cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interplay of Anderson localization and quench dynamics

In the context of an isolated three-dimensional noninteracting fermionic lattice system, we study the effects of a sudden quantum quench between a disorder-free situation and one in which disorder results in a mobility edge and associated Anderson localization. Salient post-quench features hinge upon the overlap between momentum states and post-quench eigenstates and whether these latter states are extended or localized. We find that the post-quench momentum distribution directly reflects these overlaps. For the local density, we show that disorder generically prevents the equilibration of quantum expectation values to a steady state and that the persistent fluctuations have a nonmonotonic dependence on the strength of disorder. We identify two distinct types of fluctuations, namely, temporal fluctuations describing the time-dependent fluctuations of the local density around its time average and sample-to-sample fluctuations characterizing the variations of these time averages from one realization of disorder to another. We demonstrate that both of these fluctuations vanish for extremely extended as well as extremely localized states, peaking at some intermediate value.
Generalized Linear Mixed Model Analysis of Urban-Rural Differences in Social and Behavioral Factors for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Objective: Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) can reduce disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. However, few studies have investigated the urban-rural differences in social and behavioral factors influencing CRC screening. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential factors across urban-rural groups on the usage of CRC screening. Methods: A total of 38,505 adults (aged ≥40 years) were selected from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data - the latest CHIS data on CRC screening. The weighted generalized linear mixed-model (WGLIMM) was used to deal with this hierarchical structure data. Weighted simple and multiple mixed logistic regression analyses in SAS ver. 9.4 were used to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The overall prevalence of CRC screening was 48.1% while the prevalence in four residence groups - urban, second city, suburban, and town/rural, were 45.8%, 46.9%, 53.7% and 50.1%, respectively. The results of WGLIMM analysis showed that there was residence effect (p<0.0001) and residence groups had significant interactions with gender, age group, education level, and employment status (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, race, marital status, education level, employment stats, binge drinking, and smoking status were associated with CRC screening (p<0.05). Stratified by residence regions, age and poverty level showed associations with CRC screening in all four residence groups. Education level was positively associated with CRC screening in second city and suburban. Infrequent binge drinking was associated with CRC screening in urban and suburban; while current smoking was a protective factor in urban and town/rural groups. Conclusions: Mixed models are useful to deal with the clustered survey data. Social factors and behavioral factors (binge drinking and smoking) were associated with CRC screening and the associations were affected by living areas such as urban and rural regions.
Two States of Myeloma Stem Cells

The identity of so-called malignant stem cells in multiple myeloma has long been controversial. However, it is now appreciated that a small population of myeloma cells has a stem-like capacity for self-renewal and resides within the population of recognizable myeloma plasma cells, although whether these cells are quiescent or proliferative remains unresolved. It is also now accepted that subpopulations of myeloma plasma cells alternate bidirectionally and dynamically between immature and mature phenotypes, and both subpopulations are capable of clonogenicity in vitro and in animal models. Mounting evidence suggests that in multiple myeloma, small populations of quiescent myeloma stem cells behave as tumor-initiating cells as a result of their interaction with the endosteal bone marrow niche. However, a different, small population of proliferative myeloma stem cells produces the tumor bulk, and this population is likely responsible for the emergence of evolved subclones. A cellular-based plasticity model in which 2 states of stem-like cell compartments-quiescent and proliferative-exist simultaneously and are regulated dynamically by the microenvironment, epigenetics, and genetic aberrations may explain various clinical scenarios and the lack of consensus among some reported studies.
The ebb and flow of experience determines the temporal structure of memory

Everyday life consists of a continuous stream of information, yet somehow we remember the past as distinct episodic events. Prominent models posit that event segmentation is driven by erroneous predictions about how current experiences are unfolding. Yet this perspective fails to explain how memories become integrated or separated in the absence of prior knowledge. Here, we propose that contextual stability dictates the temporal organization of events in episodic memory. To support this view, we summarize new findings showing that neural measures of event organization index how ongoing changes in external contextual cues and internal representations of time influence different forms of episodic memory.
Motivating Participation in Crowdsourced Policymaking: The Interplay of Epistemic and Interactive Aspects

In this paper, we examine the changes in motivation factors in crowdsourced policymaking. By drawing on longitudinal data from a crowdsourced law reform, we show that people participated because they wanted to improve the law, learn, and solve problems. When crowdsourcing reached a saturation point, the motivation factors weakened and the crowd disengaged. Learning was the only factor that did not weaken. The participants learned while interacting with others, and the more actively the participants commented, the more likely they stayed engaged. Crowdsourced policymaking should thus be designed to support both epistemic and interactive aspects. While the crowd's motives were rooted in self-interest, their knowledge perspective showed common-good orientation, implying that rather than being dichotomous, motivation factors move on a continuum. The design of crowdsourced policymaking should support the dynamic nature of the process and the motivation factors driving it.
Physician Prescribing of Opioids to Patients at Increased Risk of Overdose From Benzodiazepine Use in the United States.

