cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient and tumor factors at diagnosis in a multi‐ethnic primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cohort

Background A long-term objective is to refine patient diagnosis and prognosis to address heterogeneity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through incorporation of patient and tumor factors. This study examined histopathology and demographic variables at primary diagnosis (early vs. late stage) in a HNSCC patient population with a higher than usual percentage of African American (AA) subjects. Methods The primary HNSCC cohort was drawn from a diverse patient population and constructed through re-review of the primary biopsy. Nine specific histopathology and patient factors (race, gender, age) at primary HNSCC diagnosis were evaluated. Logistic regression analyses incorporated univariate and multivariable modeling. Results Race, gender, pattern of invasion, tumor necrosis, perineural invasion, site, and tumor grade were included in the first multivariable model. The final multivariable model retained gender, race, grade, site, and perineural invasion as independent risk factors for late stage with goodness-of-fit, the area under the curve (AUC), as 0.691. Conclusions This report emphasizes patient and tumor characteristics of race, gender, site, perineural invasion, grade, and pattern of invasion as independent factors of advanced stage HNSCC. Pattern of invasion and necrosis are also important tumor characteristics of late stage disease. These factors may offer clinical perspectives when evaluating patients with indeterminate stage. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 104–108. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Single Mode Tuning Effects on Lamb Wave Time Reversal with Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

Lamb wave time reversal method is a new and tempting baseline-free damage detection technique for structural health monitoring. With this method, certain types of damage can be detected without baseline data. However, the application of this method using piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) is complicated by the existence of at least two Lamb wave modes at any given frequency, and by the dispersion nature of the Lamb wave modes existing in thin-wall structures. The theory of PWAS-related Lamb wave time reversal has not yet been fully studied.
DialogueView - An Annotation Tool for Dialogue

This paper describes DialogueView, a tool for annotating dialogues with utterance boundaries, speech repairs, speech act tags, and discourse segments. The tool provides several views of the data, including a word view that is time-aligned with the audio signal, and an utterance view that shows the dialogue as if it were a script for a play. The utterance view abstracts away from lower level details that are coded in the word view. This allows the annotator to have a simpler view of the dialogue when coding speech act tags and discourse structure, but still have access to the details when needed.
Design of the extraction system of the superconducting ECR ion source venus

A new, very high magnetic field superconducting ECR ion source, VENUS, is under construction at the LBNL 88-Inch Cyclotron. The paper describes the VENUS extraction system and discusses the ion beam formation in the strong axial magnetic field (3 T) of the ECR ion source. Emittance values as expected from theory, which assumes a uniform plasma density across the plasma outlet hole, are compared with actual measurements from the AECR-U ion source. Results indicate that highly charged heavier ions are concentrated on the source axis. They are extracted from an "effective" plasma outlet hole, whose smaller radius must be included in ion optics simulations.
Ocean response to mesoscale atmospheric forcing

Many processes have been proposed as possible forcing mechanisms for mesoscale oceanic variability. The present study shows that atmospheric forcing can be an important source of mesoscale variability in the ocean. We show that the response is linearly proportional to the product of the time scale of the storm and its intensity. We clarify the point that for storms with scales considerably smaller than the barotropic Rossby radius of deformation, the oceanic stratification and the horizontal extent of the storm are the only factors determining the penetration depth of the response, implying that it is not the Rossby radius of deformation but rather the scale of penetration depth ( h = ( f / N ) L ) that characterizes the response. In exploring the effect of differing eddy-viscosity parametization on oceanic response, we find no significant qualitative differences, although as one might expect we find quantitative differences in the results. The role of the mixed layer is considered very important in the transfer of surface stresses down into the system. The mixed layer does not seem to be important in determining the characteristic lengths of the problem, however, at least for storms that give a penetration depth considerably larger than the mixed layer (for a mixed layer on the order of 20 m, the storm should be larger than a few kilometers). The non-linear advection terms seem to affect the adjustment process more by reducing the associated wave energy than by modifying the characteristics of the geostrophic response. Finally, making the stratification more realistic has no significant impact on the resulting oceanic response. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1983.tb00205.x
In Memoriam: Gary J. Miller, M.D., Ph.D. (1950–2001)

