cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Tiebout Hypothesis 50 Years Later: Lessons and Lingering Challenges for Metropolitan Governance in the 21st Century

More than five decades have passed since Charles Tiebout wrote his seminal 1956 paper, often cited as the classic apologetic for locally based systems of metropolitan governance. This essay traces the impact of Tiebout’s work and subsequent scholarship in public choice, identifying important lessons and lingering issues. Although public choice has demonstrated that polycentric systems are adept and flexible in producing and providing municipal services and a variety of interlocal agreements, the presence of municipal boundaries gives rise to a host of spillover problems, such as urban sprawl and segregation. These spillovers are particularly nefarious because, unlike the natural cooperation that seems to occur in service provision, municipalities tend to assert narrow self-interest in the face of these types of externalities. The essay proposes that, commensurate with the growing salience of equity among the pillars of public administration, interjurisdictional spillovers and their attendant equity impacts will be the central challenge for thinkers studying metropolitan governance in the 21st century.
Matrix Tree Theorems

Abstract A simple proof of a directed graph generalization of the Matrix Tree Theorem, sometimes called Maxwell's rule or Kirchhoff's rule, is given. It is based on the idea A. Renyi used to prove Cayley's tree counting formula. The theorem counts rooted arborescences (analogs of forests) in a directed graph with the determinant of a submatrix in a special adjacency matrix. In the proof we show two n - k degree homogeneous polynomials in n variables are equal by applying induction to those terms lacking one variable. An application to a well-known identity and related theorems are given.
Integration of job shop control systems: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract This paper reviews important theoretical and practical developments in job shop control. The distinguishing feature of this paper is the identification and summary of important concepts and procedures useful for incorporation into computerized job shop control systems. The first section briefly examines the job shop control problem, and presents a broad outline of commonly used subproblems and methods. A review of the past work done in the areas of scheduling and sequencing, workload balancing, work flow structure analysis, and job shop capability evaluation is then presented. The final section lists important concepts and procedures for developing computer integrated job shop control systems.
High-gain harmonic generation free-electron laser with variable wavelength

The external seed of the high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) free-electron laser (FEL) determines the wavelength of the output radiation. Therefore, the tunability of such a laser depends upon the tunability of the seed. In this paper, we present and discuss an alternative scheme for the tunable HGHG FEL wherein the seed's wavelength is fixed and the variations in the wavelength of radiation are achieved by tuning the accelerator. As an illustration, we apply our proposed scheme to the deep ultraviolet free electron laser (DUV FEL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrating the ability to attain about a \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10% variation in the wavelength's tuning range.
Aggregate consumption behavior and the permanent income hypothesis

Abstract This paper shows that the random walk behavior of real aggregate consumption is unrelated to Hall's rational choice model. The result implies that random walk behavior of macroeconomic aggregates is something quite general which need have little relation to the optimizing behavior of individual agents.
A functional equation arising in multi-agent statistical decision theory

Using recent results of Jarai we show that the measurable solutions of the functional equationf(x 1 y 1,...,x n y n )f((1−x 1)(1−y 1),..., (1−x n )(1−y n ))=f(x 1(1−y 1),...,x n (1 − (y n ))f(y 1(1−x 1),...,y n(1 −x n )), wheref: (0, 1) n → (0, ∞) and 0<x i ,y i <1,i=1,...,n, are of the form $$f(x_1 ,...,x_n ) = c \exp \left( {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^n {a_i (x_1 - x_1^2 ))} \prod\limits_{i = 1}^n {x_i^{b_1 } ,} } \right.$$ wherec>0,a 1,...,a n andb 1,..., b are arbitrary real constants. This result enables one to characterize certain independence-preserving methods of aggregating probability distributions over four alternatives.
Interaction of intuitive physics with computer‐simulated physics

How do children solve force and motion problems in computer simulations without explicit knowledge of the underlying physics? This question was addressed by saving the keystroke input of 19 sixth-grade children in computer memory as each interacted with a simulated, frictionless object using Logo turtle-graphics. The keystroke sequences were first used to determine subject performance on the gamelike features of the simulation. A second analysis used the Newtonian structure of the program to investigate alternative methods for controlling turtle velocity. Five boys and five girls were interviewed during the simulation concerning the perceived relationship between keyboard input and turtle behavior. Subjects who could clearly state some keyboard effects did not score high on either computer analysis, yet achieved the most general solutions of the computer problem. They did so by exploring turtle behavior under a greater variety of conditions than the subjects who achieved partial solutions. For the successful subjects, the turtle was related by analogy to useful information from existing conceptions of motion.
A comparison of the reactions of phosphorus precursors on deposited GaP and InP films

