cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Patients with PNH may be treated with a number of known agents. As in all patients with a chronic disease, a regimen tolerable over a long period of time must be selected. Knowledge and anticipation of complications and their proper treatment are essential parts in the treatment. When these principals are used, many patients may live reasonable lives for very long periods of time.
Preserving Model Privacy for Machine Learning in Distributed Systems

Machine Learning based data classification is a widely used data mining technique. By learning massive data collected from the real world, data classification helps learners discover hidden data patterns. These hidden data patterns are represented by the learned model in different machine learning schemes. Based on such models, a user can classify whether the new incoming data belongs to an existing class; or, multiple entities may test the similarity of their datasets. However, due to data locality and privacy concerns, it is infeasible for large-scale distributed systems to share each individual’s datasets for classifying or testing. On the one hand, the learned model is an entity’s private asset and may leak private information, which should be well protected from all other non-collaborative entities. On the other hand, the new incoming data may contain sensitive information which cannot be disclosed directly for classification. To address the above privacy issues, we propose an approach to preserve the model privacy of the data classification and similarity evaluation for distributed systems. With our scheme, neither new data nor learned models are directly revealed during the classification and similarity evaluation procedures. Based on extensive real-world experiments, we have evaluated the privacy preservation, feasibility, and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Stokes Equations and Penalty Method

In this chapter, we will introduce the penalty finite element formulation for both Newtonian and power-law non-Newtonian Stokes flows. The penalty finite element method has been recognized as one of the most effective numerical methods in solving fluid flow problems by many in academics as well as in industry (see, e.g., Fastook 1993 and Fidap 1999). We will derive local finite element matrices by using the linear triangular and the bilinear rectangular elements. We will use the method of steepest descent, the conjugate gradient methods for the linear Stokes problem, and nonlinear conjugate gradient methods for the nonlinear Stokes problem. The cavity problem will be used as an example of numerical implementation.
A Simple Proof of Uniqueness for Kushner and Zakai Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a simple proof of uniqueness for a generalized solution to the Kushner and Zakai equations for diffusion processes. These solutions are considered in the space of signed measures. The result holds under rather mild assumptions on the coefficients of the corresponding processes. For example, in the case of nondegenerate signal process, only boundness, continuity in t and Holder continuity in x is assumed. Uniqueness of classical solutions follows from the property of the measure-valued solutions.
Chemico: Chemical Reaction

The chemical field is unique in multiphysics. As explained in Part I of the book, it is still counted as a physical field in multiphysics, though chemical reactions are not counted as physical processes. In this chapter, basics of chemical reactions will be presented first to provide background knowledge for the chemical field. Then chemical kinetics will be introduced as it defines the governing equation of the chemical field. An example will be given to demonstrate the use of chemical kinetics for establishing the governing equation. The reaction rate coefficient is the key auxiliary relationship in the governing equation. The formulation of this coefficient and its dependence on various environmental factors will be discussed at last.
Dynamics of reflex cocontraction in hermit crab abdomen: experiments and a systems model

1. Both stretch and release of the ventral superficial muscles (VSM) in the abdomen of the hermit crab, Pagurus pollicarus, activate the VSM motoneurons in the intact animal and in the isolated abdomen. 2. This reflex was studied by recording intracellularly from muscle fibers innervated by single motoneurons during stretch and release of the VSM. The three motoneurons of the right fourth segment respond to both stretch and release with a phasic burst lasting approximately 250 ms. The burst in the two tonic motoneurons has two components, a short burst lasting 10-20 ms, with a latency from the beginning of stretch of 60-90 ms, and a longer burst of variable length, with a latency of 120 ms. Ramp stretches of different amplitudes and velocities were used to show that the first component is proportional to the absolute value of the second derivative of force and the second component to the absolute value of the first derivative of force. 3. Stretch and release of the VSM also simultaneously evoke phasic bursts in the motoneurons of the dorsal superficial muscles and the VSM circular muscles (functional antagonists of the longitudinal VSM), as well as in contralateral homologues of the same segment and in ipsilateral homologues of the next anterior segment. The effect of this coactivation is to stiffen the abdomen in response to perturbations in any direction. 4. Stretch or release of phasic mechanoreceptors in the VSM evokes this reflex. Isometric electrical stimulation of the isolated muscle also activates them, showing that they are transducing changes in force and suggesting that they operate to increase muscle stiffness by positive feedback. 5. A mathematical systems model of this reflex, composed of two parallel pathways activating the motoneurons, was constructed. The first pathway produces a signal proportional to the absolute value of the second derivative of force, the second pathway a signal proportional to the first derivative of force. The sum of the signals from the two pathways is filtered by an adaptation process, which is followed by a low-pass filter representing muscle activation kinetics. The muscle activation signal is then fed back to multiple muscle force. 6. Simulations using this model generate the phasic bursts to stretch and release as well as reproducing the frequency dependence of this reflex. The predominant action of this reflex is to enhance muscle stiffness.
Correlation of Behavior with the Activity of Single Identifiable Neurons in the Brain of Tritonia

