cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Challenges in Combining Survey and Auxiliary Data to Produce Official Statistics

Combining survey and auxiliary data to produce official statistics is gaining interest at federal agencies and among policy makers due to its efficiency. Recent studies have shown the practicality of small area estimation modeling approaches in the context of integrating data from multiple sources to improve estimation at fine levels of aggregation. In this article, agricultural predictions are constructed using a hierarchical Bayes subarea-level model, fit to data available from different sources. Auxiliary data are initially used to complement the survey data and define the prediction space, and then to define covariates for the model. Finally, not-in-sample predictions are constructed using the model output, and benchmarking constraints are imposed on the final set of in-sample and not-in-sample predictions. Unlike most of the studies discussing not-in-sample prediction, this article illustrates a method that uses the data available from multiple sources to define the prediction space. As a consequence, the resulting framework provides a larger set of nationwide predictions as candidate for official statistics, and extrapolation is not of concern. Challenges in developing the methods to combine different data sources are discussed in the context of planted acreage prediction.
Clinical Reasoning: A 16-year-old girl with ataxia, oscillopsia, and behavioral changes.

A 16-year-old girl with no relevant medical history presented with 1 week of vertigo, tremulousness, and gait instability. She described the room as “moving and unsteady.” She reported anxiety and had a panic attack in the emergency department. In the months prior to presentation, she displayed atypical irritability and aggressiveness toward her siblings. One week before the onset of vertigo, she completed a 5-day course of azithromycin for presumed sinusitis. She had not traveled in the prior year. The patient denied drug or alcohol use, sexual activity, sick contacts, or any recent tick or mosquito bites.
The single-leg vertical hop provides unique asymmetry information in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract Background Traditional testing to identify asymmetries after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction include four similar horizontal hopping tests. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single-leg vertical hopping test can identify performance and biomechanical asymmetries, and whether performance asymmetries provide unique information compared to traditional tests. Methods Twelve women with history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [age: 21.1 years (SD 3.2), height: 165.8 cm (SD 6.0), mass: 68.3 kg (SD 8.8)] completed traditional horizontal hop testing. Participants also performed a single-leg vertical hop for maximal height while instrumented for three-dimensional motion analysis. Paired t-tests were performed to identify side-to-side differences in performance variables and Spearman's rank correlations were performed of limb symmetry indices to identify whether the single-leg vertical hop test provides unique information. Repeated measures MANOVAs were performed to identify single-leg vertical hop biomechanical asymmetries. Findings Participants exhibited significant side-to-side performance differences during the single-leg vertical hop [mean difference = 0.02 m (SD 0.03), P = .04]. Only weak to moderate relationships were identified between limb symmetry indices of the single-leg vertical hop and other horizontal hopping tests. The vertical hop elicited significant asymmetries of joint kinematics (P = .04) and angular impulse (P = .04). Specifically, the involved limb showed lower peak ankle dorsiflexion (P = .004) and knee abduction (P = .02) angles, lower sagittal plane impulse at the knee (P = .02) and greater sagittal plane impulse at the hip (P = .03). Interpretation The single-leg vertical hop can identify performance and biomechanical asymmetries in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, potentially providing complementary information to standard horizontal hopping tests.
Discrimination of hotel employees: The role of heteronormativity and political exclusion

Abstract This study explores customers’ service evaluations based on the service provided by a hotel frontline employee with different sexualities, manipulated as effeminate or masculine. Study participants were randomly assigned to respond to a video with either an effeminate or masculine hotel employee that mimics a hotel check-in experience and after are asked to evaluate check-in service. The results suggest that participants who hold stronger heteronormative beliefs are more likely to discriminate against effeminate hotel employees when evaluating the service they provided. This effect persists for the social conservatism of the participants. The study also identified a joint effect of social conservatism and political exclusion. Without tapping into sexual orientation, this study contributes to the hospitality literature by introducing sexuality and heteronormativity and adds more content to queer studies. It also suggests the need for more protection policies, management awareness, and training regarding hotel frontline employees from a diversity management perspective.
A trial of antithrombotic therapy in patients with refractory migraine and antiphospholipid antibodies: A retrospective study of 75 patients.

ObjectiveIt has been reported that patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and refractory migraine may experience symptomatic improvement with antithrombotic therapy, but this phenomenon ha...
A Generalization of the Inventory Pooling Effect to Nonnormal Dependent Demand

Eppen (1979) showed that inventory costs in a centralized system increase with the correlation between multivariate normal product demands. Using multivariate stochastic orders, we generalize this statement to arbitrary distributions. We then describe methods to construct models with arbitrary dependence structure, using the copula of a multivariate distribution to capture the dependence between the components of a random vector. For broad classes of distributions with arbitrary marginals, we confirm that centralization or pooling of inventories is more valuable when demands are less positively dependent.
What’s New in Local Anesthetics?

