cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antipsychotic Use in Pregnancy and the Risk for Congenital Malformations

Importance The frequency of antipsychotic (AP) use during pregnancy has approximately doubled during the last decade. However, little is known about their safety for the developing fetus, and concerns have been raised about a potential association with congenital malformations. Objective To examine the risk for congenital malformations overall and cardiac malformations associated with first-trimester exposure to APs. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide sample of 1 360 101 pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid with a live-born infant constituted the pregnancy cohort nested in the Medicaid Analytic Extract database, which included data from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010. Participants were enrolled in Medicaid from 3 months before their last menstrual period through at least 1 month after delivery. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using generalized linear models with fine stratification on the propensity score to control for the underlying psychiatric disorders and other potential confounders. Data were analyzed during 2015. Exposures Use of APs during the first trimester, the etiologically relevant period for organogenesis. Main Outcomes and Measures Major congenital malformations overall and cardiac malformations identified during the first 90 days after delivery. Results Of the 1 341 715 pregnancies that met inclusion criteria (mean [SD] age of women, 24.02 [5.77] years), 9258 (0.69%) filled at least 1 prescription for an atypical AP and 733 (0.05%) filled at least 1 prescription for a typical AP during the first trimester. Overall, 32.7 (95% CI, 32.4-33.0) per 1000 births not exposed to APs were diagnosed with congenital malformations compared with 44.5 (95% CI, 40.5-48.9) per 1000 births exposed to atypical and 38.2 (95% CI, 26.6-54.7) per 1000 births exposed to typical APs. Unadjusted analyses suggested an increased risk for malformations overall for atypical APs (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24-1.50) but not for typical APs (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.81-1.68). After confounding adjustment, the RR was reduced to 1.05 (95% CI, 0.96-1.16) for atypical APs and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.62-1.31) for typical APs. The findings for cardiac malformations were similar. For the individual agents examined, a small increased risk in overall malformations (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.56) and cardiac malformations (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.88-1.81) was found for risperidone that was independent of measured confounders. Conclusions and Relevance Evidence from this large study suggests that use of APs early in pregnancy generally does not meaningfully increase the risk for congenital malformations overall or cardiac malformations in particular. The small increase in the risk for malformations observed with risperidone requires additional study.
Vacant lots: An underexplored resource for ecological and social benefits in cities

Abstract Vacant lots make up a large proportion of urban land and are of interest to many stakeholder groups. While they are often viewed as dangerous or unsightly, they can be an economic, social, and ecological resource. Here we present a literature review focused on restoring biodiversity in vacant lots, emphasizing the intersection of human and wildlife needs. We focus on the benefits, challenges, and processes of restoration in vacant lots and synthesize ecological, social, and economic information across these domains. We suggest that fast, inexpensive restoration techniques could be implemented in vacant lots and would be well suited to increasing greenspace in low-income areas. Furthermore, we emphasize that land managers, ecologists, sociologists, urban planners, and local communities must work together to conceptualize, carry out, and monitor restoration projects, as these projects are often characterized by disparate goals and insufficient follow-up. Vacant lot restoration is best addressed by an interdisciplinary approach that combines economic, social, and environmental needs and concerns into a holistic urban land use paradigm.
The Sensitivity of Orographic Precipitation to Flow Direction: An Idealized Modeling Approach

AbstractA major question regarding orographic precipitation is its sensitivity to flow direction, with some research suggesting substantial sensitivity. To examine this issue, this paper describes a full physics model with realistic three-dimensional terrain that is forced by a single input sounding. This system is used to investigate the sensitivity of orographic precipitation to wind direction over the Pacific Northwest for conditions approximating an atmospheric river. The model results show considerable modulation of regional precipitation as flow direction changes, with results for four Washington State river drainages agreeing well with previous observational studies. It is shown that precipitation amounts over such drainages can vary substantially with very small changes in the direction of the incoming flow. To explore the origin of directional sensitivity of precipitation over the Olympic Mountains of western Washington State, additional experiments were carried out using modified terrain fields ...
Interprofessionals’ definitions of moral resilience

Aims and objectives To describe common characteristics and themes of the concept of moral resilience as reported by interprofessional clinicians in health care. Background Research has provided an abundance of data on moral distress with limited research to resolve and help negate the detrimental effects of moral distress. This reveals a critical need for research on how to mitigate the negative consequences of moral distress that plague nurses and other healthcare providers. One promising direction is to build resilience as an individual strategy concurrently with interventions to build a culture of ethical practice. Design/methods Qualitative descriptive methods were used to analyse descriptive definitions provided by 184 interprofessional clinicians in health care attending educational programmes in various locations as well as a small group of 23 professionals with backgrounds such as chaplaincy and nonhealthcare providers. Results Three primary themes and three subthemes emerged from the data. The primary themes are integrity—personal and relational, and buoyancy. The subthemes are self-regulation, self-stewardship and moral efficacy. Conclusions Individual healthcare providers and healthcare systems can use this research to help negate the detrimental effects of moral distress by finding ways to develop interventions to cultivate moral resilience. Relevance to clinical practice Moral resilience involves not only building and fostering the individual's capacity to navigate moral adversity but also developing systems that support a culture of ethical practice for healthcare providers.
Reproductive endocrinology of environmental nitrate.

