cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Use and Perceptions of Electronic Smoking Devices in a US Army Infantry Division.

Introduction The increasing interest in electronic smoking devices (ESDs) among consumers shows promise for ESDs as a less harmful alternative for smoking and possibly for smoking cessation. Limited data on prevalence of ESD use in the military are available and data on perceptions of ESD use have not yet been published within an active duty, military-specific population. The primary outcome of this study was to define the prevalence of ESD use in a US Army division. Methods We surveyed 1,288 military service members (response rate 95%, n = 1,225) from the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI, in late 2015, on smoking habits, ESD usage, and perceptions surrounding ESDs. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess categorical associations between smoking status, ESD usage, socio-demographic factors, cessation strategies, and perceptions regarding ESDs. Results The prevalence of current ESD use was 20%, whereas the prevalence of having ever used an ESD was 61%. The daily smoking rate of participants was 23%. Those with lower education, current smokers, and ex-smokers were the most likely to be using an ESD. Current smokers and ESD users had a more favorable perception of ESDs with regard to their utility and health effectiveness. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of current and ever use ESD among active duty service members assigned to a US Army Infantry Division. Data from similar studies suggest that this rate is growing. The rates of ESD use in military populations should continue to be monitored as the clinical utility of these devices continues to be investigated.
Assessment of Growth and Nutritional Status in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Growth failure and poor nutritional status are common in children with IBD, and can occur before the presentation of other symptoms, particularly among children with Crohn disease [1–5]. Inadequate energy intake can be a major cause of nutrition-related growth failure in children with IBD, but nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to nutrition-related growth failure. Disease severity and treatment regimens, such as glucocorticoid use, also influence growth status. Growth status is a good indicator of overall well-being and nutritional status in children [6], but additional factors, such as genetic potential and timing of sexual maturation also affect growth status. Thus, clinical assessment of growth and nutritional status requires consideration of current and previous growth status, skeletal and sexual maturation, genetic potential for growth, biochemical indicators of micronutrient status, and evaluation of dietary intake. The assessment of growth and nutritional status has two components. The first involves the data acquisition or measurement, such as obtaining height and weight information. The second component is the determination of status, which is the interpretation of the measurement in relation to an appropriate reference. For example, knowing that a child has a height measurement of 145 centimeters has little meaning until height status is determined by comparing the measurement to a growth chart to show that the height is at the 3rd percentile for age and gender. The height status must further be interpreted in light of the genetic and biological potential for growth as assessed by factors such as mid-parental height, ethnicity, skeletal age and sexual maturation.
Detection of Oral Cancer Using Salivary Diagnostics

Saliva is a non-invasive and accessible biofluid that provides accurate readouts for the detection of oral cancers. Recent technological advances have uncovered oral cancer specific salivary biomarkers. The availability of highly sensitive and high-throughput assays such as microarray, mass spectrometry, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nano-scale sensors can measure proteins and nucleic acids despite the low concentrations in saliva. This chapter will discuss these proteomic and transcriptomic salivary biomarkers development for oral cancer, and the translational applications of these markers for the detection of the disease.
Parallel Generation of Large-Scale Random Graphs

Many real-world systems and networks are modeled and analyzed using various random graph models. These models must incorporate relevant properties such as degree distribution and clustering coefficient. Many models, such as the Chung-Lu (CL), stochastic Kronecker, stochastic block model (SBM), and block two–level Erdos-Renyi (BTER) models have been devised to capture those properties. Though real-world networks are sparse, generating large instances from these models, with millions of nodes, is computationally expensive and infeasible with sequential algorithms. This motivates parallel algorithms for generating instances from different random graph models. We present a novel time and space efficient algorithmic method to generate random graphs for the CL, BTER, and SBM models, which are near optimal, in terms of time and space. We compare our approach with other state-of-the-art methods and show significant improvement in performance.
Update in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

There has been increased awareness in the understanding and recognition of spontaneous coronary artery disease. Diagnosing this condition is of paramount importance as the treatment strategy differs greatly from traditional acute coronary syndrome patient. We review here the current state of management of spontaneous coronary artery disease.
Singularity: pattern fuzzing for worst case complexity