Summary Although no new local anesthetic agents were introduced into clinical practice during the past 10 years, a number of developments occurred in recent years with regard to agents for regional anesthesia. In terms of conventional local anesthetic drugs, ropivacaine represents a new amino-amide type of agent that has been extensively studied in laboratory animals. The results to date suggest that ropivacine may be capable of providing a prolonged duration of anesthesia, similar to bupivacaine, but with an improved margin of safety in terms of cardiovascular toxicity. In the field of topical analgesia, EM LA has already been studied extensively in clinical situations. This preparation, which consists of a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine, may be the first useful means of providing effective topical cutaneous analgesia and should be of particular value in pediatric patients. Several novel types of local anesthetic preparations are currently being investigated. In this regard, the microdroplet formulation of methoxyflurane appears to provide prolonged periods of analgesia following local infiltration. The use of combinations of local anesthetics and opiates for prolonged analgesia also is an area of increasing interest. Low concentrations of local anesthetics with an opiate such as fentanyl are currently useful for continuous epidural analgesia during labor. In addition, such combinations are also valuable for prolonged postoperative pain relief. Carbonated solutions of local anesthetics, or the use of pH-ad-justed solutions by the addition of bicarbonate, appear useful to reduce the onset time of conduction blockade, particularly when employed for brachial plexus anesthesia.
Neonatal Forearm Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Intrauterine Brachiocephalic Arterial Thrombosis: A Case Report.

CASE A newborn presented with necrotic skin lesions and contractures of the right upper extremity. Ultrasonography indicated the presence of a brachiocephalic artery thrombosis, and clinical examination demonstrated a neonatal forearm compartment syndrome. Surgical treatment included decompressive fasciotomy of the right forearm. The right-sided brachiocephalic thrombosis resulted in left hemiplegic cerebral palsy. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient had near-normal function of the right upper extremity. This case has detailed preoperative video and follow-up to illustrate this rare but modifiable condition. CONCLUSION This case demonstrates a unique cause of neonatal forearm compartment syndrome (brachiocephalic arterial thrombosis) and the results of prompt surgical treatment.
Reviewing Slides for Diversity and Inclusion

This chapter recognizes and endorses efforts in medical and health professions education to promote diversity and inclusive teaching practices. It encourages educators to review their teaching and teaching materials for a diversity of images, and for use of inclusive language. This chapter explicates the intersection of good slide design, and the ways in which we talk about racial categories when it comes to disease risk and prevalence. Healthy presentations communicate an updated understanding of race as a social construct, and require that presenters talk explicitly about the racial categories they cite, the origin of those racial categories, and their clinical relevance.
Characterization of the association between cigarette smoking intensity and urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid among exclusive cigarette smokers in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016.

2-Hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (2HEMA, N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine) is a urinary metabolite of several volatile organic compounds including acrylonitrile and ethylene oxide, which are f...
Visualizing Spectral Bundle Adjustment Uncertainty

Bundle adjustment is the gold standard for refining solutions to geometric computer vision problems. This paper develops an uncertainty visualization technique for bundle adjustment solutions to Structure from Motion problems}.Propagating uncertainty through an optimization— from measurement uncertainties to uncertainties in the resulting parameter estimates— is well understood. However, the calculations involved fail numerically for real problems. Often we cope by considering only individual variances, but this ignores the important mutual dependencies between parameters. The dominant modes of uncertainty in most models are large motions involving nearly all parameters at once. These frequently look like flexions, stretchings, and bendings in the overall scene structure.In this paper we present a numerically tractable method for computing dominant eigenvectors of the covariance of a Bundle Adjustment solution. We pay careful attention to the mismatched scales of rotational and translational parameters. Finally, we animate this spectral information. The resulting interactive visualizations (included in the supplemental) give insight into the quality and failure modes of a model. We hope that this work is a step towards broader uncertainty-aware computation for Structure from Motion.
Tidal Stress Patterns on Europa's Crust

The ice crust of Europa probably floats over a deep liquid-water ocean, and has been continually resurfaced by tectonic and thermal processes driven by tides. Tidal working causes rotational torque, surface stress, internal heating, and orbital evolution. The stress patterns expected on such a crust due to reorientation of the tidal bulge by non-synchronous rotation and due to orbital eccentricity, which introduces periodic ('diurnal') variations in the tide, are shown as global maps. By taking into account the finite rate of crack propagation, global maps are generated of cycloidal features and other distinctive patterns, including the crack shapes characteristic of the wedges region and its antipode on the sub-Jovian hemisphere. Theoretical maps of tidal stress and cracking can be compared with observed tectonics, with the possibility of reconstructing the rotational history of the satellite.
Treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders in Europe: Four Case Studies

ABSTRACT A case study approach reviewed 4 alcohol/other drug disorders treatment agencies in Europe. Outstanding substance abuse treatment agencies in Europe are adopting motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy similar to their counterparts in the United States. They also are moving toward a harm reduction approach in recognizing that alcohol/other drug dependency is a chronic illness that must be treated on a recurring basis. Some unique strategies provide ideas for improvement of U.S. programs. However, a common barrier to improving treatment is a lack of capacity to collect and use data and difficulties in following clients after they leave treatment.
Regularized Rare Variant Enrichment Analysis for Case-Control Exome Sequencing Data

