cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychopathology and Headache Syndromes in the Community

The present study investigated the association between psychopathology and headache in a prospective longitudinal epidemiologic study of a cohort of 19- and 20-year-olds in Zurich, Switzerland. Prevalence rates of psychopathology by headache subtype were examined both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Psychiatric disorders were evaluated using a direct interview administered by experienced clinicians. Personality was assessed using the Freiburg Personality Inventory and the Symptom Checklist 90. In general, subjects with migraine had more affective and anxiety disorders and exhibited elevated rates of neuroticism and somatization compared to nonmigraine subjects. When examined by headache subtype, migraineurs with aura exhibited greater rates of psychopathology and more personality abnormalities than any of the other headache subtypes or controls. In contrast to clinical wisdom, subjects with tension-type headache did not differ from controls in rates of psychopathology or on any of the personality or symptom factors.
Successful engraftment following unrelated donor transplant in an alloimmunized patient with Kostmann syndrome

Severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) is characterized by severe recurrent bacterial infections during infancy. Blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) is the only curative option for patients with refractory disease. This report describes the case of a 4-year-old girl with refractory SCN, who received a bone marrow transplant from a highly matched donor after becoming HLA sensitized to multiple granulocyte transfusions. She is clinically well with normal blood counts and stable mixed chimerism 3 years after BMT. She experienced no graft rejection or graft versus host disease.
The Ventral Pallidum is Critically Involved in the Development and Expression of Morphine-Induced Sensitization

Repeated, intermittent exposure to drugs of abuse results in response enhancements to subsequent drug treatments, a phenomenon referred to as sensitization. As persistent neuronal sensitization may contribute to the long-lasting consequences of drug abuse, characterizing the neuroanatomical substrates of sensitization is providing insights into addiction. It is known that the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is necessary for induction, and expression involves the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We reveal here that the ventral pallidum (VP), a brain region reciprocally innervated by the VTA and the NAc, is a critical mediator of opiate-induced behavioral sensitization. Blockade of VP μ-opioid receptors (via intra-VP CTOP injections) negated the ability of systemic administration of the opiate, morphine to induce motor sensitization, and for sensitized rats to subsequently express enhanced responding to a morphine challenge. Intra-VP morphine was sufficient to induce motor sensitization, and this sensitization was expressed following 17 days of withdrawal. Rats with a treatment history of intra-VP morphine demonstrated cross-sensitization to a challenge injection of systemically administered morphine. Conversely, repeated systemic treatments of morphine cross-sensitized to an intra-VP morphine challenge. These results indicate that activation of VP μ-opioid receptors is sufficient to evoke behavioral sensitization and that these receptors are necessary for sensitized responding to systemic morphine. The study pioneers the concept that both development and expression of drug-induced sensitization are regulated by the VP. Thus, the VP is likely an important contributor to neuronal adaptations that underlie addiction.
Incorporation of gap characters and lineage-specific regions into phylogenetic analyses of gene families from divergent clades: an example from the kinesin superfamily across eukaryotes

The kinesin superfamily across eukaryotes was used to examine how incorporation of gap characters scored from conserved regions shared by all members of a gene family and incorporation of amino acid and gap characters scored from lineage-specific regions affect gene-tree inference of the gene family as a whole. We addressed these two questions in the context of two different densities of sequence sampling, four alignment programs, and two methods of tree construction. Taken together, our findings suggest the following. First, gap characters should be incorporated into gene-tree inference, even for divergent sequences. Second, gene regions that are not conserved among all or most sequences sampled should not be automatically discarded without evaluation of potential phylogenetic signal that may be contained in gap and/or sequence characters. Third, among the four alignment programs evaluated using their default alignment parameters, Clustal may be expected to output alignments that result in the greatest gene-tree resolution and support. Yet, this high resolution and support should be regarded as optimistic, rather than conservative, estimates. Fourth, this same conclusion regarding resolution and support holds for Bayesian gene-tree analyses relative to parsimony-jackknife gene-tree analyses. We suggest that a more conservative approach, such as aligning the sequences using DIALIGN-T or MAFFT, analyzing the appropriate characters using parsimony, and assessing branch support using the jackknife, is more appropriate for inferring gene trees of divergent gene families. © The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Is hospitalization necessary for treatment of SVT? Predictive variables for recurrence and negative outcome.

