cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Mortality and Major Cardiovascular Events Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Using Human vs Analogue Insulins.

Importance The comparative cardiovascular safety of analogue and human insulins in adults with type 2 diabetes who initiate insulin therapy in usual care settings has not been carefully evaluated using machine learning and other rigorous analytic methods. Objective To examine the association of analogue vs human insulin use with mortality and major cardiovascular events. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included 127 600 adults aged 21 to 89 years with type 2 diabetes at 4 health care delivery systems who initiated insulin therapy from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2013. Machine learning and rigorous inference methods with time-varying exposures were used to evaluate associations of continuous exposure to analogue vs human insulins with mortality and major cardiovascular events. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018. Exposures On the index date (first insulin dispensing), participants were classified as using analogue insulin with or without human insulin or human insulin only. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall mortality, mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) were evaluated. Marginal structural modeling (MSM) with inverse probability weighting was used to compare event-free survival in separate per-protocol analyses. Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios and cumulative risk differences were based on logistic MSM parameterizations for counterfactual hazards. Propensity scores were estimated using a data-adaptive approach (machine learning) based on 3 nested covariate adjustment sets. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address potential residual confounding from unmeasured differences in risk factors across delivery systems. Results The 127 600 participants (mean [SD] age, 59.4 [12.6] years; 68 588 men [53.8%]; mean [SD] body mass index, 32.3 [7.1]) had a median follow-up of 4 quarters (interquartile range, 3-9 quarters) and experienced 5464 deaths overall (4.3%), 1729 MIs (1.4%), 1301 CVAs (1.0%), and 3082 CHF hospitalizations (2.4%). There were no differences in adjusted hazard ratios for continuous analogue vs human insulin exposure during 10 quarters for overall mortality (1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.34), CVD mortality (1.26; 95% CI, 0.86-1.66), MI (1.11; 95% CI, 0.77-1.45), CVA (1.30; 95% CI, 0.81-1.78), or CHF hospitalization (0.93; 95% CI, 0.75-1.11). Conclusions and Relevance Insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes who initiate and continue treatment with human vs analogue insulins had similar observed rates of major cardiovascular events, CVD mortality, and overall mortality.
Effects of Seasonal Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Strength, Power, and Body Composition in College Swimmers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fall season vitamin D3 supplementation on strength/power, body composition, and anabolic hormones in swimmers with optimal vitamin D status at summer’s end. Male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers (N = 19) with optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] randomly received 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (VITD) or placebo (PLA) daily for 12 weeks while participating in swimming and strength and conditioning training (August–November). Before and after the intervention, the participants underwent blood sampling for analysis of serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, total testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and strength/power testing (bench press, squat, dead lift, standing broad jump, vertical jump, and dips and pull-ups). Sex was used as a covariate for analyses. The 25(OH)D was decreased by 44% in PLA (p < .05) and increased by 8% in VITD over the 12 weeks. Fat-free mass increased in VITD (56.4–59.1 kg; p < .05), but not PLA (59.4–59.7 kg; p < .01). Significant Group × Time interaction effects were observed for dead lift (F = 21.577, p < .01) and vertical jump (F = 11.219, p < .01), but no other strength/power tests. Total testosterone decreased similarly in both groups, but free testosterone decreased and sex hormone-binding globulin increased only in PLA (p < .01). There were no group differences or changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 with the intervention. The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation is an efficacious strategy to maintain 25(OH)D during the fall season training and to enhance some aspects of strength/power and fat-free mass in swimmers. Further research on the relationship between vitamin D and anabolic hormones is needed.
Analytical application of a LiCaAIFe6:Ce3+ laser for combustion studies

The availability of manned laboratory facilities in space offers wonderful opportunities and challenges in combustion science and technology. In turn, the fundamentals of combustion science can be studied purposefully through spectroscopic characterization of free radicals produced in the course of combustion. Well-studied free radicals (that are also well described theoretically and are therefore the best combustion model subjects) are hydroxyl (OH)1 and methoxy (CH3O),2,3 which have analytically convenient excitation bands located in the 280–298 nm spectral region. Analytical equipment for routine laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) experiments with these radicals usually comprises an excimer laser delivering over 0.1J of energy for photolyzing the precursor and a tunable ultraviolet laser consisting of a dye laser and a doubling stage for excitation of the fluorescence from the free radicals.4 It is hardly possible to use such equipment in space because it is extremely cumbersome and energy consuming. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no attempts to devise a portable unit suitable for spectroscopic measurements on free radicals in space. Such a development could significantly promote microgravity combustion science and applications. In the present paper, we substantiate our choice of the LIF excitation source, describe the experimental arrangement, and represent the results of our initial experiments aimed at demonstrating the possibility of devising a reliable portable unit for routine LIF experiments in space involving the hydroxyl and methoxy radicals.
Constrictive bronchiolitis in diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia.