With few exceptions, the nerve cell bodies in all members of the animal kingdom are less than 25 μ in diameter. This, coupled with the fact that most nerve cells are practically indistinguishable from their immediate neighbors in live preparations, makes analysis of the unit level ganglionic events controlling behavior a difficult task. The problem is aggravated by the fact that many of the large nerve cell bodies in insect and crustacean ganglia appear to be electrically inexcitable. This is particularly unfortunate, since the notable progress achieved in studies of arthropod sensory and neuromuscular mechanisms leads one naturally to attempt to explore the neuropile where most integrative processes occur.
Signaling of Ca2+ release and contraction in cardiac myocytes.

Cross signaling between Ca2+ channel and ryanodine receptor was explored in whole cell clamped rat ventricular myocyte under conditions where global myoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations were strongly buffered by dialyzing the myocytes with high concentrations of Fura 2 and EGTA. Ca2+ channel and ryanodine receptor were respectively activated by a depolarizing pulse to -10 mV and rapid (<50 ms) application of 5 mM caffeine. Temporal analysis of kinetics of inactivation of Ca2+ channel with respect to the time of application of caffeine pulse provided experimental evidence that signalling between the ryanodine and Ca2+ channel is mediated exclusively through the Ca2+ microdomains surrounding the DHP/ryanodine receptor complex independent of global myoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations.
Deep Transfer Learning for Traffic Sign Recognition

In this paper, we study using deep transfer learning to utilize knowledge gained from an already developed, large dataset of traffic signs of a specific country/region, and use this knowledge to better recognize traffic signs from another country/region, under a deep learning framework. This provides the possibility of using an already established dataset from other regions to aid in the recognition of a desired target dataset, freeing users from the burden of data gathering and labeling. We propose three deep transfer learning methods, and two of them demonstrate significantly improved accuracy compared to the simple deep learning classifier. This research shows trans ferring knowledge between deep learning classifiers can provide higher accuracy for traffic sign recognition than a model which implements only deep learning to recognize traffic signs.
Meta-analysis to identify emerging biomarkers of pancreatic adenocarcinoma pathogenesis.

e16239Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US and is particularly known for its aggressiveness and lack of effective therapeutic o...
Relationship between Tobacco Use and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Clients in Substance Use Disorders Treatment

We examined relationships of smoking status and tobacco-related variables with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a metric of disease burden, among clients in substance use disorders (SUDs) treatment. Participants (N = 2,068; 46.6% female) completed surveys reporting demographics, smoking status, and past-month days they experienced physical and/or mental health distress. Smokers (n = 1,596; 77.2% of sample) answered questions on tobacco-related variables. Multinomial regression models assessed relationships between tobacco-related variables (smoking status, nicotine dependence, menthol smoking, electronic-cigarette use, health concerns, and cost as reasons affecting reducing/quitting smoking, past and future quit attempts) with HRQol in four categories (good health, physical health distress, mental health distress, or both physical and mental health distress). Current smokers were more likely than former smokers to report frequent physical and mental health distress than good health (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.16, 3.34), as were smokers with higher nicotine dependence (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.35). Smokers reporting both frequent physical and mental health distress were more sensitive to cigarettes' cost (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.29), and less likely to use e-cigarettes (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.94). Findings of poor HRQoL among nicotine-dependent smokers with additional SUDs strengthen the imperative to provide smoking cessation interventions in addictions treatment.
Dynamic Analysis of Crack Propagation and Arrest in the Double-Cantilever-Beam Specimen

A simple one-dimensional analysis model was developed previously for rapid unstable crack propagation and arrest in wedge-loaded rectangular double-cantilever-beam (DCB) specimens. In this paper, the model is generalized to treat contoured specimens and machine-loading conditions. The development starts from the basic equations of the two-dimensional theory of elasticity with inertia forces included. Exploiting the beam-like geometry of the DCB specimen results in governing equations that are analogous to a variable-height Timoshenko beam partly supported by a generalized elastic foundation. These are solved by a finite-difference method. Crack propagation arrest results illustrating the effect of specimen geometry and loading conditions are described in the paper.
Assessing vulnerability of fish in the U.S. marine aquarium trade