Abstract In this article we attempt to identify variables that may predict which pediatric patients presenting with supraventricular tachycardia to the emergency department are at risk for immediate recurrence or negative outcome. We studied an 11-year chart review and follow-up of pediatric patients presenting to the pediatric ED with a diagnosis of SVT. Recurrences of SVT during the first 24 hours after initial episode and occurrences of negative outcome (ie, respiratory distress, cardiac arrest) during hospital stay were measured. 51 patients met our inclusion criteria: 74.5% were treated as inpatients. 18% experienced a recurrence during 24 hours; 3 patients were less than 3 months of age. Recurrence within 90 minutes of conversion occurred in 47 patients. All negative outcomes (3.9%) occurred in the less than 3-month age group. Patients less than 3 months or with immediate supraventricular tachycardia recurrence may have a higher probability of recurrence and negative outcome and therefore may require hospitalization.
Brugia malayi infective larvae fail to activate Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells in human skin

Summary Filarial infection in humans is initiated when a mosquito deposits third-stage parasite larvae (L3) in the skin. Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) are the first cells that the parasite encounters, and L3s must evade these highly effective antigen-presenting cells to establish infection. To assess LC and DDC responses to L3 in human skin, we employed three models of increasing physiologic relevance: in vitro-generated LCs, epidermal blister explants and full-thickness human skin sections. In vitro-generated LCs expressed TLR1-10 and robustly produced IL-6 and TNF-α in response to PolyI:C, but pre-exposure to L3s did not alter inflammatory cytokine production or TLR expression. L3s did not modulate expression of LC markers CDH1, CD207, or CD1a, or the regulatory products TSLP or IDO in epidermal explants or in vitro-generated LC. LC, CD14+ DDC, CD1c+ DC and CD141+ DC from human skin sections were analysed by flow cytometry. While PolyI:C potently induced CCL22 production in LC, CD1c+ DC, and CD141+ DC, and IL-10 production in LC, L3s did not modulate the numbers of or cytokine production by any skin DC subset. L3s broadly failed to activate or modulate LCs or DDCs, suggesting filarial larvae expertly evade APC detection in human skin.
Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton Complex Proteins in Cardiac Structure, Function, and Disease

The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, composed of proteins within the inner and the outer nuclear membranes, connects the nuclear lamina to the cytoskeleton. The importance of this complex has been highlighted by the discovery of mutations in genes encoding LINC complex proteins, which cause skeletal or cardiac myopathies. Herein, this review summarizes structure, function, and interactions of major components of the LINC complex, highlights how mutations in these proteins may lead to cardiac disease, and outlines future challenges in the field.
A role of stretch-activated potassium currents in the regulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction

Rates of premature birth are alarming and threaten societies and healthcare systems worldwide. Premature labor results in premature birth in over 50% of cases. Preterm birth accounts for three-quarters of infant morbidity and mortality. Children that survive birth before 34 weeks gestation often face life-long disability. Current treatments for preterm labor are wanting. No treatment has been found to be generally effective and none are systematically evaluated beyond 48 h. New approaches to the treatment of preterm labor are desperately needed. Recent studies from our laboratory suggest that the uterine muscle is a unique compartment with regulation of uterine relaxation unlike that of other smooth muscles. Here we discuss recent evidence that the mechanically activated 2-pore potassium channel, TREK-1, may contribute to contraction-relaxation signaling in uterine smooth muscle and that TREK-1 gene variants associated with human labor and preterm labor may lead to a better understanding of preterm labor and its possible prevention.
Patterns of fractional anisotropy changes in white matter of cerebellar peduncles distinguish spinocerebellar ataxia-1 from multiple system atrophy and other ataxia syndromes.

Abstract Aim To determine prospectively if qualitative and quantitative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of white matter integrity are better than conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics for discriminating cerebellar diseases. Methods Conventional MRI images from 31 consecutive patients with ataxia and 12 controls were interpreted by a neuroradiologist given only a clinical indication of ataxia. An expert ataxologist, blinded to radiological findings, determined the clinical diagnosis, as well as ataxia severity and asymmetry for each patient. For qualitative analysis, a comparison of the cerebellar white matter in ataxic vs. control patients was made by visual inspection of directionally encoded color (DEC) images. For quantitative analysis, segmentation of the cerebellar white matter in the inferior, middle, and superior cerebellar peduncles (ICP, MCP, and SCP) was attempted using three methods: a region of interest method, a deterministic DTI tractography (DDT) method, and a probabilistic DTI tractography (PDT) method. A statistical comparison of the average fractional anisotropy (FA) in these tracts was made between subject groups, and correlated to clinical diagnosis, severity, and asymmetry. Results Of the 31 consecutive patients with ataxia, the two largest subgroups had a clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (cerebellar subtype; MSA-C), and spinocerebellar ataxia-1 (SCA1). Conventional MRI features, such as degree of pontocerebellar atrophy, correlated with ataxia severity, but were neither sensitive nor specific for the ataxia subtypes. PDT was the most accurate and least variable method of the three methods used for determining FA, especially in the ICP. Average FA in all ataxic patients was significantly decreased in the MCP, SCP and ICP and this decrease correlated to disease severity. Asymmetric ataxia correlated to proportionately larger contralateral MCP, ICP and SCP FA values. MCP, ICP, and SCP FA difference values formed distinct clusters that distinguished MSA-C from SCA-1, and other ataxia syndromes. Conclusions Qualitative and quantitative reductions in DTI metrics of white matter integrity in the cerebellar peduncles correlated better to clinical features of patients with sporadic and hereditary ataxias than conventional structural MRI measures of pontocerebellar atrophy.
Antepartum and intrapartum factors related to infant retardation

