cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Different Adaptations in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons in Control and Ethanol Exposed Rats After Methylphenidate Treatment

Background Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant effective in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Repeated MPH treatment may increase substance abuse risk because of adaptations in dopaminergic (DA) function associated with sensitization to subsequent stimulant exposure. However, this possibility is based on observations in normal animals and may not apply to animals with attention problems linked to compromised DA function such as prenatal ethanol exposed (PE) animals. Methods The electrical activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons was studied after the cessation of repeated MPH treatment at a threshold dose (1 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks) in PE and control rats. Results In control rats, there was a continuous increase in VTA DA neuron excitability post-MPH treatment, characterized by a transient increase in population activity (1 day posttreatment) followed by decreased population activity (30–60 days posttreatment) in most of the animals due to depolarization inactivation. In PE rats, MPH treatment decreased the excessive excitability of VTA DA neurons and resulted in prolonged normalization in the population activity (1–60 days posttreatment). These changes were not mediated by altered sensitivity of somatodendritic DA autoreceptors. Conclusions Repeated MPH treatment produced distinctly different effects on VTA DA neuron activity in control and PE animals. These results suggest that repeated MPH treatment for ADHD may not lead to increased substance abuse risk in special populations such as individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Cyclic and SCC Behavior of Alloy 152 Weld in a PWR Environment

Alloys 600 and 182 are used as structural materials in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and have been found to undergo stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Alloys 690 and 152 are the replacement materials of choice for Alloys 600 and 182, respectively. The objective of this work is to determine the crack growth rates (CGRs) in a simulated PWR water environment for Alloy 152. In order to meet the objective, specimens made from a laboratory-prepared Alloy 152 double-J weld in the as-welded condition were tested. For the SCC CGR measurements, the specimens were pre-cracked under cyclic loading in a primary water environment, and the cyclic CGRs were monitored to determine the transition from the fatigue transgranular fracture mode to the intergranular SCC fracture mode. The environmental enhancement of cyclic CGRs for Alloy 152 was minimal; nevertheless, the transition from transgranular to intergranular cracking was successful. Weld samples tested from the single heat of Alloy 152 exhibited SCC CGR rates of 10−11 m/s in the simulated PWR environment at 320°C, which is only about an order of magnitude lower than typical for Alloy 182.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Genetic association of FKBP5 and CRHR1 with cortisol response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy adults

Rationale Chronic dysregulation of hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity is related to several neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies suggest that cortisol response to stress has a strong genetic etiology, and that FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) and G-protein coupled type-I CRH receptor (CRHR1) are key proteins regulating response. Variations in the genes encoding these proteins, FKBP5 and CRHR1, have been associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders.
Patricia Goldman-Rakic 1937–2003

On July 31, Patricia Goldman-Rakic died in New Haven, Connecticut from injuries suffered in a traffic accident. Pat was undoubtedly the most accomplished of the small group of pioneers who ventured into the frontal lobe at mid-century, then characterized by a prominent scientist as a "big chunk of the brain, the size of a fist, which nobody knows anything about." This was not quite accurate, as we knew that frontal cortex lesions, in man and monkey, often abolished memory for recent events, but the connectivity, biochemistry and physiology of the frontal lobe were not yet known, and would be the subjects of Pat's brilliant career. She was best known for advocating the idea that the prefrontal cortex holds working memorya temporary internal representation for the attainment of a short-term objectivefor different types of information in different locations.
THE FINDINGS OF THE MOVE COMMISSION AND THE OFFICE OF THE PHILADELPHIA MEDICAL EXAMINER: BY WHOSE STANDARDS WAS A JUDGMENT RENDERED?

ABSTRACT Traditionally, the role of the medical examiner in society has been to perform autopsies and microscopic tissue examinations, recording all pertinent findings in detail. The medical examiner's office first appeared in the United States in Massachusetts in 1877. Although the medical examiner's system has existed in the United States for over a hundred years, the country still lacks nationally accepted medical standards. The lack of national medical standards for medical examiners has presented a problem to society: Are medical examiners doing their job professionally and in accordance with generally accepted practice? This article focuses on the Office of the Medical Examiner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a series of events, crudely known as the MOVE Confrontation of May 1986, the medical examiner's office came under scrutiny for their performance at the site, calling into question the office's professionalism and whether they acted according to customary procedures of pathological science in ...
Do investor relations make a difference

Abstract We investigate the relationship between the quality of corporate investor relations activities and two measures of common stock information risk—the dispersion and the accuracy of security analyst earnings per share (EPS) forecasts. It appears that there is a significant inverse relationship between investor relations quality, as measured by the annual ratings of the Financial Analysts Federation Corporate Information Committee, and the dispersion of security analyst EPS forecasts. Security analysts have less dispersed (more consistent) EPS forecasts for corporations with higher-rated investor relations programs than for corporations with lower-rated programs. However, there does not seem to be any significant relationship between the quality of corporate investor relations programs and the accuracy of security analyst EPS forecasts.
Nanoscale nonlinear optical process: theoretical modeling of second-harmonic generation for both forbidden and allowed light.