Abstract Nitrate is a widespread contaminant of aquatic ecosystems and drinking water. It is also broadly active in organismal physiology, and as such, has the potential to both enhance and disrupt normal physiological function. In animals, nitrate is a proposed endocrine disrupter that is converted in vivo to nitrite and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, in particular, is a potent cell signaling molecule that participates in diverse biological pathways and events. Here, we review in vivo nitrate cycling and downstream mechanistic physiology, with an emphasis on reproductive outcomes. However, in many cases, the research produces contradictory results, in part because there is good evidence that nitrate follows a non-monotonic dose-response curve. This conundrum highlights an array of opportunities for scientists from different fields to collaborate for a full understanding of nitrate physiology. Opposing conclusions are especially likely when in vivo/in vitro, long term/short term, high dose/low dose, or hypoxia/normoxia studies are compared. We conclude that in vivo studies are most appropriate for testing an organism’s integrated endocrine response to nitrate. Based on the limited available studies, there is a generalized trend that shorter term studies (less than 1 month) or studies involving low doses (≤5 mg/L NO3-N) cause steroid hormone levels to decline. Studies that last more than a month and/or involve higher, but still environmentally relevant, exposures (>50–100 mg/L NO3-N) cause steroid hormone levels to increase. Very high nitrate doses (>500 mg/L NO3-N) are cytotoxic in many species. Hypoxia and acidity are likely to intensify the effects of nitrate. For study design, degree of study animal reproductive maturity or activity is important, with immature/reproductively quiescent animals responding to nitrate differently, compared with reproductively active animals. A detailed table of studies is presented.
Indian time: time, seasonality, and culture in Traditional Ecological Knowledge of climate change

Western climate science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) represent complementary and overlapping views of the causes and consequences of change. In particular, observations of changes in abundance, distribution, phenology, or behavior of the natural environment (including plants and animals) can have a rich cultural and spiritual interpretation in Indigenous communities that may not be present in western science epistemologies. Using interviews with Indigenous elders and other Traditional Knowledge holders, we demonstrate that assumptions about the nature, perception, and utilization of time and timing can differ across knowledge systems in regard to climate change. Our interviewees’ focus on relationality predisposes them to notice interactional changes among humans and other species, to be sensitive to smaller scale examples of change, to be more likely to see climate change as part of a broader time scale, and to link changes to a greater suite of socio-political phenomena, including the long arc of colonialism. One implication of this research and the interactions among humans and other species is that policies restricting Native and non-Native access to resources (i.e., hunting and fishing) to certain calendar seasons may need to be revisited in a changing climate.
Firefighters' stress response to a virtual reality occupationally relevant stressor and a virtual reality laboratory stressor

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the stress responses of an occupationally-­‐relevant stress (ORS) in a virtual reality environment to a well-­‐ established laboratory stressor (LS). Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that the ORS would be as effective at eliciting a stress response as a well-­‐established LS. Methods: Firefighters (n=14) from Iowa underwent two different stressor scenarios: LS and ORS. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), pre-­‐ejection period (PEP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were continuously assessed throughout the two scenarios. Subjective measures of affect (“arousal” and “pleasure”) and workload were assessed immediately after each stressor. Results: No significant differences in mean responses of HR, MAP, SV, CO, PEP, and TPR were found between the LS and ORS. There were no statistical differences in all physiological responses throughout the journeys of the LS vs. ORS. Measures of “arousal” were similar in the ORS and LS, while measures of “pleasure” were significantly higher in the ORS (p<0.05). Workload scores were significantly higher in the LS than the ORS (p<0.0001). Discussion: Although subjective measures of “pleasure” and workload were different between the LS and ORS, the firefighters had similar physiological stress responses. This suggests that the ORS is at least as stressful as the LS in terms of physiological responses and is a valid stressor for firefighters when compared to a well-­‐
8 – Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Personality Disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the neurobiological approaches to the understanding of personality disorders that help shed light on the refractory nature of such problems with concomitant implications for treatment. The diagnosis of personality disorder is evocative and frequently viewed as prognostically negative, indicative of potential treatment difficulty, predictive of storminess (both within and without the therapy work), with the patient having a potential for acting out, possibilities for displays of behavior that may lead to danger to self and others, or, at its worst, all of the above. Most often presenting (as do most patients) for treatment of their Axis I problems (i.e., for treatment of anxiety or depression), Axis II patients frequently show poor response rates to standard treatment. The nature of the Axis II problems makes treatment different from the Axis I therapy. One may skip steps when dealing with symptomatic problems (Axis I) where therapy may proceed rapidly, but in working with personality disordered patients it is best to make sure they have a clear understanding of why schemata are the major focus of cognitive therapy, of the pace at which they can expect progress with their problems, and of the kind of support they can and cannot expect from their therapist.
Spatial Decision Support Systems