SummarySixty-eight children with developmental delay, consecutively referred to the Child Health and Monitoring Project at Ipswich Hospital had their notes and mother's obstetric notes examined.Features associated with developmental retardation included past and present obstetric complications, intrauterine growth retardation, abnormal intrapartum cardiotocography and prematurity, especially with a depressed 5 minute Apgar score. However, there was no correlation between the severity of the complications and the degree of the developmental delay.Both antenatal factors and intrapartum events play a role in the aetiology of developmental retardation in infants.
Global optimization methods in content-based image retrieval

Content-based image retrieval involves a search throughout a database of stored images for the best match for the query image. The task is re-formulated as the global optimization problem of finding the correct mapping between the corresponding points of the query image and the database image. For 2-dimensional grayscale images, the quality of the match is evaluated as the difference between the pixel values in the area of the intersection of the two images: the minimum value of the difference indicates a potential match between the images, with the corresponding optimal values of the parameters defining the mapping. The stated problem is a nonlinear, multimodal global optimization problem. In general form, the mapping includes the rigid body transform and the local object deformation. If there is no prior information available about the images, the search space of potential solutions becomes so large that the brute force approach becomes intractable. The classical optimization techniques fail due to the presence of many local minima and the non-convex shape of the nonlinear function defining the difference between the images. The following stochastic optimization techniques are compared in the paper: parallel simulated annealing, multi-start, and hybrid evolutionary algorithm. The methods differ in the degree to which they utilize global and local search, and in the strategy of the global search. The comparison is presented for the grayscale images, with different initial settings.
Geographic information retrieval (GIR): searching where and what

Information retrieval systems in operation today for applications ranging from Digital Libraries to Web Search make very little use of two major dimensions of the data being searched: location and time. For many applications these dimensions can provide an intuitive and understandable visualization of search constraints and results. However, current metadata representations of geographic characteristics and the uses of these metadata are problematic. Most retrieval and database, even those tailored to geographic information, provide only nascent approaches to the technologically and conceptually difficult challenges of Geographic Information Retrieval (GIR). Much of the problem is rooted in the geospatial metadata used by these systems to index and access geographic data. The primary issues are:
Modulation of dihydropyridine receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells by membrane potential and cell proliferation.

Abstract We have studied binding of isradipine to A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells as a function of membrane potential and cell proliferation. Consistent with a voltage-modulated receptor model, two classes of binding sites were detected in confluent cultures: high-affinity sites under depolarizing (50 mM K+) conditions (Kd = 45 ± 3 pM), and lower affinity sites under resting (5 mM K+) conditions (Kd = 181 ± 20 pM). However, proliferating cells also displayed the high-affinity state at rest (Kd = 29 ± 9 pM) in addition to a low-affinity site (Kd = 869 ± 383 pM). Analysis of dissociation rates also revealed two receptor classes during proliferation. Proliferating cells showed a single class of high-affinity sites (Kd = 39 ± 6 pM) when depolarized, similar to confluent cells. Receptor density in confluent monolayers increased from 15 ± 3 fmol/106 cells at 5 days to 72 ± 6 fmol/106 cells after 10 days. These results suggest (i) that some L-type Ca2+ channels are spontaneously active in proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells, but require depolarization to activate in a confluent monolayer, and (ii) that the density of dihydropyridine receptors increases after a monolayer becomes confluent.
Novalis schriften, Fünfter band: Materialien und register

(1990). Novalis schriften, Funfter band: Materialien und register. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 420-420.
Generating a Random Cyclic Permutation

We prove correct an algorithm that, givenn>0, stores in arrayb[0..n−1] a random cyclic permutation of the integers in 0..n−1, with each cyclic permutation having equal probability of being stored inb. The algorithm was developed by Sattolo; our contribution is to present a more convincing proof using standard program-proving methods.
Hapten-binding capacity and population heterogeneity of chicken anti-Dnp IgG antibody.

Abstract Hapten-binding properties of purified chicken IgG anti-Dnp antibodies with previously-demonstrated ability to bind more than 2.0 moles of ϵ-Dnp-lysine per mole of antibody were further investigated relative to rabbit anti-Dnp IgG. Chicken antibody competitively bound at least two molecules of ϵ-Dnp-lysine per molecule of di-Dnp-lysine under conditions were rabbit antibody bound these molecules on a 1:1 competitive basis. Population heterogeneity in binding ϵ-Dnp-lysine was revealed by isolation of a subpopulation of chicken antibody that lacked ability to bind more than 2.0 moles of ϵ-Dnp-lysine per mole of antibody. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated greater quenching of chicken antibody by di-Dnp-lysine and N -Dnp-tyrosine relative to rabbit antibody. These experiments further elucidate binding site differences between chicken and rabbit anti-Dnp IgG antibodies. Data are consistent with the presence of a population of chicken anti-Dnp IgG molecules with complex active sites permitting a second Dnp group to be bound within.
Chemodectomas (nonchromaffin paragangliomas) of the head and neck. A clinicopathologic study.