The reactions of the phosphorus precursors tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP), tris(dimethylamino)phosphorus (TDMAP), and tertiarybutylbis(dimethylamino) phosphine (TBBDMAP) on deposited GaP and InP films have been compared in low-pressure conditions. The rates of decomposition are generally greater on GaP than on InP and correlate well with the reported growth results for chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). Those phosphorus precursors that can be used for epitaxial growth without precracking have the highest heterogeneous reaction rates. The differences in apparent activation energies suggest that these compounds adsorb more strongly on GaP than on InP surfaces.
Single Neuropsychological Test Scores Associated With Rate of Cognitive Decline in Early Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) characteristically begins with episodic memory impairment followed by other cognitive deficits; however, the course of illness varies, with substantial differences in the rate of cognitive decline. For research and clinical purposes it would be useful to distinguish between persons who will progress slowly from persons who will progress at an average or faster rate. Our objective was to use neurocognitive performance features and disease-specific and health information to determine a predictive model for the rate of cognitive decline in participants with mild AD. We reviewed the records of a series of 96 consecutive participants with mild AD from 1995 to 2011 who had been administered selected neurocognitive tests and clinical measures. Based on Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of functional and cognitive decline over 2 years, participants were classified as Faster (n = 45) or Slower (n = 51) Progressors. Stepwise logistic regression analyses using neurocognitive performance features, disease-specific, health, and demographic variables were performed. Neuropsychological scores that distinguished Faster from Slower Progressors included Trail Making Test - A, Digit Symbol, and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) Total Learned and Primacy Recall. No disease-specific, health, or demographic variable predicted rate of progression; however, history of heart disease showed a trend. Among the neuropsychological variables, Trail Making Test - A best distinguished Faster from Slower Progressors, with an overall accuracy of 68%. In an omnibus model including neuropsychological, disease-specific, health, and demographic variables, only Trail Making Test - A distinguished between groups. Several neuropsychological performance features were associated with the rate of cognitive decline in mild AD, with baseline Trail Making Test - A performance best separating those who declined at an average or faster rate from those who showed slower progression.
The Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain in the Adolescent

Adolescents present to outpatient and acute care settings commonly for evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Primary care providers, gynecologists, pediatric and general surgeons, emergency department providers, and other specialists should be familiar with both gynecologic and nongynecologic causes of CPP so as to avoid delayed diagnoses and potential adverse sequelae. Treatment may include medications, surgery, physical therapy, trigger-point injections, psychological counseling, and complementary/alternative medicine. Additional challenges arise in caring for this patient population because of issues of confidentiality, embarrassment surrounding the history or examination, and combined parent-child decision making.
ORBITAL MOTION IN THE THEORY OF GENERAL RELATIVITY

Perturbation analysis of the general theory of relativity and development of variations in the two-body keplarian orbital elements /see accession no. a63-15324, issue no. 11/
Patterns of prostate cancer biopsy grading: trends and clinical implications.

The predictive value of Gleason grading from prostate needle biopsy was examined and the patterns of grade discordance with surgical specimens are discussed in terms of their clinical implications. Gleason scores from biopsy and matched radical prostatectomy specimens were compared in 428 consecutive patients. Patterns of concordance were examined with respect to numerical agreement as well as to whether differences result in a change in group assignment with respect to Gleason score group 2-4, 5-6, 7, and 8-10. The coefficient of agreement, kappa, and accuracy were used to measure predictive value. An exact Gleason score match was present in 41% of the cases, while 48% were undergraded and 17% overgraded. With respect to group assignment, 51% remained unchanged while 35% were undergraded and 14% overgraded. Kappa analysis yielded a value of 0.26, which represents a poor agreement beyond chance. A Gleason score of 5-6, 7, or 8 was reproduced in 52%, 53%, and 58% of cases, respectively. A systematic bias toward progressive undergrading of more well-differentiated cancers and overgrading of more poorly differentiated cancers on biopsy is suggested by the data. A pooled analysis with nine additional series (n = 2,687) confirms this conclusion. No correlation was found between the amount of tumor in the biopsy specimen and grade discordance. Biases in pathologic interpretation and sampling effects are suggested as responsible for grade discordance. Predictable differences exist between the histologic grade in prostate needle biopsies and the surgical specimen. Clinical staging of organ-confined prostate cancer should include the likelihood of histologic upgrading or downgrading when used to stratify patients for clinical trials, in comparing results among therapies based on biopsy grading and when recommending a radical therapy. Developing a methodology which reduces both sampling effects and pathologic interpretation bias would likely result in significantly improved accuracy of Gleason grading of prostate biopsies. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 305-311 (2000).
Algorithms for finding most unsymmetrical chromosome images

Abstract By using chromosome images as a framework, algorithms for finding most unsymmetrical images are presented and illustrated with examples. Sixteen angularly-not-equal and six angularly-not-equivalent most unsymmetrical chromosome images are found. A state-transition table, a state-transition diagram, and six most unsymmetrical chromosome images are also presented. The results may have useful applications in pattern recognition, picture understanding, information storage and retrieval, artificial intelligence, fuzzy-set theory, and pictorial information systems.
DORA: Distributed Cognitive Random Access of Unslotted Markovian Channels under Tight Collision Constraints