Importance Recent increases in US opioid-related deaths underscore the need to understand drivers of fatal overdose. The initial prescription of opioids represents a critical juncture because it increases the risk of future opioid use disorder and is preventable. Objective To examine new opioid prescribing patterns in US patients at increased risk of overdose from benzodiazepine use. Design, Setting, and Participants This study used publicly available data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2015, to identify adults 20 years or older receiving new opioid prescriptions and concurrently using a benzodiazepine. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-based rates of new opioid prescriptions stratified by use of benzodiazepines. Results This study analyzed 13 146 visits, representing 214 million visits nationally, with a new opioid prescription. Rates of new opioid prescriptions among adults using a benzodiazepine increased from 189 to 351 per 1000 persons between 2005 and 2010 (rate difference, 162; 95% CI, 29-295;P = .02) and decreased to 172 per 1000 persons by 2015 (rate difference, −179; 95% CI, −310 to −48;P = .008). New opioid prescriptions in the general population not using benzodiazepines increased nonsignificantly from 78 to 93 per 1000 US persons between 2005 and 2010 (rate difference, 15; 95% CI, −3 to 33;P = .10) and decreased nonsignificantly to 79 per 1000 persons by 2015 (rate difference, −14; 95% CI, −38 to 11;P = .28). The likelihood of receiving a new opioid prescription during an ambulatory visit remained higher for patients concurrently using benzodiazepines compared with the general population after adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and diagnoses associated with pain (adjusted relative risk, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.56-2.15;P Conclusions and Relevance In 2010, new opioid prescriptions for US adults stopped increasing and began to decrease among higher-risk patients who used benzodiazepines. These patterns suggest that the recent increase in opioid-related deaths may be associated with factors other than physicians writing new opioid prescriptions. Nevertheless, prescribing among higher-risk patients still occurred at rates higher than rates in the general population, representing an important opportunity to improve quality of care for patients experiencing pain.
Racial disparities in fifth-grade sun protection: Evidence from the Healthy Passages study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Despite rising skin cancer rates in children, multiple studies reveal inadequate youth sun-protective behavior (eg, sunscreen use). Using Healthy Passages data for fifth-graders, we set out to determine sunscreen adherence in these children and investigated factors related to sunscreen performance. METHODS Survey data were collected from 5119 fifth-graders and their primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between sunscreen adherence and performance of other preventive health behaviors (eg, flossing, helmet use) and examine predictors of sunscreen adherence. Analyses were repeated in non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white subgroups. RESULTS Five thousand one hundred nineteen (23.4%) children almost always used sunscreen, 5.9% of non-Hispanic blacks (n = 1748), 23.7% of Hispanics (n = 1802), and 44.8% of non-Hispanic whites (n = 1249). Performing other preventive health behaviors was associated with higher odds of sunscreen adherence (all P < .001), with the greatest association with flossing teeth (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.86-3.13, P < .001). Factors for lower odds of sunscreen adherence included being male and non-Hispanic black or Hispanic and having lower socioeconomic status. School-based sun-safety education and involvement in team sports were not significant factors. CONCLUSION Our data confirm low use of sun protection among fifth-graders. Future research should explore how public health success in increasing prevalence of other preventive health behaviors may be applied to enhance sun protection messages. Identifying risk factors for poor adherence enables providers to target patients who need more education. Improving educational policies and content in schools may be an effective way to address sun safety.
The Effects of Stellar Evolution and Galactic Tides on Globular Cluster Evolution

We investigate the evolution of globular clusters in the Galactic tidal field prior to core collapse. These multimass models incorporate mass loss by stellar evolution.
Automatic curve-fitting—I. Test methods

Abstract Here it is concluded that model verification is a two-step process that involves mathematical and physical validation, in that order. Mathematical validation measures the conformity of the input data with the equations that describe the model. It does not require a knowledge of the model or its physical meaning. Physical validation determines the physical meaning of the computed results and it can be performed only by experts in the discipline that uses the model. Mathematical validation is frequently accomplished by curve-fitting methods, and their fadure to yield unamibiguous correct answers has led to incorrect conclusions. In this paper computational methods are described for generating “exact data” for testing the reliability and sensitivity of curve-fitting methods with respect to unsuspected curvature, detection of erroneous data, and bias due to uneven data-point distributions. The results of tests are briefly summarized. Selected examples are used in the companion paper, Part II, to demonstrate the use of the automatic curve-fitting program, CURFIT.
The Fresh State: From Macroscale to Microscale to Nanoscale