The trade in coral reef fishes for aquariums encompasses over 1,800 species from over 40 exporting countries, yet the population status for most traded species is unknown and unevaluated. At the same time, these coral reef fishes face a growing number of threats and often occur in jurisdictions with limited management capacity and data. In response, we assess vulnerability to overfishing for 72 coral reef fishes popular in the aquarium trade for the United States – the top importer – from the top exporting countries (Indonesia and the Philippines). We use a data-limited assessment approach: productivity susceptibility analysis (PSA). PSA estimates relative vulnerability of species by assessing their biological productivity and susceptibility to overfishing. The most and least vulnerable stocks were differentiated by attributes related to the reproductive biology (e.g., breeding strategy, recruitment pattern, and fecundity), appropriateness, ease of capture (e.g., schooling and aggregation), and rates of natural mortality. Our analysis identifies several of the most and least vulnerable species popular in the aquarium fish trade. The species that ranked as least vulnerable to overcollection were Gobiodon okinawae, Nemateleotris magnifica, Gobiodon acicularis, Salarias fasciatus, Ptereleotris zebra, Gobiodon citrinus, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, Chaetodon lunula, Nemateleotris decora, and Halichoeres chrysus. In contrast, the ten most vulnerable species were Chromileptes altivelis, Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides, Pterapogon kauderni, Premnas biaculeatus, Echidna nebulosa, Centropyge bicolor, Zebrasoma veliferum, Pomacanthus semicirculatus, Zebrasoma scopas, and Thalassoma lunare. In a data-limited context, we suggest how these vulnerability rankings can help guide future efforts for reducing vulnerability risk. In particular, species that are relatively high-vulnerability and high-volume are prime targets for research and aquaculture efforts, increased monitoring of collection and exports, species-specific stock assessments, and voluntary reductions by retailers and consumers to avoid overexploitation.
Use of Aerial LiDAR in Measuring Streetscape and Street Trees

This paper investigates the usefulness of 3D volumetric pixels (voxels) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Quality Level 2 (QL2) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to measure feat...
Numerical assessment of uncertainty and dynamic range expansion of multispectral image-based pyrometry

Abstract Temperature measurements based on spectral radiation are often limited by prior knowledge of target surface properties and detector sensitivity. The present work describes a multispectral pyrometry method for temperature estimation that does not require information on surface emissivity or calibration. Digital camera simulations considering a silicon-based sensor and five bandpass filters are used to create synthetic images of targets. The detector sensitivity is compensated via high dynamic range imaging technique. The effect of natural and detector noise on temperature estimates is assessed via Monte Carlo simulations. Results from a wavelength-independent model (Gray) are compared with those from the Band model (with emissivity varying between constant spectral bands). The effect of detector dynamic range and spectral position of bandpass filters is discussed. Temperatures as low as 520 K are obtained, with an overall uncertainty of the order of 10 K. The proposed method is applicable to temperature measurements using commercial-grade CMOS/CCD cameras.
An Improved Data Collection Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

This article studies the minimum latency collection scheduling (MLCS) problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The MLCS problem targets to compute a schedule with minimum number of timeslots that guarantees to collect data from all nodes to a sink node without any collision. Several scheduling algorithms have been proposed for the NP-hard problem, and they assign timeslots based on hop distances among nodes. The proposed algorithm not only uses hop distances, but also partitions a network into square cells and assign timeslots based on cell distances among nodes. The latency performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with an existing algorithm whose approximation ratio is currently the best, and the simulations show that the proposed algorithm performs better.
Half-Blind Tasting: A Deception-Free Method for Sizing Placebo and Nocebo Responses to Price and Packaging Attributes

Information conveyed on the price tag or label of a consumable packaged good is widely thought to change the consumer's sensory experience of consuming the good. Can the positive “placebo” effects of high prices and negative “nocebo” effects of low prices on consumer experience be isolated and observed in a controlled experiment without using deception? In a pilot wine experiment using a method I call “half-blind tasting,” I observe that the nocebo response to a $5 price tag is stronger than the placebo response to a $50 price tag. To interpret these preliminary results, I borrow some insights from prospect theory. (JEL Classifications: C91, D81, L66, M31, Q11)
Effect of the dopamine stabilizer (-)-OSU6162 on potentiated incubation of opioid craving after electric barrier-induced voluntary abstinence.

In the classical incubation of drug craving rat model, drug seeking is assessed after homecage forced abstinence. However, human abstinence is often voluntary because negative consequences of drug seeking outweigh the desire for the drug. Here, we developed a rat model of incubation of opioid craving after electric barrier-induced voluntary abstinence and determined whether the dopamine stabilizer (−)-OSU6162 would decrease this new form of incubation. We trained male and female rats to self-administer oxycodone (0.1 mg/kg/infusion, 6 h/day) for 14 days. We then exposed them to either homecage forced abstinence or voluntary abstinence induced by an electric barrier of increasing intensity near the drug-paired lever. On abstinence days 1, 15, or 30, we tested the rats for oxycodone seeking without shock and drug. We also examined the effect of (−)-OSU6162 (7.5 and 15 mg/kg) on oxycodone seeking on abstinence day 1 or after 15 days of either voluntary or forced abstinence. Independent of sex, the time-dependent increase in oxycodone seeking after cessation of opioid self-administration (incubation of opioid craving) was stronger after voluntary abstinence than after forced abstinence. In males, (−)-OSU6162 decreased incubated (day 15) but not non-incubated (day 1) oxycodone seeking after either voluntary or forced abstinence. In females, (−)-OSU6162 modestly decreased incubated oxycodone seeking after voluntary but not forced abstinence. Results suggest that voluntary abstinence induced by negative consequences of drug seeking can paradoxically potentiate opioid craving and relapse. We propose the dopamine stabilizer (−)-OSU6162 may serve as an adjunct pharmacological treatment to prevent relapse in male opioid users.
Input Control of Photovoltaic Fed DC-DC Converter Based on a Dual Modeling Approach