Based on a combination of the multiple-multipole method and nonlinear coupled-wave equations, a rigorous three-dimensional numerical simulation of nonlinear optical interactions between an optical near field and a nonlinear medium is performed, allowing us to study the dependence of second-harmonic (SH) near-field intensity on tip–sample distance and the polarization state of the incident fundamental wave. It is demonstrated that allowed and forbidden light make different contributions to the SH near-field intensity.
[pyH+]2[CdNb2(py)4O2F10]2-

A new Cd II /Nb V compound, bis(pyridinium) decafluoro-2κ 5 F,3κ 5 F-di-μ-oxo-1:2κ 2 O;1:3κ 2 O-tetrakis(pyridine-NR)-cadmiumdiniobium(2-), (C 5 H 6 N) 2 [CdNb 2 F 10 O 2 (C 5 H 5 -N) 4 ], has been synthesized. The complex contains [CdNb 2 (py) 4 F 10 O 2 ] 2- anions (py is pyridine) linked via the pyridinium cation through N-H + ...F hydrogen bonding. The anion is composed of two [NbF 5 O 1/2 ] - octahedra connected by O 2- to a central [Cd(py) 4 O 2/2 ] octahedron.
Atomic structure and thermal stability of silicon suboxides in bulk thin films and in transition regions at Si–SiO2 interfaces

Abstract This paper treats three aspects of silicon suboxides, SiO x , x lightly -hydrogenated low-temperature plasma-deposited SiO x :H thin films; (ii) the stability of the plasma-deposited SiO x :H thin films with respect to rapid thermal annealing at temperatures to 1000°C; and (iii) the generation and thermal stability of SiO x regions at the interface between crystalline Si and SiO 2 , where the suboxide interfacial regions are formed by both plasma-assisted and thermal oxidation processes. By tracking changes in the bond-stretching frequencies of Si–H vibrations as a function of x , it is shown that as-deposited a-SiO x :H films are homogeneous alloys with statistically determined local bonding environments. The films are completely phase -separated into silicon crystals and non-crystalline SiO 2 by annealing to temperatures of 900°C. The kinetics of the annealing process at 900°C for bulk films are essentially the same as for reducing suboxide bonding in transition regions at thermally- or plasma-grown Si–SiO 2 interfaces.
Effects of ethanol on membrane lipids. II. Changes in the content and metabolism of aldehydogenic lipids in mouse total liver, mitochondria and microsomes.

Abstract 1. 1. The free fatty aldehyde content of mouse liver microsomes increased in mice fed ethanol. 2. 2. Ethanol decreased the percentage of plasmalogen in several microsomal phospholipids. Similar effects were observed in mitochondria and total liver phospholipids, although, in some instances, increases in the percentage of plasmalogen occurred. 3. 3. A plasmalogenase was found to be stimulated in the mitochondria and microsomes of the alcohol group. 4. 4. Alcohol affected the metabolism of radio-labeled plasmalogen, 1- 14 C-palmitaldehyde and 1 14 C-cetyl alcohol. The effect could be related to an increased NADH 2 /NAD ratio. A metabolic pathway to account for the observed results is presented.
A comparison of tobacco-related risk factors between preadolescents with and without cancer.

Introduction To compare preadolescents with and without cancer on current smoking status, future intentions to smoke, and tobacco-related risk factors, as well as to explore the relationship between cancer status and tobacco-related variables with intentions.
A Legged Anchoring Mechanism for Capsule Endoscopes Using Micropatterned Adhesives

This paper presents a new concept for an anchoring mechanism to enhance existing capsule endoscopes. The mechanism consists of three actuated legs with compliant feet lined with micropillar adhesives to be pressed into the intestine wall to anchor the device at a fixed location. These adhesive systems are inspired by gecko and beetle foot hairs. Single-leg and full capsule mathematical models of the forces generated by the legs are analyzed to understand capsule performance. Empirical friction models for the interaction of the adhesives with an intestinal substrate were experimentally determined in vitro using dry and oil-coated elastomer micropillar arrays with 140 mum pillar diameter, 105 mum spacing between pillars, and an aspect ratio of 1:1 on fresh porcine small intestine specimens. Capsule prototypes were also tested in a simulated intestine environment and compared with predicted peristaltic loads to assess the viability of the proposed design. The experimental results showed that a deployed 10 gr capsule robot can withstand axial peristaltic loads and anchor reliably when actuation forces are greater than 0.27 N using dry micropillars. Required actuation forces may be reduced significantly by using micropillars coated with a thin silicone oil layer.
Distribution of Sulfhydryl Oxidase Activity in the Rat and Hamster Male Reproductive Tract

Rat and hamster testes, epididymides, vas deferentia, seminal vesicles, prostates and coagulating glands were assayed for sulfhydryl oxidase activity. The activity, present primarily in the fluids of these organs, was lowest in the testis, increased through the epididymis and was highest in the seminal vesicle. The localization and reactivity of sulfhydryl oxidase activity suggests that it may play a role in regulating the degree of disulfide bonding in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation and storage and after ejaculation.
Cardiac conduction abnormalities in endocarditis defined by the Duke criteria.

