cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CaliForest: calibrated random forest for health data

Real-world predictive models in healthcare should be evaluated in terms of discrimination, the ability to differentiate between high and low risk events, and calibration, or the accuracy of the risk estimates. Unfortunately, calibration is often neglected and only discrimination is analyzed. Calibration is crucial for personalized medicine as they play an increasing role in the decision making process. Since random forest is a popular model for many healthcare applications, we propose CaliForest, a new calibrated random forest. Unlike existing calibration methodologies, CaliForest utilizes the out-of-bag samples to avoid the explicit construction of a calibration set. We evaluated CaliForest on two risk prediction tasks obtained from the publicly-available MIMIC-III database. Evaluation on these binary prediction tasks demonstrates that CaliForest can achieve the same discriminative power as random forest while obtaining a better-calibrated model evaluated across six different metrics. CaliForest will be published on the standard Python software repository and the code will be openly available on Github.
Desire to drink as a function of laboratory-induced social stress among adolescents.

Abstract Background and objectives Research consistently demonstrates a link between social anxiety and alcohol-related problems; however, the majority of work has been retrospective, and conducted with adults. Despite an extensive literature highlighting coping-related motives as an underlying mechanism, real-time work presents mixed findings, and no published research has examined an adolescent sample using experimental psychopathology techniques. Methods The current study tested whether (1) history of social anxiety symptoms positively correlated with alcohol-related cognitions following laboratory-induced social stress, (2) state anxiety was positively correlated with alcohol-related cognitions, and (3) whether the nature of the stressor (performance versus rejection) impacted the strength of identified relations, in a sample of community-recruited adolescents reporting recent alcohol use. Participants (n = 114; Mage = 16.01; 64% girls) were randomly assigned to either a performance- or rejection-oriented task. Results Findings indicated that history of social anxiety symptoms was positively correlated with state anxiety elicited by both tasks. Further, history of social anxiety symptoms was not related to change in desire to drink, but was positively related to the belief that alcohol ‘would make me feel better.’ State anxiety was positively related to both desire to drink and relief outcome expectancies across both tasks. Finally, the nature of the task did not moderate responding. Limitations Single site, community sampling confines interpretations, and the tasks did not fully perform as expected. Conclusions Further study is needed; however, the current findings support the contention that socially-oriented distress may be a developmentally-relevant, malleable target for prevention efforts aimed at problematic alcohol use among adolescents.
Exhibitions as Public Health Interventions: The University of Alabama Center for the Study of Tobacco and Society:

Can exhibitions of artifacts from the tobacco industry, its allies and critics, act as a public health intervention? The University of Alabama Center for the Study of Tobacco and Society is a curat...
The Relationship between Caregiver Prompting Behaviors, Parenting Practices, and Adolescent Tobacco Use Outcomes in Black Families

In the current study, we examined how caregiver prompting of tobacco products (e.g., asking a child to empty an ashtray), caregiver monitoring, and caregiver-adolescent communication were associated with adolescents’ tobacco use, intentions to use, and efficacy to refuse using tobacco. Caregiver-adolescent dyads were recruited from a southeastern city in the United States. Approximately 48% of the population in this city is Black. Participants included 101 Black caregivers who smoke and their adolescents (Mage = 14.4 years). Multiple regression analyses (R2 ranged from 0.10 to 0.44 across models) indicated that higher levels of adolescent-reported caregiver prompting were associated with a higher likelihood of adolescent-reported use and intentions to smoke tobacco products in their lifetime. Caregiver monitoring was associated with lower levels of adolescent tobacco use and intentions to use tobacco, and higher levels of tobacco refusal self-efficacy. General caregiver-adolescent communication was associated with greater tobacco refusal self-efficacy. Differences among caregiver prompting behavior by reporter highlight the importance of obtaining both adolescent and caregiver perceptions. These findings illustrate that caregivers may play a critical role in shaping their adolescents’ tobacco-related outcomes through adolescent perceptions of their prompting of tobacco products, as well as their overall knowledge or monitoring of adolescent activities.
The Bourgeois Virtues in 'Deadwood': Challenging American Ideology