Background Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is characterised by multifocal proliferation of neuroendocrine cells and belongs in the spectrum of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours. Some patients with DIPNECH develop airflow obstruction but the relationship between the two entities remains unclear. Methods We performed a computer-assisted search of the Mayo Clinic9s electronic medical records for biopsy-proven cases of DIPNECH. We extracted clinical, pulmonary function, imaging and histopathological data along with treatments and outcomes. Results Among 44 patients with DIPNECH 91% were female and the median age was 65 years (interquartile range 56–69 years); 73% were never-smokers. Overall, 38 patients (86%) had respiratory symptoms including cough (68%) and dyspnoea (30%); 45% were previously diagnosed to have asthma or COPD. Pulmonary function testing showed an obstructive pattern in 52%, restrictive pattern in 11%, mixed pattern in 9%, nonspecific pattern in 23%, and was normal in 5%. On chest computed tomography scan, 95% manifested diffuse nodules and 77% manifested mosaic attenuation. For management, 25% of patients were observed without pharmacological therapy, 55% received an inhaled bronchodilator, 41% received an inhaled corticosteroid, 32% received octreotide; systemic steroids, azithromycin, or combination chemotherapy was employed in four patients (9%). Of 24 patients with available follow-up pulmonary function tests, 50% remained stable, 33% worsened and 17% improved over a median interval of 21.3 months (interquartile range 9.7–46.9 months). Conclusion DIPNECH occurs mostly in women and manifests diffuse pulmonary nodules and mosaic attenuation on imaging. It is commonly associated with airflow obstruction due to constrictive bronchiolitis, which manifests limited response to current pharmacological therapy.
Laminar-to-turbulent flame transition and cycle-to-cycle variations in large eddy simulation of spark-ignition engines:

This paper investigates the effect of laminar-to-turbulent flame transition modeling on the prediction of cycle-to-cycle variations (CCVs) in large eddy simulation (LES) of spark-ignition (SI) engi...
A Survey Describing Beyond Si Transistors and Exploring Their Implications for Future Processors

The advancement of Silicon CMOS technology has led information technology innovation for decades. However, scaling transistors down according to Moore’s law is almost reaching its limitations. To i...
The Equilibrium Allocation of Diffusive and Jump Risks with Heterogeneous Agents

We study a two-agent pure exchange equilibrium subject to both nondiversifiable diffusive and jump risks. Agents can trade in a financial market consisting of a stock market, a money market, and an insurance market for jump risk. Heterogeneity is introduced through different levels of relative risk aversion. In the framework of standard expected utility we find the surprising result that the less risk averse agent purchases insurance contracts against jump risk from the more risk averse agent. This equilibrium allocation is linked to the non-linear wealth sharing rule in such an economy, and preserves the wealth effects studied by Dumas (1989) in the case of pure diffusive risk. Since the benchmark economy with homogenous agents generates no excess uncertainty in the stock market, we study the effect on excess volatility and excess jump size solely due to different levels of relative risk aversion. We observe 3% excess uncertainty in jump sizes for a reasonable specification of economic fundamentals.
Dual Gamma/Neutron Sensing with Methylammonium Lead Tribromide Perovskite

This report several techniques are under investigation to improve the spectroscopic capability of methylammonium lead tribromide perovskite semiconductors (CH3NH3PbBr3, or MAPB). These techniques include birefringence level measurements used to evaluate the quality of the single crystals and increase fabrication success rate of radiation responsive crystals. In addition, several characterization techniques are performed on a partial cation-substitution of MAPB with lithium-6 to analyze the structure and surface properties of the single crystal produced. Finally, we will present the thermal neutron sensing results from a MAPB crystal substituted with lithium-6.
Effect of the electronic charge gap on LO bond-stretching phonons in undoped La 2 CuO 4 calculated using LDA + U

Typical density-functional theory calculations that wrongly predict undoped cuprates to be metallic also predict Cu-O half- and full-breathing phonon energies that are significantly softer than observed, presumably because of weak on-site Coulomb repulsion on the Cu 3d orbitals. We used $\mathrm{DFT}+\mathrm{U}$ calculations with antiferromagnetic supercells of ${\mathrm{La}}_{\text{2}}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{\text{4}}$ to establish correlation between the on-site repulsion strength, tuned via adjusting the value of U, and phonon dispersions. We find that breathing and half-breathing phonons reach experimental values when U is tuned to obtain the correct optical gap and magnetic moments. We demonstrate that using distorted supercells within $\mathrm{DFT}+\mathrm{U}$ is a promising framework to model phonons in undoped cuprates and other perovskite oxides with complex, interrelated structural and electronic degrees of freedom.
Desensitization with haptens. Role of molecular size in specific precipitation, anaphylaxis, and desensitization with dextran fractions.

