cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Constraint Handling Approach with Guaranteed Feasibility for Surrogate Based Optimization

Gradient-free optimization methods, such as surrogate based optimization (SBO) methods, and genetic (GAs), or evolutionary (EAs) algorithms have gained popularity in the field of constrained optimization of expensive black-box functions. However, constraint-handling methods, by both classes of solvers, do not usually guarantee strictly feasible candidates during optimization. This can become an issue in applied engineering problems where design variables must remain feasible for simulations to not fail. We propose a constraint-handling method for computationally inexpensive constraint functions which guarantees strictly feasible candidates when using a surrogate-based optimizer. We compare our method to other SBO, GA/EA and gradient-based algorithms on two (relatively simple and relatively hard) analytical test functions, and an applied fully-resolved Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) problem concerned with optimization of an undulatory swimming of a fish-like body, and show that the proposed algorithm shows favorable results while guaranteeing feasible candidates.
Distribution of random correlation matrices: Hyperspherical parameterization of the Cholesky factor

Abstract We study the distribution of random correlation matrices using the hyperspherical parameterization of their Cholesky factors and the distributions of the related angles. We highlight the roles of this procedure in generating high-dimensional correlation matrices.
Abstract 16411: Abo Blood Group and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Hispanics

Hypothesis: ABO blood group has been associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in Caucasians. This study evaluated whether genotype-derived ABO blood group associated with MI in Hispanics, and whether lifestyle risk factors modified the associations. Methods: Cases (n=2273) with a first acute nonfatal MI and population-based controls (n=2274) living in Costa Rica were studied. Five ABO single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. RESULTS: Three SNPs (rs687289, rs507666, and rs579459) at ABO locus showed significant associations with MI risk, with odds ratios (ORs, 95% confidence interval) of 1.17(1.05-1.30), 1.18(1.05-1.32), and 1.14(1.02-1.28), respectively. Compared to subjects with blood group O, the ORs for blood group A, AB and B were 1.24 (95% CI, 1.08-1.43), 1.15 (95% CI, 0.95-1.39), and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.77-1.57), respectively. Subjects with non-O blood group had an adjusted OR for MI of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.05-1.37) when compared to subjects with O blood group after adjustment for age, sex, a...
Governments and Unconstitutional Takings: When do Right-to-Farm Laws Go Too Far?

State anti-nuisance laws, known as right-to-farm laws, burden neighboring property owners with nuisances. The purpose of the laws is to protect existing investments by offering an afarmative defense. Activities that are not a nuisance when commenced cannot become a nuisance due to changes in land uses by neighbors. While most state laws involve a lawful exercise of the state’s police powers, a right-to-farm law may set forth protection against nuisances that is so great that it operates to effect a regulatory taking. Judicial rulings that two Iowa right-tofarm laws went too far in reducing neighbors’ constitutionally protected rights augur an opportunity to rethink right-to-farm laws. Rather than relying upon a marketplace economy to protect businesses, a law based upon an economy of nature may be drafted to protect farmland and other natural resources.
Revisiting Use of Real-Time Polling for Learning Transfer

Instructors in five different undergraduate courses designed their courses to include real-time polling to increase their students’ levels of engagement and participation in an attempt to enhance students’ learning transfer. This mixed methods research study examined the results of those efforts after querying students’ perceptions of whether the use of real-time polling had an effect on their understanding of the course content, their levels of participation in the classroom, and their levels of engagement in the classroom. Instructors used Poll Everywhere to incorporate the real-time polling in classes where 98% of students had suitable devices to respond to the polls. Results from this survey indicate that the use of real-time polling helped students better understand the course material and also increased their level of participation and engagement.
How Would Target-Date Funds Likely Impact Future 401(k) Accumulations?

As part of EBRI’s 2008 analysis of the likely impact of the Pension Protection Act’s safe harbor automatic enrollment and automatic escalation provisions, we developed a stochastic simulation model to project future 401(k) balances as a function of various plan design variables as well as assumptions with respect to various employee behavioral responses. In this paper I report on the results I obtained using the EBRI simulation model to determine how target-date funds (TDFs) would likely impact 401(k) participants assumed to be automatically enrolled. I realize that TDF use in 401(k) plans is not limited to those automatically enrolled; however, based on our simulation results, it appears that this 401(k) auto-enrollment will represent the majority of TDF use in the future and hence I will concentrate my analysis on those results. Results are reported both at the time of retirement as well as at the time of job change for those who are assumed to cash out. Several scenarios are presented in terms of alternative rates of return as well as several different types of target date funds.
Misplaced Multiculturalism: Representations of American Indians in U.S. History Academic Content Standards