There is a need to increase fundamental knowledge about the rheological behavior of cement-based materials. Cementitious fluids have complex rheologies and typically exhibit shear-thinning viscosity, yield stress, elasticity, and thixotropy; this complex rheological behavior results from the heterogeneity of the material and the finite time that it takes for the in situ structure to rearrange when it is subjected to shear-induced stresses. The specific cause of the rearrangement depends on interactions at the molecular level, which, unfortunately, are poorly understood. The rheological behavior of cement-based materials is directly linked to the aggregation, deaggregation, reaggregation, and dispersion of the solid particles. Research that can provide information about any of these phenomena would advance the state of knowledge of the flow behavior of cement-based materials. This paper presents an approach to characterization of the fresh-state structure of cement paste suspensions. It is shown that this ...
Intersubjectivity in psychoanalysis: A model for theory and practice, by Lewis Kirshner

The vision of an integrative psychoanalytic theory persists, although it often is obscured by a present scene of our field’s division into camps. A fuller theorization of what occurs in the interac...
Enhancing atrial-specific gene expression using a calsequestrin cis-regulatory module 4 with a sarcolipin promoter.

Background Cardiac gene therapy using the adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vector is widely used because of its efficient transduction. However, the promoters used to drive expression often cause off-target localization. To overcome this, studies have applied cardiac-specific promoters, although expression is debilitated compared to that of ubiquitous promoters. To address these issues in the context of atrial-specific gene expression, an enhancer calsequestrin cis-regulatory module 4 (CRM4) and the highly atrial-specific promoter sarcolipin were combined to enhance expression and minimize off tissue expression. Methods To observe expression and bio-distribution, constructs were generated using two different reporter genes: luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV), sarcolipin (SLN) and CRM4 combined with sarcolipin (CRM4.SLN) were compared and analyzed using the luciferase assay, western blotting, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence imaging. Results The CMV promoter containing vectors showed the strongest expression in vitro and in vivo. However, the module SLN combination showed enhanced atrial expression and a minimized off-target effect even when compared with the individual SLN promoter. Conclusions For gene therapy involving atrial gene transfer, the CRM4.SLN combination is a promising alternative to the use of the CMV promoter. CRM4.SLN had significant atrial expression and minimized extra-atrial expression.
Using Higher Energy Radioisotopes for Crystal Identification in a SPECT System

A cost-effective solution for high-resolution clinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a set of modular pixelated scintillation crystal detector readout with an array of medium-sized, conventional single-anode photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This is the approach of C-SPECT, a dedicated cardiac SPECT and X-ray transmission computed tomography (TCT) system, which uses NaI(Tl) scintillation crystals and 51 mm in diameter circular PMTs arranged in a hexagonal pattern. While not a unique difficulty, the process of identification of each crystal pixel using a flood generated by a distant calibration source without collimation is exacerbated by the small pixel size and a small number of PMTs used. As a result, the peak and valley ratios of the raw flood map are too low to be adequate for pixel identification. We investigated the improved performance of using a higher energy radioisotope (i.e., Sodium-22 or Germainum-68) for our crystal identification flood. Improved pixel sharpness with the higher energy radiation source (511 keV photons) was measured and compared to a flood at 140.5 keV. This improvement results in a better outline of pixel boundaries that is crucial near the centers of PMT positions and the edges of the detector module. Finally, we confirmed the suitability and reliability of using this procedure for pixel identification for our nominal use of Technetium-99m and estimate the fraction of events that are misidentified to neighboring pixels.
Is There a General Conserving Consumer? A Public Policy Concern:

The authors conducted a survey to identify conservation activity among the general populace of a midsize Southwestern community to increase our understanding of those who do and do not engage in a ...
The 1999 James Lighthill Memorial Paper: Scaling laws for turbulent wall-bounded shear flows at very large Reynolds numbers

Deep ideas of Sir James Lighthill concerning turbulent flows are discussed in the beginning. The scaling laws for large-Reynolds-number flows are presented in their historical development. The underlying hypotheses are discussed and compared with experiments. Special attention is given to non-universal Reynolds-number-dependent scaling laws that reveal the incomplete similarity of the flows. Recent results concerning scaling laws for boundary layers are presented in more detail and discussed.
The proto-oncogene HLF and the related basic leucine zipper protein TEF display highly similar DNA-binding and transcriptional regulatory properties.

