cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Warfarin Requirements during Concurrent Dicloxacillin Therapy

Objective:To report on a patient who required increased dosages of warfarin to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation while taking dicloxacillin.Case Summary:A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for an infected lymphocele and cellulitis. Based on microbiology results, dicloxacillin 500 mg by mouth 4 times daily was initiated to complete 14 days of treatment. Concurrently, a deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography. Enoxaparin 100 mg subcutaneously twice daily and warfarin 5 mg by mouth daily were initiated with an international normalized ratio (INR) goal of 2–3. The patient had a history of a supratherapeutic INR while on warfarin 5 mg daily. Throughout the 20-day hospitalization, her warfarin dose was steadily increased in an attempt to achieve a therapeutic INR. Required doses ranged from 7.5 to 15 mg daily. Two days after discontinuation of dicloxacillin and with administration of a 15-mg warfarin boost, the INR was therapeutic at 2.3. Enoxaparin was discontinued and the pati...
Cell pathology in mood disorders.

In new, exciting, neuroanatomic studies on postmortem tissues from patients with mood disorders, quantitative cytomorphologic differences can be shown at the microscopic level. These investigations provide direct evidence that mood disorders are characterized by marked reductions in glial cell number and density in addition to subtle alterations in the density and size of cortical neurons in frontolimbic brain regions. Importantly, this corresponds with clinical neuroimaging studies and preclinical animal studies that suggest cell atrophy, cell loss, or impairments in neuroplasticity and cellular resilience may underlie the neurobiology of major depressive disorder and bipolar manic-depressive disorder. Because this represents a departure from modern efforts to understand mood disorders, published reports are scarce and based on rather small sample sizes. This article reviews the current findings from postmortem studies on glial and neuronal cell counts in primary mood disorders and discusses a possible link between cellular changes and the action of psychotherapeutic drugs.
Synthesis of a four-coordinate titanium(iv) oxoanion via deprotonation and decarbonylation of complexed formate

Deprotonation of the titanium formate complex [Ar(t-Bu)N]3TiOC(O)H with LiN(i-Pr)2 resulted in the release of free CO and the formation of a titanium(IV) oxoanion complex, isolated as its lithium salt.
Homoepitaxial growth of iron and a real space view of reflection-high-energy-electron diffraction.

We report real space views of the homoepitaxial growth of Fe on Fe(001) whiskers observed by scanning tunneling microscopy. A measure of the surface diffusion of the Fe atoms is obtained over the temperature range of 20--250 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The effect of the diffusion kinetics is observed in the surface morphology as a decrease in the interface width with temperature. Measurements of reflection-high-energy-electron diffraction during growth allow a comparison of real and reciprocal space techniques.
Mutagenicity of derivatives and metabolites of 1-nitropyrene: activation by rat liver S9 and bacterial enzymes

Abstract The mutagenicity and activation requirements of purified synthetic derivatives and potential metabolites of 1-nitropyrene have been characterized in the Ames plate incorporation assay with the Salmonella tester strains TA98, TA98NR and TA98/1,8-DNP 6 , in the presence or absence of exogenous metabolic activation provided by Aroclor-induced rat liver S9. All the compounds tested (1-aminopyrene, N -acetyl-1-aminopyrene, N -hydroxy- N -acetyl-1-aminopyrene, 3-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 6-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, and 8-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene) exhibited mutagenic activity under one or more assay conditions. 1-Nitropyrene was metabolized to 3-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 6- or 8-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 1-aminopyrene, N -acetyl-1-aminopyrene and other unidentified products (including some bound to protein) by an S9 preparation analogous to that used for exogenous metabolic activation in the Ames assay. 1-Nitropyrene and 3-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene were activated primarily by the ‘classical’ nitroreductase, while the other compounds, particularly in the presence of S9 metabolic activation, were dependent on transesterification for expression of their mutagenicity.
Impurity-Induced Raman Scattering in Sr F 2 and Ba F 2

Measurements have been made of the impurity-induced Raman scattering spectra due to ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$ impurities substituting for the cations in Sr${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Ba${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ single crystals. It is found that the data cannot be fitted to a nearest-neighbor coupling model as has been used previously to fit similar data in some alkali-halide hosts. An electron-phonon coupling model is presented in which purely Coulombic coupling is assumed so that the range of the coupling may be extended beyond the nearest neighbors without introducing new adjustable parameters. As a point-charge model is found insufficient to account for the relative intensities in the regions of acoustic- and optic-phonon scattering, extended charge distributions are assumed for the ionic shells. This treatment gives a qualitative fit to the gross intensity distribution of the observed spectra. However, the approximations used in the model result in some discrepancies between the calculated and observed spectra. It is concluded that the nearest-neighbor coupling model will give an adequate fit to the impurity-induced spectra only in hosts in which all ions in the unit cell vibrate with approximately equal amplitudes in the optic-phonon region.
Oleoresin variability in pinus ponderosa

