cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CAFTA, CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS, AND THE ROLE OF SPECIAL INTERESTS

This paper analyzes the passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in 2005, paying particular attention to the role of campaign contributions. The CAFTA vote is significant in that the context in which it occurred was one in which campaign contributions were more likely to influence votes. By more carefully identifying the special interest groups actively involved in the CAFTA debate, I provide a more accurate assessment of the impact of the contributions made by these groups. I use instrumental variables to control for the potential endogeneity of campaign contributions and find that these contributions played at best a secondary role in determining the outcome of the CAFTA vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Influence of Surface Segregation on the Mechanical Property of Metallic Alloy Nanowires

The influence of surface segregation on the elastic properties of Pt-M (M = Ni, Co, or Fe) nanowires (NWs) are examined by comparing the predicted Young's moduli of the segregated and non-segregated nanowires using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the computed stress-strain curves under tensile loading using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. The moduli of the segregated NWs were found to be higher than that of the non-segregated ones. It is believed that the surface segregation increases the number of Pt-M bonds across the outermost and second surface layers, and thus enhances the Young's modulus of the segregated Pt-M nanowires. MD results confirm our DFT results and it is found that onset of plastic deformation could be altered by the surface segregation process, as well.
Hydration of Magnesium Oxide in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the only engineered barrier being emplaced in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a U.S. Department of Energy repository for transuranic waste. MgO will lower dissolved concentrations of actinides by consuming CO2 from possible microbial activity, by buffering the pH between 8.5 and 9.5, and by reducing the amount of free water in the repository. This paper discusses results from experiments measuring the hydration of MgO. Results suggest that periclase (MgO) hydrates rapidly to brucite (Mg(OH)2) in deionized water and 4 M NaCl solution at 90°C; the hydration rate decreases as temperature decreases. In ERDA-6, a NaCl-rich WIPP brine, MgO hydrates directly to brucite; in GWB, a high-Mg brine, periclase hydrates to magnesium chloride hydroxide hydrate(s) until the dissolved Mg 2+ concentration decreases, and brucite becomes the stable phase. Under humid conditions MgO fully hydrates at higher humidities(> 50%). All data are consistent with diffusion-limited hydration reactions.
Scripturalization and the Aaronide Dynasties

Priests claiming descent from Aaron controlled the high priesthood of temples in Jerusalem and on Mount Gerizim in the Second Temple period. These Aaronides were in a position to influence religious developments in this period, especially the scripturalization of the Torah. The priests’ dynastic claims were probably a significant factor in the elevation of the Pentateuch to scriptural status. This claim can be tested by correlating what little we know about the Aaronide dynasties with what little we know about the scripturalization of two different portions of the Hebrew Bible, the Pentateuch and Ezra–Nehemiah.
Indicators to improve clinical quality across an integrated health care system

Purpose. To describe key historical and operational elements of change that may assist an organization to develop quality indicators for implementing a strategic plan to improve care, align health care improvement efforts with national directions, and examine the types of medication indicators used to assess these changes. Setting. The Baylor Health Care System (BHCS) is an integrated health care delivery organization in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. It includes 11 hospitals with 83 000 admissions per year and 47 primary care and senior centers with more than 500 000 visits annually. Intervention. Following a charter by the BHCS Board of Trustees to develop a health care quality improvement strategic plan, BHCS undertook a system-wide effort to improve care supported by the use of clinical quality indicators. Results. Consistent with the direction of the US Institute of Medicine, BHCS has implemented a clinical indicator system focused on measures of health care underuse, overuse, and misuse. These indicators demonstrated the accomplishments of speciWc process of care improvements throughout BHCS. Despite implementing Web-enabled error reporting systems and pilot work with an adverse drug event hospital medical record abstraction tool, BHCS indicators of medication misuse continue to be in a formative stage, much like the national consensus. Conclusion. Organizational, compensatory, and cultural commitments may be important for successful implementation of clinical indicator initiatives by health care systems. Using clinical indicators to establish baseline performance and to assess the effectiveness of proposed quality improvements provides quantitative and qualitative means to identify and disseminate best care practices. Although indicators to measure underuse of clinically necessary care are well established, there remains a need to achieve consensus regarding practicable medication quality indicators for overuse, misuse, and adverse drug events.
Joint space-time image sequence segmentation: object tunnels and occlusion volumes

Spatial segmentation of image sequences is usually computed based on motion between two frames. Some recent approaches extend this to joint segmentation in space-time; the resulting 3D segmentation (in x-y-t space) can be interpreted as a volume "carved out" by a moving object in the image sequence domain, or the so-called "object tunnel". We extend this concept to explicit modeling of occlusion events in the x-y-t space. In addition to the modeling of object evolution, we also model occluded and newly-exposed areas in the background and in the object by means of an "occlusion volume", a new space-time concept. We propose a variational formulation of the problem that we solve using the multiphase level set method. We show experimental results for synthetic and natural image sequences.
Richard Cohn, Audacious Euphony: Chromaticism and the Triad's Second Nature

