cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibromyalgia syndrome: new developments in pathophysiology and management. Introduction.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common, chronically painful condition that is still seeking a home among the clinical professions. It is characterized by moderately severe soft-tissue pain and allodynia, which suggests a role for one group of specialists, but its pathogenesis is in the nociceptive machinery of the central nervous system, which defines the territory of other specialties. Comorbidities such as insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, recurrent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, morning stiffness, dysesthesia, irritable bowel syndrome, and irritable urethra logically invoke input from practitioners from almost every field of medicine.The precipitating causes of FMS may vary among individuals, but a mechanism underlying the painful symptoms involves central sensitization leading to an amplified perception of pain. As a result, this condition is recognized as the human model for chronic widespread allodynia. Biological abnormalities that are detected in most patients by objective methods include dysfunctional sleep (polysomnography), central sensitization (functional magnetic resonance imaging), temporal summation (windup, second pain), and facilitation of nociception (elevated spinal fluid levels of substance P, deficient biogenic amines that fail to maintain descending inhibition, and, in primary FMS, elevated spinal fluid levels of nerve growth factor).Treatment of FMS is symptomatic and multimodal, including education, physical modalities, and medications that target central neural pathways. Rehabilitation goals include improved physical function, social adaptation, emotional balance, and a better quality of life. Several series of placebo-controlled clinical trials have made available new medications with unique therapeutic mechanisms. Thus, it can be predicted that the next 10 years will see validation of a clinical case definition, more interest in the underlying pathogenesis, a better understanding of how medical care should be adapted to subgroup variations, new medications with specific domain indications, mechanism-directed polypharmacy, characterization of the genetic predisposition, and more emphasis on preventable inciting events.
The Second Creation

Ficino’s mission, the original aim of the Platonic revival, was not simply to create a fusion of the Platonic and Christian traditions. It is also to transfigure us, and then, through our agency, achieve a renovatio of our world. The Phaedran Charioteer drives his chariot back towards the arch of the heavens. There our soul will see the world of Forms spread out before it. It will catch a glimpse of Beauty, Truth and Justice. With that knowledge, we are transformed. With that knowledge, we can transform the world around us.
Stenting versus endarterectomy after prior ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract Background Restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and the management of critical or symptomatic restenotic lesions poses a treatment challenge. The superiority of CEA vs carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for restenosis remains debatable because existing studies are few and limited by small sample size or the inability to align interventions with ipsilateral events beyond the periprocedural period. We performed a population-based evaluation of CEA vs CAS in a large contemporary cohort of patients with carotid artery restenosis. Methods We studied all patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database who underwent CEA or CAS after prior ipsilateral CEA between January 2003 and April 2015. Univariate methods ( χ 2 and t -test) were used to compare patients' characteristics and outcomes ≤30 days and up to 1 year. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses, adjusting for patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, were used to compare the procedures with respect to ipsilateral stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/death, and stroke/death/MI. Results This cohort of patients with prior ipsilateral CEA underwent 2863 carotid interventions, 1047 (37%) CEA, and 1816 (63%) CAS. Characteristics were similar in both groups. The 30-day ipsilateral stroke rate comparing CEA vs CAS was 2.2% vs 1.3% ( P = .09) for asymptomatic patients and 1.2% vs 1.6% ( P = .604) for symptomatic patients. The 30-day mortality was 1.3% vs 0.6% ( P = .04), and MI occurred in 1.4% of CEA vs 1.1% of CAS patients ( P = .443). Cranial nerve injury occurred in 4.1% of the redo-CEA cases, and access site complications occurred in 5.3% of the CAS cases. CEA was associated with higher mortality at 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-7.14; P = .027) and at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.03-4.58; P = .042). However, there were no differences in postoperative stroke (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.20-1.45, P = .22), MI (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.31-3.10; P = .97), stroke/death (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.72-2.67; P = .22), and stroke/death/MI (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.80-2.37; P = .25) between CEA and CAS after adjusting for patient characteristics, and freedom from stroke at 1 year was also similar (CEA: 96.7% vs CAS: 96.4%; P = .78). Conclusions In this population-based study, we have shown higher mortality but similar stroke and MI associated with redo CEA compared with CAS after prior ipsilateral CEA. We recommend avoidance of redo CEA in very sick patients. Smoking cessation remains a potent target for improvement of outcomes of carotid revascularization in these patients.
Beyond the player: A user-centered approach to analyzing digital games and players using actor-network theory:

The paper uses actor-network theory (ANT) to analyze the sociotechnical networks of three groups of adolescents who played online games in different physical and social contexts. These include: an ...
AES and Quantum Cryptography