Forty patients with chemodectomas arising in carotid body, vagal body or glomus jugulare are reported. These tumors pursued a slowly progressive clinical course, resulting in a long interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, and an even longer average interval between treatment and onset of recurrent neoplasm. Whereas the sex incidence of carotid body and vagal body tumors was approximately equal, the majority of patients with glomus jugulare tumors were women. The histologic features and anatomic location of these tumors was distinctive; nevertheless, initial biopsy material from one fourth of these patients was misinterpreted. Four of these patients died as a result of their neoplasm; in three patients local extension of chemodectoma proved fatal while metastatic neoplasm resulted in the fourth patient's death. It was not possible to correlate the histologic features of these tumors with their clinical course. Although total excision was the most successful treatment for readily accessible neoplasms, biopsy or partial excision followed by radiation therapy proved almost as effective for tumors which could not be completely resected.
Lipid Bilayer Perturbations around a Transmembrane Nanotube: A Coarse Grain Molecular Dynamics Study

The perturbations induced in a lipid bilayer by the presence of a transmembrane nanotube are investigated using coarse grained molecular dynamics. Meniscus formation by the lipids and tilting of the nanotube occur in response to hydrophobic mismatch, although these two effects do not compensate completely for the total mismatch. The lipid head-to-tail vector field is examined and shows strong ordering in the membrane plane regardless of the nanotube length. Molecular layering at the lipid-nanotube interface is reported. This study extends previous theoretical approaches to a more realistic setting.
Effects of preoperative chemotherapy on gastric adenocarcinomas. A morphologic study of 25 cases.

Background. Surgical neoadjuvant therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma affords the opportunity to evaluate critically the histologic effects of preoperative chemotherapy. Methods. Morphologic alterations in gastric adenocarcinomas were examined in the surgical-resection specimens from 25 patients after 6 weeks of preoperative chemotherapy. The group included 1 patient with a complete response; 4, with subtotal responses; 4, with partial responses; and 16, with no response to preoperative chemotherapy. Results. Histologic manifestations of preoperative chemotherapy included mucosal edema, aggregates of histiocytes in the submucosa and muscularis externa, and stromal fibrosis of the submucosa and muscularis externa. Cytologic manifestations were uncommon and included a single case of signet ring cell carcinoma with diminution of the cytoplasmic vacuoles after preoperative chemotherapy. Clinical follow-up was limited, but 3 of the 25 patients died within 5-8 months after the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma. The gastric-resection specimens from these three patients did not show any histologic manifestations of preoperative chemotherapy. Conclusion. As in tumors at other sites, the efficacy of surgical neoadjuvant therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma can be assessed, based on the histologic response of the resected tumor to preoperative chemotherapy. Cancer 1992; 70:2239--2245.
Mechanical properties of pyrolytic graphite flakes

Abstract Large graphite flakes (5–50 μm thick × 1–10 cm in length × ~ 1.5 cm in width ) can be prepared via the decomposition of aromatic and heteroaromatic hydrocarbons. This work describes the dependence of the mechanical properties of benzene (B)- and pyridine (PR)-derived graphite flakes on heat-treatment temperature (HTT) and nature of precursor. The tensile strength and modulus of the flakes increase with increasing HTT, and are in the range 10–80 MPa for tensile strength, 5–10 GPa for Young's modulus, and l%–2% for strain at failure. The flexural strength of the graphite flakes rapidly increases from ~0.3 GPa for the 800°C product to 20 GPa at an HTT of 2600°C. At low HTT, the tensile strength and strain to failure of PR-derived flakes are greater while at high HTT B-derived flakes are generally stronger than those derived from PR.
Differential aminoacylation of three species of isoleucine transfer RNA from Escherichia coli.