When we think of the development of harmonic syntax throughout the nineteenth century, some version of a typical emplotment may come to mind—a story told to us many times, one we have probably even...
Similarity and Attractiveness in Social Perception: Differentiating Between Biases for the Self and the Beautiful

An impressive empirical literature suggests that physical attractiveness is associated with interpersonal attraction and with specific personality traits, some of which are favorable and many of which are objectively unrelated to attractiveness. Interestingly, much of the research investigating the impact of attractiveness on liking and personality inference has not accounted for the role of the self in social perception. In this project I investigated the possibility that perceptual similarity between the self and target contributes to differential judgments of attractive and unattractive individuals. Participants completed self-ratings of physical attractiveness and evaluated a target who was high, medium, or low in physical attractiveness. As expected, participants rated themselves as relatively attractive and as similar on attractiveness to attractive targets. Target evaluations varied as a function of target attractiveness; however, self-ratings on attractiveness moderated the impact of target attrac...
A critique of the paper "statistical evaluation of the effectiveness of alcohol safety action"

This critique refutes Zador's claim [1976] that Alcohol Safety Action Projects, as large scale social programs have been ineffective. The discussion takes issue with Zador's comparison groups, statistical design, statistical methods, and use of 12-month fatality totals for data analysis. In addition to weaknesses and deficiencies in these areas, the authors find Zador's conclusion unfounded based on the analysis presented.
Degenerate four-wave mixing of femtosecond pulses in an absorbing dye jet

Intracavity measurements of degenerate four-wave mixing have been performed with femtosecond laser pulses to determine the phase relaxation time of the absorbing dye, diethyloxadicarbocyanine iodide (DODCI), in ethylene glycol. The influence of various broadening mechanisms (homogeneous, inhomogeneous, cross relaxation) and pulse parameters (frequency, pulse shape, phase modulation, and energy) is investigated. The dependence of the signal energy on probe delay is found to be strongly affected by the phase modulation of the pulse; hence determination of the phase relaxation time requires accurate diagnostics of the laser source. The rise of the signal provides an upper limit of 10 fsec for the phase relaxation time of the main absorption band of the dye DODCI. The decay of the signal is found to be related to the phase relaxation time of a two-photon absorption in the same dye. Accurate fitting of the data with the theory yields 50 ± 10 fsec for the dephasing time of the two-photon excitation in DODCI.
The effect of absorbed hydrogen on the corrosion behavior of NdFeB alloys

The effect of hydrogen on the corrosion behavior of sintered NdFeB alloyed with different elements (Co-V and Nb) is compared using electrochemical galvanostatic and potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 6M KOH. Experimental results show that cathodic currents inject or 'charge' hydrogen into the NdFeB lattice, which can then be oxidized or 'discharged' by the application of anodic currents. Corrosion resistance can be quantified in terms of exchange currents which are shown to be a function of hydrogen content and selection of alloying elements.
Low levels of nitrogen addition stimulate decomposition by boreal forest fungi

Climate warming and associated increases in nutrient mineralization may increase the availability of soil nitrogen (N) in high latitude ecosystems, such as boreal forests. These changes in N availability could feed back to affect the decomposition of litter and organic matter by soil microbes. Since fungi are important decomposers in boreal forest ecosystems, we conducted a 69-day incubation study to examine N constraints on fungal decomposition of organic substrates common in boreal ecosystems, including cellulose, lignin, spruce wood, spruce needle litter, and moss litter. We added 0, 20, or 200 mg N to vials containing 200 mg substrate in factorial combination with five fungal species isolated from boreal soil, including an Ascomycete, a Zygomycete, and three Basidiomycetes. We hypothesized that N addition would increase CO2 mineralization from the substrates, particularly those with low N concentrations. In addition we predicted that Basidiomycetes would be more effective decomposers than the other fungi, but would respond weakly or negatively to N additions. In support of the first hypothesis, cumulative CO2 mineralization increased from 635 � 117 to 806 þ 108 mg C across all fungal species and substrates in response to 20 mg added N; however, there was no significant increase at the highest level of N addition. The positive effect of N addition was only significant on cellulose and wood substrates which contained very little N. We also observed clear differences in the substrate preferences of the fungal species. The Zygomycete mineralized little CO2 from any of the substrates, while the Basidiomycetes mineralized all of the substrates except spruce needles. However, the Ascomycete (Penicillium) was surprisingly efficient at mineralizing spruce wood and was the only species that substantially mineralized spruce litter. The activities of b-glucosidase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase were strongly correlated with cumulative respiration (r ¼ 0.78 and 0.74, respectively), and Penicillium was particularly effective at producing these enzymes. On moss litter, the different fungal species produced enzymes that targeted different chemical components. Overall, our results suggest that fungal species specialize on different organic substrates, and only respond to N addition on low N substrates, such as wood. Furthermore, the response to N addition is non-linear, with the greatest substrate mineralization at intermediate N levels.
Profiles of Low-Level Stratus Cloud Microphysics Deduced from Ground-Based Measurements