Abstract Clinical dextran was subjected to varying degrees of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis and fractionation with alcohol and ether. The number average molecular weights (Mn) of the different fractions varied from 17,000 to 850. Cross-precipitation with Type II antipneumococcal rabbit serum decreased with the molecular size of the fractions. Precipitation occurred with the Mn 5,000 but not with the Mn 2,200 fraction. Precipitation was inhibited about equally by fractions Mn 14,000 to 950. There was much less inhibition by a smaller fraction (Mn 850.) Native and clinical dextrans elicited fatal anaphylactic shock regularly in guinea pigs which had been passively sensitized with Type II antipneumococcal rabbit serum. The Mn 14,000 dextran fraction elicited a moderate reaction in only one of 10 similarly sensitized animals. Smaller fractions, even in large doses, did not provoke anaphylaxis at all. Varying degrees of desensitization against native dextran followed large challenging doses of several of the fractions. Desensitization was complete for 24 hours with the Mn 14,000 fraction, complete but transient (less than 3 hours) with the Mn 1,500, and negligible with the Mn 850 fraction. Studies of these fractions showed that progressive molecular cleavage transformed dextran from (1) an anaphylactogen to anaphylactogenically inactive fractions, (2) an anaphylactogen to specific inhibitors of anaphylaxis, and (3) a specific precipitator to specific inhibitors of precipitation. But there was no parallelism between the progressive reduction in molecular weights of the fractions and the loss of precipitating, anaphylactogenic inhibitory and desensitizing powers. Dextran is an allergen in man. This limits its usefulness as a plasma expander. These findings suggest the need to investigate the possibility that reactions to infusions of clinical dextran could be prevented by prior desensitizing infusions of dextran fractions, with molecular weights larger than 1,500 and smaller than 14,000.
Application of Block Krylov Subspace Spectral Methods to Maxwell’s Equations

Ever since its introduction by Kane Yee over forty years ago, the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method has been a widely‐used technique for solving the time‐dependent Maxwell’s equations. This paper presents an alternative approach to these equations in the case of spatially‐varying electric permittivity and/or magnetic permeability, based on Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods. These methods have previously been applied to the variable‐coefficient heat equation and wave equation, and have demonstrated high‐order accuracy, as well as stability characteristic of implicit time‐stepping schemes, even though KSS methods are explicit. KSS methods for scalar equations compute each Fourier coefficient of the solution using techniques developed by Gene Golub and Gerard Meurant for approximating elements of functions of matrices by Gaussian quadrature in the spectral, rather than physical, domain. We show how they can be generalized to coupled systems of equations, such as Maxwell’s equations, by choosing appropriate basis functions that, while induced by this coupling, still allow efficient and robust computation of the Fourier coefficients of each spatial component of the electric and magnetic fields. We also discuss the implementation of appropriate boundary conditions for simulation on infinite computational domains, and how discontinuous coefficients can be handled.
Low-noise stimulated Brillouin lasing in a microrod resonator

We demonstrate a Brillouin microcavity laser based on a microrod resonator exhibiting a frequency noise of 140 Ηζ/√Hz at 10 Hz offset. The corresponding laser linewidth is measured to be below 400 Hz.
How Committed are Bank Corporate Line Commitments

Firms' liquidity needs increase when their financial condition deteriorates or when there is an aggregate credit crunch. Banks receive considerable revenue for providing liquidity support to firms via lines of credit but banks become exposed to credit risk when liquidity needs are related to deteriorating firm conditions. We examine how banks manage credit limits and line usage using an extensive longitudinal regulatory database on syndicated credit obtained by over 13,000 private and public firms, covering 1997-2009. We show that banks rarely limit access to existing credit lines until they rate firms as high risk or firms have already used much of their credit limit. Further, firms that get downgraded by banks are able to anticipate future constraints on line access, and draw on lines in advance of such restrictions. During a credit crunch, even higher risk firms draw on their existing lines of credit, if they have substantial unused capacity. These results suggest that lines of credit or revolvers provide considerable liquidity insurance. Our findings are similar across public and private firms, but we also find that private firms face larger limit cuts than public firms with the same bank internal rating. Our paper integrates the divergent strands in the literature on firm liquidity and lines of credit and re-affirms the importance of banks in liquidity provision.
Cocaine and amphetamine interact at 5-HT synapses through distinct mechanisms in guinea-pig prepositus hypoglossi

