cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning constraint-based planning models from demonstrations

How can we learn representations for planning that are both efficient and flexible? Task and motion planning models are a good candidate, having been very successful in long-horizon planning tasks—however, they’ve proved challenging for learning, relying mostly on hand-coded representations. We present a framework for learning constraint-based task and motion planning models using gradient descent. Our model observes expert demonstrations of a task and decomposes them into modes—segments which specify a set of constraints on a trajectory optimization problem. We show that our model learns these modes from few demonstrations, that modes can be used to plan flexibly in different environments and to achieve different types of goals, and that the model can recombine these modes in novel ways.
Nebulized albuterol delivery is associated with decreased skeletal muscle strength in comparison with metered-dose inhaler delivery among children with acute asthma exacerbations.

Objective Albuterol is a β2-agonist and causes an intracellular shift of potassium from the interstitium. Whole-body hypokalemia is known to cause skeletal muscle weakness, but whether this occurs as a result of hypokalemia from the intracellular shift during albuterol treatment is unknown. We sought to determine if albuterol total dose or route of administration (nebulization and/or metered-dose inhaler) is associated with skeletal muscle weakness. Methods This was a prospective observational study using convenience sampling. Skeletal muscle strength was measured before and after 1 hour of albuterol treatment using a hand-grip dynamometer in participants aged 5-17 years with acute asthma exacerbation in the emergency department. We examined associations of albuterol dose and route of administration with changes in grip strength. Results Among 50 participants, 10 received continuous albuterol by nebulizer and 40 received albuterol by metered-dose inhaler. The median (interquartile range) in change of grip was -7.8% (interquartile range, -23.3, +5.1) for those treated with a nebulizer and +2.4% (interquartile range, -5%, +12.7%) for those treated with a metered-dose inhaler (P = 0.036 for the difference). In a multiple linear regression model adjusted for the pretreatment Acute Asthma Intensity Research Score and age, participants treated with a nebulizer had a 12.9% decrease in skeletal muscle strength compared with those treated with a metered-dose inhaler. Conclusion Higher doses of albuterol administered via nebulization result in decreased skeletal muscle strength in patients with acute asthma; whereas, albuterol administration via metered-dose inhalers showed no effect on skeletal muscle strength.
Dear Self: On Writing the Clinical Experience

In this article, the author describes how her sensitive receptivity to the projections of others leaves her vulnerable to emotional resonances that are difficult to process. While supervision helps...
Perceptions of Online Learning and COVID-19 Countermeasures Among Law Students in a One-year Followup Study

This is a one-year follow-up study to a May 2020 study, conducted May 2021 about perceptions of law students about the transition to online learning as well as government required pandemic public health measures and their effect on returning to face to face classes. The trend in preference for online courses is increasing by 17%, despite the fear that burnout or frustration from the COVID-19 transition to online learning for law schools would create a general dislike for online courses. There are still a significant number of students who have difficulty with online learning of as many as 25%. About 72% of the respondents feel safe returning to class with no pandemic precautions, but accommodations should be considered early in the planning stages for the semester for those 15% who still do not feel safe enough to return to the classroom. In general, the survey dispelled a wide concern that online courses would sour students to online teaching, rather the online experience resulted in a significant increase in interest in online learning in law schools.
FastRoute: a scalable load-aware anycast routing architecture for modern CDNs

Performance of online applications directly impacts user satisfaction. A major component of the user-perceived performance of the application is the time spent in transit between the user's device and the application existing in data centers. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are typically used to improve user-perceived application performance through a combination of caching and intelligent routing via proxies. In this paper, we describe FastRoute, a highly scalable and operational anycast-based system that has significantly improved the performance of numerous popular online services. While anycast is a common technique in modern CDNs for providing high-performance proximity routing, it sacrifices control over the load arriving at any individual proxy. We demonstrate that by collocating DNS and proxy services in each FastRoute node location, we can create a high-performance, completely distributed system for routing users to a nearby proxy while still enabling the graceful avoidance of overload an any individual proxy.
Examining Timely Disclosure of Material Information and the Privacy Concerns of Executive Officers