Genes encoding transcription factors are frequently altered by chromosomal translocations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), suggesting that aberrant transcriptional regulation plays a prominent role in leukemogenesis. E2A-hepatic leukemia factor (HLF), a chimeric transcription factor created by the t(17;19), consists of the amino terminal portion of E2A proteins, including two experimentally defined transcriptional activation domains (TADs), fused to the HLF DNA binding and protein dimerization basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain. To understand the mechanisms by which E2A-HLF induces leukemia and the crucial functions contributed by each constituent of the chimera, it is essential to define the normal transcriptional regulatory properties of HLF and related bZIP proteins. To address these questions, we cloned the human homologue of TEF/VBP, a bZIP protein closely related to HLF. Using a binding site selection assay, we found that TEF bound preferentially to the consensus sequence 5′-GTTACGTAAT-3′, which is identical to the previously determined HLF recognition site. TEF and HLF activated transcription of consensus site-containing reporter genes in several different cell types with similar potencies. Using GAL4 chimeric proteins, a TAD was mapped to a discrete approximate 40 amino acid region of TEF and HLF within which they share 72% amino acid identity and 85% similarity. The TEF/HLF activation domain (THAD) has a predicted helical secondary structure, but shares no sequence homology with previously reported TADs. The THAD contained most, if not all, of the transcriptional activation properties present in both TEF and HLF and its deletion completely abrogated transcriptional activity of TEF and HLF in both mammalian cells and yeast. Thus, TEF and HLF share indistinguishable DNA-binding and transcriptional regulatory properties, whose alteration in leukemia may be pathogenetically important.
Are financial market states recurrent and persistent

Market participants often invoke the concept of discrete state when discussing financial markets. Bull market, bear market, depression, and recession are all terms that map to discrete market state...
Can Cash-Flow Beta Explain the Value Premium?

It is well documented that the cash flow beta can partly explain the source of the value premium. This paper presents an empirical test that cast doubt on this widely accepted belief. We double sort the stocks with their value and quality dimension and obtain four corner portfolios: (A) expensive quality, (B) cheap junk, (C) cheap quality and (D) expensive junk stocks. Prior research has shown that the value premium concentrates on cheap quality minus expensive junk (i.e. undervalued minus overvalued) but is not significant in cheap junk minus expensive quality stocks. If cash-flow beta is the source of the value premium, we would expect a larger cash-flow beta difference between the cheap quality and expensive junk portfolio. However, our empirical test shows that β_CF ((B) cheap junk) - β_CF ((A) expensive quality) >>β_CF ((C) cheap quality)-β_CF ((D) expensive junk). In other words, B minus A does not contribute to the profit of the value premium but contribute most to the difference of the cash flow beta between value and growth portfolios. Therefore, our result may serve as evidence that the cash flow beta may only spuriously explain the value premium. Or, at least, the cash-flow risk premium estimated in the portfolio regression approach is biased.
Development of btk Transgenic Mice

B cell development is characterized by the orderly expression of cell surface markers and responses to specific activation signals [1]. Tyrosine kinases are involved in signalling pathways that regulate these events [2]. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a tyrosine kinase expressed in B and myeloid cells [3,4]. Disruption of Btk activity in either humans or mice leads to the related immunodeficiencies XL A and XID [3,4,5,6]. The involvement of Btk in these diseases indicates that Btk plays a critical role in B cell development. The specific functions of Btk in B cell signaling are not yet known.
Location-based treatment of intracranial aneurysms in moyamoya disease: a systematic review and descriptive analysis

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment modalities for intracranial aneurysms (IA) in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) based on anatomical location of IA. A comprehensive review of studies documenting single cases or series of MMD patients with concomitant IA was conducted. Aneurysms were classified into two primary anatomical categories: those of the Circle of Willis (CoW) and those of peripheral "moyamoya" collateral vessels. Conservative, endovascular, and open surgical treatment modalities and their outcomes between each anatomical subgroup were descriptively compared. A total of 124 studies consisting of 275 patients with 313 IA were included. Of all IA, 59.6% were located on CoW vessels, 33.7% on peripheral vessels, and 6.7% in "other" locations. Of all CoW IA, 87.2% treated with endovascular techniques had no or minimal deficit at follow-up as compared with 56.7% of those treated with open surgery. Ninety-five percent of patients with peripheral aneurysms treated with endovascular therapy had no or minimal deficit, in contrast to open surgery (69.6%). Of peripheral IA treated conservatively with or without revascularization, 65.7% had spontaneous resolution as compared with 12.0% IA of the CoW. Our results support the use of endovascular techniques for direct treatment of both CoW and peripheral IA. Aneurysms of peripheral vessels respond well to indirect treatment through surgical revascularization as opposed to CoW aneurysms. The quality of evidence is limited due to heterogeneity of included studies and IA management in MMD patients should be considered in a case-specific manne.
Probing calcium solvation by XAS, MD and DFT calculations

