cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ENMeval: An R package for conducting spatially independent evaluations and estimating optimal model complexity for Maxent ecological niche models

Summary Recent studies have demonstrated a need for increased rigour in building and evaluating ecological niche models (ENMs) based on presence-only occurrence data. Two major goals are to balance goodness-of-fit with model complexity (e.g. by ‘tuning’ model settings) and to evaluate models with spatially independent data. These issues are especially critical for data sets suffering from sampling bias, and for studies that require transferring models across space or time (e.g. responses to climate change or spread of invasive species). Efficient implementation of procedures to accomplish these goals, however, requires automation. We developed ENMeval, an R package that: (i) creates data sets for k-fold cross-validation using one of several methods for partitioning occurrence data (including options for spatially independent partitions), (ii) builds a series of candidate models using Maxent with a variety of user-defined settings and (iii) provides multiple evaluation metrics to aid in selecting optimal model settings. The six methods for partitioning data are n−1 jackknife, random k-folds ( = bins), user-specified folds and three methods of masked geographically structured folds. ENMeval quantifies six evaluation metrics: the area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic plot for test localities (AUCTEST), the difference between training and testing AUC (AUCDIFF), two different threshold-based omission rates for test localities and the Akaike information criterion corrected for small sample sizes (AICc). We demonstrate ENMeval by tuning model settings for eight tree species of the genus Coccoloba in Puerto Rico based on AICc. Evaluation metrics varied substantially across model settings, and models selected with AICc differed from default ones. In summary, ENMeval facilitates the production of better ENMs and should promote future methodological research on many outstanding issues.
Some situational determinants of hypothesis-testing strategies

Abstract An elementary hypothesis-testing model is advanced to account for behavior across a wide spectrum of social inference problems. According to the model's test conditions assumption, positive test strategy will be employed whenever the accessible hypothesis set consists of a single working hypothesis; however, when the accessible set consists of more than one, nonexclusive hypothesis and test choices are unconstrained, diagnostic test strategy will be employed. Two experiments were conducted to test these predictions. Experiment 1 utilized a set of category induction problems for which pretesting had established the existence of a single salient hypothesis. Such problems are predicted to elicit positive test strategy and, whenever the salient hypothesis is a subset of the true hypothesis, positive test strategy will yield only confirming feedback and will lead to the erroneous conclusion that the salient hypothesis is correct. As predicted, solution rates were low when the salient hypothesis was a superset of the true hypothesis. Instructions to construct multiple hypotheses increased solution rates only in the latter condition, suggesting that multiple-hypothesis subjects employed diagnostic test strategy. In Experiment 2, the universe of allowable hypotheses was constrained to two alternatives, one being a subset of the other. The majority of subjects in this situation demonstrated effective use of diagnostic test strategy, and 84% of all problems were solved in only one test trial. The results of both experiments help refute the notion that people have an absolute bias towards employing positive test strategy and provide support for the proposed situation-centered model.
Rxpert: An Intelligent Computer System For Drug Interactions

Drug interactions have become very prevalent in modern medicine. With the increasing numbers of techniques for disease diagnosis and marketed medications for disease treatment, multiple drug patient care has become a customary practice. Consequently, the potential of harmful drug induced effects has become, and will continue to be, an enormous problem in providing patient care. A computer reference aid, knowledgeable about drug interactions, would be of great value to medical personnel in eliminating untoward drug effects in patient care. This research involved the development of such a system called RxPERT. RxPERT is an intelligent, easy to use, interactive computer system with expert level knowledge of drug interactions, implemented for use on an IBM-PC microcomputer. The microcomputer implementation allows the program to be highly accessible, and its information promptly retrievable for office as well as institutional settings. The system requires input of a patient history and patient drug requirements. Throughout the user/computer interactive session the user can review explanations of the possible interactions. Ultimately a listing of drug interactions and overall rating of the drug regimen instituted is displayed.
Physical states in quantum electrodynamics