AbstractThis qualitative textual analysis investigates the ideological lenses through which U.S. History content standards for grades 5–12 for Arizona and Washington frame interactions between American Indians and European Americans during U.S. national development. The study’s multiperspective critical conceptual framework interrogates the standards not only on the basis of inclusion of American Indians in curriculum content, but also on the different ways in which this inclusion challenges, problematizes, or disrupts simplistic social representations in curriculum documents. The analysis reveals stark differences between how the respective state education policy makers conceptualize American Indian–European American interactions. In Arizona historical content is the curriculum, while in Washington historical content informs the curriculum, which is geared toward critical reflectiveness about public policy issues. Both standards documents ultimately fall short in promoting critical thinking about America...
Structure of decagonal AI6Pd

Abstract We present a detailed analysis of the peak shapes, positions, and intensities seen in electron diffraction and high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction patterns in the decagonal phase of rapidly quenched Al6Pd. We use two different models to analyse the data. In one case the material is considered to be a decagonal quasicrystal, in which the diffraction pattern results from five incommensurate vectors in a plane and one vector normal to that plane. In the other case the tenfold diffraction pattern is considered to arise from coherent twinning of microcrystals; additional multiple scattering is postulated to reconcile inconsistencies between the electron and X-ray diffraction patterns. Reasonable agreement is found with both models.
Relationship of Early Pregnancy Waist-to-Hip Ratio versus Body Mass Index with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Resistance.

Objective To determine the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and insulin resistance (IR) in obesity defined by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), or both combined. Methods Secondary analysis of a randomized multicenter trial of antioxidant supplementation versus placebo in nulliparous low-risk women to prevent pregnancy associated hypertension. Women between 9 and 16 weeks with data for WHR and BMI were analyzed for GDM ( n = 2,300). Those with fasting glucose and insulin between 22 and 26 weeks ( n = 717) were analyzed for IR by homeostatic model assessment of IR (normal, ≤ 75th percentile). WHR and BMI were categorized as normal (WHR, 2 ); overweight (WHR, 0.8–0.84; BMI, 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ); and obese (WHR, ≥ 0.85; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ). Receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression models were used. Results Compared with normal, the risks of GDM or IR were higher in obese by BMI or WHR. The subgroup with obesity by WHR but not by BMI had no increased risk of GDM. BMI was a better predictor of IR (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.71 [BMI], 0.65 [WHR], p = 0.03) but similar to WHR for GDM (AUC: 0.68 [BMI], 0.63 [WHR], p = 0.18). Conclusion Increased WHR and BMI in early pregnancy are associated with IR and GDM. BMI is a better predictor of IR compared with WHR. Adding WHR to BMI does not improve its ability to detect GDM or IR.
Cattle dynamics in African grazing systems under variable climates

Abstract Researchers and managers debate the relevance of non-equilibrium dynamics in rangelands, where ungulate populations are more closely associated with abiotic events than forage availability, and density independence is common. Rules-of-thumb state that precipitation below 300–400 mm per year or an annual coefficient of variation above 30% makes non-equilibrium dynamics likely. These have not been well tested. Three applications of an integrative model to African ecosystems were modified so that each modeled twenty 50 km 2 parcels and a single population, cattle. Precipitation histories were altered so that annual rainfall varied from 100 to 1000 mm and coefficients of variation from 0% to 60%, and simulations run. For populations that did not collapse, density dependence was quantified. In two sites under their average rainfall, the frequency of density independence increased as rainfall variation increased, but in the most forested of the three sites, the pattern was opposite. There, a transition sometimes occurred where tree cover increased, increasing competition for grasses and density dependence in cattle. Overall, results were heterogeneous, with dynamics sensitive to traits in parcels and subtle climate changes. The rules-of-thumb should not be applied indiscriminately. Simulations suggest annual precipitation and its variability cannot be directly linked to likely dynamics of ungulates within arid and semi-arid African systems.
Cell elongation and δ-crystallin synthesis without RNA synthesis in cultured early embryonic chick lens epithelia

Abstract 1. Previous studies have shown that cells in the cultured 6-day-old embryonic chick lens epithelium elongate when serum is present in the medium. The cultured cells decrease the synthesis of protein with molecular weights near 91 000 and 65 000 and increase the synthesis of protein with a molecular weight near 45 000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, relative to the total amount of protein synthesized. In the present study, actinomycin D (dactinomycin) was used to test if new RNA synthesis is necessary for the serum-induced changes in protein synthesis or for cell elongation. 2. The change in the relative proportion of proteins synthesized was evident within 2 h after culture of the epithelia, and occurred without RNA synthesis whether or not serum was added to the medium. The data suggest that mRNAs of different stabilities are present in the lens epithelium of the 6-day-old embryonic chick. 3. The primary protein synthesized by the 6-day-old embryonic lens epithelium in the presence or absence of dactinomycin had the same molecular weight on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels (about 45 000) and isoelectric point (about 5.1) as the principal protein of mature lens fibers, which is known to be δ-crystallin. Thus, it appears as if the principal epithelial cell protein synthesized in the presence of dactinomycin is δ-crystallin. 4. Cells in the cultured lens epithelium doubled in length without RNA synthesis when serum was present in the medium.
Optional shifts of children as a function of number of training trials on the initial discrimination.

