cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating outcome probabilities from early symptom changes in cognitive therapy for recurrent depression.

Objective Acute-phase cognitive therapy (CT) is an efficacious treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) producing benefits comparable to pharmacotherapy, but not all patients respond or remit. The purpose of the current analyses was to estimate CT patients' probability of nonresponse and remission from symptom improvement early in treatment. Method Data from 2 clinical trials of acute-phase CT for recurrent depression were pooled for analysis (N = 679). Adult outpatients received 16- or 20-session CT protocols. Symptoms were measured repeatedly with the clinician-report Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (IDS-SR). Outcomes at exit from CT were nonresponse ( Results The nonresponse rate was 45.7%, and the remission rate was 33.4%. In logistic regression models, improvements on the HRSD or IDS-SR from intake to CT Sessions 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 significantly predicted both outcomes, with prediction gaining in accuracy in later sessions. Clinician and self-report assessments yielded similar results. Prediction of outcomes replicated across data sets. Patients with no symptom improvement by CT Session 9 (Week 5) had ≤10% probability of remission and >75% probability of nonresponse. Conclusions Outcomes of CT for depression are predictable from early symptom changes. Clinicians may find nonresponse and remission probability estimates useful in the informed consent process and in choosing whether to continue, augment, or switch treatments for CT patients with recurrent MDD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
A Homeotic Shift Late in Development Drives Mimetic Color Variation in a Bumble Bee

Natural phenotypic radiations, with their high diversity and convergence, are well-suited for informing how genomic changes translate to natural phenotypic variation. New genomic tools enable discovery in such traditionally nonmodel systems. Here, we characterize the genomic basis of color pattern variation in bumble bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombus), a group that has undergone extensive convergence of setal color patterns as a result of Mullerian mimicry. In western North America, multiple species converge on local mimicry patterns through parallel shifts of midabdominal segments from red to black. Using genome-wide association, we establish that a cis-regulatory locus between the abdominal fate-determining Hox genes, abd-A and Abd-B, controls the red–black color switch in a western species, Bombus melanopygus. Gene expression analysis reveals distinct shifts in Abd-B aligned with the duration of setal pigmentation at the pupal–adult transition. This results in atypical anterior Abd-B expression, a late developmental homeotic shift. Changing expression of Hox genes can have widespread effects, given their important role across segmental phenotypes; however, the late timing reduces this pleiotropy, making Hox genes suitable targets. Analysis of this locus across mimics and relatives reveals that other species follow independent genetic routes to obtain the same phenotypes.
Hydroxide-promoted redox reactions in water of α-Phenyl-4-nitro-benzenemethanol, α-(p-Nitrophenyl)-4-pyridinemethanol, and α-(p-Nitrophenyl)-4-Pyridinemethanol N-Oxide steric inhibition of resonance

α-Phenyl-4-nitrobenzenemethanol (3) reacted with 1 M sodium hydroxide to yield 4, 4′-dibenzoyl-azoybenzene (5) (51%), 4-hydroxy-4′-benzoylazobenzene (6) and benzoic acid (12% each), and smaller amounts of 4-aminobenzophenone and 4-nitrobenzophenone. Both α-phenyl-2-nitrobenzenemethanol (9) and 3, 5-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzenemethanol (10a) did not react with 1 M sodium hydroxide, presumably due to steric hindrance. α-(p-Nitrophenyl)-4-pyridinemethanol (14) and its N-oxide 11 with 1 M sodium hydroxide yielded 4,4′-diaroylazoxybenzenes 15a and 12a, respectively, 4,4′-diaroylazobenzenes 15b and 12b, respectively, as well as 4-hydroxy-4′-aroylazobenzenes 16 and 13, respectively. The relative reaction rates were 11 > 14 > 3. Studies with 11 showed that the nitro group is involved in the redox reaction in preference to the N-oxide group.
APPENDIX 1D Reporting of Diagnostic Cytogenetic Results

This appendix, developed by the staff at the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, includes a comprehensive list of current “macros” or standardized statements used to facilitate reporting of cytogenetic results. These are provided as a reference for other laboratories. The statements are organized under the general categories of constitutional or acquired abnormalities and subdivided into analysis type (GTG-banding or FISH). Multi-specimen usage macros are included that can be applied to two or more specimen types. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 67:A.1D.1-A.1D.24 © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: clinical cytogenetics; diagnostic; reporting; test results
A Ricardian analysis of the economic impact of climate change on agriculture: Evidence from the farms in the central highlands of Afghanistan

Abstract This paper provides evidence on the economic impact of climate change on agriculture in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan by exploring the climate sensitivity of crop net revenue per unit of land. A Ricardian model and a novel 2017 dataset for 1502 farmers in three central provinces along with 34 years of weather information are used to study the impact of variations in seasonal precipitation and annual temperature. The findings suggest a significant and nonlinear effect of climate factors on crop net revenue. The impact of seasonal precipitation is found to vary across space and time. The effect of increased annual temperature is found to be generally positive and significant—both statistically and economically. The predicted impact of future climate change is largely beneficial, mainly due to warming.
Deep machine learning approach to develop a new asphalt pavement condition index