The non-linear characteristic of photovoltaic (PV) sources with a clear dual nature on both side of their maximum power point complicates the interfacing converter design, especially in the case of maximum power point tracking MPPT. To overcome such constraint, in the current study, two distinct input controllers of the PV fed converter are used. The first one designed assuming a current fed topology, and the second assuming a voltage fed one. The probable oscillation in the neighborhood of the maximum power point is reduced by imposing a hysteresis band, to allow a soft transient from one region to the other one. The converter is modeled following a state-space averaging method, where the resulting transfer functions describe fully the converter internal dynamics. The control issue of the resulting dual model is discussed, and a frequency approach is used, where the system loop gain transfer function is shaped for the best possible performances. The validity of the modeling and the controllers design approach are finally tested by both model simulation and experimental tests under open and closed loop conditions.
High-power semiconductor lasers

Abstract: Over the last decades, high-power and high-brightness semiconductor lasers have transformed the solid-state laser, telecommunication, medical and military markets. This chapter covers concepts, characteristics and challenges of high-power semiconductor lasers. We begin by describing general considerations including epitaxial design, laser cavity designs and packaging specific to high-power lasers. We introduce several common high-power and high-brightness semiconductor lasers such as Fabry–Perot lasers, grating-based lasers, large mode-area lasers, and optically pumped lasers, as well as concepts for long-wavelength operation. Arrays of devices for ultra-high-power are introduced, and device reliability challenges are addressed.
The association of race and COVID-19 mortality

Abstract Background COVID-19 mortality disproportionately affects the Black population in the United States (US). To explore this association a cohort study was undertaken. Methods We assembled a cohort of 505,992 patients receiving ambulatory care at Bronx Montefiore Health System (BMHS) between 1/1/18 and 1/1/20 to evaluate the relative risk of hospitalization and death in two time-periods, the pre-COVID time-period (1/1/20–2/15/20) and COVID time-period (3/1/20–4/15/20). COVID testing, hospitalization and mortality were determined with the Black and Hispanic patient population compared separately to the White population using logistic modeling. Evaluation of the interaction of pre-COVID and COVID time periods and race, with respect to mortality was completed. Findings A total of 9,286/505,992 (1.8%) patients were hospitalized during either or both pre-COVID or COVID periods. Compared to Whites the relative risk of hospitalization of Black patients did not increase in the COVID period (p for interaction=0.12). In the pre- COVID period, compared to Whites, the odds of death for Blacks and Hispanics adjusted for comorbidity was statistically equivalent. In the COVID period compared to Whites the adjusted odds of death for Blacks was 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.0, p = 0.001). There was a significant increase in Black mortality risk from pre-COVID to COVID periods (p for interaction=0.02). Adjustment for relevant clinical and social indices attenuated but did not fully explain the observed difference in Black mortality. Interpretation The BMHS COVID experience demonstrates that Blacks do have a higher mortality with COVID incompletely explained by age, multiple reported comorbidities and available metrics of sociodemographic disparity. Funding N/A
Chemical modulation of Kv7 potassium channels

The rising interest in Kv7 modulators originates from their ability to evoke fundamental electrophysiological perturbations in a tissue-specific manner. A large number of therapeutic applications are, in part, based on the clinical experience with two broad-spectrum Kv7 agonists, flupirtine and retigabine. Since precise molecular structures of human Kv7 channel subtypes in closed and open states have only very recently started to emerge, computational studies have traditionally been used to analyze binding modes and direct the development of more potent and selective Kv7 modulators with improved safety profiles. Herein, the synthetic and medicinal chemistry of small molecule modulators and the representative biological properties are summarized. Furthermore, new therapeutic applications supported by in vitro and in vivo assay data are suggested.
Abstract P472: Characterization of Infarct Growth Rate Patterns in Patients With Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction: Infarct growth is affected by the collateral blood supply and ischemic tolerance and thus unlikely linear. This study aimed to better characterize infarct growth rates (IGR) after lar...
CD19 directed CAR T cell therapy for treatment of primary CNS lymphoma.

CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CD19CAR) T cell therapy has been successful in treating several B cell lineage malignancies, including B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). This modality has not yet been extended to NHL manifesting in the central nervous system (CNS), primarily due to concerns for potential toxicity. CD19CAR T cells administered intravenously (IV) are detectable in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), suggesting that CAR T cells can migrate from the periphery into the CNS, where they can potentially mediate anti-lymphoma activity. Here, we report the outcome of a subset of patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL; n=5) treated with CD19CAR T cells in our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02153580). All patients developed at least grade 1 cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity post-CAR T cell infusion; toxicities were reversible and tolerable, and there were no treatment-related deaths. At initial disease response, 3 of 5 patients (60%, 90%CI [19%,92%]) appeared to achieve complete remission, as indicated by resolution of enhancing brain lesions, and the remaining 2 patients had stable disease. Although the study cohort was small, we demonstrated that using CD19CAR T cells to treat PCNSL can be safe and feasible.
Mobility and gait in adults with cerebral palsy: Evaluating change from adolescence

Abstract Background Previous studies have looked at the short-term effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP), but few have explored the long-term outcomes into adulthood using gait analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. Research question How do gait, mobility, and patient-reported outcomes in adults with CP who received specialized pediatric orthopedic care change from adolescence? Methods We identified 645 adults with 1) CP, 2) age 25–45 years, and 3) an adolescent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at our center. Measurement outcomes included physical examination, IGA, and select domains of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Results Participants included 136 adults with CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (21 %), II (51 %), III (22 %), and IV (7%); 57 % males; and average age 16 ± 3/29 ± 3 years (adolescent/adult visits). There was no significant difference in gait deviation index, stride length, or gross motor function between adolescent and adult visits. There were statistically significant but not clinically meaningful declines in gait velocity. At adulthood, PROMIS results revealed limitations in physical function compared with a normative sample but no differences in depression, participation, or pain interference. Significance In this relatively homogeneous group of adults with CP who received orthopedic care from one center, gait and gross motor function showed no clinically meaningful change from adolescence, which differs from recent reports of declining mobility in adulthood. Expert orthopedic care, guided by IGA, may prevent losses in functional mobility for adults with CP.
Abstract 244: Cardiac Arrests Among Higher Population Density Are Associated with Higher Rates of Return of Spontaneous Circulation but Not Survival

BACKGROUND: Previous studies from Japan and Australia have measured significantly decreased survival associated with lower population density. We sought to measure the effect, if any, of population density on survival in the state of Utah, which has a dense urban corridor surrounded by large geographic areas of low population density. METHODS: We analyzed a prospectively-collected registry of all cardiac arrests in the state of Utah between July 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013. We used 2010 census records to assign a population density to incident zip codes. Logistic regression was used to determine the effect of population density on sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital discharge, and neurologically-intact survival. RESULTS: During the study period, 422/1,534 (27.5%) OHCA victims survived to hospital admission. 670 (44%) arrests occurred in locations with a population density <1,000 people/mile2. There were no significant differences in mean age, rates of witnessed arrest, shockable rhythms, or bystander CPR between quartiles of population density. Logistic regression demonstrated higher rates of ROSC (OR 1.07 per every 1,000 people/ mile2, 95% CI 1.01-1.13) while controlling for Utstein variables (TABLE). However, there was no association between population density and survival to hospital discharge (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.13) nor rates of neurologically-intact survival (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this statewide database, we found a positive association between population density and ROSC but not survival. These results are counterintuitive but suggest that urban vs rural disparities in cardiac arrest survival are not as large in the state of Utah. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Gender and Policing: Do Women Accept Legal Restrictions More Than Their Male Counterparts?

Abstract The Compstat model, developed in New York City, is an aggressive, crimefighting style of policing that has been emulated by numerous police agencies. It is argued that Compstat returns policing to a male-dominated model that may lead to illegal behavior (e.g., unlawful searches and seizures) especially by male officers. This research uses the factorial survey method with a large sample of New York City police officers-234 females out of 1,259-to study similarities and differences between male and female officers' legal behaviors. Although both men and women are influenced by the law, women are more likely to obey legal restrictions in weapon situations.
Corrosion and Adhesion Properties of Cerium‐Based Conversion Coatings on Magnesium Alloys

Corrosion resistance and adhesion properties of cerium-based conversion coatings (CeCCs) on Al/Zn and Al/Mn magnesium alloys have been investigated. CeCCs were deposited by immersing magnesium panels in a cerium ion containing solution for 2 minutes. Corrosion resistance and adhesion strength of cerium coated magnesium panels were evaluated by electrochemical and pull tab testing methods, respectively. The CeCCs had very good adhesion to and significantly improved the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. Electrochemical test result showed that there was a measurable difference in corrosion resistance between the different magnesium alloys. Magnesium alloys with higher aluminum content had better corrosion resistance than alloys with lower Al content. The correlation of cerium deposition conditions, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength are discussed.
Fetal morbidity following potentially anoxigenic obstetric conditions