Because of difficulties with the Gupta-Bleuler subsidiary condition in the charged sectors, an alternative scheme for identifying physical states in the indefinite-metric space I of quantum electrodynamics is proposed: Any vector Phi epsilon I is a physical state if it is positive on the observables, > or = 0, = 1, for O any element of the algebra of observables. Observables O, in turn, are selected by the requirement that they commute with the generators of the restricted gauge transformations of the second kind, A/sub ..mu../ ..-->.. A/sub ..mu../ + partial/sub ..mu../lambda, psi ..-->.. psi exp(ielambda), with lambda (x) = c number, partial/sup 2/lambda = 0. This is equivalent to the requirement (B (x), O) = 0, where B (x) = partial x A (x) in the Feynman gauge. It is proved that the substitute Gupta-Bleuler condition B/sup -/(/sub x//sup //sup Phi/ /sub b/sup -/(/sub x//sup //sup Phi/provides a subspace I/sub //sub b//sub / of physical states, where b/sup -/(/sub x//sup /the negative-frequency part of any real c-number solution of the wave equation partial/sup 2/b (x) = 0 satisfying ..integral.. b (x) d/sup 3/x = q, with q an eigenvalue of the chargemore » operator. Different functions b (x) characterize different superselection sectors which are eigenspaces generators G (lambda) of the restricted gauge transformations of the second kind with eigenvalues G (lambda) = ..integral.. lambda (x) partial-arrow-right/sub 0/b (x) d/sup 3/x. In a given superselection sector Maxwell's equations take the form partial/sub ..mu../F/sup ..mu..//sup ..nu../ = J/sup ..nu../ - partial/sup ..nu../b, where - partial /sup ..nu../b is interpreted as a classical external current which is induced by the quantum-mechanical current J/sup ..nu../. The proof relies on the axiom of asymptotic completeness I = I/sup in/ = I/sup out/ and I/sup in/ is specified by the ansatz of infrared coherence, namely, lim/sub ..omega../ /sub arrow-right/ /sub 0/a/sup in//sub ..mu../(k) approx. - (AIP)« less
Has resilience to severe trauma been underestimated

Bartone, P. T. (1999). Hardiness protects against war-related stress in Army Reserve forces. Consulting Psychology Journal, 51, 72–82. Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59, 20–28. Khoshaba, D. M., & Maddi, S. R. (2001). HardiTraining (4th ed.). Newport Beach, CA: Hardiness Institute. Maddi, S. R. (1996). Personality theories: A comparative analysis (6th ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press. Maddi, S. R. (2002). The story of hardiness: Twenty years of theorizing, research, and practice. Consulting Psychology Journal, 54, 173–185. Maddi, S. R., & Khoshaba, D. M. (2001). HardiSurvey III-R: Test development and internet instruction manual (4th ed.). Newport Beach, CA: Hardiness Institute.
Assessing Cocurricular Impacts on the Development of Business Student Professionalism: Supporting Rites of Passage

Professionalism has a wide variety of definitions. The authors review some of those definitions and then explore stages students pass through as they move from student to business professional. Based on literature from the systems psychodynamics field, the authors examine stages in student identity building, including social defenses, sentient communities, and rites of passage. They then connect these stages to specific curricular and cocurricular efforts. A variety of cocurricular activities assisting student growth are assessed. Results indicate that activities such as attendance at business club meetings, attendance at career fairs, and participating in internships can have a positive impact on student growth and professionalism.
Relationship between Thermodynamic Driving Force and One-Way Fluxes in Reversible Processes

Chemical reaction systems operating in nonequilibrium open-system states arise in a great number of contexts, including the study of living organisms, in which chemical reactions, in general, are far from equilibrium. Here we introduce a theorem that relates forward and reverse fluxes and free energy for any chemical process operating in a steady state. This relationship, which is a generalization of equilibrium conditions to the case of a chemical process occurring in a nonequilibrium steady state in dilute solution, provides a novel equivalent definition for chemical reaction free energy. In addition, it is shown that previously unrelated theories introduced by Ussing and Hodgkin and Huxley for transport of ions across membranes, Hill for catalytic cycle fluxes, and Crooks for entropy production in microscopically reversible systems, are united in a common framework based on this relationship.
Photophysical and Photochemical Studies of 2‐Phenylbenzimidazole and UVB Sunscreen 2‐Phenylbenzimidazole‐5‐sulfonic Acid¶

The sunscreen agent 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) and its parent 2-phenylbenzimidazole (PBI) cause DNA photodamage via both Type-I and Type-II mechanisms when UVB irradiated. We have studied the photophysical and photochemical properties of these compounds and their ability to photogenerate reactive oxygen species including free radicals. PBI and PBSA exhibit both oxidizing and reducing properties in their excited state. The absorption and fluorescence properties of PBSA depend strongly upon pH, and hence the photochemistry of PBSA was studied in both neutral and alkaline solutions. PBSA showed strong oxidizing properties when UV irradiated in neutral aqueous solution (pH 7.4) in the presence of cysteine, glutathione and azide, as evidenced by the detection of the corresponding S-cysteinyl, glutathiyl and azidyl radicals with the aid of the spin trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). However, when an aqueous anaerobic solution (pH 10) of PBSA and either nitromethane (NM) or 4-nitrobenzoic acid (4-NBA) were irradiated, the corresponding nitro anion radicals were observed. This finding suggests that both NM and 4-NBA are reduced by direct electron transfer from the excited state PBSA. During UV irradiation of an aerobic solution of PBSA, O2*- and *OH radical were generated and trapped by DMPO. Further, PBI (in ethanol) and PBSA (in ethylene glycol : water 2: 1 mixture) showed low temperature (77 K) phosphorescence (lambdamax = 443, 476 and 509 nm) and also an electron paramagnetic resonance half-field transition (deltaMs = +/-2), which is evidence for a triplet state. This triplet produced singlet oxygen (1O2) with quantum yields 0.07 and 0.04 in MeCN for PBI and PBSA, respectively. These studies demonstrate that UV irradiation of PBSA and PBI generates a variety of free radicals and active oxygen species that may be involved in the photodamage of DNA.
Role of fas ligand in uveal melanoma-induced liver damage.