Abstract Background Cardiac conduction abnormalities occur in endocarditis and have been associated with infection extension and increased mortality. There have been no prospective studies of electrocardiographic (ECG) conduction changes in endocarditis. We examined the incidence of ECG changes in a large prospective cohort with suspected endocarditis and correlated changes with echocardiographic evidence of invasive infection and mortality. Methods One hundred thirty-seven of 1396 (10%) suspected cases of endocarditis were classified as "definite" or "possible" by the Duke criteria and had an interpretable ECG. ECG conduction changes were classified as old (pre-existing hospitalization), new (evident on admission or developed during hospitalization), or indeterminate. New or indeterminate abnormalities were considered "ECG conduction changes." Echocardiogram results were reviewed to identify infected valves and invasive infection. Results ECG conduction changes were present in 36 of 137 (26%) patients. Patients with ECG conduction changes were more often male (69% vs 46%, P =.005) and had prosthetic valves (47% vs 23%, P P =.046). Eleven of 36 (31%) patients with ECG conduction changes died during hospitalization compared with 15 of 101 (15%) patients without changes ( P =.039). Conclusions ECG conduction changes commonly occur in endocarditis despite more sensitive diagnostic criteria and are associated with increased mortality and invasive infection. (Am Heart J 2001;142:280-5.)
Task allocation for distributed multimedia processing on wirelessly networked handheld devices

In this paper, we consider distributed multimedia processing on wirelessly networked handheld devices, where multimedia data are heavily processed when transferred between the server and the handheld. We show that, to minimize battery consumption on the handheld, a tradeoff often needs to be made between the energy consumed by computation versus that by data transfer. We develop an energy cost model and present a task partition and allocation scheme to divide the data-processing responsibility between the server and the handheld. Experiments are performed on a Compaq iPAQ device which is connected to a server via a WaveLan interface. Out of 17 programs from the Mediabench suite, our scheme is shown to save energy significantly in 13 of them over the default mode of processing data locally on the handheld.
The Rational Side of Egocentrism in Social Comparisons

Prior work has found that when people compare themselves with others they egocentrically focus on their own strengths and contributions and pay less attention to strengths and contributions of the comparison group. As a consequence, individuals tend to overestimate their comparative standing when absolute standing is high and underestimate their comparative standing when absolute standing is low. The present research investigated a rational interpretation of this bias  namely, that people are egocentrically focused because they have more knowledge about themselves than about others. Support for this hypothesis was found in three studies, one concerning comparative judgments of responsibility and two others concerning confidence in competitions. These results suggest that there is a rational side to egocentrism in social comparisons.
Model Regularization for High-Mix Control

Past solutions to the multicontext run-to-run control problem are examined, especially in how they attempt to resolve ill-posedness of the model that leads to a lack of observability. The specific models examined in this paper are assumed to contain a combination of terms, each partitioned by a different context. It is shown that none of the past approaches adequately addresses the observability issue. This lack of observability has been known to cause sporadic excursions in practice due to the phenomena of estimation error drift. In this paper, a regularization scheme is presented that is shown to address this issue. A novel aspect of the proposed approach is the use of model augmentation versus model reduction or forcing reference values. The resulting regularized models are amenable to a variety of recursive estimation schemes. Last, simulations and production data are used to validate the behavior of the proposed approach.
Threshold friction velocity of soils within the Columbia Plateau

Wind erosion only occurs when the friction velocity exceeds the threshold friction velocity (TFV) of the surface. The TFV of loessial soils found across the Columbia Plateau region of the U.S. Pacific Northwest is virtually unknown even though these soils are highly erodible and a source of atmospheric particulates that reduce air quality. The TFV's of a sandy loam and four silt loams collected from field sites in eastern Washington were determined by systematically measuring the temporal variation in wind speed, salta- tion activity, and PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 610 lm) and TSP (total suspended particulate matter) concentrations above the soil surface inside a wind tunnel. The erodible fraction of each soil, obtained by drying and screening the soil, was placed in a tray inside the wind tunnel. The TFV for the sandy loam was 0.139 m s � 1 whereas the TFV for the four silt loams ranged from 0.180- 0.239 m s � 1 . The sandy loam was aerodynamically smoother than that of the silt loams, possibly due to a smaller size fraction of larger soil aggregates or particles on the surface of the sandy loam. The TFV's measured in this study were lower than those previously observed in the field in the Columbia Plateau and also lower than the minimum TFV required to initiate erosion in some wind erosion models. While these TFV's are representative of the erodible soil fraction, the low TFV's may contribute to the occasional poor performance of wind erosion models in the region. Published by Elsevier B.V.
A theoretical study of the effect of subsurface oceanic bubbles on the enhanced aerosol optical depth band over the southern oceans as detected from MODIS and MISR