Rare variants have recently garnered an immense amount of attention in genetic association analysis. However, unlike methods traditionally used for single marker analysis in GWAS, rare variant analysis often requires some method of aggregation, since single marker approaches are poorly powered for typical sequencing study sample sizes. Advancements in sequencing technologies have rendered next-generation sequencing platforms a realistic alternative to traditional genotyping arrays. Exome sequencing in particular not only provides base-level resolution of genetic coding regions, but also a natural paradigm for aggregation via genes and exons. Here, we propose the use of penalized regression in combination with variant aggregation measures to identify rare variant enrichment in exome sequencing data. In contrast to marginal gene-level testing, we simultaneously evaluate the effects of rare variants in multiple genes, focusing on gene-based least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and exon-based sparse group LASSO models. By using gene membership as a grouping variable, the sparse group LASSO can be used as a gene-centric analysis of rare variants while also providing a penalized approach toward identifying specific regions of interest. We apply extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of these approaches with respect to specificity and sensitivity, comparing these results to multiple competing marginal testing methods. Finally, we discuss our findings and outline future research.
Launching the Indiana AMBA: learning with, through, and about technology

We present a case study of an innovative, technology-supported approach taken within the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University for the launch of a new Accounting MBA (AMBA) degree. The new program is proactive by treating the pending 150 credit-hour requirement as an opportunity for major technology infusion and competitive differentiation among graduate accounting programs. The purpose of this case study is to describe in detail the process and experience of launching the new AMBA degree which incorporated technology-supported learning from its genesis. The case study demonstrates how vision, partnerships with industry, and a myriad of technology choices enabled the successful launch of the new degree. It provides a detailed roadmap for other institutions who may be planning similar technology-supported learning initiatives.
Properties of the phage f2 replicase. II. Comparative studies on the ribonucleic acid-dependent and poly (C)-dependent activities of the replicase.

Abstract The results of comparative studies on f2 replicase and f2 poly(G) polymerase activities are described. Replicase activity, measured in the presence of f2 minus strand template, is stimulated by NaCl and (NH4)2SO4 at ionic strengths up to 0.1; poly(G) polymerase activity is inhibited by salt. Both activities are unstable (T½ = 5 to 10 min at 30°), require a divalent cation, and have template saturation values of 1 µg of RNA/20 µg of protein. Neither activity is inhibited by Escherichia coli rRNA or Qβ plus strand RNA; both are inhibited by poly(U). Poly(C) inhibits replicase activity if added at the beginning of incubation, but not if added after the first 5 min. Apparent Km values in the 0.01 to 0.02 mm range have been obtained in substrate saturation studies for ATP, CTP, and UTP. Complex substrate saturation kinetics are observed for GTP in both replicase and poly(G) polymerase reactions. Double reciprocal plots are relatively linear at high substrate concentrations, but markedly non-linear at low substrate concentrations. Apparent Km values in the 0.1 to 1.0 mm range have been estimated for GTP.
On Simple Tests of Diagonal Symmetry for Bivariate Distributions

AbstractSimple test of diagonal symmetry for bivariate distributions are proposed and intended for non-statistician. The asymptotic null distributions for all of the proposed tests are derived in this paper. To compare the proposed tests, intensive simulation is conducted to examine the power of the proposed tests under the null and the alternative hypotheses. The proposed tests will be applied to data from previous biomedical studies.
Brief of Amici Curiae Professors of Intellectual Property Law in Support of Google, Inc. and YouTube, LLC

Amici are law professors who teach and write about copyright law. Amici are concerned this case, Garcia v. Google, Inc. (No. 12-57302), has serious implications for a foundational element of the copyright law: the baseline requirements for copyrightability. Further, Amici anticipate that a ruling in favor of the appellant will create significant practical difficulties for firms and individuals producing the creative works that copyright is intended to incentivize.
Persistent demographic differences in colorectal cancer screening utilization despite Medicare reimbursement.

Background Colorectal cancer screening is widely recommended, but often under-utilized. In addition, significant demographic differences in screening utilization exist. Insurance coverage may be one factor influencing utilization of colorectal cancer screening tests.
New Routes to Plant Secondary Products

For some years, there has been great interest in the exploitation of plant cell cultures to produce fine chemicals. With a few exceptions, progress in commercialization has been slow, largely due to the low and/or unstable productivity of many undifferentiated cultures. Recent developments leading to the production of rapidly growing, organized, ‘hairy’ root cultures following the genetic transformation of plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes may revolutionize certain areas of plant cell biotechnology. We discuss the application of hairy root technology to the production of plant secondary metabolites.
Clinical research on the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer: final report of VALG Protocol 13 Limited.