Background: Uveal melanoma, the most common adult intraocular malignancy, metastasizes preferentially to the liver. Areas of cell death surrounding uveal melanoma metastases were observed in the livers of mice. We hypothesized that uveal melanoma cells might express Fas ligand (FasL), facilitating FasL-mediated apoptosis of Fas-expressing hepatocytes. Purpose: To determine whether Fas ligand (FasL)-expressing human uveal melanoma cells induce apoptosis of human hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human uveal melanoma cell lines were assayed for FasL expression by flow cytometry and immunohistology. A human hepatocyte cell line was assayed for Fas expression by flow cytometry. Apoptosis of hepatocytes was detected by annexin V staining in vitro, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) in vivo. Results: Human uveal melanoma cell lines expressed FasL, as determined by flow cytometry and immunohistology. Human hepatocytes were Fas-positive by flow cytometry. In vitro, annexin V staining revealed that human uveal melanoma cells induced apoptosis of human hepatocytes. TUNEL staining of liver metastases revealed apoptosis of murine hepatocytes in contact with metastatic human uveal melanoma cells. Conclusion: FasL-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes in contact with FasL-positive human uveal melanoma cells may contribute to hepatic failure during metastatic disease.
The surface force apparatus — a tool for probing molecular protein interactions

Force measurements can probe directly the molecular impact of proteins' electrostatic surface properties, specific bond strengths, membrane composition, and membrane fluidity on biological recognition events.
Iterative improvement to solve the parcel hub scheduling problem

This paper presents iterative improvement algorithms to solve the parcel hub scheduling problem (PHSP). The PHSP is combinatorial optimization problem that consists of scheduling a set of inbound trailers to a small number of unload docks. At the unload docks, the inbound trailers must be unloaded and the parcel sorted and loaded onto outbound trailers. Because the transfer operation is labor intensive, the transfer of parcels must be done in such a way as to minimize the timespan of the transfer operation. Local search (LS) and simulated annealing (SA) algorithms are developed and evaluated to solve the problem. The performances of the algorithms are compared to the performance of an existing genetic algorithm (GA). The computational results show that the LS and SA algorithms offer solutions that are superior to those offered by the GA.
Synchronised transmembrane insertion and glycosylation of a nascent membrane protein

Studies of the synthesis and incorporation of the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein into membranes in a synchronised cell-free system demonstrate a tight coupling between polypeptide synthesis and membrane insertion, as a result of which the nascent chain crosses the membrane. The studies reveal a surprisingly precise sequence by which the nascent chain of this membrane glycoprotein is glycosylated in two steps. These findings have important implications for the mechanisms of membrane assembly.
Growth Dynamics and Morphology of Oleic Acid Vapor-Deposited on a Silica Surface

The vapor deposition of oleic acid onto silica surfaces at 25% relative humidity and temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 °C is found to proceed in three stages: (I) rapid formation of monolayer-high islands of approximately 100 nm diameter on timescales of a few minutes; (II) relatively little growth over timescales of tens to hundreds of minutes; and (III) a linear increase in apparent thickness as a function of time, characterized by the formation of multilayer islands on time scales of thousands of minutes. The rate of growth in region III is faster at higher temperatures. This growth process is analyzed in the context of the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional island growth at submonolayer coverage observed for metal vapor deposition on oxide surfaces. At a relative humidity of 94%, with several layers of water molecules present on the silica surface, the oleic acid wets the surface rather than forming discrete islands.
Prophylaxis for Candida in the intensive care unit patient

Candidemia is one of the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections in intensive care units in the United States and the developed world. It involves a substantial morbidity, crude/attributable mortality, and increased health care costs in excess of an average of $40,000 per episode. Prophylaxis is one of many strategies to control this disease; however, the success of this strategy is directly related to the selection of populations at highest risk and the availability of safe, effective, and economical drugs. Current risk assessment strategies based on clinical prediction rules offer the possibility of targeted prophylaxis, making this approach even more attractive.
Effect of surgical case order on cataract surgery complication rates and procedure time.