Abstract Pavement condition assessment provides information to make more cost-effective and consistent decisions regarding management of pavement network. Generally, pavement distress inspections are performed using sophisticated data collection vehicles and/or foot-on-ground surveys. In either approach, the process of distress detection is human-dependent, expensive, inefficient, and/or unsafe. Automated pavement distress detection via road images is still a challenging issue among pavement researchers and computer-vision community. In recent years, advancement in deep learning has enabled researchers to develop robust tools for analyzing pavement images at unprecedented accuracies. Nevertheless, deep learning models necessitate a big ground truth dataset, which is often not readily accessible for pavement field. In this study, we reviewed our previous study, which a labeled pavement dataset was presented as the first step towards a more robust, easy-to-deploy pavement condition assessment system. In total, 7237 google street-view images were extracted, manually annotated for classification (nine categories of distress classes). Afterward, YOLO (you look only once) deep learning framework was implemented to train the model using the labeled dataset. In the current study, a U-net based model is developed to quantify the severity of the distresses, and finally, a hybrid model is developed by integrating the YOLO and U-net model to classify the distresses and quantify their severity simultaneously. Various pavement condition indices are developed by implementing various machine learning algorithms using the YOLO deep learning framework for distress classification and U-net for segmentation and distress densification. The output of the distress classification and segmentation models are used to develop a comprehensive pavement condition tool which rates each pavement image according to the type and severity of distress extracted. As a result, we are able to avoid over-dependence on human judgement throughout the pavement condition evaluation process. The outcome of this study could be conveniently employed to evaluate the pavement conditions during its service life and help to make valid decisions for rehabilitation or reconstruction of the roads at the right time.
The Role of Ablative Fractional Lasers in Wound Healing

Chronic wounds impose a major burden on the individual and healthcare system, accounting for significant morbidity, decreased quality of life, and high costs. Despite the development of various advanced therapeutic modalities, chronic wounds remain extremely difficult to treat. Lasers, well-known for their use in a variety of dermatologic procedures, have been used more recently to treat the functional and aesthetic sequelae of burn injuries and scar-related contractures. Of particular interest to the wound healing community, ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment has been found to dramatically accelerate healing in chronic post-traumatic wounds. While evidence is currently limited to a small number of patients from case reports and case series, ablative fractional lasers seem to be a potentially effective novel treatment for wounds of this etiology. Though the mechanism of action has not been well-defined, fractional lasers have been hypothesized to stimulate healing via mechanical effects, collagen remodeling, debridement, and alteration in the wound molecular profile. Further research and controlled studies looking at lasers for post-traumatic wounds, as well as other common types of chronic wounds, including venous, arterial, diabetic, and pressure ulcers, are needed.
Yet Another Nail in the Coffin of Zeroing: United States – Anti-Dumping Administrative Reviews and Other Measures Related to Imports of Certain Orange Juice from Brazil

This paper analyzes Brazil's WTO challenge to the methods undertaken by the United States in calculating anti-dumping duties in administrative reviews and other investigations of Brazilian orange juice. The dispute resulted in a Panel ruling that conforms with earlier Appellate Body decisions outlawing the use of ‘weighted average to transaction’ zeroing in such reviews. However, we note that the Panel's stance was driven largely from a desire to preserve ‘stability and predictability’ within the system, suggesting a practical recognition of the shadow of past Appellate Body decisions on the same legal question. In addition, we argue that to understand fully the effects of zeroing, it is important to account for the underlying reasons behind observed price changes in the market. We show that zeroing is more likely to convert a negative dumping determination into a positive one when price changes are driven by variations in demand relative to when they are driven by variations in the cost of exporting. In the present case, Brazilian exporters of orange juice experienced an increase in (residual) demand for their product since, by reducing the local supply of round oranges, adverse weather conditions in the United States made it difficult for US orange-juice producers to meet local demand.
Plastic Flowers: Overlooking Resource Scarcity in Postwar America:

This essay historicizes cultural and psychic economies in the postwar United States under the sign of material scarcity. It situates the proliferation of plastic flowers in domestic space within a ...
Effects of selenium hyperaccumulators on soil selenium distribution and vegetation properties