We describe a new blackbox complexity testing technique for determining the worst-case asymptotic complexity of a given application. The key idea is to look for an input pattern —rather than a concrete input— that maximizes the asymptotic resource usage of the target program. Because input patterns can be described concisely as programs in a restricted language, our method transforms the complexity testing problem to optimal program synthesis. In particular, we express these input patterns using a new model of computation called Recurrent Computation Graph (RCG) and solve the optimal synthesis problem by developing a genetic programming algorithm that operates on RCGs. We have implemented the proposed ideas in a tool called Singularityand evaluate it on a diverse set of benchmarks. Our evaluation shows that Singularitycan effectively discover the worst-case complexity of various algorithms and that it is more scalable compared to existing state-of-the-art techniques. Furthermore, our experiments also corroborate that Singularitycan discover previously unknown performance bugs and availability vulnerabilities in real-world applications such as Google Guava and JGraphT.
Judicial Review in Troubled Times: Stabilizing Democracy in a Second Best World

Debates over the role of judicial review in a constitutional democracy gravitate to one of two poles. Either the debates are framed in terms of the power of courts countering the outputs of a well-ordered legislative process, or they are framed in terms of the dominant rights commands of minorities ever vulnerable to the tyranny of the majority. This Article parts company with the customary debate in two ways. First, the inquiry focuses on the structures of democratic governance rather than the relation between a governing majority and the rights of disfavored individuals or minorities. Second, and contrary to the conditions assumed by critics of judicial review such as Jeremy Waldron and Richard Bellamy, the aim here is to look directly to the “contaminated” domain of our lived experience in the moment rather than an idealized vision of well-ordered parliamentary sovereignty. Especially in a time of populist challenges to the institutionalization of democratic politics, the role of constitutional courts as potential brakes on the politics of immediacy takes on greater and greater significance. Relying on examples from jurisdictions around the world, this Article sets out three types of interventions ranging in terms of how problematic they are for democratic governance. First is the use of constitutional review to prevent entrenched officeholders from undermining their electoral accountability, as seen in places are far removed as Taiwan and North Carolina. The second is the role of court interventions to bolster what is termed the “soft power” of democracy in which institutional norms compel a politics of negotiation and compromise. Finally, there is the temptation for courts to substitute judicial authority for failing state competence of democracies in general, and of the legislative branches in particular. In each case, judicial review is examined to determine to what extent the judiciary can serve as an institutional buffer in protecting democracy against systemic failure, sometimes on matters that may pertain to fundamental liberties, but more often on questions of the exercise of governmental authority. The question here is whether in times of challenge to democratic functioning the judiciary may play a stabilizing role in warding off temporary political expedients that threaten governmental integrity. The term “stabilization” invokes the role of a central banker charged with maintaining fiscal integrity in the face of inevitable partisan demands for unsustainable short-term returns. In turn, the inquiry is whether judicial interventions in defense of the structural integrity of democratic rule can be thought in similar terms of conservatorship by a semi-independent entity and, in turn, how this institutional role of the judiciary might be utilized in times of systemic stress.
Adaptive resolution for multiphase smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Abstract The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method has been increasingly used to study fluid problems in recent years; but its computational cost can be high if high resolution is required. In this study, an adaptive resolution method based on SPH is developed for multiphase flow simulation. The numerical SPH particles are refined or coarsened as needed, depending on the distance to the interface. In developing the criteria, reference particle spacing is defined for each particle, and it changes dynamically with the location of the interface. A variable smoothing length is used together with adaptive resolution. An improved algorithm for calculating the variable smoothing length is further developed to reduce numerical errors. The proposed adaptive resolution method is validated by five examples involving liquid drops impact on dry or wet surfaces, water entry of a cylinder and dam break flow, with the consideration of ambient gas. Different resolution levels are used in the simulations. Numerical validations have proven that the present adaptive resolution method can accurately capture the dynamics of liquid–gas interface with low computational costs. The present adaptive resolution method can be incorporated into other particle-based methods for efficient fluid dynamics simulation.
Elucidating mechanisms of oxide growth and surface passivation on zinc thin film electrodes in alkaline solutions using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance

Abstract We utilized electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance to understand electrochemical passivation of the zinc electrode in alkaline media and subsequent oxide growth and stripping. The formation of native zinc oxide on a near pristine Zn surface upon contact with 1 M KOH electrolyte was observed. The surface was seen to roughen with time. During Zn dissolution, the measured mass-charge ratio corresponded to the removal of ZnO and not merely Zn. The mechanism of passivation was determined to be caused by electrochemical etching to form pores. The etching leads to a build-up of solid ZnO and Zn(OH)2 due to electrochemical reactions on the surfaces of the pores. These reactions functionally close the pores off from the bulk. The cycle of Zn deposition and dissolution develops a porous network, which may be the origin of mossy Zn deposits that plague reversible Zn metal batteries.
Evidence map of ductal carcinoma in situ management options.