Intracellular recordings were made from guinea-pig prepositus hypoglossi (PH) neurons in vitro. Neurons within this nucleus are innervated by terminals that release 5-HT (serotonin) to mediate an IPSP. Cocaine caused a concentration-dependent prolongation of that IPSP, while having no effect on either membrane potential or firing rate. Cocaine also caused an increase in the IPSP amplitude at lower concentrations (less than or equal to 1 microM) and a decrease at higher concentrations. The selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor fluoxetine also prolonged the IPSP duration but depressed the amplitude at all concentrations tested. The effects of cocaine on IPSP duration can be completely accounted for by inhibition of 5-HT uptake. The depression of the IPSP is most likely due to a presynaptic effect, because cocaine augmented the response to applied 5-HT. Amphetamine (3–300 microM), unlike cocaine, changed the membrane potential. At lower concentrations, it caused a ketanserin-sensitive depolarization, while higher concentrations resulted in a spiperone-sensitive hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarization was most likely caused by the evoked release of 5-HT, while the depolarization may have been due to a direct effect of amphetamine on 5-HT2 receptors. Amphetamine also acted as a weak uptake inhibitor. The effects of cocaine, but not those of amphetamine, were observed at concentrations that are attained during self-administration.
Trends of cardiothoracic trauma at new trauma centre

Results Of 1556 trauma patients, 254 had cardiothoracic trauma. 90% (228/254) were male and 10% (26/254) were female. Median age of all patients was 26 (range 1-91). 57% (145) were penetrating injuries mainly knife wounds (128) and gunshots (10). 43% (109) were blunt injuries (90 high and 19 low velocity). The actual injuries are detailed with rib fractures (35%) and pneumothorax (30%) the commonest and cardiac (5%) and diaphragm (3%) injuries the least common. 48% (121) of all cases had isolated thoracic injury, with 52% (133) being multiply injured. Of those multiply injured 36% (48) had head injuries, 65% (87) had orthopaedic injuries and 32% (43) had abdominal injuries. Operative and non-operative management is described in detail. Of the 15 patients requiring cardiothoracic surgery, 6 had a clamshell incision, 5 posterolateral thoracotomy, 2 median sternotomy and 1 thoracoscopy. Overall mortality was 3.5% (9/254). Operative mortality was 13% (2/15). Median length of stay was 4 days.
The Effects of Density Regulation on Metropolitan Housing Markets

Though local land regulations have been studied extensively, few papers have studies how these regulations affect metropolitan markets, and of these, very few have been able to identify specific policies that drive the results. Instead scholars have relied on composite indexes, which are empirically noisy and generally taken as exogenous. The primary contribution of this paper is to use uniquely comprehensive survey data and multiple sources of information to clarify which regulations are the most important. Furthermore, a theoretical model of zoning is sketched, modeling it as a function of historic rural settlement patterns in order to limit taxation. Empirical evidence supports the theory on zoning’s origins and allows zoning to endogenously affect housing markets. The results of both this technique and simple OLS regressions suggest that roughly 20% of the variation in metropolitan housing growth can be explained through density regulations, and this result is remarkably robust to an alternative measurements and assumptions about other land regulations. The results further show that anti-density regulation inflates prices in the face of demand shocks.
Electron Microscopy of Ceramic Fiber-Ceramic Matrix Composites—Comparison with Processing and Behavior

Results are presented comparing the composition, processing parameters, mechanical behavior, and microstructure of various ceramic fiber-ceramic matrix composites. Fracture behavior was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analytical electron microscopy used to evaluate the details of the microstructure as well as fiber-matrix interaction and fiber degradation. The results suggest the importance of the details of the composite microstructure on the mechanical properties, especially that of the fiber-matrix interface. 5 references.
Phenotype matching of donor red blood cell units for nonalloimmunized sickle cell disease patients: a survey of 1182 North American laboratories.

Abstract Context.—The transfusion of donor red blood cell units (RBCs) that lack certain red cell antigens (such as C, E, and K) when the corresponding antigens are absent from the recipient's red cells has been shown to reduce the risk of red cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease patients. However, data are limited regarding the extent to which transfusion services routinely perform red cell antigen phenotype testing of nonalloimmunized sickle cell disease patients, and then use that information to select donor RBCs lacking 1 or more of the red cell antigens that the patient's red cells do not express. Objective.—To determine the extent to which transfusion services routinely perform red cell antigen phenotype testing of nonalloimmunized sickle cell disease patients, and then use that information to select donor RBCs lacking 1 or more of the red cell antigens that the patient's red cells do not express. Design.—An educational subsection of a College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Sur...
Analytical Auditing Research: New Directions from Several Disciplines

The economic paradigm has been the dominant paradigm in analytical auditing research. While the traditional modeling approach has made important contributions, it does not adequately represent the auditor's role. Acknowledging the methodological problems associated with arbitrarily tinkering with the traditional approach, I examine how economic theory has benefited from recent developments in sociology, psychology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and jurisprudence, and how research from these fields is closely related to better describing the auditor's role. Further integration of these fields into the analytical paradigm is imminent making it necessary for auditing academics to familiarize themselves with these issues in order to better inform experimental and archival efforts, and perhaps even take part in the analytic work itself.
Temperature rise and fusing current in wire bonds for high power RF applications