Premise The ecological implications of hyperaccumulation have been investigated at the organismal level, but are poorly understood at the plant community level. Questions addressed here were: Does the presence of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulators affect Se distribution and concentration in their native soil, and do hyperaccumulators affect overall vegetation properties and species composition? Methods Plant survey and soil Se mapping were performed at three seleniferous sites in Colorado. In season one, plots with and without hyperaccumulators were compared for (1) bare ground, canopy cover, and species richness; (2) relative species abundance; (3) soil Se distribution and concentration. In season two, a smaller-scale design was implemented, focusing on areas 3 m in diameter around hyperaccumulators versus nonhyperaccumulators in 44 paired plots on one site. Results Plots with hyperaccumulators generally showed more bare ground, less canopy cover, higher species richness, and 2-3-fold higher soil Se levels. These patterns were not consistently significant across all sites; the effects of hyperaccumulators may have been diluted by their low abundance and the relatively large area of survey. In the smaller-scale study, highly significant results were obtained, showing more bare ground, less canopy cover, and higher species richness in plots with hyperaccumulators; soil Se concentration was also higher in plots with hyperaccumulators. Conclusions Hyperaccumulators may significantly affect local soil Se concentration and vegetation over at least a 3 m diameter area, or 4× their canopy. These differences may result from the combined positive and negative allelopathic effects observed earlier at the organismal level.
Design considerations for high-gain SIS mixers

It has been shown both theoretically [1] and experimentally [2,3] that the very sharp nonlinearity in the conductance of superconducting tunnel junctions can be used to implement millimeter wavelength mixers having high gain and very low noise, leading to the possibility of receivers that achieve the quantum noise limit. The junctions involved contain a thin insulating barrier between two superconductors, and are thus known as superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) junctions. They are physically identical to Josephson junctions, but in this application the conductance is via the tunneling of quasiparticles (unpaired electrons), and so the Josephson effect is not involved.
Qa-1b Modulates Resistance to Anti–PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Tumors with Defects in Antigen Processing

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has improved cancer care, but ICB is only effective in some patients. The molecular mechanisms that influence ICB therapy response are not completely understood. The non-classical MHC class I molecule HLA-E and its mouse ortholog, Qa-1b, present a limited set of peptides in a TAP1-dependent manner to the NKG2A/CD94 heterodimer to transduce an inhibitory signal to natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells. However, deficiency of TAP1 allows Qa-1b to present an alternative peptidome to Qa-1b–restricted T-cell receptors of cytotoxic T cells. In this study, we used CRISPR–Cas9 to study the relationship between TAP1, Qa-1b, and response to anti-PD1 therapy. We hypothesized that immunotherapy response in TAP1-deficient tumors would be influenced by Qa-1b. Strikingly, using a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model, we found that although TAP1-deficient tumors were resistant to anti-PD1 treatment, anti-PD1 response was significantly enhanced in tumors lacking both TAP1 and Qa-1b. This increased sensitivity is partially dependent on NK cells. TAP1-deficient tumors were associated with an increase of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Treg) and neutrophils, whereas tumors lacking both TAP1 and Qa-1b exhibited an increased CD8+ T-cell to Treg ratio. These data suggest that direct inhibition of Qa-1b may alter the immune microenvironment to reverse resistance to anti-PD1 therapy, particularly in the context of antigen-processing defects. Implications: This study reveals important functional crosstalk between classical TAP-dependent MHC complexes and Qa-1b/HLA-E, particularly in tumors with impaired antigen-processing machinery. This can dramatically influence immunotherapy efficacy.
Data-Driven Random Access Optimization in Multi-Cell IoT Networks with NOMA

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a key technology to enable massive machine type communications (mMTC) in 5G networks and beyond. In this paper, NOMA is applied to improve the random access efficiency in high-density spatially-distributed multi-cell wireless IoT networks, where IoT devices contend for accessing the shared wireless channel using an adaptive p-persistent slotted Aloha protocol. To enable a capacity-optimal network, a novel formulation of random channel access management is proposed, in which the transmission probability of each IoT device is tuned to maximize the geometric mean of users' expected capacity. It is shown that the network optimization objective is high dimensional and mathematically intractable, yet it admits favourable mathematical properties that enable the design of efficient data-driven algorithmic solutions which do not require a priori knowledge of the channel model or network topology. A centralized model-based algorithm and a scalable distributed model-free algorithm, are proposed to optimally tune the transmission probabilities of IoT devices and attain the maximum capacity. The convergence of the proposed algorithms to the optimal solution is further established based on convex optimization and game-theoretic analysis. Extensive simulations demonstrate the merits of the novel formulation and the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.
Elementary teachers’ perceptions of data-driven decision-making

