cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of pavement layer properties on the structural performance of inundated flexible pavements

Abstract The assessment of the structural performance of flooded pavements remains complicated due to the lack of structural data in the aftermath of flooding and the fact that information about the pavement structure and materials is not always readily available. The objective of this study is to acquire a better understanding of the structural response of pavements that have been inundated and the foreseen changes in capacity using two approaches: a mechanistic approach using layer elastic analysis and the AASHTO empirical approach to determine the structural number. The relative impact of parameters such as unbound material type, layer thickness, traffic loads, and interlayer bond conditions on the reduction in expected strain values at critical locations were evaluated. The results show increases of 15–80% in vertical strains at the top of subgrade layer for low volume and interstate sections and 6–15% increase in horizontal strain at the bottom of asphalt layer for low volume sections and 3–8% for interstate sections. Accurate information on the layer thicknesses, traffic type, and interlayer bond condition were found to be most important for the evaluation of the change in expected horizontal strain. The types of base and subgrade materials are the most important factors for evaluating the change in expected vertical strain. The results of this study provide guidance on the type of information that is most important to collect for the assessment of the structural capacity of a pavement following inundation.
Skepticism, Mitigated Skepticism, and Contextualism

My subject in this paper is a central thesis of Hume’s mitigated skepticism, that although radical skepticism has no theoretical solution it may nevertheless be a means to achieve a balanced and tranquil life. I begin by arguing that this is an untenable view: there is no justification for the claim that skeptical reflections are a means to tranquility without a satisfactory answer to the skeptic’s challenge. Second, I consider a defense of mitigated skepticism based on the contextualist theory of justification developed by Michael Williams in his recent book, Unnatural Doubts.1 Williams’ contextualism allows that the radical skeptic’s challenge has no answer, and in contexts of inquiry governed by the skeptic’s challenge we have no justification at all for our inductions or beliefs about the external world. But Williams’ view also allows that in contexts of inquiry not governed by the skeptic’s challenge-e.g., a context governed by the assumptions of empirical psychology-we may be justified in believing that radical skepticism is a means for bringing about a balanced and tranquil life. Finally, I argue that despite its attractions, Williams’ contextualism does not give a satisfactory answer to the skeptic’s challenge and, for that reason, is not an effective defense of mitigated skepticism.
Preconception and Pregnancy Care in Overweight or Obese Woman

Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple maternal and fetal complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, macrosomia (infant weighing more than 4,000 g), and cesarean delivery. The preconception period is a critical time frame to address overweight and obesity in reproductive-aged women. Preconception care should include education about the effect of obesity on pregnancy outcomes, long-term health of the offspring, clinical evaluation for comorbid conditions, assessment of the patient’s readiness for change, and guidance on safe and effective interventions to achieve a healthy weight prior to conception. Current gaps in our knowledge include the identification of the most effective lifestyle strategies to promote a healthy weight prior to pregnancy and the development of policies to improve the dissemination of patient-centered preconception care.
Designing a comprehensive open network laboratory courseware

A key to effective learning of computer networking and security is providing a "hands-on" laboratory coupled with modular curriculum that allows students to apply the problem-solving skills. However, it requires significant costs and time to set up a "hands-on" network laboratory in an academic environment. In this paper, we utilize open-source software to build an open network lab and create 17 hands-on learning modules. The framework of the lab and modules will allow instructors to deliver real world projects to the students. We expect that this research will contribute to the long-term improvement of IT workforce qualification in the U.S.
Experiential avoidance in the context of obsessions: Development and validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Obsessions and Compulsions

Abstract The unwillingness to remain in contact with obsessions and anxiety (i.e., experiential avoidance, EA) may explain how normally occurring unwanted intrusive thoughts develop into clinical obsessions as seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies examining the relationship between EA and OC symptoms are mixed, potentially because the existing self-report measure of EA (i.e., the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, AAQ-II) is a general measure that does not adequately capture EA specific to obsessions and compulsions. Thus, we aimed to develop and evaluate an OC-specific version of the AAQ-II. First, we used exploratory factor analysis to empirically reduce an initial pool of 49 items (adapted from original AAQ-II items to reference “intrusive thoughts”) to 13 items. A two-factor solution (Valued Action and Willingness) provided the best fit to the data, accounting for 60.57% of the variance. Second, the reduced AAQ-OC was administered, along with other self-report measures, to an independent sample of adults. The AAQ-OC subscales evidenced good internal consistency as well as convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. Future work examining the psychometric properties of the AAQ-OC in a clinical sample, as well as the measure's treatment sensitivity are needed.
Stress Biomarkers in Biological Fluids and Their Point-of-Use Detection.

Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system and neurotransmitters produced by the nervous system control many bodily functions. The concentrations of these molecules in the body are an indi...
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Grafting of a Vinyl-Quaternary Compound to Nonwoven Polypropylene and Cotton

Nonwoven polypropylene and cotton fabrics are grafted to a vinyl quaternary compound using atmospheric-pressure plasma. Two different atmospheric plasma devices are used -the NCAPS (North Carolina ...
Perspectives on Cancer Pain Assessment and Management in Children

Abstract Objective To report evidence regarding pain assessment and management for children and adolescents receiving treatment for cancer. Data Sources Published research and clinical guidelines. Conclusion Children and adolescents experience multiple sources of pain across the cancer continuum. They require developmentally relevant approaches when assessing and managing pain. This review suggests that consideration of the developmental stage and age of the child are essential in both pain assessment and pain management. Implications for Nursing Practice Pediatric oncology nurses play a key role in developmentally appropriate pain assessment, identification of potential strategies to manage pain, and delivery of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies.
A 5 mg micro-bristle-bot fabricated by two-photon lithography

A bristle-bot or vibrobot is a multi-legged robot made of bristles and an oscillating actuator that generates vibrations. This work presents the first demonstration of a micro-bristle-bot, with 3D-printed legs, fabricated by two-photon polymerization (TPP) lithography. The presented miniaturized bristle-bot has a weight of only 5 mg, in the size of 2 mm × 1.87 mm × 0.8 mm, and can achieve a speed up to 4 times the body length per second. A base structure with six legs is fabricated by TPP direct laser writing in a single fabrication step, allowing for rapid prototyping of various leg designs. The base is attached to a 0.3 mm thick lead zirconate titanite (PZT) actuator block. The vibrational energy is provided by an external piezoelectric shaker in this work, which mimics the ocillatory behavior of the on-board PZT block. This work demonstrates the locomotion of micro-bristle-bots with various leg designs that utilizes the resonant bending mode shape at small excitation voltages applied to the external piezoelectric shaker. The presented micro-bristle-bots show a resonant frequency around 6.3 kHz, which can be tailored based on their geometry. This feature allows for addressing individual micro-bristle-bots with various geometries based on their unique resonance frequency.
Geriatric Dermatologic Disorders

Dermatologic conditions are very common in the elderly. Dermatogeriatrics is the study of dermatologic conditions in seniors. These conditions can include a group of benign conditions that increase with advancing age to autoimmune conditions to conditions related to a lifetime sun exposure. Being able to differentiate the benign from the suspicious is an important skill in caring for senior citizens.
Assessment of Iron Overload in the Pediatric Allogeneic HSCT Recipient

Background: Owing to improved strategies in pediatric bone marrow transplantation, a larger number of transplanted children are now becoming long term survivors. These post-transplant patients remain at risk for late complications including iron overload, which has the potential to impair quality of life and adversely affect later outcomes. While literature has previously focused on iron overload in the adult sickle cell patient, there has been minimal research into its effect on the pediatric bone marrow transplant recipient. Thus, no current guidelines exist for screening, management or treatment of iron overload in this patient population. Our study focuses specifically on this population and reports the relationship between number of PRBC transfusions and current diagnostic tools. Objectives: To identify the presence or absence of correlation between the number of red blood cell transfusions and indicators of iron overload via two different modalities: ferritin values and the T2* MRI liver iron concentration (Ferriscan). Methods: A retrospective chart review of the allogeneic pediatric bone marrow transplant patients over the past 5 years at a single center (n = 32). Quantitative data obtained which included number of PRBC transfusions, ferritin, and T2* MRI LIC. Correlation analysis subsequently performed between pre-and post-transplant values. Results: There was significant (p 0.1) correlation between the number of pre-transplant PRBC transfusions and the pre-transplant T2* LIC. Also, no significant (p > 0.1) correlation between pre-transplant ferritin and T2* LIC. The total number of PRBC transfusions up to 100 days post-transplant did have significant (p = 0.008) moderate correlation (r= 0.62) with post-transplant ferritin values. There was significant (p = 0.01) strong correlation (r= 0.87) between the total number of PRBC transfusions up to 100 days post-transplant with post-transplant T2*LIC values. No significant correlation (p > 0.1) between post-transplant ferritin and T2* MRI LIC values. Conclusions: In terms of modalities utilized for evaluation of iron overload in the pediatric allogeneic BMT population, no significant correlation exists between ferritin values and T2* MRI liver iron concentration values. While ferritin is an acceptable screening tool the post-transplant T2*MRI LIC is a more accurate diagnostic indicator of transfusion burden. Future studies will be used to explore associated adverse outcomes of patients diagnosed with iron overload. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
ADHD IN OLDER ADULTS: A CASE REPORT LITERATURE AND REVIEW OF THE

