cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Psychiatrist Opt-out from US Medicare: an Observational Study.

Concerns exist about availability and access to psychiatric services in the USA. For Medicare beneficiaries, one impediment to psychiatric services is the extent to which psychiatrists have opted out of the Medicare program. This study describes geographic variation in rates that psychiatrists opt out of Medicare, and assesses physician-level and geographic-level predictors of opt-out. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data describing psychiatrists’ opt-out status as of March 2017 linked to data on psychiatrist location, psychiatrist characteristics (obtained from a comprehensive US physician database), and market area–level characteristics. 27,838 psychiatrists in the USA Whether a psychiatrist had opted out of Medicare as of March 2017. Overall, 7.0% of psychiatrists (1940/27,838) opted out of Medicare as of March 2017. Opt-out rates varied substantially across states and within states. Physician-level factors independently associated with opt-out included: older age (psychiatrists > 65 years were 2.6 percentage points more likely to opt vs. psychiatrists < 35 years old, p = 0.03), greater years of experience, female gender (female psychiatrists were 2.6 percentage points more likely to opt out than male psychiatrists, p < 0.001), graduation from a top-20 ranked medical school (1.7 percentage points more likely to opt out of Medicare, p < 0.001), and domestic medical graduate (domestic graduates were 7.3 percentage points more likely to opt out of Medicare vs. foreign graduates, p < 0.001). Adjusting for other individual- and geographic-level factors, psychiatrists who practiced in areas with more psychiatrists per Medicare beneficiary were less likely to opt out (p < 0.001). The overall likelihood that psychiatrists opt out of Medicare is significant and varies considerably across regions and by characteristics of psychiatrists.
Impact of product design parameters on in vitro release from intrauterine systems.

Abstract Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) contain a large amount of potent LNG, and therefore it is important to understand the impact of product design parameters on the in vitro and in vivo performance to ensure safety and efficacy, as well as to avoid serious side effects resulting from dose dumping. LNG-IUS is a complex drug-device combination product, and its formulation design, requires consideration of additional factors such as device configuration and dimensions, in addition to formulation and processing parameters. In this study, ten qualitatively (Q1) and quantitatively (Q2) equivalent LNG-IUSs were manufactured with differences in source (supplier) and dimensions (i.e., thickness) of the outer membrane, drug particle size, dimensions of the drug reservoir (i.e., inner diameter), as well as configuration of the entire IUS. A real-time in vitro release testing method was developed for the LNG-IUSs. In addition, an accelerated release testing method was developed using hydro-alcoholic media in order to reduce the time associated with formulation design. Source variations and thickness of their outer membranes had a great impact on the in vitro drug release from the LNG-IUSs. It was demonstrated that the thicker the outer membrane, the slower the drug release rate. The physicochemical properties of the outer membranes obtained from different sources were characterized to understand their impact on the in vitro drug release of the LNG-IUSs. The composition and mechanical strength may play a role in differences in drug release. The LNG-IUS formulation prepared with the larger drug particle size showed a slightly slower daily release rate. The drug release rates from the compositionally equivalent LNG-IUSs linearly correlated to the surface area of the corresponding drug reservoirs. Another factor that affected the drug release rate was the configuration of the entire IUS. It was shown that the placement of the outer membrane was significant, i.e. whether the ends of the drug reservoir were covered or not. It is important to note that real-time release showed zero-order release kinetics over the test period of approximately 900 days. The current study provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of product design parameters on the in vitro drug release of LNG-IUSs. In addition, the developed real-time and accelerated release testing methods showed good discriminatory ability for compositionally equivalent LNG-IUSs prepared using different product design parameters.
Amphetamine improves rat 5-choice continuous performance test (5C-CPT) irrespective of concurrent low-dose haloperidol treatment

Cognitive dysfunction mediates functional impairment in patients with schizophrenia, necessitating the timely development of pro-cognitive therapeutics. An important initial step in this process is to establish what, if any, pro-cognitive agents and associated mechanisms can be identified using cross-species translational paradigms. For example, attentional deficits—a core feature of schizophrenia—can be measured across species using the 5-choice continuous performance test (5C-CPT). The psychostimulant, amphetamine, improves human and rodent 5C-CPT performance. Here, we tested whether amphetamine would similarly improve 5C-CPT performance in the presence of dopamine D2 receptor blockade, since pro-cognitive treatments in schizophrenia would virtually always be used in conjunction with D2 receptor antagonists. We established the dose-response effects of amphetamine (0, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0, 3.2, 10, or 32 μg/kg) on 5C-CPT performance in Long Evans rats, and then tested an amphetamine (0.3 mg/kg) × haloperidol (10 μg/kg) interaction; the low dose was chosen because higher doses exerted deleterious non-specific effects on performance. Amphetamine improved 5C-CPT performance in poorly performing rats by increasing target detection, independent of haloperidol pretreatment. The pro-attentional effects of amphetamine were most likely mediated by dopamine release at D1-family receptors, since they persisted in the presence of acute D2 blockade. Alternative explanations for these findings are also discussed, as are their potential implications for future pro-cognitive therapeutics in schizophrenia.
Classification of 16S rRNA reads is improved using a niche-specific database constructed by near-full length sequencing.