We consider the design of distributed strategies that allow multiple secondary users to opportunistically access multiple unslotted Markovian channels with unknown parameters and tight collision constraints, a challenging problem setting that has not been well addressed by existing work. An optimal strategy would strike a balance among exploration, which is to measure all the channels to identify the best one(s), exploitation, which is to stay on the currently best channel(s) as much as possible, and competition, that is to spread out users in order to avoid overcrowding the best channel(s). Moreover, a strategy has to abide collision constraint of each channel to become an acceptable one. We first assume known channel parameters and formulate a CNLP (constrained nonlinear programming) problem, which we solved through an algorithm we called DORA-Known that computes an optimal randomized access strategy. Next, We address the online channel-parameter learning problem by transforming it into a problem of DTMC (discrete-time Markov chain) estimation with incomplete data, and solving it with an EM (expectation-maximization) based algorithm. We then propose an algorithm called DORA-Learning that extends DORA-Known to incorporate the online channel learning. The proposed algorithms are evaluated and compared with a state-of-art approach that assumes known channel parameters, and two reinforcement learning based schemes. Experimental results illustrate significant performance gain of the two DORA algorithms over the other three approaches.
DNA sequence organization in the alga Euglena gracilis.

Abstract The sequence organization of nuclear DNA in the single-celled alga Euglena gracilis has been studied by a combination of techniques: (1) the comparison of the reassociation kinetics of DNA fragments 300, 2000 and 8100 nucleotides long; (2) the reassociation of 32P-labeled DNA fragments of various lengths with driver fragments 300 nucleotides long; (3) the hyperchromicity of DNA structures formed by the reassociation of repetitive sequences; (4) and the direct measurement of the size of the duplex regions of reassociated repetitive DNA resistant to S1 nuclease. The single copy DNA sequences are approximately 1500 nucleotide pairs long and are interspersed with repetitive DNA sequences. The repetitive DNA, consisting of both highly repetitive and middle repetitive sequences, consists of one fraction of nucleotide sequences (0.67) with an average size of 4900 nucleotide pairs and a second fraction (0.33) with an average size of 1000 nucleotide pairs. 34% of the DNA consists of foldback sequences which are present on 45% of the DNA 4000 nucleotides long.
Uppsala and the university of Illinois: the enduring legacy of professor Tord Skoog (1915–1977)

An enduring relationship developed between the University of Uppsala, Sweden, and the University of Illinois, Chicago, as a result of the author’s two opportunities to study and lecture in Uppsala through the auspices of the Fulbright Scholarship Awards, first at the invitation of Professor Tord Skoog in 1960, and then by Professor Valdemar Skoog in 2003. Some anecdotes and observations related to these dates and the 43-year interval are presented.
Effect of Controlled Drainage and Vegetative Buffers on Drainage Water Quality from Wastewater Irrigated Fields

Lagoon effluent is routinely applied to agricultural fields as fertilizer to utilize nutrients derived from animal manures. In humid regions, effluent is also applied to fields in order to manage the lagoon stage within acceptable levels. To minimize the risk of applied nutrients being transported to surface waters, best management practices such as vegetative buffers and controlled drainage are often recommended. This paper presents the results of a field study to evaluate the effectiveness of controlled drainage and vegetative buffers in reducing the transport of wastewater nutrients from land application fields. Swine lagoon effluent was spray irrigated to Bermudagrass fields drained by a parallel ditch system. Drainage outflow was monitored continuously for a 3 year period. Vegetative buffers reduced the average concentration of phosphorus by about 30%, but the average concentration of nitrogen was not affected. Controlled drainage resulted in higher individual event nitrogen concentrations, which wer...
SU‐EE‐A3‐01: Comparison of Six Manual and Automatic 4D CT Registration Methods for Lung SBRT Image Guidance

Purpose: 4D CT is now widely used in radiation therapy for generating accurate ITV's or for facilitation of gated treatmentdelivery. It is, as yet, relatively unexplored for use as a potential tool for image guidance of SBRT of lung. Use of 4D imaging for image guidance in SBRT requires that we determine an acceptable method for fusing 2 4D data sets.Method and Materials: We compare five different manual and/or automatic 4D registration methods and present the comparison results for phantom and patient data: Individual phase‐to‐phase registration; Average of phase to phase; MIP‐to‐MIP; Average Intensity Projection; Auto‐segmentation with centroid; Manual GE SimMD methods. Phantom studies were performed using the CIRS Dynamic Thorax phantom (CIRS, Norfolk, VA). A 2‐cm target was set into motion with a periodic sinusoidal 3D motion inside the anthropomorphic phantom. The baseline motion envelope of the target for simulation day movement was 4.2 mm L/R, 6.0 mm A/P, and 14.0 mm I/S. The target was then re‐programmed to move with the same motion envelope, but shifted away from the simulation motion envelope centroid, for three scenarios: a) Axial (L/R and A/P) only shift; b) Longitudinal only shift; and c) combination of axial (L/R & A/P) and longitudinal shift. Results: Individual phase‐to‐phase fusions were within 2.4 mm for all phases, with some phases performing better than others. The average and AIP methods were seen to perform very similarly, and this seems reasonable when we consider that both are, essentially, averaging methods. The MIP‐to‐MIP and Manual fusion methods were least accurate, but still likely to be considered clinically acceptable. Conclusion: Multiple methods have been explored for registration of 2 4D data sets. The averaging methods were seen to perform best, but all performed within what would reasonably be considered clinically acceptable limits. The centroid method performed particularly well.
Positive connectedness in the psychiatric nurse-patient relationship