Objective Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has the potential to progress to invasive carcinoma. The optimal management of DCIS and methods for individualizing treatment of DCIS are still being determined. This evidence map depicts the robustness and topical span of research on DCIS management choice on patient-centered and clinical outcomes. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed Health, PROSPERO, and clinical practice guideline sites to identify systematic reviews of DCIS management options and consulted with topic experts. A bubble plot visualizes the literature volume and research content for patient-centered outcomes. An online decision tree facilitates discussions with patients and guides through the available evidence. Results In total, 40 systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. The research syntheses addressed DCIS management options, including the role of magnetic resonance imaging, axillary surgery/sentinel lymph node biopsy, and excisional biopsy. The map shows existing evidence for mutually exclusive treatment options including active surveillance, breast-conserving surgery, nipple sparing mastectomy, and simple mastectomy. Research findings for intraoperative radiation, adjuvant radiation therapy, adjuvant hormone therapy, hypofractionation radiotherapy, accelerated partial breast irradiation, radiation therapy plus boost, and combined radiation and hormone therapy, as well as for breast reconstruction after mastectomy and surveillance mammography postsurgery are also displayed. The evidence map highlights a scarcity of robust evidence on patient-centered outcomes. Conclusions The evidence map provides an overview of DCIS research showing the range of management options and remaining decisional dilemmas that follow a diagnosis of DCIS. It maps the evidence in accessible tools to guide practice and future research. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A448.
Post Aseptic Fill Sterilization and Lethal Treatment

Abstract Due to inherently greater risks of nonsterility, aseptic processes are considered inferior to terminal sterilization processes from a Sterility Assurance perspective. However, post aseptic fill sterilization and post aseptic lethal treatment processes can be performed as the terminal step of the manufacturing process to significantly reduce the risks of nonsterility for aseptic processes. Accordingly, incremental beneficial considerations could be achievable for these products and processes, including a reduction in environmental monitoring, a reduction in aseptic process simulation frequency, and/or a reduction or elimination of the finished product sterility test. Full compliance with current parametric release requirements would be a prerequisite to support the reduction or elimination of the finished product sterility test.
Successful Transduction with AAV Vectors after Selective Depletion of Anti-AAV Antibodies by Immunoadsorption.

Gene therapy with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors shows great promise for the gene therapeutic treatment of a broad array of diseases. In fact, the treatment of genetic diseases with AAV vectors is currently the only in vivo gene therapy approach that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, pre-existing antibodies against AAV severely limit the patient population that can potentially benefit from AAV gene therapy, especially if the vector is delivered by intravenous injection. Here, we demonstrate that we can selectively deplete anti-AAV antibodies by hemapheresis combined with AAV9 particles coupled to Sepharose beads. In rats that underwent hemapheresis and immunoadsorption, luciferase expression was dramatically increased in the hearts and fully restored in the livers of these rats. Importantly, our method can be readily adapted for the use in clinical AAV gene therapy.
Novel Devices for the Cardiorenal Syndrome in Heart Failure

Reduced responsiveness to diuretics is ubiquitous and multifactorial in heart failure and portends poor outcomes. Due to the limitations of current diuretic approaches, there is an enormous unmet clinical need for more effective fluid removal methods in heart failure patients. Novel volume management approaches include veno-venous ultrafiltration, peritoneal-based sodium and water removal methods, controlled diuresis, transvenous renal venous decongestion, catheter-deployed pumps in the descending aorta to increase renal perfusion, device-driven increase of lymphatic flow into the venous system, and catheter-based splanchnic nerve modulation. Overall novel fluid management therapies are at an early stage of development, with some still in pre-clinical trials and others having been studied in first-in-man trials with a small number of subjects. Further investigation of novel fluid management methods should focus on assessment of safety, ease of use, candidates’ selection, reproducibility of effects across heart failure patient populations, and costs.
Atlas-based measures of left ventricular shape may improve characterization of adverse remodeling in anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors: a cross-sectional imaging study.