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and quantum cryptography are discussed. The history of AES algorithm selection, the AES algorithm, as well as security, performance, and intellectual property aspects of AES are covered. The quantum physics basis of quantum cryptography is explained. Special attention is given to the quantum key distribution (QKD) problem as well as to post-quantum cryptography.
Campus Lake Parcours

(1977). Campus Lake Parcours. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 25-25.
A Democratic Paradox: The New Election Environment Following Shelby County v. Holder

Anthony Downs explains rational citizens vote when their perceived benefits from participating are greater than costs—otherwise they renege. Downs’ framework and the paradox of voting are used to evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Preclearance from the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder (2012). I find that after preclearance is removed the length of time required to vote increases for African American and Latino voters which reduces their turnout in small but consequential amounts. Further, the VRA appears indirectly to benefit white voters. Following Shelby, the length of time increased for white voters as well.
More Scalable LTL Model Checking via Discovering Design-Space Dependencies (\(D^{3}\))

Modern system design often requires comparing several models over a large design space. Different models arise out of a need to weigh different design choices, to check core capabilities of versions with varying features, or to analyze a future version against previous ones. Model checking can compare different models; however, applying model checking off-the-shelf may not scale due to the large size of the design space for today’s complex systems. We exploit relationships between different models of the same (or related) systems to optimize the model-checking search. Our algorithm, \(D^{3}\), preprocesses the design space and checks fewer model-checking instances, e.g., using nuXmv. It automatically prunes the search space by reducing both the number of models to check, and the number of LTL properties that need to be checked for each model in order to provide the complete model-checking verdict for every individual model-property pair. We formalize heuristics that improve the performance of \(D^{3}\). We demonstrate the scalability of \(D^{3}\) by extensive experimental evaluation, e.g., by checking 1,620 real-life models for NASA’s NextGen air traffic control system. Compared to checking each model-property pair individually, \(D^{3}\) is up to 9.4\(\times \) faster.
Bilateral ovarian stromal hyperplasia concealing a nonhilar, pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Of ovarian stromal tumors containing Leydig cells, nonhilar, pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor is rare. CASE: An obese, diabetic, borderline hypertensive 41-year-old woman with a five-year history of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea presented with complaints of masculinization. Physical examination revealed hirsutism and an enlarged clitoris. The only abnormal serum marker was elevated testosterone. At laparotomy both ovaries were enlarged and suspected to have bilateral stromal hyperthecosis. Histology revealed stromal hyperplasia along with a 1.5-cm, testosterone-producing pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor of the right ovary. CONCLUSION: Bilateral ovarian enlargement secondary to stromal hyperplasia in patients with masculinizing signs can conceal a small, unilateral pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor.
Nanostructure and reactivity of soot produced from a turbodiesel engine using post injection

Abstract Post injection is commonly used for triggering regeneration of exhaust aftertreatment devices such as diesel particulate filters and NOx adsorber catalysts. Post injection is also a method to reduce engine-out particulate matter (PM) emissions while maintaining efficiency, to reduce or potentially eliminate exhaust aftertreatment. This study explores post injection in a light duty multi-cylinder turbodiesel engine to reduce PM. The impact of post injection dwell and duration on soot reduction and reactivity are investigated in this study. Soot samples were collected from the engine exhaust and subjected to analyses of oxidative reactivity and nanostructure of the primary soot particles. Close-coupled post injections conditions reduce soot emissions by 11–21%, while long-dwell post injection conditions reduce soot emissions by 28–33%. The reaction rate constants of soot collected from close-coupled post injection conditions decrease by 10–13% compared to baseline condition, while the reaction rate constants of soot collected from long dwell post injection conditions increase by 37–39% compared to the baseline condition. The difference in soot reactivity indicates fuel from the post injection interacts with the main injection flame. Moreover, with the increase of injection dwell and post injection size, soot surface oxygen content and amorphous carbon content increase. This explains the change in reactivity of soot from different injection dwells. Primary soot particle and particle aggregate sizes do not vary much with post injection. Soot from post injection conditions show shrinking-core-type oxidation without graphene layer rearrangement.
A practically efficient graph-theoretic approach to protein identification in mass spectrometry