Positive connectedness in the psychiatric nurse-patient relationship is believed to enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. The psychiatric nurse's experience of connectedness to patients is examined in this study, and factors contributing to the development of a positive connectedness are explored using structured interviews.
A method of solving nonlinear variational problems by nonlinear transformation of the objective functional. Part II

A general globally convergent iterative method for solving nonlinear variational problems is introduced. The method is applied to a temperature control problem and to the minimal surface problem. Several aspects of finite element implementation of the method are discussed.
The ability of joint-like motion to produce sulfhydryl-dependent aggregation of human γ-globulin

Abstract Mechanical forces like those acting on the synovial fluid of a moving joint aggregated human γ-globulin, diluted human serum, and diluted human synovial fluid at 4°C, room temperature, and 37°C. Part of this aggregation was sulfhydryl-dependent and was inhibited by both gold thiomalate and a mixture of l -histidine, l -cystine, and copper(II). These studies suggest that joint movement may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and to the localization of this disease to joints.
Calculating of the Cohesive Energy of Diamond

It is well known that a satisfactory value for the binding energy of the hydrogen molecule may be calculated using a wave function which has the form of a Heitler-London (HL) function built on non-orthogonal orbitals. However, Slater has shown that a HL function built on orthogonal orbitals fails to yield any binding for the hydrogen molecule, but binding may be achieved by mixing with the HL function an ionized-molecule function which assigns two electrons to one atom and none to the other. Satisfactory results may also be achieved using a Hund-Mulliken (HM) function which may be built on either orthogonal or nonorthogonal orbitals, since the wave functions resulting in these two cases may be shown to be identical.The present calculation shows that the situation for diamond is entirely analogous to that for the hydrogen molecule in that the usual formulation of the Slater-Pauling (SP) directional theory of valence, which is a generalization of the HL method using orthogonal orbitals, fails to yield any binding, but satisfactory results are achieved when this theory is reformulated to allow ionization to be introduced into the bonds. It is also shown that for the observed value of the lattice parameter, which is the only value for which the calculations have been performed, satisfactory results are also achieved using a wave function which is built on orthogonal HM orbitals, each of which, like its counterpart in the hydrogen molecule case, is spread out over a pair of bonded atoms.As a by-product of the main calculation, the total exchange energy of Bloch-type functions belonging to the valence bands of diamond is calculated and found to be essentially equal to the value obtained using free-electron functions.
Anemia in Infancy

1. Jennifer Cobelli Kett, MD 1. Children’s National Medical Center Washington, DC 1. Anemia and Pallor . Kolb EA, Levy AS. In: McInerny TK, Adam HM, Campbell DE, Kamat DM, Kelleher KJ, eds. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:1395–1405. 2. Diseases of the Blood . In: Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004:1599–1678. 3. The Blood and Hematopoietic System . In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin’s Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2006:1287–1356. Anemia is the reduction in red blood cell (RBC) number, hematocrit, or hemoglobin concentration to a value >2 SDs below the age-specific mean. Anemia in infancy, which may result from increased erythrocyte loss or inadequate RBC production, raises unique considerations. Understanding the development of the hematopoietic system may be helpful in the evaluation of neonates with anemia. Erythropoiesis begins in the yolk sac at 2 weeks’ gestation, generating cells that express embryonic hemoglobin. At 6 weeks’ gestation, the liver becomes the predominant site of RBC production, and the cells produced primarily express fetal hemoglobin. Not until 6 months’ gestation does the bone marrow become the major site of hematopoiesis. Throughout fetal life, erythrocytes decrease in size and increase in number: hematocrit increases from 30% to 40% during the second trimester to 50% to 63% at term. In late gestation and after birth, RBCs gradually switch from the production of fetal hemoglobin to adult hemoglobin. After birth, RBC mass normally declines in response to an increase in the availability of oxygen and downregulation of erythropoietin. RBC count decreases until oxygen delivery is inadequate for metabolic demand and erythropoietin production is stimulated again. In healthy term infants, the RBC nadir, a physiologic response to postnatal life and not a hematologic disorder, typically occurs at 8 to 12 weeks of life and at a hemoglobin level of 9 to 11 g/dL. Preterm infants also experience a decrease in hemoglobin concentration after birth, with a decline that typically is more abrupt and more profound than in term infants, reaching hemoglobin levels of …
Inferring Postimplant Dosimetry and Determining Low Radiation Dose Volumes Using Images Obtained at the Time of Recurrence After Permanent Prostate Implant Brachytherapy: A Pragmatic Study