Adverse cardiac remodeling is an important precursor to anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction, however conventional remodeling indices are limited. We sought to examine the utility of statistical atlas-derived measures of ventricular shape to improve the identification of adverse anthracycline-related remodeling in childhood cancer survivors. We analyzed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging from a cross-sectional cohort of 20 childhood cancer survivors who were treated with low (< 250 mg/m2 [N = 10]) or high (≥250 mg/m2 [N = 10]) dose anthracyclines, matched 1:1 by sex and age between dose groups. We reconstructed 3D computational models of left ventricular end-diastolic shape for each subject and assessed the ability of conventional remodeling indices (volume, mass, and mass to volume ratio) vs. shape modes derived from a statistical shape atlas of an asymptomatic reference population to stratify anthracycline-related remodeling. We compared conventional parameters and five atlas-based shape modes: 1) between survivors and the reference population (N = 1991) using multivariable linear regression, and 2) within survivors by anthracycline dose (low versus high) using two-sided T-tests, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Compared with the reference population, survivors had differences in conventional measures (lower volume and mass) and shape modes (corresponding to lower overall size and lower sphericity; all p < 0.001). Among survivors, differences in a shape mode corresponding to increased basal cavity size and altered mitral annular orientation in the high-dose group were observed (p = 0.039). Collectively, atlas-based shape modes in conjunction with conventional measures discriminated survivors who received low vs. high anthracycline dosage (area under the curve [AUC] 0.930, 95% confidence interval 0.816, 1.00) significantly better than conventional measures alone (AUC 0.710, 95% confidence interval 0.473, 0.947; AUC comparison p = 0.0498). Compared with a reference population, heart size is smaller in anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors. Atlas-based measures of left ventricular shape may improve the detection of anthracycline dose-related remodeling differences.
Examining Trauma and Crime by Gender and Sexual Orientation among Youth: Findings from the Add Health National Longitudinal Study

LGBTQ youth, and in particular those of color, are significantly more at risk for experiencing trauma at home and in their community, having school difficulties including bullying and suspensions, ...
Historical Sketches of Centralization vs. Decentralization

Chapter 1 of the book explores the historical foundations of decentralized structures, starting with early hominids through Imperial China and the American Revolution. The primary goal of the chapter is to witness the central-decentral dichotomy in its evolutionary context to understand more fully their effects on organizations. The chapter evaluates the stabilizing effect of decentralization in context and contrasts it with the greater temporary effectiveness of centralization. History shows how dynamic societies have always been. This dynamic perspective illustrates what free-dom and power humanity has to reorganize social networks.
Treatment of psoriasis

The disease of psoriasis is examined as to its incidence, etiology, clinical manifestations, and possible complications. Drugs that might cause dermatotoxic effects are introduced as possible agents that might precede an acute attack. Topical therapy, the initial approach with most forms of mild to moderate psoriasis, may consist of glucocorticoids, keratolytics, anthralin, or coal tar. These agents may be used alone, in a standardized treatment regimen, or in combination with modifications of the standardized approach. Advantages, disadvantages, and clinical efficacy of the topical agents are reviewe. Systemic therapy is commonly reserved for those psoriatic cases that are severe or have proven refractory to topical therapy. The systemic agents are reviewed for clinical efficacy and toxicity. The oral psoralens in combination with long ultraviolet light are examined as one of the newest treatment approaches.
A Qualitative Study of Mothers' Perspectives on Enrolling and Engaging in an Evidence-Based Nurse Home Visiting Program.

Prevention programs like Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) must enroll and retain clients of the intended population to maximize program impact. NFP is an evidence-based nurse home visitation program shown in randomized trials to improve maternal and child health and life course outcomes for first-time parents experiencing economic adversity, particularly for mothers with limited psychological resources. The purpose of this study was to understand enrollment and engagement experiences of mothers with previous live births referred to NFP in a formative study of the program for this population, but did not enroll or dropped out before program graduation. We used a grounded theory approach and purposively selected three NFP sites with variation in enrollment rates. We conducted telephone interviews with 23 mothers who were either referred to NFP and declined enrollment or former clients who dropped out before graduation. All interviews were conducted in English, recorded, transcribed, and validated. We developed an iterative codebook with multiple coders to analyze our data in NVivo11 and wrote thematic memos to synthesize data across study sites. Mothers described experiencing overlapping risk factors including physical and behavioral health conditions, child welfare involvement, and housing insecurity. Mothers from all sites discussed how they were referred to the NFP program, their experience of the enrollment process, reasons for enrolling or not enrolling, and reasons for dropping out after initial enrollment. Key themes that influenced mothers’ decision-making were: perceptions of program value, not needing the program, their living situation or being too busy as a deterrence, and past experiences including a distrust of health care. Reasons for attrition were related to no longer needing the service, being assigned a new nurse, being too tired postpartum, and moving out of the service area. One way to support home visiting nurses in family enrollment and engagement is to build their professional capacity to implement trauma-informed strategies given mothers’ life experiences.
Foreword: The Future of the Progressive Prosecutor Movement