Abstract The kinetics of enzymic acylation of an Escherichia coli extract of transfer RNA with isoleucine are biphasic, in that they manifest a rapid first phase during which about one-third of the total isoleucine acceptor capacity is revealed and a slow second phase during which the remainder of the acceptance takes place. Reductions of the concentration of activating enzyme or MgCl 2 in the reaction mixture accentuate the biphasic character of this process. These kinetics reflect the presence of three chromatographically distinct species of isoleucine tRNA, of which species I and II, representing about two-thirds of the total isoleucine acceptor capacity, are aminoacylated much more slowly than species III. At low MgCl 2 concentrations, aminoacylation of species I and II falls to a negligible rate, while that of species III still proceeds rapidly. Examination of the intracellular condition of isoleucine tRNA demonstrated that species III is not an artifact produced from species I and II during the isolation procedure. Species I and II, which are aminoacylated slowly in vitro , are nearly completely aminoacylated in vivo during both exponential growth and starvation for leucine. Species III, in contrast, is largely non-acylated during exponential growth; during leucine starvation it is largely acylated but is, in addition, in an inactive, probably reduced, state and can accept isoleucine in vitro only after treatment with periodate.
Transnational corporations–Host country relations and the changing foreign direct investment climate: Toward 2000

This article describes the historical evolution of transnational corporations–host country relations, particularly as they relate to the foreign direct investment (FDI) climate of the twentieth century. After reviewing major trends in the activities of transnational corporations (TNCs) and the impact of FDI on host countries, we present a model that identifies four phases in the relationship, and discuss how TNCs and nation states continue to alter strategies to accommodate these changes. We then explore opportunities for developing positive sum outcomes in TNC–host country relations in the future, and conclude with recommendations for national and corporate policy and for further research.
Simple analytical model of bias dependence of the photocurrent of metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors

The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) photodetectors under various light intensities are examined. The current shows an initial increase followed by saturation and a subsequent sharp increase as bias increases. We propose a theoretical model for bias dependence in all regions of operation except for breakdown, based on drift collection of carriers in the depleted regions under the contacts and diffusion and recombination in the undepleted region. This is based on the solution of the diffusion equation in the undepleted area between the two contacts of the MSM structure. The solution is subject to boundary conditions on excess minority carriers at the cathode end and continuity of current at the anode end. The latter is written in terms of a parameter, denoted as effective diffusion length, which describes the collection efficiency of carriers at the anode. The closed-form solution thus derived corroborates with physical expectations in several limiting cases. To compare theory with experiment, we propose methods to extract parameters that are used to normalize the I–V curves and calculate depletion widths under different light intensities, from current- and capacitance-voltage measurements. A close match between experimental and theoretical results is observed, and possible breakdown mechanisms are discussed.
Determinants and prevalence of e-cigarette use throughout the European Union: a secondary analysis of 26 566 youth and adults from 27 Countries

Objective This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of e-cigarette use among persons aged ≥15 years in 27 European Union (EU) member countries during 2012. Methods The 2012 Eurobarometer 385 (77.1) survey was analysed for n=26 566 respondents. Knowledge, perception of harm, and determinants of e-cigarettes use were assessed, while separate regression analyses among current (n=7352) and former cigarette smokers (n=5782) were performed. National estimates of the number of e-cigarette users were also extrapolated. Results 20.3% of current smokers, 4.7% of ex-smokers, and 1.2% of never cigarette smokers in the EU reported having ever used an e-cigarette (overall approximately 29.3 million adults). Among smokers, ever e-cigarette use was more likely among 15–24-year-olds (aOR 3.13, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.54) and 25–39-year-olds (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.78) in comparison to older smokers, and among those who smoked 6–10 cigarettes/day (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.13) or 11–20 cigarettes/day (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.81) in comparison to very light smokers (≤5 cigarettes/day). Moreover, e-cigarette use was more likely among smokers who had made a past year quit attempt (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.58). E-cigarette use among ex-smokers was associated only with the respondents’ age, with younger ex-smokers being more likely to have ever used an e-cigarette. Conclusions A substantial number of EU adults have ever used e-cigarettes. Ever users were more likely to be younger, current smokers, or past-year quit attempters. These findings underscore the need to evaluate the potential long term impact of e-cigarette use on consumer health, cessation and nicotine addiction and formulate a European framework for e-cigarette regulation within the revised EU Tobacco Product Directive.
Tera-Hertz study of normal and superconducting transmission lines

Electrical pulses as short as 0.6 ps in duration have been generated and sampled on coplanar transmission lines made of normal metals and superconductors to study the dispersion and loss spectrum in the frequency range up to 1 THz. The superconducting lines are superior when the loss of their normal metal counterparts is dominated by the resistance. However, the strong dispersion induced by the superconducting gap limits their usefulness to below the gap frequency, which is about 0.7 THz for superconducting Nb, and maybe as high as 16 THz for high-T/sub c/ superconducting oxides. >
Impact of Unaccounted Risk Factors on the Interpretation of Surgical Outcomes.