Abstract Monoterpene composition of xylem oleoresin from 139 Pinus ponderosa trees was determined by GLC, together with related parameters of turpentine content of oleoresin, oleoresin exudation pressure, oleoresin yield, and oleoresin propensity to crystallize. Although noncompositional variables correlated poorly or not at all inter se or with turpentine composition, stronger quantitative relationships were found to exist between individual monoterpenes. The results are discussed from the viewpoint of their relevance to the susceptibility of P. ponderosa to bark beetle attack, as well as from the viewpoint of terpene biosynthesis.
Quality control for solar radiation data

Abstract Solar radiation values are difficult to predict or to estimate, due to the multitude of factors affecting radiative transfer in the atmosphere. Whether considering a network of stations or several radiation sensors at a single station, proper calibration procedures of both sensors and data acquisition systems are mandatory. This paper presents a method whereby the interrelationships of signals received from different radiometers at a single site are systematically checked as a means of data control. The various measurements discussed include direct solar, global, diffuse solar and net radiation, albedo, measurements on inclined surfaces and in various bandpasses. The data control method is accomplished by examining ratios, combinations, and comparisons of various measured parameters in addition to calculating some of these parameters by the use of empirical formulae.
Quantifying multiscale noise sources in single-molecule time series.

When analyzing single-molecule data, a low-dimensional set of system observables typically serves as the observational data. We calibrate stochastic dynamical models from time series that record such observables. Numerical techniques for quantifying noise from multiple time scales in a single trajectory, including experimental instrument and inherent thermal noise, are demonstrated. The techniques are applied to study time series coming from both simulations and experiments associated with the nonequilibrium mechanical unfolding of titin’s I27 domain. The estimated models can be used for several purposes, (1) detect dynamical signatures of “rare events” by analyzing the effective diffusion and force as a function of the monitored observable, (2) quantify the influence that conformational degrees of freedom, which are typically difficult to directly monitor experimentally, have on the dynamics of the monitored observable, (3) quantitatively compare the inherent thermal noise to other noise sources, for exa...
Subpixel edge detector using expectation of first-order derivatives

The basic idea of edge detection is to locate positions where changes of image values (e.g., gray levels) are large. Many edge detection algorithms based on this idea compute derivative of the image function and locate edges at local derivative maxima. One problem is that the local derivative maximum may not be at a precise edge location because it ignores the 'contribution' to the edge from the surrounding pixels where the derivatives are non- maximum. We present in this paper a new edge detection method that locates edges at the probability expectation of first-order derivative in a neighborhood of an edge. This approach enables us to achieve subpixel precision (edges may not be at sample pixels). In addition, use of expectation has noise-reduction effect. Preliminary experiments showed good results produced by the proposed method.
Organic solar cell energy harvesting, control, optimization, and commericalization — Challenges and opportunities

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell is an emerging technology that is mechanically flexible, lightweight, and low cost. Material synthesis and device processes have improved the efficiencies of these devices, with some devices exceeding 10% [1] efficiency. Their performance relies on understanding and controlling the morphology on the nanometer scale, a challenge for OPV commercialization. This article will discuss the common OPV architecture types, current OPV technologies, their control and optimization techniques, and the current state and future directions of OPV commercialization.
Activity of Parthenolide at 5HT2A Receptors

Parthenolide displaces [3H]ketanserin from 5HT2A receptors from rat and rabbit brain and cloned 5HT2A receptors. Ki's are in the 100−250 μM range. These results suggest that parthenolide may be a low-affinity antagonist at 5HT receptors; it is unlikely that the entire mechanism of action can be explained by its modest 5HT2A receptor affinity.
The hidden world of self-castration and testicular self-injury

Eunuchs are biological males who have undergone voluntary castration for reasons other than male-to-female transsexualism. The term 'eunuch wannabe' refers to individuals who desire, or are planning, voluntary castration. Out of fear of embarrassment or rejection, many eunuch wannabes do not consult medical professionals regarding their desire for voluntary castration. Instead, they commonly resort to self-castration, castration by nonmedical professionals, or self-inflicted testicular damage via injections of toxic substances. Urologists should be aware of the growing popularity of these procedures. In particular, intratesticular injection of toxins is performed so that urologists will remove the damaged testicles.
Thermochemistry of the reactions between adenosine, adenosine 5′-monophosphate, inosine, and inosine 5′-monophosphate; the conversion of d-histidine to (urocanic acid+ammonia)