Tandem mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool for the characterization of complex protein samples, an increasingly important problem in biology. The effort to efficiently and accurately perform inference on data from tandem mass spectrometry experiments has resulted in several statistical methods. This thesis rephrases existing methods using a common framework, categorizes them, and discusses them in detail. Each method is analyzed and evaluated by considering the nature of the approach and the outcome and methodology of published comparisons to other methods; the analysis of existing method comparisons is used to comment on the qualities and weaknesses, as well as the overall utility, of these methods. The analysis of existing methods is utilized to propose Fido, a novel Bayesian approach to protein identification; Fido is demonstrated to equal or surpass the state-of-the-art methods. Fido uses a simple generative model of the tandem mass spectrometry process, and employs graph transformations to perform inference efficiently. These graph transformations are then combined with formal graph-theoretic inference procedures to increase the efficiency of inference and facilitate inference on more complex graphs resulting from more sophisticated models of the tandem mass spectrometry process. Extensions of the simple Bayesian model, as well as new directions for the field, are proposed; these proposed changes will help formalize, unify, and improve upon qualitatively similar techniques that are employed by existing methods. A formalized approach improves the quality and reliability with which proteins can be identified in complex mixtures.
Mesenteric fibromatosis in a patient with a history of neuroblastoma: a case report

Mesenteric fibromatosis (MF) is a locally aggressive proliferative spindle cell lesion of the mesentery. A 34-year-old male presented with increasing abdominal pain and constipation. On workup, patient was found to have a large pelvic mass on CT A/P concerning for cancer. The patient underwent surgical excision of >15 cm intra-abdominal tumor along with adherent small bowel section. Histology of the tumor showed a spindle cell lesion consistent with MF. Previous reports have shown association of MF with Gardner syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis. We present the first reported case of MF in a patient with previous neuroblastoma.
Dimensions of impulsive behavior: Predicting contingency management treatment outcomes for adolescent smokers.

Abstract Background Behavioral measures of impulsive behavior include the dimensions of behavioral disinhibition, decision-making, and lapses of attention. These behaviors are associated with a range of risky activities during adolescence, including cigarette smoking; however, few studies have evaluated their associations with tobacco treatment outcomes. The current study examined the relationship between impulsive behavior and contingency management treatment outcomes for adolescent smokers. Methods Data from two contingency management smoking cessation trials were combined (N = 189 adolescents). Participants provided breath carbon monoxide (CO) samples with incentives delivered contingent (i.e., active treatment [AT] condition) or non-contingent (i.e., control treatment [CT] condition) on CO level. Dimensions of impulsive behavior were assessed pre- and post-treatment using the Go/Stop Task, a measure of delay discounting, a continuous performance task, while self-reported impulsivity was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Adolescent. Relationships between impulsive behavior and treatment outcomes (efficacy and adherence) were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Results Participants in the AT condition had significantly lower program CO levels at each treatment phase. Delay discounting in the AT condition predicted CO levels, with those discounting the most lowering their breath CO levels the least. Delay discounting also predicted program adherence across both conditions. Conclusions Delay discounting may be the most relevant dimension of impulsive behavior to predict outcomes for adolescent smokers completing CM programs, both in terms of successful reductions in smoking and program adherence. Suggestions are made to reduce the effects of delay discounting for adolescent smokers using this treatment approach.
Intra-articular Steroids vs Saline for Lumbar Z-Joint Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objective To determine if intra-articular (IA) injection of corticosteroids is effective in reducing the need for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in those with dual comparative medial branch block (MBB)-confirmed lumbar z-joint pain. Design This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting Two academic medical centers. Subjects Fifty-six consecutive subjects who had ≥80% pain relief during an initial screening MBB were recruited. Methods Patients received a second confirmatory MBB and concurrent IA injection of either corticosteroid or saline per randomization. Twenty-nine of 56 received intra-articular corticosteroid (triamcinolone 20 mg), of whom 24 also had a positive confirmatory MBB per Spine Interventional Society guidelines, with ≥80% pain relief from both MBBs. Twenty-seven of 56 received IA saline into the z-joint during the confirmatory MBB, of whom 22 also had a positive confirmatory MBB. The primary outcome measure was the categorical need for RFA due to insufficient pain relief with intra-articular injection, and the secondary outcome was time to RFA. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the need for an RFA between the groups (16/24 steroid, 67%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 47-82%) vs 15/22 saline (68%, 95% CI = 47-84%, P = 1.00). The average time to RFA was also not different, at 6.00 weeks for steroids vs 6.55 weeks for saline (P = 0.82). Conclusions Intra-articular corticosteroids were not effective in reducing the need for or the time to a radiofrequency ablation of the medial branches in those with dual MBB-confirmed lumbar z-joint pain.
Abstract P2019: (Pro)Renin Receptor-Dependent Induction of Pro-Fibrotic Factors is Mediated by COX-2/EP4/NOX-4/Smad Pathway in Mouse Renal Collecting Duct Cells

The binding of prorenin to the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) stimulates MAPK/ERK1/2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NOX-4-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor-β ...
Transcriptional Control of Mature B Cell Fates.