On January 20, 1993, Michael Walsh, the former Chairman and CEO of Tenneco revealed to the public that he had brain cancer. This type of disclosure of health issues are arguably serious enough to affect Wall Street. Other company officials have previously made similar disclosures such as Hugh Martin, CEO of Pacific Biosciences, who in October 2010 disclosed to his employees that he had cancer of the Blood (multiple myeloma), and Harry J. Pearce, the Vice President of General Motors, who disclosed in 2001 that he had leukemia. The above public disclosures are however more the exceptions than the rule. When a CEO becomes ill, most public companies usually respond by keeping the full details of the illness a secret without violation of Securities Laws. The concern of these companies is that investors would abandon ship and that stock prices would decline if this information gets to the market. Classic examples are Apple Inc., and Sara Lee. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules seem to be silent on such situations. The Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Commission Act of 1934 require companies with publicly traded securities to make fair, timely disclosures of material information to the investing public.The question therefore remains whether the health situation of an executive officer of a company is material information within the contemplation of the SEC rules that must be disclosed. If answered in the affirmative, then to what extent do executive officers have a right to privacy? If this information is not material information that is subject to disclosure, should the company in the absence of specific SEC rules, disclose facts about the illness of executives as a matter of good corporate governance. This paper will look at the position of the securities laws with regard to the duty to disclose and some of the arguments in support of material disclosure of the health of executive officers. This paper will also examine some of the opposing arguments and criticism about additional disclosures, which are mostly based on privacy-related statutes, absence of specific SEC rules for such situations, and the burden that such a requirement might place on companies. The paper will also attempt to strike a balance between the need to provide material information that may influence the investment decision of shareholders, and the need for the protection of the right to privacy of executive officers of a company.
The Effect of Income, Ethnicity/Race and Institutional Factors on Mortgage Borrower Behavior

Studies examining mortgage choice behavior generally assume a frictionless mortgage market in which borrower decisions are influenced only by economic variables. This study explores the interface between demographic and institutional factors inherent in mortgage market logistics and the information flow that affects borrower behavior. The efficiency of these processes is particularly important when studying inner city real estate markets, since these markets are disproportionately represented by low income and minority households. The effect of institutional factors was examined by conducting a survey of borrower behavior in metropolitan Washington, DC. The secondary data findings indicate that ethnicity /race and income are jointly sensitive to borrower decision, confirming the clientele effect. The primary data findings also indicate that institutional factors influence mortgage choice. Similarly, borrowers are influenced by the channel chosen to evaluate market information. However, income was not found to be a significant determinant of borrower behavior.
Osmotic Stability and Sodium and Potassium Content of L-Forms of Streptococcus faecalis

A stable L-form of Streptococcus faecalis (T 53 ) was transferred in media containing decreasing concentrations of sucrose until it grew in medium without added osmotic stabilizer. This L-form (designated T 53I ) was compared with T 53 from which it was derived. The survival of these two L-forms suspended at different osmolalities showed that maximal survival for T 53I was 350 to 400 milliosmolal and for T 53 was 900 to 1,000 milliosmolal. Both peaks were at the osmolality of their growth media. Measurement of intracellular potassium and sodium showed that the concentration of these ions was reduced in T 53I . Images
Capillary blood flow. I. Erythrocyte deformation in glass capillaries.

Abstract High-speed motion photography is used to study the deformation and orientation of individual red cells as they move through 4- to 10-μ glass capillaries at cell velocities between 0 and 2 mm/sec. The results of the study indicate that in most cases red cells tend to move in an edge-on orientation with the cell shape becoming more nearly axisymmetric at high velocities. The apparent thickness of the peripheral plasma layer (a measure of the degree of cell deformation) increases with velocity in the range 0–1 mm/sec. The plasma layer thickness is essentially constant for velocities greater than 1 mm/sec. Average limiting (high velocity) values for the apparent plasma layer thickness are about 0.6, 1.1, 1.4, and 1.9 μ for respective capillary diameters of 4.5, 6.7, 7.6 to 8.5, and 9.7 μ. From these observations it is concluded that the relative apparent viscosity (relative to plasma) for blood flow in capillaries is nonlinear with minimum relative apparent viscosity occurring at velocities which are greater than 1 mm/sec.
Evidence for Nontranslated Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Membrane-bound and Free Polysomes of Rabbit Liver

Abstract In previous publications (Shafritz, D. A., Drysdale, J. W., and Isselbacher, K. J. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 3220–3227 and Shafritz, D. A. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 81–88) we reported the isolation and translation of RNA fractions with messenger activity from membrane-bound and free polysomes of rabbit liver with evidence for specific synthesis of albumin and ferritin in a reticulocyte cell-free system. Using both immunological and chemical purification methods, the synthesis of these proteins has now been compared with homologous membrane-bound and free liver polysomes versus the respective RNA extracts from these polysomes, translated in the heterologous reticulocyte cell-free system. Under the conditions used, there was a clear distinction in the synthesis of albumin and ferritin by isolated membrane-bound versus free liver polysomes. However, in the reticulocyte system, as a result of large increases in the relative percentage of ferritin synthesis by RNA from membrane-bound polysomes and albumin synthesis by RNA from free polysomes, this distinction was almost totally abolished. These results are consistent with an interpretation that, under conditions generally used for protein synthesis, considerable portions of ferritin messenger RNA in membrane-bound polysomes and albumin messenger RNA in free polysomes are not translated in cell-free systems derived from rabbit liver.
Structural and Mechanical Differences Between Pure Collagen and Fibrin Gels and Partially Digested Co-Gels