Abstract A total of 277 patients with bronchial asthma complicating pregnancy from 30,861 Collaborative Research Project deliveries were analyzed for the fetal effects of the disease. While the risk of prematurity was not significantly increased, the 16 perinatal deaths represent a rate which was twice that of the Project. There was a suggestive increase in the percentage of infants with abnormal neurological findings at one year of age. During the first year, 5.7 per cent of the survey infants developed asthma and 18.4 per cent had severe respiratory diseases, respectively (7 times and 2 times the expected frequency). Asthma complicating pregnancy occurred more frequently among the Puerto Rican patients, but it had more severe effects among the Negro patients on the Project. Severe asthma (16 patients) was a serious threat to the survival and well-being of the fetus and mother. Of 6 patients who died during the study period, 4 were severely asthmatic and 7 of 14 infants from the latter group died perinatally or were neurologically abnormal at one year.
Managing suicidal risk : a collaborative approach

Shneidman, Foreword. Contemporary Clinical Challenges and the Need for the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). A Review of the Suicide Status Form and the Origin of CAMS. The Early Identification of Suicide Risk. CAMS Risk Assessment: The Collaborative Use of the SSF. CAMS Treatment Planning: Coauthoring the Outpatient Treatment Plan. CAMS Suicide Status Tracking: Assessment and Treatment Plan Updates. Suicide Status Outcomes: The Completion of CAMS. CAMS as Means of Decreasing Malpractice Liability. Future Developments: Using CAMS Across Settings and Future Research. Epilogue. Appendixes: A: The Suicide Status Form-III (SSF-III): Assessment, Treatment Planning, Tracking, and Outcome Forms. B: Coding Manual for the SSF Likert Scales: Qualitative Assessment. C: Coding Manual for SSF Reasons for Living versus Reasons for Dying. D: Coding Manual for the SSF One-Thing Response. E: Frequently Asked Questions About CAMS. F: Complete CAMS Case Example.
Maximum norms of random sums and transient pattern formation

Many interesting and complicated patterns in the applied sciences are formed through transient pattern formation processes. In this paper we concentrate on the phenomenon of spinodal decomposition in metal alloys as described by the Cahn-Hilliard equation. This model depends on a small parameter, and one is generally interested in establishing sharp lower bounds on the amplitudes of the patterns as the parameter approaches zero. Recent results on spinodal decomposition have produced such lower bounds. Unfortunately, for higher-dimensional base domains these bounds are orders of magnitude smaller than what one would expect from simulations and experiments. The bounds exhibit a dependence on the dimension of the domain, which from a theoretical point of view seemed unavoidable, but which could not be observed in practice. In this paper we resolve this apparent paradox. By employing probabilistic methods, we can improve the lower bounds for certain domains and remove the dimension dependence. We thereby obtain optimal results which close the gap between analytical methods and numerical observations, and provide more insight into the nature of the decomposition process. We also indicate how our results can be adapted to other situations.
Terahertz excitation dynamics in semiconductor heterostructures

Summary form only given. The advent of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) gave research on intersubband dynamics a new dimension of time resolution. THz-TDS allows the measurement of a transient polarization with subcycle time resolution thus providing full information on the intersubband response to ultrafast and nonadiabatic excitation pulses. We have investigated the dynamics of intersubband excitations in modulation n-doped AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures. Their parabolically shaped conduction band leads to equally spaced intersubband transitions, which have typical resonance frequencies between 1.5 THz and 3.0 THz. The quantum wells are modulation n-doped at about 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ and have electron mobilities of about 80,000 cm/sup 2//Vs, which correspond to dephasing times of about 2 ps. The electron density in the quantum wells can be controlled electronically by Schottky grating contacts fabricated on top of the structures. In our time-resolved experiments we excite the intersubband transitions with few-cycle THz pulses. Switching the electron density within the devices gives a modulation signal, which directly shows the polarization of the electronic quantum transitions. The polarization build-up and the free induction decay are observed on nonadiabatic time-scales. The results are compared to solutions of the optical Bloch equations. In order to follow the nonadiabatic dynamics our model uses an ansatz, which goes beyond the slowly-varying envelope approximation and unveils the population dynamics at low excitation densities. As a first application for signal processing we present a THz phase modulator device.
Hybrid commodities, gendered aesthetics, and the challenge of cross-cultural comparison: A response to Moretti’s ‘The Novel: History and Theory’

In his provocative article, Franco Moretti raises issues central to the criticism of the novel, and his insights generated a vibrant cross-disciplinary conversation between the authors of this response. In this essay, we introduce several alternative approaches that redirect and extend Moretti’s argument. Instead of reifying the opposition between Chinese novels (as aesthetic objects) and English novels (as commodities), we see the chiasmus of aestheticization and commodification in both novel traditions. Further, the quantitative approach to the novel field and the focus on prose excludes hybrid forms produced and consumed by women readers. The opposition of extensive, desultory reading to aesthetic concentration, we propose, came into being in the critical enterprise contemporaneous with the ‘rise’ of the novel – an enterprise grounded in the gendered economy of popular reading.
Why do Farmworkers Delay Treatment After Debilitating Injuries? Thematic Analysis Explains If, When, and Why Farmworkers Were Treated for Injuries