Background Systems that report hospital-based risk-adjusted surgical outcomes are potentially sensitive to the underlying methods used for risk adjustment. If a body of operations has a true level of risk that is higher than the estimated risk, then these operations might generate bias in the output of these reports. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of unaccounted risk on the results of a surgical outcomes report. Study Design We constructed a model simulating a universe of 500 hospitals, each providing care to 1,500 patients in a given year. The likelihood of morbidity and mortality for each of these patients was drawn from a random sampling of patients in the American College of Surgeons NSQIP. A single additional hospital was also simulated, within which a certain proportion (proportion varied from 2% to 10%) of patients had a significantly higher (odds ratio varied from 1 to 5) actual likelihood of mortality. Results The presence of even a small proportion (2%) of patients with unaccounted risk had the potential to greatly increase the likelihood of a hospital being considered a statistical outlier (poor performer). This impact was greater in the assessment of complications than mortality. Conclusions This study shows that even a small proportion of patients with substantial levels of unaccounted risk can have a dramatic impact on the assessment of hospital-level risk-adjusted surgical outcomes. To avoid the unintended consequences associated with risk-averse behavior from providers, policy should be constructed to address this potential source of bias.
Enantioselective Synthesis of the 5–6–7 Carbocyclic Core of the Gagunin Diterpenoids

A catalytic enantioselective double allylic alkylation reaction has been employed in the synthesis of the core of the gagunin diterpenoids. Enantioenriched material was advanced in 11 steps to afford the core of the highly oxygenated target, which includes two all-carbon quaternary stereocenters.
Homogenization of fully nonlinear, uniformly elliptic and parabolic partial differential equations in stationary ergodic media

We study the homogenization of fully nonlinear, uniformly elliptic and parabolic second-order partial differential equations in stationary ergodic media . c 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface elevation change of the Greenland ice sheet from an analysis of Seasat and Geosat altimeter data

The author calculates the average change in surface elevation from 1978 to 1985 of the Greenland ice sheet using satellite altimeter data processed with the S/V, ESA, and a threshold retracking algorithm. These measurements are then compared with the results obtained by the NASA retracking algorithm. The surface-elevation change was determined using 6272 crossover points computed from the Seasat and Geosat satellites. The results show that all three retracking algorithms produce a significantly smaller growth estimate than the previously reported NASA result. Based upon a comparison of crossover-point standard deviations, this analysis indicates that the growth estimates produced by the S/V, ESA, and threshold retracking algorithms are more accurate than the NASA growth estimate. An analysis of the NASA fits indicates that a mixing of 5 and 9 parameter functional fits on the four waveforms adjacent to a crossover point occurs in over 78% of the dataset. The mixing of the functional fits is shown to reduce the repeatability of the NASA elevations and this results in a larger and less accurate estimate of the growth of the Greenland ice sheet. >
Loading and Sequencing on Parallel Machines

We consider the problem of scheduling jobs on parallel machines to minimize flowtime, where all decisions about loading and sequencing must be made before any processing is done. We find policies that minimize flowtime stochastically or in the increasing convex sense under various assumptions.
P-, L- and C-band polarimetric radar measurements of coastal zone forest and other surface covers

Several synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data sets were acquired over the coastal zone of Louisiana and Mississippi, since 1978's Seasat SAR to 1991's NASA DC-8-borned P-, L- and C-band full polarization AIRSAR. With more than 15 years of experience on the analyses of these data sets, coastal zone surface features delineation would be most desirable to use ecologically-oriented surface covers. Those vegetation species-oriented surface covers classification may be pertinent for forest inventory and pine plantation biomass estimation, but not suitable for coastal zone environment. The author needs to take full advantage of the dynamic range of SAR data for the delineation of a variety of surface features ranging from detection of shadow-water sediments to swamp forest with standing water. >
Lysogenic Activity of Enhancer Caltrin and the Influence of Phospholipids on Its Expression

Enhancer caltrin permeabilizes the plasma membrane of bovine epididymal spermatozoa as indicated by the release of hyaluronidase from the acrosome and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the sperm cytosol. A previously reported increased calcium uptake by the sperm in the presence of enhancer caltrin was apparently due, in part, to calcium entry into the mitochondria, which had become accessible to external calcium. At 37 microM (200 micrograms/ml), enhancer caltrin released about 30% of the total hyaluronidase in the acrosome and 50% of the cytosolic LDH from epididymal sperm (4 x 10(7)/ml). This event was prevented by phosphatidylserine (PS), presumably through caltrin-phospholipid complex formation, whereas phosphatidylcholine (PC) was ineffective. Cardiolipin induced the release of LDH and this too was prevented by enhancer caltrin. Lysophosphatidylserine (LPS), on the other hand, potentiated the lysogenic activity of enhancer caltrin, promoting the release of the full complement of hyaluronidase and LDH even at a molar ratio of only 1:1 with caltrin. The effect of mixtures of LPS and PS on the lysogenic property of enhancer caltrin was investigated, and it was found that PS suppressed the potentiating effect of LPS. Release of hyaluronidase and LDH took place only when the LPS/PS molar ratio was greater than 2. The implications of these findings for the role of caltrin in mammalian fertilization are discussed.
VIP terminals, axons, and neurons: Distribution throughout the length of monkey and cat spinal cord