Introduction The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in older adults is estimated to be between 1.5 – 3.3 % across studies (Kooji et al, 2016). Older adults constitute a group in which ADHD is frequently underdiagnosed, undertreated, and often overlooked in both clinical practice and research. It is believed that older adults may have experienced longitudinal impact and a lifelong consequences of ADHD symptoms, in the absence of support for their problems in child- or adulthood (Michielson et al, 2015). Nadeau reported that age related cognitive changes, worsening physical health, and the lack of structure that often comes with retirement frequently tend to perpetuate symptoms of inattention (Nadeau, 2018). We present the case of an elderly man with ADHD. This will be followed by a review of the literature on ADHD in older adults. Methods Case of Mr. R: We present the case of Mr. R, a 75-year old man who presented for evaluation of cognitive complaints. He reported chronic difficulties with attention and concentration, with recent worsening of focus, attention, concentration, and memory. Assessment consisted of evaluation of the patient, collateral information from his wife, brain imaging, and neuropsychological testing. His presentation was felt to be consistent with chronic untreated ADHD, now superimposed with mild cognitive changes across other domains. A trial of low dose methylphenidate was associated with marked improvement in his ability to focus, to follow conversations, and his working memory. The subjective changes were corroborated on the Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) which showed improvement in his scores, especially in the area of attention. Electronic searches of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the standard bibliographic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO will be performed for papers which focus on ADHD in older adults. Keywords include “late life,” “elderly,” “aged,” “senior citizen,” or “geriatric” combined with the keywords “ADHD” or “attention deficit,” Original research, case reports, and reviews will be included. Results Preliminary search conducted yielded five papers. Data from the included papers will be extracted. The epidemiology of ADHD in older adults will be discussed. This will be followed by a description of diagnostic assessment and diagnostic issues specific to older adults. The impact of ADHD in older adults will be outlined, which emphasis on its difference from that in the younger population. This will be followed by treatment considerations unique to older adults. Finally, the relationship between ADHD and cognitive impairment will be explored. Conclusions ADHD is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in older adults. Timely and accurate diagnosis followed by treatment results in significant improvement in symptoms and functionality. This research was funded by: None
Exploiting co-adaptation for the design of symbiotic neuroprosthetic assistants

The success of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) is enabled by the remarkable ability of the brain to incorporate the artificial neuroprosthetic 'tool' into its own cognitive space and use it as an extension of the user's body. Unlike other tools, neuroprosthetics create a shared space that seamlessly spans the user's internal goal representation of the world and the external physical environment enabling a much deeper human-tool symbiosis. A key factor in the transformation of 'simple tools' into 'intelligent tools' is the concept of co-adaptation where the tool becomes functionally involved in the extraction and definition of the user's goals. Recent advancements in the neuroscience and engineering of neuroprosthetics are providing a blueprint for how new co-adaptive designs based on reinforcement learning change the nature of a user's ability to accomplish tasks that were not possible using conventional methodologies. By designing adaptive controls and artificial intelligence into the neural interface, tools can become active assistants in goal-directed behavior and further enhance human performance in particular for the disabled population. This paper presents recent advances in computational and neural systems supporting the development of symbiotic neuroprosthetic assistants.
Chapter 18 – Performance – Climb

Fundamental relationships necessary to evaluate climb characteristics are developed in the chapter. These are used to establish the equations of motion for climbing flight. This is followed the derivation of an assortment of methods that allow the various climb characteristics of an airplane to be predicted. This is followed by introduction to climb sensitivity studies. Finally, the climb performance of selected aircraft types is presented to allow the reader an accessible reference to actual aircraft data.
Alkaline phosphatase derepression in vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis by glucose and its reversal by lactate

Abstract Alkaline phosphatase synthesis in the vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis is strongly stimulated by glucose and glycerol in the low phosphate derepressive media. The glucose stimulation is totally removed by 2% lactate. This reversal of glucose stimulation by lactate is clearly demonstrated when the enzyme formation is progressing at a maximal linear rate. Abolition of glucose derepression by lactate is characterized by initial total halt followed by a diminished rate of synthesis.
The Relationship between Menthol Cigarette Use, Smoking Cessation and Relapse: Findings from Waves 1 to 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