The western is a cultural phenomenon of the U.S., but the genealogy of its ideology—aristocratic honor, courage, and justice—extends back to ages of conquest and stories of heroes like Beowulf, Achilles, and Odysseus. Audiences in the infancy of the western craved an idealism taken from the white knight of medieval kingdoms, a hero known as the cowboy, whom they believed, built the country. Deirdre McCloskey argues that the modern world, not just the U.S., was built on a recasted set of ideals, a bourgeois ethic that is cause of our material improvement over last 300 years. The American ideology that attracts audiences to the western is thus at odds with the ideology in McCloskey’s economic history. Altogether independently, David Milch exploits this mismatch of ideas in the HBO series Deadwood (2004-2006). He creates a world that likewise challenges the ideology that the U.S. was built on aristocratic conquest. The transition from an aristocratic to a bourgeois ethical system plays out in the first 14 episodes of Deadwood, culminating in a classic showdown that the hero in a western must win. The questions are, who is the hero, who is the villain, and how did the hero win?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of asthma outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Patients suffering from both chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma demonstrate improved asthma outcomes when upper airway inflammation is controlled with medications. It is unclear if similar benefits exist when the upper airway is treated surgically. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on asthma outcomes. Methods Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies examining asthma outcomes in patients with CRS following ESS. Included studies involved a cohort of at least 5 patients and reported at least 1 postoperative asthma outcome. Results Twenty-two studies involving a total of 891 patients were identified. Mean follow-up across all studies was 26.4 months. Patients reported improved overall asthma control in 76.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9% to 80.3%) of cases. The frequency of asthma attacks decreased in 84.8% (95% CI, 76.6% to 93.0%) of patients and the number of hospitalizations decreased in 64.4% (95% CI, 53.3% to 75.6%). Decreased use of oral corticosteroids was seen in 72.8% (95% CI, 67.5% to 78.1%) of patients; inhaled corticosteroid use decreased in 28.5% (95% CI, 22.6% to 34.5%) and bronchodilator use decreased in 36.3% (95% CI, 28.9% to 43.7%) of patients. Mean improvement in predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) was 1.62%, but was not statistically significant (p = 0.877). Conclusion ESS in patients with concomitant bronchial asthma improves clinical asthma outcome measures, but not lung function testing. Difficulty conducting controlled clinical trials of ESS limits the strength of conclusions which can be reached.
Glutathione levels in cultured heart cells: Influence of buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis

In primary cultures of heart cells in mid-growth phase, levels of acid-soluble glutathione were 99 nmoles/mg protein and increased to 178 nmoles/mg protein at confluent growth. Glutathione disulfide accounted for less than 9% of the total. Levels of protein-bound mixed disulfide in mid-growth phase cells were 58 nmoles/mg protein and decreased to 36 nmoles/mg protein at confluent growth. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 10(-4) M) depleted the levels of both glutathione and glutathione disulfide with no influence on the levels of protein-bound mixed disulfide. BSO had no influence on the multiplication rate of heart cells in primary culture. In secondary passage cultures, the levels of glutathione were less than half those of the primary cultures. BSO depressed cell growth and soluble glutathione, whereas the levels of protein-bound mixed disulfide were increased. These results showed that BSO depletes heart cells of soluble glutathione, whereas protein-bound thiol remains unchanged or increases.
Development and optimization of high-throughput in vitro protein phosphatase screening assays

We describe here detailed protocols to design, optimize and validate in vitro phosphatase assays that we have utilized to conduct high-throughput screens for inhibitors of dual-specificity phosphatases: CDC25B, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 and MKP-3. We provide details of the critical steps that are needed to effectively miniaturize the assay into a 384-well, high-throughput format that is both reproducible and cost effective. In vitro phosphatase assays that are optimized according to these protocols should satisfy the assay performance criteria required for a robust high-throughput assay with Z-factors >0.5, and with low intra-plate, inter-plate and day-to-day variability (CV <20%). Assuming the availability of sufficient active phosphatase enzyme and access to appropriate liquid handling automation and detection instruments, a single investigator should be able to develop a 384-well format high-throughput assay in a period of 3-4 weeks.
Locally stable price mechanisms

Abstract This paper develops necessary conditions for a price adjustment mechanism to achieve local stability at regular competitive equilibria. Two principal questions are: how closely must a locally stable mechanism be tailored to particular excess demand functions, and can any such mechanism be interpreted as a market adjustment process. In response to the first question, a variant of the (local) Newton method, termed the ‘orthogonal Newton method’ is shown to require, in a dimensional sense, the minimal information about excess demand functions. The second question is answered in the negative by proving the non-existence of any locally stable mechanism with the property that the price of any given commodity is not changed when its own market is in equilibrium. These and other results are obtained by using convergent price paths to generate a homotopy between the adjustment dictated by the mechanism and the actual direction of the equilibrium.
T-wave alternans, restitution of human action potential duration, and outcome.

T-Wave Alternans, Restitution of Human Action Potential Duration, and OutcomeSanjiv M. Narayan, Michael R. Franz, Gautam Lalani, Jason Kim, Ashwani SastryWe tested the hypothesis that subjects with...
Diplomacy, terrorism, and national narratives in the United States–Iran relationship

The United States and Iran have failed repeatedly in the last thirty years to normalise diplomatic relations. Each attempt to open a dialogue has been set back by acts of terrorism or perceptions thereof, and the small openings for diplomacy were quickly shut. The difficulties of normal diplomacy should be understood in light of the national narratives that guide each country's international behaviour, narratives that include strong admonitions on terrorism and sow distrust. One method to overcome the obstacles thrown up by these national narratives is to explore their dynamics and attempt to write a new, common narrative.
Surface modes of the clean reconstructed W(100) surface