Purpose To determine whether surgical warm-up affects cataract surgery complication rates and surgical case times. Setting University of Washington Medicine Eye Institute, Harborview, Seattle, Washington, USA. Design Retrospective case-control study. Methods Patients who had phacoemulsification from June 2010 to December 2011 were consecutively reviewed. Case order for each surgeon was evaluated, comparing intraoperative complication rates and case times for attending and resident surgeons for the first case of the day (considered the warm-up case) versus subsequent cases. Simple (AMA Current Procedural Terminology code 66984) and complex (code 66982) phacoemulsification surgeries were included. Excluded were patients who had cataract surgery combined with another surgery. Pearson chi-square tests and 2-tailed independent-sample t tests were used to analyze data. Results The study reviewed 1424 patients. Cataract surgery complication rates were not statistically different between the first cases of the day and subsequent cases (3.3% versus 4.0%) (P = .552). There was, however, a significant difference in mean case time between these groups. The mean case time for simple phacoemulsification by resident physicians was 49.45 minutes ± 19.38 (SD) for first cases and 42.27 ± 15.78 minutes for subsequent cases (P = .021) and by attending physicians, 32.54 ± 12.91 minutes and 26.69 ± 9.17 minutes, respectively (P Conclusion Surgical case order might not affect complication rates of cataract surgery; however, the first case of the day was longer than subsequent cases, suggesting that a preoperative warm-up exercise might decrease cataract surgery time. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Pay for performance, quality of care, and outcomes in acute myocardial infarction.

ContextPay for performance has been promoted as a tool for improving quality of care. In 2003, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the largest pay-for-performance pilot project to date in the United States, including indicators for acute myocardial infarction.ObjectiveTo determine if pay for performance was associated with either improved processes of care and outcomes or unintended consequences for acute myocardial infarction at hospitals participating in the CMS pilot project.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsAn observational, patient-level analysis of 105 383 patients with acute non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction enrolled in the Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes With Early Implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines (CRUSADE) national quality-improvement initiative. Patients were treated between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2006, at 54 hospitals in the CMS program and 446 control hospitals.Main Outcome MeasuresThe differences in the use of ACC/AHA class I guideline recommended therapies and in-hospital mortality between pay for performance and control hospitals.ResultsAmong treatments subject to financial incentives, there was a slightly higher rate of improvement for 2 of 6 targeted therapies at pay-for-performance vs control hospitals (odds ratio [OR] comparing adherence scores from 2003 through 2006 at half-year intervals for aspirin at discharge, 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.46 vs OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.21; P = .04) and for smoking cessation counseling (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.29-1.73 vs OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.22-1.35; P = .05). There was no significant difference in a composite measure of the 6 CMS rewarded therapies between the 2 hospital groups (change in odds per half-year period of receiving CMS therapies: OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.15-1.30 vs OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14-1.20; P = .16). For composite measures of acute myocardial infarction treatments not subject to incentives, rates of improvement were not significantly different (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14 vs OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.09; P = .49). Overall, there was no evidence that improvements in in-hospital mortality were incrementally greater at pay-for-performance sites (change in odds of in-hospital death per half-year period, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99 vs 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; P = .21).ConclusionsAmong hospitals participating in a voluntary quality-improvement initiative, the pay-for-performance program was not associated with a significant incremental improvement in quality of care or outcomes for acute myocardial infarction. Conversely, we did not find evidence that pay for performance had an adverse association with improvement in processes of care that were not subject to financial incentives. Additional studies of pay for performance are needed to determine its optimal role in quality-improvement initiatives.
Mesoscale modeling of hydrated morphologies of sulfonated polysulfone ionomers

The hydrated morphologies of sulfonated poly(phenylene) sulfone (sPSO2) ionomers as a function of equivalent weight (EW), molecular weight (MW), and water content were investigated by using mesoscale dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. The morphological changes were characterized by analyzing the water distribution and plotting the radial distribution functions for the water particles. The results were compared to typical PFSA ionomers (i.e., Nafion and Aquivion) to evaluate the effects of backbone and side chain chemistry. Our results show that water is more likely to be equally distributed within the hydrophilic domains of the sPSO2 ionomers particularly at low water content, which is in contrast to strong phase separation observed in PFSA ionomers at the same level of hydration. As the degree of sulfonation is increased (i.e., decreasing the EW), well-connected water clusters develop in the sPSO2 ionomers even at low water content which are less affected by changes in the MW than observed for PFSA ionomers. The size of the water clusters is estimated to be from 1.2 to 1.5 nm (compared to ∼3.5 nm in Nafion) at a water content of 7H2O/SO3H, which is consistent with results determined from previous experiments. This suggests that the high proton conductivity observed in the sPSO2 ionomers is due to the well-connected hydrophilic pathways.
The specific amino acid sequence between helices 7 and 8 influences the binding specificity of human apolipoprotein A-I for high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses: a potential for HDL preferential generation.