This is a final report on the treatment of 346 patients entered in the Protocol 13L. The study was activated March 1972, and closed for the patient accession March 1975. All patients had a histologic or cytologic diagnosis of primary lung cancer limited disease. Limited disease was defined by VALG as a tumor involving one hemithorax without evidence of pleural effusion or distant metastases. Patients were randomized into two groups, radiotherapy alone or radiotherapy with CCNU and hydroxyurea. Both groups received the same dose of radiotherapy, which was given in the same fashion (5000 to 6000 rads given in 28 to 42 days). The chemotherapy program was: CCNU-100 mg/m2, orally every six weeks and Hydroxyurea-1 g/m2 orally twice a week. Chemotherapy demonstrated an early benefit in small cell carcinoma with 18 weeks extension of the median survival (p = 0.07). However, among patients surviving beyond the median survival, radiotherapy alone was the most effective treatment. At 24 months, 15% of the patients were alive in the radiotherapy alone group, versus 7% in the radiotherapy-chemotherapy group (p = 0.02). Chemotherapy did not modify the appearance time, pattern of, or survival after the first evidence of metastasis. Local toxicity of radiotherapy was not increased by chemotherapy. Severe or life threatening hematologic toxicity was present in one of every four patients at the end of radiotherapy. Those patients who developed moderate and severe hematologic toxicity at the end of radiotherapy survived longer than the patients who experienced mild toxicity or no toxicity (p = 0.03). The performance status effect seen early had disappeared at 10 weeks. In long-term survivors, no common factors could be identified except that more patients in the radiotherapy alone group are surviving from all cell types (p = 0.02).
A Z-R Relation for Summertime Convective Clouds over West Texas

Abstract A set of Z-R relations is derived by linear regression for summertime convective rainfall in West Texas from data gathered with an SWR-75 weather radar and a network of weighing bucket raingages. Data from 21 storms were grouped into storm were dependent on size and degree of organization. Subcloud transport of the rainfall is modeled by using 850-mb winds to advect the rainfall pattern. Subcloud evaporation is modeled by a bulk method. Evaporation was most sensitive to the environmental relative humidity. Below a reflectivity level that is dependent on storm size and degree of organization, no information was obtained from which rainfall rates could be estimated with radar data. For West Texas, Z=260 R1.02 best estimated overall mean rainfall volume when compared to raingage estimates. No significant reduction in the mean storm rainfall volume errors typical of such techniques occurred when the influence of the physical processes of subcloud transport and evaporation of rainfall was considered a...
The relationship of structure to properties in surfactants

Changes in the various structural units present in surfactants strongly affect the interfacial properties shown by these materials. Such properties as surface tension reduction, micelle formation, wetting, foaming and defoaming, detergency, and dispersion of solids all show marked changes with variations in both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of the surfactant molecule, reflecting the processes occurring on a molecular level. Changes in these properties caused by such factors as the length and nature of the hydrophobic group, branching or unsaturation in the hydrophobic group, the nature of the hydrophilic group and its position in the molecule, and the presence or absence of an ionic charge are described and explained in terms of the molecular processes involved.
Radiation Effects on Power GaAs MESFET Amplifiers

The effect of fast neutron radiation on the electrical characteristics of power GaAs MESFETs and power GaAs MESFET amplifiers has been evaluated. The changes in amplifier power output and intermodulation and harmonic distortion start to occur at neutron fluence of 2 × 1014 n/cm2 and significant degradation is observed at 1 × 1015 n/cm2.
Transverse mode selection in laser resonators using volume Bragg gratings

Power scaling of high power laser resonators is limited due to several nonlinear effects. Scaling to larger mode areas can offset these effects at the cost of decreased beam quality, limiting the brightness that can be achieved from the multi-mode system. In order to improve the brightness from such multi-mode systems, we present a method of transverse mode selection utilizing volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) as an angular filter, allowing for high beam quality from large mode area laser resonators. An overview of transverse mode selection using VBGs is given, with theoretical models showing the effect of the angular selectivity of transmitting VBGs on the resonator modes. Applications of this ideology to the design of laser resonators, with cavity designs and experimental results presented for three types of multimode solid state lasers: a Nd:YVO4 laser with 1 cm cavity length and 0.8 mm diameter beam with an M 2 of 1.1, a multimode diode with diffraction limited far field divergence in the slow axis, and a ribbon fiber laser with 13 cores showing M 2 improved from 11.3 to 1.5.
Systolic array for Kalman filtering with algorithm-based fault tolerance

ABSTRACTThe Kalman filter is an optimal recursive estimator for linear dynamic systems with white noise. Many digital signalprocessing applications require the real time computation of the Kalman filter, e.g., tracking an aircraft with radar. Con-sequently, many papers have been published on the use of parallel processing technology in the form of systolic arraysfor fast computation of the Kalman filter. This paper presents a new systolic array implementation of the Kalman filterthat is not excessive in either hardware or computation steps. For a dynamic system with N states and M observationcomponents, the array uses N(N-i-1) processors and about 4N+6M computation steps. In some applications, it is alsorequired that the processing system continue to function even after some of the components of the system fail. The Kal-man filter systolic array is extended to one that is tolerant of faults in the processing elements of the array by using tech-niques of algorithm-based fault tolerance. Overhead for fault tolerance is about 47% additional hardware and 17% addi-
Ethical issues in HIV research in poor countries.