The solvation shell structures of Ca2+ in aqueous and organic solutions probed by calcium L-edge soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and DFT/MD simulations show the coordination number of Ca2+ to be negatively correlated with the electrolyte concentration and the steric hindrance of the solvent molecule. In this work, the calcium L-edge soft XAS demonstrates its sensitivity to the surrounding chemical environment. Additionally, the total electron yield (TEY) mode is surface sensitive because the electron penetration depth is limited to a few nanometers. Thus this study shows its implications for future battery studies, especially for probing the electrolyte/electrode interface for electrochemical reactions under in situ/operando conditions.
Hate Speech on Social Media: Content Moderation in Context

For all practical purposes, the decision of social media companies to prohibit hate speech on their platforms means that the longstanding debate in the United States about whether to limit hate speech in the public square has been resolved in favor of greater regulation. Nonetheless, revisiting these debates provides several insights essential for developing more empirically-based and narrowly tailored policies regarding online hate. First, a central issue in the hate speech debate is the extent to which hate speech contributes to violence. Those in favor of more robust regulation claim a connection to violence, while others dismiss these arguments as too tenuous to support regulation. The data generated by social media, however, now allow researchers to begin to empirically test whether there are visible, measurable harms resulting from hate speech. These data can assist in developing evidence-based policies to address the most significant harms of hate speech, while avoiding overbroad regulation that is inconsistent with international standards. Second, reexamining the U.S. debate about hate speech also reveals the serious missteps of social media policies that prohibit hate speech without regard to context. The policies that social media companies have developed attempt to define hate speech solely with respect to the content of the message. As the early advocates of limits on hate speech made clear, the meaning, force, and consequences of speech acts are deeply contextual, and it is impossible to understand the harms of hate speech without reference to local political realities and the power asymmetries between social groups. Regulation that is abstracted from this context will inevitably be overbroad. This Article revisits these hate speech debates and considers how they map onto the platform law of content moderation, where emerging evidence indicates a correlation between hate speech online, virulent nationalism, and violence against minorities and activists. It then concludes by developing specific recommendations to bring greater consideration of context into the policies and procedures of social media content moderation.
Mobile phone and beef cattle marketing: The case of Girar Jarso district of Oromia region, Ethiopia

Mobile phone serves as a means for the farmers to have access to beef cattle markets. This study is designed to assess the contributions, determinants, and constraints in the use of the mobile phon...
Input-resistance reduced gm-boosted common-gate transimpedance amplifier for 100 Gb/s optical communication

Abstract This paper proposes a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for a 100 Gb/s optical receiver. The proposed TIA adopts a gm-boosted common-gate input stage with a diode-connected transistor, which lowers the input resistance resulting in a high input pole frequency. It was designed and fabricated in 32 nm CMOS SOI technology. Measurement results indicate that the TIA achieves a bandwidth of 74 GHz and a transimpedance gain of 26 dBΩ while dissipating 16.5 mW under 1.5 V supply voltage. The bandwidth of the proposed TIA is larger by 48% or more when compared with state-of-the art TIAs.
Evaluation of fentanyl toxicity and metabolism using a zebrafish model.

The increased abuse of novel drugs has created a critical need for cheap and rapid in vivo models to understand whole organism drug-induced toxicity and metabolic impacts. One such model is zebrafish, which share many similarities to human. Assays have been developed for behavioral, toxicity, and metabolism elucidation following chemical exposure. The zebrafish model provides the advantage of assessing these parameters within a single study. Previous zebrafish studies have evaluated the behavioral effects of fentanyl, but not developmental toxicity and its relation to metabolism. In this study, we evaluate the effects of fentanyl on the development of wild-type (TL strain) zebrafish and its metabolism over 4 days. Fertilized eggs were exposed to six concentrations of fentanyl (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM) through embryo media incubated at 28-29°C. Observations included egg coagulation, somite formation, heartbeat, tail and yolk morphology, pericardial formation, and swim bladder inflation. The incubation media was analyzed for the presence of metabolites using a targeted metabolomics approach. Fentanyl concentration caused significant effects on survival and development, with notable defects to the tail, yolk, and pericardium at 50 and 100 μM. Despropionyl fentanyl (4-ANPP), β-hydroxy fentanyl, and norfentanyl were detected in zebrafish larvae. We present a single in vivo model to assess toxicity and metabolism of fentanyl exposure in a vertebrate model system. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigations into fentanyl's mechanism of action and translation to human drug exposure.
A Runtime Performance Predictor for Selecting Tabu Tenures

One of the drawbacks of parameter based systems, such as tabu search, is the difficulty of finding the correct parameter for a particular problem. Often, rule-of-thumb advice is given which may have little or no applicability to the domain or problem instance at hand. This paper describes the application of a general technique, Runtime Performance Predictors (RPP) which can be used to determine, in an efficient manner, the correct tabu tenure for a particular problem instance. The details of the approach and a demonstration using a variant of GSAT are presented.
A Tragic Phenomenon: Aspects of Love and Hate in Racine’s Theater