Gary J. Miller, Professor in the Department of Pathology at the School of Medicine of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, died suddenly while jogging on the evening of May 25, 2001. Professor Miller received his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees at the State University of New York, Buffalo. He began his pathology residency training at Buffalo and completed his final training in pathology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Miller joined our faculty in 1979, rising to the rank of tenured professor of pathology in 1993. He also held a secondary appointment in the Department of Surgery in the Division of Urology, and was Director of Urologic Cancer Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. He was the Chair of the NIH Pathology B Study Section and belonged to several medical and research societies. Dr. Miller was recently elected a member of the prestigious American Association of University Pathologists and was on the editorial boards of several distinguished journals. Professor Miller was recognized as one of the outstanding prostate cancer researchers in the world and was a brilliant diagnostician in that area. He described the presence of vitamin D receptors in prostate cancer cells and their role in growth regulation of that cancer, which resulted in recent clinical trials using that phenomenon. Recently his laboratory found that certain HOX genes are inappropriately expressed in prostatic cancer. He also pioneered the use of computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction to understand the natural history of prostate cancer and modeling of biopsy techniques. He was invited to lecture world-wide on prostate cancer, his field of expertise. Dr. Miller has published over 150 research papers and book chapters. Dr. Miller will be sorely missed by his family (his wife Heidi, and sons Jason and Corey) as well as his colleagues and friends.
Generalized fast convolution implementations of adaptive filters

The generalized frequency domain adaptive filtering (GFDAF) algorithms are efficient implementations of the block least mean square (LMS) algorithm when small block sizes, compared to the number of adaptive coefficients, are required. The behavior of these algorithms is investigated and an examination is made of the use of a self-orthogonalization procedure and of an unconstrained form of the algorithm. Computer simulations are presented verifying the behavior of these methods, and comparing their performance to that of the subband filtering method for the acoustic echo cancelling application. >
HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY

Elderly people have a very high prevalence of hypertension, which markedly increases their risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Convincing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in reducing these risks significantly. With appropriate caution, most elderly hypertensives can be treated and thereby protected from many of the debilities of old age.
Comparative effects of fenoldopam mesylate and nitroprusside on left ventricular performance in severe systemic hypertension

Abstract To compare the effects of fenoldopam (n = 15), a selective dopamine-1 agonist, and nitroprusside (n = 14) on left ventricular (LV) function in severely hypertensive subjects (diastolic blood pressure (BP) >120 mm Hg), both agents were infused to reduce diastolic BP by 40 mm Hg (or
Controlling the orientation of carbon nanotubes in nano assembly

In this paper, a new mathematical model describing precisely the rotation/orientation of carbon nanotubes in viscous medium (acetone) is presented. This new mathematical model correctly assumes that carbon nanotubes form a line shape after undergoing AC dielectrophoretic force (DEP) compare to existing model that assumes carbon nanotubes to be a spherical particle. The new mathematical model is based on a new developed model for applied torque due to dielectrophoresis. It is also a method for controlled assembly of the CNTs on microstructures that have the plausibility to be scaled to wafer-level manufacturing. Simulation results are presented for the developed models. The developed model can be used to detect the position of carbon nanotubes and further implemented in the separation of semiconducting and metallic band structure carbon nanotubes. Ultimately, the developed model will provide a critical and major step towards the use of carbon nanotubes in the manufacturing of electronics and sensors for potential use in electrical circuits, as fiber and film, computer circuits, light bulb filament, ultracapacitors, combat jackets, etc.
Energy Loss Spectrometry for Biological Research

Electron Energy Loss Spectrometry as a technique for the study of biological specimens is still very much in the early stages of development. Because of its high information gathering efficiency and high energy resolution (see Ch. 7, Joy) the potential for the use of ELS in the microanalytical study of biological thin specimens seems clear. However, it is also appreciated that certain problems (e.g. background intensity, radiation damage) are fundamental limitations to the full exploitation of this ELS potential. The current experimental situation is one in which both a variety of applications are being evaluated and, at the same time, the fundamental characteristics of the technique are being investigated, hopefully leading to optimum experimental parameters for application of the technique.
Cytochrome c oxidase III as a mechanism for apoptosis in heart failure following myocardial infarction.

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is composed of 13 subunits, of which COX I, II, and III are encoded by a mitochondrial gene. COX I and II function as the main catalytic components, but the function of C...
The Multiple Effects of Casualties on Public Support for War: An Experimental Approach

Public support for a conflict is not a blank check. Combat provides information people use to update their expectations about the outcome, direction, value, and cost of a war. Critical are fatalities—the most salient costs of conflict. I develop a rational expectations theory in which both increasing recent casualties and rising casualty trends lead to decreased support. Traditional studies neither recognize nor provide a method for untangling these multiple influences. I conduct six experiments, three on the Iraq War (two with national, representative samples) and three with a new type of panel experiment design on hypothetical military interventions. The results of hazard and ordered logit analyses of almost 3,000 subjects support a rational expectations theory linking recent casualties, casualty trends, and their interaction to wartime approval. I also examine the effects of the probability of victory, information levels, and individual characteristics on the support for war, and contrast results from representative and convenience samples.
Model Predictions for Neutrino Oscillation Parameters