The mature naive B cell repertoire consists of three well-defined populations: B1, B2 (follicular B, FOB), and marginal zone B (MZB) cells. FOB cells are the dominant mature B cell population in the secondary lymphoid organs and blood of both humans and mice. The driving forces behind mature B lineage selection have been linked to B cell receptor (BCR) signaling strength and environmental cues, but how these fate-determination factors are transcriptionally regulated remains poorly understood. We summarize emerging data on the role of transcription factors (TFs) – particularly the ETS and IRF families – in regulating MZB and FOB lineage selection. Indeed, genomic analyses have identified four major groups of target genes that are crucial for FOB differentiation, revealing previously unrecognized pathways that ultimately determine biological responses specific to this lineage.
Development of Online Professional Development for School Resource Officers: Understanding Trauma, Social-Emotional Learning, Restorative Discipline, and Cultural Diversity

School resource officers (SROs) have become increasingly common in schools; however, most states do not require that they have youth- or school-related training (Morris et al. 2017). The intent of this project is to address potential gaps in training through the creation of four online professional development modules for SROs. Each module focused on one of the following: trauma-informed care; social-emotional learning (SEL); restorative problem-solving; and cultural competence. These modules were iteratively developed by applying established paradigms of curriculum development, that included systematic and communicative approaches, adult learning theory principles, and utilization of the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) Model of Systematic Instructional Design. SROs serve as law enforcers, informal counselors, and educators. It is imperative they are provided the opportunity to build their knowledge and develop applicable skills necessary for these roles and for working with students from all backgrounds.
Ultradelayed Arterial Thrombosis: Critical Flap Ischemia After Phalloplasty.

Background and objectives Delayed arterial thrombus causing loss of a cutaneous free flap at or beyond 6 months is a rare phenomenon. The purpose of this report is to describe 2 cases of arterial compromise requiring medical and surgical intervention at or beyond 6 months after radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty and to define the phenomenon of ultradelayed arterial thrombosis. Methods Patient 1 is a 44-year-old transmale who presented with pulselessness, pallor, and hypersensitivity of his neophallus 10 years status post-RFFF phalloplasty using a saphenous vein interposition graft (SVIG) between the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and radial artery (RA). Patient 2 is a 35-year-old transmale who presented with similar complaints 6 months status post-RFFF phalloplasty with the same vascular connections as above. Results Patient 1 was found to have an arterial thrombus distal to the SFA-SVIG anastomosis requiring catheter-directed thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator, resulting in partial loss limited to the distal three fourths of the shaft. Patient 2 was also found to have an arterial thrombus distal to the SFA-SVIG anastomosis requiring catheter-directed thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator and common femoral artery CFA-RA bypass, resulting in partial loss limited to the neoglans. Conclusions Ultradelayed arterial thrombosis is a rare phenomenon requiring urgent intervention. The exact causes of this phenomenon, whether mechanical or physiological or both, have yet to be fully elucidated but it is hypothesized that the original anastomosis may continue to serve as the critical blood supply to its flap as far as 10 years after surgery.
Looking at the own-race bias: Eye-tracking investigations of memory for different race faces

Humans remember the faces of members of their own race more accurately than the faces of members of other races, in an effect known as the own-race bias. Previous studies indicate that patterns of ...
Situational judgment test validity: An exploratory model of the participant response process using cognitive and think-aloud interviews.

Situational judgment tests (SJTs) are used in health sciences education to measure examinee knowledge using case-based scenarios. Despite their popularity, there is a significant gap in the validity research on the response process that demonstrates how SJTs measure their intended constructs. A model of SJT response processes has been proposed in the literature by Robert Ployhart; however, few studies have explored and expanded the factors. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors involved in cognitive processes that examinees use as they respond to SJT items in a health professions education context. Thirty participants—15 student pharmacists and 15 practicing pharmacists—completed a 12-item SJT designed to measure empathy. Each participant engaged in a think-aloud interview while completing the SJT, followed by a cognitive interview probing their decision-making processes. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by three researchers to identify salient factors that contributed to response processes. The findings suggest SJT response processes include all four stages (comprehension, retrieval, judgment, and response selection) as initially proposed by Ployhart. The study showed factors from other published research were present, including job-specific knowledge and experiences, emotional intelligence, and test-taking. The study also identified new factors not yet described, including identifying a task objective in the scenario, assumptions about the scenario, perceptions about the scenario, and the setting of the item. This study provides additional SJT validity evidence by exploring participants’ response processes through cognitive and think-aloud interviews. It also confirmed the four-stage model previously described by Ployhart and identified new factors that may influence SJT response processes. This study contributes to the literature with an expanded SJT response process model in a health professions education context and offers an approach to evaluate SJT response processes in the future.
Fast Approximate Computations with Cauchy Matrices, Polynomials and Rational Functions