Wire bonds in any semiconductor package represent an inductor between the die level bond pad and the lead frame post. As current flows through the wire bond, there is some loss of power due to Joule's heating effect. This power is dissipated by means of conduction through the length of the wire, and convection and radiation from the surface of the wire. For DC applications, the fusing current of the wire is readily available. This study examines the phenomena as it applies to RF applications. In RF applications, the current is transmitted only through the outer layer (skin) of the conductor, and the skin depth is dependent on the frequency. A closed form solution is derived for a simplified case where both pad and post are at the same temperature. Analytical results were validated with the use of IR Scan measurements. A numerical solution methodology was also developed using couple field finite element method to account for both electrical and thermal loading. Fusing current predictions were obtained for 0 Hz (DC), as well as from 880 MHz to 2 GHz; which are frequencies of interest for cellular applications. The differences between analytical and experimental results were found to be less than 15% and between numerical and experimental results were found to be less than 10%.
The photographic action of X-rays in the 1.3 to 0.01A range.

The spectral response of two typical x-ray films was determined as a function of the truly absorbed energy and also as a function of the number of absorbed quanta needed to produce a given optical density. With decreasing wave-length a better utilization of the kinetic energy of the photo and recoil electrons takes place in the process of photographic image formation. The number of absorbed quanta needed to produce the same photographic effect decreases rapidly with decreasing wave-length. Correspondingly the average number of grains made developable per absorbed quantum increases. These data, together with those of the range of electrons in silver-bromide and of their energy loss per unit path-length permitted the determination of the inherent sensitivity of the average grain. Comparison between the sensitivities to visible radiation, and to x-rays, reveal great differences in efficiencies of latent image formation between films. The average grain of Non-Screen film requires the formation of 210 latent image silver atoms by photo or recoil electrons, and 105 silver atoms by exposure to blue light. The corresponding figures for High Speed x-ray film designed for medical work with calcium tungstate intensifying screens are 270 silver atoms for electrons and only 8 silver atoms for blue light. This relative inefficiency of direct x-ray exposures is predominantly due to the formation of large amounts of internal latent image.
Fractal image compression and recurrent iterated function systems

Linear fractal models such as the iterated function system (IFS), recurrent IFS (RIFS), and Lindenmeyer system (L-system) concisely describe complex objects using self-reference. These models hold much promise in computer graphics as geometric representations of detail. The use of fractals for image compression sacrifices its fractal origins in the search for optimal coding gain. This article rebuilds the relationship between the fields of fractal image compression (FIC) and fractal geometry to better facilitate the sharing of new results. Many geometric representations exist for smooth shapes, and each has certain benefits and drawbacks. Computer-aided geometric design has produced many algorithms to convert a given curve or surface description into the most appropriate geometric representation for a given task. Likewise, there are several models for linear fractal shapes and several methods for converting between the representations. The representation used by FIC has been called partitioned IFS or local IFS. This article describes a method for converting FIC's partitioned/local IFS to fractal geometry's RIFS. This conversion algorithm allows FIC to represent any input shape as a linear fractal and permits algorithms developed for linear fractals to be applied to a wider variety of shapes. When every domain element can be expressed as the union of range elements, FIC produces a structure that is equivalent to a RIFS, enabling it to automatically model arbitrary shapes.
Cooperative collection development: the northern California experience

As books and serials proliferate and their prices climb, acquisitions budgets remain static or decrease. One way to resolve the dilemma is a cooperative acquisitions program. The North Bay Cooperative Library System (NBCLS), a consortium of libraries in northern California, recently completed a two‐year project to jointly develop member libraries' book and serials collections. The goals were to stretch none‐too‐abundant funds by eliminating overlap in acquisitions and to increase the collections' bibliographic depth.
Distribution of compositional defects in solvent cast polyvinyl alcohol films: Angular dependent XPS and reactivity study☆

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol polymer [-(CH 2 -HCOH) n -] generally contains carboxylates and carbonyl groups as compositional defects along the chain. The depth profile of these defects in solvent cast films was investigated by angular dependent XPS. Acetate and carboxylate groups were preferentially segregated in the topmost layer ( ∼ 3 A) of the film. A six-fold enhancement over the bulk concentration was observed with accompanying depletion of all other carbon species from the surface. Carbonyl groups did not show any tendency to segregate. Annealing at 100 ° C resulted in rapid loss of carboxylate -COO- intensity followed by a slow steady decline. Angular dependent XPS indicated that the loss of -COO- groups was not due to migration into the bulk but most likely due to decomposition or volatilization. These observations are consistent with segregation of low surface free energy components. Surface acetate and carboxylate groups reacted readily with trimethyl aluminum at room temperature resulting in the formation of Al-polymer complexes. The observed segregation of acetate and carboxylate groups is the first example of such a process driven by isolated pendent groups.
Oscillator strengths and collision strengths for S II