We have surveyed leptonic and grand unified models of neutrino masses and mixings in the literature which are still viable and give numerical predictions for the reactor angle, ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}$. The results are of considerable interest in anticipation of the next generation reactor experiments and the possible future need for neutrino factories. Of the 63 models considered which were published or posted on the Archive before June 2006, half predict values of ${sin﻿}^{2}2{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.015$, which should yield positive signals for ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ disappearance in the reactor experiments planned for the near future. Depending upon the outcome of those experiments, half of the models can be eliminated on the basis of the presence or absence of such an observed ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ disappearance signal.
Equilibrium Approach to Integrating Regional Surface Water Treatment and Limited Groundwater Pumping Capacity

The inexpensive nature of groundwater, combined with population growth, has resulted in many aquifers being pumped at unsustainable levels. Consequently, regulators in many states have acted to limit water withdrawals from affected formations. Communities subject to such restrictions must seek alternatives and will often choose to develop surface waters, a process involving substantial expenditures on treatment and conveyance infrastructure, costs that will be particularly burdensome for smaller communities. Regional treatment plants can take advantage of the economies of scale inherent in these facilities and will lower treatment costs, but these savings must be weighed against increased conveyance costs associated with a larger distribution area. Regional strategies must also consider how to integrate the development of surface water with use of the remaining groundwater pumping capacity. This work describes an equilibrium approach that balances the two antagonistic forces affecting surface water development, while simultaneously considering the efficient allocation of post-reduction groundwater capacity through tradable pumping permits. Unlike earlier regionalization work, this approach has each individual community select its least cost supply alternative, rather than the alternative that results in the lowest aggregate regional cost. The model is applied to a 15-county region of North Carolina facing substantial groundwater pumping restrictions. Results indicate that the inclusion of regional surface water systems and tradable groundwater permits can reduce the estimated cost of meeting the new restrictions in the region by as much as 35% in present value cost terms.
Integrated data from 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials of active cellular immunotherapy with Sipuleucel-T in advanced prostate cancer

BACKGROUND: Sipuleucel-T is an investigational active cellular immunotherapy product designed to stimu­ late an immune response against prostate cancer. The safety and efficacy of sipuleucel-T was evaluated in 2 identically designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (D9901 and D9902A) conducted in men with advanced prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 225 patients were randomized in D9901 or D9902A to sipuleucel-T (n ¼ 147) or placebo (n ¼ 78), given as 3 intravenous infusions approximately 2 weeks apart. Patients were followed for survival until death or a prespecified cutoff of 36 months after randomization. RESULTS: In the integrated analysis of D9901 and D9902A, patients randomized to sipuleu­ cel-T demonstrated a 33% reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.10­ 2.05; P ¼ .011; log-rank). The treatment effect remained strong after performing adjustments for imbalances in baseline prognostic factors, poststudy treatment chemotherapy use, and non–prostate cancer-related deaths. Additional support for the activity of sipuleucel-T is provided by the correlation between a measure of the product’s potency, CD54 up-regulation, and overall survival. The most common adverse events asso­ ciated with treatment were chills, pyrexia, headache, asthenia, dyspnea, vomiting, and tremor. These events were primarily grade 1 and 2, with durations of 1 to 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: The integrated results of D9901 and D9902A demonstrate a survival benefit for patients treated with sipuleucel-T compared with those treated with placebo. The generally modest toxicity profile, coupled with the survival benefit, suggests a favorable risk-benefit ratio for sipuleucel-T in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Cancer 2009;115:3670–9. V 2009 American Cancer Society. C
Improving viable low cost generic medication prescription rate in primary care pediatric practice.