Data-driven decision-making (DDDM) refers to the process of using data to inform educational decisions. Due to DDDM’s positive effects on student achievement and the pressure for educational accountability, DDDM has become a recent focus of numerous educational policies. However, few teachers fully utilize DDDM. While, broadly, DDDM may use various types of data to make different types of decisions, the current study focuses on the use of formative assessment data to guide instructional adaptations. This study serves as an elicitation study to explore teachers’ perceptions of DDDM, illuminating both facilitating and inhibitory factors affecting assessment practices. The Theory of Planned Behavior was applied as a theoretical framework, which suggests that individuals’ behaviors can be explained by their attitudes, perceptions of social norms, and perceived behavioral control. Nine elementary teachers from Indiana (the USA) participated in focus groups. The findings indicated teachers (a) had positive thoughts (e.g., helpful) but negative feelings (e.g., stressful) about DDDM, (b) were highly impacted by their schools’ culture of assessment, and (c) had mixed perceptions about their capacity and autonomy in conducting DDDM. These findings will be used to develop a quantitative instrument for future research. Furthermore, these findings can be used to support educational leaders’ efforts to provide better professional development and to facilitate more supportive school environments to ensure teachers can successfully implement DDDM practices.
Refractive index and extinction coefficient of hollow microspheres for solar reflection

While hollow microspheres and various porous structures have received much attention for solar reflection in the recent literature, their fundamental determinants of optical properties and material selection criteria are relatively little known. Here, we study hollow microspheres with varying refractive index and extinction coefficient and identify their role in determining the solar reflectivity. Our simulations based on finite-difference time-domain method show the effects of refractive index between 1.5 and 100 and extinction coefficient between 10−6–100 in the wavelength region of 0.2–2.4 μm and explain how the reflectivity of hollow microspheres is attributed to a combination of strong backscattering and limited absorption. Our analysis indicates that ceramic materials with a high refractive index and a low extinction coefficient such as Y2O3 are promising. When Y2O3 hollow microspheres are randomly distributed with the diameter ranging from 0.5 to 1 μm, our simulation shows the solar reflectivity reaches 0.97 even at 300 μm thickness, and a diffusion theory-based model predicts the solar reflectivity to exceed 0.98 at 500 μm or 0.99 at 1 mm thickness. Our findings can guide optimal designs of hollow microspheres and related porous structures toward complete solar reflection and enable breakthroughs in thermal management and deep-space applications.
Sectoral and temporal changes in natural gas demand in the United States

Abstract This research explores the temporal and spatial variation of sectoral natural gas demand in the United States. Fixed-effects econometric methods with robust identification approaches are the empirical techniques configured in the study using monthly data between 2001 and 2015. The results reveal the inelastic price responses at state, regional, and national levels across natural gas consumption sectors. The implication is that the efficacy of price based policies can differ in the natural gas consumption sectors across spatial scales. The statistically significant weather impacts in terms of heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD) revealed in this analysis are consistent with the extant energy demand literature, where higher HDD stimulates greater consumption of natural gas in the residential sector while CDD appears to increase natural gas consumption for electricity generation.
Differences in the Amino Acid Sequences of Tryptic Peptides from Three Sheep Hemoglobin β Chains

Abstract Tryptic peptides were isolated from the β chains of sheep hemoglobins A, B, and C and placed in linear array through the use of nonuniform radioactive label. Nearly complete sequence analysis indicates that the β chains of hemoglobins A and B contain 145 amino acids while the β chain of hemoglobin C lacks 4 residues in its NH2-terminal portion and contains only 141 amino acids. The sum of differences between the sequences of A and B β chains involves a minimum of 7 residues, the sum between A and C, a minimum of 16 residues, and the sum between B and C a minimum of 21 residues. The β chains of A and C share a common difference with respect to the β chain of B at five sites. It is likely that one or more of these five differences account for the increased oxygen affinity which hemoglobins A and C share when compared with hemoglobin B.
Managing Interdependent Information Security Risks: A Study of Cyberinsurance, Managed Security Service and Risk Pooling

The interdependency of information security risks poses a significant challenge for firms to manage security. Firms may overor under-invest in security because security investments generate network externalities. In this paper, we explore how firms can use three risk management approaches, third-party cyberinsurance, managed security service (MSS) and risk pooling arrangement (RPA), to address the issue of investment inefficiency. We show that compared with cyberinsurance, MSS is more effective in mitigating the security investment inefficiency because the MSS provider (MSSP) serving multiple firms can endogenize the externalities of security investments. However, the investment externalities may discourage a for-profit MSSP from serving all firms even on a monopoly market. We then show that firms can use RPA as a complement to cyberinsurance to address risk interdependency for all firms. However, the adoption of RPA is incentive-compatible for firms only when the security investments generate negative externalities.
Negative-ion drag in superfluid 3 He

Three new aspects of negative-ion drag in superfluid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ are detailed. (1) The anisotropy of the drag force in the $A$ phase is explained by the dominance of large momentum transfers parallel to $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\stackrel{^}{l}$. (2) A new formulation of the multiple-scattering problem based on the Bogolubov equation is introduced and used to explain the reduction in quasiparticle scattering caused by $p\ensuremath{-}$ wave pairing. (3) At large velocities the drag force in the $A$ phase is calculated with a simple theory and shown to agree well with experiment.
Remote sensing of the atmosphere from environmental satellites