INTRODUCTION Some, but not all, studies suggest that menthol cigarette smokers have more difficulty quitting than non-menthol cigarette smokers. Inconsistent findings may be a result of differences in smoker characteristics (eg, daily vs. non-daily smokers) across studies. This study examines the relationship between menthol cigarette use, cessation, and relapse in a longitudinal, nationally representative study of tobacco use in the United States. AIMS AND METHODS Data come from four waves of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Waves 1-4 were conducted approximately annually from September 2013 to January 2018. Generalized estimating equation models were used to prospectively examine the relationship between menthol cigarette use, cessation, and relapse in non-daily and daily adult (18+) smokers. Cessation was defined as smokers who had not used cigarettes within the past 30 days at their subsequent assessment. Relapse was defined as cessation followed by past 30-day smoking in the next assessment. RESULTS Among daily smokers (n = 13 710), 4.0% and 5.3% of menthol and non-menthol smokers quit after 1 year, respectively. In an adjusted model, menthol smokers were less likely to quit compared with non-menthol smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76 [0.63, 0.91]). When the sample was stratified by race/ethnicity, African American (OR = 0.47 [0.24, 0.91]) and White (OR = 0.78 [0.63, 0.97]) daily menthol users were less likely to have quit. Among non-daily smokers (n = 3608), there were no significant differences in quit rates. Among daily and non-daily former smokers, there were also no differences in relapse rates between menthol and non-menthol smokers. CONCLUSIONS Menthol cigarette use is associated with lower odds of cessation. IMPLICATIONS Findings from this study suggest that menthol cigarette use is associated with lower odds of cessation, but not relapse. Removing menthol cigarettes from the market may improve cessation rates.
The burden of the digital environment: a systematic review on organization-directed workplace interventions to mitigate physician burnout.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review identifying workplace interventions that mitigate physician burnout related to the digital environment including health information technologies (eg, electronic health records) and decision support systems) with or without the application of advanced analytics for clinical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature published from January 1, 2007 to June 3, 2020 was systematically reviewed from multiple databases and hand searches. Subgroup analysis identified relevant physician burnout studies with interventions examining digital tool burden, related workflow inefficiencies, and measures of burnout, stress, or job satisfaction in all practice settings. RESULTS The search strategy identified 4806 citations of which 81 met inclusion criteria. Thirty-eight studies reported interventions to decrease digital tool burden. Sixty-eight percent of these studies reported improvement in burnout and/or its proxy measures. Burnout was decreased by interventions that optimized technologies (primarily electronic health records), provided training, reduced documentation and task time, expanded the care team, and leveraged quality improvement processes in workflows. DISCUSSION The contribution of digital tools to physician burnout can be mitigated by careful examination of usability, introducing technologies to save or optimize time, and applying quality improvement to workflows. CONCLUSION Physician burnout is not reduced by technology implementation but can be mitigated by technology and workflow optimization, training, team expansion, and careful consideration of factors affecting burnout, including specialty, practice setting, regulatory pressures, and how physicians spend their time.
Introduction: Global Visions of Adolescence

This chapter of the book introduces the work of educators from 12 countries who describe adolescents from their historical and cultural contexts within schools, demonstrating that the development of adolescence is worth thinking, talking and writing about. All of the authors shared perspectives about adolescents that reflect the challenge of responding to their strengths and needs within school structures, programs, and practices of diverse nations. The book is situated within a post-modern, self-reflexive view of adolescence and development, organized into three somewhat overlapping themes: (1) “re-centering” schools (through both philosophy and pedagogy) to focus more carefully on adolescents’ growth and needs; (2) redesigning curriculum to reflect more intentionally their growth and needs; and (3) re-envisioning schools at multiple levels and in relationship to communities to better respond to their growth and needs.
Quantitative assessment of fluorescence dyes and staining protocols for virtual hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) imaging using ex vivo microscopy

Staining procedures in virtual H&E ex vivo microscopy is non-standardized, and image quality can be tuned by systematic parameter optimization. We are using structured illumination microscopy and image processing for an objective assessment of staining procedure. Bovine muscle tiles of 2x2 cm are used as experimental tissue. In these experiments we differ staining procedure by varying stain and rinse solvent, dye concentration, and immersion time. Quantitative measures of staining quality were compared. Our findings confirm the profound impact of the confluence of multiple factors in staining quality, and suggest general strategies for successful protocol development.
Auctioneers sometimes prefer entry fees to extra bidders