Abstract When nursery school and third grade children are trained on an initial discrimination for a fixed number of trials (either 16 or 36) before being presented with an optional shift, third graders are more likely to make optional reversals than nursery schoolers. When 16 and 36 acquisition trials are compared, no significantly different effect on optional reversals is observed. The results accord with a mediational explanation of the relation-ship between the reversal behavior of children and their age and learning speed.
Effects of red wine, alcohol, and quercetin on coronary resistance and conductance arteries

Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Some evidence suggests that red wine is particularly beneficial in this regard and may account in part for the French paradox, although the mechanism of this effect is unknown. We assessed the effects of red wine, ethanol, and quercetin, a major flavonoid constituent of red wine, in coronary resistance vessels (80-150 microm, i.d.) and conductance vessels (300-525 microm, i.d.) of the rabbit. Vessel wall tension was measured in isolated segments maintained in a wire-type myograph (37 degrees C) and preconstricted with 30 mM K+. At an alcohol concentration (14 mM) equivalent to moderate consumption, red wine evoked a small, transient constrictor effect in resistance and conductance vessels (9+/-4%, n = 5; 8+/-1%, n = 7, respectively; p < 0.05). Ethanol alone at this concentration was without effect. Quercetin (5.6, 8, and 30 microM) significantly relaxed resistance (-32+/-4%, n = 10; -47+/-2%, n = 7; -82+/-6%, n = 8, respectively) and conductance (-20+/-3%, n = 8; -32+/-4%, n = 8; -72+/-7%, n = 8, respectively) coronary arteries. Vasorelaxation by quercetin was endothelium-independent and was significantly greater in resistance than in conductance vessels. These data suggest that red wine and ethanol do not evoke relaxation in small coronary arteries at concentrations associated with moderate consumption. Quercetin elicits marked coronary vasorelaxation that is endothelium-independent. However, the concentrations of quercetin necessary to achieve this action are not attained with moderate red wine consumption.
Manual Dexterity Evaluation of Gloves Used in Handling Hazardous Materials

The problems associated with hazardous materials control are numerous and complex. One of these problems involves selecting hand protection which will resist permeation for the duration of the expo...
The Relationship of Optimum Heat Exchanger Allocation and Minimum Entropy Generation Rate for Refrigeration Cycles

This paper investigates the effect of heat exchanger allocation on overall system performance using both reverse Carnot and vapor compression refrigeration cycle models to calculate system performance and entropy generation rate. The algebrai­ cally simple constraints applied in previous studies are shown to be justifiable. The vapor compression model considers nonideal compressor performance, compressor volumetric efficiency, refrigerant properties, and throttling, in addition to mechanistic heat exchanger models. The results support the conclusions of previous studies in that maximum performance is observed when the condenser and evaporator thermal sizes are approximately equal. For air-to-air systems, this result indicates that the areas of the heat exchangers should be approximately equal. However, it is found that minimizing the entropy generation rate does not always result in the same design as maximizing the system performance unless the refrigeration capacity is fixed. Minimizing the entropy generation rate per unit capacity is found to always corre­ spond to maximizing the coefficient of performance of refrigeration systems.
Steroid production by the normal opossum (Didelphis virginiana) adrenal in vitro.

A partial steroid profile has been determined on the adrenals of eight mature opossums. The following average values were obtained for the three major biologically active corticoids in % progesterone converted/gm tissue/hour of incubation: corticosterone, 18.61; cortisol, 14.44; and aldosterone, 1.51. Significant amounts of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone were also found. Thus it has been shown that in spite of the fact that the opossum can survive adrenalectomy for long periods and maintain essentially normal blood electrolyte and glucose values, it is capable of producing both the mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) and the glucocorticoids (corticosterone, cortisol) in approximately the same relative concentrations as the more common laboratory mammals, such as the dog and cat.
Is the extent of the proliferation of component cell lineages critical during organ morphogenesis

Abstract Shoot meristems of higher plants are composed of several clonally distinct cell lineages. Periclinal chimeras have been used to determine the fate of derivatives of these lineages in mature leaves and other organs of the plant. Fates of individual meristem cells are not rigidly fixed and the distribution of tissue derived from each meristem lineage in different regions of an organ is variable. The amount of proliferation from an individual lineage can be altered without affecting the overall morphology of organs. Mechanisms exist by which cells from several lineages coordinate their relative amounts of proliferation. The conclusion from these studies is that cell proliferation and organ morphogenesis are developmental events that can be uncoupled.
Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of the Behavior of Tetra-Chloro-p-Benzoquinone in Molten Sodium Chloroaluminates:

The Raman, UV-visible, electron spin resonance spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical (SEC) behavior of tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) in molten aluminum chloride/sodium chloride mixtures has been examined. The results support previous findings suggesting that the chloranil is complexed by AlCl3or Al2Cl7,- in acidic melts [>50 mole percent (m/o) AlCl3], while in basic melts (<50 m/o AlCl3) the chloranil remains uncomplexed. The results further support the previously proposed stepwise one-electron reductions in the acidic melt to produce the radical anion and the dianion. The present work, however, reveals that chloranil is also reduced through two closely spaced one-electron reductions in the basic melt.
The Effect of Optional Retesting on College Students' Achievement in an Individualized Algebra Course.