The microwave radiometer‐derived cloud liquid water path (LWP) and a profile of radar reflectivity are used to derive a profile of cloud liquid water content (LWC). Two methods (M1 and M2) have been developed for inferring the profile of cloud-droplet effective radius (re) in liquid phase or liquid dominant mixed phase stratocumulus clouds. The M1-inferred re profile is proportional to a previously derived layer-mean re and to the ratio of the radar reflectivity to the integrated radar reflectivity. This algorithm is independent of the radar calibration and is applicable to overcast low-level stratus clouds that occur during the day because it is dependent on solar transmission observations. In order to extend the retrieval algorithm to a wider range of conditions, a second method is described that uses an empirical relationship between effective radius and radar reflectivity based on theory and the results of M1. Sensitivity studies show that the surface-retrieved re is more sensitive to the variation of radar reflectivity when the radar reflectivity is large, and the uncertainties of retrieved re related to the assumed vertically constant cloud-droplet number concentration and shape of the size distribution are about 9% and 2%, respectively. For validation, a total of 10 h of aircraft data and 36 h of surface data were collected over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site during the March 2000 cloud intensive observational period (IOP). More detailed comparisons in two cases quantify the agreement between the aircraft data and the surface retrievals. When the temporal averages of the two datasets increase from 1 min to 30 min, the means and standard deviations of differences between the two datasets decrease from 22.5% 6 84% to 1.3% 6 42.6% and their corresponding correlation coefficients increase from 0.47 to 0.8 for LWC; and decrease from 24.8% 6 36.4% to 23.3% 6 22.5% with increased coefficients from 0.64 to 0.94 for re (both M1 and M2). The agreement between the aircraft and surface data in the 30-min averages suggests that the two platforms are capable of characterizing the cloud microphysics over this temporal scale. On average, the surface retrievals are unbiased relative to the aircraft in situ measurements. However, when only the 1-min averaged aircraft data within 3 km of the surface site were selected, the means and standard deviations of differences between the two datasets are larger (23.4% 6 113% for LWC and 28.3% 6 60.7% for re) and their correlation coefficients are smaller (0.32 for LWC and 0.3 for re) than those from all 1-min samples. This result suggests that restricting the comparison to the samples better matched in space and time between the surface and aircraft data does not result in a better comparison.
Multiples can be useful (at times) to Enhance Imaging, by Providing an Approximate Image of an Unrecorded Primary, but its always Primaries that are Migrated or Imaged

Primaries are seismic reflection events with one reflection in their history, whereas multiples are events that have experienced more than one reflection. Migration was originally, and remains today, basically and unequivocally about taking a primary event on a recorded seismic trace in time, and to locate where in space that reflection event was generated by a reflector; that concept assumes the event in time has only one reflection in its history. Since, by definition, only primaries have experienced one reflector in their history, migration relates to and only has meaning for primaries. Migration has no meaning for multiples. We will see in this paper that not only did the original definition of migration only have meaning for primaries, but, in addition, when using the most complete physically interpretable and quantitative imaging condition for wave equation migration that only primaries contribute to the image at any reflector, in depth, and both free surface and internal multiples do not. However, we also show that multiples can be useful (at times) by providing an approximate image of an unrecorded primary.
Peacekeeping Efforts Some Fly, Some Flop

(1990). Peacekeeping Efforts Some Fly, Some Flop. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 46, The Arms Race Shifts to the Third World, pp. 43-47.
Structure and thermochemistry of K 2 Rb, KRb 2 , and K 2 Rb 2

The formation and interaction of ultracold polar molecules is a topic of active research. Understanding possible reaction paths and molecular combinations requires accurate studies of the fragment and product energetics. We have calculated accurate gradient optimized ground-state structures and zero-point corrected atomization energies for the trimers and tetramers formed by the reaction of KRb with KRb and corresponding isolated atoms. The K{sub 2}Rb and KRb{sub 2} trimers are found to have global minima at the C{sub 2v} configuration with atomization energies of 6065 and 5931 cm{sup -1} while the tetramer is found to have two stable planar structures, of D{sub 2h} and C{sub s} symmetry, which have atomization energies of 11131 cm{sup -1} and 11133 cm{sup -1}, respectively. We have calculated the minimum energy reaction path for the reaction KRb + KRb to K{sub 2} + Rb{sub 2} and found it to be barrierless.
Adolescent Pregnancy in Nicaragua: Trends, Policies, and Practices