In previous work, we have developed force-constant models of the low-temperature clean reconstructed W(100) surface and have used them to study the vibrational properties of this surface. Here, we present a physical interpretation of the low-lying longitudinal- and transverse-surface modes of particular interest to experiment. This picture is based on the anticrossing of these modes and their zone folding upon reconstruction. These results provide insight into the interpretation of recent He atom scattering data and also into choices of force-constant models for this surface.
Comparison of staged thoracoscopy and median sternotomy for lung volume reduction

Abstract Background . Lung volume reduction operations have proved beneficial for emphysematous patients, but questions remain about the role of a unilateral procedure. Methods . Fifty patients were prospectively enrolled in a lung volume reduction surgery program for emphysema with staged unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures (VATS group). These patients were compared with 29 patients having bilateral lung volume reduction procedures by median sternotomy. Results . The VATS group was slightly older and had shorter 6-minute walk distances, but otherwise the two groups were similar. Hospital stays were shorter for each unilateral VATS procedure, but the total of the two hospital stays was longer than the stay for the sternotomy group (21.1 versus 14.8 days). Complications were comparable, there were no in-hospital deaths, and there was significant difference in the 1-year mortality rate (VATS, 6% versus sternotomy, 13.8%; p = 0.137). Functional test results were comparable between the groups with improvements in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (VATS, 41%, and sternotomy, 40%), 6-minute walk distances (VATS, 48%, and sternotomy, 26%), dyspnea scores, and acid base measurements. Conclusions . Staged lung volume reduction operations do not appear to offer any measurable advantages over a single hospitalization and bilateral lung volume reduction procedures.
Without judgment: An empirically-based entrepreneurial theory of the firm

Austrian ideas about the firm have grown rather naturally out of the central body of Austrian thought with its focus on entrepreneurship, subjectivism and market processes. In this paper we critically evaluate some Austrian ideas on the firm, with particular attention to the concept of entrepreneurial judgment. We then describe recent empirical work in entrepreneurship that has identified key elements of what might reside inside the “black box” of entrepreneurial decision making. We conclude that expertise in this type of decision making embodies procedural knowledge that is adaptive in the absence of substantive knowledge, i.e. without judgment.
Early ontogeny of iodocompound-processing neural systems in rat brain.

Summary: The distribution and localization of iodocompounds reaching the brain during early development were measured in rat pups nurtured on [1251]-containing milk from dams receiving. daily [125I-iodide injections. The regimen produced no measurable changes in growth and development of the offspring during the nursing period. Pup brains accumulated labeled iodocompounds at a faster rate than they grew and accumulated protein. The ratio of [125I]-iodocompounds in cerebrum relative to skeletal muscle increased progressively from day 11 through day 19. Significant differences in distribution of radioactivity in different brain regions were evident on day 1; developmental progress was associated with significantly different rates of regional accumulation of the isotope. On day 1 only 10% of the radioactivity in the postnuclear supernatant phase of brain homogenates was particle-bound; at the time of weaning, radioactivity in-brain particles accounted for more than 50%. Growing nerve cell processes and myelin, known to be major targets of early thyroid hormone deficiency or excess, were also the major subcellular sites of [125I-iodocompound localization in the developing rat brain. Overall, the ontogeny reflected progressive elaboration of iodocompound-processing neural systems resembling those recently recognized in adult brain. Speculation: Early deficiencies or excesses of aromatic amino acids are known to cause irreversible brain damage, presumably as a result of altered substrate availability for specific neural systems (1). A similar process may account for permanent brain changes resulting from abnormal iodocompound availability during the perinatal period.
Interfacial instability of thin ferrofluid films under a magnetic field

We study magnetically induced interfacial instability of a thin ferrofluid film subjected to an applied uniform magnetic field and covered by a non-magnetizable passive gas. Governing equations are derived using the long-wave approximation of the coupled static Maxwell and Stokes equations. The contact angle is imposed via a disjoining/conjoining pressure model. Numerical simulations show the patterning resulting from unstable perturbations and dewetting of the ferrofluid film. We find that the subtle competition between the applied field and the van der Waals induced dewetting determines the appearance of satellite droplets. The results suggest a new route for generating self-assembled ferrofluid droplets from a thin film using an external magnetic field. An axisymmetric droplet on a surface is also studied, and we demonstrate the deformation of the droplet into a spiked cone, in agreement with experimental findings.
Laboratory Tests of Insecticides on Mosquito Larvae in Polluted and Tap Water

A method of preparing a “standard” polluted water with steer manure is described. Emulsion concentrate, water solutions of DDT, Baytex® ( O,O -dimethyl O -[4-(methylthio)- m -tolyl]phosphorothioate), malathion, parathion, and carbophenothion were compared as to efficacy against fourth instar Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say in polluted and tap water. Statistical analysis indicated that at the LC90 level, DDT, and Baytex performed best in polluted water, malathion was about the same in each medium, and parathion and carbophenothion performed better in tap water.
In-flight evaluation of incremental time delays in pitch and roll