Abstract Results of equilibrium and calorimetric measurements are reported for a series of enzymecatalyzed reactions involving the deamination of adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine, and d -histidine, and the dephosphorylation of AMP and inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP). These measurements have been analyzed with a model which describes the complex equilibria in solution. The results obtained are: Δ r H o m = -(49.6±0.5) kJ·mol -1 for AMP 2- (aq) + H 2 O(l) + H + (aq) = HIMP 2- (aq) + NH + 4 (aq); Δ r H o m = -(49.4±0.7) kJ·mol -1 for adenosine(aq) + H 2 O(l) + H + (aq) = inosine(aq) + NH + 4 (aq); Δ r G o m = -(13.0±0.4) kJ·mol -1 , Δ r H o m = (0.9±0.4) kJ·mol -1 , and Δ r S o m = (47±2) J·K -1 ·mol -1 for AMP 2- (aq) + H 2 O(l) = adenosine(aq) + HPO 2- 4 (aq); Δ r G o m = -(12.6±0.1) kJ·mol -1 , Δ r H o m = (1.2±0.2) kJ·mol -1 , and Δ r S o m = (48±1) J·K -1 ·mol -1 for HIMP 2- (aq) + H 2 O(l) = inosine(aq) + HPO 2- 4 (aq); and Δ r G o m = -(2.5±0.7) kJ·mol -1 , Δ r H o m = (7.6±0.8) kJ·mol -1 , and Δ r S o m = (34±4) J·K -1 ·mol -1 for d -histidine(aq) = urocanate - (aq) + NH + 4 (aq). These results are discussed in relation to both thermodynamic-cycle calculations involving these substances and other reactions of a chemically similar nature.
Synergistic effect of status epilepticus and ischemic brain injury on mortality

Ischemic brain injury (stroke) is a major cause of status epilepticus (SE). In our database of 529 adult SE cases, acute or remote cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) were a primary cause of SE for 41% of the patients overall and for 61% of the elderly patients. SE in the setting of acute CVA has a very high mortality, approaching 35%. The degree to which mortality can be attributed to the severity of the underlying CVA etiology vs. the effect of SE has not been evaluated. To address this issue, we prospectively studied patients with SE and acute CVA and compared them to control populations with acute CVA alone or with SE and remote CVA. The groups did not significantly differ with regard to age, sex, or radiographic lesion size. Mortality was unrelated to lesion size in the CVA and SE group. Overall, acute CVA and SE patients had an almost three-fold increase in mortality compared to the CVA group and an eight-fold increase compared to the SE and the non acute (remote) CVA group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant synergistic effect of SE and CVA on mortality. This is the first study to document that the high mortality of SE and acute CVA is not solely due to the severity of the underlying CVA etiology, but due to the synergistic effect of combined injuries from SE and cerebral vascular ischemia.
Effects of N-surplus taxes: Combining technical and historical information.

Technical information on the production of an externality can be included in a dual profit function to yield insight into the effects of a tax on the externality. The methodology is applied to a tax on nitrogen surplus in the context of future mineral policies for Dutch arable farms. In future policy, N surplus will probably be calculated using an accounting relationship that relates inputs and outputs to N surplus. The simulation model used to determine the effects of the tax on N surplus is based on equations that have been estimated with panel data. Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press.
Scottolana Canadensis (Willey, 1923) (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) Redescribed From the United States East Coast

Nouvelle description du Copepode harpacticoide Canuella canadensis Willey, 1923, recolte le long de la cote Est des Etats-Unis. Le nom de genre a ete change et cette espece est placee dans le genre Scottolana Por, 1967, au lieu de Canuella Th. & A. Scott. La forme mâle, inconnue precedemment, est aussi decrite.
Hardening of High Protein Nutrition Bars and Sugar/Polyol-Protein Phase Separation

Use of hydrolyzed proteins is known to delay hardening of high-protein nutrition bars. Bars were formulated using ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (HWPI) to nonhydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI) in one experiment, and either WPI or HWPI combined with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or sorbitol syrup (SS) in a 2nd experiment along with vegetable shortening such that initial aw was 0.59 for HWPI bars and 0.64 for WPI bars. After mixing, the dough was extruded into bars and stored at 32 °C for accelerated shelf-life testing. Hardness, color, and microstructure were measured during 42 d of storage. Bars initially had similar hardness of approximately 3.4 N that increased during storage. Bars with HWPI were softest with hardness at 37 d of 10 to 15 N compared to almost 100 N for bars with WPI. Water activity increased for WPI bars to 0.69 by 34 d. Bars became darker during storage depending on amount of Maillard browning reactants, that is, HWPI/HFCS bars [double greater-than sign] HWPI/SS > WPI/HFCS bars > WPI/SS bars. Bar microstructure at day 2 showed protein and fat dispersed in particulate form throughout the carbohydrate syrup within the bar matrix. During storage, a single nonlipid phase developed in HWPI bars while in WPI bars a phase separation occurred between protein and carbohydrate. We propose that such phase separation initiates bar hardening and promotes subsequent protein aggregation. Successful formulation of HPN bars depends on cosolvent properties of the polyol/sugar toward the proteins and their preferential exclusion from the solvation layer surrounding the proteins. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: High-protein nutrition bars can be formulated so they remain soft during storage by selecting proteins and sugars that are compatible with each other. Otherwise, the protein and sugar will separate from each other which can then lead to hardening.
Ecological sustainability and environmental control