Natural and bio-engineered tissues are often composed of multiple fiber networks (fibrin, collagen, elastin, etc.). The microstructure and interactions between components determine the macroscopic mechanical properties of the tissues. Examples of multi-fiber networks include skin (collagen and elastin) and thrombus during the wound healing process (collagen and fibrin). In addition, tissue engineers (eg. [1]) use fibrin as a scaffold to seed cells for tissue growth; over time, networks of collagen and fibrin coexist as the fibrin is degraded and replaced with cell-synthesized collagen. Our group has previously investigated the mechanical properties of single fiber networks of fibrin and collagen, but has shown that these do not obey the law of mixtures in a collagen-fibrin co-gel [2]. The goal of this project was to understand the interactions between the collagen and fibrin networks in a collagen-fibrin co-gel.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Clinical evaluation of the ammonium citrate tolerance test for determining the patency of a portacaval shunt.

Abstract 1.1. The oral ammonium citrate tolerance test has been utilized on 38 occasions to study the patency of the portacaval vascular shunt in a series of 15 patients. 2.2. This test has proved to be a reliable guide to the patency of the vascular anastomosis, either when the shunt remains open or after its closure. 3.3. The advantages and disadvantages of the test are described.
West Nile Virus Encephalitis 16 Years Later

Arboviruses (Arthropod-borne viruses) include several families of viruses (Flaviviridae, Togaviradae, Bunyaviradae, Reoviradae) that are spread by arthropod vectors, most commonly mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. The RNA genome allows these viruses to rapidly adapt to ever-changing host and environmental conditions. Thus, these virus families are largely responsible for the recent expansion in geographic range of emerging viruses including West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus and Chikungunya virus. This review will focus on WNV, especially as it has progressively spread westward in North America since its introduction in New York in 1999. By 2003, WNV infections in humans had reached almost all lower 48 contiguous United States (US) and since that time, fluctuations in outbreaks have occurred. Cases decreased between 2008 and 2011, followed by a dramatic flair in 2012, with the epicenter in the Dallas-Fort Worth region of Texas. The 2012 outbreak was associated with an increase in reported neuroinvasive cases. Neuroinvasive disease continues to be a problem particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised populations, although WNV infections also represented the second most frequent cause of pediatric encephalitis in these same years. Neuropathological features in cases from the 2012 epidemic highlight the extent of viral damage that can occur in the CNS.
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development: Forty Years in the Making

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) was mandated to focus on: (i) institutional frameworks for sustainable development and (ii) the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradiation. Analyzing the UNSCD from a historical perspective, we address three questions. First, what is the role of UN conferences on environment and development? Second, how were the UNCSD debates and outcomes connected to over forty years of environment and development cooperation? Third, how may the UNCSD shape ongoing efforts to forward the sustainable development agenda? We begin by summarizing the main arguments of supporters and critics of UN conferences. Next, we examines two sets of institutional frameworks issues: (a) institutional creation and reforms and (b) institutional complexity and participation. This is followed by an examination of two kinds of green economy issues: (1) state-centered economic debates and (2) human-development-focused debates. In the final section we examine opportunities and limitations for making progress on sustainable development. We argue that the UNCSD did little to advance institutional reforms, but that the initiative to formulate Sustainable Development Goals has the potential to significantly influence the sustainable development agenda.
Harvest caused soil disturbance decreased suckering capacity of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) following growing season harvests in Minnesota, USA

The effect of soil disturbance on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) sucker density and height growth was measured in mixed aspen and hardwood stands in east central Minnesota, USA. Loggers harvested stands during the growing season resulting in a range of soil disturbance conditions. Soil disturbance and parent stand aspen density accounted for a significant amount of the variation in suckering two full growing seasons after the harvest. Mineral soil exposure did not significantly affect total sucker density, but decreased sucker height growth as measured by the cumulative height of all suckers in a plot (sucker length) and density of suckers more than 1.2 m tall. Both shallow ( 15 cm) soil disturbance caused by machine traffic reduced sucker density and sucker length. Results indicated an effect of machine traffic on suckers in trafficked areas, but not adjacent areas. The long-term effects of reduced height growth in disturbed areas and severely reduced density in trafficked areas are not well understood. Loss in early height growth is likely to have long-term effects on productivity, and it is unlikely that aspen will recolonize rutted areas in time to recover full aspen productivity in trafficked areas in one rotation.
High frequency (208 GHz) determination of the cubic spin Zeeman term for the U 3+ ion in the dilute magnetic semiconductor crystals of Pb 1−x U x Te and Pb 1−x U x Se at 5 K by electron paramagnetic resonance