Observations of the optical extreme-ultraviolet spectrum of the Jupiter planetary system during the Voyager space mission revealed bright emission lines of some sulfur ions. The spectra of the torus at the orbit of Io are likely to contain S V lines. The described investigation provides oscillator strengths and collision strengths for the first four UV lines. The collision strengths from the ground state to four other excited states are also obtained. Use is made of a two-state calculation which is checked for convergence for some transitions by employing a three-state or a four-state approximation. Target wave functions for S V are calculated so that the oscillator strengths calculated in dipole length and dipole velocity approximations agree within 5%.
Multiple light‐evoked conductance changes in the photoreceptors of Hermissenda crassicornis

1. Light responses were recorded from the photoreceptors of Hermissenda crassicornis. The response to a flash is a complex potential change involving an initial depolarization, a hyperpolarization, and a depolarizing tail. None of the phases of the response are due to synaptic interactions. 2. Polarization of the membrane by extrinsic current indicates that three separate conductance changes are associated with the response. The initial depolarization and hyperpolarization are accompanied by conductance increases and the tail with a conductance decrease. The initial depolarization has a positive reversal potential and the hyperpolarizing and tail phase have a reversal voltage more negative than resting potential. 3. The different processes that give rise to the conductance changes have similar spectral sensitivities but are affected unequally by light adaptation. Strong light adaptation reduced the depolarizing phases more than the hyperpolarizing phase, so that following an adapting stimulus the cell responded to illumination with a pure hyperpolarization (isolated hyperpolarization). 4. Removal of external Na+ ions greatly reduced the initial depolarization. In Na+-free sea water the cell responds to dim flashes with a slow depolarization (isolated tail) that involves a conductance decrease, and has the same reversal potential as the hyperpolarizing response recorded from light adapted cells. 5. The amplitude of the isolated hyperpolarization and tail varied inversely with the external K+ concentration. 6. It is concluded that in Hermissenda photoreceptors light initiates processes that result in three distinct permeability changes. Following a brief flash there is: a rapid and transient increase in Na+ permeability that is responsible for the initial depolarization, a less rapid increase in K+ permeability that is responsible for the hyperpolarizing phase, and a delayed decrease in K+ permeability that gives rise to the depolarizing tail.
SciTecPac was science's first watchdog.

Contrary to the opening sentence of the News of the Week article “Group raises hackles as well as funds” by A. Lawler (7 Sept., p. 1747), Republican Representative Vernon Ehlers of Michigan has not “created the first political action committee (PAC) to support proresearch candidates for
Internal derangements of the shoulder: decision tree and cost-effectiveness analysis of conventional arthrography, conventional MRI, and MR arthrography.

Purpose. In a patient with internal derangement of the shoulder, the diagnostic method of choice is controversial. Conventional arthrography can diagnose most rotator cuff tears accurately; however, in many institutions MR arthrography is usually necessary to diagnose labral tears. We utilized decision tree methodology to compare the cost- effectiveness of conventional arthrography and conventional MRI with a hypothetical algorithm in which a patient underwent arthrography, performed with admixed gadolinium, which if negative, was followed by MRI. Design. The use of double-contrast arthrography alone, conventional MRI alone, and gadolinium-enhanced MRI used as an adjunct to conventional arthrography were modeled for the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT), partial RCTs, labral tears, and the absence of cuff/labral tears using decision analysis methodology. English language medical publications were searched to determine the base probabilities for the accuracy of the diagnostic tests. The outcome utilities ranged from –1 to +1 to reflect the value of correct diagnostic evaluation. Charges for diagnostic tests and appropriate surgical treatments were based on 1997 Medicare reimbursement rates for professional fees and hospital charges in an outpatient setting. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of uncertainty regarding the prevalence of each disease state and the accuracy of several diagnostic tests. Results. In the base-case analysis, the average effectiveness of double-contrast arthrography alone, MRI alone and arthrography selectively followed by MRI were 0.6610, 0.6715, and 0.7204, respectively. The average costs for each of these strategies were $1090, $2033, and $2339, respectively. Conclusion. Arthrography performed with admixed diluted gadolinium, which if negative is immediately followed by MRI, was somewhat more expensive than conventional MRI. However, because of much greater effectiveness, cost-effectiveness was significantly higher for our proposed algorithm. Conventional arthrography without gadolinium, although less expensive, had severely limited effectiveness.
Development of sorafenib and other molecularly targeted agents in hepatocellular carcinoma