The papers [18], [9], [29], and [28] combine the techniques of the Fast Multipole Method of [15], [8] with the transformations of matrix structures, traced back to [19]. The resulting numerically stable algorithms approximate the solutions of Toeplitz, Hankel, Toeplitz-like, and Hankel-like linear systems of equations in nearly linear arithmetic time, versus the classical cubic time and the quadratic time of the previous advanced algorithms. We extend this progress to decrease the arithmetic time of the known numerical algorithms from quadratic to nearly linear for computations with matrices that have structure of Cauchy or Vandermonde type and for the evaluation and interpolation of polynomials and rational functions. We detail and analyze the new algorithms, and in [21] we extend them further.
Nontargeted mass spectrometry of dried blood spots for interrogation of the human circulating metabolome

Advances in high-resolution, nontargeted mass spectrometry allow for the simultaneous measure of thousands of metabolites in a single biosample. Application of these analytical approaches to population-scale human studies has been limited by the need for resource-intensive blood sample collection, preparation, and storage. Dried blood spotting, a technique developed decades ago for newborn screening, may offer a simple approach to overcome barriers in human blood acquisition and storage. In this study, we find that over 4,400 spectral features across diverse chemical classes may be efficiently and reproducibly extracted and relatively quantified from human dried blood spots using nontargeted metabolomic analysis employing HILIC and reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Moreover, over 80% of metabolites were found to be chemically stable in dried blood spots stored at room temperature for up to a week. In direct relation to plasma samples, dried blood spots exhibited comparable representation of the human circulating metabolome, capturing both known and previously uncharacterized metabolites. Dried blood spot approaches provide an opportunity for rapid and facile human biosampling and storage and will enable widespread metabolomics study of populations, particularly in resource-limited areas.
Group Psychotherapy as a Specialty: An Inconvenient Truth

Group psychology and group psychotherapy (GPGP) are distinctive, effective practices that meet an important need. In 2018, the American Psychological Association recognized GPGP as a specialty, thu...
Ferredoxin-activated Fructose Diphosphatase of Spinach Chloroplasts: RESOLUTION OF THE SYSTEM, PROPERTIES OF THE ALKALINE FRUCTOSE DIPHOSPHATASE COMPONENT, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FERREDOXIN-LINKED ACTIVATION

Abstract The hydrolytic cleavage of Pi from fructose diphosphate by the fructose diphosphatase (FDPase) system of spinach chloroplasts was found to require (a) an alkaline FDPase component insensitive to inhibition by AMP or fructose diphosphate; (b) reduced ferredoxin; (c) a protein factor; and (d) Mg++. Reduced spinach ferredoxin could be replaced by reduced methyl viologen or dithiothreitol but not by reduced bacterial ferredoxin. Activation of the alkaline FDPase component by the nonphysiological substitutes required the protein factor. The alkaline FDPase component in isolated intact chloroplasts was also activated by light. The protein factor component of the FDPase system has been partly purified and found to have a molecular weight of 40,000. The alkaline FDPase component, purified to homogeneity, had a molecular weight of 145,000 and contained 2% carbohydrate. Except for a remarkably high half-cystine content (16% by weight as compared to 2% for mammalian FDPases) which reflects an apparent abundance of cystine, the amino acid composition of the chloroplast alkaline FDPase component resembled that of the mammalian FDPases. In the absence of reduced ferredoxin and protein factor, the chloroplast alkaline FDPase component can be activated by high concentrations of Mg++. Like liver alkaline FDPase, the chloroplast enzyme component is also activated by cystamine or 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenozic acid) (DTNB). Ferredoxin-activated FDPase was inhibited completely by 5 x 10-4 m EDTA but was insensitive to KCN, cuprizone, and diethyldithiocarbamate (all at 1 x 10-3 m). The activity of chloroplast FDPase during photosynthesis appears to be controlled photochemically through reduced ferredoxin. What, if any, physiological role can be ascribed to the activation of the enzyme by high concentrations of Mg++ and disulfide reagents, independently of reduced ferredoxin, is not clear.
Sol-gel processing of silica: I. The role of the starting compounds

Abstract The preparation of silica by the sol-gel process usually involves the use of a silicon alkoxide. When the solvent, catalyst and ratios of different components are kept constant, the particular alkoxide used can be varied. This paper represents a systematic study of how the alkoxide can affect the gelation rate and the properties of the gel formed. In addition, silicon acetate has also been used as the metal organic compound.
On Knowledge Representation in Belief Networks