Nicaragua has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in all of Latin America. This reality coupled with the significant poverty nationwide and reduction in aid in tough economic times presents many challenges for this Central American country. Nicaragua, however, is unique for Central America in which it has a vibrant history rooted in activism and fighting for social and economic justice. The information in this chapter will provide a historical context, current psychosocial, public health, and medical conditions, in the country, and recommendations for future policy and practice. One of the major preventative factors in terms of maternal and infant health is access and quality of health care services. Women in Nicaragua who do not have access to good health services are more likely to suffer complications in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Additionally, adolescents with higher educational levels and career aspirations are more likely to defer marriage and parenting until later on in life. Until 2006, abortion was legal in Nicaragua when the health and life of the mother was in danger. In 2006, however, the National Assembly of Nicaragua enacted and the president signed a total ban of abortion in Nicaragua. This ban includes any form of medical attention to pregnant girls and women that may endanger the life of the fetus, including treatment for cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, or cardiac emergencies. The law also makes no distinction between abortion and miscarriage, thus potentially violating the human rights of women who experience a miscarriage through no fault of their own. Finally, the law criminalizes medical practitioners who provide any treatment to pregnant females that endanger the life of the unborn child. Since the total ban on abortion was enacted, maternal deaths have increased. There has also been an increase in pregnant teenagers committing suicide.
Growing up in poverty and civic engagement: The role of kindergarten executive function and play predicting participation in 8th grade extracurricular activities

ABSTRACTIn the United States a “civic engagement gap” persists between low-income youth and their higher-income counterparts. To examine the developmental origins of civic engagement in a sample of U.S. children growing up in poverty, a conceptual model was tested employing the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class (ECLS-K) national data set. Using generalized linear models, we examined the contributions of kindergarten children’s executive function and exposure to classroom based play to participation in different extracurricular activities in 8th grade. Results suggest that executive function is a significant predictor of participation in drama and music clubs, sports and number of hours spent in extracurricular activities. Play was also a significant predictor of participation in school clubs, while controlling for executive function. These findings provide initial evidence of a developmental trajectory toward civic engagement beginning in early childhood.
Resistance to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity and associated bioenergetic consequences in a population of Fundulus heteroclitus

Several locations in the Elizabeth River, VA, USA are highly contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to the release of creosote mixtures from wood treatment facilities. Interestingly, some populations of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting the Elizabeth River (ER) are resistant to PAH-induced teratogenesis. However, evolutionary resistance to PAHs due to chronic PAH exposure is associated with reduced fitness and increased susceptibility to other environmental stressors in at least one PAH-resistant ER killifish population. More specifically, wild-caught and first generation PAH-resistant juvenile killifish have altered metabolic demands when compared to non-resistant fish. Herein, we investigated this association further by examining a previously under-studied population captured from the creosote-contaminated site Republic Creosoting (Rep). We assessed PAH toxicity and effects on energy metabolism in Rep killifish in comparison with killifish from the reference site Kings Creek (KC). Following exposures to simple and complex PAH mixtures, Rep killifish exhibited several phenotypes associated with PAH resistance including decreased incidences of developmental cardiovascular deformities and recalcitrant cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) activity. We evaluated bioenergetics in killifish embryos throughout development and found elevated basal oxygen consumption rates in Rep embryos relative to KC embryos. Furthermore, juvenile F1 Rep fish had significantly lower maximal metabolic rates and aerobic scopes than KC juveniles. These results suggest that populations of killifish that have adapted or evolved to withstand the toxicity associated with PAHs consequently have altered energetic metabolism or demands. Such consequences could result in an enhanced vulnerability to other environmental and anthropogenic stressors in PAH-resistant killifish.
Graphs, Part II: More Advanced Notions

In this section, we take a closer look at the structure of cycles in a finite graph G. It turns out that there is a dual notion to that of a cycle, the notion of a cocycle.
Development of a small-scale solar thermochemical energy storage system