Various applications of satellite remote sensing of the earth are reviewed, including (1) the use of meteorological satellites to obtain photographic and radiometric data for determining weather conditions; (2) determination of the earth radiation budget from measurements of reflected solar radiation and emitted long wave terrestrial radiation; (3) the use of microwave imagery for measuring ice and snow cover; (4) LANDSAT visual and near infrared observation of floods and crop growth; and (5) the use of the Nimbus 4 backscatter ultraviolet instrument to measure total ozone and vertical ozone distribution. Plans for future activities are also discussed.
Compatibility of stochastic and worst case system identification: Least squares, maximum likelihood and general cases

Stochastic and worst case system identification are different and are usually treated separately. We believe that under certain assumptions there exist estimates of unknown systems that are near optimal from both the stochastic and worst case points of view. This paper studies some algorithms that produce such estimates. The algorithms combine a classical least squares or maximum likelihood estimate with a projection. It is shown that the modified estimates are closer to the true system than the least squares and maximum likelihood estimates, and that they are convergent and near optimal in the worst case setting. It is also shown that these results extend to more general cases.
Postural compensation for vestibular loss and implications for rehabilitation.

To what extent can remaining sensory information and/or sensory biofeedback compensate for loss of vestibular information in controlling postural equilibrium? The primary role of the vestibulospinal system is as a vertical reference for control of the trunk in space, with increasing importance as the surface becomes increasingly unstable. Our studies with patients with bilateral loss of vestibular function show that vision or light touch from a fingertip can substitute as a reference for earth vertical to decrease variability of trunk sway when standing on an unstable surface. However, some patients with bilateral loss compensate better than others and we find that those with more complete loss of bilateral vestibular function compensate better than those with measurable vestibulo-ocular reflexes. In contrast, patients with unilateral vestibular loss who reweight sensory dependence to rely on their remaining unilateral vestibular function show better functional performance than those who do not increase vestibular weighting on an unstable surface. Light touch of <100 grams or auditory biofeedback can be added as a vestibular vertical reference to stabilize trunk sway during stance. Postural ataxia during tandem gait in patients with unilateral vestibular loss is also significantly improved with vibrotactile biofeedback to the trunk, beyond improvements due to practice. Vestibular rehabilitation should focus on decreasing hypermetria, decreasing an over-dependence on surface somatosensory inputs, increasing use of any remaining vestibular function, substituting or adding alternative sensory feedback related to trunk sway, and practicing challenging balance tasks on unstable surfaces.
Endless resistance. Endless antibiotics

The practice of medicine was profoundly transformed by the introduction of the antibiotics (compounds isolated from Nature) and the antibacterials (compounds prepared by synthesis) for the control of bacterial infection. As a result of the extraordinary success of these compounds over decades of time, a timeless biological activity for these compounds has been presumed. This presumption is no longer. The inexorable acquisition of resistance mechanisms by bacteria is retransforming medical practice. Credible answers to this dilemma are far better recognized than they are being implemented. In this perspective we examine (and in key respects, reiterate) the chemical and biological strategies being used to address the challenge of bacterial resistance.
New structures for very high-frequency CMOS clock dividers

Frequency dividers are an essential part of circuits used in broadband communications applications. They are often the most difficult part of a circuit designed to operate at very high frequencies. This paper presents an analysis of why frequency limitations exist in these circuits and presents a number of novel CMOS divider structures that operate at significantly higher frequencies than conventional structures.
Insertion mutations in the dam gene of Escherichia coli K-12

The dam gene of E. coli can be inactivated by insertion of Tn9 or Mud phage. Strains bearing these mutations are viable indicating that the dam gene product is dispensable.
Where the buffalo roam: boundaries and the politics of scale in the Yellowstone Region

For more than twenty years, the state of Montana has pursued a controversial policy of lethal control to manage winter migrations of bison from Yellowstone National Park. In the late 1990s, as the state and a number of federal agencies attempted to cooperatively outline a more palatable scenario for bison management, local environmental groups became active participants in the debate. This paper examines the strategies pursued by these organizations in the course of their attempt to construct a new, ecosystem-level territorial space and jurisdictional scale for bison, and places their struggle within the context of existing work in geography on the politics of scale. Ultimately, the failure of their efforts illustrates some of the important constraints faced by social groups that attempt to create new territorial regimes and new scales of resistance in the interstices of existing political structures.
Radioanalytical emergency response exercise

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST Radiochemistry Intercomparison Program [NRIP]) and the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML Performance Testing [PT] 0904) recently conducted two separate radiological emergency preparedness exercises to evaluate participating radioanalytical laboratories capability of making measurements under a short time constraint. Results of the exercises demonstrated that radioanalytical laboratories can respond within eight hours to better than a factor of two, laboratories need to do a better job of estimating uncertainties of their measurements, the quality of the laboratory capabilities must be appropriate and demonstrated prior to real emergencies, and exercises will help laboratories and consequence managers be prepared for the real event.
The Role of the Toxicology Laboratory in Emergency Medicine II: Study of an Integrated Approach