Abstract. Submerged oceanic bubbles, which have a much longer life span than whitecaps or bubble rafts, have been hypothesized to increase the water-leaving radiance and thus affect satellite-based estimates of water-leaving radiance to non-trivial levels. This study explores this effect further to determine whether such bubbles are of sufficient magnitude to impact satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals through perturbation of the lower boundary conditions. There has been significant discussion in the community regarding the high positive biases in retrieved AODs in many remote ocean regions. In this study, for the first time, the effects of oceanic bubbles on satellite retrievals of AOD are studied by using a linked Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6S) atmospheric and HydroLight oceanic radiative transfer models. The results suggest an insignificant impact on AOD retrievals in regions with near-surface wind speeds of less than 12 m s−1. However, the impact of bubbles on aerosol retrievals could be on the order of 0.02–0.04 for higher wind conditions within the scope of our simulations (e.g., winds
Electrochemical Synthesis of Amorphous Fe-B Alloys for Magnetostrictive Resonant Sensor

Fe-B alloy films were fabricated by an electrochemical deposition method. The effects of deposition parameters including current density, solution concentration, and ratio of precursors on crystallinity and magnetostrictivity were investigated. Amorphous Fe-B alloy films were obtained in the conditions of effective boron incorporation and high nucleation rate by increasing current density, solution concentration, and ratio of iron precursor. The results indicate that amorphous phase formation is related to deposition kinetics and chemical affinity between iron and boron precursors. The magnetostrictive characterization of the deposited amorphous Fe-B alloys demonstrated a potential biosensor platform of the films.
Trinucleating Copper: Synthesis and Magnetostructural Characterization of Complexes Supported by a Hexapyridyl 1,3,5-Triarylbenzene Ligand†

Copper threesome: A hexapyridyl ligand based upon a 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene framework coordinates three metal centers in a constrained environment (see picture). The tricopper(I) complex reduces dioxygen to form a tricopper(II) cluster. The capping anions affect the magnetism and EPR spectra of these species and reveal a linear dependence between the antiferromagnetic exchange parameter and the Cu-O-Cu angles.
Interaction of αs-Casein with κ-Casein in Model Systems Before and After Freezing

Abstract Model systems containing ratios of 0.03 to 0.10 κ -/ α s -caseins were prepared from combinations of 0.10 m CaCl 2 , 3.19% NaH 2 PO 4 (3.50mg P/ml), 2.20% Na-citrate (20mg citric acid/milliliter), 4.64% NaCl (28mg Cl/milliliter), and 32% lactose. These systems were adjusted to pH 6.6–6.8 and their stability measured in terms of per cent soluble α s -casein both before and after freezing for 24 hr at 10F. The stability of α s -casein increased directly with increase in κ - to α s -casein ratio in the presence of 0.02 m Ca. Addition of 0.20% citrate along with Ca caused a 14% increase in soluble α s -casein, whereas addition of citrate plus 16% lactose increased it by 45%. Addition of 0.035% P along with Ca resulted in 11% loss in α s -casein solubility. More drastic losses (about 18%) resulted from addition of 0.14% Cl to Ca. Freezing of the above systems caused a substantial loss in α s -casein solubility, except in those containing Ca + citrate + lactose. In absence of calcium ions, κ -casein stabilized α s -casein to an extent dependent on the ionic species present.
Symptomatic Parainfluenza Virus Infections in Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Parainfluenza virus (PIV) infections cause significant mortality in adults undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Children are more prone to PIV infections than adults; however, data on the epidemiology of these infections in children undergoing HSCT are limited. This study examined the incidence of symptomatic PIV infections, risk factors for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and the impact on mortality after pediatric HSCT. A total of 1028 children who underwent HSCT between 1995 and 2009 were studied. PIV infections were detected in 46 of the 738 patients tested for respiratory infection (6.2%). PIV infection was the most common symptomatic respiratory viral infection in this population. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, receipt of an allogeneic transplant ( P P P = .006), use of steroids ( P = .035), and absolute leukocyte count (ALC) P P = .045). Six (13%) HSCT patients died of PIV infection. Mortality was associated with African-American ethnicity ( P = .013), LRTI ( P = .002), use of steroids ( P P P = .01). PIV infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in children undergoing HSCT.
Event composition operators: ECO