The sequential nature of mathematics requires that students master each set of concepts before proceeding to the next. Retesting is a strategy for motivating students to relearn to a mastery level concepts and procedures not mastered initially. To test the effectiveness of this strategy, the authors allowed college students in an intermediate algebra course 1 retest of every test on which they had earned a grade less than B. A significant increase in performance between the initial test and retest was found for approximately 90% of the students who had earned a grade less than B on the initial test. Within each group of students eligible to retake a certain number of unit tests, the number of unit tests that they actually retook was correlated with their grade on the final course examination. None of the correlations were statistically significant. Thus, optional retesting appears to affect initial mastery, but not cumulative mastery.
Theory of Hydrogen Absorption in Metal Hydrides

The mechanism of hydrogen absorption by transition metals and alloys has been a subject of intensive investigations in recent years because of its prospective energy storage applicationsl. The amount of hydrogen absorbed by all metals, at low pressures, is proportional to the square root of the pressure of the external hydrogen gas. This is a clear indication that the hydrogen molecule of the gas is dissociated into atoms in the metal phase. Many transition metals and alloys, such as Pd, Ti, La, Th, and FeTi, absorb a large quantity of hydrogen at relatively low temperatures and pressures. The concentration of saturation absorption of hydrogen in these metals and alloys goes as high as 100 to 200 % of metalic atoms, and the metals are regarded as forming hydrides represented conveniently by chemical formulas such as PdH and TiH2. Mott and Jones2 argued that the hydrogen atoms inside metals are ionized into electrons and protons. These protons go into some interstitial positions in the matrix of the host metal while electrons join the main body of the d-band electrons. This is most remarkably demonstrated by the paramagnetic susceptibility of Pd. Pd is a strong paramagnetic metal due to electron holes in the 4d band. When Pd metal is loaded with hydrogen, the paramagnetism decreases linearly with the concentration of hydrogen and this metal hydride becomes diamagnetic at and above 55 at% of hydrogen concentration.
Enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor synthesis in human squamous carcinoma cells exposed to low levels of oxygen.

Exposure of human A431 squamous carcinoma cells to levels of hypoxia found in some solid tumors causes 2-fold increases in epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGF-R) mRNA levels and rate of receptor protein synthesis compared with aerobic cells. Similar results are shown for receptor message from other squamous carcinoma cells, human keratinocytes, and human W138 fibroblasts. Less basal tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor occurs in hypoxic compared with aerobic A431 cells. Scatchard analysis also shows that reoxygenated A431 cells display enhanced surface expression of the EGF-R compared with aerobic control cells. Possible mechanisms and implications for tumor therapy are discussed. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anionic Synthesis of Block Copolymer Brushes Grafted from a 1,1-Diphenylethylene Monolayer

A new method to prepare diblock copolymer brushes on oxide surfaces by anionic polymerization has been developed using a surface bound 1,1-diphenylethylene monolayer. Properties of the brushes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), AFM, FTIR-ATR, X-ray reflectometry, and contact angle measurements. Films of thickness as high as 24 nm (by ellipsometry) were obtained by a “grafting from” strategy. Reacting a covalently attached monolayer of 1,1-diphenylethylene units with n-butyllithium created an initiator layer for the “grafting from” strategy. The corresponding 1,1-diphenylhexyllithium derivatives initiated the polymerization of a smooth brush of polyisoprene. AFM measurements of polyisoprene brushes indicated a surface microroughness of 0.3−0.5 nm (rms). The living chains ends in a polyisoprene brush were first functionalized to yield hydroxy-terminated polyisoprene before formation of a poly(ethylene oxide) block. Successful functionalization was evidenced by both a change in wat...
Adjustment procedures to account for non-ignorable missing data in environmental surveys

Methods for non-response are well-known techniques used in survey practice for handling missing data. In this approach, sampling units (respondents and non-respondents) are classified in non-response classes, and the sampling weight for each respondent unit is weighted by the inverse of an estimate of its response probability (also known as propensity score). Optimal weighting classes are selected using variables associated with the response but uncorrelated with the response indicator. We explore the assumptions needed to construct optimal adjustment classes in the case of non-ignorable missing data in environmental surveys. We propose a modified Horvitz-Thompson non-response estimator for the population total of the spatial random process of interest, and study some of its properties. By using the weighting class adjustment, we will account for the non-ignorable missing data.
Efficacy of Cetuximab in the Treatment of Ménétrier’s Disease