Abstract The pediatric clinics of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU-CHM) consist of academic pediatricians serving two clinics with a patient population of 5200. The internal quality measures published by the MSU health team had consistently indicated our generic medications prescription rate to be very low, with an average of about 21% for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. There was an earnest need to increase our generic medication prescription rates, which is considered an indicator of good practice. The stakeholders identified were physicians, nurses, care managers, and the health information technology (HIT) team. The purpose of the project was to increase the prescribing rate of viable low cost and approved generic medications for the patients of the MSU-CHM general pediatric clinics. The stakeholders regularly met every few months to work on increasing the generic medication prescription rates based on the PDSA cycle. Help was sought from HIT to identify and acquire the top 10 brand names the group was prescribing along with individual provider data. The team reviewed the brand names most prescribed, and made a recommendation that the best group to target were the stimulant medications, allergy and asthma medications, and other psychotropics. The HIT team was then requested to add the available generics for all stimulant medications, asthma medications, and others in the electronic medical record (EMR). They were also clearly marked for ease of use, for example: amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release “generic for Adderall XR." It was decided that providers would prescribe all stimulants as a generic, unless not available, and nurses would change each brand name of stimulants to a generic every time they refilled a medicine, based on a protocol outlining the appropriate generic medications corresponding to the respective brand names. The physicians and nurses were also urged to discuss with the patients the substitution process and answer any questions from parents. Monthly reports were obtained from the HIT about our progress. After 12 months of implementing this project, the overall generic prescription rate increased from 20% at the end of first quarter 2012 to 53% at the end of 12 months, and 65.5% at the end of two years. This was well above the MSU health team (about six large group practices) primary care average of 34.6%. All brand name medication prescription rates were also decreased. This is a positive outcome for this project in a relatively short period of time, and a further plan will be to repeat the cycle and continue to improve on the generic prescription rate, thereby saving valuable dollars spent on health care.
Microstructural heterogeneity directs micromechanics and mechanobiology in native and engineered fibrocartilage.

Treatment strategies to address pathologies of fibrocartilaginous tissue are in part limited by an incomplete understanding of structure–function relationships in these load-bearing tissues. There is therefore a pressing need to develop micro-engineered tissue platforms that can recreate the highly inhomogeneous tissue microstructures that are known to influence mechanotransductive processes in normal and diseased tissue. Here, we report the quantification of proteoglycan-rich microdomains in developing, ageing and diseased fibrocartilaginous tissues, and the impact of these microdomains on endogenous cell responses to physiologic deformation within a native-tissue context. We also developed a method to generate heterogeneous tissue-engineered constructs (hetTECs) with non-fibrous proteoglycan-rich microdomains engineered into the fibrous structure, and show that these hetTECs match the microstructural, micromechanical and mechanobiological benchmarks of native tissue. Our tissue-engineered platform should facilitate the study of the mechanobiology of developing, homeostatic, degenerating and regenerating fibrous tissues. Tissue-engineered constructs with non-fibrous, proteoglycan-rich microdomains match the microstructural, micromechanical and mechanobiological properties of native fibrocartilaginous tissue.
Orbit fractures: Identifying patient factors indicating high risk for ocular and periocular injury.

Objectives/Hypothesis Maxillofacial trauma frequently involves the bony orbit that surrounds the ocular globe. Concomitant globe injury is a concern whenever orbit trauma occurs and in severe cases can occasionally result in vision loss. The mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and radiographic imaging can provide useful information concerning the severity of the injury and concerns for vision loss. Using these three tools, it is hypothesized that the patient's history, physical exam, and radiographic findings can identify high-risk maxillofacial trauma patients with concomitant ocular injury. Identification of high risk patients who require comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation may alter management and possibly preserve or restore vision. Study Design A retrospective clinical chart review was performed at a tertiary academic medical center. Methods Subjects were identified using the institutional trauma registry. Data collected included subject demographics, patient medical records and notes, ophthalmologic testing, and radiographic imaging. The incidence of orbit fracture and concomitant ocular injury associated with the mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and radiographic imaging was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square and Fisher exact test. Results In this study, 279 subjects with orbit fractures were identified and the incidence of concomitant ocular injury was 27.6% (77 of 279). Mechanism of injury was statistically associated with an increased risk of ocular injury (P = 0.0340), with penetrating trauma being the most likely etiology. The physical exam findings of visual acuity and an afferent pupillary defect were statistically associated with ocular injury (P = 0.0029 and 0.0001, respectively). Depth of orbit fracture on radiographic imaging was statistically associated with ocular injury (P = 0.0024), with fractures extending to the posterior third of the orbit being most likely to have associated ocular injury. Conclusion Maxillofacial trauma patients with orbit fractures and concomitant ocular injury occur in more than one in four patients. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation is recommended for all patients who sustain an orbit fracture. Subjects with a penetrating trauma mechanism of injury, physical exam findings of visual acuity deficits and an afferent pupillary defect, and radiographic imaging demonstrating fracture depth involvement of the posterior orbit are at highest risk for vision loss and warrant specific concern for ocular injury assessment. Level of Evidence IV. Laryngoscope, 2015
Film Study and History Research at the University of Iowa

Of the few American universities now offering graduate degree programs in the areas of film history, criticism and theory, one of the oldest is the program at the University of Iowa, where graduate studies in the field of film have been pursued for the last fifty years. Today's program of graduate studies provides for work in both the theory and practice of film and is supported by an extensive library collection of motion-picture research materials.
Further discussion of the evidence for an intercohort decline in education-adjusted vocabulary