Events are at least as important as objects in modeling the dynamic universe. Modeling the real world and weaving the web of events require Composite Events that are valid constitution of atomic and composite sub-events. The progress in event composition has been limited to construction of some entities and relationships in upper ontologies such as Event-Model-F, and DSO ontology that are extensions of BFO,DOLCE, and E-Model. For building a composite event from atomic events, different operators must be used to provide right attributes for this event. Event Composition Operators on all attributes of events should be defined. The knowledge of context semantics of sub-event facets should be used for valid population of the resulting composite event attributes. Our contribution and focus in this paper is to define and implement such event composition operators on spatial and temporal aspect of events.
Differential translocation of protein kinase C isozymes by phorbol esters, EGF, and ANG II in rat liver WB cells

The protein kinase C (PKC) family represents an important group of enzymes whose activation is associated with their translocation from the cytosol to different cellular membranes. In this study, the spatial distribution of PKC-α, -δ and -e in rat liver epithelial (WB) cells has been examined by Western blot analysis after subcellular fractionation. Cytosolic, membrane, nuclear, and cytoskeletal fractions were obtained from cells stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), angiotensin II (ANG II), or epidermal growth factor (EGF). PMA caused most of the PKC-α, -δ and -e initially present in the cytosol to be transported to the membrane and nuclear fractions. In contrast, both ANG II and EGF induced only a minor translocation of PKC-α to the membrane fraction but caused a statistically significant membrane-directed movement of PKC-δ and -e. Translocation of PKC-δ and -e to the nucleus induced by ANG II and EGF was transient and quantitatively smaller than that induced by PMA. PKC-δ and -e were present in the cytoskeleton of resting cells, but although PMA, ANG II, and EGF caused some changes in their content, these were variable, suggesting that the cytoskeleton fraction was heterogeneous. PKC depletion inhibited ANG II-induced mitogenesis and the sustained activation of Raf-1 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK). However, although PKC depletion inhibited EGF-induced mitogenesis, the maximum EGF-induced activation of the ERK pathway was only slightly retarded. We hypothesize that PKC-δ and -e are involved in mitogenesis via both ERK-dependent and ERK-independent mechanisms. These results support the notion that specific PKC isozymes exert spatially defined effects by virtue of their directed translocation to distinct intracellular sites.
Claiming Research: Students as "Citizen- Experts" in WAC-Oriented Composition

It may seem odd to begin a discussion of academic research by quoting Adrienne Rich’s well-known 1977 speech, “Claiming an Education.” But, if one substitutes “research” for “an education,” the sentiment more or less describes the situation faced by most first-year students assigned research in composition. Completing the monumental academic “Research Paper” in first-year writing courses is considered a rite of passage for students in many universities (including my own, Auburn University), and is one often performed with grim resignation and uncertain purpose by many of those involved (Schwegler & Shamoon, 1982). Such was the case when I began teaching English Composition II, a second-semester, first-year writing course that makes up one of several humanities core courses within Auburn’s curriculum. These core courses, including a two-semester sequence of composition, are mandated by our state articulation agreement, and many curricular guidelines are predetermined by that agreement. Our department has molded this curriculum somewhat, but any innovations must be implemented cautiously and creatively. Drawing on previous WAC research about disciplinary writing as well as classical rhetoric and critical pedagogy, I will describe my response to this mandate, theorizing a new critical space for WAC, one that promotes students’ civic engagement while they are researching an academic discipline. Operating at the nexus of rhetoric, critical theory, and WAC scholarship, I will discuss ways that a critical WAC pedagogy encourages students’ investment in their own research and encourages students to become responsible “citizen-experts” within their communities. Though the purpose of Auburn’s research paper in English Composition II is to prepare students for academic research, I also strive to include a strong critical component, highlighting moral and ethical concerns within academic discourse much like that described by John Pennington and Robert Boyer (2003), wherein students are conscious of the responsibility they have
Presence and Expression of Human Herpesvirus 6 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of S100-Positive, T Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disease

S100-positive, T cell chronic lymphoproliferative disease (S100-CLPD) is a rare and aggressive hematologic disorder in which the cytoplasmic protein S100 is expressed at high levels in abnormal lymphocytes. Using a DNA probe specific for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), 2 cases of S100-CLPD were examined by DNA and RNA hybridization analysis. The results indicated that HHV-6 DNA was present in uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and that a 1.3-kb viral transcript was expressed in both cases. Analysis of flow-sorted PBMC from 1 case demonstrated that HHV-6 DNA was present exclusively in the S100-positive fraction. Studies using other HHV-6 DNA probes suggested infection with HHV-6 variant B in both cases. Hybridization studies using DNA from PBMC of 27 cases of T cell chronic lymphoproliferative disease of other types showed no evidence of HHV-6. These studies suggest a possible specific association of HHV-6 with the unusual disorder S100-CLPD.
Asthma Update: Part II. Medical Management