Surveys of microbial populations in environmental niches of interest often utilize sequence variation in the gene encoding the ribosomal small subunit (the 16S rRNA gene). Generally, these surveys target the 16S genes using semi-degenerate primers to amplify portions of a subset of bacterial species, sequence the amplicons in bulk, and assign to putative taxonomic categories by comparison to databases purporting to connect specific sequences in the main variable regions of the gene to specific organisms. Due to sequence length constraints of the most popular bulk sequencing platforms, the primers selected amplify one to three of the nine variable regions, and taxonomic assignment is based on relatively short stretches of sequence (150–500 bases). We demonstrate that taxonomic assignment is improved through reduced unassigned reads by including a survey of near-full-length sequences specific to the target environment, using a niche of interest represented by the upper respiratory tract (URT) of cattle. We created a custom Bovine URT database from these longer sequences for assignment of shorter, less expensive reads in comparisons of the upper respiratory tract among individual animals. This process improves the ability to detect changes in the microbial populations of a given environment, and the accuracy of defining the content of that environment at increasingly higher taxonomic resolution.
Considerations and Options in the Treatment of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome and Vasoplegia After Congenital Heart Surgery

This review sought to highlight the current paradigms and emerging treatment options for two common and serious problems after congenital cardiac surgery: low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) and vasoplegia. Low cardiac output syndrome and vasoplegia remain prevalent after congenital cardiac surgery. Recent studies on adjunctive agents for LCOS have not shown consistent improvements in patient outcomes. Recent studies of targeted vasoconstrictors, adjunctive nitric oxide antagonists, and perioperative corticosteroids have limitations precluding their routine use in pediatric patients after congenital cardiac surgery. The treatment of LCOS is predicated on approaches that improve cardiac output by augmentation of heart rate, contractility, preload, and minimization of afterload. Strategies that minimize tissue oxygen demand can also be helpful to restore matching of tissue oxygen delivery and demand. The hallmark of vasoplegia treatment is augmentation of systemic vascular tone. A variety of emerging therapies are under investigation for their role in LCOS and vasoplegia after congenital cardiac surgery, but none are ready for routine use.
Virginia Tech Department of Statistics

The Department of Statistics at Virginia Tech was founded in 1949. It evolved from the Statistical Laboratory of the Agricultural Experiment Station, graduating its first student in 1945. The department has a rich history in experimental design, industrial, and applications-oriented traditional statistics. Since 1945, the department has granted over 500 BS degrees, 700 Masters, and 300 PhD degrees. Our students have held positions in industrial and pharmaceutical companies as well as in academics and governmental agencies. An integral part of our educational approach involves collaborative training through the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistics Analysis, a unit of the department that provides consulting and collaboration services to the university.
Replay Simulations with Personalized Metabolic Model for Treatment Design and Evaluation in Type 1 Diabetes.

Background:The capacity to replay data collected in real life by people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) would lead to individualized (vs population) assessment of treatment strategies to contr...
ROS and hypoxia signaling regulate periodic metabolic arousal during insect dormancy to coordinate glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism

Metabolic suppression is a hallmark of animal dormancy that promotes overall energy savings. Some diapausing insects and some mammalian hibernators have regular cyclic patterns of substantial metabolic depression alternating with periodic arousal where metabolic rates increase dramatically. Previous studies, largely in mammalian hibernators, have shown that periodic arousal is driven by an increase in aerobic mitochondrial metabolism and that many molecules related to energy metabolism fluctuate predictably across periodic arousal cycles. However, it is still not clear how these rapid metabolic shifts are regulated. We first found that diapausing flesh fly pupae primarily use anaerobic glycolysis during metabolic depression but engage in aerobic respiration through the tricarboxylic acid cycle during periodic arousal. Diapausing pupae also clear anaerobic by-products and regenerate many metabolic intermediates depleted in metabolic depression during arousal, consistent with patterns in mammalian hibernators. We found that decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced metabolic arousal and elevated ROS extended the duration of metabolic depression. Our data suggest ROS regulates the timing of metabolic arousal by changing the activity of two critical metabolic enzymes, pyruvate dehydrogenase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I by modulating the levels of hypoxia inducible transcription factor (HIF) and phosphorylation of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our study shows that ROS signaling regulates periodic arousal in our insect diapasue system, suggesting the possible importance ROS for regulating other types of of metabolic cycles in dormancy as well.
Thermodynamic Phase Transition in Magnetic Reconnection