Abstract A high-frequency (208 GHz) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) study on the U 3+ ion (5f 3 , 4 I 9/2 , S =3/2) embedded with 3% concentration in the dilute magnetic semiconductor crystals of PbTe and PbSe, each characterized by cubic symmetry, has been performed at ~5 K, especially in view to determine the value of the Zeeman cubic spin term parameter u , and the site symmetry of the U 3+ ion (radius 0.089 nm), substituting for the Pb 2+ ion (radius 0.119 nm). The experimental spectra reveal the presence of only one set of EPR lines from U 3+ ions in these host crystals, exhibiting cubic symmetry, whose magnetic axes are oriented along the crystal axes. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters are for both crystals: g =1.9811, u =-0.0257.
Permeation of Fluorophore-Conjugated Phalloidin into Live Hair Cells of the Inner Ear Is Modulated by P2Y Receptors

Phalloidin, a toxin isolated from the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides, binds to filamentous actin with high affinity, and this has made fluorophore-conjugated phalloidin a useful tool in cellular imaging. Hepatocytes take up phalloidin via the liver-specific organic anion transporting polypeptide 1b2, but phalloidin does not permeate most living cells. Rapid entry of styryl dyes into live hair cells has been used to evaluate function, but the usefulness of those fluorescence dyes is limited by broad and fixed absorption spectra. Since phalloidin can be conjugated to fluorophores with various spectra, we investigated whether it would permeate living hair cells. When we incubated mouse utricles in 66 nM phalloidin-CF488A and followed that by washes in phalloidin-free medium, we observed that it entered a subset of hair cells and labeled entire hair bundles fluorescently after 20 min. Incubations of 90 min labeled nearly all the hair bundles. When phalloidin-treated utricles were cultured for 24 h after washout, the label disappeared from the hair cells and progressively but heterogeneously labeled filamentous actin in the supporting cells. We investigated how phalloidin may enter hair cells and found that P2 receptor antagonists, pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′, 4′-disulfonic acid and suramin, blocked phalloidin entry, while the P2Y receptor ligands, uridine-5’-diphosphate and uridine-5’-triphosphaste, stimulated uptake. Consistent with that, the P2Y6 receptor antagonist, MRS 2578, decreased phalloidin uptake. The results show that phalloidin permeates live hair cells through a pathway that requires metabotropic P2Y receptor signaling and suggest that phalloidin can be transferred from hair cells to supporting cells in culture.
Cloning of mouse myeloma cells and detection of rare variants.

Cultured mouse myeloma cells have been cloned in soft agar using a modification of the method established by Pluznik and Sachs ('65, '66) and by Bradley and Metcalf ('66). A linear relationship existed between the number of cells plated and the number of colonies produced. Conditions for obtaining optimum cloning efficiency and colony size were determined for the MPC-11 cell line. Feeder cells of mouse, human and rabbit origin and conditioned growth medium obtained from mouse cultures and had an enhancing effect on colony formation. Immunoglobulin production by cloned cells was detected by overlaying the clones with anti-immunoglobulin antiserum. The antiserum had no adverse effect on cloning efficiency or colony size. A reconstruction experiment was performed to show that the plate assay could reliably detect rare variants of immunoglobulin producing cells. The plate assay was validated by studying immunoglobulin production following recovery of clones from dishes and their growth to mass suspension culture. Immunoglobulin formation in these cultures was assessed by a Ouchterlony immunodiffusion of the supernatant medium, and by incubating the cells with radioactive amino acids and analyzing the intracellular and secreted immunoglobulin on polyacrylamide gels.
Carrier fluctuation noise in a MOSFET channel due to traps in the oxide

Abstract If for a section Δx of a MOSFET channel δN t is the fluctuation in the number of trapped carriers and δN the corresponding fluctuation in the number of carriers in the channel, then S δN ( f ) = S δNt ( f ) ( δN / δN t ) 2 . We have here evaluated — δN / δN t from first principles and compared the results with those obtained by other investigators. It turns out that — δN / δN t is unity for very strong inversion and that it decreases to an extremely small value at very weak inversion.
Attenuation of Latent Inhibition by Post-Acquisition Reminder:

Using lick suppression by water-deprived rats as an associative index, white noise-footshock pairings resulted in less manifest conditioning when repeated non-reinforced presentations of the white ...
Need for an Instrument to Measure pH in Localized Areas of the Mouth

The loss of tooth structure in the cervical (neck) region of the tooth may occur as a result of (1) dental caries (decay), (2) abrasion (mechanical), (3) erosion (chemical), or (4) combinations of (1), (2), and (3). This may lead to the condition known as "sensitive neck" of the tooth. Lost structure in the cervical area, just as in other parts of the tooth, must be replaced by means of fillings. Our problem is to prevent cervical tooth destruction and its subsequent unpleasant sequelae. The shallow, narrow gingival crevice around the neck of the tooth contains a fluid, the pH of which may or may not agree with that of the saliva. An acid fluid may decalcify the tooth structure with which it is in contact in the cervical region. Since the great majority of lesions occur on the side of the tooth next to the lip or cheek, does the fluid in the gingival crevice vary in pH locally in relation to a single tooth? The problem demands a much more sensitive indicator than the litmus papers which are in present use. The instrument must be capable of use directly in the oral cavity, and must require a minimum of fluid. The author has reviewed the literature concerning technics for measuring pH, and has discussed the subject with a number of investigators who are using such methods. Since these methods do not give promise of easy adaptability to the present problem, they are not discussed here.
Closed 2-cell embeddings of 4 cross-cap embeddable graphs