Menetrier’s disease is a rare premalignant disorder of the stomach with no proven effective medical therapy. Increased epidermal growth factor receptor signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Menetrier’s disease. We conducted a single-arm clinical trial with cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, in nine individuals with clinically and histologically documented severe Menetrier’s disease that impaired quality of life to the extent that gastrectomy was being considered. Of the seven patients who completed the 1-month course of treatment, all showed statistically significant improvement both clinically (quality-of-life indices) and biochemically (increased parietal cell mass and gastric acidity). Furthermore, all seven patients who completed the 1-month trial elected to continue treatment, and four subsequently showed near-complete histological remission. Cetuximab should be considered as first-line therapy for Menetrier’s disease.
Comparative judgments of numerical and verbal attribute labels

Consumers often compare brands on specific product attributes using numerical and verbal information. We report three experiments that examined comparisons of pairs of numerical and verbal labels describing product attributes. Past psychological findings on the speed of comparisons, the effect of distances between pairs of labels being compared, and the effect of task instructions were assessed in a product attribute context. Consistent with earlier work, numerical label pairs were judged faster than either verbal pairs or numerical/verbal pairs. Evidence of the effects of distance and task instructions was found for numerical/verbal label pairs. However, contrary to past findings, these effects did not occur consistently with either purely verbal or purely numerical pairs. In addition, consumer preference for higher or lower values on an attribute was hypothesized and found to influence comparisons. The findings are interpreted in terms of a psychological model of comparative judgment. Explanations offered for inconsistent findings include the possibility of surface-level (vs. meaning-level) processing of the product attribute labels, particularly for numerical label pairs.
The Future of Quantitative Marketing: Results of a Survey

We report the results of a survey conducted in November 2014 in which 29 quantitative marketing scholars from around the world reflected on the present and future of their field. The survey focused on substantive areas, methods and tools, practical and managerial relevance, doctoral training, and promotion and tenure. The results of the survey revealed several general insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by the field of quantitative marketing research.
Acquired torticollis secondary to omohyoid muscle fibrosis

A 13 year old female presented with dysphagia and tracheal deviation. Workup revealed fibrosis of the omohyoid muscle which was surgically resected with immediate resolution of symptoms.
The ACE I/D polymorphism in US adults: limited evidence of association with hypertension-related traits and sex-specific effects by race/ethnicity.

BACKGROUND The insertion/deletion (I/D) variant (rs4646994) of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is one of the most studied polymorphisms in relation to blood pressure and essential hypertension in humans. The evidence to date, however, on an association of this variant with blood pressure-related outcomes has been inconclusive. METHODS We examined 5,561 participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), a population-based and nationally representative survey of the United States, who were ≥20 years of age and who self-identified as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Mexican American. Within each race/ethnicity, we assessed genetic associations of the I/D variant with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and hypertension, as well as genotype-sex interactions, in four genetic models (additive, dominant, recessive, and codominant). RESULTS The frequency of the I/D variant differed significantly by race/ethnicity (P = 0.001). Among non-Hispanic blacks, the D allele was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with increased SBP in additive and dominant covariate-adjusted models and was also associated with increased DBP in dominant models when participants taking ACE inhibitors were excluded from the analyses. No other significant associations were observed in any race/ethnic group. Significant genotype-sex interactions were detected among Mexican Americans, for whom positive associations with SBP and hypertension were seen among females, but not males. CONCLUSIONS This study gives limited support for association of the ACE I/D variant with blood pressure and for sex-specific effects among particular race/ethnic groups, though we cannot rule out the role of genetic or environmental interactions.
Office-based exhaled nitric oxide measurement in children 4 years of age and older

Abstract Background Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is increasingly being used in the office-based management of asthma, but data in children are limited. Objectives To report FENO values in 4- to 7-year-old children with suspected asthma and characterize their relation to clinical variables and describe the relation among FENO levels, age, and sex in 4- to 18-year-old children with suspected asthma. Methods Retrospective data in 4- to 18-year-old children (n = 825) who underwent FENO testing using the NIOX MINO device were collected and analyzed. Chart reviews were performed for the 4- to 7-year-old children (n = 75). Results FENO values ranged from less than or equal to 5 to 89 ppb in 75 4- to 7-year-old children and less than or equal to 5 to 300 ppb in 750 > 7 to 18-year-old children. Approximately one tenth of 4- to 7-year-old children and one third of > 7 to 18-year-old children had FENO values indicative of eosinophilic/allergic inflammation (>35 ppb). In regression analysis of the 4- to 7-year-old children, increasing age ( P = .03) and asthma severity ( P = .01) were associated with higher FENO levels. Atopic dermatitis was significantly associated ( P = .03), whereas allergic rhinitis was marginally associated ( P = .06), with higher FENO levels. Inhaled corticosteroid use was associated with lower FENO levels ( P = .02). Conclusion This study characterizes the largest cohort of 4- to 7-year-old children to undergo FENO testing in ambulatory asthma management. Correlations between FENO levels and clinical variables were consistent with established findings in older children. This preliminary real-world study suggests that FENO assessment may be feasible and useful in the office-based asthma management of children as young as 4 years.
Geographical access to treatment for sex offenders under community supervision in Kentucky