It is well appreciated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most challenging malignancies of worldwide importance. In fact, HCC is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death globally. The incidence rates for HCC in the U.S. and Western Europe have been rising. Unresectable or metastatic HCC carries a poor prognosis, and systemic therapy with cytotoxic agents provides marginal benefit. Because of the poor track record of systemic therapy in HCC, there has been a sense of nihilism for this disease in the oncology community for decades. However, with the arrival of newly developed, molecularly targeted agents and the success of some of these agents in other traditionally challenging cancers, such as renal cell carcinoma, there has been renewed interest in developing novel systemic therapy in HCC. At the recent Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, results of a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were presented in which sorafenib demonstrated improved survival in patients with advanced HCC. This landmark study represents the first agent that has demonstrated an improved overall survival benefit in this disease and sets the new standard for first-line treatment of advanced HCC. For this review, the author concisely summarized the current status of molecularly targeted agents that are under clinical development in advanced HCC.
Disinformation techniques for entity resolution

We study the problem of disinformation. We assume that an ``agent'' has some sensitive information that the ``adversary'' is trying to obtain. For example, a camera company (the agent) may secretly be developing its new camera model, and a user (the adversary) may want to know in advance the detailed specs of the model. The agent's goal is to disseminate false information to ``dilute'' what is known by the adversary. We model the adversary as an Entity Resolution (ER) process that pieces together available information. We formalize the problem of finding the disinformation with the highest benefit given a limited budget for creating the disinformation and propose efficient algorithms for solving the problem. We then evaluate our disinformation planning algorithms on real and synthetic data and compare the robustness of existing ER algorithms. In general, our disinformation techniques can be used as a framework for testing ER robustness.
Distribution of enteric bacteria in Antarctic seawater surrounding a sewage outfall.

Abstract The spatial distribution and movement of the sewage plume from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, was investigated in the ocean under the early summer sea ice. Ocean currents were also examined to determine their effect on the movement of the plume. Samples of sea water were obtained via holes drilled through the ice and analyzed for coliform bacteria. Coliform densities in ice cores were also determined. Densities of coliform bacteria as high as 105/100 ml were found along the c. 1 km shoreline of McMurdo Station and the plume extended 200–300 m seaward. The relocation of the outfall from a surface configuration to the subsurface (11 m deep) had little influence on the distribution of the plume that sometimes reached the seawater intake station, 400 m to the south. Ocean current measurements in the study area confirmed that, while the prevailing advection was to the north and away from the intake area, episodic reversals of flow at some current meter stations coincided with pulses of sewage that moved to the intake. These findings support the use of bacterial indicators as one means to map the distribution and movement of recent sewage contamination in cold (−1.8°C) sea water and provide evidence that the disposal and movement of domestic wastes deserves attention in costal polar environments.
An integrated traveling-wave slot radiator

A traveling-wave integrated slot radiator is designed using electromagnetic duality theory based off of the ring portion of a radial multi-port driven radiator to minimize the area required exclusively for the antenna. It is designed in 32 nm SOI CMOS and driven by a buffered quadrature VCO at 4 points to create the traveling wave that radiates out of the backside of the chip. It is measured to have a maximum EIRP of 6.0 dBm at 134.5 GHz with a total radiated power of -1.7 dBm while drawing 168 mW DC power.
Cryogenic Fluid Transfer for Exploration

This paper discusses current plans and issues for exploration that involve the use of cryogenic transfer. The benefits of cryogenic transfer to exploration missions are examined. The current state of the art of transfer technology is reviewed. Mission concepts of operation for exploration are presented, and used to qualitatively discuss the performance benefits of transfer. The paper looks at the challenges faced to implement a cryogenic transfer system and suggest approaches to address them with advanced development research. Transfer rates required for exploration are shown to have already been achieved in ground test. Cost effective approaches to the required on-orbit demonstration are suggested.
The relevance of research data sharing and reuse studies

Editor's Summary As big data takes the limelight, it is critical that the value of research data is appreciated and the field of information science garners respect for its contributions. Despite being a logical leader in data management and curation, information science competes with other disciplines in handling research data and often fails to demonstrate its own expertise. Two developments presented through the annual Research Data Access & Preservation (RDAP) Summits hold promise for promoting the field and demonstrating its relevance to data management topics. First, the use of formal and systematic planning for data management is expanding, driven by requirements of many funding agencies. Second, research is offering insights into how researchers appraise, share and reuse data, with identification of data quality indicators related to satisfaction. As the effective use of research data becomes more pressing, the field of information science should lead in demonstrating the value derived from professional data curation, and the RDAP community must define and articulate its own research agenda.
Protection by Clofibrate against Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in Male CD-1 Mice Is Associated with an Early Increase in Biliary Concentration of Acetaminophen–Glutathione Adducts☆