Abstract We investigate a market thickness–market power tradeoff in an auction setting with endogenous entry. We find that charging admission fees can sometimes dominate the benefit of recruiting additional bidders, even though the fees themselves implicitly reduce competition at the auction stage. We also highlight that admission fees and reserve prices are different instruments in a setting with uncertainty over entry costs, and that optimal mechanisms in such settings may be more complex than simply setting a reserve price. Our results provide a counterpoint to the broad intuition of Bulow and Klemperer (1996) that market thickness often takes precedence over market power in auction design.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Purpose: A retrospective population-based study to investigate racial and socioeconomic disparities in patients diagnosed with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).Methods: To explore racial disparity, we selected OSSN patients with known age, insurance, gender and zip code-level income and education from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Comparisons of clinical and socioeconomic variables stratified by race were made with the chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests. Survival outcome was examined a Cox regression model.Results: Of the 2,402 identified patients from 2004 to 2015, 117 were black. Unadjusted differences were found between groups in regard to age, histology, insurance, income, and education. Black patients in comparison to white patients were younger (mean age: 62 years vs. 70 years; p < .001), represented a higher proportion of Medicaid use (10.3% vs. 3.2%; p < .001) or uninsured (10.3% vs. 2.7%; p < .001), and were more likely to reside in areas of low educational attainment (32.5% vs. 16.1% of whites; p < .001). Multivariate analysis found significantly higher risk of death in patients who were male (HR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.37-2.01) or black (HR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.03-2.38).Conclusion: Disparities in socioeconomic factors were observed in black patients with OSSN. OSSN occurred earlier in blacks, who were also socioeconomically disadvantaged and faced higher risk of death.
Three Healthy Eating Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers in 9 to 18 Year Olds With Body Mass Index >95%: A Randomized Trial:

Approximately 20% of American 9 to 18 year olds are obese, and most carry their excess adiposity, with its associated increased risk for cardiovascular disease, into adulthood. We studied cardiovascular disease risk markers changes associated with 3 healthy eating patterns (HEPs) in 96 9 to 18 year olds with a body mass index >95% in a Midwestern health system 1-year randomized trial. All HEPs were associated with similar statistically significant (P < .05 to <.001) cardiovascular disease risk marker improvements in weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and myeloperoxidase. Time required was the only identified significant (P < .001) deterrent from enrolling in study. These HEPs had characteristics common to most HEPs: encouraging whole foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans other legumes, and limiting added salt, saturated fatty acids, added sugars, red meat, processed meats, and other processed foods. Further research on initiatives to ease the time burden, and increase implementation of established healthy eating principles is needed.
17β-Estradiol 3-Phosphate Phosphohydrolase Activity of Human Placental Acid Phosphatase III

Abstract 17-β-Estradiol 3-phosphate has been found to be readily hydrolyzed by one of the acid phosphatases in human placenta (enzyme III). The reaction is characterized by a relatively low apparent Michaelis constant for the steroid phosphate, which is contrasted with substantially higher Michaelis constants and lower maximal hydrolysis rates for the structurally related compounds, l-tyrosine O-phosphate and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Among those phosphate esters which are not hydrolyzed by this enzyme are 17β-estradiol 17-phosphate, androsterone 3-phosphate, and cyclohexyl phosphate. Dehydroepiandrosterone 3-phosphate is tightly bound by the enzyme but its maximum hydrolysis rate is only about one-third that of estradiol 3-phosphate. Cortisol 21-phosphate is fairly well hydrolyzed at high concentrations, but has a relatively high apparent Km. 17β-Estradiol 3-phosphate is not a favored substrate for potato acid phosphatase, wheat germ acid phosphatase, or placental acid phosphatase enzyme II. The possibility is considered that steroid phosphates may be intermediates in placental metabolism.
Magnesium Oxide (MgO)

Publisher Summary Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an ionic material, crystallizing in the rock-salt structure and cleaving on 100 and 111 planes. It is found in nature as periclase or β-magnesia. It is insoluble in water but atmospheric moisture reacts with the surface to form a thin film that can be easily polished off. Its high physical strength, stability, and excellent optical transparency throughout the range 0.25 to 6.8 m make the material of considerable interest. This chapter discusses the optical properties of MgO and reviews more recent data on the optical properties of MgO. The chapter focuses on the n and k values of this material. MgO has excellent transparency throughout the near ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near infrared (IR). In good material, the value of k is less than 10−4 throughout the wavelength region 0.17 to 7.3 m and less than 10−7 in part of this range. Impurities and other defects significantly increase this absorption. The chapter provides an overview of the early measurements of the reflective index of MgO in the visible region. It also highlights some surveys of the infrared properties of MgO that contain optical constants.
Optimal Diet for Glycemia and Lipids