Three focal elements of knowledge-based system design are (i) acquiring information from an expert, (ii) representing the information in a system-usable form, and (iii) using the information to draw inferences about specific problem instances. In the artificial intelligence (AI) literature, the first element is referred to as knowledge acquisition, while the second and third are embodied in a system's knowledge base and inference engine, respectively. AI, however, is not alone in its concern for these issues. Researchers in several of the statistical decision sciences, notably decision analysis (DA), have also investigated them. This paper discusses the use of belief networks—a formalism that lies somewhere between AI and DA—as an overall framework for knowledge-based systems. Unlike previous work, which has concentrated on either the networks' mathematical properties or on their implementation as a specific system, this paper is oriented towards the concerns of general system design. Concrete examples are drawn from one medical system (Pathfinder) and from one financial system (ARCO1), and in particular, from a consideration of their similarities and differences. The design principles abstracted from these systems suggests a powerful, coherent design philosophy guided by the simple thought: form follows function.
The AQ17-DCI System for Data-Driven Constructive Induction and its Application to the Analysis of World Economics

Constructive induction divides the problem of learning an inductive hypothesis into two intertwined searches: one-for the “best” representation space, and two-for the “best” hypothesis in that space. In datadriven constructive induction (DCI), a learning system searches for a better representation space by analyzing the input examples (data). The presented datadriven constructive induction method combines an AQ-type learning algorithm with two classes of representation space improvement operators: constructors, and destructors. The implemented system, AQ17-DCI, has been experimentally applied to a GNP prediction problem using a World Bank database. The results show that decision rules learned by AQ17-DCI outperformed the rules learned in the original representation space both in predictive accuracy and rule simplicity.
An integrated multi-task inductive database VINLEN: initial implementation and early results

A brief review of the current research on the development of the VINLEN multitask inductive database and decision support system is presented. The aim of this research is to integrate a wide range of knowledge generation operators in one system that given input data and relevant domain knowledge generates new knowledge according to the user's goal. The central VINLEN operator is natural induction that generates hypotheses from data in the form of attributional rules that resemble natural language expressions, and are easy to understand and interpret. This operator is illustrated by an application to discovering relationships between lifestyles and diseases of men age 50-65 in a large database created by the American Medical Association. The conclusion outlines plans for future research.
Molecular Phylogeny Reconstruction

Molecular phylogenetics deals with the inference of evolutionary relationships among individuals, populations, species and higher taxonomic entities using molecular data. By modelling patterns of molecular change in protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences over time, scientists now routinely reconstruct evolutionary histories of species and evaluate confidence levels of the inferences. Molecular phylogenetic inferences have been not only supportive of traditional phylogenies, but also instrumental in resolving some difficult questions regarding branching orders within many evolutionary lineages. Because of the vast and growing databases of molecular sequence information, this area promises to be an important key to understanding the history and relationships of all life forms on this planet. Keywords: phylogeny; molecular evolution; sequence analysis; bioinformatics
Effect of height on power density in high-frequency transformers

The effect of height on power density is examined for the practical ranges of power, frequency, loss, and volt-per-turn. Relevant mechanical and electrical equations are derived and applied to an optimization algorithm which searches for the design which maximizes the power density at a given height. It has been found that the curves of power density versus height exhibit a peak, on the order of 1000 W/in/sup 3/ in several cases, at a critical height between .25 to .3 in. Below this critical height, the power density decreases drastically. >
Use of the MMPI-2 Personality Disorder Scales in the Assessment of DSM-IV Antisocial, Borderline, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders

This study explored the diagnostic utility of the MMPI-2 Personality Disorder (MMPI-2 PD) scales to correctly classify three Cluster B Personality Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder). Classification was compared against the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) chart diagnoses checked for interrater agreement. MMPI-2 PD scale scores for 53 outpatients diagnosed with a Cluster B Personality Disorder were contrasted with an Other Personality Disorder group (n = 20) and a nonclinical population (n = 67). Scores for both the overlapping and nonoverlapping scales of the MMPI-2 PD scales were used in calculating diagnostic efficiency statistics. In support of past findings, results suggest the MMPI-2 PD scales should be used conservatively; they are best at screening for presence or absence of a personality disorder, identifying members of personality disorder clusters, and identifying negative occurrences of specific personali...
Natural Resource Agencies and Their Motivations to Partner: The Public Lands Partnership Model

Public land management agencies, such as the USDA Forest Service (USFS), utilize partnerships to accomplish a variety of tasks and meet specific targets. However, public agency personnel invest considerable time and energy to develop and maintain partnerships. Research on partnering motivations typically focuses on volunteers, nonprofit organizations and corporations, leaving the motivations of public agency personnel relatively unknown. This paper presents findings from a multiple partnership case study design on six national forests. The Public Lands Partnership Model (PLPM) is presented as a conceptualization of 13 motivations, classified into 3 distinct motivation types (i.e., interpersonal, intrapersonal, and institutional), that influence the propensity of agency personnel to partner. Additional influences, such as national forests’ external environment and internal commitment, need further exploration to confirm the PLPM and generalize results to the USFS and other agencies engaged in public land m...
Learning Motion Patterns in Surveillance Video using HMM Clustering