AbstractThe utility of the toxicology laboratory in emergency medicine is directly related to both establishing communication between the toxicology laboratory and the clinical staff, and to providing reliable toxicology data while the diagnostic process is still in progress. When 604 patients, on whom a “complete toxicology screen” was requested, were evaluated using quantitative probes involving chemical spot tests, immunoassay, TLC and/or selected GC/HPLC methods, the resulting data were demonstrated to be of value. The ability of the clinician to accurately predict which, if any, of a large number of intoxicants were present in a given patient, was found to be minimal and as a result these combined tests were found to be essential in facilitating a proper diagnosis. Additionally, it was found that using only chemical spot tests, immunoassay and TLC in a combined qualitative approach detected 94-98% of all the substances eventually found within the population when it was further studied using more soph...
Manufacturing 1: capacity analysis of multi-product, multi-resource biotech facility using discrete event simulation

Use of simulation for capacity analysis is an upcoming field in Biotech industry. This paper discusses an application of discrete event simulation in the multi-product and multi-resource Filling Freeze Drying facility of Bayer Corporation's Berkeley site. The SIGMA® simulation model was used to estimate the current and future throughput capacity by taking into account current operations and various capital and efficiency improvement projects planned for near future. The model also identified certain project clusters with potential for large capacity gains, which otherwise would not have been visible. The model and its outcome are in use since 2001.
EUS-FNA for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience

Objectives Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are fairly uncommon. Recent data highlight the importance of EUS in diagnosis of PNET. With this background, we decided to review our experience from a tertiary cancer center with regard to the presentation and clinical features of PNET and the diagnostic utility of EUS-FNA in this scenario.
Optimization of the gas-assisted injection moulding process using multiple gas-injection systems

Abstract Gas-assisted injection moulding has shown considerable advantages in the production of complex hollow parts in the plastics industry. This process is capable of reducing the pressure requirements as well as the shrinkage/warpage of the part and the cycle time. Due to gas-polymer interaction during the gas injection phase, the process has significantly different characteristics from conventional injection moulding and, therefore, the control of the process requires a solid technical knowledge in processing and materials. In this study the authors have developed a numerical model capable of predicting the gas penetration using multiple gas-injection units. The pressure and gas-injection duration of these units can be controlled independently to obtain the optimum gas penetration and to avoid undesired gas penetration into the sections. The advantages of using this kind of system are shown through the analysis of an experimental part with three independent gas channels.
Cultural Politics and Education

(1991). Cultural Politics and Education. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 67-68.
Clinical Evaluation of Prilocaine Hydrochloride 4% Solution with and without Epinephrine

In this clinical study involving 821 patients, prilocaine hydrochloride 4% with and without vasoconstrictors compares favorably with lidocaine hydrochloride 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 when used in periodontic and endodontic procedures.
Worm holes and their space-time continuum: Spatial and temporal variability of macroinfaunal annelids in a Northern New England salt marsh

Coastal systems serve many human uses and as a result are susceptible to anthropogenic activities such as nutrient loading and overfishing. In soft sediments, infauna frequently serve as key indicators of such activities. To use infauna effectively as bioindicators, it is important to understand how infaunal abundances and community patterns vary naturally within ecosystems. We examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of infaunal annelids in four tidal creeks of the Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts, USA, from June to October 2003, sampling along a tidal inundation gradient that crossed five distinct habitats from creek bottoms to the vegetated high marsh platform. Annelids comprised 97% of the total number of macroinfauna. Highest densities were found in creek wall habitats (33,418–65,535 individuals m−2), and lowest densities (2,421–10,668 individuals m−2) were found inSpartina patens habitats. Five numerically abundant species comprised 87% of the annelid assemblage and three species,Manayunkia aestuarina (Polychaeta),Paranais litoralis (Oligochaeta), andCernosvitoviella immota (Oligochaeta), were broadly distributed across the marsh landscape.Streblospio benedicti (Polychaeta) andFabricia sabella (Polychaeta) were abundant only in mudflat and creek wall habitats, respectively.P. litoralis experienced a summer decline in all habitats, whereasM. aestuarina abundance increased 4–5 fold, in October relative to June in creek wall and tall-formSpartina alterniflora habitats. Hierarchical spatial, analysis revealed that >90% of the variability in annelid abundances was found at the mesospatial scale ( 1 km) was relatively small.
Vagus nerve stimulation has no effect on awake EEG rhythms in humans.