An in-flight investigation of the effect of changes in pure time delays in pitch and roll was undertaken. The evaluation tasks consisted of low lift-to-drag-ratio landings of various levels of difficulty and formation flying. The results indicate that the effect of time delay is strongly dependent on the task. In the pitch axis, in calm air, spot landings from a lateral offset were most strongly influenced by time delay. In the roll axis, in calm air, formation flying was most strongly influenced by time delay. However, when landings were made in turbulence, flying qualities in pitch were only slightly degraded, whereas in roll they were severely degraded.
Aerothermodynamic design feasibility of a Mars aerocapture vehicle

Lifting aerodynamic configurations have been screened and selected for the Mars aerocapture mission that meet the geometric packaging requirements of the various payloads and the Space Shuttle cargo bay and provide the aerodynamic performance characteristics required to obtain the atmospheric exit steering accuracy desired. Hypersonic heat transfer and aerodynamic loads to the vehicle in the CO2 atmosphere are evaluated. Contemporary low-density ablative thermal protection materials were selected that met all the atmospheric entry requirements and provide a minimum mass solution. Results of the aerodynamic configuration and thermal protection materials screening and selection are presented. It is concluded that the aerothermodynamic design of the concept is feasible using state-of-the-art technology.
The Role of the Glomerular Epithelial Cell in the Maintenance of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier

Glomerular epithelial cells contribute significantly to the hydraulic and macromolecular permeability properties of the glomerulus. Because of their location as the terminal element in the filtration
Newton–Krylov-multigrid solvers for large-scale, highly heterogeneous, variably saturated flow problems

In this paper, we present a class of solvers developed for the parallel solution of Richards' equation, a model used in variably saturated flow simulations. These solvers take advantage of the fast, robust convergence of globalized Newton methods as well as the parallel scalability of multigrid preconditioners. We compare two multigrid methods. The methods differ primarily in their handling of discontinuous and anisotropic permeability fields, with one method invoking a simple pointwise smoothing technique and the other a more expensive plane smoother. Computational results are presented to show the effectiveness of the entire nonlinear solution procedure, to demonstrate the effect of discontinuities and anisotropies, and to explore parallel efficiencies.
Risk of high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer in women with systemic inflammatory diseases: a population-based cohort study.

Background Previous studies have suggested a potential risk of cervical cancer in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases (SID) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objectives To assess the risk of high-grade cervical dysplasia, a surrogate endpoint for cervical cancer and cervical cancer, in women with SID, including IBD, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or SLE, compared with the risk in women without SID. Methods Using US insurance data (2001–2012), we conducted a cohort study of 133 333 women with SID, based on two or more diagnoses and one or more dispensed prescription for disease-specific treatment, and 533 332 women without SID. High-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer was defined by a validated algorithm with a positive predictive value of ≥81%. Results Over the mean follow-up of 2.1 years, the crude incidence rate of high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer per 100 000 person-years was the highest at 141.1 in SLE and the lowest at 82.2 in psoriasis among women with SID, and 73.4 in women without SID. The multivariable HR adjusted for potential confounders was 1.07 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.45) in IBD, 0.96 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.27) in psoriasis, 1.49 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.00) in RA and 1.53 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.19) in SLE. Multivariable HRs were increased, but not statistically significant, in IBD, RA and SLE with baseline use of systemic immunosuppressive drugs or steroids. Conclusions The risk of high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer was 1.5 times higher in women with RA and SLE than in those without SID. The risk may be increased in IBD with use of systemic immunosuppressive drugs or steroids.
Framing the mentoring relationship as an information exchange

Abstract Researchers have begun to examine the mentoring relationship and, along with practitioners, consider it an important, if not critical, assimilation and/or development tool for employees (proteges), particularly for those new to the organization and/or in the early stages of their careers (e.g., Chao, Walz, & Gardner 1991; Dreher & Ash 1990; Fagenson 1989). Yet we still know relatively little about mentoring. The focus of mentoring research, thus far, has been largely on outcomes for proteges; the mentor's perspective has not received the same attention. This article aims to focus our attention on better defining the mentoring relationship and suggests a model that considers outcomes for both the mentor and the protege and frames the mentorship as a two-way exchange of information, bringing together the mentoring and information seeking literatures. Both literatures indicate that contextual variables and individual differences should be considered as antecedents in the study of information seeking by mentors and proteges. This article suggests considering relationship characteristics as antecedents to information seeking by mentors and proteges as well. Future research directions for mentoring in this information-exchange framework are discussed.
Integrating Scalar Ordinary Differential Equations with Symmetry Revisited