Post-implant (PI) V100 & D90 were calculated for each sector and compared with whole prostate as well as intraoperative (IO) parameters. Optimal values were O90% for D90 & O85% for V100. Summary statistics (mean, SD, median, IQR, range) were reported for V100 and D90. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used to compare the percentage drop from intra-op to post-implant, and to compare differences between individual sectors/groups of sectors and the whole prostate. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to examine the association between intra-op and post-implant values. Results: 71 seed implants were performed, mean PI prostate V100 and D90 was 95.5% and 117.1%. 70 had optimal D90 and V100. Only 1 sector (anterior base) had suboptimal PI V100 and D90 (70.3% and 85.9%) which were significantly and clinically lower than corresponding IO values (p! 0.001). This affected PI V100 for the prostate base (88%) and anterior quadrant (86.9%), but not D90 (108% & 106%). Inherent characteristics with the modified peripheral loading approach became evident as the mean IO D90 for the apical sectors (126%) was consistently lower than the base (131%) and midgland (132%), and lateral sectors (134%) had higher D90 than the anterior (123%) and posterior (126%) sectors. There was consistent decrease in the D90 from the IO to the PI plan in the anterior sectors (123% vs 106%, p! 0.001) and base sectors (132% vs 108%, p! 0.001) while an increase was noted in the apical sectors (126% vs 133%, p ! 0.001) as well as posterior sectors (126% vs 131%, p 5 0.006). The lateral sectors and mid sectors had minimal change from the IO plan. Conclusions:Overall dosimetry results to date are very encouraging with 11/12 sectors showing optimal dosimetry in most patients. Sector analysis provides insight into the planning aspects which may have impact in the PI dosimetry and provides useful data for further refinement in practice, further study correlating sector analysis with clinical outcomes is required.
Microstructure of a Radiation Fog

Abstract The relative humidity, temperature, droplet size distribution and transmittance of light at 632.8 nm were measured in a radiation fog. A new saturation hygrometer capable of measuring relative humidity between ∼95 and 105%, was used for the first time. Excursions of relative humidity into the supersaturation regime were brief and rapid. Estimated peak values of supersaturation were several tenths of 1%. The mean relative humidity in the fog was <100%. The importance of turbulence in controlling the fog was evident in the rapid fluctuations in all the measured variables, and in the fog's quasi-periodic oscillations which had a mean period of 18 min. Evidence suggested that turbulent mixing of nearly saturated eddies was the cause of fog formation and the broadening of the droplet size distribution.
G-colored partition algebras as centralizer algebras of wreath products

Abstract Let G be a group. We define an associative algebra Pk(x;G) that is a partition algebra whose diagrams have oriented edges labeled by elements of G. For G finite, we show that Pk(x;G) is the centralizer algebra of an action of the wreath product G≀S n on tensor powers of its permutation module.
The Interpolation-Based Bintree and encoding of binary images

Abstract A new structure for representing binary images, called the Interpolation-Based Bintree, is introduced. This structure combines the features of some existing representations such as linear quadtrees, binary trees and interpolation-based codes to improve the performance of operations manipulating graphics images. The implementation of this method is performed on both randomly generated and actual images and is shown to be very simple and efficient. It is also shown to compare favorably with several popular techniques in both storage and processing requirements. Although this structure is mainly for binary images, it can also be utilized for a class of “color-coded” images, where the color code has a nominal value, the difference between two codes has no meaning and areas of uniform color values are larger with respect to resolution.
From sub-optimal datasets to a CityGML-compliant 3D city model: experiences from Trento, Italy

Abstract. More and more cities are moving towards the creation and adoption of three-dimensional virtual city models as a means for data integration, harmonisation and storage. To this purpose, CityGML is an international standard conceived specifically as information and data model for semantic city models at urban and territorial scale. The automatic building reconstruction process, up to the Level of Detail 2 (LoD2) can be achieved nowadays nearly completely automatically and with a high degree of accuracy, provided that high quality input data (e.g. a dense DSM obtained from LiDAR or dense stereo-matching with 10÷15 pt/m2 or better) are provided. This paper deals indeed with the creation of a CityGML-compliant, LoD2 city model starting from sub-optimal datasets and tries to address some of the issues tied with the use of sub-standard data – which however, represents a quite common case in “real life”. As study area, a part of the city of Trento, in the northern Alpine region of Italy, was chosen and contains about 2300 buildings of different typology, use and construction year. Only existing datasets were gathered and used.
History of the World Allergy Organization: Reflective Recollections of the WAO Presidency, 2010-2011