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recently updated its guidelines for the management of asthma. An evidence-based approach was used to examine several key issues regarding appropriate medical therapy for patients with asthma. The updated guidelines have clarified these issues and should alter the way physicians prescribe asthma medications. Chronic inhaled corticosteroid use is safe in adults and children, and inhaled corticosteroids are recommended as first-line therapy in adults and children with persistent asthma, even if the disease is mild. Other medications, such as cromolyn, theophylline, and leukotriene modifiers, now are considered alternative treatments and should have a more limited role in the management of persistent asthma. The addition of a long-acting beta2 agonist to an inhaled corticosteroid is superior to all other combinations as well as to higher dosages of inhaled corticosteroids alone. Combination therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2 agonist is the preferred treatment for adults and children with moderate to severe asthma. Antibiotic therapy offers no additional benefit in patients with asthma exacerbations.
The Use and Intended Outcomes of Presence: A Focus Group Study

PURPOSE To explore and understand the use and intended outcomes of presence from the perspective of and as experienced by nurses. METHODS Twenty-seven nurses participated in one of four focus groups. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. FINDINGS Four themes emerged: (1) therapeutic communication; (2) nurse well-being; (3) dimensions of presence; and (4) intention to improve client outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Presence was described as a multidimensional intervention that required therapeutic communication and nurse well-being with the intention of improving client outcomes. Study findings provide evidence of the significance of presence in the face of human interaction that is shifting to virtual, impersonal communication.
Does Persistent HIV Replication Explain Continued Lymphoma Incidence in the Era of Effective Antiretroviral Therapy

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are highly increased in incidence in individuals infected with HIV, and this continues to be the case in spite of highly effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). New evidence has demonstrated that while successful virtual recovery of CD4 counts and elimination of HIV from peripheral blood can be achieved with cART, viral replication can still occur in lymphoid tissues. In addition, recent studies have suggested that adipose tissue provides an additional reservoir for HIV-infected macrophages and T lymphocytes even in the context of successful cART therapy. In this review article, we discuss possible mechanisms leading to the development of lymphoma in the cART era.
How Did Erectile Dysfunction Become “Natural”? A Review of the Critical Social Scientific Literature on Medical Treatment for Male Sexual Dysfunction

This article reviews the multidisciplinary social science literature assessing the social consequences of medical treatment for male sexual dysfunction. This literature applies medicalization theor...
Analytical model and experimental investigation of electromagnetic tube compression with axi-symmetric coil and field shaper

Abstract In this study, a computationally cost effective, pure analytical model was developed for a multi-turn, axisymmetric coil with field shaper to predict the magnetic pressure and velocity during electromagnetic tube compression. This model is electro-magnetic-mechanically coupled with tube position affecting the magnetic field generated at each time increment. The mechanics-based analytical approach is different than past research and includes experimentally determined coupling coefficients between the coil, field shaper, and tube. To validate the analytical model, experimental tests with Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) were conducted. The results show reasonably good agreement between the analytical and experimental results.
Theoretical calculations of bite force in billfishes

Bite force is one of the most utilized performance measures due to its association with feeding and consequently fitness. Due to their large size and the concomitant increase in the adductor muscles it is expected that apex predators may rely on high biting performance allowing for increased dietary breadth. Billfish are apex marine predators characterized by the extreme elongation of the upper jaw bones forming a rostrum. This structure has been shown to facilitate prey capture and processing, but little is known as to whether this elongated structure has had an effect on biting performance in this group of enigmatic fishes. The goal of this study was to investigate bite force among five billfish species differing in size and rostrum morphology, and to determine the relationship between bite force and cranial anatomy. Because prey processing is partially decoupled from the oral jaws in these fishes, we hypothesized that bite force will be relatively low in billfishes compared to other fish, and that mass specific bite force will be inversely proportional to rostrum length. Anterior and posterior values of bite force ranged from 29 to 330 N and 99 to 1361 N, respectively among billfish species. Although absolute bite forces reached high values, mass specific bite force was among the lowest recorded for cartilaginous and bony fishes. Contrary to our hypothesis, rostrum length was not a predictor of bite force. The evolution of this novel structure, however, has been demonstrated to have a role in feeding, and the relatively low bite force in billfishes may indicate a lack of dependence on this performance metric for prey capture and processing.
Modeling of Multiple Steady States in Mammalian Cells. A Cybernetic Approach

Abstract Mammalian cells utilize glucose and glutamine as the two key substrates. These two nutrients are complementary and substitutable in nature and, in cellular metabolism, can be oxidized completely, or be converted to excreted metabolites. The ability of cells to grow at the same rate at different physiological states gives rise to multiple steady states in continuous culture. Experimental results indicate that the steady state reached is strongly dependent on the initial condition of cultivation, or the reaction path. However, it has been elusive to develop a correlation between initial conditions and the resulting steady states. We have used a cybernetic model as the conceptual framework to explore the effect of initial conditions on the behavior of continuous cultures. The results of simulation demonstrate that a cybernetic model is capable of illustrating the effect of the history of a culture on the resulting steady state.
Maximum-Likelihood as Applied to Seismic Inversion Problems

Abstract This paper surveys work on maximum-likelihood as applied to seismic inversion problems performed by the USC Geo-Signal Processing Program. We describe our work on maximum-likelihood deconvolution, maximum-likelihood wavelet estimation and deconvolution, maximum-likelihood normal incidence inversion, and normal-incidence geo-optimal deconvolution.
The Black Kitchen Table Agreement: The Power of Silence during The Era of Trump.