In their article, James A. Wilson and Walter R. Gove do not sufficiently consider the implications of the fact that education-adjusted GSS vocabulary scores in the total U.S. adult population declined to an important extent during the period covered by the GSS data. It is improbable that this decline resulted only from period influences: The declines in scores for different age levels over time are inconsistent with the usual tendency for period influences to affect the psychological characteristics of younger persons more than those of older persons. Furthermore, the GSS data show no increases in vocabulary scores within cohorts during middle age, as should have occurred if the intercohort differences shown by the data reflected only age effects. That an intercohort decline in time spent reading has contributed to an intercohort decline in education-adjusted vocabulary scores remains a reasonable hypothesis
Beyond perspective-taking: Mind-reading motivation

Mind-reading motivation (MRM) is an individual difference in individuals’ willingness to effortfully engage with other people’s perspectives and mental states, a tendency which has consequences for processes ranging from persuasion to teamwork. In four studies, we tested the effects of this unique social motivation in a variety of contexts. Study 1 demonstrated that levels of mind reading motivation are stable over time and distinct from mind-reading ability. Study 2 showed that MRM predicts more nuanced and detailed spontaneous descriptions of close others’ minds. Study 3 demonstrated effects of MRM on persuasion: matching the source (salient mind versus not) to individuals’ levels of MRM increased elaboration. Study 4 demonstrated that MRM directly increases individuals’ perceptions of co-leadership during a dyadic task, in turn affecting joint performance as a pair. Individual differences in MRM thus have consequences in both laboratory and social contexts.
Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Western Flower Thrips on Romaine Lettuce, 2014

The objective of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of foliar insecticides against western flower thrips relative to the industry standards on romaine lettuce. Romaine ‘Sunbelt’ was direct seeded on 24 Jan, 2014 at the Yuma Valley Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ into double row beds on 42 inch centers. Stand establishment was achieved using overhead sprinkler irrigation, and irrigated with furrow irrigation thereafter. Plots were two beds wide by 35 ft long and bordered by two untreated beds. Four replications of each treatment were arranged in a RCB design. Formulations and rates for each compound are provided …
Seroepidemiology of alphaherpesviruses

The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 and -2 was studied in different Japanese populations, by applying HSV gG1 and gG2 type-specific antibody assays. HSV-1 infections correlated mostly with age and was widely prevalent among subjects over 40 years old. HSV-2 prevalence varied greatly among subgroups defined by sexual activity and were associated with risk behaviors, from 80% among prostitutes to 7% among pregnant women. Since HSV-1 infection during childhood has been decreasing, primary genital HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, with its higher frequency of clinical manifestations, will become more important. In contrast, antibody prevalence to varicella-zoster virus has been constantly high in children, with no tendency to change in seroepidemiology of VZV infections so far.
Improving Operational Acceptability of Dynamic Weather Routes Through Analysis of Commonly Use Routings

The Dynamic Weather Routes (DWR) tool is a ground-based trajectory automation system that continuously and automatically analyzes active in-flight aircraft in en route airspace to find simple modifications to flight plan routes that can save significant flying time, while avoiding weather and considering traffic conflicts, airspace sector congestion, special use airspace, and FAA routing restrictions. Trials of the DWR system have shown that significant delay savings are possible. However, some DWR advised routes are also rejected by dispatchers or modified before being accepted. Similarly, of those sent by dispatchers to flight crews as proposed route change requests, many are not accepted by air traffic control, or are modified before implementation as Center route amendments. Such actions suggest that the operational acceptability of DWR advised route corrections could be improved, which may reduce workload and increase delay savings. This paper analyzes the historical usage of different flight routings, varying from simple waypoint pairs to lengthy strings of waypoints incorporating jet routes, in order to improve DWR route acceptability. An approach is developed that can be incorporated into DWR, advising routings with high historical usage and savings potential similar to that of the nominal DWR advisory. It is hypothesized that modifying a nominal DWR routing to one that is commonly used, and nearby, will result in more actual savings since common routings are generally familiar and operationally acceptable to air traffic control. The approach allows routing segments with high historical usage to be concatenated to form routes that meet all DWR constraints. The relevance of a route's historical usage to its acceptance by dispatchers and air traffic control is quantified by analyzing historical DWR data. Results indicate that while historical usage may be less of a concern to flight dispatchers accepting or rejecting DWR advised route corrections, it may be important to air traffic control acceptance of DWR routes.
Abnormalities in systemic norepinephrine kinetics in human congestive heart failure.