By examining the entropy production in fully kinetic simulations of collisional plasmas, it is shown that the transition from collisional Sweet-Parker reconnection to collisionless Hall reconnection may be viewed as a thermodynamic phase transition. The phase transition occurs when the reconnection electric field satisfies E=E_{D}sqrt[m_{e}/m_{i}], where m_{e}/m_{i} is the electron-to-ion mass ratio and E_{D} is the Dreicer electric field. This condition applies for all m_{i}/m_{e}, including m_{i}/m_{e}=1, where the Hall regime vanishes and a direct phase transition from the collisional to the kinetic regime occurs. In the limit m_{e}/m_{i}→0, this condition is equivalent to there being a critical electron temperature T_{e}≈m_{i}Ω_{i}^{2}δ^{2}, where Ω_{i} is the ion cyclotron frequency and δ is the current sheet half-thickness. The heat capacity of the current sheet changes discontinuously across the phase transition, and a critical power law is identified in an effective heat capacity. A model for the time-dependent evolution of an isolated current sheet in the collisional regime is derived.
The role of intentionality in the performance of a learned 90° bimanual rhythmic coordination during frequency scaling: data and model

Two rhythmic coordinations, 0° and 180° relative phase, can be performed stably at preferred frequency (~ 1 Hz) without training. Evidence indicates that both 0° and 180° coordination entail detection of the relative direction of movement. At higher frequencies, this yields instability of 180° and spontaneous transition to 0°. The ability to perform a 90° coordination can be acquired by learning to detect and use relative position as information. We now investigate the skilled performance of 90° bimanual coordination with frequency scaling and whether 90° coordination exhibits mode switching to 0° or 180° at higher frequencies. Unlike the switching from 180° to 0°, a transition from the learned 90° coordination to the intrinsic 0° or 180° modes would entail a change in information. This would seem to require intentional decisions during performance as would correcting performance that had strayed from 90°. Relatedly, correction would seem to be an intrinsic part of the performance of 90° during learning. We investigated whether it remains so. We tested bimanual coordination at 90° under both noninterference and correcting instructions. Under correcting instructions, bimanual 90° coordination remained stable at both low and high frequencies. Noninterference instructions yielded stable performance at lower frequencies and switching to 0° or 180° at higher frequencies. Thus, correction is optional and switching to the intrinsic modes occurred. We extended the Bingham (Ecol Psychol 16:45–53, 2004a; Advances in psychology, vol. 135, Time-to-contact, Elsevier Science Publishers, 2004b) model for 0° and 180° coordination to create a dynamical, perception–action account of learned 90° bimanual coordination, in which mode switching and correction were both initiated as the information required for performance of 90° fell below threshold. This means that intentional decisions about what coordination to perform and whether to correct occurred only before performance was begun, not during performance. The extended strictly dynamical model was successfully used to simulate performance of participants in the experiments.
Seller Incentives in Sponsored Product Listings on Online Marketplaces

Many online marketplaces offer sponsored product listings as third-party sellers’ ad slots that are blended in organic product listings. A seller’s potential benefit from sponsored listings is a non- trivial question, as a consumer may prefer or avoid advertised products and such preferences can be position-specific. This paper investigates a seller’s advertising incentives across positions in a large-scale field experiment. We provide the first evidence that consumers may avoid sponsored listings and prefer organic listings of same products in prime positions, whereas the negative ad effects can be attenuated in lower positions. To evaluate a seller’s financial benefits, we conduct a model-based ROI analysis with potential ad-induced position shifts. A seller is predicted to make positive net profits with ad-induced position elevation, depending on target ad placements and ratios between unit profit margin and ad cost per click. The results suggest that the value of sponsored listings for a seller mainly comes from position relocation, not from visual prominence at a given position.
Amino Acid Specific Modification of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase with Monomers and Polymers of ADP-ribose

The primary protein target for poly(ADP-ribose) modification in mammalian chromatin is poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PADPRP) itself (1,2). However, our current understanding of this reaction at the biochemical level is very limited. Here, we have utilized 2’ and 3’-deoxyNAD analogs as substrates for the amino acid-specific covalent modification of PADPRP with monomers and polymers of ADP-ribose. Specific mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of PADPRP at arginine residues was achieved by incubating pure polymerase with mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase A (3) from turkey erythrocytes and 2’-deoxyNAD as an ADP-ribosylation substrate (4,5). In contrast, the auto[poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation] of PADPRP was performed with 3’-deoxyNAD. Utilization of this NAD analog is advantageous because it does not alter the physicochemical properties of the polymerase upon modification (6,7).
NASA space power system automation

Investigations were conducted with the objective to identify technology issues in automating space power systems, rank critical technology needs, and recommend technology objectives. It was found that automation can offer significant benefits to space power systems. Automation, or even autonomy, may become an absolute requirement for system implementation. Automation of large power systems will be achieved through evolution. It is pointed out that 'systems engineering' or more specifically, 'automation systems engineering' must be strongly emphasized and done early in the development process. System control can be centralized, distributed or a combination of the two. An important requirement for automation implementation is related to the availability of qualified hardware and software components.
Investigating System Development Processes in Healthcare Organizations