The process of integrating an nth-order scalar ordinary differential equation with symmetry is revisited in terms of Pfaffian systems. This formulation immediately provides a completely algebraic method to determine the initial conditions and the corresponding solutions which are invariant under a one parameter subgroup of a symmetry group. To determine the noninvariant solutions the problem splits into three cases. If the dimension of the symmetry groups is less than the order of the equation, then there exists an open dense set of initial conditions whose corresponding solutions can be found by integrating a quotient Pfaffian system on a quotient space, and integrating an equation of fundamental Lie type associated with the symmetry group. If the dimension of the symmetry group is equal to the order of the equation, then there exists an open dense set of initial conditions whose corresponding solutions are obtained either by solving an equation of fundamental Lie type associated with the symmetry group, or the solutions are invariant under a one-parameter subgroup. If the dimension of the symmetry group is greater than the order of the equation, then there exists an open dense set of initial conditions where the solutions can either be determined by solving an equation of fundamental Lie type for a solvable Lie group, or are invariant. In each case the initial conditions, the quotient Pfaffian system, and the equation of Lie type are all determined algebraically. Examples of scalar ordinary differential equations and a Pfaffian system are given.
Turing and the fragility and insubstantiality of evolutionary explanations: A puzzle about the unity of Alan Turing's work with some larger implications

As is well known, Alan Turing drew a line, embodied in the "Turing test," between intellectual and physical abilities, and hence between cognitive and natural sciences. Less familiarly, he proposed that one way to produce a "passer" would be to educate a "child machine," equating the experimenter's improvements in the initial structure of the child machine with genetic mutations, while supposing that the experimenter might achieve improvements more expeditiously than natural selection. On the other hand, in his foundational "On the chemical basis of morphogenesis," Turing insisted that biological explanation clearly confine itself to purely physical and chemical means, eschewing vitalist and teleological talk entirely and hewing to D'Arcy Thompson's line that "evolutionary 'explanations,'" are historical and narrative in character, employing the same intentional and teleological vocabulary we use in doing human history, and hence, while perhaps on occasion of heuristic value, are not part of biology as a ...
DNA Ploidy of Basal Cell Carcinoma Determined by Image Cytometry of Fresh Smears

Image analysis of nuclear DNA content (DNA ploidy) was performed on smears of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) obtained during Mohs microscopically-controlled surgery from 51 tumors. DNA ploidy was compared with histologic growth pattern and the contour of the invading edge. There was a statistically significantly increased frequency of DNA aneuploidy in smears from BCC exhibiting partial or total diffuse (infiltrative and superficial multicentric) growth patterns (80%; 32 of 40) as compared to solely circumscribed growth patterns (0%; 0 of 11) (p < 0.001).
Structural basis for specificity in the poxvirus topoisomerase.

Although smallpox has been eradicated from the human population, it is presently feared as a possible agent of bioterrorism. The smallpox virus codes for its own topoisomerase enzyme that differs from its cellular counterpart by requiring a specific DNA sequence for activation of catalysis. Here we present crystal structures of the smallpox virus topoisomerase enzyme bound both covalently and noncovalently to a specific DNA sequence. These structures reveal the basis for site-specific DNA recognition, and they explain how catalysis is likely activated by formation of a specific enzyme-DNA interface. Unexpectedly, the poxvirus enzyme uses a major groove binding α helix that is not present in the human enzyme to recognize part of the core recognition sequence and activate the enzyme for catalysis. The topoisomerase-DNA complex structures also provide a three-dimensional framework that may facilitate the rational design of therapeutic agents to treat poxvirus infections.
Thallium(I) iodate solubility product and iodic acid dissociation constant from 2 to 75°C

Using methods of potentiostatic coulometry, the solubility of thallium(I) iodate in 0.1m sodium perchlorate and in 0.1m perchloric acid was determined over the temperature range 2–75°C. Thermodynamic functions were calculated for the dissociation of thallium(I) iodate into its aqueous ions. From the solubilities in the acid solutions the dissociation constant of iodic acid was calculated over the temperature range, along with the value of −1.83±0.07 kcal-mol−1 for the standard enthalpy change for the dissociation.
Recruitment of Actin Modifiers to TrkA Endosomes Governs Retrograde NGF Signaling and Survival

Summary The neurotrophins NGF and NT3 collaborate to support development of sympathetic neurons. Although both promote axonal extension via the TrkA receptor, only NGF activates retrograde transport of TrkA endosomes to support neuronal survival. Here, we report that actin depolymerization is essential for initiation of NGF/TrkA endosome trafficking and that a Rac1–cofilin signaling module associated with TrkA early endosomes supports their maturation to retrograde transport-competent endosomes. These actin-regulatory endosomal components are absent from NT3/TrkA endosomes, explaining the failure of NT3 to support retrograde TrkA transport and survival. The inability of NT3 to activate Rac1-GTP–cofilin signaling is likely due to the labile nature of NT3/TrkA complexes within the acidic environment of TrkA early endosomes. Thus, TrkA endosomes associate with actin-modulatory proteins to promote F-actin disassembly, enabling their maturation into transport-competent signaling endosomes. Differential control of this process explains how NGF but not NT3 supports retrograde survival of sympathetic neurons.
Control of dioxin, furan, and mercury emissions from municipal waste combustors