Over the course of a decade, the progressive prosecutor movement has begun to reverse some of the worst excesses of the tough-on-crime politics of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Progressive prosecutors are slashing use of sentencing enhancements, abandoning cash bail, refusing to charge juveniles as adults, bringing new scrutiny to police misconduct, and at least beginning to change the professional self-conception of the prosecutors in their offices. That record of accomplishment shows no signs of slowing. But now is a good time to ask how the agenda of the progressive prosecutor movement can be expanded. One major problem in American criminal justice that progressive prosecutors haven’t challenged is the excessive power of prosecutors themselves. Another, related to the first, is the chronic underfunding of indigent defense. Prosecutors who want to transform American criminal justice, making it more accountable and more just, should want to rein in their own power and discretion, and to ensure every defendant meaningful assistance of counsel.
Plasma Lipidomic Patterns in Patients with Symptomatic Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is a syndrome of abnormal regulation of vascular tone, particularly during increased metabolic demand. While there are several risk factors for MVD, some of which are similar to those for coronary artery disease (CAD), the cause of MVD is not understood. We hypothesized that MVD in symptomatic non-elderly subjects would be characterized by specific lipidomic profiles. Subjects (n = 20) aged 35–60 years and referred for computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) for chest pain but who lacked obstructive CAD (>50% stenosis), underwent quantitative regadenoson stress-rest myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) perfusion imaging for MVD assessment. The presence of MVD defined by kinetic analysis of MCE data was correlated with lipidomic profiles in plasma measured by liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Nine of twenty subjects had evidence of MVD, defined by reduced hyperemic perfusion versus other subjects (beta-value 1.62 ± 0.44 vs. 2.63 ± 0.99 s−1, p = 0.009). Neither the presence of high-risk but non-obstructive CAD on CTA, nor CAD risk factors were different for those with versus without MVD. Lipidomic analysis revealed that patients with MVD had lower concentrations of long-carbon chain triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols, and higher concentrations of short-chain triacylglycerols. The diacylglycerol containing stearic and linoleic acid classified all participants correctly. We conclude that specific lipidomic plasma profiles occur in MVD involving saturated long-chain fatty acid-containing acylglycerols that are distinctly different from those in non-obstructive CAD. These patterns could be used to better characterize the pathobiology and potential treatments for this condition.
Maternal Effects Govern Variable Dominance of Two Abscisic Acid Response Mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana

Three abscisic acid (ABA)-controlled responses (seed dormancy, inhibition of germination by applied ABA, and stomatal closure) were compared in wild-type versus homo- and heterozygotes of two Arabidopsis thaliana ABA-insensitive mutants, abi1 and abi2. We found that sensitivity of seeds to applied ABA is partially maternally controlled but that seed dormancy is determined by the embryonic genotype. The effects of the abi1 and abi2 mutations on ABA sensitivity of seed germination ranged from recessive to nearly fully dominant, depending on the parental source of the mutant allele. This maternal effect disappeared during vegetative growth. Stomatal regulation in heterozygotes showed substantial variability, but the average water loss was intermediate between that of homozygous mutants and wild type.
Estimating the Impact of Reducing Under-Nutrition on the Tuberculosis Epidemic in the Central Eastern States of India: A Dynamic Modeling Study

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and under-nutrition are widespread in many low and middle-income countries. Momentum to prioritize under-nutrition has been growing at an international level, as demonstrated by the "Scaling Up Nutrition" movement. Low body mass index is an important risk factor for developing TB disease. The objective of this study was to project future trends in TB related outcomes under different scenarios for reducing under-nutrition in the adult population in the Central Eastern states of India. Methods A compartmental TB transmission model stratified by body mass index was parameterized using national and regional data from India. We compared TB related mortality and incidence under several scenarios that represented a range of policies and programs designed to reduce the prevalence of under-nutrition, based on the experience and observed trends in similar countries.
The role of β-arrestin 2 and GRK5/6 in development of differential tolerance to morphine in the colon and ileum (653.3)

Morphine, the most often used analgesic for chronic pain, is associated with severe side-effects including nausea, abdominal pain, constipation. Development of tolerance is the major drawback of mo...
Modular Synthesis of Sketches Using Models

One problem with the constraint-based approaches to synthesis that have become popular over the last few years is that they only scale to relatively small routines, on the order of a few dozen lines of code. This paper presents a mechanism for modular reasoning that allows us to break larger synthesis problems into small manageable pieces. The approach builds on previous work in the verification community of using high-level specifications and partially interpreted functions we call them models in place of more complex pieces of code in order to make the analysis modular. The main contribution of this paper is to show how to combine these techniques with the counterexample guided synthesis approaches used to efficiently solve synthesis problems. Specifically, we show two new algorithms; one to efficiently synthesize functions that use models, and another one to synthesize functions while ensuring that the behavior of the resulting function will be in the set of behaviors allowed by the model. We have implemented our approach on top of the open-source Sketch synthesis system, and we demonstrate its effectiveness on several Sketch benchmark problems.
Design procedures: a computational framework for parametric design and complex shapes in architecture