Solar thermal energy has the potential to supply clean energy for applications such as heating or cooking, however times of high solar intensity are often misaligned with the diurnal or seasonal demand for thermal energy. Solar thermochemical energy storage systems (STESS) based on reversible reactions are promising solutions due to their high volumetric energy density and ability to store energy indefinitely. Reversible salt hydrate reactions are functional at low decomposition temperatures and have higher energy densities than sensible or latent heat storage. To enhance heat transfer, improve durability, and prevent agglomeration, a non-reactive matrix material is used, typically made of porous substances such as activated carbon, vermiculite, or expanded graphite. Presented here is a proof-of-concept which addresses the challenge of storing thermal energy on a seasonal or diurnal timeframe with a hybrid evacuated tube-solar concentrator reactor. Discharge temperatures of the prototype are relevant for ubiquitous residential thermal needs such as hot water or cooking. Experimental testing has proven the material can be sufficiently scaled. Outdoor trials showed that this reactor design can achieve significant desorption at the required temperatures with minimal tracking efforts, especially when augmented with provisions to increase mass flow. Included is a discussion of a future vision of how energy impoverished areas can benefit from this concept.
Prevalence of dyspnea among hospitalized patients at the time of admission

Abstract Context Dyspnea is an uncomfortable and distressing sensation experienced by hospitalized patients. Objectives There is no large-scale study of the prevalence and intensity of patient-reported dyspnea at the time of admission to the hospital. Methods Between March 2014 and September 2016, we conducted a prospective cohort study among all consecutive hospitalized patients at a single tertiary care center in Boston, MA. During the first 12 hours of admission to medical-surgical and obstetric units, nurses at our institution routinely collect a patient's 1) current level of dyspnea on a 0–10 scale with 10 anchored at "unbearable," 2) worst dyspnea in the past 24 hours before arrival at the hospital on the same 0–10 scale, and 3) activities that were associated with dyspnea before admission. The prevalence of dyspnea was identified, and tests of difference were performed across patient characteristics. Results We analyzed 67,362 patients, 12% of whom were obstetric patients. Fifty percent of patients were admitted to a medical-surgical unit after treatment in the emergency department. Among all noncritically ill inpatients, 16% of patients experienced dyspnea in the 24 hours before the admission. Twenty-three percent of patients admitted through the emergency department reported any dyspnea in the past 24 hours. Eleven percent experienced some current dyspnea when interviewed within 12 hours of admission with 4% of patients experiencing dyspnea that was rated 4 or greater. Dyspnea of 4 or more was present in 43% of patients admitted with respiratory diagnoses and 25% of patients with cardiovascular diagnoses. After multivariable adjustment for severity of illness and patient comorbidities, patients admitted on the weekend or during the overnight nursing shift were more likely to report dyspnea on admission. Conclusion Dyspnea is a common symptom among all hospitalized patients. Routine documentation of dyspnea is feasible in a large tertiary care center.
Health Care: Efficiency and Equity

In this essay I shall present and analyze the basic free-market approach to the provision of health care. I shall not attempt to offer any definitive judgment on its merits, for such a judgment, I will argue, depends both on moral theory and on detailed empirical evidence, and I do not have this evidence. Instead I shall first sketch out the general free-market approach to the provision of medical care and indicate how the basic approach must obviously be modified to deal with difficulties involved in the provision of medical care, especially to the elderly. Then I will argue that simple and global defenses or criticisms of the approach will not do. Whether it would be a good thing to introduce more incentives into health care provision is a difficult moral and empirical question. There are no short cuts that provide good, quick answers.
Radiation-Induced Lumbosacral Plexopathy

Radiation for pelvic malignancies can adversely affect nearby structures in the nervous system including the lumbosacral plexus. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy (RILSP) is the most commonly reported neurologic complication of pelvic radiation. There are no established predictive models for the development of RILSP, which often presents with distal lower extremity weakness followed by lower extremity sensory loss. Direct tumor involvement of plexus is more common than RILSP and is the most important differential consideration. Besides the history and neurologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electromyography (EMG) are the most important diagnostic tools. RILSP causes significant neurologic morbidity. In most cases, there is very slow recovery of neurologic function over years. There is no effective treatment to date.
A new trilevel optimization algorithm for the two- stage robust unit commitment problem

We present a new trilevel optimization algorithm to solve the robust two-stage unit commitment problem. In a robust unit commitment problem, first stage commitment decisions are made to anticipate the worst case realization of demand uncertainty and minimize operation cost under such scenarios. In our algorithm, we decomposed the trilevel problem into a master problem and a sub-problem. The master problem can be solved as a mixed-integer program and the sub-problem is solved as a linear program with complementary constraints with the big-M method. We then designed numerical experiments to test the performance of our algorithm against that of the Benders decomposition algorithm. The experiments shows that our algorithm performs consistently better than the Benders approach.
Automated detection of bird roosts using NEXRAD radar data and Convolutional Neural Networks

The funding from the NSF-DGE-1545261 grant helped make this research possible. We thank Sandra Pletschet for her time spent collecting the roost data and Dr. Phillip Chilson for his advice on the project. Some of the computing for this project was performed at the OU Supercomputing Center for Education & Research (OSCER) at the University of Oklahoma (OU). Article processing charges for this publication funded in part by the University of Oklahoma Libraries Open Access Fund.
Pharmacy resident involvement in prior-authorization drug request adjudication.