Abstract A closed 2-cell embedding of a graph embedded in some surface is an embedding such that each face is bounded by a circuit in the graph. The strong embedding conjecture says that every 2-connected graph has a closed 2-cell embedding in some surface. A graph is called k cross-cap embeddable if it can be embedded in the non-orientable surface of k cross-caps. In this paper, we prove that every 2-connected 4 cross-cap embeddable graph G has a closed 2-cell embedding in some surface. As a corollary, G has a cycle double cover, i.e., G has a set of circuits containing every edge exactly twice.
The D∅ upgrade: where we are and where we are going

Abstract The upgraded D∅ detector for Run II at the Fermilab Tevatron is described. Its expected performance is compared to that observed in the Run I detector. With an eye toward the March 2001 start date for the Tevatron, the status of the project is also summarized. Finally, studies of the changes to the Run II detector necessary for it to continue to function effectively for integrated luminosities beyond the 2 fb −1 baseline are mentioned.
Effects of short‐term feed restriction on production, processing and body shape traits in market‐weight channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

The effects of feed restriction on channel catfish production, processing yield (carcass and fillet), visceral composition and body shape traits were determined. Channel catfish (initial mean weight = 0.77 kg) were stocked into six 0.04-ha ponds at approximately 5775 kg ha(-1). Two ponds were assigned to each of three feeding regimes for a 4-week trial: fed daily to satiation, fed once weekly to satiation and not fed. Fish were measured for weight, processing yield and visceral components after 2 and 4 weeks, and for body shape after 4 weeks. Growth was fastest in fish fed daily, intermediate in fish fed weekly and slowest in unfed fish. There were no differences in survival among feeding regimes. After covariate adjustment for weight differences, fish fed daily had shorter, thicker bodies, and smaller heads than fish from feed-restricted treatments. Carcass yield was higher for females than males and higher at week 2 than at week 4, but was not affected by feeding regime. Fillet yield was higher for females than males, higher at week 2 than at week 4, and higher for fish fed daily than for feed-restricted fish (fed once weekly and not fed). Viscerosomatic index (VSI), visceral fat-somatic index (VFI) and hepatosomatic index were higher at week 2 than at week 4, and highest for fish fed daily, intermediate for fish fed weekly and lowest for unfed fish. Hepatosomatic index and VSI were higher for females than males, but VFI was not different between genders. The female gonadosomatic index increased over time but was not affected by feeding regime. Short-term feed restriction had negative impacts on growth and fillet yield. Processors could benefit by marketing severely feed-restricted channel catfish as carcasses rather than fillets since fillet yield declined but carcass yield was unchanged by feed restriction.
Genetics and fetal hydantoin syndrome.

Les enfants nes de meres epileptiques presentent un taux plus eleve de malformations congenitales dont l'etiologie et discutable. On decrit 4 fœtus presentant le syndrome fœtal de l'hydantoine; leurs principales anomalies peuvent cependant provenir de leur patrimoine genetique
Structural Constraints in Ukrainian Politics

The 2010 Ukrainian presidential election points to a certain consistency in Ukrainian electoral politics, especially in regional dynamics. These enduring constraints limit the options of political leaders and channel outcomes into a narrower range than would be expected from a focus on the personal preferences of leaders or the political views of the forces they represent. This article seeks to identify these constraints and the prospects that the current government or a future one might escape them. Starting with the common assumption that all leaders (even in democracies) seek to retain office as long as possible, the article examines what has made consolidation of power more difficult in Ukraine than other post-Soviet societies. Important factors include regional divisions, the absence of a natural-resource-based economy, and the relative weakness of the post-communist security services. It then considers factors that favor the consolidation of political power and the erosion of meaningful competition,...
High-power electrically injected mid-infrared interband lasers grown by LP-MOCVD

Abstract Electrical injection, interband mid-infrared lasers emitting between 3.2 and 4.7 μm have been grown by low-pressure metal organic chemical vapor deposition. A double heterostructure laser based on InAsSbP emitting at 3.2 μm emits at powers up to 450 mW in continuous mode operation. Additionally, superlattice lasers based on the InAsSb and InAsP alloys have been used for lasers emitting from 3.8 to 4.7 μm. These lasers demonstrate threshold current densities as low as 67 A cm −2 and output powers over 900 mW.
Fluorescence study of an immobilized ligand—metal ion complex