Information Systems (IS) have become critical for healthcare organizations. However implementation and adoption of integrated healthcare IS continues to be a non-trivial task. This research suggests that insights into this phenomenon may be achieved using theoretical perspectives related to boundary spanning amongst distinct fields of practice. It further argues that successful use of IS within a healthcare organization requires its IT-practice to act as the boundary-spanning agent for the diverse fields of practice. Using an interpretive case research approach the research examines the nature of the boundaryspanning role played by an organizational IT-practice in Saudi-Arabia. The primary conclusion of the investigation is that successful IS implementation and use requires the organization’s IT-practices to act as effective boundary-spanners. Further it is suggested that such boundary-spanning activities have different modes for development and the maintenance phases.
Comparative Survival of Patients With Anal Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus, and Rectal Adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background Anal adenocarcinoma (AA) represents 5% to 10% of anal cancer. Little is known about its natural history and prognosis. Using population-based data, we defined the outcomes of AA relative to other anorectal malignancies. Patients and Methods We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database to identify patients ≥ 18 years old with AA, squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), and rectal adenocarcinoma (RA) diagnosed between 1990 and 2011. Median overall survival (OS), 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year OS were computed using actuarial methods. The log rank test was used to estimate the difference between Kaplan–Meier survival curves. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to adjust the effects of other covariates on survival, including age, year diagnosed, sex, stage, surgery, and radiation. Results Of 57,369 cases, 0.8% (n = 462) were patients with AA, 87.8% (n = 50,382) were patients with RA, and 11.4% (n = 6525) were patients with SCCA. The median age for AA was 69 years (range, 20-96 years), 66 years (range, 18-103 years) for RA, and 66 years (range, 14-104 years) for SCCA. The median OS was significantly lower for AA (33 months), compared with SCCA (118 months) and RA (68 months) (P Conclusion AA confers a significantly worse prognosis than SCCA and RA.
Student Evaluations of Teaching Performance

(1978). Student Evaluations of Teaching Performance. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 64-65.
Hydrocarbons in Deep-Sea Sediments following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Blowout in the Northeast Gulf of Mexico.

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) over 87 days. Sediment and water sampling efforts were concentrated SW of the DWH and in coastal areas. Here we present geochemistry data from sediment cores collected in the aftermath of the DWH event from 1000 – 1500 m water depth in the DeSoto Canyon, NE of the DWH wellhead. Cores were analyzed at high-resolution (at 2 mm and 5 mm intervals) in order to evaluate the concentration, composition and input of hydrocarbons to the seafloor. Specifically, we analyzed total organic carbon (TOC), aliphatic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), and biomarker (hopanes, steranes, diasteranes) compounds to elucidate possible sources and transport pathways for deposition of hydrocarbons. Results showed higher hydrocarbon concentrations during 2010-2011 compared to years prior to 2010. Hydrocarbon inputs in 2010-2011 were composed of a mixture of sources including terrestrial, planktonic, and weathered oil. Our results suggest that after the DWH event, both soluble and highly insoluble hydrocarbons were deposited at enhanced rates in the deep-sea. We proposed two distinct transport pathways of hydrocarbon deposition: 1) sinking of oil-particle aggregates (hydrocarbon-contaminated marine snow and/or suspended particulate material), and 2) advective transport and direct contact of the deep plume with the continental slope surface sediments between 1000-1200 m. Our findings underline the complexity of the depositional event observed in the aftermath of the DWH event in terms of multiple sources, variable concentrations, and spatial (depth-related) variability in the DeSoto Canyon, NE of the DWH wellhead.
Central Nervous System Tumors

Within the last several decades, a plethora of mutations and signaling abnormalities in human brain tumors have been discovered. This represents an exciting development that holds the potential for new therapies. However, conquering such tumors will also require the successful differentiation of oncogenic abnormalities from epiphenomena. Modeling of brain tumors in mice is an important technique in this endeavor; transgenic, knockout, conditional tissue expression and somatic cell gene transfer methods have all been used to create these models, both separately and in combination. In addition, use of these models will become an important modality to test newly developed small-molecule pathway inhibitors. Developed models include those of the most common primary brain tumors: the gliomas and medulloblastomas. These mouse tumors have substantial similarities to their human counterparts with respect to both histologic appearance and noninvasive imaging. In this chapter, the pathways important in driving both gliomagenesis and medulloblastomagenesis are described, along with the key features of individual tumor models presently in use. Keywords: central nervous system tumors; human brain tumors; clinical aspects; human glioma genetics
Operating Characteristics of a 1.5-MJ Pulsed Superconducting Coil

