carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) or CDI reacted with laminin 332 to enhance adhesion. No clinical signs of infection were observed. Epidermal and dermal response within the poly(HEMA) pores was evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, inflammatory cells) and basement membrane proteins (laminin 332, β4 integrin, type VII collagen) could be demonstrated within the poly(HEMA) pores of all implants. Blood vessels and dermal collagen bundles were evident in all of the 14 and 28 day implants. Fibrous capsule formation and permigration were not observed. Sphere-templated polymers with 40μm pores demonstrate an ability to recapitulate key elements of both the dermal and the epidermal layers of skin. Our morphological findings indicate that the implant model can be used to study the effects of biomaterial pore size, pore interconnect (throat) size, and surface treatments on cutaneous biointegration. Further, this model may be used for bacterial challenge studies.
CD40 Agonists Alter Tumor Stroma and Show Efficacy Against Pancreatic Carcinoma in Mice and Humans

Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments can restrain antitumor immunity, particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Because CD40 activation can reverse immune suppression and drive antitumor T cell responses, we tested the combination of an agonist CD40 antibody with gemcitabine chemotherapy in a small cohort of patients with surgically incurable PDA and observed tumor regressions in some patients. We reproduced this treatment effect in a genetically engineered mouse model of PDA and found unexpectedly that tumor regression required macrophages but not T cells or gemcitabine. CD40-activated macrophages rapidly infiltrated tumors, became tumoricidal, and facilitated the depletion of tumor stroma. Thus, cancer immune surveillance does not necessarily depend on therapy-induced T cells; rather, our findings demonstrate a CD40-dependent mechanism for targeting tumor stroma in the treatment of cancer.
Iterative exponential filtering for large discrete ill-posed problems

We describe a new iterative method for the solution of large, very ill-conditioned linear systems of equations that arise when discretizing linear ill-posed problems. The right-hand side vector represents the given data and is assumed to be contaminated by measurement errors. Our method applies a filter function of the form \(\varphi_\beta(t):=1-\exp(-\beta t^2)\) with the purpose of reducing the influence of the errors in the right-hand side vector on the computed approximate solution of the linear system. Here \(\beta\) is a regularization parameter. The iterative method is derived by expanding \(\varphi_\beta(t)\) in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. The method requires only little computer memory and is well suited for the solution of large-scale problems. We also show how a value of \(\beta\) and an associated approximate solution that satisfies the Morozov discrepancy principle can be computed efficiently. An application to image restoration illustrates the performance of the method.