Purpose: To increase awareness of the potential for conducting unethical research in poor nations in the name of scientific inquiry and to enumerate ethical questions in HIV/AIDS research. Organizing construct: Principles of ethics and ethical analysis in clinical research. Sources and methods: Review of literature on ethical principles of research in developing nations. Findings: People who participate in clinical trials in poor countries often do so because that may be the only way to gain access to health care. However access to tested drugs beyond clinical trials is not guaranteed. Participants often do not understand the consequences of being research subjects. Conclusions: Conducting research in poor nations requires recognition of ethical issues and maintenance of ethical standards regardless of material wealth of the countries. Ethical standards also indicate including people from the target population in decisions relating to designing and conducting clinical trials. (authors)
Propagation of swift atomic clusters through solids

Abstract Molecular ion yields and neutral and charged fractions are reported for 300 keV H2+, DH+, D2+, H3+, D3+, 3HeD+, 4HeH+, 3He2+, 4HeD+, 4He3He+, and 4He2+ molecular ions bombarding carbon targets having area densities ranging between 5 and 40 μg/cm2. The molecular ion yields are consistent with the predictions of wake-riding theory.
Sestamibi scan for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism

Background: Various invasive and noninvasive localizing tests are available for the evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgical success in primary intervention exceeds 90% without localization studies. However, localization tests are absolutely essential for re-exploration and in certain select circumstances, even in primary exploration. The traditional noninvasive localization studies include the sonogram, thalliumtechnetium scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this report is to review our recent experience with sestamibi scan. The sestamibi scan appears to be the most sensitive and accurate noninvasive test available today. Methods: Technetium 99m sestamibi has recently been used for parathyroid localization, in conjunction with iodine 123 subtraction. We have evaluated 24 patients with suspected primary hyperparathyroidism to study the role of technetium 99m sestamibi scan. T c -sestamibi was used either with or without iodine 123 for subtraction of thyroid activity. Results: None of these patients had renal failure or secondary hyperparathyroidism. Of 24 patients, the parathyroid adenoma was localized by scintigraphy in 19 patients. Twenty patients underwent surgical exploration. In 17 patients there was a complete correlation between the imaging study and the operative findings (positive predictive value, 89%). There were no false positives in this series. The interpretation of the parathyroid images was relatively easy; however, the depth of the adenoma could not be predicted, based on the scan alone. The largest adenoma weighed 2.7 g, the smallest, 700 mg. Conclusion: This newer radiopharmaceutical, technetium 99m sestamibi, appears to be quite useful and accurate in the preoperative localization of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid enlargement can also be studied by sestamibi imaging alone if delayed imaging is performed.
SCOPE++: Sequence Classification Of homoPolymer Emissions

Abstract Background mRNA polyadenylation, the addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3′-end of pre-mRNA, is a process critical to gene expression and regulation in eukaryotes. To understand the molecular mechanisms governing polyadenylation and other relevant biological processes, it is important to identify these poly(A) tails accurately in transcriptome sequencing data and differentiate them from artificial adapter sequences added in the sequencing process. But the annotation of these tails is complicated by the presence of sequencing errors and post-transcriptional modifications. While determining that a tail is present in a given transcript fragment is straight-forward, these obfuscations make the problem of boundary identification a challenge; conventional seed-and-extend algorithms struggle to accurately identify these poly(A) tail end-points. Further, all existing tools that we are aware of focus exclusively on the trimming of poly(A) tails, failing to provide the detailed information needed for studying the polyadenylation process. Results We have created SCOPE++, an open-source tool for finding the precise border of poly(A) tails and other homopolymers in raw mRNA sequence reads. Based on a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach, SCOPE++ accurately identifies specific homopolymer sequences in error-prone EST/cDNA data or RNA-Seq data at a speed appropriate for large sequence sets. Conclusions We demonstrate that our tool can precisely identify poly(A) tails with near perfect accuracy at the speed required for high-throughput applications, providing a valuable resource for polyadenylation research.
Argophyllone-B, a sesquiterpene lactone from Helianthus argophyllus

Abstract The sesquiterpene lactone, 2-methyl-2-butenoic acid dodecahydro-4-(hydroxymethyl)-10a-methyl-8-methylene-3,7-dioxooxineno[5,6]cyclodeca[1,2-b]furan-9-yl ester [1aR*-[1aS*,4R*,5aS*,8aR*,9R*(E)]], argophyllone-B, was isolated from acetone extracts from the leaves of Helianthus argophyllus. Its structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Complete 1H NMR and 13C NMR assignments have been made.
Mechanism and Kinetics for Ammonium Perchlorate Sublimation: A First-principles Study