Abstract Repeated treatment with clofibrate (CFB) significantly increased hepatic glutathione (GSH) content and also diminished acetaminophen's (APAP) selective protein arylation, GSH depletion, and severity of hepatocellular necrosis. The present work was conducted to evaluate the role of elevated GSH and APAP detoxifying pathways in the amelioration of APAP's toxicity by CFB. Male CD-1 mice received 500 mg CFB/kg, ip, daily for 10 days. Controls were given corn oil vehicle. They were challenged with 700 mg APAP/kg in 50% propylene glycol/water after an overnight fast. Results indicate that CFB pretreatment had no effect on 24-hr urinary excretion of APAP–glucuronide, sulfate, or GSH-derived conjugates; however, there was 50% less unchanged APAP excreted in urine of CFB-pretreated mice. CFB also did not alter microsomal UDP–glucuronyl transferase activity toward APAP in vitro. However, elimination of APAP from plasma and liver was much greater in CFB-pretreated mice. This was accompanied by elevated biliary APAP–GSH content in CFB-pretreated mice at 2 hr after APAP dosing with diminished levels in bile at 12 hr. The CFB-induced increase in biliary excretion of APAP–GSH may mediate the protection against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
Fluorescence study of arene probe microenvironment in the intraparticle void volume of zeolites interfaced with bathing polar solvents.

Fluorescence methodologies have been utilized to examine micropolarity, intramolecular motion, and singlet quenching in the intraparticle void volume of zeolites X, Y, and ultrastable Y (USY) interfaced with bathing polar solvents. Micropolarity was assessed from the 3-to-1 band ratio (III/I) of the fluorescence spectrum of pyrene (PY) and from λmax of the fluorescence spectrum of 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde (1-PCA). In zeolites bathed in anhydrous solvents, both PY and 1-PCA reported increased micropolarity according to the trend USY < bulk solvent < NaX ≈ NaY. For example, in NaY (USY), III/I ranged from 0.44 (0.98) in acetonitrile to 0.52 (1.34) in n-hexanol, compared to 0.60, 1.06, and 1.62 in bulk acetonitrile (ACN), n-hexanol, and n-hexane, respectively. The polarity studies reveal that the ionic nature of NaX and NaY and the hydrophobic nature of USY strongly influence the microenvironment of the arene despite the presence of desorbing polar solvents. Constraints on intramolecular motion were examined i...
Microwave sintering of simulated inert matrix fuel for generation IV nuclear reactors

Abstract Alternative processing methods are being considered for rapid sintering of inert matrix fuel (IMF) at low temperatures to minimize the loss of volatile actinides. Previous studies on microwave-hybrid sintering of the matrix material, 8 mol.% yttria–zirconia (8YZ), showed rapid densification at lower temperatures when compared with a conventional process. The current study examines the applicability of dysprosia (Dy2O3) as a surrogate for americia (Am2O3) in investigating the microwave-hybrid sintering of a simulated IMF, 20 wt.% Dy2O3 dispersed in 8 mol.% yttria–zirconia (8YZ-20D). The results show that 8YZ-20D is sintered to 93% of its theoretical density (TD) at 1300 °C with a soak time of 100 min in a multimode microwave-hybrid furnace. A similar heating schedule in a conventional furnace resulted in 87% TD. The enhancement in densification of 8YZ-20D due to microwave-hybrid sintering did not alter any of the resulting microstructures. Based on these experiments, it was found that low-temperature microwave-hybrid sintering was suitable for fabricating IMF pellets.
Factors affecting the quality of software project management: an empirical study based on the Capability Maturity Model

Rigorous project management can help raise a software product development process from an initial, immature stage that is unstable and unrepeatable to an optimized maturity level characterized by continuous improvement and innovation. Goals and actions related to a repeatable project management process have been outlined in the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) developed by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. The CMM provides good guidelines for initiating software process improvement particularly in the project management area; however, the successful implementation of the CMM guidelines is often not accomplished without significant organizational change involving increased emphasis on change management, teams and employee empowerment. This paper is empirically based on observations, surveys, and interviews of project team managers and project team members in a large, multinational organiplanning, change management, quality management, team work, and process control. Findings presented in this paper are correlated with the CMM guidelines as well as organizational factors that were found to enable or impede the successful deployment of various aspects of a project management improvement plan. The role of education and training in process and quality techniques as well as project management tools that support group work is also examined. This paper provides some insight into the issues faced by organizations based on traditional hierarchy or matrix management as they attempt to move into a more process-driven, quality-oriented development environment. As organizations move towards global markets they need increased emphasis on quality, value, teams, standards and global project management strategies based on structured guidelines to handle process flow within and between projects, departments, organizations, and national boundaries.
Evaluation of the cervix by ultrasound for the prediction of preterm birth

Sonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix can accurately assess cervical length and image other characteristics of the cervix and lower uterine segment, and it offers significant advantages over the digital examination. Although the cervix has been recognized as an important anatomic component of the spontaneous preterm birth syndrome, the relationship between cervical length and reproductive performance has been widely reported. These investigations confirm a significant, inverse relationship between cervical length and the risk for spontaneous preterm birth, although its predictive accuracy varies according to the population studied. At present, cervical ultrasound represents an important research tool with potential clinical applications in women at appreciable risk for spontaneous preterm birth.