Abstract A ligand known to form a fluorescent complex with aluminum ion was immobilized on silica gel. The immobilization sequence was verified by cross-polarization magicangle spinning n.m.r. spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance u.v. spectroscopy. The solid-state fluorescence of the immobilized ligand complexed with aluminum ion was similar to the fluorescence of a solvated complex of a model ligand. The potential to eliminate possible interfering species by isolating the complex from solution was demonstrated.
Prescription Stimulant Misuse in a Military Population

ABSTRACTBackground: Increased prescription drug misuse has been reported in veterans, yet there has not been a focused look at stimulant misuse in the military community or correlation with deployment injuries and illnesses. Our objective was to identify rates of stimulant misuse and any correlation with deployment in the military population. Methods: A prospective, anonymous institutional review board–approved survey in the emergency department waiting room of a military tertiary care hospital using a 12-item questionnaire created with fixed response and multiple-choice questions. Stimulant misuse was defined as taking more than prescribed, obtaining stimulants from others, and taking it for a nonprescribed reason. Proportions were assessed by Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: 26/498 (5%) of respondents reported misusing stimulants in the last 5 years. Misusers were more likely to have a mental health diagnosis, and they suffered either a deployment-related injury or another injury, as co...
Adjunctive drinking and the pituitary-adrenal response: Effects of prior aversive stimulation (preshock)

Two groups of rats were exposed to an intermittent food schedule which induced polydipsia. One group of rats had previously been exposed to inescapable shock. This group showed reduced amounts of polydipsia, and the polydipsia was ineffective in reducing arousal levels (relative to those of the control group), as indexed by plasma corticosterone levels.
Partner age not associated with recurrent Chlamydia trachomatis infection, condom use, or partner treatment and referral among adolescent women.

Abstract Purpose Among adolescent women, having older sexual partners has been associated with initial Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection and high-risk behaviors. This study evaluates the role of older partners in the risk of three outcomes: recurrent Ct, lack of condom use, and nonadherence with partner management (PM) strategies. Methods Female participants aged 14 to 18 years enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of patient-delivered partner treatment (PDPT) with at least one follow-up visit were included in this secondary analysis. Patient- and partner-level data were collected at baseline, one, and four months follow-up. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) and logistic regression were used to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations. Results The majority of the 496 women were African-American (63.3%), aged 16 to 18 years (62.3%), and asymptomatic for Ct (66.7%). At baseline, all of the women had laboratory-demonstrated Ct and were treated; they had 622 partners during the last 60 days, 21.4% reported having more than one partner with a mean (SD) of 1.5 (.78) partners per woman, and 46.3% of the partners were at least three years older than the woman. Over follow-up, 16.1% of the women experienced Ct recurrence, in 41.9% of the partnerships a condom was not used at last sex, and 80.6% of women reported giving PM. After adjusting for confounders, having a partner at least three years older was not associated with increased risk of Ct recurrence, lack of condom use, or nonadherence to PM strategies. Conclusions Risk of Ct recurrence, lack of condom use, and nonadherence to PM strategies was not higher among adolescent women with older partners.
Resting State Functional Connectivity in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of studies using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), a recent addition to imaging analysis techniques. The technique analyzes ongoing low-frequency fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent signal. Through patterns of spatial coherence, these fluctuations can be used to identify the networks within the brain. Multiple brain networks are present simultaneously, and the relationships within and between networks are in constant dynamic flux. Resting state fMRI functional connectivity analysis is increasingly used to detect subtle brain network differences and, in the case of pathophysiology, subtle abnormalities in illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The sequence of events leading up to dementia has been hypothesized to begin many years or decades before any clinical symptoms occur. Here we review the findings across rs-fMRI studies in the spectrum of preclinical AD to clinical AD. In addition, we discuss evidence for underlying preclinical AD mechanisms, including an important relationship between resting state functional connectivity and brain metabolism and how this results in a distinctive pattern of amyloid plaque deposition in default mode network regions.
Radiation-induced copolymerization of maleimides and acenaphthylene in the solid state

The γ-ray-induced polymerizations in the binary systems of maleimide-acenaphthylene and N-methylmaleimide-acenaphthylene have been studied. The phase diagrams of the two systems show that an eutectic was formed in each system. It has been proven by the solvent extraction and the turbidimetric titration of obtained polymer that copolymer was formed in the eutectic of each system together with homopolymers. The fraction of total homopolymers in the maleimide-acenaphthylene system was nearly the smallest in the monomer mixture of the eutectic composition. The composition of the copolymer, which was isolated by the extractions, was almost independent of the monomer composition. In order to elucidate these results, it was postulated that the copolymerization occurred at grain boundaries between the two components in the eutectic.
Neonatal neuroimaging findings in congenital myotonic dystrophy