Spatial decision support systems (SDSS) are computer-based systems that combine the geographic storage, search, and retrieval capabilities of geographic information systems with the decision models and optimizing algorithms used to support decision-making about spatial problems. Examples are political redistricting, selection of routes, facility location, and planning land uses. SDSS are used increasingly in both business and public sectors today. These systems allow decision makers to use ‘multiple spatial criteria’ in making locational choices by exploring alternatives in the spatial and the attribute solution space. In some SDSS, the user generates these spaces interactively. The capabilities of the SDSS then consist of the tools for manipulating the geographic information, and reporting the characteristic attributes of the outcomes. In other cases, instead of modeling the choices of individuals, the user of the SDSS directly participates in the choice evaluation process. Some SDSS incorporate methods for reconciling different views. In many situations, the assistance required by users of an SDSS lies in the knowledge of experts who are not available in person. Much of current research in SDSS entails capturing the knowledge of experts and incorporating it in the SDSS. The typical characteristics and functionalities of SDSS are becoming incorporated in social science theories and models that explain spatial decisions.
Treatment of Neurological Symptoms in Wilson Disease

Brain copper accumulation commonly causes neurological symptoms in Wilson disease (WD). Many of the neurological manifestations that are present in WD involve movement disorders such as tremor, dysarthria, parkinsonism, dystonia, and gait impairment. Current de-coppering therapy provides in most cases only partial improvement of the neurological aspects of WD, and the use of medications to treat residual neurological symptoms is commonly required to improve patients’ quality of life. The evidence assessing the efficacy of different therapeutic options for movement disorders in WD is limited. This chapter aims to review the most common neurological manifestations in WD and the therapeutic options currently available.
How Economic Tropes Affect Attitudes Toward Social Welfare Policies

We offer a framework for understanding public responses to social programs designed to alleviate disadvantages experienced by some sectors of the U.S. population. The framework is built on 2 key tr...
Pediatric Tracheostomy Decannulation: 11-Year Experience.

ObjectiveTo determine the successful decannulation rate with a published pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocol.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingA single tertiary care instit...
A Rough Sketch of the Freehand Drawing Process: Blending the Line between Action and Artifact

Dynamic elements of the drawing process (e.g., order of compilation, speed, length, and pressure of strokes) are considered important because they can reveal the technique, process, and emotions of the artist. To explore how sensing, visualizing, and sharing these aspects of the creative process might shape art making and art viewing experiences, we designed a research probe which unobtrusively tracks and visualizes the movement and pressure of the artist's pencil on an easel. Using our probe, we conducted studies with artists and art viewers, which reveal digital and physical representations of creative process as a means of reflecting on a multitude of factors about the finished artwork, including technique, style, and the emotions of the artists. We conclude by discussing future directions for HCI systems that sense and visualize aspects of the creative process in digitally-mediated arts, as well as the social considerations of sharing and curating intimate process information.
Two Tragedies Argument: Two Mistakes

Most opposition to abortion turns on the claim that human fetuses are full moral agents from conception (or soon afterwards). Critics argue that antiabortion theorists act hypocritically when they neglect spontaneous abortions—valuing some fetal lives and not others. Many philosophers draw a distinction between killing and letting die, with the former being morally impermissible and latter acceptable. Henrick Friberg-Fernros appeals to this distinction with his Two Tragedies Argument, contending that anti-abortion theorists are justified in prioritising preventing induced abortions over spontaneous ones, as the former involves two tragedies—a death and a killing. However, induced abortion can involve either killing or letting die, and thus this view is incompatible with the traditional anti-abortion view. Furthermore, Friberg-Fernros appears to value preventing killing attempts more than preventing actual deaths.
Digging Deeper into “Fear”

This chapter explores fear as a powerful emotion that influences behavior. Studies on fear appeals are underscored and means of mitigating the fear response to change behavior. Fear appeals have been employed in politics and public health. There is an opportunity to consider “fear” in systems and approaches for removing and reducing “fear” as a barrier to change for good.
"It Took the Stress out of Getting Help": The STAR-C-Telemedicine Mixed Methods Pilot.