We have studied for the first time the kinetics and mechanism for the sublimation/decomposition of NH4ClO4 by first-principles calculations, using a generalized gradient approximation with the plane-wave density functional theory. Supercells containing 4, 8, and 16 NH4ClO4 units were used; the predicted enthalpic change for solid NH4ClO4 to gaseous NH3 and HClO4 is 45.0 ± 1.5 kcal/mol. The calculated desorption activation energies for NH3, HClO4, and H3N···HOClO3 molecular complexes, individually, from the relaxed surface are 45.3, 43.5, and 28.1 kcal/mol, respectively. The rate constant for the dominant sublimation process desorbing H3N···HOClO3 as a pair can be presented by ksub.= 6.53 × 1012 exp (−28.8 kcal/mol/RT) s−1, which is in reasonable agreement with available experimental data. Expectably, the decomposition of H3N···HOClO3 (g) to NH3 (g) and HOClO3 (g) is considerably faster, about 1 × 107 times greater than that for the sublimation process in the same temperature range. The rate constant for t...
High-resolution aeromagnetic mapping of volcanic terrain, Yellowstone National Park

High-resolution aeromagnetic data acquired over Yellowstone National Park (YNP) show contrasting patterns reflecting differences in rock composition, types and degree of alteration, and crustal structures that mirror the variable geology of the Yellowstone Plateau. The older, Eocene, Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup, a series of mostly altered, andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks partially exposed in mountains on the eastern margin of YNP, produces high-amplitude, positive magnetic anomalies, strongly contrasting with the less magnetic, younger, latest Cenozoic, Yellowstone Plateau Group, primarily a series of fresh and variably altered rhyolitic rocks covering most of YNP. The Yellowstone caldera is the centerpiece of the Yellowstone Plateau; part of its boundary can be identified on the aeromagnetic map as a series of discontinuous, negative magnetic anomalies that reflect faults or zones along which extensive hydrothermal alteration is localized. The large-volume rhyolitic ignimbrite deposits of the 0.63-Ma Lava Creek Tuff and the 2.1-Ma Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, which are prominent lithologies peripheral to the Yellowstone caldera, produce insignificant magnetic signatures. A zone of moderate amplitude positive anomalies coincides with the mapped extent of several post-caldera rhyolitic lavas. Linear magnetic anomalies reflect the rectilinear fault systems characteristic of resurgent domes in the center of the caldera. Peripheral to the caldera, the high-resolution aeromagnetic map clearly delineates flow unit boundaries of pre- and post-caldera basalt flows, which occur stratigraphically below the post-caldera rhyolitic lavas and are not exposed extensively at the surface. All of the hot spring and geyser basins, such as Norris, Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, West Thumb, and Gibbon, are associated with negative magnetic anomalies, reflecting hydrothermal alteration that has destroyed the magnetic susceptibility of minerals in the volcanic rocks. Within Yellowstone Lake, which is mostly within the Yellowstone caldera, aeromagnetic lows also are associated with known hydrothermal activity in the lake. Many of the magnetic lows extend beyond the areas of alteration and hot springs, suggesting a more extensive currently active or fossil hydrothermal system than is currently mapped. Steep magnetic gradients, suggesting faults or fractures, bound the magnetic lows. This implies that fractures localize the hot springs. Magnetic gradient trends reflect the mapped Basin and Range structural trends of north and northwest, as well as northeasterly trends that parallel the regional trend of the Snake River Plain and the track of the Yellowstone hot spot which follow the Precambrian structural grain. These trends are found both at small scales such as in hydrothermal basins and at more regional fault scales, which suggests that the regional stress field and reactivated
Gestational diabetes mellitus: risks and management during and after pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) carries a small but potentially important risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and a long-term risk of obesity and glucose intolerance in offspring. Mothers with GDM have an excess of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and a high risk of developing diabetes mellitus thereafter. Diagnosing and treating GDM can reduce perinatal complications, but only a small fraction of pregnancies benefit. Nutritional management is the cornerstone of treatment; insulin, glyburide and metformin can be used to intensify treatment. Fetal measurements complement maternal glucose monitoring in the identification of pregnancies that require such intensification. Glucose testing shortly after delivery can stratify the short-term diabetes risk in mothers. Thereafter, annual glucose and HbA(1c) testing can detect deteriorating glycaemic control, a harbinger of future diabetes mellitus, usually type 2 diabetes mellitus. Interventions that mitigate obesity or its metabolic effects are most potent in preventing or delaying diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle modification is the primary approach; use of medications for diabetes prevention after GDM remains controversial. Family planning enables optimization of health in subsequent pregnancies. Breastfeeding may reduce obesity in children and is recommended. Families should be encouraged to help children adopt lifestyles that reduce the risk of obesity.
PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY FOR CALICEAL DIVERTICULAR CALCULI: A NOVEL SINGLE STAGE APPROACH