We report on a preterm neonate of 30 weeks gestational age who presented with marked muscular hypotonia and severe respiratory failure at birth and was diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy. Neuroimaging at 36 gestational weeks demonstrated diffuse T2-hyperintense signal of the supratentorial white matter and a simplified gyration and sulcation pattern. Follow-up imaging showed progressive myelination, brain maturation and decrease in T2-signal of the white matter. We discuss possible pathomechanisms for white matter signal abnormalities in this neonate.
Normalizing Effects of Bioflavonoids on EtOH-induced Indices of Lipid Peroxidation in Rat Neonates and Dams

Oxidative stress may be a factor in the development of fetal alcohol syndrome. In previous studies we have observed that the concomitant in utero administration of ethanol (EtOH) and the bioflavonoid silymarin ameliorated some of the toxic effects of EtOH exposure. We tested the capacity of three bioflavonoids, silybin (an active constituent of silymarin), (+)catechin, and quercetin to normalize indicators of lipid peroxidation in rat neonates exposed in utero to EtOH. Pregnant rats were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups: rodent chow, liquid diet (pairfed), EtOH/liquid diet (35% EDC), EtOH/silybin, EtOH/quercetin, and EtOH/(+)catechin. At birth, dam and pup brains and livers were excised for malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) determination. Birth mortality rates in the EtOH and EtOH/quercetin groups were significantly higher than those of the pairfed group. All of the bioflavonoids normalized the EtOH-induced increase in MDA production and decrease in GSH levels with the exception of pup br...
The Impact of Moore's Law

The ever-increasing number of integrated transistors on silicon chips has earned fame as "Moore's Law," according to which miniaturization and "cleverness" (more compact device designs) reduce cost-per-element, increase storage capacity, and promote reliability. Low-cost integrated electronics have revolutionized everyday life and expanded the role of computation in science and engineering.
ITiCSE 2012: networking and community in Haifa, Israel

Each SIGCSE conference provides a wonderful opportunity for networking. At ITiCSE 2012, conference co-chairs, Tami Lapidot and Judith Gal-Ezer, with their local committee, worked extremely hard to handle logistics and foster a sense of community. Most attendees stayed at one of three hotels, and shuttles brought everyone together during the trips between the hotels and the conference venue as well as during the conference.
Mean annual temperature trends and their vertical structure in the tropical Andes

Mean annual temperature trends in the tropical Andes were determined over the last six decades (1939–1998), to investigate the apparent inconsistency between the observed glacier retreat and the reported slight cooling trend in the lower tropical troposphere after 1979. Our results indicate that temperature in the tropical Andes has increased by 0.10°–0.11°C/decade since 1939. The rate of warming has more than tripled over the last 25 years (0.32°–0.34°C/decade) and the last two years of the series, associated with the 1997/98 El Nino, were the warmest of the last six decades. Temperature trends vary with altitude and show a generally reduced warming with increasing elevation. However, despite the lower rate of warming, the trend toward increased temperatures is still significant at the 95% confidence level, even at the highest elevations. Clearly high elevation surface stations in the Andes do not reflect the slight cooling trend observed in the tropical lower-troposphere.
Fast Caption Alignment for Automatic Indexing of Audio

For large archives of audio media, just as with text archives, indexing is important for allowing quick and accurate searches. Similar to text archives, audio archives can use text for indexing. Generating this text requires using transcripts of the spoken portions of the audio. From them, an alignment can be made that allows users to search for specific content and immediately view the content at the position where the search terms were spoken. Although previous research has addressed this issue, the solutions align the transcripts only in real-time or greater. In this paper, the authors propose AutoCap. It is capable of producing accurate audio indexes in faster than real-time for archived audio and in real-time for live audio. In most cases it takes less than one quarter the original duration for archived audio. This paper discusses the architecture and evaluation of the AutoCap project as well as two of its applications.
Comparison of Thermal Performance of Wood Stud and Metal Frame Wall Systems

A series of two- and three-dimensional computer simulations was conducted for several wood stud and metal frame walls. The HEATING 7.2, finite difference computer code developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), was used to model walls and their components. Eight wood stud and eight metal frame walls were modeled. Several levels of exterior insulation and stud spacing dis tances were considered to compare clear walls thermal performance. R-value reduc tions caused by studs were estimated and compared. A new method of estimating thermal efficiency of insulation material was used to compare modeled walls and to evaluate the effectiveness of the exterior sheathing insulation.Maps of the temperature distribution in two compared wall systems, in their com ponents (i.e., cavity and studs) and the areas where walls intersect with other building envelope components (i.e., other walls, roofs, floors), were developed. These maps were used as an aid to estimate the areas affected by existing thermal bridges a...
Exploring self-directed study via programming boot camps

Computer science departments have implemented various techniques to help improve student performance. One such technique is to transform traditional lecture-led CS0 programming courses into programming boot camps. This study indicates that the use of the boot camp approach can be successfully implemented as self-directed study. By changing the way CS0 programming courses are taught, faculty resources can be focused in other areas of need.
Simulations of Island Growth and Island Spatial Distribution during Electrodeposition