The ohmic heating coils of tokamak fusion reactors require a stored energy on the order of 1 GJ, a ramping rate of ~9 T/s, and a peak operation current of 50 to approximately 100 kA. Owing to power balance requirements of the reactors at these sizes, only superconducting coils are expected to be economical. For the development of the ohmic heating coils, a cryostable pulsed superconducting coil has been constructed and tested at Argonne National Laboratory. The coil has a stored energy of 1.5 MJ and a peak field of 4.5 T with a peak operation current of 11.2 kA. The coil was tested with both dc and pulsed currents.
Developing the attribute of lifelong learning

One of the ABET 2000 desired attributes of engineering graduates is "a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning". This paper discusses some ways this attribute can be developed. The strategy being adopted is founded on several basic elements, including: (1) communicating expectations; (2) expecting students to take responsibility for their learning while at the university; (3) providing learning opportunities outside the classroom; (4) providing motivation for students; and (5) teaching students how to learn.
Diffuse intramural esophageal pseudodiverticulosis. New cases and review.

Diffuse intramural esophageal "diverticulosis" was ftrst described in 1960 by Mendl et al. 1 The term pseudodiverticulosis is more accurate because the radiological outpouchings are now demonstrated to be circumscribed to the mucosal layer ofthe esophagus.2-5 Since the original description, there have been 27 cases described in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to describe 2 additional cases and to review in some detail all the previous reported cases.
Propofol withdrawal seizures: non-epileptic nature of seizures in a patient with recently controlled status epilepticus

Seizures or seizure-like phenomena which are mostly convulsive have been observed during the induction, maintenance and withdrawal phases of propofol administration. The nature and mechanism of this phenomenon are not well understood and several case reports on these phenomena have presented only indirect evidence. We report on a patient who was administered propofol in order to control status epilepticus with success. However, every attempt at propofol withdrawal was followed by convulsive seizure-like activity. Continuous EEG monitoring showed muscle artefacts without any ictal discharges. Based on this finding, the propofol treatment was withdrawn and the seizure-like activity eventually attenuated and resolved. We propose that seizure-like phenomena associated with propofol withdrawal may not be ictal in nature and should not lead to unnecessary resumption of propofol infusion without documentation of an epileptic origin by EEG.
Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6.

Abstract The human platelet derived-growth factor (PDGF) is both a potent mitogen and a strong chemoattractant protein for cells involved in inflammation and repair. In seeking mechanisms by which PDGF might initiate specific activities in target cells, it was found that highly purified PDGF stimulates the phosphorylation of an Mr ∼33 000 protein in confluent Swiss mouse 3T3 cells [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1981) 103, 355–361]. The Mr ∼ 33 000 protein has now been recovered in polysomes by differential centrifugation and identified as ribosomal protein S6 by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Lifetime history of heroin use is associated with greater drug severity among prescription opioid abusers.

Background While research suggests primary prescription opioid (PO) abusers may exhibit less severe demographic and drug use characteristics than primary heroin abusers, less is known about whether a lifetime history of heroin use confers greater severity among PO abusers.
Should Antiviral Medications Be Considered Preoperatively for Microlaryngoscopy in Patients With a History of Recurrent Herpes Stomatitis

Summary Infectious complications following phonomicrosurgery are rare. Reports of herpetic laryngitis are in the literature but none following microlaryngoscopy. We present a case of a 55-year-old female who underwent microsurgical excision of a left vocal fold (VF) lesion and KTP ablation of bilateral vascular ectasias. Postoperative stroboscopy demonstrated severe bilateral VF edema, erythema, and ulcerations of the VFs, encompassing an area greater than the original surgical field. Initial management included voice rest, antibiotics, steroids, and aggressive reflux treatment. The patient experienced prolonged VF edema and poor voice outcome, which ultimately resolved over 6 months. Clinical diagnosis of herpetic laryngitis was presumptively made after the patient revealed a history of relapsing oral herpes incited by stress with a recent episode before microlaryngoscopy. This case highlights the importance of thorough review of a patient's medical history. A protocol for preoperative (prophylactic) antiviral therapy and appropriate timing of surgery is presented for patients with history of herpes infection.
On the scaling of small, heat simulated jet noise measurements to moderate size exhaust jets

Modern military aircraft jet engines are designed with variable geometry nozzles to provide optimum thrust in different operating conditions, depending on the flight envelope. However, the acoustic measurements for such nozzles are scarce, due to the cost involved in making full scale measurements and the lack of details about the exact geometry of these nozzles. Thus the present effort at The Pennsylvania State University and the NASA Glenn Research Center in partnership with GE Aviation is aiming to study and characterize the acoustic field produced by supersonic jets issuing from converging-diverging military style nozzles. An equally important objective is to validate methodology for using data obtained from small and moderate scale experiments to reliably predict the most important components of full scale engine noise. The experimental results presented show reasonable agreement between small scale and moderate scale jet acoustic data, as well as between heated jets and heat-simulated ones. Unresolv...
Transient redox regimes in a shallow alluvial aquifer