Abstract There is a significant public and scientific concern over the potential risks of air pollution emissions from municipal waste combustors (MWCs). The primary pollutants of concern are polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans ( PCDDs PCDFs ), and mercury (Hg). Depending on the composition of the waste and the technologies used, PCDDs PCDFs emissions may range from less than 1.0 to more than 20 000 ng/dscm. Hg concentrations in MWC flue gas may range from less than 200 to more than 1000 μg/dscm. Trace organic emissions are dependent on the combustion and flue gas cleaning technologies employed and the conditions at which they are operated. Good combustion practice and dry scrubbing techniques employing fabric filter (FF) bag houses can be used to reduce average PCDDs PCDFs emissions to less than 20 ng/dscm. Dry scrubbers in combination with electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are less effective, resulting in typical PCDDs PCDFs emissions of less than 75 ng/dscm. Powdered activated carbon can be injected into the flue gas to reduce Hg emissions from spray dryer PCDDs PCDFs and PCDDs PCDFs systems to less than 0.08 mg/dscm. It can also be used to improve PCDDs PCDFs capture in these systems. This article provides an overview of MWC air pollution control technologies and applicable Federal air emission control requirements. Knowledge concerning PCDDs PCDFs formation is summarized, and data are provided on the performance of combustion and flue gas cleaning techniques used to control PCDDs PCDFs emissions. The fundamental Hg properties which affect capture in flue gas cleaning equipment are discussed, and the results of carbon injection control tests are summarized.
New Analysis of the Polarization of Radiation and the Faraday Effect in Terms of Complex Vectors

The properties of the polarization ellipse are deduced in terms of the ratio of the Cartesian components of the complex electric vector of a beam of radiation by utilizing the Argand representation of a real two-dimensional vector as a complex number.The two components of a beam that are accepted and rejected by a polarizer or a radio antenna are considered as orthogonal components in the directions of two complex orthonormal vectors. The intensities of the corresponding components of a polarized beam are derived and represented on the Poincare sphere. The methods are then applied to the important radio case of the Faraday effect in a uniform magneto-ionic medium. Finally, the measurable quantities characterizing a beam of partially polarized radiation are obtained from a diagonalization of the complex polarization tensor that specifies the beam.
Computation of Mean Debye Temperature of Cubic Crystals from Elastic Constants

An improved method is presented for computing the mean Debye characteristic temperature of cubic crystals from the elastic constants. It is based upon an evaluation of the distribution in solid angle of the roots of the cubic equation which describes the propagation of plane acoustic waves in the crystal, and otherwise employs a device due to Hopf and Lechner. The end result is given in simple closed expressions which present no computational difficulty. The uncertainty in the computed value of the mean Debye temperature due to the approximation made in the method is of the order 0.1 percent when the anisotropy factor of the crystal is as large as 4.
TGFβ Is a Master Regulator of Radiation Therapy-Induced Antitumor Immunity

T cells directed to endogenous tumor antigens are powerful mediators of tumor regression. Recent immunotherapy advances have identified effective interventions to unleash tumor-specific T-cell activity in patients who naturally develop them. Eliciting T-cell responses to a patient's individual tumor remains a major challenge. Radiation therapy can induce immune responses to model antigens expressed by tumors, but it remains unclear whether it can effectively prime T cells specific for endogenous antigens expressed by poorly immunogenic tumors. We hypothesized that TGFβ activity is a major obstacle hindering the ability of radiation to generate an in situ tumor vaccine. Here, we show that antibody-mediated TGFβ neutralization during radiation therapy effectively generates CD8(+) T-cell responses to multiple endogenous tumor antigens in poorly immunogenic mouse carcinomas. Generated T cells were effective at causing regression of irradiated tumors and nonirradiated lung metastases or synchronous tumors (abscopal effect). Gene signatures associated with IFNγ and immune-mediated rejection were detected in tumors treated with radiation therapy and TGFβ blockade in combination but not as single agents. Upregulation of programmed death (PD) ligand-1 and -2 in neoplastic and myeloid cells and PD-1 on intratumoral T cells limited tumor rejection, resulting in rapid recurrence. Addition of anti-PD-1 antibodies extended survival achieved with radiation and TGFβ blockade. Thus, TGFβ is a fundamental regulator of radiation therapy's ability to generate an in situ tumor vaccine. The combination of local radiation therapy with TGFβ neutralization offers a novel individualized strategy for vaccinating patients against their tumors.
Regional Variations of Moist Static Energy Flux into the Arctic

Abstract The authors investigate the climmological heating of the Arctic by the atmospheric moist static energy (MSE) flux from lower latitudes based on 25 years (November 1964–1989) of the GFDL dataset. During the five month winter period (NDJFM) the transport of sensible heat by transient eddies is the largest component (50%) at 70°N, followed by the transport of sensible but by standing eddies (25%), and the moist static energy flux by the mean meridional circulation (25%). The mean meridional circulation (MMC) changes from a Ferrel cell to a thermally direct circulation near 60°N; maximum horizontal velocities in the thermally direct circulation peak new 70°N. North of 60°N the sensible heat flux by the MMC is southward and opposes the greater northward transport of geopotential energy. The transport of energy is not uniform. Major pathways are the northward transport of positive anomalies through the Greenland and Barents Seas into the eastern Arctic and the southward transport of negative anomalies ...
Application of the square root diffusivity to diffusion in Ni-Cr-Al-Mo alloys