The concept of ecological sustainability requires that at least some stocks of environmental assets be prevented from rising above or falling below certain threshold levels. This paper considers the implications of this requirement in the context of a general model of environmental control, paying particular attention to the informational and structural conditions that are necessary and sufficient to satisfy the requirement. These conditions turn out to be particularly stringent, and will not ordinarily be satisfied. The paper then considers the scope for achieving the goal of ecological sustainability when the system is not controllable through economic incentives, implying that prices are inadequate observers of environmental processes. It argues the merits of a policy of environmental stabilization based on direct observation of the physical system, in which ecological sustainability is assured through the imposition of physical restrictions on economic activity so as to avoid breaching the critical thresholds. Since the price assumptions of the model are very weak, the results are robust with respect to a range of economic theories of price.
Drug Usage: An Experimental Comparison of Three Assessment Conditions

Summary.-GG Ss were randomly assigned to one of three drug usage assessment conditions: anonymous groupadministered questionnaires, anonymous interviews, and interviews in which S's name was verified at the outset. No differences appeared in terms of expressed attitudes toward drugs and self-reported use of legal drugs. In spite of promises of confidentialiry, however, differences did occur when "illegal" dependent variables were introduced. Since interviewed Ss may substantially minimize their drug-taking activity, much descriptive and experimental drug abuse research may be quite invalid. Chemical analyses of blood or urine are highly touted drug use assessment procedures. Their limitations, however, have not received widespread publicity (see Horan, 1974). Self-report is the most widely used method of determining the nature and extent of illegal drug usage in a given population. However, because of the highly incriminating nature of the information sought, self-report procedures are inherently vulnerable to questions of validity. Might not most respondents "fake good," for example, to reduce the possibility of eventual legal harassment or criminal prosecution? In order to minimize such threats to validity, most self-reported drug use data are collected under an umbrella of confidentiality. Ss are simply given the impression or promise that no matter what they say, "no one will ever know." One might expect, though, that from S's perception the possibility of breaches in confidentiality might exert systematic influence on self-reported drug-use scores. For example, confidentiality is relatively well assured in group-administered, anonymous-questionnaire situations. Will data gathered from this procedure differ from that obtained in face-to-face, individual interviews wherein the possibility of later identification and incrimination is greater? And within an interview, does making S aware that his name is known exert any influence on his verbal report? Respondent's suspiciousness is adaptive not paranoid, as researchers may be subject to subpoena of their records or their knowledge of an individual's use of illegal drugs. Few states protect promises of confidentiality (Richards & Carroll, 1970).
The suicidal patient on the surgical ward: A multidisciplinary case conference

A multidisciplinary conference was held concerning a young woman hospitalized with multiple injuries resulting from a suicide attempt. This case demonstrates the usefulness of a unified biopsychosocial approach to the care of a suicidal patient requiring treatment by numerous services in the general hospital.
Hereditary Stomatocytosis: Association of Low 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate with Increased Cation Pumping by the Red Cell

The levels of glycolytic intermediates have been measured in red cells from patients with both overhydrated and dehydrated varieties of the hereditary stomatocytosis syndrome. Red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate was reduced by 33% below normal in all patients with either stomatocyte or target cell morphologies (i.e. over or under hydrated varieties respectively). The relative decrement in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate was even greater when abnormal cells were compared with control cells with similar reticulocytosis. Red cell ADP concentrations in stomatocytosis were significantly increased above normal but ATP concentrations were not significantly changed. Whole blood oxygen affinity in stomatocytosis was increased in proportion to the lowered content of diphosphoglycerate. Some new parameters of membrane transport in hereditary stomatocytosis have been measured. Platelet K+ and Na+ concentrations and platelet K+ permeability were normal in stomatocytosis. The number of 3H-uridine transport sites in stomatocytes were increased by 9-39% above normal and this increment was the same as the increment in red cell lipids (0-38%). Hereditary stomatocytes contain 2-10-fold more cation pumps than normal and the increased active cation pumping may explain the high ADP, the low 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration and the increased oxygen affinity in this syndrome.
Adsorption and dissociation kinetics of alkanes on CaO(100)

The adsorption kinetics of ethane, butane, pentane, and hexane on CaO(100) have been studied by multi-mass thermal desorption (TDS) spectroscopy. The sample cleanliness was checked by Auger electron spectroscopy. A molecular and dissociative adsorption pathway was evident for the alkanes, except for ethane, which does not undergo bond activation. Two TDS peaks appeared when recording the parent mass, which are assigned to different adsorption sites/configurations of the molecularly adsorbed alkanes. Bond activation leads to desorption of hydrogen and several alkane fragments assigned to methane and ethylene formation. Only one TDS feature is seen in this case. Formation of carbon residuals was absent.
On the Brueckner and Goldstone forms of the linked-cluster theorem