Abstract Using dialysis cells, sediment analysis and systematic ground water sampling we are investigating transient redox gradients in a shallow aquifer at the Rio Calaveras research site located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Hydrochemical data show that the dominant redox potentials shift spatially and temporally from O2/H2O2 during spring to a Fe3+/Fe2+, Mn4+/Mn2+ and SO42−/HS− system with the onset of summer. In autumn, both iron and sulfate reduction processes are more pronounced in the upper meter of the water table a condition that persists until spring snow melt infiltration. Infiltration of spring snow melt transports dissolved oxygen to the top of the aquifer where it reacts with Fe2+ and HS− and shifts the redox potentials from moderately reducing to moderately oxidizing in the upper regions of the aquifer. Redox is strongly controlled by inputs of organic carbon, the primary reductant in the system. Low molecular weight organic acids (acetate, formate, propionate and oxalate) are vertically zoned with a greater abundance in the upper meter of the aquifer. Organic acids, derived from organic-rich sediments in the aquifer, are transported from the overlying vadose zone reservoir providing a substrate for heterotrophic bacteria that reduce the terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) O2, MnO2(s), Fe(OH)3(s) and SO42−. We postulate that two central mechanisms are primarily responsible for transient redox gradients during an annual cycle: (1) bacterially mediated reduction of manganese, iron and sulfate shifts redox to moderately reducing conditions during autumn and (2) transport of molecular oxygen to the top of the water table during infiltration events oxidizes Fe2+ and HS− diminishing their concentrations and shifting redox towards more oxidizing conditions.
Abstract 3251: Blockade of HIF-1 with a small molecule inhibitor WP1066 in melanoma.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC WP1066 was shown to exert its potent inhibitory activity against several types of human cancer including melanoma in vitro and in vivo via suppression of JAK2/STAT3/STAT5 activation. However, if there is any other additional molecular mechanism(s) by which WP1066 generates its anti-tumor effects remain largely unknown. Here, we report a novel function for WP1066 in inducing the degradation of both HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits in human melanoma cells. We found constitutive activation of HIF-1α and an increased expression of hexokinase II, a down target of HIF-1α, in normoxia in 6/6 of melanoma cell lines, but not in other tumor types. Both hypoxia and cobalt chloride, a transition metal that mimics hypoxia, further increased HIF-1α protein accumulation in a time-dependent manner in WM35 and SKMEL-1 melanoma cells. WP1066 selectively decreased the constitutive and hypoxia and cobalt chloride induced increase in the level of HIF-1α in a dose-dependent manner with a half-life (T1/2) of ∼13, ∼10, and ∼10 min in WM35 cells. Moreover, WP1066 decreased the T1/2 of HIF-1α following cycloheximide treatment from ∼13 to ∼7 min suggesting that WP1066 induced HIF-1α instability is not mediated via inhibition of its translation. Further, inhibition of HIF-1α protein accumulation by WP1066 was not abolished in the presence of MG132 and proteasome inhibitor I, a potent inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, suggesting that the 26S proteasome-system is not responsible for WP1066-induced HIF-1α instability. Immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and cellular fractionation analyses revealed that WP1066 induced ubiquitinylation, aggregation and degradation of HIF-1α in WM35 cells. Finally, WP1066 directly inhibits activity of rhUSP5 and rUCH-L1. Altogether, our study identified a novel function for WP1066 in inducing HIF-1 instability that may also contribute to the anti-cancer effects of WP1066 in human melanoma. Citation Format: Arumugam Jayakumar, Jana Rauvolfova, Hanying Bao, Izabela Fokt, Stanislaw Skora, Amy Heimberger, Waldemar Priebe. Blockade of HIF-1 with a small molecule inhibitor WP1066 in melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3251. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3251
Determination of indole-3-pyruvic acid levels in Arabidopsis thaliana by gas chromatography–selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry

A rapid and simple method is described for the determination of indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) levels in Arabidopsis thaliana by gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry (GC-SIM-MS). The method includes derivatization of IPA with hydroxylamine in the crude extract, followed by ethyl acetate partitioning, solid-phase extraction with C18 resin, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and GC-SIM-MS. Three derivatizing reagents were tested; these were pentafluorobenzylhydroxylamine, pentafluorophenylhydrazine, and hydroxylamine. Hydroxylamine proved to be the most useful, as the IPA-oxime was easiest to purify from plant extracts and was the most stable. IPA was quantified in Arabidopsis seedlings ranging in age from 5 to 12 days; levels varied from 4 to 13 ng/g, peaking at 7-9 days.
No advantage of A beta 42-lowering NSAIDs for prevention of Alzheimer dementia in six pooled cohort studies.