The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was mapped by peroxidase immunocytochemistry in the spinal cords of seven Macaca fascicularis monkeys and two cats. The animals were perfusion fixed with different chemicals. Those that were perfused with either a Zamboni fixative or 5% acrolein had significantly greater immunoreactivity outside the sacral cords; those fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde had little in nonsacral regions. VIP-like immunoreactive (VIP) axons and terminals were found in the superficial dorsal horn, reticular nucleus of lamina V, intermediomedial nucleus, and lamina X at all levels from C2 to S4; a few axons and terminals were also seen in the ventral horn. Axons were found in Lissauer's tract at all levels, and axons appeared in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral white matter at midthoracic levels; in the lumbosacral cord the number and extent of axons in the lateral and ventral white matter increased progressively in a caudal direction. VIP neurons were identified in thoracic intermediate gray lateral to the central canal and in the intercalatus (IC) and intermediolateral (IML) nuclei. Electron microscopy of the VIP terminals in laminae I and II of the cervical cord revealed they contain small round vesicles and many large granular vesicles; some are glomerular terminals and most form asymmetrical synaptic contacts onto dendrites. These results indicate (1) VIP is much more widely distributed in the spinal cord than previously thought; (2) VIP may be associated with both visceral thoracic and lumbosacral afferents, and with other afferents in the cervical cord; (3) VIP neurons are present in the thoracic intermediate gray; and (4) VIP axons in the ventral and lateral white matter indicate that the spinal cord is supplied in part by VIP sources other than primary afferents.
Biochemical and histopathological correlation in liver transplant: the first 180 days.

It is not known whether the histopathology of the liver allograft can be predicted from biochemical measurements in serum with the same confidence as in the native liver. To answer this question we compared the histopathological diagnoses in 170 biopsy specimens from 70 adult transplant recipients obtained during the first 180 days, with the concentrations of the serum bilirubin and the activities of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase measured at the same time. The most frequent diagnosis was cholestasis (n = 45), which was mild, moderate or severe and which may have been complicated by rejection (n = 28) or ischemia (n = 14). Hepatitis (n = 14), ischemia with rejection (n = 6) and spotty focal necrosis (n = 6) were diagnosed less frequently. Fifteen biopsy specimens were reported as histopathologically normal. In general, biochemical measurements discriminated poorly between different histopathological diagnoses. The histopathologically normal liver often showed an abnormal pattern of enzymes and an increase in the serum bilirubin level. As a result histopathologically normal biopsy specimens were indistinguishable biochemically from those with hepatitis. When two pathological conditions were found to coexist (e.g., cholestasis with either rejection or ischemic necrosis, or ischemic necrosis with rejection), the effect on the serum biochemistry was usually not additive and in some instances returned the biochemical abnormalities toward normal. With the exception of the serum bilirubin level, which increased with the severity of uncomplicated cholestasis, we could not identify a specific pattern of biochemical changes corresponding to a given histopathological diagnosis. We suggest that until more specific noninvasive methods of monitoring the transplanted liver are developed protocol liver biopsies offer the best means of identifying significant pathological conditions in liver allografts. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:688–693.)
Joint optimization of transceivers with fractionally spaced equalizers

In this paper we propose a method for joint optimization of transceivers with fractionally spaced equalization (FSE). We use the effective single-input multiple-output (SIMO) model for the fractionally spaced receiver. Since the FSE is used at the receiver, the optimized precoding scheme should be changed correspondingly. Simulation shows that the proposed method demonstrates remarkable improvement for jointly optimal linear transceivers as well as transceivers with decision feedback.
Tuning the superconducting properties of magnesium diboride

This work is presented in the following order: A review of the relevant physics and discussion of theoretical predictions for a two gap superconducting compound is given in chapter 2. Chapter 3 provides a review of the basic properties of MgB{sub 2}. Details of sample synthesis and characterization are given in chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents normal state and superconducting properties of Mg(B{sub 1-x}C{sub x}){sub 2} wires. Attempts to increase critical current densities in filaments via titanium additions are discussed in chapter 6. In chapters 7 and 8 alternative methods for synthesizing doped MgB{sub 2} powders are explored. In chapter 7 we synthesize Mg(B{sub 1-x}C{sub x}){sub 2} up to x=0.069 using a mixture of Mg, B, and the binary compound B{sub 4}C. Chapter 8 explores an alternative method, plasma spray synthesis, to produce nanometer sized doped boron powders for powder-in-tube applications. The effects of neutron irradiation on pure MgB{sub 2} wires is discussed in chapter 9. This is followed by a study of the effects of neutron irradiation on Mg(B{sub .962}C{sub .038}){sub 2} wires, presented in chapter 10. I will summarize the results of all of these studies in chapter 11 and discuss future directions for research in understanding the physics behind this novel material as well as its development for practical applications. In this thesis I have presented the results of investigations into the changes in the superconducting properties of MgB{sub 2} as a function of carbon doping and neutron irradiation. The goal has been to understand the physics underlying this unique two-gap superconductor as different types of perturbations are made to the system. Such knowledge not only contributes to our understanding of two-gap superconductivity, but could potentially lead to the development of superconducting MgB{sub 2} wires for the use in power applications near 20 K.
A framework to monitor environment-induced major genes for developmental trajectories : implication for a prenatal cocaine exposure study