Background Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can be mentally and physically taxing. Support programs are available to mitigate the strain of care, but caregivers report access challenges (e.g., distance). STAR-C is an evidence-based, effective, one-on-one caregiver educational intervention. However, family caregivers who do not live near a STAR-C consultant (e.g., rural caregivers) cannot participate in the program. The earth-bound mode presents a critical barrier to widely-available caregiver support. Objectives We assessed the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and cost of implementing a caregiver support intervention (STAR-C-Telemedicine), using Internet-based videoconferencing. Design Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined feasibility and pre- and post-intervention changes in caregiver burden. Focus groups provided feedback on program acceptability. Setting Participants, in their own homes, connected the university-based study staff using videoconferencing technology. Participants Twenty family caregivers for those with dementia consented to the study. Intervention The STAR-C-TM intervention included 8 weekly sessions in which the universitybased consultant met (via videoconferencing) with caregivers in their homes. The intervention focused on identifying upsetting behaviors and identifying triggers to the behaviors. Measurements We assessed caregiver burden, depression and desire to institutionalize prior to and after the intervention. Results Fourteen caregivers (82% of those who started the intervention) completed all study components. We found statistically significant reductions in caregiver burden. Caregivers liked the videoconferencing option. Almost two-thirds reported, given the choice, that they would prefer it over an in-person offering. STAR-C-TM saved, on average, $1150/per caregiver over the traditional program. Qualitative findings supported the quantitative data. Conclusions Telemedicine-based support for family caregivers is a feasible and cost-effective option. As the prevalence of dementia grows, programs such as STAR-C-TM can fill an important gap in caregiver education and support.
Preliminary experience of selective lumbosacral posterier rhizotomy for treatment of lower limb spastic cerebral palsy

Objective To review our preliminary experience of sacral posterior rhizotomy (SPR) operation for treating spastic cerebral palsy of lower limb. Methods From January 1994 to June 2005, 52 patients of lower limb spastic cerebral palsy underwent selective lumbosacral posterior rhizotomies. The results of followed-up were retrospectively analyzed. Results The patients wire followed up for 2- 10 Years (mean 4. 2 years), post-operatively. There were 49 patients with both spastivity reduction and gait improvement,2 patients with spastivity reduction, but without gait improvement and 1 patient with genu recurvature. Wound infection, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid or unstability of lumbar column was not detected post-operatively. Conclusions Clear indication, accurate localization of the affected seg- ment are the key to successful outcome. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Rhizotomy
Establishing equivalence-equivalence analogical relations via tact and listener training

We investigated the role of verbal behavior on the emergence of analogy-type responding as measured via equivalence-equivalence relations. In Experiment 1, 8 college students learned to label arbitrary stimuli as, "vek," "zog," and "paf", and in Experiment 2, 8 additional participants learned to select these stimuli when hearing their names in an auditory-visual matching-to-sample (MTS) task. Experimenters tested for the emergence of relational tacts (i.e., "same" and "different") and equivalence-equivalence relations (analogy tests) via visual-visual MTS. Half of the participants were exposed to a think-aloud procedure. Even though they all passed analogy tests while tacting stimuli relationally, only participants exposed to tact training (Experiment 1) did so without the need for remediation. The results of these experiments confirm that individual discriminative and relational control of stimuli established through verbal behavior training is sufficient to produce equivalence-equivalence analogical responding, advancing the analysis of complex cognitive (problem-solving) phenomena.
Postoperative extremity compartment syndrome in a cancer center: Incidence and risk factors.

Abstract Objective Postoperative compartment syndrome is a reported complication with known patient- and treatment-specific risk factors. Cancer patients carry unique risk factors associated with their underlying disease and long, complex procedures. While elevated serum lactate in traumatic and intensive care settings portends higher risk, no laboratory parameter has demonstrated utility in postoperative risk stratification. Postoperative extremity compartment syndrome in the study institution's cancer population was examined and whether intraoperative serum lactate correlates with postoperative compartment syndrome risk was investigated. Methods A 1:2 case-control study was performed, which compared cancer patients with postoperative compartment syndrome to those who underwent similar surgical procedures without this complication. Twelve patients were matched to 24 controls by sex, age, surgical procedures, and duration of surgery. Patient and operative variables were analyzed for prognostic significance. Results The compartment syndrome rate was 0.09% of all cases (n = 13,491); 0.12% of cases ≥ 3 h’ duration (n = 9,979), and 0.25% of cases ≥ 5 h (n = 4,811). Compared with controls, the case group had higher median BMI (31.7 kg/m2 vs. 25.4 kg/m2, P = 0.001), and median intraoperative lactate level (4.05 mmol/L vs. 1.5 mmol/L, P = 0.047). Conclusion Our institutional incidence of postoperative compartment syndrome was similar to that of non-oncologic institutions. While many traditional risk factors did not prove to be influential in our patients, elevated median body mass index and intraoperative serum lactate were identified as risk factors for postoperative compartment syndrome in a cancer population.
Algal turf negatively affects recruitment of a Caribbean octocoral