Connections between the Brueckner and Goldstone forms of the linked-cluster theorem are clarified in an elementary fashion employing a finite many-body system of electrons interacting via two-body forces as an illustrative example. It is shown that the order-by-order cancellations of Brueckner unlinked terms in the many-body wave function and energy occur in the Goldstone development upon the additions of the different time orderings of Feynman-Goldstone diagrams having disconnected vacuum parts. The factoring of the vacuum amplitude from the wave function, upon which customary presentations of the theorem focus attention, is seen to be irrelevant to the cancellations of Brueckner unlinked terms, and has to do, rather, with the presence of secular and normalization terms in the time-dependent perturbation functions for an adiabatically switched static perturbation. Similarly, the equivalence of the vacuum amplitude with the exponential of all connected vacuum diagrams, originally demonstrated by Feynman in the case of hole theory, is seen to be irrelevant to the cancellations of Brueckner unlinked terms in the energy, which occur in the Goldstone development upon the summations over all time orderings of disconnected vacuum diagrams. The distinction between Brueckner unlinked terms on the one hand, and secular and normalization terms on the other, is confused in customary presentations of the linked-cluster theorem by the use of exponential switching, following Gell-Mann and Low, and is clarified in the present development by considering the Friedrichs limit of ideal adiabatic switching.
Factors affecting the formation of white particulate matter in red blood cell components.

BACKGROUND: Recently white particulate matter (WPM) in red blood cell (RBC) components has received increased attention. The nature and causes of WPM formation were investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole-blood units were collected from 18 healthy subjects with three different types of collection sets. Six units were collected into each type. Units were divided into four equal parts and stored for 4 hours: two parts at room temperature and two at 4°C. RBCs were prepared from each quarter-unit: two by heavy centrifugation (5000 × g) and two by light centrifugation (2000 × g). Whole blood was inspected for WPM over 4 hours and RBCs over 1 hour. RESULTS: No WPM was detected in whole blood, but WPM was detected in at least one RBC component from 9 of the 18 donations. The 36 components prepared by heavy centrifugation were more likely to contain WPM than the 36 prepared by light centrifugation (50% vs. 19%; p < 0.02). The incidence of WPM was similar among RBCs stored at room temperature and 4°C. Donors of RBCs with WPM had higher total cholesterol levels than donors of components without WPM (191 ± 20 mg/dL vs. 163 ± 32 mg/dL; p < 0.04), but there was no difference in triglyceride levels between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: WPM is an expected consequence of standard RBC manufacturing methods, but it is more frequent in RBCs prepared by heavy centrifugation and from donors with higher cholesterol levels.
A standardized quality assessment system to evaluate pain detection and management in the nursing home

Context Assessment and management of pain for nursing home residents is frequently reported to be inadequate, yet few studies have used objective criteria to measure the quality of care related to pain. Objective Field test a standardized resident interview and medical record review protocol to assess and score quality indicators relevant to pain. Design Descriptive. Setting Thirty nursing homes (NHs). Participants Seven hundred ninety-four residents met overall eligibility criteria. Quality indicators were scored for those residents who met specific eligibility requirements for each pain indicator. Measurements Medical record reviews were completed for 542 participants, and data were used to score 12 indicators related to pain assessment, management, and response to treatment. A seven-item pain interview was attempted with all 794 participants and completed with 478 participants who were rated by NH staff as cognitively aware. Results Quality indicators could be reliably scored. Physicians scored low on assessment of pain, performing targeted history and physical examinations, documenting risk factors for use of analgesics, and documenting response to treatment. Forty-eight percent of participants (227/478) reported symptoms of chronic pain during the interview, and 81% of this group reported a preference for a pain medication. However, nearly half had no physician assessment of pain in the past year and only 42% were receiving pain medication. Licensed nurse assessments of pain were documented weekly; but, more than 50% of those reporting symptoms of chronic pain on interview had nurse pain scores of 0 for 4 consecutive weeks prior to interview. Conclusions Infrequent or incomplete physician pain assessment and treatment and inaccurate documentation by licensed nurses limits evaluation of pain care quality based on medical record review alone. A brief resident interview identified participants reporting symptoms of chronic pain not documented in the medical record and those with a preference for medication. Initial targeting of residents with self-reported pain maximizes the efficiency of the standardized scoring system described in this study. Focusing on explicit process measures clearly identifies areas for improvement and represents an important step in assessing the quality of pain care in the NH.
Robust scheduling of smart appliances with uncertain electricity prices in a heterogeneous population