Purpose Results of a study to determine economic outcomes of pharmacy residents’ involvement in prior-authorization drug request (PADR) adjudication within a Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system are reported. Methods A retrospective review was conducted to identify PADRs adjudicated by pharmacy residents under a preceptor’s supervision during the 2015–16 residency year. Only PADRs that were not approved as submitted (i.e., only those requiring formulary intervention) and that met other inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Prior-authorization requests and adjudication decisions were characterized, and cost savings resulting from those decisions were calculated. Results Of the total of 752 PADRs adjudicated by 6 pharmacy residents during the study period, 42 met the inclusion criteria. About 90% of included PADRs were categorized as general medicine requests, and 9.5% were for oncology medications. The most common rationale for PADR nonapproval (cited in 60% of requests) was the availability of a preferred formulary alternative; the remainder of nonapprovals were due to medication safety concerns (e.g., contraindication to therapy, drug interaction potential, likelihood of adverse drug event resulting in patient harm, history of allergy to requested medication). Resident adjudication of PADRs resulted in total direct cost savings of $169,877.53 over the 12-month period, a mean of $4,044.70 per request. Conclusion Pharmacy residents’ involvement in adjudicating PADRs at a VA healthcare system resulted in substantial cost savings over the course of the residency year.
Ultra-low dose contrast CT pulmonary angiography in oncology patients using a high-pitch helical dual-source technology.

Purpose We aimed to determine if the image quality and vascular enhancement are preserved in computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) studies performed with ultra-low contrast and optimized radiation dose using high-pitch helical mode of a second generation dual source scanner. Methods We retrospectively evaluated oncology patients who had CTPA on a 128-slice dual-source scanner, with a high-pitch helical mode (3.0), following injection of 30 mL of Ioversal at 4 mL/s with body mass index (BMI) dependent tube potential (80-120 kVp) and current (130-150 mAs). Attenuation, noise, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in multiple pulmonary arteries. Three independent readers graded the images on a 5-point Likert scale for central vascular enhancement (CVE), peripheral vascular enhancement (PVE), and overall quality. Results There were 50 males and 101 females in our study. BMI ranged from 13 to 38 kg/m2 (22.8±4.4 kg/m2). Pulmonary embolism was present in 29 patients (18.9%). Contrast enhancement and SNR were excellent in all the pulmonary arteries (395.3±131.1 and 18.3±5.7, respectively). Image quality was considered excellent by all the readers, with average reader scores near the highest possible score of 5.0 (CVE, 4.83±0.48; PVE, 4.68±0.65; noise/quality, 4.78±0.47). The average radiation dose length product (DLP) was 161±60 mGy.cm. Conclusion Using a helical high-pitch acquisition technique, CTPA images of excellent diagnostic quality, including visualization of peripheral segmental/sub-segmental branches can be obtained using an ultra-low dose of iodinated contrast and low radiation dose.
Impact of Seasonal Net load Variation on Load Shedding Ratio in Islanded Microgrid Operation

Due to the absence of grid-tie and limited generation, Islanded microgrids (MGs) may experience a large frequency and voltage deviation which can lead to system collapse. Thus, load shedding is a commonly used technique to achieve a stable operation in remote islanded MGs. Optimal scheduling and effective coordination between local resources are essential to minimize load shedding and achieve a reliable operation. This paper presents an optimization model for optimal scheduling of islanded microgrid local resources to assure supply-demand balance and minimize the load-shedding amount as well as determining the optimal amount of load to be shed. The proposed model is a centralized scheduling model that performs a centralized operation and control. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) is used to formulate the proposed optimization model and solved using CPLEX tool. The influence of the seasonal net load variability on the model performance has been considered in this study. Numerical results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed operation model.
Learning Koopman Operators for Systems with Isolated Critical Points

The Koopman operator provides a way to transform a (potentially) nonlinear finite-dimensional dynamical system into an infinite-dimensional linear system by lifting the nonlinear state dynamics into a functional space of observables, where the dynamics are linear. Previous literature has claimed that it is not possible to represent nonlinear dynamics with multiple isolated critical points if the set of observables is finite and contains the state; more precisely, such a set cannot be invariant under the Koopman operator. In this paper, we investigate this claim in more detail and provide an analytical counterexample to disprove it. We also consider the convergence of discrete-time Koopman approximation error to the continuous-time error: we show both how this convergence occurs in general and how it can fail for systems with multiple isolated critical points. In particular, discontinuities in Koopman observables at the boundaries of basins of attraction may cause the continuoustime error to diverge; the discrete-time error also suffers from this as the sampling time step goes to zero.
Neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease may be incorrectly classified as a subtype of FTLD-FUS.