Humans have two major high density lipoprotein (HDL) sub-fractions, HDL2 and HDL3, whereas mice have a monodisperse HDL profile. Epidemiological evidence has suggested that HDL2 is more atheroprotective; however, currently there is no direct experimental evidence to support this postulate. The amino acid sequence of apoA-I is a primary determinant of HDL subclass formation. The majority of the α-helical repeats in human apoA-I are proline-punctuated. A notable exception is the boundary between helices 7 and 8, which is located in the transitional segment between the stable N-terminal domain and the C-terminal hydrophobic domain. In this study we ask whether the substitution of a proline-containing sequence (PCS) separating other helices in human apoA-I for the non-proline-containing sequence (NPCS) between helices 7 and 8 (residues 184–190) influences HDL subclass association. The human apoA-I mutant with PCS2 replacing NPCS preferentially bound to HDL2. In contrast, the mutant where PCS3 replaced NPCS preferentially associated with HDL3. Thus, the specific amino acid sequence between helices 7 and 8 influences HDL subclass association. The wild-type and mutant proteins exhibited similar physicochemical properties except that the two mutants displayed greater lipid-associated stability versus wild-type human apoA-I. These results focus new attention on the influence of the boundary between helices 7 and 8 on the properties of apoA-I. The expression of these mutants in mice may result in the preferential generation of HDL2 or HDL3 and allow us to examine experimentally the anti-atherogenicity of the HDL subclasses.
Restoration of β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling and Contractile Function in Heart Failure by Disruption of the βARK1/Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Complex

Background— Desensitization and downregulation of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) are initiated by the increase in βAR kinase 1 (βARK1) levels. By interacting with βARK1 through the phosphoinositide kinase (PIK) domain, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is targeted to agonist-stimulated βARs, where it regulates endocytosis. We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of receptor-targeted PI3K activity would alter receptor trafficking and ameliorate βAR signaling, ultimately improving contractility of failing cardiomyocytes. Methods and Results— To competitively displace PI3K from βARK1, we generated mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of the PIK domain. Seven-day isoproterenol administration in wild-type mice induced desensitization of βARs and their redistribution from the plasma membrane to early and late endosomes. In contrast, transgenic PIK overexpression prevented the redistribution of βARs away from the plasma membrane and preserved their responsiveness to agonist. We further tested whet...
I Just Let Him Have His Way

This study explores the relationship between teenage pregnancy and male partner violence by examining the prevalence and effect of partner violence in a sample of new adolescent mothers. Data for this study are drawn from in-depth interviews with 35 new teenage mothers who had never been in, were currently involved in, or had recently exited from abusive partner relationships. The effect of partner violence on contraceptive use and pregnancy resolution are discussed as important variables in order to understand adolescent pregnancy. The role of social support is discussed as an important buffer for many of the adolescent mothers.
Value of the PaO2:FiO2 ratio and Rapid Shallow Breathing Index in predicting successful extubation in hypoxemic respiratory failure

Purpose We sought to determine the predictive value of the PaO 2 :FiO 2 ratio (PFR), both independently and in combination with the standard Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI), for successful extubations in patients with primary hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF). Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of 154 patients with HRF requiring mechanical ventilation for ≥24 hours was performed. The primary outcome was reintubation within 48 hours. Results 142 (92%) patients were successfully extubated. Pre-extubation PFR and RSBI values among reintubated and successfully extubated patients were similar. The areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves using RSBI and PFR were .5 and .62, respectively. A PFR or RSBI ≥ 70 when the PFR was ≥200 indicated a higher risk of reintubation, with .7 sensitivity and .56 specificity (area under the curve, .69), using a classification and regression tree model. Conclusions Neither the PFR independently nor the PFR in combination with the RSBI in a classification and regression tree model accurately predicted successful extubation in patients with HRF.
Switchgrass and Soil Carbon Sequestration Response to Ammonium Nitrate, Manure, and Harvest Frequency on Conservation Reserve Program Land

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land on which perennial warm-season grasses are grown could be a resource for bioenergy feedstock production and C sequestration. A 4-yr field experiment was conducted to determine the response of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and soil C sequestration to N fertility and harvest frequency on switchgrass-dominated CRP land in eastern South Dakota. Soil at the site is an Egan silty clay loam. Three N rates (0, 112, and 224 kg ha 21 ) were applied as NH4NO3 (NH4NO3–N) and cattle (Bos taurus L.) manure (manure-N). Switchgrass was harvested at anthesis every year (EY) or alternate years (AY) from 2001 to 2004. Soil samples were collected before starting the experiment (fall 2000) and after 4 yr (fall 2004) to determine C sequestration. Averaged across N rate, the proportion of switchgrass was higher with manure-N (64.7%) than NH4NO3-N (46.8%). Total (switchgrass plus other herbaceous material) biomass production tended to be higher when harvested EY (average 5.0 Mg ha 21 yr 21 ) compared with AY (average 4.0 Mg ha 21 yr 21 ). However, by 2004, the proportion of switchgrass was 75% higher in plots harvested AY compared with those harvested EY. The concentration of structural components was greater in biomass harvested AY, whereas total N and ash tended to be lower. Total-N and ash concentrations in biomass were higher with NH4NO3-N than manure-N. Soil C was sequestered at a rate of 2.4 6 0.9 and 4.0 6 1.0 Mg C ha 21 yr 21 at the 0- to 90-cm depth with NH4NO3–N and manure-N, respectively. There were no changes in soil organic C without N fertilization. Manure could be used as an alternate N source for switchgrass biomass production on CRP land with an added benefit of increased C sequestration.
On the evaluation of electron density distribution in the outer ionosphere by satellite radio signals