Introduction: Observational studies show reduced incidence of Alzheimer dementia (AD) in users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One hypothesis holds that the subset of NSAIDs known as selective Aβ 42 -lowering agents (SALAs) is responsible for this apparent reduction in AD risk. Methods: We pooled individual-level data from six prospective studies to obtain a sufficient sample to examine AD risk in users of SALA vs non-SALA NSAIDs. Results: Of 13,499 initially dementia-free participants (70,863 person-years), 820 developed incident AD. Users of NSAIDs (29.6%) showed reduced risk of AD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.91). The point estimates were similar for SALAs (aHR 0.87, CI 0.72–1.04) and non-SALAs (aHR 0.75, CI 0.56–1.01). Because 573 NSAID users (14.5%) reported taking both a SALA and non-SALA, we examined their use alone and in combination. Resulting aHRs were 0.82 (CI 0.67–0.99) for SALA only, 0.60 (CI 0.40–0.90) for non-SALA only, and 0.87 (CI 0.57–1.33) for both NSAIDs (Wald test for differences, p = 0.32). The 40.7% of participants who used aspirin also showed reduced risk of AD, even when they used no other NSAIDs (aHR 0.78, CI 0.66–0.92). By contrast, there was no association with use of acetaminophen (aHR 0.93, CI 0.76–1.13). Conclusions: In this pooled dataset, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use reduced the risk of Alzheimer dementia (AD). However, there was no apparent advantage in AD risk reduction for the subset of NSAIDs shown to selectively lower Aβ 42 , suggesting that all conventional NSAIDs including aspirin have a similar protective effect in humans.
A new framework for analyzing survey forecasts using three-dimensional panel data☆

Abstract This paper develops a framework for analyzing forecast errors in a panel data setting. The framework provides the means 1. (1) to test for forecast rationality when forecast errors are simultaneously correlated across individuals, across target years, and across forecast horizons using Generalized Method of Moments estimation, 2. (2) to discriminate between forecast errors which arise from unforecastable macroeconomic shocks and forecasts errors which arise from idiosyncratic errors, 3. (3) to measure monthly aggregate shocks and their volatilities independent of data revisions and prior to the actual being realized, 4. (4) to test for the impact of ‘news’ on volatility. We use the Blue Chip Survey of Professional Forecasts over the period July 1976 through May 1992 to implement the methodology.
Trends in Grain Boundary Mobility: Survey of Motion Mechanisms

Grain boundary (GB) motion in polycrystalline materials is expected and observed to be dominated by thermally activated processes. This has important implications for properties influenced by the presence of GBs. Here, the GB motions of a catalog of 388 simulated nickel boundaries reveal a rich set of behaviors, which demonstrate that the temperature dependencies of GB mobility are far more complex than originally believed. In the set of 388 boundaries, four different general classes were observed with the following percentages: (I) ~57% exhibited traditional thermally activated mobility; (II) ~20% exhibited non-thermally activated mobility, where mobility was either independent of temperature or mobility decreased with increasing temperature (i.e., not thermally activated); (III) ~14% exhibited mixed modes of mobility, where different trends were exhibited over different temperature regimes (e.g., thermally activated at low temperature and non-thermally activated at high temperature); and (IV) ~9% exhibited unclassifiable mobility trends or were immobile over the studied temperature range. Thus, although the studied set of boundaries is not statistically representative of all GBs, it indicates that we must expand our preconceived notions to include new and interesting phenomena.
The safety and efficacy of tubal sterilization: An international overview

This article presents a synthesis of some of the major published studies on the efficacy and safety of tubal sterilization. The conclusions of this overview are that tubal sterilization is a safe operation, long-term sequelae of tubal sterilization have not been well documented, and the risk of pregnancy following tubal sterilization is less than 1 in 100. Continued study is needed to determine how to make a safe and effective procedure even safer and more effective.
Positive-energy structure of the diamagnetic Rydberg spectrum.

We report the existence of narrow resonances in the positive-energy region of the diamagnetic spectrum of lithium. The level structure evolves with magnetic field in an orderly fashion. Linewidths corresponding to lifetimes greater than 3000 cyclotron periods have been observed. The regime studied is characterized by chaotic classical motion.
Rheological factors in platelet — vessel wall interactions

Rheological aspects of platelet-vessel wall interactions involve cell-cell encounters, platelet - vessel wall encounters and platelet-thrombus interactions. The cell-cell encounters are usually caused by convection of cells in shear flows rather than by Brownian motion; this is important in aggregation and in the enhancement of the diffusion of platelets by red cell motion. Platelet - vessel wall interactions can involve transient adhesion (lasting from a fraction of a second to a few minutes) as well as more permanent adhesion. Reaction rates between platelets and walls are generally very small except on damaged vessels and some artificial surfaces. Ultra-filtration through the vessel wall affects cell-wall interactions. Rheological analyses of thrombus formation have been made and shown interesting relations to experimental observations. Some experimental results have indicated that platelets are capable of reacting within a small fraction of a second. Red cells may act as mechanoreceptors for increases in shear rate and facilitate the speed of response of platelets. Surface geometrical forms such as bumps and cavities tend to prolong residence times and facilitate thrombus formation.
Minimal distance between two non-convex surfaces