Abstract Majority of the research conducted in the field of optimal scheduling of smart appliances does not consider the inherent uncertainties in this problem. Besides, the ones that count for the uncertainty usually assume full knowledge about the exact form of the probability distribution of the uncertain parameters. This assumption is hardly fulfilled in reality. In this paper, we seek to find solutions that are robust with respect to the probability distribution of the uncertain parameters while making no explicit assumptions about their exact forms. Accordingly, we define a chance-constrained model to find the optimal schedule and use robust optimization to characterize its solution and the associated uncertain parameters. We also consider the effect of heterogeneous populations on the optimal solution while simultaneously determining the most appropriate classification for accurate predictions. In the process, we investigate the effect of delays in information sharing on computed optimal conditions and we develop a new classification for in-house appliances. We explore features of our model using price data from the “Olympic Peninsula” project. We anticipate that by pursuing optimal options, a typical customer can save up to 33% in her electricity bills while sacrificing 19% of her comfort level. Moreover, in a heterogeneous population, while the results suggest no direct dependency between savings and income level, a meaningful correlation is detected between savings and employment status.
Investigating hydraulic connections and the origin of water in a mine tunnel using stable isotopes and hydrographs

Turquoise Lake is a water-supply reservoir located north of the historic Sugarloaf Mining district near Leadville, Colorado, USA. Elevated water levels in the reservoir may increase flow of low-quality water from abandoned mine tunnels in the Sugarloaf District and degrade water quality downstream. The objective of this study was to understand the sources of water to Dinero mine drainage tunnel and evaluate whether or not there was a direct hydrologic connection between Dinero mine tunnel and Turquoise Lake from late 2002 to early 2008. This study utilized hydrograph data from nearby draining mine tunnels and the lake, and stable isotope (d 18 O and d 2 H) data from the lake, nearby draining mine tunnels, imported water, and springs to characterize water sources in the study area. Hydrograph results indicate that flow from the Dinero mine tunnel decreased 26% (2006) and 10% (2007) when lake elevation (above mean sea level) decreased below approximately 3004 m (approximately 9855 feet). Results of isotope analysis delineated two meteoric water lines in the study area. One line characterizes surface water and water imported to the study area from the western side of the Continental Divide. The other line characterizes groundwater including draining mine tunnels, springs, and seeps. Isotope mixing calculations indicate that water from Turquoise Lake or seasonal groundwater recharge from snowmelt represents approximately 10% or less of the water in Dinero mine tunnel. However, most of the water in Dinero mine tunnel is from deep groundwater having minimal isotopic variation. The asymmetric shape of the Dinero mine tunnel hydrograph may indicate that a limited mine pool exists behind a collapse in the tunnel and attenutates seasonal recharge. Alternatively, a conceptual model is presented (and supported with MODFLOW simulations) that is consistent with current and previous data collected in the study area, and illustrates how fluctuating lake levels change the local water-table elevation which can affect discharge from the Dinero mine tunnel without physical transfer of water between the two locations. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Eugenics and public health in American history.

Supporters of eugenics, the powerful early 20th-century movement for improving human heredity, often attacked that era's dramatic improvements in public health and medicine for preserving the lives of people they considered hereditarily unfit. Eugenics and public health also battled over whether heredity played a significant role in infectious diseases. However, American public health and eugenics had much in common as well. Eugenic methods often were modeled on the infection control techniques of public health. The goals, values, and concepts of disease of these two movements also often overlapped. This paper sketches some of the key similarities and differences between eugenics and public health in the United States, and it examines how their relationship was shaped by the interaction of science and culture. The results demonstrate that eugenics was not an isolated movement whose significance is confined to the histories of genetics and pseudoscience, but was instead an important and cautionary part of ...
Slow messaging: intimate communication for couples living at a distance

Technology increasingly mediates communication between people, particularly when they live at a distance. For couples in long-distance relationships, these technologies are a primary means of exchanging not only information but also emotions. This one-year project explores the communication needs of couples living at a distance to design an intimate and emotional means of interaction specifically for this context. A user-centered design process revealed opportunities for interactions that show time and effort or those that connect people through a shared sense of place. These observed needs were used to develop concepts which where validated by representative users.
The effects of neurally active amino acids on prolactin secretion.

Several neurally active amino acids were injected into the third ventricle of anesthetized male rats. Two or eight µmole of GABA produced significant increases in the plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL), indicating increased PRL release from the pituitary. Two µmole of glycine was also effective in elevating PRL levels. The intraventricular injection of the lowest dose of GABA (1.0 µmole), glutamate (0.4 or 2.0 µmole), lysine (0.2 or 2.0 µmole), or 0.9 per cent NaCl did not alter PRL levels significantly. Plasma PRL concentrations did not increase following the injection of GABA or glycine directly into the anterior pituitary gland. The results suggest that GABA and glycine may play a role in the neural regulation of PRL secretion. (Endocrinology 98: 1248, 1976)
Tissue characterization by ultrasound: what is possible now? What will be possible?