Abstract A new method is suggested for the evaluation of the electron density profile in the outer ionosphere above the F 2-layer maximum. It is proposed that the satellite will carry a sweep-frequency transmitter, for frequencies above the maximum plasma frequency of the F 2-layer. An analytical method is suggested by which the electron density profile above maximum F 2-layer could be found from the time delay records at the ground station and the electron density profile below the maximum F 2-layer. In the analysis it is assumed that corrections due to satellite orbit have been made, and that the static geomagnetic field is homogeneous in the region.
Enhancing Communication Related to Symptom Management Through Plain Language

Abstract Context Symptom management is a key dimension of palliative care. In addition to aspects such as assessment and pharmacological management of symptoms, professionals also require communication skills to effectively manage symptoms in serious illness. Objectives Application of the Plain Language Planner for Palliative Care©, a provider tool for communicating about medication and symptoms using plain language, was tested. Methods Approximately 75% of the 155 health care professionals, mostly nurses, who participated in a before-and-after educational activity about the tool, provided written communication explanations using one of three medication-symptom pairs: senna for constipation, amitriptyline for nerve pain, and lorazepam for anxiety. Responses were coded for plain language characteristics: active voice, second person, use of jargon, brief sentences, reading level, and easy to understand data phrasing. Frequency counts for coding categories were calculated and compared across medication-symptom pairs before and after the education session. Results A comparison between written responses before and after the education session showed improvement in the use of plain language. Overall, plain language scores were highest for communication about senna (81%), followed by amitriptyline (72%) and lorazepam (77%). Across all three medication-symptom pairs, the greatest improvement in the use of plain language occurred in the use of jargon. Conclusion Provider training with the tool produced increased plain language. Use of the tool in provider education shows promise in increasing the health literacy for patients and families regarding symptom management.
Practical considerations in systems diagnosis using timed failure propagation graph models

Timed failure propagation graphs (TFPG) are causal models that capture the temporal aspects of failure propagation in dynamic systems. In this paper we present several practical modeling and reasoning considerations that have been addressed based on experience with avionics systems. These include the problem of intermittent faults, handling test alarms, dealing with limited computational resources, and model reduction for large scale systems.
Natural language processing tools and environments: the field in perspective

Tools and environments for natural language processing (NLP) originated approximately four decades ago with dictionary-based machine translation systems. When examining the evolution of the field, one observes a transition from these "embryonic" systems of the fifties to the more adaptable, robust, and user-friendly environments of the nineties. Currently, the state-of-the-art in such systems is based on a wide variety of linguistic theories, cognitive models, and engineering approaches. The paper looks briefly at the tools and environments available today. >
Newborn screening: New opportunities and new challenges

Newborn screening is an old technique for early detection of problems and health promotion. In recent times, genetic breakthroughs have created the possibility of testing for many more newborn conditions. Some states are mandating as many as 20 to 30 tests. This article will review newborn screening, the state of the art, and some of the ethical questions that our technology is raising. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Population-based study of first onset and chronicity in major depressive disorder.

Context There are no studies of the natural history of major depressive disorder that lack prevalence and clinic biases. Objectives To estimate risk factors for first lifetime onset and parameters of chronicity following the first episode, including duration, recovery, and recurrence, and to search for predictors of each parameter. Design Prospective population-based cohort study with 23 years of follow-up. Setting East Baltimore, Maryland, an urban setting. Participants Probability sample of 3481 adult household residents in 1981, including 92 with first lifetime onset of major depressive disorder during the course of the follow-up, and 1739 other participants followed up for at least 13 years. Outcome Measures Diagnostic Interview Schedule and Life Chart Interview. Results Female participants showed higher risk of onset of disorder, longer duration of episodes, and a nonsignificant tendency for higher risk of recurrence. Sex was not related to recovery. The median episode length was 12 weeks. About 15% of 92 individuals with first episodes did not have a year free of episodes, even after 23 years. About 50% of first episode participants recovered and had no future episodes. The evolution of the course was relatively stable from first to later episodes. Individuals with 1 or 2 short alleles of the serotonin transporter gene were at higher risk for an initial episode, but experienced episodes of shorter duration. There were few strong predictors of recovery or recurrence. Conclusions Major depressive disorder is unremitting in 15% of cases and recurrent in 35%. About half of those with a first-onset episode recover and have no furtherepisodes.
Distribution system state estimation using semidefinite programming