Through the use of computational generative procedures in the early stages of design, it is common to generate shapes of complex nature that could only be produced by the combined forces of human imagination and computer power. However the more complex the shapes are, the more difficult it becomes to establish a discourse that embodies the geometrical and spatial properties, as well as the formal attributes of a given shape. Furthermore, it has become problematic to differentiate between one complex shape and another, resulting in some abstract, cumbersome, and sometimes obscure explanation about how the shape came into being. In some cases, designers recur to complex expressions of mathematical nature that, even though they are precise descriptions of the form, do not offer any clear way to refer to them unless a person is trained in the language of mathematics. Design Procedures proposes a way of looking at designs as a procedural enterprise where complex shapes are the result of computational process in a step by step basis. Design Procedures in combination with appropriate descriptions of spatial attributes, can offer some light in the dialog of irregular non-Euclidean forms and their properties. This thesis presents the application of Design Procedures to three case studies: (1) The generation of the columns of the Sagrada Familia; (2) The description of non regular shapes in the rod symmetry groups, in particular of double twisted geometries; and (3) The application to a computer program for the generation of non-Euclidean complex shapes for high-rise buildings. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
The Kestrel interface to the NEOS server.

The NEOS Server provides access to optimization solvers through the Internet with a suite of interfaces. In particular, the Kestrel interface enables the remote solution of optimization problems within the AMPL and GAMS modeling languages. Problem generation, including the run-time detection of syntax errors, occurs on the local machine using any available modeling language facilities. Solution takes place on a remote machine, with the result returned in the native modeling language format for further processing. No significant differences exist between local and remote solutions. A byproduct of the Kestrel interface is the ability to solve in parallel multiple problems generated by a modeling language.
Seeing Color, Seeing Whiteness, Making Change: One Woman's Journey in Teaching Race and American Law

In this article Judith Scully, a law professor, who identifies as a member of the Caribbean and African Diaspora , shares her personal and academic perspective of the experience and challenges faced in teaching Race, Racism, and American Law in a predominantly white institution. The article describes the emotional challenges of teaching this course and suggests ways to help students deconstruct their own belief/value systems. It also provides key ingredients needed in teaching this course such as empathic listening, allowing students to set the ground rules for dialogue and it includes a description of a typical first class meeting and how ground rules set the stage for an honest dialogue on race and American jurisprudence. Central to this discussion about race and American law are the legal history of the doctrine of colorblindness as established in Plessy v. Ferguson, and the concept of “white privilege” which is necessary for white students to understand when they are attempting to examine their own racial identity. This article includes a discussion of how white privilege is confounded by poverty and how the students often prefer to analyze the effect of poverty on one’s identity rather than have to wrestle with the impact that race has on one’s privilege and access to power. The article concludes that teaching a course such as this is a welcome challenge and is essential to raising race consciousness, to building sensitivity to the role of law in redressing and enforcing racial inequalities, and to examining the essential role of lawyers in both the justice system and community action initiatives.
Candle soot nanoparticles-polydimethylsiloxane composites for laser ultrasound transducers

Generation of high power laser ultrasound strongly demands the advanced materials with efficient laser energy absorption, fast thermal diffusion, and large thermoelastic expansion capabilities. In this study, candle soot nanoparticles-polydimethylsiloxane (CSNPs-PDMS) composite was investigated as the functional layer for an optoacoustic transducer with high-energy conversion efficiency. The mean diameter of the collected candle soot carbon nanoparticles is about 45 nm, and the light absorption ratio at 532 nm wavelength is up to 96.24%. The prototyped CSNPs-PDMS nano-composite laser ultrasound transducer was characterized and compared with transducers using Cr-PDMS, carbon black (CB)-PDMS, and carbon nano-fiber (CNFs)-PDMS composites, respectively. Energy conversion coefficient and −6 dB frequency bandwidth of the CSNPs-PDMS composite laser ultrasound transducer were measured to be 4.41 × 10−3 and 21 MHz, respectively. The unprecedented laser ultrasound transduction performance using CSNPs-PDMS nano-comp...
Energetic Ion-Stimulated Desorption of Physisorbed Molecules

We have conducted an experimental investigation into molecular desorption stimulated by 8 keV Ar+ ions. The investigated systems are comprised of aromatic molecules (benzene and phenol) adsorbed to an Ag(111) surface. Resonance-enhanced laser ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry provide the ability to obtain quantum state resolved kinetic energy distributions of the desorbed molecules. Our results indicate that the desorption mechanisms for the molecules are dictated by the molecular coverage and determine if the molecules are desorbed in an internally excited state. We use specific mechanisms observed in molecular dynamics simulations reported in the literature to describe our experimental observations. In the low coverage regime, ballistic collisions between dislocated silver substrate atoms and the adsorbed molecules lead to the emission of energetic molecules. A collision between a single substrate atom and an adsorbed molecule leads to the emission of translationally and internall...
Zebrafish Rho kinase 2 acts downstream of Wnt11 to mediate cell polarity and effective convergence and extension movements.