BACKGROUND: Farmworkers who delay treatment after workplace injuries may increase injury severity and experience longer recovery times. To understand why farmworkers delay treatment we employed a mixed-methods analysis of 393 farmworker injury narratives from the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS). METHODS: First, open-ended injury narratives were coded for attitudes related to injury timing and delay. Next, narratives were compared against demographic survey attributes to assess contextual information and patterns linked to treatment timing. RESULTS: Four treatment timings were identified: immediate medical treatment (57.9%), delayed medical treatment (18.2%) self- administered treatment (14.9%), and no treatment at all (8.9%). Delay was primarily attributed to attitudes prioritizing work over pain, and when workers were able to work despite injury. However, immediate treatment was sought when workers were completely debilitated and unable to work, when a supervisor was notified, or when exposed to pesticides during injury. Timing choices varied by education, gender and migrant status. CONCLUSIONS: Training on timely treatment, including notification of supervisors, may help reduce treatment delay for farmworkers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:178-192, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Crack cocaine use and stroke in young patients

Article abstract-Background and purpose: Numerous case series have proposed a relationship between "crack" cocaine use and stroke. We performed a retrospective case control study at a large inner-city public hospital to determine the relationship between crack use and stroke among young persons. Methods: We reviewed records of all patients aged 20 to 39 years with a diagnosis of stroke, and of controls selected from patients with noncocaine-related diagnoses, admitted from January 1990 through June 1994. We collected information regarding cocaine use, time of last use, route of use, and the results of urine toxicologic studies. We performed backward stepwise logistic regression analyses to determine the association of crack use at any time and acute crack use (defined as use within 48 hours prior to presentation) with stroke and stroke subtypes. Results: Among patients with information regarding presence or absence of crack use (66 of 144 stroke patients and 99 of 147 controls), crack use at any time was not associated with stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.8) or cerebral infarction (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-1.2). Among patients providing temporal information regarding crack use, acute crack use was not associated with stroke (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 0.7-5.1) or cerebral infarction (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.4-3.8). Conclusions: Crack use at any time or acute crack use was not significantly associated with stroke or cerebral infarction in our patient population. NEUROLOGY 1997;48: 341-345
Liquid-Phase Synthesis of Uniform Cube-Shaped GeTe Microcrystals

Many Ge-based chalcogenide alloys, including GeTe, exhibit a reversible amorphous-to-crystalline phase change that is the basis for a wide range of current and next-generation technologies. Solutio...
Variability in kinetic parameter estimates: A review of possible causes and a proposed terminology

The measured kinetics of a bacterial culture degrading a single organic compound as sole carbon source in a batch reactor depend on the history of the culture, the identifiability of the parameters, and the manner in which the experiment to measure them is run. The initial substrate to biomass ratio used in the experiment is particularly important because it influences both parameter identifiability and the expression of the culture history. Reasons for these effects are reviewed using information from the literature and a nomenclature is proposed whereby investigators can make the nature of reported kinetic parameters clear.
Some observations on the role of planetary waves in determining the spring time ozone distribution in the Antarctic

Ozone measurements from 1970 to 1984 from the Nimbus 4 backscattered ultraviolet and the Nimbus 7 solar backscattered ultraviolet spectrometers show significant decrease in total ozone only after 1979. The downward trend is most apparent in October south of 70 deg S in the longitude zone 0 to 30 deg W where planetary wave activity is weak. Outside this longitude region, the trend in total ozone is much smaller due to strong interannual variability of wave activity. This paper gives a phenomenological description of ozone depletion in the Antarctic region based on vertical advection and transient planetary waves.
A unit-load warehouse with multiple pickup and deposit points and non-traditional aisles

Abstract We show how to configure a cross aisle in a unit-load warehouse to facilitate travel between storage locations and multiple pickup and deposit points on one side. We use our models to investigate designs having two types of cross aisles—those that form a “Flying-V” and those that form an “Inverted-V.” Our numerical results suggest that there is a benefit to using a Flying-V aisle design, but the benefit is more modest than in the case of a single P&D point. Thus, to the extent practicable, pickup and deposit points should be concentrated toward the middle of the warehouse.
Maturation of growth hormone stimulation of kidney ornithine decarboxylase in the rat.