Concentrations of glucose and lipids in the blood have important health implications and are influenced by dietary intake. Dietary intake and energy expenditure regulate body weight, which is also an important determinant of health. Thus it would be important to determine the optimal diet for affecting blood glucose and lipids and body weight. Many professional health organizations in different countries have made dietary recommendations that include caloric restriction when needed to prevent or reverse overweight or obesity, limitation of saturated and trans fat, and emphasis on fruits and vegetables. These professional groups have not recommended extremely low carbohydrate or extremely low fat diets, despite much popular interest and recent research in these approaches. In several clinical trials, diet and exercise interventions prevented or delayed the development of type-2 diabetes. These trials showed the value of diet interventions, but did not attempt to determine which dietary approach was optimal. Clinical trials attempting to determine the optimal diet suffer from small sample sizes, short follow-up, and poor follow-up of participants. Therefore, the optimal balance between the total fat and carbohydrate contents and the optimal types of fats and carbohydrates remain unknown.
Interactive level-set smoothing for photo editing

This paper presents an interactive image-smoothing tool based on properties and manipulation of image level sets. This tool uses PDE-based level-set smoothing to preserve edge sharpness while smoothing noise and jagged contours. Unlike existing approaches using PDEs, the duration and areas of application are controlled interactively with immediate feedback to the user. Interaction issues are addressed, and parameters for adjusting the PDE are automatically estimated based on image characteristics.
Inner ring deiodination of thyroxine and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine by human fetal membranes

Abstract Indirect evidence, based on injection of thyroxine (T4) into the amniotic cavity of humans, and maternal thyroidectomy in the rat, suggests that fetal membranes might be capable of converting T4 to 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (rT3) by virtue of inner ring iodothyronine deiodinase activity. The present study was undertaken to provide direct evidence that human fetal membranes contain inner ring iodothyronine deiodinase activity directed toward T4 and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3). Homogenates of human fetal membranes were incubated with 125I-labeled T4, rT3, and T3, and with stable T4. Conversion of 125[I]-T4 to 125[I]-rT3 was noted in chorion and amnion. 125I-T3 was converted to 125[I]-3,3′-diiodothyronine (T2) in chorion and amnion. 125[I]-rT3 was stable in fetal membranes under the incubation conditions employed. Time-, temperature-, pH-, and protein content-dependent conversion of stable T4 to rT3 was found in fetal membranes. Iodothyronine metabolism did not occur in the absence of dithiothreitol. These studies indicate that human fetal membranes contain an inner ring deiodinase enzyme. Because of its intimate contact with the amniotic cavity, this enzyme may generate a portion of the rT3 found in amniotic fluid.
Targeted Deletion of Protein Kinase C λ Reveals a Distribution of Functions between the Two Atypical Protein Kinase C Isoforms

Protein kinase C λ (PKCλ) is an atypical member of the PKC family of serine/threonine kinases with high similarity to the other atypical family member, PKCζ. This similarity has made it difficult to determine specific roles for the individual atypical isoforms. Both PKCλ and PKCζ have been implicated in the signal transduction, initiated by mediators of innate immunity, that culminates in the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB. In addition, work from invertebrates shows that atypical PKC molecules play a role in embryo development and cell polarity. To determine the unique functions of PKCλ, mice deficient for PKC λ were generated by gene targeting. The ablation of PKC λ results in abnormalities early in gestation with lethality occurring by embryonic day 9. The role of PKCλ in cytokine-mediated cellular activation was studied by making mouse chimeras from PKC λ-deficient embryonic stem cells and C57BL/6 or Rag2 -deficient blastocysts. Cell lines derived from these chimeric animals were then used to dissect the role of PKCλ in cytokine responses. Although the mutant cells exhibited alterations in actin stress fibers and focal adhesions, no other phenotypic differences were noted. Contrary to experiments using dominant interfering forms of PKCλ, mutant cells responded normally to TNF, serum, epidermal growth factor, IL-1, and LPS. In addition, no abnormalities were found in T cell development or T cell activation. These data establish that, in vertebrates, the two disparate functions of atypical PKC molecules have been segregated such that PKCζ mediates signal transduction of the innate immune system and PKCλ is essential for early embryogenesis.
Distribution of Unemployment Spells and Survival Analysis: The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

It is not enough to study the labour market only by analysing the static variables like rates of employment and unemployment. For the decision making on the labour market it is essential to see the movement of people into and out of jobs, the extent to which they can or cannot quickly find alternative employment and to which extent different groups of the labour force are more affected than others. Using the frailty models, as a specific area in survival analysis, we show that the durations of unemployment are sensitive to the educational level and gender. First, females are experiencing significantly longer durations of finding job than man. Second, better-educated individuals appear to find job more quickly than the less-educated. Finally, there is evidence of duration dependence in unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The re-employment hazard exhibits positive duration dependence in the first 59 months, and then declines approximately 60 months.
The High Altitude Observatory White Light Coronagraph Experiment