Summary: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to have an anticonvulsant effect in several animal models, and clinical trials in patients were recently started. Experimental data have suggested that VNS may act by modulating EEG rhythmic activity. We studied the acute effects of VNS on EEG background rhythms in patients undergoing treatment for poorly controlled partial seizures. Six patients had recordings of satisfactory quality for quantitative EEG analysis. A significant effect of VNS on EEG total power, median frequency, or power in any of the conventional frequency bands, could not be demonstrated. Intraindividual analysis did not show a significant effect of VNS on total power for any patient, including those with apparent clinical response. We conclude that VNS at the parameters in current clinical use does not alter awake EEG background rhythms. The mechanism mediating acute antiepileptic effect remains unknown.
Studies on X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra of B-doped natural graphite

Abstract The structure of B-doped natural graphite has been investigated using X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering methods. The B-doped graphite has crystal lattice parameters different from those of pristine graphite. The a-axis is elongated and the c-axis contracted by B doping. Furthermore, B doping induces both an increase in intensity of the 1360 cm−1 Raman band and the appearance of a new Raman band at 1620 cm−1, accompanied by a gradual shift of the 1580 cm−1 Raman band to a higher frequency. It appeared that boron doping introduces a local distortion around substitutional B atoms within the graphite layer planes.
Prevention of graft failure by cyclosporine in rats receiving lymphocyte-depleted MHC-mismatched bone marrow.

Graft failure in recipients of lymphocyte-depleted allogeneic bone marrow transplants is a major limitation to the success of this approach for preventing acute graft-versus-host disease. In a rat BMT model, we evaluated the effect of cyclosporine dose and schedule of administration on the engraftment of MHC-mismatched bone marrow. Lewis Brown-Norway rat recipients were prepared with myeloablative doses of busulfan (day -2) and cyclophosphamide (day -1) and then transplanted with MHC-mismatched ACI rat BM (day 0) that had been depleted of lymphocytes by counterflow centrifugal elutriation. Beginning on day -1, LBN rats received variable doses of CsA (i.e., 12.5, 10.0, 7.5, 5.0, 2.5, 0.0 mg/kg/day) for various lengths of time after BMT (i.e., 7, 14, 21, or 28 days). While all rats receiving high-dose CsA (i.e., 12.5 or 10.0 mg/kg/day) for 28 days had stable donor-derived hematopoietic reconstitution, rats receiving a daily dose of CsA less than or equal to 5.0 mg/kg/day or CsA for less than or equal to 21 days had a high incidence of graft failure. The data argue that (1) graft resistance can be suppressed by CsA and (2) the effectiveness of CsA for securing engraftment is dependent upon both dose and duration of treatment.
New macrocyclic polyethers with remote binding sites

The synthesis and binding properties of new macrocyclic polyethers are described. These systems incorporate 2,2′-bipyridyl functions in such a fashion that binding of metal nuclei can occur at either the macro-cycle or the bipyridyl function. Evidence is presented that binding of alkali metals occurs at the crown ether cavity while binding of transition metals occurs at the bipyridyl function. Simultaneous binding of two different metals is interpreted in terms of electronic and allosteric effects.
Direct and Differential Suppression of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Subsets by Sunitinib Is Compartmentally Constrained

The antiangiogenic drug sunitinib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with significant, yet not curative, therapeutic effects in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Sunitinib is also an immunomodulator, potently reversing myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation and T-cell inhibition in the blood even of nonresponder RCC patients. We observed that sunitinib similarly prevented MDSC accumulation and restored normal T-cell function to the spleens of tumor-bearing mice, independent of the capacity of sunitinib to inhibit tumor progression (RENCA>CT26>4T1). Both monocytic and neutrophilic splenic MDSC were highly repressible by sunitinib. In contrast, MDSC within the microenvironment of 4T1 tumors or human RCC tumors proved highly resistant to sunitinib and ambient T-cell function remained suppressed. Proteomic analyses comparing tumor to peripheral compartments showed that granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) predicted sunitinib resistance and recombinant GM-CSF conferred sunitinib resistance to MDSC in vivo and in vitro . MDSC conditioning with GM-CSF uniquely inhibited signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT3) and promoted STAT5 activation. STAT5ab(null/null) MDSC were rendered sensitive to sunitinib in the presence of GM-CSF in vitro . We conclude that compartment-dependent GM-CSF exposure in resistant tumors may account for the regionalized effect of sunitinib upon host MDSC modulation and hypothesize that ancillary strategies to decrease such regionalized escape will enhance the potency of sunitinib as an immunomodulator and a cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 70(9); 3526–36. ©2010 AACR.
Family decision making decision dominance structure analysis—An extension

A new group oriented methodology is applied to the study of decision dominance structures using a sample of 155 husband and wife dyads from a midwestern consumer panel. A frequency analysis within family dominance groups reveals the five most important decision criteria used by that group of families to make a purchase of men's and women's clothing, vacations, life insurance, and homeowner/renter insurance. Differences in decision structure across classifications are also examined. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed.
Climatology of Normal Mode Rossby Waves