Abstract History of the World Allergy Organization: In 1951, the leaders in allergy from all over the world came together to form the International Association of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (IAACI). For the next 60 years, the allergy world converged at the IAACI triennial meetings, which became biennial in 2003. The international meetings, originally named the International Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (ICACI), are now the World Allergy Congress (WAC) hosted by the World Allergy Organization (WAO). Everyone who has aspired to have worldwide recognition has played a part in IAACI-WAO. The History of the World Allergy Organization traces the global arc of the allergy field over the past 60 years. The current officers of WAO elected to focus on this rich history, inviting prominent leaders who are interested in being part of this history project to write about their time with IAACI-WAO. This series was presented in Cancun, Mexico as part of the XXII World Allergy Congress (December 4-8, 2011). The World Allergy Organization Journal is presenting segments of the History as part of the "Notes of Allergy Watchers Series." Please enjoy. --Michael A. Kaliner, MD Historian, and Past President (2006-2007) World Allergy Organization
Adolescent Suicidal Ideation and Attempts: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications

In this article we summarize findings from our program of research (the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project) as they pertain to the suicidal behavior of older (14–18-year-old) adolescents. Specifically, we (a) present information regarding the epidemiology of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts (e.g., prevalence, incidence, onset age, methods, severity); (b) describe the psychosocial characteristics associated with past and future suicide attempts, in comparison to depression; (c) discuss issues relevant to assessment and screening, including our development of a new assessment instrument, the Life Attitudes Schedule; (d) share recommendations gained from our experience in providing treatment for depressed adolescents, approximately 40% of whom had made a suicide attempt; and (e) identify gaps in current knowledge for which more research is needed.
Variations in ice rafted detritus on beaches in the South Shetland Islands: a possible climate proxy

Raised beach ridges on Livingston Island of the South Shetland Islands display variations in both quantity and source of ice rafted detritus (IRD) received over time. Whereas the modern beach exhibits little IRD, all of which is of local origin, the next highest beach (~250 14 C yr BP) has large amounts, some of which comes from as far away as the Antarctic Peninsula. Significant quantities of IRD also were deposited ~1750 14 C yr BP. Both time periods coincide with generally cooler regional conditions and, at least in the case of the ~250 yr old beach, local glacial advance. We suggest that the increases in ice rafting may reflect periods of greater glacial activity, altered ocean circulation, and/or greater iceberg preservation during the late Holocene. Limited IRD and lack of far-travelled erratics on the modern beach are both consistent with the ongoing warming trend in the Antarctic Peninsula region.
Iminic N-bound iminophosphorano versus nitrilic n-bound iminophosphorano Os(IV) complexes: a new double derivatization of the nitrido ligand.

The reactions between trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NCN)] (1) and PPh3 and between trans-[OsIV(tpy)(Cl)2(NPPh3)]+ (2) and CN- provide new examples of double derivatization of the nitrido ligand in an Os(VI)−nitrido complex (OsVI⋮N). The nitrilic N-bound product from the first reaction, trans-[OsII(tpy)(Cl)2(NCNPPh3)] (3), is the coordination isomer of the first iminic N-bound product from the second reaction, trans-[OsII(tpy)(Cl)2(N(CN)(PPh3))] (4). In CH3CN at 45 °C, 4 undergoes isomerrization to 3 followed by solvolysis and release of (N-cyano)iminophosphorane, NCNPPh3. These reactions demonstrate new double derivatization reactions of the nitrido ligand in OsVI⋮N with its implied synthetic utility.
The rotational motion of an earth orbiting gyroscope according to the Einstein theory of general relativity

The classical Poisson equations of rotational motion are used to study the attitude motions of an earth orbiting, rapidly spinning gyroscope perturbed by the effects of general relativity (Einstein theory). The center of mass of the gyroscope is assumed to move about a rotating oblate earth in an evolving elliptic orbit which includes all first-order oblateness effects produced by the earth. A method of averaging is used to obtain a transformation of variables, for the nonresonance case, which significantly simplifies the Poisson differential equations of motion of the gyroscope. Long-term solutions are obtained by an exact analytical integration of the simplified transformed equations. These solutions may be used to predict both the orientation of the gyroscope and the motion of its rotational angular momentum vector as viewed from its center of mass. The results are valid for all eccentricities and all inclinations not near the critical inclination.
Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven): spread and harmfulness in a case-study urban area.

Among the woody and shrubby weeds colonising non-crop areas in the Apulia Region (South Italy), Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), an exotic invasive species, is one of the worst, because of its fast growth and root-sucker production. It reaches the heart of protected areas and spreads everywhere in urban and peri-urban areas creating dense stands. As there are no official monitoring protocols for weed mapping, a method based on real-time global positioning system (GPS) on satellite maps was set up. Due to this method, the distribution, spread, size, density and harmfulness of A. altissima were assessed across the wide urban area of Bari (South Italy) by mapping all the individual plants and areas/stands of plants. In Bari, along a total of 76 km of roads mapped, 170 very large (diameter >18 cm), 231 large (diameter 8–18 cm), 130 medium (diameter 3–8 cm), 53 small (diameter < 3 cm) single plants, and 70 high, 63 medium and 13 low density areas were detected. This indicated that A. altissima (tree of h...
Comparison of tibial nerve H-reflex excitability after cervical and lumbar spine manipulation.