Abstract As sex offenders are probated or paroled into the community, sex offender treatment and monitoring is often a condition of their release. In Kentucky, sex offenders are required to participate in community-based treatment for two years or more. However, some sex offenders are disadvantaged in accessing mandated treatment. This is a result of decisions concerning the placement of treatment programmes, the sex offenders' preference to return to communities where they can rely on family and other indigenous support networks, and some statutes (e.g. sex offender registration and residency restriction laws). This study utilises spatial methodologies, including an origin–destination (OD) matrix, to determine the time, in minutes, that sex offenders travel to sex offender treatment providers and non-spatial ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques to determine the association between family, neighbourhood and community characteristics on sex offenders’ travel time to treatment. Findings sugges...
Large-scale Monte Carlo simulations of the three-dimensional X Y spin glass

We study the XY spin glass by large-scale Monte Carlo simulations for sizes up to ${24}^{3}$, down to temperatures below the transition temperature found in earlier work. The data for the larger sizes show more marginal behavior than that for the smaller sizes, indicating that the lower critical dimension is close, and possibly equal to three. We find that the spins and chiralities behave in a similar manner. We also address the optimal ratio of ``over-relaxation'' to ``Metropolis'' sweeps in the simulation.
Structural Plasticity within the Postsynaptic Density

The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a large protein complex that clusters neurotransmitter receptors at the synapse and organizes the intracellular signaling molecules responsible for altering the efficiency of synaptic transmission – termed synaptic plasticity. We propose that synapses from different parts of the brain place unique demands on the process of synaptic transmission and that the structure and composition of the PSD play a role in providing these distinctive properties. To begin to address this question, PSDs were isolated from adult rat cerebella, hippocampi and cortices, three brain areas amenable to straightforward isolation that contain unique distributions of neuronal cell types. Electron-tomography (ET) was used to visualize the fine morphology of the isolated PSDs and calculate total protein occupancy within the PSD structure. Immunogold labeling was utilized to quantify protein composition and distribution of key signaling and scaffold molecules. Although the mean surface area did not significantly differ between PSD types, the PSD thickness, as measured from Cryo ET reconstructions, differed significantly between PSD types. Labeling densities for PSD-95 and αCaMKII were found to differ dramatically among the PSD types, while all regions had moderate to high labeling for βCaMKII, illustrating the importance of βCaMKII to the PSD structure. PSD-95, a scaffold protein, was absent from a fraction of cerebellar PSDs, unlike hippocampal and cortical PSDs, showing that protein composition varies between PSD types. Ripley's K function analysis of immunogold labeled PSDs showed that PSD-95 was clustered in cerebellar PSDs, unlike other PSD types, suggesting a different function for PSD-95 in cerebellar PSDs. In contrast, βCaMKII was found to have similar non-random organization in all PSD types. These results support the idea that the composition and structure of the PSD are modified to achieve the specific synaptic functions required of each brain region.
A Scanning Method to Study the Influence of Roughness, Microwaviness, and Lubricant Thickness Variation on Slider Dynamics

Flying height modulation maps and microwaviness maps are obtained by using laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and acoustic emission (AE) transducers which are moved radially over the complete disk surface. The sensitivity of the acoustic emission measurement is improved by applying a current to the write element, thereby increasing pole tip protrusion. Disk and slider displacement maps are obtained using a radially scratched disk. Acoustic emission maps are presented for a scratched disk and for a non-scratched disk. For the non-scratched disk, AE maps are obtained with an inactive and active write element.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Foresight in medicine: current challenges with Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines.

Eskola J (National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki). Foresight in medicine: current challenges with Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines (Foresight). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 241–250. Abstract. An effective vaccine to prevent invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria has been available for more than 20 years. Hib conjugate vaccine is safe, efficacious and easy to use, and its cost-benefit ratio is high both in industrialized as well as in developing countries. In spite of this, WHO estimates that every year approximately 8 million children contract life-threatening Haemophilus infections, especially meningitis or severe pneumonia. If we want to take seriously the Millenium Development Goal of reducing the mortality of under 5-year-old children by two-thirds before the year 2015, an effective means to contribute to this would be more efficient use of Hib vaccines [1].
An On-Line Data-Acquisition Program for Nuclear-Physics Experiments on the Argonne Tandem