Abstract The effect of ovine growth hormone (GH) on kidney ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was studied in newborn, preweanling and young adult rats. Basal kidney ODC activity was very low from 4 to 22 days after birth but rose 20-fold by day 25; it remained elevated through day 45. GH failed to stimulate ODC in the first two weeks after birth. GH did however stimulate ODC markedly from 20 through 45 days. Kidney ODC was stimulated in the neonate by vasopressin and by isoproterenol, but not angiotensin II. Liver ODC remained relatively low and stable during development, and was responsive to GH at all ages studied. We conclude that a) the pattern of development of basal kidney ODC appears to be unique to this tissue and may be related to the postnatal maturation of renal morphology and/or function, b) neonatal kidney ODC is unresponsive to certain hormones but is not completely refractory to stimulation. These findings may have implications for the role of hormones in the maturation of the kidney and in the regulation of early renal function.
Autophagy can contribute to cell death when combining targeted therapy

Commentary to:Inhibition of MCL-1 enhances Lapatinib toxicity and overcomes lapatinib resistance via BAK-dependent autophagyAditi Pandya Martin, Clint Mitchell, Mohammed Rahmani, Kenneth P. Nephew, Steven Grant and Paul Dent
Dynamical interpretation of the statistical theory of fission

Six of seven cases of dynamic calculation of Negele et al. lead to results in disagreement with the experimental results for the number of prompt neutrons or the spin of fission products. The seventh, based on one-body dissipation according to the Fermi gas model, is free from such contradication, gives time and kinetic energy in agreement with the statistical theory, dissipates enough energy, implies statistical equilibrium, and therefore may be considered as the dynamical interpretation of the statistical theory of fission.
The role of iron in prostaglandin synthesis: ferrous iron mediated oxidation of arachidonic acid.

Abstract Arachidonic acid (AA) is the essential substrate for production of platelet endoperoxides and thromboxanes. Iron or heme is an essential cofactor for the peroxidase, lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase enzymes involved in formation of these products. The present study has examined the direct interactions between iron and arachidonic acid. Iron caused the oxidation of AA into more polar products which could be detected by UV absorbtion at 232 nM or the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction. High pressure liquid chromatography, chem-ionization and electron-impact mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that the major product was a hydroperoxide of AA. Ferrous iron (Fe++) and oxygen were absolute requirements. Fe++ was converted to the ferric iron (Fe+++) state during oxidation of AA, but Fe+++ could not substitute for Fe++. No other enzymes, cofactors or ions were involved. Conversion of AA to a hydroperoxide by Fe++ was inhibited by the antioxidant, 2, (3)-Tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, the radical scavenger, nitroblue tetrazolium, and iron chelating agents, including EDTA, imidazole and dihydroxybenzoic acid. The reaction was not affected by superoxide dismutase, catalase or aspirin. These findings and preliminary studies of the Fe++ induced oxidation product of AA as a substrate for prostaglandin synthesis and inhibitor of prostacyclin production indicate the critical role of Fe++ in AA activation.
Comparative pathology of inflammation in the higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)

Metchnikofrs original treatise and subsequent comparative studies of inflammation in animals established that the complexity of the inflammatory process increased with phylogeny (Dobberstein, 1960; Messow, 1960; Metchnikoff, 1891; Zwart, 1963). Inflammation in lower invertebrates is a localized response; in sponges and jellyfish, primitive mesodermal cells (amoebocytes) capable of phagocytosis are mobilized to the point of injury; healing is accomplished with collagen fibril proliferation and ectodermal hyperplasia. In earthworms, pathogens too large to be phagocytosed (e.g. metazoan parasites) are surrounded by coelomocytes and encapsulated in the coelomic cavity. Higher invertebrates, such as molluscs, react to noxious and infectious agents with granuloma-like lesions to which some of the participating leucocytes migrate from closed circulatory systems (Cooper, 1986; Sparks, 1985). This tendency for universal granuloma formation carries over to the vertebrates. Fish respond to most types of micro-organisms with granulomas (Wolke and Stroud, 1978); reptiles and birds appear to react to a wider spectrum ot infectious agents with granulomas than do mammals (Frye, 1981 b; Jortner and Adams, 1971). This article will deal with morphological comparisons of inflammation in the higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds, and mammals). Leucocyte morphology and function will be reviewed and the gross and microscopic appearances and relationships of inflammatory cells will be examined in reptiles and birds with emphasis on granuloma formation.
On interchangeability of two laboratories

This paper proposes a measure for assessing the equivalence between the results of two laboratories. The measure is called asymmetric interchangeability. It is asymmetric since, based on this measure, one laboratory may be considered interchangeable with another laboratory but the converse may not be true. Such a situation can arise when the accuracy and precision of one laboratory are noticeably greater than that of the other. The proposed measure of interchangeability depends on the parameters of the measurement models, which include means, variances and the correlation of the two laboratories being compared. Since the level of correlation is often difficult to assess, it is assumed to be zero in this paper. Fiducial procedures are presented for testing the hypothesis that a laboratory is directionally interchangeable with another. The procedure is based on comparing a probability measure, which is shown to be closely related to asymmetric interchangeability, with an agreed threshold. Computer programs for calculating the p-value of the tests, written by use of open-source software, are listed.