Algal cover has increased and scleractinian coral cover has steadily declined over the past 40 years on Caribbean coral reefs, while octocoral abundance has increased at sites where abundances have been monitored. The effects of algal cover on recruitment may be a key component in these patterns, as upright octocoral recruits may escape competition with algae by growing above the ubiquitous algal turfs. We used laboratory and field recruitment experiments to examine impacts of algal turf on recruitment of the common, upright, and zooxanthellate Caribbean octocoral Plexaura homomalla. Laboratory recruitment rate was significantly higher in lower turf cover treatments. The survival of recruits in the field was significantly reduced by increased turf cover; for every 1% increase in turf cover, polyps died 1.3% faster. In a model parameterized by the observed field survival, polyps exposed to 100% turf cover had a 2% survival rate over 51 days, while polyps exposed to no turf cover had a 32% survival rate over the same time. We found that high densities of turf algae can significantly inhibit recruitment of octocorals. Experimentally obtained octocoral survival rates were higher than those published for Caribbean octocorals. The factors that influence recruitment are critical in understanding the dynamics of octocorals on Caribbean reefs as continuing declines in scleractinian cover may lead to more octocoral-dominated communities.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Affects Hip and Knee Biomechanics During Landing.

Background:Restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) has been linked to lower extremity biomechanics that place an athlete at higher risk for injury. Whether reduced DFROM during dynami...
Should SPAC Forecasts be Sacked

In 1995 Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA), which grants public companies a safe harbor from liability for forward-looking statements (FLS). Because investors cannot reasonably assess the legitimacy of forward-looking information for initial public offerings (IPOs), these companies are excluded from the act’s provision. However, companies that go public through a special acquisition company (SPAC) are defined as merger targets of an already-public firm, and as such, their FLS are protected under the PSLRA safe harbor. In this paper, we offer the first large-scale study on revenue forecasts disclosed in investor presentations given by SPAC targets. We document a positive association between the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in projected revenue and both market returns and abnormal retail trading during the five-day event window around the investor presentation. We also show that higher revenue growth projections are more likely to be optimistically biased and that firms with higher projections tend to underperform comparable firms during the two-year span following the SPAC merger. Overall, our results attest to the recent concerns expressed by both the SEC and the financial press, that SPAC firms’ aggressive revenue projections compel retail investors, who end up faring worse on their investment.
Bilateral Anterior Subcapsular Cataract Development Following Initiation of Enfortumab Vedotin

Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody–drug conjugate that was recently granted accelerated US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. Early clinical trials identified blurry vision, increased lacrimation and other events associated with dry eye as potential side effects. We report a case of bilateral anterior subcapsular cataract development following initiation of enfortumab vedotin. Enfortumab vedotin is not previously known to cause cataract development or progression and, thus, our patient’s presentation may reflect the first report of an undocumented adverse effect of this novel agent.
AirNet-SNL: End-to-End Training of Iterative Reconstruction and Deep Neural Network Regularization for Sparse-Data XPCI CT

We present a deep learning image reconstruction method called AirNet-SNL for sparse view computed tomography. It combines iterative reconstruction and convolutional neural networks with end-to-end training. Our model reduces streak artifacts from filtered back-projection with limited data, and it trains on randomly generated shapes. This work shows promise to generalize learning image reconstruction.
Is brain cancer an occupational disease of cardiologists

Objective To assess the plausibility of radiation as a cause of the statistically unusual event of two cardiologists in Toronto, Ontario who were diagnosed with brain tumours in 1997. Design Computation of the expected occurrence of brain cancer in Ontario cardiologists and review of the epidemiological literature pertaining to radiation and brain cancer. Data synthesis The occurrence of these two cases is a statistically unusual event--a 'cluster'. There are several plausible explanations for this cluster. First, this may be a chance occurrence, and the tumours may have no causative factors in common. Second, the cause may be radiation exposure. A connection to occupational radiation exposure is biologically plausible, but risk assessment suggests that it is unlikely that this effect would have been observable in the small population of Ontario cardiologists. Conclusions Initiation of brain tumours during cardiac fluoroscopic procedures is plausible. Physicians are reminded to practise radiation safety methods during fluoroscopic procedures. The diagnosis of two additional brain tumours in Canadian interventional cardiologists during the past 10 years would confirm the occupational causation theory. The author invites physicians to report knowledge of the diagnosis of brain tumours in Canadian cardiologists to the author or to the editors.
The ability of background factors, work practices, and psychosocial variables to predict the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort

This study identified which combination of background factors, work practice, and psychosocial variables could discriminate most accurately between individuals with mild, moderate, or severe musculoskeletal discomfort in a population of 155 customer service representatives of a telecommunications company. These risk profiles were obtained for overall upper body musculoskeletal discomfort, as well as for each individual body part (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, and back). Results of discriminant analyses suggested that risk profiles were different for each body part and could accurately classify from between 50 and 100% of the individuals into mild, moderate, or severe discomfort categories. These risk profiles were all highly significant ( < 0.01). This research identified the amount of social support, job variety, and skill utilization on the job as the psychosocial variables most often associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in this population.
Asymptotic performance in adaptive H/sub /spl infin// control

In adaptive control, it is often useful to distinguish between transient and asymptotic performance. In this paper, we formulate a notion of asymptotic performance for an H/sub /spl infin// adaptive control problem, and consider the problem in the simple case where the unknown plant is one of a finite number of known, possible models. We consider two plant cases: 1) the plants are simply static nonlinear functions; and 2) the plants are linear and time-invariant. Our main result is that, for both cases, the optimal asymptotic H/sub /spl infin// performance is no better than the optimal performance in the transient phase. We conclude that increased input-output data does not improve the achievable H/sub /spl infin// performance. Instead, parametric uncertainty results in a persistent performance degradation, and this uncertainty cannot be resolved, even with infinite data.
Greenhouse warming: comparative analysis of nuclear and efficiency abatement strategies

Abstract We analyse two popular strategies for reducing fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions: revitalizing nuclear power, and improving energy efficiency. Under highly favourable assumptions for nuclear power in scenarios of moderate to high energy growth, we find that even if large nuclear plants (1 000 MW) could be built every one to three days from now until 2025 (which is impossible in the Third World), global CO2 emissions would still continue to grow. Thus, nuclear power cannot contribute significantly to abating greenhouse warming, except possibly in scenarios of low energy growth for which the problem is already largely ameliorated by efficiency improvement. In the USA — the world's largest producer of CO2 — each dollar invested in electric efficiency displaces nearly seven times as much CO2 as a dollar invested in nuclear power. Even if the most optimistic aspirations for the future economics of nuclear power were realized today, efficiency would still displace between 2.5 and 10 times more CO2 per unit investment. We conclude that revitalizing nuclear power would be a relatively expensive and ineffective response to greenhouse warming, and that the key to reducing future CO2 emissions is to improve the energy efficiency of the global economy.
Effective Temperature Models for the Electric Field Dependence of Charge Carrier Mobility in Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) Aluminum

The development of accurate and predictive models of charge carrier mobility is a crucial milestone on the path to the rational design of organic semiconductor devices. In this chapter we review effective temperature models that combine both the temperature and electric field dependence of the charge carriermobility into a single parameter – the effective temperature. Although effective temperature models were originally developed for use in disordered inorganic semiconductors, here we compare various models to data from the archetype small molecular weight organic semiconductor tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (AlQ3). We conclude that it may prove impossible to develop a universal effective temperature model that is valid for all electric fields and temperatures. But several effective temperature models are observed to work well within the typical operational environments of electronic devices. Thus, the effective temperature concept promises to be a practical and useful tool for the development of organic semiconductor technology.
Identifying Likely Duplicates by Record Linkage in a Survey of Prostitutes

This chapter discusses concerns about duplicates in an anonymous survey, general frameworks for record linkage, and estimating probabilities of duplication in the Los Angeles Women's Health Risk Study (LAWHRS).
Papillary stenosis and sclerosing cholangitis in an immunodeficient child

Sclerosing cholangitis, an inflammatory disease of the biliary tree that occurs infrequently in childhood, has been recognized in combination with papillary stenosis in adults with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A 10-yr-old child with a familial immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by defective T-cell function and deficiencies of immunoglobulins A and G developed papillary stenosis and sclerosing cholangitis associated with cryptosporidium enteritis. The patient presented with fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and elevated serum concentrations of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. The pain and jaundice resolved after endoscopic sphincterotomy, but the biochemical abnormalities persisted. This case demonstrates that the combination of papillary stenosis and sclerosing cholangitis can occur in children as well as adults and may be associated with immunodeficiency syndromes other than the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Endoscopic sphincterotomy can provide symptomatic treatment for papillary stenosis in children with this condition, although the effect of sphincterotomy on the natural history of the sclerosing cholangitis is uncertain.
Deconstructing Haig-Simons Income and Reconstructing It as Objective Ability-to-Pay Income