The square root diffusivity matrix [r] and diffusivity matrix [D] have been measured for a Ni-4.0 at. pct Cr-6.3 at. pct Al-3.5 at. pct Mo quaternary alloy at 1100 °C. Using a constant diffusivity analysis, the diffusivities were obtained from three diffusion couples having small initial concentration differences of 5 at. pct or less. When elements of [r] were substituted into the error function solution of the diffusion equation, it was found that the predicted concentration profiles were accurate to within ±0.1 at. pct of measured values. Also, it was found that Mo tends to reduce the diffusion kinetics of Cr and Al in Ni-base alloys. These results suggest that these methods of analyzing diffusion data and predicting interdiffusion data can be applied to alloys containing more than four components.
Primary percutaneous treatment of transplant ureteral strictures using tandem stents.

abstract Purpose To evaluate outcomes of primary (first-occurrence) treatment of renal transplant ureteral strictures using tandem parallel internal double-pigtail stents. Materials and Methods A retrospective electronic chart review, including demographics, medical history, stricture intervention, and outcomes, was performed of patients with renal transplants with first-occurrence ureteral obstructions or leaks reported in a transplant nephrology database over a 4-year period, with a focus on patients treated primarily with tandem stents. Results Of 27 patients with first-occurrence ureteral obstruction or ureteral leak, 18 (67%) were treated primarily using tandem internal stents, with 15 (83%) of 18 stent-free for a minimum 90 days of follow-up. There was no significant difference between outcomes for male versus female patients ( P >.99) or early versus late strictures ( P = .53). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in 14 (78%) of 18 patients with tandem stents in place. Four patients were hospitalized Conclusions Patients with renal transplants can be successfully managed nonsurgically using tandem ureteral stents for the primary treatment of first-occurrence ureteral stricture. These patients may require more intensive monitoring for UTIs.
Overview of Reactor Neutrino Measurements

A next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment using reactor neutrinos could give important information on the size of mixing angle θ 13 along with helping to resolve the value of θ 23 . The experimental details to reach sensitivities in the range with sin 2 2 θ 13 > 0.01 are discussed, and proposed reactor experiments are presented. The reactor measurement gives a clean measure of the mixing angle without ambiguities associated with the size of the other mixing angles, matter effects, and effects due to CP violation. Comparisons and combinations of reactor and accelerator offaxis measurements are presented.
Age Less Than Two Years Is Not a Risk Factor for Mortality After Mitral Valve Replacement in Children

Background Outcomes for mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the pediatric population are generally reported as poor, particularly in patients less than 2 years old. We compared long-term morbidity and mortality associated with MVR between patients less than 2 years old and patients 2 to 18 years old. Methods We evaluated pediatric patients undergoing MVR from March 1990 to November 2007 at our institution. Morbidity and mortality was compared between patients less than 2 years and patients 2 to 18 years old. Primary endpoints measured were postoperative survival, long-term survival, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and significant bleeding events. Results Forty-five patients underwent 54 MVRs. Median age was 3.1 years; 18 patients were under 2 years. Median follow-up time was 5.4 years. There was no statistically significant difference between long-term or short-term survival between the two age groups, with 30-day survival of 89% (younger patients) versus 100% (older patients), and 10-year survival of 82% (younger patients) versus 85% (older patients). Freedom from reoperation for the younger age group was 40% at 10 years versus 96% for the older patients, p = 0.003. Conclusions In our population, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients less than 2 years and patients 2 to 18 years. In children undergoing MVR, age less than 2 years remains a risk factor for reoperation but not for mortality.
A novel method to detect rare variants using both family and unrelated case-control data

To detect rare variants associated with a phenotype, we develop a novel statistical method that can use both family and unrelated case-control data. Unlike the currently existing methods, we first use family data to calculate weights to be given to rare variants, differentiating between concordantly affected and discordant sib pairs. These weights are then used in an association test applied to the unrelated case-control data. We applied the proposed method to the simulated sequencing data in Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 and identified two genes associated with the disease.
SU‐E‐T‐355: Dose and Range Perturbation by LiF TLD‐100 in Proton Beam Therapy