A general-purpose program for data acquisition and control of nuclear-physics experiments is described. Particular emphasis is given the problems of flexibility and ease of operation, as well as techniques dealing with experimenter-computer interaction. Various graphical techniques for one-and two-dimensional data presentation are discussed.
Efficient bimetallic catalysts for hydrogen generation from diesel fuel

Abstract Fuel cell requires hydrogen as its fuel source for generating power. Hydrogen for use in auxiliary power units is produced in a fuel processor by the catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons. Diesel, jet fuel, gasoline, as well as natural gas, are potential fuels that all have existing infrastructure of manufacture and distribution, for hydrogen production for fuel cell applications. It is well known that essentially all hydrocarbon feeds contain sulfur at different concentrations. In addition to coking, sulfur poisoning is the main force for deactivation of pre-reforming and reforming catalysts. The objective of this paper is to develop, test and characterize efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation from diesel autothermal reforming. Bimetallic catalysts exhibited superior performance compared to the commercial catalyst and the monometallic counterparts. BET, TPD, TPR, and XPS were utilized for surface analysis of these formulations, which showed that the enhanced stability is due to a strong metal–metal and metal–support interaction in the catalyst.
Origin of the “linear” term in the specific heat of YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract We have measured the specific heat, C, of a number of samples of YBCO, and interpret the results as showing the existence of localized magnetic moments on the YBCO lattice that suppress the transition to the superconducting state. Both the extent of the transition [as measured, for example, by the “jump” in C at T c , ΔC(T c )] and the magnitude of the low-temperature “linear” term in C, γ(O)T, are correlated with the concentration of these moments in the way expected for pair-breaking centers: γ(O) increases and ΔC(T c )/T c decreases with increasing moment concentration. The contribution to γ(O) associated with these pair-breaking centers, together with that previously recognized as arising from impurity phases, accounts completely for the observed γ(O). We are not aware of other results that are inconsistent with these correlations, and conclude that there is no contribution to γ(O) that is an intrinsic property of the superconducting state in YBCO.
Analysis of the early transmitral doppler velocity curve: Effect of primary physiologic changes and compensatory preload adjustment☆

Left ventricular filling (as assessed by Doppler echocardiography) has previously been shown to depend in a complex fashion on ventricular diastolic function (compliance and relaxation) as well as other variables, such as atrial pressure and compliance, ventricular systolic function and mitral valve impedance. To study the effect of isolated physiologic alterations on individual Doppler indexes, a mathematic model of mitral flow was analyzed. By varying one physiologic variable at a time, it was shown that mitral velocity acceleration is affected directly by atrial pressure and inversely by the ventricular relaxation time constant, with relatively little impact of chamber compliance. Deceleration rate was directly influenced by mitral valve area, atrial pressure and ventricular systolic dysfunction and inversely affected by atrial and ventricular compliance relations, with little impact of relaxation unless it was so delayed as to be incomplete during deceleration. Peak velocity was directly affected most strongly by initial left atrial pressure, and lowered somewhat by prolonged relaxation, low atrial and ventricular compliance and systolic dysfunction. Strikingly different filling patterns emerged when the primary physiologic alterations were accompanied by simultaneous compensatory changes in atrial pressure designed to maintain stroke volume constant. Low ventricular compliance with preload compensation produced characteristic E waves with very short acceleration and deceleration times and high peak velocity. Thus, mathematic analysis of ventricular filling helps to explain the physical and physiologic basis for the transmitral velocity curve.
The differential regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-mediated steroidogenesis by type I and type II PKA in MA-10 cells

Following tropic hormone challenge, steroidogenic tissues utilize PKA to phosphorylate unique subsets of proteins necessary to facilitate steroidogenesis. This includes the PKA-dependent expression and activation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), which mediates the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis by inducing the transfer of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Since both type I and type II PKA are present in steroidogenic tissues, we have utilized cAMP analog pairs that preferentially activate each PKA subtype in order to examine their impact on STAR synthesis and activity. In MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells Star gene expression is more dependent upon type I PKA, while the post-transcriptional regulation of STAR appears subject to type II PKA. These experiments delineate the discrete effects that type I and type II PKA exert on STAR-mediated steroidogenesis, and suggest complimentary roles for each subtype in coordinating steroidogenesis.
Effect of chronic cocaine exposure on the hemodynamic response to vasopressors in sheep.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine how chronic cocaine exposure affects the hemodynamic response to epinephrine, dopamine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine in awake sheep. METHODS The hemodynamic response to dopamine (10 microg/kg), phenylephrine (1.5 microg/kg), and ephedrine (0.15 mg/kg) boluses was determined at baseline before low-dosage cocaine exposure and again after 15 and 18 days of cocaine exposure. The hemodynamic response to epinephrine (0.15 microg/kg), phenylephrine (1.5 microg/kg), and ephedrine (0.15 mg/kg) was determined at baseline before high-dosage cocaine exposure and again after 15 and 18 days of cocaine exposure. RESULTS Chronic cocaine exposure abolished the mean arterial pressure and heart rate responses to dopamine but did not alter the responses to epinephrine, phenylephrine, or ephedrine. CONCLUSION In awake sheep, chronic cocaine exposure markedly impairs the hemodynamic response to dopamine but not to epinephrine, phenylephrine, or ephedrine.
Susceptibility scoring in family-based association testing