Background The majority of cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are characterized by focal cortical atrophy with an underlying tau or TDP-43 proteinopathy. A subset of FTLD cases, however, lack tau and TDP-43 immuno-reactivity, but have neuronal inclusions positive for ubiquitin, referred to as atypical FTLD (aFTLD-U). Studies have demonstrated that ubiquitin-positive inclusions in aFTLD-U are immuno-reactive for fused in sarcoma (FUS). As such, the current nosology for this entity is FTLD-FUS, which is thought to include not only aFTLD-U, but also neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease (NIFID) and basophilic inclusion body disease. Objective To compare pathological features of cases of aFTLD-U and NIFID. Methods We reviewed the neuropathology of 15 patients (10 males and 5 females; average age at death 54 years (range 41-69 years)) with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of a frontotemporal dementia and pathological diagnosis of aFTLD-U (n=8) or NIFID (n=7). Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy with FUS, TDP-43, and α-internexin (αINX) antibodies. Results Eight cases had pathologic features consistent with FTLD-FUS, with severe striatal atrophy (7/8 cases), as well as FUS-positive neuronal cytoplasmic and vermiform intranuclear inclusions, but no αINX immuno-reactivity. Five cases had features consistent with NIFID, with neuronal inclusions positive for both FUS and αINX. Striatal atrophy was present in only 2 of the NIFID cases. Two cases had αINX-positive neuronal inclusions consistent with NIFID, but both lacked striatal atrophy and FUS immunoreactivity. Surprisingly, one of these two NIFID cases had lesions immunoreactive for TDP-43. Discussion While FUS pathology remains a prominent feature of aFTLD-U, there is pathologic heterogeneity, including rare cases of NIFID with TDP-43- rather than FUS-positive inclusions.
Generalized Entanglement, Charges and Intertwiners

The entanglement theory in quantum systems with internal symmetries is rich due to the spontaneous creation of entangled pairs of charge/anti-charge particles at the entangling surface. We call these pair creation operators the bi-local intertwiners because of the role they play in the representation theory of the symmetry group. We define a generalized measure of entanglement entropy as a measure of information erased under restriction to a subspace of observables. We argue that the correct entanglement measure in the presence of charges is the sum of two terms; one measuring the entanglement of charge-neutral operators, and the other measuring the contribution of the bi-local intertwiners. Our expression is unambiguously defined in lattice models as well in quantum field theory (QFT). We use the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory to highlight the differences between QFT and lattice models, and discuss an extension of the algebra of QFT that leads to a factorization of the charged modes.
A Deep Learning Approach on Surrogate Model Optimization of a Cryogenic NGL Recovery Unit Operation

Abstract Natural gas liquids (NGL) are utilized in nearly all sectors of the economy such as feedstock for petrochemical plants and blended for vehicles fuel. In this work, the operation of a cryogenic expansion unit for the extraction of NGL is optimized through the implementation of data-driven techniques. The proposed approach is based on an optimization framework that integrates dynamic process simulations with two deep learning based surrogate models. The first model utilizes a recurrent neural network (RNN) based surrogate model to disclose the dynamics involved in the process. The second regression model is built to generate profit predictions of the process. The integration of these models allows the determination of the process operating conditions that maximize the hourly profit. Results from two case studies show the capabilities of the proposed optimization framework to find optimal operating conditions and improve the process profits.
Supporting a Merger of Entrepreneurship Curricula: Combining Organizational Frames and Theory of Change:

The field of entrepreneurship education is growing in both size and complexity within colleges and universities, leading to needed organization level adjustments. This applied case study (not a tea...
Vaccination Programs for Breeding Heifers using Combinations of Killed and Modified-Live BVDV Vaccines

Despite preventing morbidity and mortality in properly immunized cattle, sometimes bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) vaccines have failed to prevent reproductive consequences of BVDV infection, in particular, persistently infected animals. High (SN) titers may provide fetal protection in at-risk breeding heifers. Our objective was to test different types and sequences of administration of killed and modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines to determine which produced the greatest titer response.
Studies on the physiology of rickettsiae. III. Glucose phosphorylation and hexokinase activity in Coxiella burnetii.

Abstract Paretsky, D. (University of Kansas, Lawrence), R. A. Consigli, and C. M. Downs. Studies on the physiology of rickettsiae. III. Glucose phosphorylation and hexokinase activity in Coxiella burnetii. J. Bacteriol. 83:538–543. 1962.—Disrupted Coxiella burnetii preparations phosphorylate glucose by a hexokinase system. Glucose-6-phosphate-P32, synthesized by the rickettsiae in the presence of P32-labeled carbamyl phosphate and glucose, has been isolated as the barium salt and by ion exchange and paper chromatography. C. burnetii hexokinase activity is inhibited by high concentrations of adenosine mono-, di-, and triphosphates, suggesting similarities to hexokinase from other sources.
Interpretive Methodology and Delegations to Courts: Are ‘Common-Law Statutes’ Different?