Analysis of the passions of the soul preoccupied many writers and philosophers in seventeenth century France. Rene Descartes, who, published his Treatise on the Passions of the Soul, was the most famous of them. In his work, he classified human passions within a hierarchical framework. He disdained the passions as animalistic impulses which originate in the body. However the soul rules over the base passions, exercising its dual power of reason and will to control them. Reason must direct the body, which is nothing more than an object, or a machine. Whenever necessary the soul must repress the passions which are basically reprehensible so as to arrest their manifestations. Therefore love must be subjugated by the laws that are applied to all the other human passions. Reason must be able to examine at all times whether perfection always resides within the person one has chosen to love. Pierre Corneille’s dramas illustrated perfectly this concept of love in the numerous tragedies he composed during his life. His protagonists fall in love with people they consider to be absolutely perfect for them. However, the political world creates existential situations which force them to choose between the passion for the one they love and their commitment to personal honor and duty.
Peeking through the cloud: DNS-based estimation and its applications

Reliable network demographics are quickly becoming a much sought-after digital commodity. However, as the need for more refined Internet demographics has grown, so too has the tension between privacy and utility. Unfortunately, current techniques lean too much in favor of functional requirements over protecting the privacy of users. For example, the most prominent proposals for measuring the relative popularity of a website depend on the deployment of client-side measurement agents that are generally perceived as infringing on users' privacy, thereby limiting their wide scale adoption. Moreover, the client-side nature of these techniques also makes them susceptible to various manipulation tactics that undermine the integrity of their results. In this paper, we propose a new estimation technique that uses DNS cache probing to infer the density of clients accessing a given service. Compared to earlier techniques, our scheme is less invasive as it does not reveal user-specific traits, and is more robust against manipulation. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach through two important security applications. First, we illustrate how our scheme can be used as a lightweight technique for measuring and verifying the relative popularity rank of different websites. Second, using data from several hundred botnets, we apply our technique to indirectly measure the infected population of this increasing Internet phenomenon.
System-theoretic properties of sampled-data representations of nonlinear systems obtained via Taylor methods

It is possible to obtain a sampled-data representation of a nonlinear dynamic system under zero-order hold using Taylor methods. Explicit formulas for the resulting discrete-time system are derived in terms of the system Lie derivatives. The effect of sampling on system-theoretic properties of nonlinear systems, such as equilibrium properties, relative order, stability, zero dynamics and minimum-phase characteristics, is examined, revealing the natural and transparent way in which Taylor methods permeate the relevant theoretical aspects.
Limited Domain Theories of Organizational Energy

The title of this paper contains two basic elements—the concepts of limited domain theory and of organizational energy. The first of these draws upon Dubin’s (1969) terminology and refers to theories that have a number of boundary-determining criteria. Whether the theories to be presented are truly theories of the middle range in the sense Merton (1949) intended is an open question, but they are not grand theories; the boundaries within which they are expected to prove valid are sharply delimited. It is because the definition of middle range theory is somewhat imprecise that the limited domain concept is applied here. When exactly does a theory move from a narrow range into the middle of the spectrum? If one is not sure about this matter of classification, the limited domain terminology with its requirement of precise boundary limits, has considerable appeal.
Network Interface Design for Multi-Gbit/s WDM Optical Networks

We report on the design of a distributed, small, fast packet switched network interface that provides electronic buffering and switching for the data channel in reconfigurable multi-Gbps WDM optical networks. The high-speed interface has been constructed and tested in one such WDM network, STARNET, which is based on a physical passive star topology and is intended for backbone applications in Campus Networks. A two-node experimental STARNET is being implemented at the Optical Communications Research Laboratory at Stanford University. The interface prototype was completed in September 1993; the printed circuit board version of the interface has been operational without modification since January 1994. We have since developed software from the driver level to the applications layer.
Problems associated with uncertain parameters and missing physics for long‐term ionosphere‐thermosphere forecasting

[1] Data assimilation models like the Utah State University (USU) Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (GAIM) models use physics-based models of the ionosphere, ionosphere-plasmasphere, or thermosphere and a Kalman filter as a basis for assimilating a diverse set of measurements. With a sufficient amount of data and with multiple data types, the data assimilation models can provide reliable specifications and near-term forecasts. However, for long-term forecasts (5 days or longer) stand-alone or coupled physics-based models are needed. Unfortunately, the various physics-based models contain several uncertain parameters and processes as well as missing physics. Further complications arise for coupled physics-based models because of coupling issues and error propagation from model to model. Some of the problems are associated with the magnetosphere and lower atmosphere drivers, the adopted set of physics-based equations, the parameterization of physical processes, the values adopted for the transport coefficients, the numerical techniques used, the spatial and temporal resolutions adopted, and the uncertainties in the initial and boundary conditions. Examples of the type of problems the space weather community faces in its attempt at long-term ionosphere-thermosphere forecasting are given.
Orbital and optic pathway sarcoidosis: MR findings.