We present a novel approach to learning motion behavior in video, and detecting abnormal behavior, using hierarchical clustering of hidden Markov models (HMMs). A continuous stream of track data is used for online and on-demand creation and training of HMMs, where tracks may be of highly variable length and scenes may be very complex with an unknown number of motion patterns. We show how these HMMs can be used for on-line clustering of tracks that represent normal behavior and for detection of deviant tracks. The track clustering algorithm uses a hierarchical agglomerative HMM clustering technique that jointly determines all the HMM parameters (including the number of states) via an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm and the Akaike information criteria. Results are demonstrated on a highly complex scene containing dozens of routes, significant occlusions and hundreds of moving objects.
Significance of occlusion in the etiology and treatment of early, moderate, and advanced periodontitis.

Abstract Elimination of lesions diagnostic of trauma from occlusion is an essential part of complete periodontal therapy and restoration of health in the masticatory system for such patients. This can be achieved by orthodontic treatment, temporary splinting, bite-planes, occlusal adjustment and permanent splinting of teeth. Occlusal therapy may be required during periodontal treatment for trauma from occlusion and to enhance occlusal stability at any stage of periodontitis, but is most often needed in advanced periodontitis. Splinting of hypermobility of self-limiting trauma from occlusion is not indicated. Splinting may be required in addition to occlusal adjustment in moderate to severe periodontitis when trauma from occlusion is progressive.
A Schrödinger equation exhibiting both rotational invariance and broken SU (3) symmetry

Abstract A Schrodinger equation is proposed, whose geometrical interpretation is the quantization of the dynamics of the linear collective modes of an extended body. Similarities with the levels of particle and nuclear spectroscopy are pointed out. Possible generalizations are discussed.
Understanding parental behavior in pediatric palliative care: Attachment theory as a paradigm

Objective The objective of this conceptual paper was to present important constructs in attachment theory as they apply to parent and caregiver behavior in pediatric palliative care. Clarification of these constructs is provided with specific reference to their clinical application as well as their reflection in current empirical literature. Social attachment theory is proposed as a developmentally contextual model for the study of parenting in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care. Method A comprehensive search was conducted of pertinent literatures. These included classic as well as recent theory and research in attachment theory in addition to the empirical literatures on parent and family experience in pediatric palliative care, serious illness, and beyond to parental bereavement. Other relevant literature was examined with respect to the phenomena of concern. Results The empirical literature in pediatric palliative care supports the use of central concepts in attachment theory as foundational for further inquiry. This is evidenced in the emphasis on the importance of parental protection of the child, as well as executive activities such as decision making and other prominent parental operations, parental psychological resolution of the child's diagnosis and illness as well as coping and meaning making, and the core significance of parental relationships with providers who provide secure-base and safe-haven functions. Significance of results The promise for developing integrated, conceptually based interventions from construction through implementation is of urgent importance to children and families receiving pediatric palliative care services. Focusing on key parental behaviors and processes within the context of a well-studied and contextually appropriate model will inform this task efficiently. The attachment paradigm meets these criteria and has promise in allowing us to move forward in developing well-defined, inclusive, and conceptually grounded protocols for child and family psychosocial research, practice, and education in this specialty.
A new regulatory challenge: youth and tobacco.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed by President Obama in June 2009, granted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) broad regulatory authority over tobacco products. It also explicitly charged the FDA with protecting children and adolescents from the dangers of tobacco use. In drafting the Tobacco Control Act, Congress noted that “[t]he use of tobacco products by the nation's children is a pediatric disease of considerable proportions that results in new generations of tobacco-dependent children and adults.” To begin to address this pattern of addiction and disease, the Tobacco Control Act required the FDA to implement a range of provisions aimed at restricting access to tobacco products by youth, reducing the appeal of tobacco products to youth, and limiting tobacco-product marketing to youth. Our first regulatory initiative banned the manufacture and sale of all cigarettes with characterizing fruit, candy, and clove flavors as of September 22, 2009. Youth and young adults not only use … Address correspondence to Marisa L. Cruz, MD, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, 9200 Corporate Blvd, Room 100B, Rockville, MD 20850. E-mail: marisa.cruz{at}fda.hhs.gov
β-Cyanoalanine as a substrate for asparaginase stoichiometry, kinetics, and inhibition