The coronagraph has obtained observations, both by astronaut and ground command, spaced periodically throughout the mission on a time center of approximately six to eight hours. Programs of more frequent operation — to examine short-term temporal variations and transient activity in the corona — have also been run at various times during the mission. The initial coronagraph observations of structures near limb passage experimentally verify that there are several time scales on which visual changes in these structures occur: (a) approximately one-half rotation, presumably accompanying major reorientations of coronal magnetic fields governing large scale coronal structures, (b) hours to days wherein changes to smailer coronal features are due either to structural changes of particular coronal features or to perspective effects and (c) less than hours — during coronal transients — which caused major reorientation of coronal structures by their passage through the coronal medium. Observations of the latter phenomena have provided some of the more spectacular results from the coronagraph (see Figure 1). The particular case illustrated was one stage of a complex series of events associated with activity in region 137, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration numbering, near east limb passage on 10 June 1973. The limb exhibited a major system of active prominences extended from the equator to north 25° and produced surges and sprays through the early hours of the day. From approximately 0700 to 0900 UT several Ha and small X-ray flares occurred and 0815 an eruptive prominence was observed by ground-based telescopes to ascend to 1.4 R⊙This latter event is presumably the source of the transient observed by the coronagraph between 0929 and 1001 by ground command. During this period the material front moved with the apparent projected velocity of 450 km s-1 from 3.6 to 4.8 R⊙, while the arch-like structure expanded to a diameter greater than 2 R⊙ Figure 1 shows the event at 0943 GMT; it is one photograph of the 144 obtained. Within the structure are numerous bright areas and extended structures apparently mapping the distended magnetic field configuration. The general appearance of this transient is indicative of a large magnetic loop, or bottle, expanded outward from the Sun, its leading edge compressed by interaction with the ambient corona. Although there apparently was not a metric radio burst associated with this event, other transients observed later in the mission have associated metric wavelength activity.
Effect of different oxidizing gases on the in-situ growth of YBa2Cu3O7−δ films by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract The effectiveness of oxygen (O2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as oxidizing agents during in-situ growth of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) films on (100) SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition has been studied as a function of deposition temperature (700–800°C), and laser wavelength (193,248 and 355 nm), for a wide range of oxidizer gas pressure (0.1–200 mTorr). In general, the superconducting transition temperature of the films has been found to increase with increasing oxidant pressure, with zero-resistance temperature ≈90 K only obtained in films prepared in a relatively high pressure (150–200 mTorr) of oxidizer gas. At lower pressures, the transition temperature while being depressed is quite sensitive to the nature of the oxidant, the laser wavelength and the deposition temperature. Nevertheless, independent of the oxygen source or other growth parameters, an almost linear decrease in transition temperature with a corresponding increase in the c-axis lattice parameter has been observed for all the film. YBCO films have also been deposited in a low pressure background (≤ 1 mTorr) using a combination of atomic oxygen and pulsed molecular oxygen. The results are discussed in terms of the oxygen requirement for kinetic and thermodynamic stability of YBCO during growth of the film by pulsed laser deposition.
Basis for Power Series Solutions to Systems of Linear, Constant Coefficient Partial Differential Equations

Abstract Using the theory of generalized functions and the theory of Fourier transforms in several complex variables, previous authors developed a nonconstructive, integral representation for power series solutions to a given system of linear, constant coefficient partial differential equations (PDEs). For a variety of reasons that theory is quite technical. In this paper we describe an algorithm which gives a constructive, countable basis for the set of power series solutions to a given system of linear, constant coefficient PDEs.
Tracking the Influence of Irrigation on Land Surface Fluxes and Boundary Layer Climatology

When the land surface is altered as a first order change in the climate system, it affects the latent heat flux and evaporative cooling, thereby altering the surface temperature and boundary layer development. Modeling the processes associated with land surface alteration requires an interdisciplinary approach in which the hydrologic processes such as evapotranspiration and soil moisture influenced by human-induced changes are connected to the atmospheric system. The Noah Land Surface Model (LSM) coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was modified to represent irrigation in the Snake River basin. By simulating the surface energy balance components and the boundary layer in the growing season, we compared the differences between irrigation and no-irrigation (control) simulations to assess the differences in climatology attributed to irrigation-induced cooling. Differences such as increased latent heat flux from the irrigated areas and decreased potential temperature, wind speed, and planetary boundary layer height were evident. This study reiterates the importance of the anthropogenic processes defining the nexus between the land and atmosphere on the local and regional weather and climate.
Economics Ph.D. Education in Central and Eastern Europe

Prepared for ACES Panel on “Graduate Economics Education in Transition Economies,” ASSA Meetings, Boston, January 2000.
Mixed fluoxetine/loxapine overdose and atrial flutter