PURPOSE To identify and characterize the MR findings of sarcoidosis when it involves the orbit and visual pathways. METHODS The MR scans of 15 patients, 3 with presumed and 12 with proved orbital or optic pathway sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Eight patients had MR evidence of optic nerve involvement by sarcoid granuloma. Perineural enhancement was seen in four cases, optic atrophy in one. Three who had had unenhanced scans showed optic nerve enlargement. Nine patients had optic chiasmal involvement. One patient had increased T2 signal in the optic radiations. Three patients had orbital masses that had MR signal characteristics similar to pseudotumor. Five patients had periventricular white matter abnormalities closely resembling multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of optic nerve or nerve sheath enhancement on MR. Orbital sarcoidosis has MR characteristics very similar to pseudotumor.
Risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or death in patients initiating olmesartan or other angiotensin receptor blockers - a cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Purpose Results of two randomized trials (ROADMAP and ORIENT) suggest that high-dose (40 mg/day) olmesartan (Olm) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality compared to placebo in diabetic patients. We evaluated the risks of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and death in patients initiating Olm compared with an active comparator group, other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), with a focus on high-dose and diabetic subgroups. Methods We conducted a cohort study with patients who initiated Olm or another ARB between 2003 and 2011, using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD. We included patients who had no prior ARB or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor exposure during the preceding 6 months. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression models with both multivariable adjustment and propensity score matching. Results There were 3964 Olm and 54 653 other-ARB initiators, respectively. Adjusted HRs comparing Olm and other-ARBs were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.75–1.42) for AMI and 1.16 (0.95–1.42) for death, using multivariable adjustment. Comparing patients initiated with a high-dose Olm and a high-dose other-ARB, HRs were 3.09 (0.94–10.13) for AMI and 2.03 (0.74–5.61) for death, using multivariable adjustment; and 4.38 (0.97–19.66) and 1.99 (0.63–6.32) for AMI and death, using propensity score matching. Conclusions Overall, no differences in risk were observed in the main cohort analyses comparing Olm initiators with patients initiating therapy with other ARBs; however, HRs were marginally increased for all study endpoints which compared high-dose subgroups, suggesting potential increased risk may be associated with high-dose Olm. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
An infant with a hyperlucent chest mass: An unexpected diagnosis

Summary Introduction We report an unusual finding of pneumatocele in an infant. Case Report A previously well four month old presented with worsening respiratory distress over 6 weeks. He had no antecedent signs or symptoms of respiratory infection. Chest radiograph demonstrated a lucent hemithorax concerning for tension pneumothorax. Urgent needle decompression was performed. Chest CT showed a persistent dominant macrocyst on the left. Thoracotomy revealed a large cystic lesion necessitating a left lower lobectomy. Histopathology was consistent with a pneumatocele. He remains clinically stable at 16 months postoperatively. Discussion Pneumatocele is a rare cause of cystic lung disease presenting in infancy. The young age at onset, prolonged symptoms without preceding infection, and tension physiology in our patient are unique. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of the Mouse cDNA Homologous to the Human EXT1 Gene Responsible for Hereditary Multiple Exostoses

We have cloned and sequenced the mouse cDN A homologous to the human Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (EXT1) gene. The mouse homolog shows 94% similarity at the nucleotide level and 99% similarity at the protein level compared to the human gene. The 5′ UTRs are unusually conserved for non-coding sequences showing 94% similarity compared to 80% for the 3′ UTRs. The high level of evolutionary conservation between the EXT1 proteins as well as the 5′ UTR suggests that each plays an important and related role in both species.
Modeling and simulation of aqueous hazardous waste oxidation in deep well reactors

Abstract Deep well oxidation is a novel process that has been developed recently for oxidizing suspended and dissolved organics from dilute aqueous waste streams. The process employs wet oxidation methods and is carried out in a deep well reactor buried in the ground. The reactor consists of concentric tubes of length 1,500–3,000 meters suspended within a conventionally drilled and cased well. In the oxidation process, the waste stream and oxygen are brought together in a mixture at high pressure and elevated temperature. Organic oxidation is initiated spontaneously at these conditions. The heat of combustion is used to heat up the incoming feed to the required temperature and the hydrostatic head provides the required pressure. This work presents a simplified mathematical model of the deep well reactor that describes the behavior when it is operated in the subcritical region. The model accounts for the lumped kinetics of oxidation, fluid flow, heat transfer between the tubes and heat losses to the surrounding earth. It is used to investigate the influence of various design and operating parameters on the steady-state behavior of the reactor.
Specificity of Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding to phosphatidylserine vesicles and resultant phase changes of bilayer membrane structure