ABSTRACTPurpose: Current percutaneous treatment of symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi involves renal access, stone removal, dilation of the diverticular communication, fulguration of the cavity and placement of a nephrostomy tube. We reviewed the outcomes of patients undergoing a novel single stage percutaneous nephrolithotomy technique for radiopaque caliceal diverticular stones that eliminates ureteral catheterization and entry into the renal collecting system.Materials and Methods: A total of 21 patients (8 male and 13 female including 1 bilateral) with a mean age of 42.4 years underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy for caliceal diverticular stones from February 2001 to May 2003. Of the diverticula 12 were upper pole, 4 were interpolar and 6 were lower pole. Infracostal access was established by the urologist directly onto the radiopaque stones without the aid of a ureteral catheter. After balloon tract dilation a 30Fr Amplatz sheath was placed and following stone removal the diverticulum was fu...
Comparing Study Populations of Men Who Have Sex with Men: Evaluating Consistency Within Repeat Studies and Across Studies in the Seattle Area Using Different Recruitment Methodologies

There is no gold standard for recruiting unbiased samples of men who have sex with men (MSM). To assess differing recruitment methods, we compared Seattle-area MSM samples from: venue-day-time sampling-based National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) surveys in 2008 and 2011, random-digit-dialed (RDD) surveys in 2003 and 2006, and STD clinic patient data 2001–2011. We compared sociodemographics, sexual and drug-associated behavior, and HIV status and testing. There was generally good consistency between the two NHBS surveys and within STD clinic data across time. NHBS participants reported higher levels of drug-associated and lower levels of sexual risk than STD clinic patients. RDD participants differed from the other study populations in sociodemographics and some risk behaviors. While neither NHBS nor the STD clinic study populations may be representative of all MSM, both appear to provide consistent samples of MSM subpopulations across time that can provide useful information to guide HIV prevention.
Attachment Style Differences in Relational Maintenance and Conflict Behaviors: Friends' Perceptions

This study explores how attachment style affects individuals’ relationship maintenance behaviors and conflict management behaviors as evaluated by their close friend. Findings revealed that friends reported greater relationship satisfaction, greater use of prosocial maintenance strategies, and more integrating and compromising conflict behavior for securely attached individuals as compared to preoccupieds, dismissives, and fearfuls. Findings are discussed in terms of the need to consider friendship‐specific relational maintenance behaviors, the conceptual link between attachment styles and conflict styles, and the implications for friendships.
Fluid phase structure of EPC and DMPC bilayers

Abstract X-ray diffraction data taken at high instrumental resolution were obtained for EPC and DMPC under various osmotic pressures, primarily at T=30°C. The headgroup thickness DHH was obtained from relative electron density profiles. By using volumetric results and by comparing to gel phase DPPC we obtain areas AEPCF=69.4±1.1 A2 and ADMPCF=59.7±0.2 A2. The analysis also gives estimates for the areal compressibility KA. The AF results lead to other structural results regarding membrane thickness and associated waters. Using the recently determined absolute electrons density profile of DPPC, the AF results also lead to absolute electron density profiles and absolute continuous transforms ∣F(q)∣ for EPC and DMPC. Limited measurements of temperature dependence show directly that fluctuations increase with increasing temperature and that a small decrease in bending modulus Kc accounts for the increased water spacing reported by Simon et al. (1995) Biophys. J. 69, 1473–1483.
Peptidergic motoneurons in the buccal ganglia of Aplysia californica : immunocytochemical, morphological, and physiological characterizations

We used physiological recordings, intracellular dye injections and immunocytochemistry to further identify and characterize neurons in the buccal ganglia of Aplysia calif ornica expressing Small Cardioactive Peptide-like immunoreactivity (SCP-LI). Neurons were identified based upon soma size and position, input from premotor cells B4 and B5, axonal projections, muscle innervation patterns, and neuromuscular synaptic properties. SCP-LI was observed in several large ventral neurons including B6, B7, B9, B10, and B11, groups of s1 and s2 cluster cells, at least one cell located at a branch point of buccal nerve n2, and the previously characterized neurons B1, B2 and B15. B6, B7, B9, B10 and B11 are motoneurons to intrinsic muscles of the buccal mass, each displaying a unique innervation pattern and neuromuscular plasticity. Combined, these motoneurons innervate all major intrinsic buccal muscles (I1/I3, I2, I4, I5, I6). Correspondingly, SCP-LI processes were observed on all of these muscles. Innervation of multiple nonhomologous buccal muscles by individual motoneurons having extremely plastic neuromuscular synapses, represents a unique form of neuromuscular organization which is prevalent in this system. Our results show numerous SCPergic buccal motoneurons with widespread ganglionic processes and buccal muscle innervation, and support extensive use of SCPs in the control of feeding musculature.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Honey and Its Carbohydrate Constituents on Calcium Absorption in Rats