AbstractThe Black kitchen table has long served as a meeting place for Black families to discuss, debate, and critique issues related to the Black struggle. In particular, it was common for Black kitchen table conversations to talk about the nuances of navigating systems of legalized segregation and oppression, as well – and more recently – navigating the landscape of contemporary education reform. However since the creation of social media, the traditionally private kitchen table conversations, have become an open-source for all to read. Black families have persistently lived a process of rewriting the prewritten narrative of their own lives and the lives of their children. Moreover, Black parents who now find themselves fighting for their children’s educational opportunity in a land of market reform, now have to navigate the binary of competing Black ideologies on charter schools in plain view of outsiders. In this short manuscript, I discuss the two prevailing perspectives of education reform in the Bl...
PowerCast: Mining and Forecasting Power Grid Sequences

What will be the power consumption of our institution at 8am for the upcoming days? What will happen to the power consumption of a small factory, if it wants to double (or half) its production? Technologies associated with the smart electrical grid are needed. Central to this process are algorithms that accurately model electrical load behavior, and forecast future electric power demand. However, existing power load models fail to accurately represent electrical load behavior in the grid. In this paper, we propose PowerCast, a novel domain-aware approach for forecasting the electrical power demand, by carefully incorporating domain knowledge. Our contributions are as follows: 1. Infusion of domain expert knowledge: We represent the time sequences using an equivalent circuit model, the “BIG” model, which allows for an intuitive interpretation of the power load, as the BIG model is derived from physics-based first principles. 2. Forecasting of the power load: Our PowerCast uses the BIG model, and provides (a) accurate prediction in multi-step-ahead forecasting, and (b) extrapolations, under what-if scenarios, such as variation in the demand (say, due to increase in the count of people on campus, or a decision to half the production in our factory etc.) 3. Anomaly detection: PowerCast can spot and, even explain, anomalies in the given time sequences. The experimental results based on two real world datasets of up to three weeks duration, demonstrate that PowerCast is able to forecast several steps ahead, with 59% error reduction, compared to the competitors. Moreover, it is fast, and scales linearly with the duration of the sequences.
Ankle and Midfoot Power During Walking and Stair Ascent in Healthy Adults.

Ankle power dominates forward propulsion of gait, but midfoot power generation is also important for successful push-off. However, it is unclear if midfoot power generation increases or stays the same in response to propulsive activities that induce larger external loads and require greater ankle power. The purpose of this study was to examine ankle and midfoot power in healthy adults during progressively more demanding functional tasks. Multisegment foot motion (tibia, calcaneus, and forefoot) and ground reaction forces were recorded as participants (N = 12) walked, ascended a standard step, and ascended a high step. Ankle and midfoot positive peak power and positive total power, and the proportion of midfoot to ankle positive total power were calculated. One-way repeated-measures analyses of variance were conducted to evaluate differences across tasks. Main effects were found for ankle and midfoot peak and total powers (all Ps < .01), but not for the proportion of midfoot-to-ankle total power (P = .33)....
A review of supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle using in renewable energy applications

The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which is an environmental friendly working fluid, has good thermal physical properties under the supercritical condition. The heat transfer mechanism and the enhanced heat transfer method of the supercritical CO 2 Brayton cycle (SCO 2 -BC) have been studied by many researchers, which can be used in the new generation of Fast Cooling Reactor (FCR), solar power system, extraction progress and heat pump system. With the development of engineering technology, the system miniaturization is the most important characteristics in application, which the SCO 2 -BC can satisfy the requirements with high efficiency and high compactness. In the present paper, the research progress of SCO 2 -BC including the performance evaluation, system optimization and economic evaluation are reviewed based on the references in recent years. Then, the analysis of the key components including the compressor, turbine and heat exchanger are introduced with the special thermal properties of supercritical CO 2 , which are different from the conventional devices in the traditional steam cycle. Finally, some recommendations for future work are primarily proposed towards the development of SCO 2 -BC system.
Prestressed Concrete Applications

Prestressed concrete is adaptable to a wide variety of structural systems. These include pretensioned and post-tensioned structures, both cast-in-place and precast, and other prestressed elements in conjunction with normally reinforced concrete. Case studies are presented in this chapter that represent both traditional construction and unique engineering projects that incorporate the advantages and design considerations associated with prestressed concrete. The case studies explore some of the details that make precast and prestressed concrete particularly attractive to the application. The design concepts and techniques needed to complete the case studies are developed in later chapters. While there is no general classification for precast and prestressed concrete, it is useful to group certain elements and structures together to explain how prestressed and precast concrete is designed and constructed. Prestressed and precast concrete may be considered in four broad categories: Standardized Elements, Precast Nonprestressed Elements, Fixed Cross Section Elements and Fully Engineered Elements. While there is some overlap, each group has its own unique characteristics.
The Mittelwerke: Site–Para-Site–Non-Site