Abstract Background: During vertebrate gastrulation convergence and extension (CE), movements narrow and lengthen embryonic tissues. In Xenopus and zebrafish, a noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway constitutes the vertebrate counterpart to the Drosophila planar cell polarity pathway and regulates mediolateral cell polarization underlying CE. Despite the identification of several signaling molecules required for normal CE, the downstream transducers regulating individual cell behaviors driving CE are only beginning to be elucidated. Moreover, how defective mediolateral cell polarity impacts CE is not understood. Results: Here, we show that overexpression of zebrafish dominant-negative Rho kinase 2 (dnRok2) disrupts CE without altering cell fates, phenocopying noncanonical Wnt signaling mutants. Moreover, Rho kinase 2 (Rok2) overexpression partially suppresses the slb/wnt11 gastrulation phenotype, and ectopic expression of noncanonical Wnts modulates Rok2 intracellular distribution. In addition, time-lapse analyses associate defective dorsal convergence movements with impaired cell elongation, mediolateral orientation, and consequently failure to migrate along straight paths. Transplantation experiments reveal that dnRok2 cells in wild-type hosts neither elongate nor orient their axes. In contrast, wild-type cells are able to elongate their cell bodies in dnRok2 hosts, even though they fail to orient their axes. Conclusions: During zebrafish gastrulation, Rok2 acts downstream of noncanonical Wnt11 signaling to mediate mediolateral cell elongation required for dorsal cell movement along straight paths. Furthermore, elongation and orientation of the cell body are independent properties that require both cell-autonomous and nonautonomous Rok2 function.
A New Analytical Model to Predict Gas Rate Volume Measurement Through Well Head Chokes

Historically, choke gas equations have been extensively used for gross estimation about gas volumes. These analytical models give a quick evaluation on gas volume but also face some serious limitations on specific topics like water presence, excessive gas velocity and pressure drop, limited differential pressure and high condensate to gas ratios. Many different efforts have being completed using several analytical models which can be applicable under certain conditions. This paper details a new predictive model for estimating the gas rate measurement through wellhead chokes and also covers all efforts for Saudi Aramco to get a single digit error on estimating gas rates for Ghawar gas condensate producers by implementing this new analytical model.
Institutional Inequality in the Publishing of Economics Papers, 1970-74

Both because of the importance of “getting published” and the difficulty of having one's work accepted by a professional journal, nearly every college teacher of economics should find this article to be of interest. Siegfried and Zak have analyzed the contributions to five leading journals in terms of the institutional affiliations of the authors, noting that “dramatic shifts in contributions among universities have occurred between the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s.” Some possible reasons for the change in the distribution of contributors are set forth. Detailed data are presented in six tables.
Absorption of pollen extracts from the alimentary tract

Abstract The sole object of this paper is to demonstrate that under favorable conditions enteric coated capsules of grass and ragweed pollen allow the absorption of unaltered pollen in sufficient concentration to react at sites of passive transfer in nonallergic patients.
Hemodynamic effects of spinal anesthesia and simultaneous intravenous bolus of combined phenylephrine and ephedrine versus ephedrine for cesarean delivery

Background: Hypotension following spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery can produce adverse maternal symptoms and neonatal acid-base effects. Single-agent prophylaxis, most notably with ephedrine, does not reliably prevent spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension; recently, however, the prophylactic use of phenylephrine with ephedrine as an infusion was observed to be effective. We postulated that this combination, when given as an intravenous bolus for prophylaxis and rescue treatment, could be similarly effective. Method: Forty-three term parturients were randomized to receive a bolus of ephedrine 10 mg ± phenylephrine 40 μg (groups E and EP, respectively) simultaneously with spinal anesthesia. Hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg or a decrease of 20% from a baseline value. Rescue boluses comprised of ephedrine 5 mg ± phenylephrine 20 μg. Results: For groups E and EP, respectively, the incidence of hypotension was 80% vs. 95% ( P =0.339), with the mean number of rescue boluses being 3.85±3.7 and 3.05±1.7 and the mean umbilical artery pH being 7.246±0.081 vs. 7.244±0.106. All comparisons were not significant (NS). Conclusion: The combination of ephedrine and phenylephrine given as an intravenous bolus at the doses selected is not superior to ephedrine alone in preventing or treating hypotension in healthy parturients undergoing cesarean delivery.
Short sales in Log-robust portfolio management