A high venous plasma norepinephrine (NE) level is a predictor of poor prognosis in congestive heart failure (CHF). To evaluate the mechanisms responsible for the high plasma NE in CHF, NE kinetics were studied in 19 patients with CHF and 18 normal subjects during a 90-min steady-state intravenous infusion of tracer [3H]NE of high specific activity. Venous plasma NE between 70 and 90 min of infusion was significantly higher in the CHF patients (CHF, 634, and normal, 247 pg/ml; P less than 0.001). The following equations were used: NE clearance = [3H]NE infusion rate (dpm/min)/plasma [3H]NE (dpm/l), and NE spillover = [3H]NE infusion rate (dpm/min)/[3H]NE specific activity (dpm/nmol). In CHF, a decreased clearance and an increased spillover contributed nearly equally to the high plasma NE (NE clearance: CHF, 0.99; normal, 1.48 l.min-1.m-2; P less than 0.001; NE spillover: CHF, 3.60; normal, 2.08 nmol.min-1.m-2; P less than 0.001). These data document that both NE clearance and NE spillover are abnormal in CHF, and they raise the new possibility that the factors responsible for the reduced NE clearance could be related to the factors linking a high plasma NE with early mortality.
Taxation of Derivatives

This chapter provides a brief introduction to financial derivative instruments and the complex tax policy issues that they raise. It continues with a brief discussion of current tax law as it applies to options, forwards and swaps, and other complex financial derivatives.
Healthism and Weight-Based Discrimination: The Unintended Consequences of Health Promotion in the Workplace

Health promotion programs have become increasingly common in U.S. workplaces, yet little research has examined the unintended and potentially negative consequences of these initiatives. Overweight ...
Deep tunneling in the unimolecular decay of CH3CHOO Criegee intermediates to OH radical products.

Unimolecular decay of Criegee intermediates produced in alkene ozonolysis is known to be a significant source of OH radicals in the troposphere. In this work, unimolecular decay of the methyl-substituted Criegee intermediate, syn-CH3CHOO, to OH products is shown to occur at energies significantly below the transition state barrier for a 1,4 hydrogen transfer that leads to these products [Y. Fang et al., J. Chem. Phys. 144, 061102 (2016)]. The rate of appearance of OH products arising from tunneling through the barrier is obtained through direct time-domain measurements following the vibrational activation of syn-CH3CHOO. IR excitation of syn-CH3CHOO at energies nearly 2000 cm−1 below the barrier is achieved through combination bands involving CH stretch and another lower frequency mode, and the resultant OH products are detected by UV laser-induced fluorescence. The observed syn-CH3CHOO combination bands in the 4100–4350 cm−1 region are identified by comparison with the computed IR absorption spectrum. The experimental decay rates are found to be ca. 106 s−1 in this deep tunneling regime, which is approximately 100-times slower than that in the vicinity of the barrier.The experimental results are consistent with statistical Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) calculations of the microcanonical decay rates with tunneling through the barrier, and notable deviations may originate from the sparsity in the density of states for syn-CH3CHOO at lower energies. Thermal unimolecular decay of syn-CH3CHOO is predicted to have significant contribution from microcanonical rates at energies that are much below the barrier.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic stenosis 13 years post heart transplant

Despite the widespread use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for moderate and high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, it is utilized less frequently in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV). Orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) donors tend to be younger and may have undiagnosed BAV. We present a case of successful TAVR in a patient with BAV thirteen years after OHT.
A Counting Formula for Labeled, Rooted Forests

Given a power series, the coefficients of the formal inverse may be expressed as polynomials in the coefficients of the original series. Further, these polynomials may be parameterized by certain ordered, labeled forests. There is a known formula for the formal inverse, which indirectly counts these classes of forests, developed in a non-direct manner. Here, we provide a constructive proof for this counting formula that explains why it gives the correct count. Specifically, we develop algorithms for building the forests, enabling us to count them in a direct manner.
Re-active learning: active learning with relabeling

Active learning seeks to train the best classifier at the lowest annotation cost by intelligently picking the best examples to label. Traditional algorithms assume there is a single annotator and disregard the possibility of requesting additional independent annotations for a previously labeled example. However, relabeling examples is important, because all annotators make mistakes — especially crowdsourced workers, who have become a common source of training data. This paper seeks to understand the difference in marginal value between decreasing the noise of the training set via relabeling and increasing the size and diversity of the (noisier) training set by labeling new examples. We use the term re-active learning to denote this generalization of active learning. We show how traditional active learning methods perform poorly at re-active learning, present new algorithms designed for this important problem, formally characterize their behavior, and empirically show that our methods effectively make this tradeoff.
Proton therapy for head and neck cancer: expanding the therapeutic window