Abstract l -Asparaginases from guinea pig serum and Escherichia coli catalyze the hydrolysis of l -β-cyanoalanine in aqueous solution. The disappearance of β-cyanoalanine is paralleled by the formation of aspartic acid and NH 3 in the expected stoichiometric amounts. The Escherichia coli enzyme has a K m of 12 mM for l -β-cyanoalanine and 0.011 mM for l -asparagine. The apparent V for β-cyanoalanine is about three-tenths that for asparagine. l -Aspartic acid and d -asparagine strongly inhibit the hydrolysis of β-cyanoalanine. l -Asparagine inhibits in a reversible, competitive manner and in the process is converted into aspartic acid ( K i = 1.5 mM ). d -Aspartic acid, d -β-cyanoalanine, and carbobenzoxy- l -asparagine inhibit less effectively.
A group decision support system for multicultural and multilingual communication

Abstract A Group Decision Support System (GDSS) can be used to lower or break barriers to group communication that are caused by differences in language and culture among meeting participants. This paper describes typical examples of communication barriers among group members with different cultural and lingual backgrounds and how a GDSS can help with these problems. The paper also describes a prototype GDSS developed at the University of Mississippi that translates among English, German, and Spanish.
Tracking Recombinant Organisms in the Environment: β–Galactosidase as a Selectable Non–Antibiotic Marker for Fluorescent Pseudomonads

A sensitive, selectable marker system has been developed for fluorescent pseudomonads based on expression of the E. coli lac operon genes encoding β–galactosidase and lactose permease. Examination of over 500 fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates from soil samples revealed the constant absence of the o–nitrophenylgalactoside (ONPG) positive phenotype, and the inability to utilize lactose as a sole carbon source. Based on these observations broad host–range plasmids containing E. coli lacZ and lacY genes were constructed and stably introduced into native P. fluorescens strains to confer the ability to cleave the chromogenic substrate X–Gal and to grow on minimal lactose media. This marker system enabled the detection of Lac+ transformants at a sensitivity of <10 CFU/g soil.
Free energy correlation of rate constants for electron transfer between organic systems in aqueous solutions

Abstract Recent experimental data concerning the rate constants for electron transfer reactions of organic systems in aqueous solutions and their equilibrium constants is examined for possible correlation. The data is correlated quite well by the Marcus theory, if a reorganization parameter, λ, of 18 kcal/mole is used. Assuming that the only contribution to λ is the free energy of rearrangement of the water molecules, an effective radius of 5A˚for the reacting entities is estimated. For the zero free energy change reaction, i.e., electron exchange between a radical ion and its parent molecule, a rate constant of about 5 × 10 7 M −1 s −1 is predicted.
Predicting optical effects of tear film break up on retinal image quality using the Shack-Hartmann aberrometer and computational optical modeling.

The pre-corneal tear film is the most anterior refracting surface of the eye. The large change in refractive index from air to tears makes it the surface with the greatest optical power. Therefore, a tear film of non-uniform thickness can potentially have a significant impact on the optical quality of the eye. 1.2 Many clinical studies have shown that, during periods between blinks, the tear film is not stable and does not remain uniform on the surface of the eye. Instead, it appears to disrupt locally, a phenomenon termed tear film breakup by clinicians, resulting in a tear film which is non-uniform in thickness. Although tear breakup is not usually regarded as an optical phenomenon, there is experimental evidence supporting the hypothesis that local changes in tear film thickness impact the optical quality of the eye. 3.5 The conclusions from these experimental studies are supported by clinical evidence of “blurry,” 6.7 “disturbed,” 8.9and “fluctuating” vision, and reduced visual acuity reported by dry eye patients and contact lens wearers.
Addressing sustainability issues in complex urban systems using a sustainable energy plan

Sustainable energy plans (SEPs) to address energy issues in complex urban systems are becoming an integral part of the new discipline of sustainability science. Looking at an urban community in its entirety reveals patterns in energy production, distribution, and consumption that can provide fresh insights and suggest new ways of establishing a sustainable energy infrastructure and quantifying its impacts. Five main factors are essential when constructing SEPs for complex urban environments: 1) Social Commitment, 2) Renewable Energy, 3) Energy Efficiency, 4) Energy Storage, and 5) Smart Grids. Implementing a successful SEP supports the emergence of new types of electricity markets, creates new sources of income for consumers and new regulatory policies, and stimulates economic activity, opening the door for significant job creation. However, in order to achieve this level of sustainability, the community must undergo decades of strategic planning and take responsibility for the allocation of current energ...
Are Multinational Corporations Safer

The failure-probabilities of a sample of multinational corporations (MNCs) are derived and compared with those of a control group of domestic corporations (DMCs). The results suggest that the mean insolvency-probability of DMCs is significantly higher than that of the MNCs. It is also observed that MNCs are significantly more capitalized, and the standard deviation of their equity as well as their average systematic risk are also significantly lower. Furthermore, the average insolvency probability of the DMCs is more sensitive to changes in the values of the parameters than those of the MNCs.