It is hard to find consensus on questions of statutory interpretation. Debates rage on about the appropriate goals of interpretation and the best means of achieving those ends. Yet there is widespread agreement, even among traditional combatants on the statutory interpretation field, when it comes to so-called “common-law statutes.” Textualists concede that text is not controlling; originalists admit that judicial construction of common-law statutes need not be keyed to the specific intent of the enacting Congress; and staunch defenders of strict statutory stare decisis allow frequent departures from precedent.So what are common-law statutes? It is easy enough to name a few, and courts and commentators often do. The list always begins with the Sherman Act, and typically includes Section 1983, the Taft-Hartley Act, and statutory provisions on securities fraud. In the realm of intellectual property, scholars have argued that many of the major enactments make the cut. What is missing is any clear conception of what defines this special category, uniting common-law statutes and distinguishing them from the rest. The relevant case law and commentary reveal two features that are thought to qualify statutes like the Sherman Act for special treatment: Such statutes are written in broad terms and build on a tradition of common-lawmaking. In this Chapter, I argue that neither of the proposed distinctions is persuasive, as the relevant features are shared by many other statutes that do not appear on the privileged list. Any differences are in degree, not in kind.Of course, it is hardly uncommon for the law to mistake points on a continuum for separate categories, and the “common-law” label may serve as an easy — if mildly inaccurate — shorthand for the group of statutes that actively embrace lawmaking by courts. I hope to show, however, that the label is not so benign. Instead, the continuing fiction that there is a categorical difference between common-law statutes and “normal” statutes like, say, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, works to obscure the difficult line-drawing problems that interpreters otherwise would have to confront. If statutes like the Sherman Act and Title VII coexist on a scale of statutory vagueness, it is a mistake to suggest that questions of interpretive methodology switch on and off in an automatic fashion depending on whether the statute at hand is a common-law statute.An additional problem with the “common-law” label is that it diverts attention away from significant questions concerning delegations of lawmaking power to the judiciary. How should the legal system identify such delegations? When are they a good idea, and when should Congress rely on agencies instead? The notion that delegations to courts can be identified, and justified, simply by drawing an analogy to the Sherman Act conceals those issues from view. But once the label is peeled back, it becomes clear that our current treatment of common-law statutes raises more questions than it answers about delegations to courts.
AID-Initiated DNA Lesions Are Differentially Processed in Distinct B Cell Populations

Activation-induced deaminase (AID) initiates U:G mismatches, causing point mutations or DNA double-stranded breaks at Ig loci. How AID-initiated lesions are prevented from inducing genome-wide damage remains elusive. A differential DNA repair mechanism might protect certain non-Ig loci such as c-myc from AID attack. However, determinants regulating such protective mechanisms are largely unknown. To test whether target DNA sequences modulate protective mechanisms via altering the processing manner of AID-initiated lesions, we established a knock-in model by inserting an Sγ2b region, a bona fide AID target, into the first intron of c-myc. Unexpectedly, we found that the inserted S region did not mutate or enhance c-myc genomic instability, due to error-free repair of AID-initiated lesions, in Ag-stimulated germinal center B cells. In contrast, in vitro cytokine-activated B cells display a much higher level of c-myc genomic instability in an AID- and S region-dependent manner. Furthermore, we observe a comparable frequency of AID deamination events between the c-myc intronic sequence and inserted S region in different B cell populations, demonstrating a similar frequency of AID targeting. Thus, our study reveals a clear difference between germinal center and cytokine-activated B cells in their ability to develop genomic instability, attributable to a differential processing of AID-initiated lesions in distinct B cell populations. We propose that locus-specific regulatory mechanisms (e.g., transcription) appear to not only override the effects of S region sequence on AID targeting frequency but also influence the repair manner of AID-initiated lesions.
Elemental Abundances and Temperature Distributions in the Intra-Cluster Medium of the Perseus Cluster

Temperatures and iron abundances in two distinct regions of the Perseus Cluster, based on X-ray observations made with SPartan 1, are reported. Iron abundance values relative to solar are 0.81± 0.16 0.26 and 0.41± 0.25 0.41 , and the temperatures are 4.2± 0.1 0.2 × 107 K and 7.1± 0.6 0.8 × 107, for the regions 0′ to 5′ and 6′ to 20′ from the cluster center, respectively. The uncertainties are 90% confidence.