Use of proton beam therapy has expanded, with the number of proton centres rapidly increasing not only in the USA but also worldwide. The physical characteristics of the proton beam offer important advantages versus widely used photon techniques in terms of radiation precision. In head and neck cancer in particular, proton beam therapy is uniquely suited for the complex anatomy of tumours and sensitive surrounding organs. De-intensification and personalisation of treatment to limit toxicity are of renewed importance in the context of human papilloma virus-associated disease, in which young patients will be cured but bear the consequences of adverse effects for decades. Comparisons of radiation dose distributions between photon and proton techniques suggest considerable benefit in terms of toxicity sparing, but this has only recently been confirmed by substantial clinical data. In this Review, we attempt to define the role of this method in the contemporary multidisciplinary management of various types of head and neck cancer.
At Last! Aye, and There's the Rub

Mea culpa. In 1981 the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research, of which I was the Executive Director, recommended to the President and Congress that all federal departments and agencies that conduct or support human subjects research adopt “as a common core” the HHS regulations, “while permitting additions needed by any department or agency that are not inconsistent with these core provisions.” The commission believed—rightly, I still think—that having uniformity would ease administration, reduce regulatory burdens, simplify oversight, and make research more efficient. Yet our naive expectation the task could be accomplished in 180 days meant that we failed to anticipate that if it took much longer—namely, the 10 years that passed before the Common Rule was issued—federal officials would thereafter be reluctant to change the regulations and that when they tried to do so twenty years later, with the issuance of the ANPRM in 2011, they wou...
Two-parameter process limits for infinite-server queues with dependent service times via chaining bounds

We prove two-parameter process limits for infinite-server queues with weakly dependent service times satisfying the $$\rho $$ -mixing condition. The two-parameter processes keep track of the elapsed or residual service times of customers in the system. We use the new methodology developed in Pang and Zhou (Stoch Process Appl 127(5):1375–1416, 2017) to prove weak convergence of two-parameter stochastic processes. Specifically, we employ the maximal inequalities for two-parameter queueing processes resulting from the method of chaining. This new methodology requires a weaker mixing condition on the service times than the $$\phi $$ -mixing condition in Pang and Whitt (Queueing Syst 73(2):119–146, 2013), as well as fewer regularity conditions on the service time distribution function.
Bouveret syndrome: current management strategies

Bouveret syndrome is a rare complication of cholelithiasis that usually presents with signs and symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. Given the relative rarity of this condition, there are no standardized guidelines for the management of this condition. In this paper, we review the diagnosis and management options (endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open approaches) of patients with Bouveret syndrome, including a report of one case to illustrate some of the endoscopic and surgical principles of management.
The Kent Wilson Group in the 1990s

Scholarly publications form an enduring, but incomplete record of the life of a scientist. Sadly, this record preserves almost nothing in the way of human qualities. I am grateful for this opportunity to share some of my memories of Kent Wilson. All of us can recall one or two extraordinary individuals, whose confidence in us and whose steady encouragement helped us to succeed. Kent was just this kind of person to his many students, postdocs, colleagues, and former collaborators. He was an extraordinary mentor, and a generous friend.
WHOSE LIVES MATTER?: The National Newsworthiness of Police Killing Unarmed Blacks

This study investigates the characteristics of cases of police killing unarmed Blacks that receive national news coverage. I analyze an original quantitative dataset measuring the parameters of 111 cases occurring between 2013 and 2015, and the amount of coverage they received in six national news outlets. Multivariate models indicate that cases’ national newsworthiness is positively associated with Blacks’ share of the population where the fatal encounter occurred, and the presence of video evidence, peaceful demonstrations, or civil lawsuits. National newsworthiness is negatively associated with encounters that were initiated by a call to police, and those involving decedents who resisted arrest, suffered electroshock injuries, or were impaired by drugs or alcohol. The findings strongly suggest that the most newsworthy cases are those that align with an injustice frame. I discuss the results using theories of newsworthiness, describing how patterns of story availability and story suitability might shape which cases rise to the top of the national agenda. Using the social construction of reality approach, I discuss the implications of the results for how the public understands the empirical nature of police killing unarmed Blacks, and the symbolic meaning of these events.
Vaginal Anatomy for the Pelvic Surgeon

The word vagina, derived from the Latin word for “sheath,” describes the hollow fibromuscular sheath extending from the vestibule to the cervix. The walls of the vagina are in apposition except at the apex where it is held open by the cervix (1). Vaginograms from normal women show that the vagina takes a slightly S-shaped course, curving at the perineum and cervix with a horizontal plane over the levator plate. Vaginal dimensions based on vaginal casts and radiographic studies show five different vaginal shapes (Figure 1.1) with dimensions ranging from 8.4 to 11.3 cm in length and 2.1 to 5.0 cm in diameter (2,3). The anterior vaginal wall is shorter than the posterior wall given the differences in forniceal length. The anterior vaginal length is approximately 6 to 9 cm in comparison to the posterior vaginal length of 8 to 12 cm (4).
Predator/prey interactions: A link between the individual level and both higher and lower level effects of toxicants in aquatic ecosystems