A 19-year-old man who attempted suicide by ingesting approximately 600 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 140 mg loxapine (Loxitane) had two episodes of atrial flutter shortly thereafter. Admission serum fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and loxapine levels were 1,053 ng/mL, 702 ng/mL, and 40 ng/mL, respectively. This case of atrial flutter in association with an overdose of either of these drugs demonstrates the potential for cardiotoxicity with these agents in the overdose setting. Theoretical mechanisms of cardiotoxicity are presented.
Fractal mapping of digitized images: Application to the topography of Arizona and comparisons with synthetic images

The concept of fractal mapping is introduced and applied to digitized topography of Arizona. It is shown that the fractal statistics satisfy the topography of the state to a good approximation. The fractal dimensions and roughness amplitudes from subregions are used to construct maps of these quantities. It is found that the fractal dimension of actual two-dimensional topography is not affected by the adding unity to the fractal dimension of one-dimensional topographic tracks. In addition, consideration is given to the production of fractal maps from synthetically derived topography.
The center for cicroanalysis of caterials

Abstract The Center for Microanalysis is located within the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois as a non-academic department which is designed to be largely self-supporting, although it receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. The Center possesses an extensive range of equipment for the analysis of complex materials (metals, ceramics, polymers and semiconductors) and their properties (optical, mechanical, electronic and magnetic, to mention just a few). The excellent range of instrumentation available as part of this central facility includes: transmission, scanning and scanning transmission electron microscopes; Auger and secondary-ion microprobes; X-ray diffractors and photoelectron spectrometers; a Van de Graaf accelerator. The opportunity to take advantage of this range of techniques for analysis and characterization, with the emphasis being on the microscopic scale, is almost unique. The Center has two other advantages: the strength of its staff and the general accessibility of the instrumentation. The professional staff (rather than technicians) are not only responsible for maintenance of the equipment, but also provide instruction and guidance. With regard to ease of access, the only restrictions are the availability of equipment (for which a booking procedure is operated) and the payment of user fees. Users from this and other institutions are usually associated through research programs. It is felt that the continued growth and success of this and similar centers should lead to considerable progress in research and development within the field of materials science and engineering.
Self-assembling Nanostructures to Deliver Angiogenic Factors to Pancreatic Islets

Supramolecular self-assembly of nanoscale filaments offers a vehicle to signal cells within dense cell aggregates such as pancreatic islets. We previously developed a heparin-binding peptide amphiphile (HBPA) that self-assembles into nanofiber gels at concentrations of 1% by weight when mixed with heparin and activates heparin-binding, angiogenic growth factors. We report here on the use of these molecules at concentrations 100 times lower to drive delivery of the nanofibers into the dense islet interior. Using fluorescent markers, HBPA molecules, heparin, and FGF2 were shown to be present in and on the surface of murine islets. The intraislet nanofibers were found to be necessary to retain FGF2 within the islet for 48 h and to increase cell viability significantly for at least 7 days in culture. Furthermore, enhanced insulin secretion was observed with the nanofibers for 3 days in culture. Delivery of FGF2 and VEGF in conjunction with the HBPA/heparin nanofibers also induced a significant amount of islet endothelial cell sprouting from the islets into a peptide amphiphile 3-D matrix. We believe the infiltration of bioactive nanofibers in the interior of islets as an artificial ECM can improve cell viability and function in vitro and enhance their vascularization in the presence of growth factors such as FGF2 and VEGF. The approach described here may have significant impact on islet transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes.
Measurement of opioid problems among chronic pain patients in a general medical population

Introduction Chronic opioid therapy for non-malignant pain has greatly expanded, increasing the urgency of identifying those experiencing problems related to prescribed opioids. The Prescription Drug Use Questionnaire (PDUQ), which shares substantial content with subsequently developed instruments, was developed within a pain clinic setting designed to identify problematic opioid use. The utility of the PDUQ and its relationship with the DSM-IV approach needs to be established for patients being treated in general medical settings.
Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Nasal Secretions from Infants by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in nasal secretions from infants with respiratory disease. RSV was detected in 23 of 29 secretions positive for RSV by tissue culture and in one of 36 samples negative for RSV by tissue culture. The ELISA was a simple, rapid, and surprisingly sensitive test for identification of RSV infection in infants.
Equilibrium-constant expressions for aqueous plutonium

Equilibrium-constant expressions for Pu disproportionation reactions traditionally contain three or four terms representing the concentrations or fractions of the oxidation states. The expressions can be rewritten so that one of the oxidation states is replaced by a term containing the oxidation number of the plutonium. Experimental estimations of the numerical values of the constants can then be checked in several ways.