What is it about the middle that makes it such an unreliable place? Is it that, when standing exactly midway between two points, one can regard the overall distance as both half-traveled and half-untraveled? Apparently, the fuzzy logic of the middle does something to the road: it submits it to contradictory predications – traveled/untraveled. Equally, the middle does something to the traveler: it delays his arrival at the destination by making him first pass an infinitely recursive midway of (the midway of (the midway of (the midway … ))) (Zeno's dichotomy paradox). Somewhat like a hurdle, the middle intervenes between beginning and end and precludes simple duality and facile directness in their relation. Instead, it breeds complexity, hesitation and difficulty. A confusing bifurcation and a veritable vortex of possible roads can emerge in the middle of the way. And what if this vortical middle swallows up the beginning and the end? What if everything becomes middle? What if nothing remains for the traveler to do except roam in this medial limbo–this in-between interval, stretched to infinity?
Optimal Sizing and Operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems Connected to Wind Farms Participating in Electricity Markets

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a reliable resource to provide energy for various power system applications. The BESS can increase the flexibility and reliability of the renewable energy dispatch. Wind energy has the largest contribution among renewable energy resources and its control has become a research focus in power systems area. This paper introduces a novel BESS control to manage the net energy exchange between a wind farm and the grid in an electricity market. A Receding Horizon Control (RHC) scheme is proposed for optimal operation of the BESS in the presence of operational constraints. The proposed method seeks a decision policy to manage operation of the BESS to increase daily profits. Utilizing short-term wind and price forecasts provide valuable information for the BESS controller to obtain the best times to charge batteries, discharge the stored energy, or purchase energy from the DA market. An optimization problem is formulated considering BESS costs and operational constraints. This optimization problem, at each time step, is solved using the RHC scheme. All wind and electricity price data and case studies in this paper are based on MISO energy market data.
Reactivity of Pyridine Dipyrrolide Iron(II) Complexes with Organic Azides: C-H Amination and Iron Tetrazene Formation

Reaction of (MesPDPPh)Fe(thf) (H2MesPDPPh = 2,6-bis(5-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) with organic azides has been studied. The identity of the azide substituent had a profound impact on the transformation type and nature of the observed products. Reaction with aromatic p-tolyl azide, N3Tol, resulted in exclusive formation of the corresponding iron tetrazene complex (MesPDPPh)Fe(N4Tol2). In contrast, the use of bulky 1-adamantyl azide led to clean intramolecular C-H amination of one of the benzylic C-H bonds of a mesityl substituent on the pyridine dipyrrolide, PDP, supporting ligand. The smaller aliphatic substituent in benzyl azide allowed for the isolation of two different compounds from distinct reaction pathways. One product is the result of double C-H amination of the PDP ligand via nitrene transfer, while the second one contains a dibenzyltetrazene and a benzaldimine ligand. All isolated complexes were characterized using a combination of X-ray crystallography, solid state magnetic susceptibility measurements, 1H NMR and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT), and their electronic structures were elucidated. Potential electronic structures for putative iron(IV) imido or iron(III) imidyl radical complexes were explored via DFT calculations.
A copula-based Bayesian method for probabilistic solar power forecasting

Abstract With increased penetration of solar energy sources, solar power forecasting has become more crucial and challenging. This paper proposes a copula-based Bayesian approach to improve probabilistic solar power forecasting by capturing the joint distribution between solar power and ambient temperature. A prior forecast distribution is first obtained using different underlying point forecasting models. Parametric and empirical copulas of solar power and temperature are then developed to update the prior distribution to the posterior forecast distribution. A public solar power database is used to demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method. Numerical results show that the copula-based Bayesian method outperforms the forecasting method that directly uses temperature as a feature. The Bayesian method is also compared with persistent models and show improved performance. This article includes supplementary material (data and code) for reproducibility.
Groupthink and the Evolution of Reason Giving

Groupthink is a powerful social phenomenon where the experienced momentum of a group takes it to extreme places. Social psychologists have documented the many ways in which group pressures can create conformity and how such “momentum” can result in remarkably poor decisions that fail to take other perspectives into account. Although many variables have been identified, social psychology is lacking a metatheoretical framework that can account for these kinds of human behaviors. This chapter reviews the processes associated with groupthink and then lays out how a new unified theory of psychology can account for the various justification and social influence dynamics that drive groupthink. By being aware of these processes and having an integrative model for understanding them, we will be in a better place to avoid unwise conformity that can have disastrous consequences.