Behavior can demonstrate linkages ofcontaminant effects at different levels oforganization from the biochemical/cellular to theorganism, population, and community levels.Mummichogs, Fundulus heteroclitus, from acontaminated area were previously found to havereduced condition, growth, and longevity, comparedwith conspecifics from clean sites. Thispopulation-level observation may be due to theirimpaired predator/prey behavior, which is associatedwith altered levels of serotonin in their brains. Theyare slow, less able to capture live food, and eat muchnon-nutritious detritus, which may contribute to theirdecreased growth and condition. They are also lessable to avoid being captured by blue crabs, which canalso contribute to their reduced life span andsize-structure. Grass shrimp, Palaemonetespugio, a major prey species, are not behaviorallyimpaired at this polluted site, but are more numerousand larger in size than at the reference site,probably due to reduced mummichog predation.
Apologia of a Madman

“Charity”, say St. Paul, “suffers everything, believes everything, endures everything.”1 So, let us suffer, believe, and endure everything; let us be charitable. But, first of all, the catastrophe which has just crushed my philosophical existence and thrown the work of an entire life to the winds is simply the necessary result of the outcry which arose upon the appearance of my article2, of this page which could be considered acrimonious but which certainly merited something besides the outcry which greeted it. After all, the government has only done its duty: it can even be said that the measures which it took in my case were completely liberal, since they did not exceed the expectation of the public. What could the most well-meaning goverment do other than conform to the general tone?
Monte Carlo Approach in Assessing Damage in Higher Order Structures of DNA

We have developed a computer monitor of nuclear DNA in the form of chromatin fibre. The fibres are modeled as a ideal solenoid consisting of twenty helical turns with six nucleosomes per turn. The chromatin model, in combination with are Monte Carlo theory of radiation damage induces by charged particles, based on general features of tack structure and stopping power theory, has been used to evaluate the influence of DNA structure on initial damage. An interesting has emerged from our calculations. Our calculated results predict the existence of strong spatial correlations in damage sites associated with the symmetries in the solenoidal model. We have calculated spectra of short fragments of double stranded DNA produced by multiple double strand breaks induced by both high and low LET radiation. The spectra exhibit peaks at multiples of approximately 85 base pairs (the nucleosome periodicity), and approximately 1000 base pairs (solenoid periodicity). Preliminary experiments to investigate the fragment distributions from irradiated DNA, made by B. Rydberg at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, confirm the existence of short DNA fragments and are in substantial agreement with the predictions of our theory.
Hypersensitive Probing for Radicals in Cytochrome P450 Hydroxylations

The mechanism of alkane hydroxylation by rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes has been studied with hypersensitive radical probes, precursors to radicals that have lifetimes of only a few picoseconds. The results indicate that some of the previous evidence for a radical intermediate in the hydroxylation reaction arose from production of an unanticipated cationic species and that the hydroxylation occurs by a non-synchronous insertion process with a “radical” lifetime of only ca. 70 femtoseconds.
The Role of an Effective IT Intervention for Micro-enterprises

Information technology (IT) interventions for micro-enterprises are fragmented and their approach lacks theoretical foundations. While various researchers have conducted studies on the effects of IT adoption in micro-enterprises, little research has been conducted to explain critical aspects of an effective IT intervention for micro-enterprises from a theoretical perspective. This study aims to fill this gap and empirically investigate how IT interventions can effectively facilitate the process of IT adoption by micro-enterprises. This paper suggests that effective IT interventions may have considerable potential for facilitating IT adoption among micro-enterprises across the United States and the world. Following an analysis of four micro-enterprises using a theoretical lens developed from Actor Network Theory, this paper provides insight into the ways in which IT interventions can improve the ability of micro-enterprises to adopt IT to benefit and grow their businesses. The key contribution of this study is an analytical model that may assist researchers and practitioners in examining the effects of their IT interventions. This has implications for effective IT intervention policy development and implementation for micro-enterprises.
Human Trafficking Health Research: Progress and Future Directions

Human trafficking is a global public health concern. A growing body of literature has examined issues ranging from the physical, emotional and sexual violence experienced by victims, to the increas...
Case 34-2018: A 58-Year-Old Woman with Paresthesia and Weakness of the Left Foot and Abdominal Wall.

A Woman with Paresthesia and Weakness of the Foot and Abdominal Wall A 58-year-old woman from New England presented to the outpatient neurology clinic in early autumn with hypoesthesia of the trunk...