Purpose: To investigate dose and range perturbation by LiF TLD‐100 chips in proton beam therapy. Methods: Three passively scatteredproton beams (range: 10.6 (R1), 15.1 (R2), and 20.6 g/cm2 (R3); modulation: 5.2, 10.4, and 9.2 g/cm2, respectively) were selected and delivered to a solid water phantom with 9 TLD chips on the surface. Isocenters of the beams were aligned with centers of spread‐out Bragg peak. An aperture opening was 10×10 cm2 with an air gap of 10 cm. Films were placed at depths of isocenters, 0.5 (R2), 8.5 (R2), 10.3 (R1), 15.4 (R2) and 20.3 cm (R3). Profiles from the film measurements were examined and compared with those of simulations using the Eclipse treatment planning system. Results: Dose in the regions shadowed by the chips was lower than that without the TLD. The TLD reduced the dose by 1.6% (R1 isocenter), 3.7% (R1: 10.3 cm), 1.0% (R2: 8.5 cm), 3.1% (R2 isocenter), 11.1% (R2: 15.4 cm), and 3.8% (R3: 20.3 cm). There was no distinct dose perturbation at 0.5 cm depth of R2 and at the isocenter of R3. Since the dose gradient of distal fall‐off was ∼12%/mm, the TLD reduced the proton range by ∼1 mm based on ∼11% dose reduction by the chips in the distal fall‐off region. The Eclipse simulation study using R1, R2, and R3 demonstrated the similar dose and range perturbation. Conclusions: Since considerably high dose perturbation and about 1 mm range shortening were observed in the TLDdosimetry of proton beam therapy, the number of TLD measurements should be limited not to cause significant dose perturbation in a complete treatment course. In particular, it is of great importance to properly implement hypofractionated proton beam therapy by considering the proton dose and range perturbation, when the TLDdosimetry is used.
Lateralization of temporal lobe foci: depth versus subdural electrodes.

Abstract Objectives : Definitive localization of an epileptic focus correlates with a favorable outcome following epilepsy surgery. This study was undertaken to determine the incremental value of data yielded for surgical decision making when using subdural electrodes alone and in addition to depth electrodes for temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods : Standardized placement for intracranial electrodes included: (1) longitudinal placement of bilateral temporal lobe depth electrodes; (2) bilateral subtemporal subdural strips; and (3) bilateral orbitofrontal subdural strips. Sixty-three events were randomly reviewed for: (1) subdural electrodes alone; and (2) depth electrodes in conjunction with subdural electrodes. Results : Of the 63 seizures, 54 (85.7%) demonstrated congruent lateralization to ipsilateral subtemporal subdural strip electrodes (based on depth electrode localization) when subdural strip electrodes were utilized alone. In 3 of 22 patients, 7 seizures demonstrated ‘false localization' on subdural electrode analysis alone when compared with depth recording and post-surgical outcome. For these 3 patients, retrospective review of neuroimaging demonstrated suboptimal ipsilateral placement of subtemporal subdural electrodes with the most mesial electrode lateral to the collateral sulcus. Four additional patients had suboptimal placement of subtemporal subdural electrodes. Two of these 4 patients had congruent localization with subdural electrodes to ipsilateral depth electrodes despite suboptimal placement. Subtemporal subdural electrodes accurately localized for all seizures from the mesial temporal lobe when the mesial electrodes of the subtemporal subdural strip recorded mesial to the collateral sulcus from the parahippocampal region. Conclusion : We conclude that although there are high concordance rates between subdural and depth electrodes, localization of seizure onset based on subdural strip electrodes alone may result in inaccurate focus identification with potential for possible suboptimal treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. When subtemporal subdural electrodes provide recording from the parahippocampal region, there is accurate localization of the seizure focus. If suboptimal placement occurs lateral to the collateral sulcus, the electroencephalographer cannot make a definitive identification of the seizure focus.
Oropharyngeal Carcinoma in Young Adults An Alarming National Trend

ObjectivesTo assess the incidence, treatment methods, and outcomes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in patients younger than 45 years.Study DesignRetrospective population based.SettingSurveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER) 9 database.Subjects and MethodsThe SEER 9 database was queried from 1973 to 2009 for OPSCC patients <45 years of age.ResultsThere were 1603 patients with OPSCC younger than 45 years. The incidence in patients between 36 and 44 years increased from 0.79 to 1.39 (per 100,000). In the same time period, there was an increase in the rate from 0.20 to 0.42 in whites and a decrease in the rate in African American (AA) patients from 0.67 to 0.32. The proportion of grade III/IV tumors also steadily increased from 28% in 1973 to 1979 to 43% in 2000 to 2009 (P < .0001). Surgery alone was performed in 220 patients (13.72%) and in combination with radiation therapy in 734 patients (45.79%). Five-year survival for the study cohort is 54%. Compared with white patients, AA patient...
The perennial multiple family household Mishino Russia 1782-1858.

The dynamics of the family and household in the parish of Mishino Russia between 1782 and 1858 are analyzed. The processes by which the main features of the family system were preserved throughout this period are examined using data from a collection of 12 successive censuses of the peasant community. Factors contributing to the tendency toward perennial multiple family households defined as "multigenerational agnatic households in which headship turns over and new multiple family households are spawned and spun off while retaining their complex structure through a continuous sequence of generations" are examined at the individual and conjugal family levels. The influence of landlord interests peasant marriage patterns and the collective interests of the commune is emphasized. (EXCERPT)