The Haig-Simons concept of income has for roughly fifty years been a gold standard of income tax theory and policy discussion. This article argues that the classic Haig-Simons formulation of personal income, which consists of an individual’s consumption plus net increases in wealth for the taxable year, could not be maintained by Simons himself, is contrary to fundamental political values, is unnecessary, and is inferior to an objective ability-to-pay realization personal income tax. Specifically, the Haig-Simons concept simply gets it wrong insofar as it posits that consumption is an independent category of income. That leaves “consumption” as a deduction-disallowance principle, but in that respect the concept is ambiguous and insufficient. Finally, the notion of “changes in wealth” hasn’t made headway, due to the persistence of the realization principle. The problems attending the Haig-Simons income concept, as well as Simons’ goal of designing a redistributive tax, are resolved under an objective ability-to-pay personal income concept. Part I uncovers the basic ambiguity as to the role of “consumption” under the Haig-Simons concept of income, and demonstrates that consumption under the Haig-Simons concept should not be interpreted as a gross income principle. Thus, imputed income (and other intangible benefits received) are not properly viewed as gross income in the tax sense. Instead, consumption is merely a deduction-disallowance principle, and an insufficient (or incomplete) one at that. Part II discusses normative criteria underlying an income tax that point towards an objective ability-to-pay realization personal income tax. The notion of objective ability to pay is an internal-to-tax tax fairness norm that is constructed from the ground up by considering the role of taxation (in a liberal society) to raise cash revenue in an annual budget cycle. It also happens that an ability-to-pay personal income tax can, itself perform a mildly redistributive function. (Incidentally, it is argued in this part that indexing of basis is improper from a tax fairness perspective.) Part III follows with an outline of basic features of such a tax. Some controversial points raised in Part III include abolition of the accrual method of tax accounting, disallowing depreciation deductions, and a thorough revamping of the tax treatment of borrowing.
The Analysis of Under Water Vehicle Non-Stationary AcousticTransient Signals Using a New Fast Algorithm for ConstructingPositive Time-Frequency Distributions

It is well know that under water vehicles emit many types of acoustic signals, including stationary as well as non-stationary. The non-stationary transient signals are receiving considerable attention, especially from the standpoint of detection and tracking of under water vehicles. Thus, modern methods for processing these non-stationary acoustic transient signals are required. This paper presents a very powerful method for analyzing acoustic transient signals, the positive time-frequency distribution. A fast algorithm that implements the minimum cross-entropy positive time-frequency distribution makes practical the processing of ’’real world data‘‘, like under water vehicle acoustic transient signals. An example of such a signal is presented, which is a generic acoustic transient signal from a under water vehicle. The signal is only representative, as it is normalized in time, in frequency, and in amplitude. The positive time-frequency distribution constructed for this generic transient signal is contrasted with the one-third octave method, which is currently the primary method being used by the under water vehicle community to analyze under water vehicle transients. The positive distribution is also contrasted with broad band and narrow band spectrograms.
Using Visual Data Mining to Enhance the Simple Tools in Statistical Process Control: A Case Study

Statistical process control (SPC) is a collection of problem-solving tools used to achieve process stability and improve process capability through variation reduction. Because of its sound statistical basis and intuitive use of visual displays, SPC has been extensively used in manufacturing and health care and service industries. Deploying SPC involves both a technical aspect and a proper environment for continuous improvement activities based on management support and worker empowerment. Many of the commonly used SPC tools, including histograms, fishbone diagrams, scatter plots, and defect concentration diagrams, were proposed prior to the advent of microcomputers as efficient methods to record and visualize data for single (or few) variable(s) processes. As the volume, variety, and velocity of data continues to evolve, there are opportunities to supplement and improve these methods for understanding and visualizing process variation. In this paper, we propose enhancements to some of the basic quality tools that can be easily applied with a desktop computer. We demonstrate how these updated tools can be used to better characterize, understand, and/or diagnose variation in a case study involving a US manufacturer of structural tubular metal products. Finally, we create the quality visualization toolkit to allow practitioners to implement some of these visualization tools without the need for training, extensive statistical background, and/or specialized statistical software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RF characterization of the Mars Exploration Rover radar altimeter antennas-airbag interaction