Growing penetration of distributed energy resources connected to power distribution networks requires accurate, robust, and dependable real-time system monitoring tools. This paper considers the state estimation (SE) problem in distribution systems and proposes a new convex relaxation based approach to solve it as a semidefinite programming problem. Even with a simple 4-bus case, we have identified that existing approaches such as the iterative Newton's method are more prone to convergence issues when measurement quality varies more significantly across different sources. By relaxing the SE problem to a convex SDP, the proposed method has the potential to closely attain the globally optimum solution without suffering from numerical issues caused by the inclusion of e.g., ‘virtual measurements’ at zero-injection nodes. Numerical tests have been performed on the IEEE 4-bus and 13-bus test feeder cases to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Second-order system models of high-order plants

Formulae are given for the characterization of second-order system transients obtained from measurements on the dynamical system's response to a step function input. The derived formulae are used to derive second-order models of high-order plants.
Cerebral metabolic dysfunction and impaired vigilance in recently abstinent methamphetamine abusers.

Background Methamphetamine (MA) abusers have cognitive deficits, abnormal metabolic activity and structural deficits in limbic and paralimbic cortices, and reduced hippocampal volume. The links between cognitive impairment and these cerebral abnormalities are not established. Methods We assessed cerebral glucose metabolism with [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in 17 abstinent (4 to 7 days) methamphetamine users and 16 control subjects performing an auditory vigilance task and obtained structural magnetic resonance brain scans. Regional brain radioactivity served as a marker for relative glucose metabolism. Error rates on the task were related to regional radioactivity and hippocampal morphology. Results Methamphetamine users had higher error rates than control subjects on the vigilance task. The groups showed different relationships between error rates and relative activity in the anterior and middle cingulate gyrus and the insula. Whereas the MA user group showed negative correlations involving these regions, the control group showed positive correlations involving the cingulate cortex. Across groups, hippocampal metabolic and structural measures were negatively correlated with error rates. Conclusions Dysfunction in the cingulate and insular cortices of recently abstinent MA abusers contribute to impaired vigilance and other cognitive functions requiring sustained attention. Hippocampal integrity predicts task performance in methamphetamine users as well as control subjects.
Risk Assessment for Transformer Loading

A risk-based probabilistic method is presented to assess transformer loading capability, taking into account the probabilistic nature of time-varying loads and ambient temperature. A sample calculation, with both component level analysis and system level analysis, is given. Quantitative reference risk levels are obtained based on reference loading levels given by IEEE/ANSI C57.115-1991. It shows that our quantitative risk assessment is useful in assessing transformer loading and in aiding related decision making. An additional benefit is that it enables inclusion of transformer loading in composite system risk analysis.
Mammary gland morphogenesis is inhibited in transgenic mice that overexpress cell surface beta1,4-galactosyltransferase

Mammary gland morphogenesis is facilitated by a precise sequence of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which are mediated in part through a variety of cell surface receptors and their ligands (Boudreau, N., Myers, C. and Bissell, M. J. (1995). Trends in Cell Biology 5, 1-4). Cell surface beta1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalTase) is one receptor that participates in a variety of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions during fertilization and development, including mammary epithelial cell-matrix interactions (Barcellos-Hoff, M. H. (1992). Exp. Cell Res. 201, 225-234). To analyze GalTase function during mammary gland morphogenesis in vivo, we created transgenic animals that overexpress the long isoform of GalTase under the control of a heterologous promoter. As expected, mammary epithelial cells from transgenic animals had 2.3 times more GalTase activity on their cell surface than did wild-type cells. Homozygous transgenic females from multiple independent lines failed to lactate, whereas transgenic mice overexpressing the Golgi-localized short isoform of GalTase lactated normally. Glands from transgenic females overexpressing surface GalTase were characterized by abnormal and reduced ductal development with a concomitant reduction in alveolar expansion during pregnancy. The phenotype was not due to a defect in proliferation, since the mitotic index for transgenic and wild-type glands was similar. Morphological changes were accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the expression of milk-specific proteins. Immunohistochemical markers for epithelia and myoepithelia demonstrated that both cell types were present. To better understand how overexpression of surface GalTase impairs ductal morphogenesis, primary mammary epithelial cultures were established on basement membranes. Cultures derived from transgenic mammary glands were unable to form anastomosing networks of epithelial cells and failed to express milk-specific proteins, unlike wild-type mammary cultures that formed epithelial tubules and expressed milk proteins. Our results suggest that cell surface GalTase is an important mediator of mammary cell interaction with the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, perturbing surface GalTase levels inhibits the expression of mammary-specific gene products, implicating GalTase as a component of a receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway required for normal mammary gland differentiation.
The preparation and characterization of carboxylic acid-coated silica nanoparticles