Abstract Three years of twice-daily NMC global operational analyses were projected onto normal mode Rossby waves to produce a climatology of these waves. For zonal wavenumbers. 1 through 4, annual average geopotential amplitudes at 50 kPa are about 5 gpm for the gravest symmetric meridional mode, and 10 and 20 gpm for the next two meridional model although the amplitude for a given time and latitude can greatly exceed the average. Seasonal average amplitudes differ by less than ±25% from the annual average. The modes’ frequencies drift during the course of a year, but this variation is not correlated with season. Autocorrelations of Rossby wave time series become negligible for lags greater than approximately ten days, which is of the order of the wave period. For all ten modes examined, geopotential fluctuations exist in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Correlation of heterogeneous electron transfer rates with structural change in cobalt tetraaza macrocyclic complexes

Abstract Heterogeneous electron transfer rates are reported for reduction of four [Co[N 4 ](H 2 O) 2 ] 3+ complexes at Pt electrodes in perchloric acid solution and correlated with changes in molecular structure. N 4 is one of the four tetraaza ligands 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam); 2,3,9,10-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene (TIM); 5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene (Me 6 N 4 ) and 12,14-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,11-diene-13-one (Me 2 N 4 -one). The structural change accompanying reduction of Co(III) to Co(II) is lengthening of the axial Co-OH 2 bonds, which occurs to an extent (30 to 50 ppm) that is dependent on the nature of the N 4 ligand. The rate of electron transfer decreases (TIM > Me 4 N 4 -one > cyclam > Me 6 N 4 ) as the extent of this displacement increases in accordance with the Marcus theory. The double layer corrected rate constants ( k corr s = 8 × 10 −4 to 2.9 × 10 −5 cm s −1 ) are in good agreement with “absolute” values calculated from the Marcus theory and also with values derived from homogeneous solution self-exchange rates. The generally ideal behavior of the [Co[N 4 ](H 2 O) 2 ] 3+/2+ couple is contrasted with other systems which experience large changes in nuclear coordinates during electron transfer but do not follow the Marcus theory as closely.
Citation Analysis: Comparison of Web of Science®, Scopus™, SciFinder®, and Google Scholar

In recent years, numerous articles have compared the coverage, features, and citation analysis capabilities of Scopus™ and Google Scholar with Web of Science®, a Web-based version of Science Citation Index. This article goes a step further and compares the citation analysis potential of four databases: Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, and Google Scholar. Each database presents its own strengths and weaknesses, including methods of analysis, differences in coverage, and means of linking references. As an illustration, Web of Science provides coverage back to 1900. In contrast, Scopus only has completed citation information from 1996 onward, yet Scopus provides better coverage of clinical medicine and nursing than Web of Science. SciFinder has the strongest coverage of chemistry and the natural sciences, while Google Scholar has the capability to link citation information to individual references. Although Scopus and Web of Science provide comprehensive citation reports, all databases miss linking to some...
Evidence for abnormal pain processing in fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objective. To review the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia syndrome. Design. Review of the literature available on Medline (1965–2001). Results. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome that predominantly afflicts women. It is characterized by widespread pain, insomnia, fatigue, and the presence of multiple tender points. Despite intensifying research, the etiology of fibromyalgia has remained unclear. Importantly, neither infections, trauma, nor psychiatric abnormalities consistently precede the onset of pain in patients with this syndrome. There is, however, mounting evidence for central pain processing abnormalities in almost all fibromyalgia patients. These anomalies include hyperalgesia, allodynia, abnormal temporal summation of second pain, neuroendocrine abnormalities, and abnormal activation of pain-related brain regions. Conclusions. Multiple abnormal findings in fibromyalgia patients strongly indicate a neuropathic pain syndrome, reminiscent of complex regional pain syndrome or postherpetic neuralgia. In addition, fibromyalgia syndrome seems to share similar characteristics with these neuropathic pain syndromes, including ineffective response to many analgesics.
Gas transfer within a multi-stage packed column oxygen absorber: Model development and application

A packed column oxygen obsorber was developed in which oxygen flow is directed, in serial reuse, through parallel packed column stages receiving equal portions of the liquid being treated. The relative performance of the absorber was established using a computer simulation program employing finite difference-mass transfer calculations. The program was calibrated using packing specific mass transfer coefficients derived from pilot scale test data. A separate series of tests served to verify model assumptions and performance predictions. Simulation data indicated multi-stage operation can substantially reduce the column height required to achieve a selected oxygen absorption efficiency (AE); for example, the column height required to achieve an AE of 76·5% with an inlet volumetric oxygenwater ratio of 0·008 (column packing, 3·81 cm plastic ACTIFIL®; water temperature, 20°C; influent dissolved oxygen, 9·08 mg/litre; operating pressure (absolute), 760 mm Hg) was 0·27 m using a 10-stage system versus 1·39 m using a single-stage absorber. Reductions in column height achieved were related to oxygen and water feed rates, number of stages employed, mass transfer characteristics of the column packing used, and concentrations of dissolved gases in the liquid being treated.