Recently we have developed a kinetic Monte Carlo model of nucleation and island growth during bulk electrodeposition. In this article we report on the growth rate of individual islands and the spatial distribution of islands on the surface. The growth curves of individual islands show two power law regimes with exponents of 1/2 and 1/6, respectively, and we show that the time associated with the transition between the two regimes is dependent on the local environment. We also show that ion depletion in the vicinity of a growing island increases the spatial ordering of the island distribution.
Component life assessment methods for nuclear power plant

Abstract Aging is a natural phenomenon which leads to degradation of the materials, components, and structures to various degrees as the age of an engineering plant increases. Life extension of aged components beyond the design life has to be based on detailed assessment methods for these components. In this paper, the life assessment methods for nuclear power plant components are reviewed, in which the key components such as reactor pressure vessels (vessel plates, nozzles, and internals), pipings, steam turbine rotors, condensers, heaters, and valves, etc., are emphasized. Each component is evaluated based on its major aging mechanism, followed by the regulatory requirements, design code, literature/experimental data, and statistics of operation histories. Comments on the aging processes reviewed in the EPRI Industry Reports (IRs) are also referred to in this paper.
Phosphocreatine and ATP regulation in the hypoxic developing rat brain

Decreased brain ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrations and intracellular pH were compared in hypoxic 4-, 10-11, and 24-25-day-old rats. Surface coil 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were acquired in vivo every minute before, during, and after 7 min of breathing 4% O2. At all ages PCr decreased rapidly. At the two younger ages, the nucleoside triphosphate signal was still 80-85% of pre-hypoxic values, indicating 20-30% decrease in ATP, when PCr was almost fully depleted. At 24-25 days, PCr initially decreased 40-50% with an ATP loss of about 30%. Then, PCr and ATP decreased simultaneously. The decrease in brain pH was greatest at 24-25 days. More electrocortical seizure activity during hypoxia was seen at 10-11 days than at other ages. Seizure activity was seen only when ATP was less than 20% depleted and was not associated with more rapid decreases in ATP or PCr. At all ages, loss of electrocortical activity occurred when ATP was about 30% depleted. Brain creatine kinase catalyzed flux, measured by the NMR saturation transfer experiment before the hypoxic period, was 4-fold higher at 24-25 days than at 4- or 10-11 days. In conclusion, the temporally coupled depletion of PCr and ATP during hypoxia, which is characteristic of the mature brain, is seen only after the maturational increase in brain CK activity.
Formula for the equivalence volume in potentiometric titration. As illustrated by the microdetermination of organohalogens with ion-selective electrode

Abstract An equation for calculating the equivalence volume in potentiometric titration is suggested. The derivation of this equation is illustrated by the potentiometric titration of halide with incremental addition of the titrant silver nitrate. The equation is generally applicable to any potentiometric titration involving a simple and rapid reaction whose Nernstian response is constant. It is proposed to utilize it for common microdeterminations involving ion-selective electrodes.
Helium clusters seeded with CO molecules: New results for HeN–C1813O and the approach to the nanodroplet limit

Infrared spectra of helium clusters seeded with doubly substituted carbon monoxide molecules, C1813O, have been studied in order to complement recent helium nanocluster results and to determine whether additional isotopic data would help to separate vibrational and rotational contributions to the observed transitions. The experiments were made by direct infrared absorption in pulsed supersonic jet expansions using a tunable diode laser probe in the region of the fundamental band (∼2045cm−1 for C1813O). Even with data on the R(0) transitions from four CO isotopomers, it was found that a clear and consistent separation of vibration and rotation could not be achieved for HeN–CO clusters in the size range N≈10–20. Isotope shifts observed for clusters with C1813O (relative to C1612O) were found to be close to the sums of the shifts previously determined for C1613O and C1812O. The new measurements generally supported previous assignments of cluster size, but some modifications for the range N=14–16 are suggeste...
Mast cell signaling: The role of protein tyrosine kinase Syk, its activation and screening methods for new pathway participants

The aggregation by antigen of the IgE bound to its high affinity receptor on mast cells initiates a complex series of biochemical events that result in the release of inflammatory mediators. The essential role of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk has been appreciated for some time, and newer results have defined the mechanism of its activation. The use of siRNA has defined the relative contribution of Syk, Fyn and Gab2 to signaling and has made possible a screening study to identify previously unrecognized molecules that are involved in these pathways.
Defective units in a continuous review (s, Q) system

This paper considers the number of defective items in a lot to be a random variable and derives a modified (s, Q) model with stochastic demand and constant lead time. The paper develops explicit results for the case of exponential and uniform demand during lead time when the number of defective items in a lot follows a binomial process. It also investigates the effect of lower setup costs on the operating characteristics of the model. A numerical example is given and sensitivity analysis is performed.