Presents results of the Mars Exploration Rover-03 (MER) radar altimeter antennas-airbag interaction. The objective of this work is to determine the impact of the MER airbag on the radiation properties and mutual coupling and return loss of the radar altimeter antennas at the design frequency of 4.3 GHz and over a frequency band of 25 MHz. This is done to ultimately assess any impacts or risks to the radar altimeter system performance. Because the radar altimeter antennas are close (near-field region) to the airbag when it is inflated, we have considered several configurations to characterize the antennas' performance. These characterizations should allow us to determine the proper link budget for the radar altimeter in terms of signal lock during MER descent to the Martian surface. It is shown that the mutual coupling between radar altimeter antennas may be affected when the airbag is on top or in the close proximity to the antennas, 0 to 15.24 cm (or 2.18/spl lambda/), and the radar may not function properly for certain orientations and positions within this region. It is demonstrated that as the airbag is withdrawn away from the antennas (toward the far-field region of the antennas), the antenna's performance will be decoupled from the airbag.
Influence of electrophilic character and glutathione depletion on chemical dysmorphogenesis in cultured rat embryos

Abstract To examine the importance of reduced intracellular glutathione (GSH) in the modulation of dysmorphogenesis and to gain insight into the electrophilic character of the embryotoxic intermediates generated in the rat embryo from N -acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAAF) and acetaminophen (APAP) in cultured embryos, the effects of GSH depletion on the embryotoxicity, dysmorphogenesis and covalent binding of these agents were examined. Both AAAF (90μM) and APAP (500 μM) produced concentration-dependent, statistically significant (P ⩽ 0.05) decreases in embryonic length as well as embryonic and visceral yolk sac protein content when rat embryos were exposed in vitro between days 10 and 11 of gestation. The predominant malformations observed upon exposure to AAAF and APAP were prosencephalic hypoplasia and abnormal neurulation respectively. Exposure of conceptuses to [ 3 H]APAP followed by separation and fractionation of the cellular RNA, DNA and protein via density gradient centrifugation resulted in detectable binding in fractions that contained protein, but not DNA or RNA. This suggested that the rat conceptus is capable of bioactivating APAP to a soft electrophile that selectively arylates protein. In contrast, conceptuses exposed to [ 3 H]AAAF exhibited detectable binding to RNA, DNA and protein, indicative of conversion to both hard and soft electrophiles. Depletion of GSH was accomplished by pretreating conceptuses with 500 μM l -buthionine- S , R -sulfoximine (BSO) from the start of the culture period (day 9.5) until the morning of day 10. When conceptuses were depleted previously of GSH by BSO, exposure to APAP resulted in significant potentiation (relative to APAP alone) of the observed embryotoxicity. These conceptuses displayed further decreases in both embryonic size and protein content of the embryo and yolk sac, as well as increased incidence of abnormally open anterior neuropores and increased binding (3-fold) of [ 3 H]APAP to protein. In contrast, pretreatment with BSO did not potentiate the AAAF-elicited decreases in embryonic size or protein content, nor the severity of prosencephalic hypoplasia, although a slight increase in binding of [ 3 H]AAAF to DNA was observed. Taken together, these data are consistent with the concept that abnormal neurulation elicited by APAP results from the generation of one or more soft electrophilic species, whereas elicitation of prosencephalic hypoplasia by AAAF appears to be a consequence of conversion to a relatively hard electrophile(s).
Optical detection of cross relaxation between rare-earth ions in lanthanum trichloride crystals

The dynamics of relaxation and interionic energy-transfer processes for ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ ions, dilutely cosubstituted at ${\mathrm{La}}^{3+}$ sites in La${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ single crystals, have been investigated in a series of optical-magnetic double-resonance experiments. These processes have been studied by measuring the effects of electron-paramagnetic-resonance absorption at microwave frequencies on the fluorescence radiation emitted during continuous Ar-ion-laser irradiation. In cases for which the ratio of the magnetic field energy splitting of the ground Kramers doublet of ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ to that of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ had values relatively close to \textonehalf{}, 1, 2, 3, or 4, the time for regaining steady-state-level populations after termination of microwave irradiation was markedly reduced compared with other ratios and was minimum at those particular values. This observation is interpreted as due to energy-conserving cross-relaxation processes involving several ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ ions simultaneously.
Exploring the links between personality and empathic response style

Abstract Linkages between psychoticism, extraversion and neuroticism and three empathic response styles—empathetic responsiveness, perspective taking and sympathetic responsiveness—were examined. Data from an extensive survey reveal that those scoring high on P are neither sympathetic nor empathetic thus suggesting a certain callous nature within such individuals. Those scoring high on E, however, have a tendency to be sympathetic but not empathetic with regard to another in an aversive situation. Conversely, high N scorers are very empathetic but do not have a tendency to feel concern or pity for others in need, which is possibly due to painful feelings of distress that such concern may cause. Taken together, these findings provide a strong foundation for further research into the links between personality and empathic response styles.