The preparation of carboxylic acid-coated silica nanoparticles was investigated. A monolayer of carboxylic acid residues with controllable graft density was anchored to the nanoparticle by a ring-opening reaction with succinic an- hydride. Poly(methacrylic acid) (poly(MAA)) grafted nanopar- ticles were prepared via a polymerization-deprotection strategy. Tert-butyl methacrylate was polymerized from the surface of silica nanoparticles in a predictable manner and with excellent control over the molecular weight distribution. Subsequent removal of the tert-butyl group resulted in poly (MAA) grafted nanoparticles. The polymer nanoparticles were also functionalized with dyes, which may be useful in track- ing the particles in biological systems. V C 2012 Wiley Periodi- cals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 50: 2533-2540, 2012 INTRODUCTION Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) has emerged as a powerful reversible addi- tion radical polymerization technique to prepare polymeric materials with predictable molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. Moad and coworkers 1 founded RAFT poly- merizations that are conducted under mild conditions, free of metal catalysts, and compatible with nearly all monomers that can be polymerized via conventional free radical poly- merization techniques. The mechanism of RAFT polymeriza- tion is based on a sequence of chain transfer reactions. At the outset of a typical RAFT polymerization, a radical initia- tor is decomposed and forms a short propagating radical (Pn� ), which subsequently adds to a chain transfer agent. This is followed by a fragmentation step releasing the radical R � . The newly formed radical reinitiates the polymerization by adding to additional monomer in solution to form a new propagating radical (Pm� ). Following the creation of (Pm� ), a rapid equilibrium is established between propagating radi- cals, (Pm� )a nd (P n� ), and the dormant polymeric thiocarbo- nylthio end-capped chains. A fast equilibrium must be estab- lished for all chains to grow in an equal manner, thus
Photometry and Polarimetry of Saturn's Rings From Pioneer Saturn

A profile of the average normal optical depth for Saturn's rings between 1.22 and 2.35 Saturn radii is examined. In the A and B rings, horizontal inhomogeneities make these values deceptive. A thinner component of the B ring with an optical depth below 0.08 covers up to 4% of its surface area. In the A ring, the more transparent component covers more than 7% of its area and has an optical depth greater than 0.10. These thinner parts of the rings would rarely be apparent from earth based observations. The particles of the C ring are larger than 15 microns and differ from those of the B and A rings. The C ring is either homogeneous with high albedo and forward scattering phase functions, or shows a gradient in albedo with distance from Saturn. Polarimetry of Saturn's ring provides only an upper limit (below 15%) which is consistent with ground-based predictions. Polarization in the outer A ring is negative.
The Use of Ultrasound as an Enhancer for Transcutaneous Drug Delivery: Phonophoresis

Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound (US) to enhance the delivery of topically applied drugs. The purposes of this article are (1) to review the basic principles of transcutaneous drug delivery, (2) to summarize the functional anatomy of the skin pertinent to phonophoresis, (3) to outline the physiological principles of US as an enhancer of topically applied drugs, (4) to review the literature on the efficacy of phonophoresis, (5) to discuss the relevance of US as an enhancer of topical drugs in the practice of physical therapy, and (6) to outline areas of needed research. Seventy-five percent of the studies reviewed reported positive effects of US on local subcutaneous drug diffusion, but some systemic effects were reported. This research review indicates that to maximize the clinical effectiveness of phonophoresis: (1) the topical drug (both the drug and the carrying agent) should transmit US; (2) the skin should be pretreated with US, heating, moistening, or shaving; (3) the patient needs to be positioned to maximize circulation during treatment; (4) a dressing that seals the area and prevents the escape of moisture should be applied after treatment; (5) an intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 should be used to capture both the thermal and nonthermal effects of the US; and (6) low-intensity US (0.5 W/cm2) should be used when treating open wounds or acute injuries. Research is needed to clarify what parameters of US will most efficiently facilitate topical drug diffusion, how often and for what duration US should be used to maximize local absorption of drugs, and which topical drugs can most effectively be used for phonophoresis.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Three U.S. HIV Linkage and Re-engagement in Care Programs from Positive Charge.

Linking and retaining people living with HIV in ongoing, HIV medical care is vital for ending the U.S. HIV epidemic. Yet, 41-44 % of HIV+ individuals are out of care. In response, AIDS United initiated Positive Charge, a series of five HIV linkage and re-engagement projects around the U.S. This paper investigates whether three Positive Charge programs were cost effective and calculates a return on investment for each program. It uses standard methods of cost utility analysis and WHO-CHOICE thresholds. All three projects were found to be cost effective, and two were highly cost effective. Cost utility ratios ranged from $4439 to $137,271. These results suggest that HIV linkage to care programs are a productive and efficient use of public health funds.