Background: Previous investigations indicate that spinal manipulation leads to short-term attenuation of α-motoneuron excitability, when assessed by means of the Hoffmann reflex. Past studies, however, are limited to regional effects, such as lumbar manipulation effects on lumbar α-motoneuron activity. Objective: This study compared and contrasted the effects of cervical and lumbar spine manipulation on the excitability of the lumbar α-motoneuronal pool in human subjects without low back pain, and compared the effects of cervical (nonregional) and lumbar (regional) spinal manipulation on lumbar α-motoneuron pool excitability in healthy subjects. The specific aim of this study was to determine if the inhibitory effects on the lumbar α-motoneuron pool associated with spinal manipulation are limited to the specific region in which the manipulative procedure is applied, or if rostral (cervical) manipulation can also influence caudal (lumbar) motoneuron excitability. Method: Thirty-six nonpatient human subjects were used to study the effect of cervical and lumbar spinal manipulation on the amplitude of the tibial nerve Hoffmann reflex, recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) technique allows for an indirect index of motoneuron pool excitability by means of peripheral nerve Ia-afferent fiber stimulation. Reflexes were recorded before and after spinal manipulative procedures. Results: Lumbar spinal manipulation, as measured by amplitude changes of the tibial nerve H-reflex, attenuated lumbar α-motoneuronal activity. Suppression of motoneuronal excitability was significant (P < .05) but transient, with a return to baseline within 60 seconds after manipulation. Cervical spinal manipulation had no significant effect on lumbar motoneuron activity. Conclusion: These data indicate that the inhibitory effects of spinal manipulation on motoneuronal excitability are regional, rather than global. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:318-25)
Are 12 Nodes Needed to Accurately Stage T1 and T2 Colon Cancers

Evaluation of 12 lymph nodes has been mandated to prevent colon cancer understaging. Given that the probability of node metastases is largely associated with T-stage, are <12 nodes substandard for T1 and T2 lesions? We evaluated if survival for T1 and T2 tumors varies by nodes examined. In SEER, 61,237 patients undergoing colon cancer resection were identified. For each T-stage, 5-year survival rates were compared for node-negative cancers by using stepwise node cut-point comparisons (4 nodes, <4, etc.). Survival impact was determined by log-rank test and hazard regression. For T1 tumors, 4 nodes had 24% lower hazard of death compared to <4. For T2 tumors, 10 nodes had the biggest survival impact, 15% lower hazard of death. In conclusion, the number of nodes to stage T1 and T2 lesions may be <12.
Neural correlates of conditioned responses studied with multiple chronically implanted moving microelectrodes.

Abstract Neuronal discharges and evoked potentials were studied in trained cats with multiple but movable microelectrodes implanted in the brain. Usually, average evoked responses to a visual stimulus closely resemble the poststimulus histograms of multiple-unit activity simultaneously recorded from the same electrode. Although different neuronal ensembles within extensive brain regions display great variability in their responses to single conditioned stimuli, they reveal striking similarity in average patterns of activity when correct behavioral performance subsequently ensues. Information about the stimulus may be represented by the stable average pattern of activity of a distributed aggregate of neurons. Different patterns of response are displayed to different stimuli. These patterns are markedly changed when animals fail to perform and are then characterized by decrease in amplitude or disappearance of a burst of neural discharge with a latency of about 40 msec. The retrieval of a memory about a stimulus may be related to this late component in the response of the neural ensemble.
Baryon isocurvature fluctuations at small scales and baryonic dark matter.

A model of baryogenesis is described which gives rise to fluctuations in baryon number that are large on small scales but of low amplitude on large scales. This provides a mechanism for primordial blackhole formation, and allows the possibility of a critical density of dark matter in baryonic (and antibaryonic) form. Since high-density regions naturally possess both signs of baryonic excess, our model also predicts a small fraction of the mass density of the Universe to be in the form of compact antibaryonic regions. These objects may be observable via a redshifted annihilation feature in the diffuse extragalactic $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray background, as both steady sources of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray radiation and annihilation-powered $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray bursters at cosmological distances, by a distortion of the spectrum of the 3K background radiation, or by the presence of antihelium nuclei as a rare component of high-energy cosmic rays.
Single Hemagglutinin Mutations that Alter Both Antigenicity and Receptor Binding Avidity Influence Influenza Virus Antigenic Clustering

The hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay is the primary measurement used for identifying antigenically novel influenza virus strains. HAI assays measure the amount of reference sera required to prevent virus binding to red blood cells. Receptor binding avidities of viral strains are not usually taken into account when interpreting these assays. Here, we created antigenic maps of human H3N2 viruses that computationally account for variation in viral receptor binding avidities. These new antigenic maps differ qualitatively from conventional antigenic maps based on HAI measurements alone. We experimentally focused on an antigenic cluster associated with a single N145K hemagglutinin (HA) substitution that occurred between 1992 and 1995. Reverse-genetics experiments demonstrated that the N145K HA mutation increases viral receptor binding avidity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) revealed that the N145K HA mutation does not prevent antibody binding; rather, viruses possessing this mutation escape antisera in HAI assays simply by attaching to cells more efficiently. Unexpectedly, we found an asymmetric antigenic effect of the N145K HA mutation. Once H3N2 viruses acquired K145, an epitope involving amino acid 145 became antigenically dominant. Antisera raised against an H3N2 strain possessing K145 had reduced reactivity to H3N2 strains possessing N145. Thus, individual mutations in HA can influence antigenic groupings of strains by altering receptor binding avidity and by changing the dominance of antibody responses. Our results indicate that it will be important to account for variation in viral receptor binding avidity when performing antigenic analyses in order to identify genuine antigenic differences among influenza virus variants.
Butyrate inhibits seeding and growth of colorectal metastases to the liver in mice.