Family-based association testing is an important part of genetic epidemiology. Tests are available to include multiple siblings, unaffected offspring, and to adjust for environmental covariates. We explore a susceptibility residual method of adjustment for covariates. Through simulation, we show that environmental adjustments that down-weight persons who are "destined" to be affected decrease the power to detect genetic association. We used the residual adjusted method on the Framingham Heart Study offspring data, provided for Genetic Analysis Workshop 13, and got mixed results. When the genetic effect and environmental effects are independent, a susceptibility residual method of adjustment for environmental covariates reduces the power of the association test. Further study is necessary to determine if residual adjustment is appropriate in more complex disease models.
Advances in thermal infrared remote sensing for land surface modeling

Abstract Over 10 years ago, John Norman and co-authors proposed a thermal-based land surface modeling strategy that treated the energy exchange and kinetic temperatures of the soil and vegetated components in a unique “Two-Source Model” (TSM) approach. The TSM formulation addresses key factors affecting the convective and radiative exchange within the soil–canopy–atmosphere system, focusing on the relationship between radiometric and aerodynamic temperature. John Norman's contribution came at a time when thermal-based techniques applied to standard “One-Source Model” (OSM) for large scale land surface flux and evapotranspiration (ET) estimation were generally considered unreliable and not viable for operational remote sensing applications. Others have subsequently modified OSM schemes to accommodate the radiometric–aerodynamic temperature relationship for partial canopy cover conditions, approaching accuracies achieved with the TSM. In this study, Norman's TSM and two current OSM schemes are evaluated over a range in canopy cover and moisture conditions simulated by the Cupid model—a complex soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer (SVAT) scheme developed by Norman that simulates the complete radiation, convection/turbulence and hydrologic processes occurring at the soil/canopy interface. The use of SVAT simulations permitted the evaluation of TSM and OSM approaches over a greater range of hydrometeorological and vegetation cover conditions than typically available from field observations. The utility of the TSM versus OSM approaches in handling extremes in moisture/vegetation cover conditions simulated by the SVAT model Cupid is presented. Generally the TSM approach outperformed the OSM schemes for the extreme conditions. Moreover, the ability of the TSM to partition ET into evaporation and transpiration components provides additional hydrologic information about the moisture status of the soil and canopy system, and about the vertical distribution of moisture in the soil profile (surface layer vs. root zone). Examples for actual landscapes are presented in the application of the TSM as incorporated within in the Atmosphere Land EXchange Inverse/Disaggregation ALEXI (ALEXI/DisALEXI) modeling system, designed for operational applications at local to continental scales using multi-scale thermal imagery. This strategy for utilizing radiometric surface temperature in land surface modeling has converted many skeptics and more importantly rejuvenated many in the research and operational remote sensing community to reconsider the utility of thermal infrared remote sensing for monitoring land surface fluxes from local to regional scales.
The linear differential equation whose solutions are the products of solutions of two given differential equations

Abstract A linear homogeneous ODE is constructed, among whose solutions are all products of solutions of two given linear homogeneous ODE's Lm[u]=0, Mn[v]=0, in some classes. Its order is the minimum and its coefficients can be obtained by a finite number of rational operations and differentiations on the coefficients of Lm, Mn. The problem is considered (locally) both in the real and in the complex domain, around an isolated singularity. Examples are also given.
Acid‐base catalysis in polyelectrolyte solutions

The rates of acid-base catalyzed reactions of small molecules in polyelectrolyte solutions should, in general, differ from rates in simple electrolytes at the same pH. The effect is due to the small ionic activity coefficients and the counterion distribution in polyelectrolyte solution and will be accentuated if there is an energetic interaction between the polyion and the reacting molecules. In predicting the reactivity of groups attached to polyions, both electrostatic factors and specific chemical effects have to be considered. The reactivity of p-nitrophenyl ester groups in neutral solution was observed to be increased by a factor of a million when groups were attached to a polymeric acid and the effect was interpreted by a change in the reaction mechanism. The rate of the basic hydrolysis of p-nitroanilide groups attached to polymeric acids was very low and depended strongly on the substitution of both the α and the γ carbon. The pronounced acceleration of the hydrolysis by small concentrations of barium ions was interpreted as a chelation effect. The possible use of polyelectrolytes with reactive side chains as models of enzyme-substrate complexes is discussed.