Differences in the interaction of Ca2+ and Mg2+ with phosphatidylserine vesicles were revealed by binding studies, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The two cations produced structurally different complexes with phosphatidylserine as evidenced by phase transition characteristics, lamellar spacings, and hydrocarbon packing. Ca2+ effectively completes with Mg2+ for phosphatidylserine binding sites. Analysis of the binding data showed that Ca2+ had a ten-fold greater intrinsic binding constant for phosphatidylserine.
The ecdysoneless (ecd1ts) mutation disrupts ecdysteroid synthesis autonomously in the ring gland of Drosophila melanogaster

Ring glands dissected from homozygous l(3)ecd1ts wandering larvae and upshifted in vitro to the restrictive temperature, 29°C, synthesize abnormally low quantities of ecdysteroid. Nevertheless, ecd1 ring glands retain the ability to respond at 29°C to an extract prepared from wild-type larval neural tissues that presumably contain prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), although both basal and stimulated levels of synthesis are lower than those in wild-type ring glands. Extracts prepared from ecd1 neural tissue exhibit an unusually high level of PTTH activity. Mutant ring glands downshifted in vitro to the permissive temperature after removal from larvae maintained at 29°C regain the ability to produce normal basal and stimulated ecdysteroid levels. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate that the ecd1 mutation disrupts the physiology of the ring gland at 29°C autonomously and may also interfere with PTTH release.
Multiplex bead array assays for detection of soluble cytokines: Comparisons of sensitivity and quantitative values among kits from multiple manufacturers

Background Multiplex bead array assays permit simultaneous cytometric quantitation of multiple cytokines in solution by capturing these to spectrally distinct beads. Because several manufacturers offer reagents to quantitate the same cytokines on a single instrument, a comparison should be made to determine whether these kits yield similar data and whether these data are comparable to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods This study compared cytokine detection kits by using Luminex 100. Twenty-six serum samples from seven subjects were analyzed for interferon-γ, interleukins 1β, 6, and 8, and tumor necrosis factor-α by using multiplex kits from LINCO Research, Bio-Rad Laboratories, R&D Systems, and BioSource International. Each assay was performed according to the manufacturers' specifications. Standard curves were generated by using reference concentrations supplied by each manufacturer. ELISAs for interleukin-8 were performed by using kits from R&D and BioSource. Results Cytokine levels followed similar patterns, although absolute concentrations differed among kits. ELISA and Luminex values for interleukin-8 were similar in kits from the same manufacturer. Conclusions Because relative cytokine measurements are often valuable when performed serially, it may be possible to make interlaboratory comparisons by using different kits. When comparison of absolute values is crucial, kits from the same supplier should be used. Within-vendor, bead array, and ELISA values appear comparable. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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“You must never again set your anger upon a patient. You were tired, you said, and therefore it happened.“’ Thus begins “Brute,” by Richard Selzer, a writer who recently retired from surgery to pursue writing full time. “Brute” is a confessional gem of a piece, barely four pages long. Yet it tells the tale of a doctor who lost control. Even while realizing it, he maliciously took advantage of a patient he was ostensibly helping. As with all of Selzer’s stories, it’s even more complicated than that. It’s 25 years ago. The doctor has been summoned to the emergency room at 2 AM to sew up a “hugely drunk” hulk of a man with a laceration in his forehead, “deep to the bone.” The man struggles like Samson to get free and will not cooperate. Restraints are applied. As the doctor begins to clean the wound, the man struggles even more. “Lie still,” Dr Selzer petulantly tells him, enraging him further. The man curses at him, angering the doctor. “Suddenly, I am in the fury with him. Somehow he has managed to capture me, to pull me inside his cage. Now we are two brutes hissing and batting at each other. But I do not fight fairly.” Doctor Selzer proceeds to sew the huge man’s ear lobes to the mattress with heavy silk (one imagines it to be 2-O), wipes the clots from his eyes so the man can see, taunts him with the same curse the man just hurled at him, and grins “the cruelest grin of my life. Torturers must grin like that, beheaders and operators of racks.” He finishes the job while the man, sensing defeat, holds still. “How sorry I will always be,” Selzer writes 25 years later “not being able to make it up to him for that grin.” There are many issues here: The rnost immediate is the “need” to use of force as opposed to other options (not discussed or tried in the story), for example, a sedative or waiting for sobriety or recruiting another health care worker with more rapport. Or Selzer could have elected not to sew the patient up at all. On a somewhat deeper and more interesting (intellectually, that is) level is the realization at the time that he was doing something wrong and enjoying it but not stopping. There is also