The effects of honey and its carbohydrate constituents (glucose, fructose, and raffinose) on calcium absorption in rats were investigated in acute and chronic feeding studies. In the acute study, rats ( n = 120) were gavaged with an oral solution consisting of (a) 10 microCi (45)Ca, (b) 25 mg of calcium as calcium acetate, and (c) one of the following: 0 mg of honey (control), or 200, 500, or 800 mg of honey, a glucose-fructose mixture, 10.75 mg of raffinose, or 200 mg of raffinose. Another group received (45)Ca intraperitoneally. Femurs were collected 2 days later and analyzed for (45)Ca content. Rats given 500 and 800 mg of honey showed 25.5 and 33.6% increases in calcium absorption ( P<0.05), respectively, over the control group. Groups given the glucose-fructose mixture or 200 mg of raffinose had a significantly higher increase in calcium absorption than the control group (17.1 and 25.6%, respectively). In the chronic study, rats (n=96) were fed for 8 weeks with either 0% honey (control), 5% honey, 10% honey, or a glucose-fructose-raffinose (GFR) mixture. Femurs of GFR-fed rats had significantly lower calcium content, (45)Ca absorption, width, and BMD (at distal region) than control rats. Groups fed honey did not show the negative effects of GFR on bone, but had no advantage over the control group. No significant differences were observed in femur length, density, strength, or BMC among any treatment group compared to the control group. These results indicate that although a positive dose-response effect of honey and its carbohydrate constituents on calcium absorption was observed in the acute study, this effect disappeared upon long-term feeding in rats, implying adaptation had occurred.
The Infra-Red Spectrum and Molecular Constants of HF and DF

New high dispersion measurements on the infra-red absorption spectrum of HF and DF are reported. Discussion of the experimental details and analysis is given. Observed frequencies of the spectral lines, as well as observed and calculated constants, are tabulated. The principal constants for HF are ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}={4138.52}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${x}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}={90.06}_{9}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${y}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}=0.980$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${z}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}=0.025$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${B}_{e}={20.939}_{0}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{e}={0.770}_{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{e}={0.005}_{0}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${D}_{e}={0.002}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The principal constants for DF are ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}={3000.35}_{8}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${x}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}={47.33}_{6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${y}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}=0.373$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${z}_{e}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}={0.006}_{8}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${B}_{e}={11.004}_{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{e}={0.293}_{6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{e}={0.001}_{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${D}_{e}={0.0006}_{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Hormone Ontogeny in the Ovine Fetus. IV. Serum Somatomedin Activity in the Fetal and Neonatal Lamb and Pregnant Ewe: Correlation with Maternal and Fetal Growth Hormone, Prolactin, and Chorionic Somatomammotropin

Summary: Somatomedin (SM) activity was measured by a placental membrane receptor assay using 125I-labeled somatomedin A, as radioligand in serum samples obtained from 33 ovine fetuses, 14 neonatal lambs, 8 pregnant, and 3 postpartum ewes. The mean serum concentration of SM activity in eight adult rams was 2.06 ± 0.12 U/ml. In fetal sheep, SM activity was detected at 66 days gestation (term 147 days), in the youngest fetus studied. Before 100 days of gestation, SM was lower (P < 0.001) in fetal sheep (1.08 ± 0.18 U/ml) than in adult rams. In fetuses between 101 and 125 days. SM rose (P < 0.001) to 2.64 ± 0.32 U/ml. In late gestation fetal serum SM fell but during the neonatal period it rose to 3.38 ± 0.3 U/ml, higher (P < 0.01) than that in adult rams. Serum SM activity in the pregnant ewe prior to 100 days was 1.01 ± 0.11 U/ml, increased (P < 0.05) to 1.75 ± 0.21 U/ml between 125 days and term, and rose further to 2.56 ± 0.32 U/ml in the postpartum period. Maternal concentrations of serum SM in late gestation were significantly less than in the fetus. Gel chromatog-raphy of fetal, maternal, and neonatal sera indicated that over 90% of SM activity circulated in high-molecular weight form. The rise in SM activity in fetal serum between 100 and 125 days parallels the rise in fetal growth hormone and prolactin concentrations; however, in maternal serum the increase in SM activity is associated with rising maternal chorionic somatomammotropin concentrations. Speculation: Somatomedin is present in fetal ovine serum and in late gestation may be generated mainly by fetal pituitary hormones. In contrast, somatomedin in the pregnant ewe appears to be regulated by chorionic somatomammotropin.
Practical usability evaluation

Practical Usability Evaluation is an introduction to cost-effective, low-skill, low-investment methods of usability assessment. The methods include (1) Inspection Methods (e.g., heuristic evaluation), (2) Observational Skills and Video (including user testing with think-aloud protocols), (3) Program Instrumentation, and (4) Questionnaires. The tutorial features many step-by-step procedures to aid in evaluation plan design.