Whether there are specific genes involved in response to different environmental agents and how such genes regulate developmental trajectories during lifetime are of fundamental importance in health, clinical and pharmaceutical research. In this article, we present a novel statistical model for monitoring environment-induced genes of major effects on longitudinal outcomes of a trait. This model is derived within the maximum likelihood framework, incorporated by mathematical aspects of growth and developmental processes. A typical structural model is implemented to approximate time-dependent covariance matrices for the longitudinal trait. This model allows for a number of biologically meaningful hypothesis tests regarding the effects of major genes on overall growth trajectories or particular stages of development. It can be used to test whether and how major genetic effects are expressed differently under altered environmental agents. In a well-designed case-control study, our model has been employed to detect cocaine-dependent genes that affect growth trajectories for head circumference during childhood. The detected gene triggers significant effects on growth curves in both cocaine-exposed (case) and unexposed groups (control), but with different extents. Significant genotype-environment interactions due to this so-called environment-sensitive gene are promising for further studies toward its genomic mapping using polymorphic molecular markers.
Optimization of anti-reflective coatings for CIGS solar cells via real time spectroscopic ellipsometry

In this study, we have optimized the anti-reflective coating for Cu(In1−xGax)Se2 (CIGS) absorbers. The structure of the CIGS solar device has been intensively monitored using in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry, and the thickness has been optimized to optically enhance the performance of the device. Various simulation techniques have been employed to optimize the thickness of the AR coating and this modeling has been correlated with experimental results to obtain the highest efficiency for the device. The overall efficiency has increased approximately by 5% with the new optimized AR coating and the device parameters for the best cells are reported.
Abolishing Fair Use

Fair use has long been one of the problem children of copyright law. It was created and lives in a state of conflict. Its purpose is to allow one person to infringe on the copyright held by another, which may not sit well with the copyright holder. But its purpose is also to provide a means for new and different uses of copyrighted works. This allows for knowledge and learning to develop, which most people consider good.Fair use is also misunderstood. It is not a right – as in “I have a fair use right to copy that article”. Legally, it is an exemption from infringement under limited and specified circumstances. More importantly, it is considered a defense to infringement that is raised after the infringement has already taken place. Finally, fair use is complex and confusing. The fair use doctrine outlines a series of factors to determine if a use is fair or not. Those factors include requiring that the use for a specific beneficial purpose such as research, teaching, criticism or comment, news reporting and inquiring about the purpose of the use, the nature of the work being used, the amount used, and the effect on the market for the work. Because of all the variables, whether a use is fair is often uncertain, and can’t be made certain absent a lawsuit and court decision. As a result, fair use is often underused or overused, and the subject of litigation such as the current lawsuit between Google and the Author's Guild over the Google Print program.
Adaptively perturbing localized state space in data assimilation of wildfire spread simulation

Real time data can be assimilated into the simulation model using sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods to improve the estimation of the wildfire spread simulation. The standard SMC methods algorithm uses a fixed number of particles and doesn't have run-time state inference estimation and particle convergence characterization. Therefore, the convergence of particles cannot be guaranteed and a large number of particles are required to ensure that the state space is effectively covered by the particles and the particles can converge to the true posterior of the system state. For wildfire spread simulation, the system has a large spatial state and its system behaviors are heterogeneous in different areas. This type of heterogeneous and spatial-temporal dynamic behavior results in non-uniform and dynamic changing uncertainty of state inference. In this paper, we develop the algorithm to adaptively perturb the localized state space to achieve more effective coverage of the state space. The experimental results show that more accurate results are obtained by adaptively perturbing the localized state space for data assimilation of wildfire spread simulation.
Value Investing Through the Lens of Campbell-Shiller

Value investors and finance academics have different methods for forecasting returns. Value investing focuses on purchasing assets that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic values, as determined through a framework designed to quantify the potential worth of underlying cash flows or liquidated assets. The Campbell-Shiller identity is a celebrated academic formula that connects current dividend yield to future returns, dividend growth, and dividend yield. The authors expand and apply the Campbell-Shiller relationship to earnings yield and earnings growth, and demonstrate that traditional value investing and the Campbell-Shiller identity provide the same investment advice illustrate their similarities in an example with two specific securities. Using sell-side projections, the authors show that the Campbell-Shiller formula is an effective screening tool that can be used in tandem with traditional value analysis.