The purpose of this review is to discuss the principles of ultrasound tissue characterization. We describe gray scale analysis, backscatter techniques, real-time backscatter imaging, enhancement of abnormal tissue properties with contrast agents or liposomes, and use of acoustic microscopy. Ultrasound tissue characterization offers the promise of direct identification of abnormalities of the myocardium without relying on indirect manifestations such as abnormalities in cardiac function. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, January 1991)
Location, structure, and motion of Jupiter's dusk magnetospheric boundary from ∼1625 to 2550 RJ

[1] We report on plasma observations along Jupiter's dusk magnetospheric flank from ∼1625 to 2550 RJ using measurements from the Solar Wind Around Pluto instrument onboard New Horizons (NH). NH observed 16 magnetopause crossings between 1654 and 2429 RJ that were identified by transitions between magnetotail/boundary layer and magnetosheath plasma. These transitions were either sharp, with the magnetopause clearly separating two distinct plasma regimes, or comparatively gradual, where it was difficult to distinguish between different plasma populations. The magnetosheath distributions had high counts, were relatively wide in energy/charge (E/Q), and steadily decreased in speed. Flow speeds in the sheath were always higher (lower) when NH entered (exited) this region. A boundary layer was observed inside of the magnetopause at several crossings. The boundary layer plasma was composed of light ions, and the counts and mean E/Q of these distributions were generally lower than magnetosheath values indicating a lower density and speed. Some of the NH magnetopause crossing locations fell within tail cross-section estimates from model results/observations closer to the planet, though more than half were outside of the largest tail radius estimate. Estimates of angular displacement of the tail boundary compared favorably with a statistical study of near-Jupiter solar wind flow cone angle distributions. We propose that the outward crossings resulted from dawnward deflection and contraction of the tail from forward shocks and compression regions in the near-Jupiter solar wind, and the inward crossings resulted from duskward deflection and tail expansion from the passage of reverse shocks and rarefaction regions.
Management of persistent pediatric tracheostomal fistulas

Decannulation of a tracheostomy generally results in spontaneous closure. Occasionally, epithelialization results in persistence of the fistula, which may be initially treated by local curettage or cautery. Failure of these methods constitutes an indication for surgical closure. Dissection of the entire tracheocutaneous tract permits fistula closure in juxtaposition to but outside the trachea and prevents any iatrogenic airway narrowing. Twelve patients have been so managed over the last 10 years, and there have been no immediate or long-term complications.
Coherent Lidar Wind Measurements From The Space Station Base Using 1.5 M All-Reflective Optics

This paper discusses the space-based measurement of atmospheric winds from the point of view of the requirements of the optical system of a coherent CO2 lidar. A brief description of the measurement technique is given and a discussion of previous study results provided. The telescope requirements for a Space Station based lidar are arrived at through discussions of the desired system sensitivity and the need for lag angle compensation.
Paroxysmal dyskinesias in the lethargic mouse mutant.

Lethargic mutant mice carry a mutation in the CCHB4 gene, which encodes the β4 subunit of voltage-regulated calcium channels. These mutants have been shown to display a complex neurobehavioral phenotype that includes EEG discharges suggestive of absence epilepsy, chronic ataxia, and hypoactivity. The current studies demonstrate a fourth element of their phenotype, consisting of transient attacks of severe dyskinetic motor behavior. These attacks can be triggered by specific environmental and chemical influences, particularly those that stimulate locomotor activity. Behavioral and EEG analyses indicate that the attacks do not reflect motor epilepsy, but instead resemble a paroxysmal dyskinesia. The lethargic mutants provide additional evidence that calcium channelopathies can produce paroxysmal dyskinesias and provide a novel model for studying this unusual movement disorder.
Altering successional trends in oak forests : 19 year experimental results of low-and moderate-intensity silvicultural treatments

Intensive silvicultural treatments can sometimes prevent the conversion of an oak (Quercus spp.) forest to a for- est composed of mesophytic competitors following harvest, but the required labor is a disincentive for many private land- owners. In this study, shelterwood removal, commercial clear-cutting, understory control, and oak underplanting were conducted on mesic and dry-mesic sites in southwestern Wisconsin to evaluate the effect of these treatments on forest composition and to identify the least intensive combination needed for successful oak regeneration. Commercial clear-cut- ting, with or without prior herbicide spray of low vegetation and oak underplanting, resulted in nearly complete dominance by a wide array of non-oak species on both mesic and dry-mesic sites. In contrast, 153-903 ha -1 of the oaks that were underplanted on shelterwood - understory removal plots successfully achieved dominant or codominant status by age 19. Control of tall understory saplings was essential for successful oak regeneration on both sites. On the mesic site, oak underplanting was an additional necessary treatment, whereas natural regeneration was adequate in shelterwood plots on the dry-mesic site. The study suggests that successful oak regeneration can be obtained on productive sites in this region after a single application of a moderately intense silvicultural treatment, although the effort required for understory control may still be an obstacle to widespread application without external incentives. Resume´ : Les traitements sylvicoles intensifs appliques apres une coupe peuvent parfois prevenir la conversion de forets de chene (Quercus spp.) en formation vegetale composee de competiteurs mesophytes, mais la quantitede travail requis dissuade plusieurs proprietaires de foret privee. Dans cette etude, la coupe progressive, la coupe ablanc commerciale, la maoˆtrise de la vegetation de sous-bois et la plantation de chene sous couvert ont eterealisees sur des stations mesique et mesique-seche dans le sud-ouest du Wisconsin pour evaluer leurs effets sur la composition forestiere et pour determiner la combinaison la moins intensive permettant de regenerer le chene avec succes. La coupe ablanc commerciale, avec ou sans epandage prealable d'herbicide sur la vegetation du sous-bois, et la plantation de chene sous couvert ont produit une regeneration presque entierement dominee par une large gamme d'especes autres que le chene sur les deux stations. Al'in-
Displacements, strains and stresses associated with propagating cracks in materials with continuously varying properties