This article presents a global optimal solution to a quadratic minimization problem subjected to non-convex constraints. By using the canonical dual transformation developed by the first author, a canonical dual problem (with zero duality gap) is formulated which can be solved easily to obtain all critical points. The global minimizer is uniquely identified by the canonical duality theory. Applications are illustrated. The method and theory developed in this article can be generalized for solving general global optimization problems subjected to non-convex constraints.
School‐based Initial Teacher Training in England and France: trainee teachers' perspectives compared

abstract This article compares English and French approaches to secondary Initial Teacher Training, from the perspectives of trainee teachers just completing their programmes. The research explored three main issues with the two groups of trainees: How well prepared did they feel to meet the demands and challenges of teaching? How well supported were they by mentors in the school‐based element of the training? How did they view the procedures and criteria used to assess their fitness for teaching? Their responses revealed some experiences in common (for example, concern about their preparation for working with difficult pupils, and the value of developmental feedback from mentors), but also some significant differences, such as the balance between theory and practice and the assessment processes. The comparative analysis raises important issues about the values and assumptions underpinning teaching and how they influence the training process.
Three-class classification in computer-aided diagnosis of breast cancer by support vector machine

Design of classifier in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme of breast cancer plays important role to its overall performance in sensitivity and specificity. Classification of a detected object as malignant lesion, benign lesion, or normal tissue on mammogram is a typical three-class pattern recognition problem. This paper presents a three-class classification approach by using two-stage classifier combined with support vector machine (SVM) learning algorithm for classification of breast cancer on mammograms. The first classification stage is used to detect abnormal areas and normal breast tissues, and the second stage is for classification of malignant or benign in detected abnormal objects. A series of spatial, morphology and texture features have been extracted on detected objects areas. By using genetic algorithm (GA), different feature groups for different stage classification have been investigated. Computerized free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses have been employed in different classification stages. Results have shown that obvious performance improvement in both sensitivity and specificity was observed through proposed classification approach compared with conventional two-class classification approaches, indicating its effectiveness in classification of breast cancer on mammograms.
Direct Copper Electrodeposition on TaN Barrier Layers

In current copper metallization technology, 1-3 copper is electrodeposited onto a barrier layer precovered by a thin copper seed layer deposited using physical vapor deposition ~PVD! or chemical vapor deposition ~CVD! techniques. As the feature sizes of trenches and vias continue to shrink, the ability to deposit a continuous and defect-free seed layer is becoming increasingly difficult. Furthermore, with feature sizes decreasing below 100 nm, the seed layer will become a significant fraction of the metallization. As a result, strategies for the direct deposition of copper onto the barrier layer are being explored. In this paper, we report on electrodeposition of copper onto TaN barrier layers from the sulfate, fluoroborate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate ~EDTA!, and citrate solutions. These solutions include complexing and noncomplexing agents and span a wide range of pH values. Copper sulfate solutions ~Ref. 4-12 and references therein! are currently used in copper metallization technology. These solutions usually contain additives such as polyethylene glycol ~PEG! and chloride ions, which co-adsorb on the copper surface and decrease the rate of deposition. 11,12 The addition of additives such as bis~3-sulfopropyl! disulfide ~SPS! results in enhanced deposition rates at the bottom of features such as trenches or vias, leading to void- free deposits. 3 Copper deposition from sulfate solutions on copper seed layers has been studied in detail, and a number of models for deposition into patterned structures have been reported in the literature. 4-10
Duty hours for resident physicians--tough choices for teaching hospitals.

Those involved in graduate medical education have long struggled with competing priorities that surround the issue of residents' work hours: providing each trainee with an adequate amount of clinical experience; protecting time for teaching conferences and self-study; preserving sufficient continuity of patient care; and avoiding excessive fatigue. The recent decision by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to implement new limits on residents' work hours has abruptly intensified that struggle. When fully implemented in July 2003, these “common duty hour standards”1 will, for the first time, apply a core set of requirements for work hours to all specialties. . . .
Hartree-Fock Theory and the Λ Transformation in Quantum Statistical Mechanics. II. Degenerate Bose System

In a previous paper, a Hartree-Fock theory of the quantum Ursell expansion for Fermi fluids was developed. The same techniques are used in this paper to derive a theory of degenerate Bose fluids from the $x$-ensemble theory of Lee and Yang. It is shown that this theory is equivalent to the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-transformed theory recently derived by Mohling, RamaRao, and Shea. The present approach considerably simplifies the formalism and eliminates the need for the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ transformation. By working entirely in a quasiparticle framework, we also avoid the problems with unphysical line factors which have appeared in earlier theories. Finally, a greatly simplified $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ transformation is obtained for use in problems in which the potential contains an infinitely repulsive core.