Background. The short-chain fatty acid butyrate inhibits growth of colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro. Mevalonate, a short-chain fatty acid structurally and metabolically related to butyrate, is important in signal transduction and is essential for cell growth. We investigated butyrate's effects on seeding and growth of colorectal tumor cells metastatic to the liver in vivo and hypothesized that butyrate's antiproliferative effects are associated with inhibition of mevalonate-mediated cell growth. Methods. Hepatic metastases were induced by injecting 1×105 MC-26 (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced murine colorectal carcinoma) cells into the spleen of BALB/c mice. Mice were treated with a continuous intravenous infusion of butyrate (2 gm/kg/day) for 7 days starting 24 hours before tumor cells were injected. Study variables included liver weight and number of hepatic surface metastases. Proliferation studies on MC-26 cells were performed in vitro to examine the effects of butyrate alone or combined with mevalonate or mevastatin (an inhibitor of mevalonate synthesis). Results. Butyrate reduced seeding and growth of colorectal tumor cells in vivo. Mevalonate diminished butyrate's antiproliferative action in vitro, whereas mevastatin potentiated this effect. Conclusions. These studies (1) show that butyrate inhibits seeding and growth of hepatic colorectal metastases in vivo, (2) associate butyrate's antiproliferative effects with inhibition of mevalonate-mediated cell growth, and (3) indicate that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors may have synergistic antiproliferative effects when combined with butyrate.
The effects of limited lifetime pseudonyms on certificate revocation list size in VANETS

Concerns for VANET participants will be the reliability and trustworthiness of received messages and the privacy in the use of the VANET to prevent vehicle tracking. To address these concerns, public key certificates have been standardized for VANETS; however, with the use of public key certificates comes additional concerns, especially how to ensure that received certificates are valid. To achieve this aim, timely distribution of certificate revocation lists (CRLs) to VANET participants will be essential. Depending on the policies for the number of pseudonyms carried by vehicles and the triggers for revoking certificates, the size of the CRL may grow very quickly. This paper investigates the parameters that determine the sizes of CRLs in an attempt to quantify the scope of CRL distribution challenges. We also propose adding a "valid after" field to the WAVE Certificate in the IEEE Trial-Use Standard 1609.2 to reduce some of the large CRL sizes we discovered.
Two Worlds: African American Men's Negotiation of Predominantly White Educational and Occupational Worlds

Negotiating 2 worlds, a predominantly White opportunity structure and one's community of origin, often produces distress among persons of color. in this qualitative study, the author examines the perspectives and competencies of African American men who negotiate 2 worlds and suggests that bicultural competence may facilitate participation in the opportunity structure while maintaining identification with one's racial group. Desenvolverse en dos mundos, una estructura de oportunidades predominantemente Blanca y la propia comunidad de origen, genera con frecuencia angustia entre las personas de color. En este estudio cualitativo, el autor examina las perspectivas y competencias de varones Afroamericanos que se desenvuelven en dos mundos distintos y sugiere que la competencia bicultural puede facilitar su participacion en la estructura de oportunidades, manteniendo a la vez la identificacion con el propio grupo racial.
Preparation, characterization, and anticancer effects of simvastatin–tocotrienol lipid nanoparticles

Previously it was shown that combined low dose treatment of tocotrienols and statins synergistically inhibited the growth of highly malignant +SA mammary epithelial cells in culture. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to prepare and characterize lipid nanoparticles that combined simvastatin and tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) as potential anticancer therapy. The entrapment of simvastatin in the oily nanocompartments, which were formed by TRF inclusion into the solid matrix of the nanoparticles, was verified by its high entrapment efficiency and the absence of endothermic or crystalline peaks when blends were analyzed by DSC and PXRD, respectively. The release of simvastatin from the nanoparticles in sink conditions was characterized by an initial burst release of approximately 20% in 10h followed by a plateau. No significant change in particle size (approximately 100 nm) was observed after storage for six months. The anticancer activity of the nanoparticles was verified in vitro by observing their antiproliferative effects on malignant +SA mammary epithelial cells. The IC(50) of the reference alpha-tocopherol nanoparticles was 17.7 microM whereas the IC(50) of the simvastatin/TRF nanoparticles was 0.52 microM, which confirmed the potency of the combined treatment and its potential in cancer therapy.