Crack tip stress, strain and displacement fields for a propagating crack along the direction of property gradation in functionally graded materials (FGMs) are obtained through an asymptotic analysis coupled with a displacement potential approach. The analysis for the opening mode is performed assuming two types of property variation: (a) linearly varying shear modulus with constant density, and (b) exponentially varying shear modulus and density. The first six terms in the series expansion of the stress, strain and displacement fields for the dynamic crack are derived to explicitly bring out the influence of nonhomogeneity on the structure of the displacement, strain and stress fields. The analysis revealed that crack tip stress fields retain the inverse square root singularity and only the higher order terms in the expansion are influenced by material inhomogeneity. Using these stress, strain and displacement fields, contours of constant maximum shear stress, constant first stress invariant and constant in-plane displacements are generated and the effect of the nonhomogeneity parameter on these contours is discussed.
Petitions and Prayers: A Method for the Content Analysis of Persuasive Appeals

This paper describes a method for the content analysis of persuasive appeals, or "reasons" given in support of requests which individuals make of one another. The method was originally developed in the context of a series of studies of communication between bureaucracies and the public in Israel. It is suggested that variations in the content of a client's appeals to an official for services or favors may be projective of the client's image of the organization and of the client's theory concerning how such organizations might be manipulated. The applicability of the method to the study of official-client relations is illustrated and some potential uses of the method are suggested in the fields of politics, advertising, the socialization of children, and the comparative study of religion.
The role of clear thinking in learning science from multiple-document ınquiry tasks

The main goal for the current study was to investigate whether individual differences in domaingeneral thinking dispositions might affect learning from multiple-document inquiry tasks in science. Middle school students were given a set of documents and were tasked with understanding how and why recent patterns in global temperature might be different from what has been observed in the past from those documents. Understanding was assessed with two measures: an essay task and an inference verification task. Domain-general thinking dispositions were assessed with a Commitment to Logic, Evidence, and Reasoning (CLEAR) thinking scale. The measures of understanding were uniquely predicted by both reading skills and CLEAR thinking scores, and these effects were not attributable to prior knowledge or interest. The results suggest independent roles for thinking dispositions and reading ability when students read to learn from multiple-document inquiry tasks in science.
Vessel Ligation Training via an Adaptive Simulation Curriculum

Abstract Background A cost-effective model for open vessel ligation is currently lacking. We hypothesized that a novel, inexpensive vessel ligation simulator can efficiently impart transferrable surgical skills to novice trainees. Materials and methods VesselBox was designed to simulate vessel ligation using surgical gloves as surrogate vessels. Fourth-year medical students performed ligations using VesselBox and were evaluated by surgical faculty using the Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills global rating scale and a task-specific checklist. Subsequently, each student was trained using VesselBox in an adaptive practice session guided by cumulative sum. Posttesting was performed on fresh human cadavers by evaluators blinded to pretest results. Results Sixteen students completed the study. VesselBox practice sessions averaged 21.8 min per participant (interquartile range 19.5–27.7). Blinded posttests demonstrated increased proficiency, as measured by both Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (3.23 versus 2.29, P Conclusions VesselBox is a cost-effective, low-fidelity vessel ligation model suitable for graduating medical students and junior residents. Cumulative sum can facilitate an adaptive, individualized curriculum for simulation training.
Spoof Detection for Preventing DoS Attacks against DNS Servers

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical element of the Internet infrastructure. Even a small part of the DNS infrastructure being unavailable for a very short period of time could potentially upset the entire Internet and is thus totally unacceptable. Unfortunately, because DNS queries and responses are mostly UDP-based, it is vulnerable to spoofing-based denial of service (DoS) attacks, which are difficult to defeat without incurring significant collateral damage. The key to thwart this type of DoS attacks is spoof detection, which enables selective discarding of spoofed DNS requests without jeopardizing the quality of service to legitimate requests. This paper presents spoof detection strategies for protecting DNS servers from DoS attacks. These strategies create some form of cookies for a DNS server to check if each incoming request is indeed from where the request packet says it is from. We have implemented them as a firewall module called DNS guard. Measurements on the current DNS guard prototype show that it can deliver up to 80K requests/sec to legitimate users in the presence of DoS attacks at the rate of 250K requests/sec.