Abstract This paper extends the Log-robust portfolio management approach to the case with short sales, i.e., the case where the manager can sell shares he does not yet own. We model the continuously compounded rates of return, which have been established in the literature as the true drivers of uncertainty, as uncertain parameters belonging to polyhedral uncertainty sets, and maximize the worst-case portfolio wealth over that set in a one-period setting. The degree of the manager’s aversion to ambiguity is incorporated through a single, intuitive parameter, which determines the size of the uncertainty set. The presence of short-selling requires the development of problem-specific techniques, because the optimization problem is not convex. In the case where assets are independent, we show that the robust optimization problem can be solved exactly as a series of linear programming problems; as a result, the approach remains tractable for large numbers of assets. We also provide insights into the structure of the optimal solution. In the case of correlated assets, we develop and test a heuristic where correlation is maintained only between assets invested in. In computational experiments, the proposed approach exhibits superior performance to that of the traditional robust approach.
Assay of 6-mercaptopurine and its metabolites in patient plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection.

Abstract A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to determine 6-mercaptopurine (MP) and seven of its metabolites (6-thioguanine, 6-thioxanthine, 6-mercaptopurine riboside, 6-thioguanosine, 6-thioxanthine riboside, 6-methylmercaptopurine and 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside) simultaneously in human plasma. A volume of 100 μl of plasma was used. Protein was removed from the sample by a simple and easy ultrafiltration step and ultrafiltrate was directly injected onto the HPLC system. Analytes were detected and confirmed with a diode-array detector before quantitation at 295 and 330 nm. The limit of detection for the analytes ranged from 20 to 50 n M . For the majority of patients receiving a 1 g/m 2 MP intravenous infusion, MP and all metabolites except 6-thioguanine and 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside were present. This method serves as useful tool to characterize pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MP in oncology patients, and the small volume of plasma lends itself to pediatric studies.
A role for soluble cAMP phosphodiesterases in differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, monitored by accumulation of neutral lipid and by increase in alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity, is accelerated by incubation of confluent 3T3-L1 fibroblasts in media containing insulin, dexamethasone and isobutylmethylxantine (IBMX). IBMX inhibits cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases as well as the binding of adenosine to its receptor. Agents with relatively specific effects were utilized to examine the role of IBMX in differentiation. Ro 20-1724, a selective inhibitor of soluble cAMP phosphodiesterase activities, was as effective as IBMX in increasing alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity and fat deposition. Neither cilostamide, which inhibits particulate but not soluble cAMP phosphodiesterase activities, 8-phenyltheophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist with little inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase activities, nor N6-(R phenyl-isopropyl) adenosine (PIA), a potent adenosine receptor agonist, were effective in promoting differentiation. In addition, we find that maximal increases in alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity and lipid accumulation were observed when differentiation was initiated in the presence of 10 nM dexamethasone. These data suggest that inhibition of soluble cAMP phosphodiesterase activity and subsequent alterations in cAMP may play an important role in the mechanism whereby IBMX enhances differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.
Abrasion-A Factor in Electrical Brush Wear

An investigation of the effect of abrasion upon electrical brush wear is reported in this paper. Tests of the rate of wear of anode and cathode brushes, and of brushes carrying current and those that did not, show that abrasion is an important factor in electrical brush wear.
Interspecies Approaches for the Analysis of Parental Imprinting During Mouse Development

Genomic imprinting results in the functional specialization of the maternal and paternal genomes during development whereby offspring inherit only one active copy of a gene. Although the reason for its evolutionary genesis remains speculative, the consequences of genomic imprinting are evidenced by the failure of parthenogenetic and androgenetic development in mammals, and parental-specific effects in the etiology of a number of human diseases. While the precise molecular mechanism of imprinting is unknown, evidence suggests that the specialization of the parental genomes is established during gametogenesis when the parental genomes are epigenetically modified to reflect the parent of origin. To examine the epigenetic modification of specific imprinted genes and subsequent differential expression, an assay is required that can distinguish between the maternal and paternal alleles and their respective transcripts. During the past 5 years several strategies have been used to identify imprinted genes, ranging from the fortuitous disruption of specific parental alleles to subtraction hybridization between cDNAs from normal and parthenogenetic embryos. To study the developmental regulation of these imprinted genes during mammalian development, we describe a relatively simple interspecies "mRNA phenotyping" approach applicable to the analysis of allele-specific expression as well as the identification of candidate imprinted genes.