cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal operation of a water resources system by stochastic programming

The model concerns the water release and distribution problem of the Karun River and its tributaries in Khuzestan, Iran. The system consists of three dams with three hydroelectric plants, 16 irrigation areas and 13 municipal/industrial demand locations. Water inflows fluctuate with time. A large nonlinear stochastic programming model was formulated to determine the optimal monthly water release rules for the dams for the whole year. Recourse actions and chance constraints are incorporated in the model to account for the uncertainty of the inflows. Detailed water distributions to various sectors are treated as linear programming subproblems.
‘You gotta be one of the good guys, son’: mobilities of Foucauldian ethics and freedom in Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher

ABSTRACTIn the Preacher comic book series, writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon appear to conjure every type of blasphemy against the Christian church as possible. Ennis and Dillon, however, ...
Learning relevance models for patient cohort retrieval.

Objective We explored how judgements provided by physicians can be used to learn relevance models that enhance the quality of patient cohorts retrieved from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) collections. Methods A very large number of features were extracted from patient cohort descriptions as well as EHR collections. The features were used to investigate retrieving (1) neurology-specific patient cohorts from the de-identified Temple University Hospital electroencephalography (EEG) Corpus as well as (2) the more general cohorts evaluated in the TREC Medical Records Track (TRECMed) from the de-identified hospital records provided by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The features informed a learning relevance model (LRM) that took advantage of relevance judgements provided by physicians. The LRM implements a pairwise learning-to-rank framework, which enables our learning patient cohort retrieval (L-PCR) system to learn from physicians' feedback. Results and discussion We evaluated the L-PCR system against state-of-the-art traditional patient cohort retrieval systems, and observed a 27% improvement when operating on EEGs and a 53% improvement when operating on TRECMed EHRs, showing the promise of the L-PCR system. We also performed extensive feature analyses to reveal the most effective strategies for representing cohort descriptions as queries, encoding EHRs, and measuring cohort relevance. Conclusion The L-PCR system has significant promise for reliably retrieving patient cohorts from EHRs in multiple settings when trained with relevance judgments. When provided with additional cohort descriptions, the L-PCR system will continue to learn, thus offering a potential solution to the performance barriers of current cohort retrieval systems.
Finite-Horizon Separation-Based Covariance Control for Discrete-Time Stochastic Linear Systems

In this paper, we address a finite-horizon stochastic optimal control problem with covariance assignment and input energy constraints for discrete-time stochastic linear systems with partial state information. In our approach, we consider separation-based control policies that correspond to sequences of control laws that are affine functions of either the complete history of the output estimation errors, that is, the differences between the actual output measurements and their corresponding estimated outputs produced by a discrete-time Kalman filter, or a truncation of the same history. This particular feedback parametrization allows us to associate the stochastic optimal control problem with a tractable semidefinite (convex) program. We argue that the proposed procedure for the reduction of the stochastic optimal control problem to a convex program has significant advantages in terms of improved scalability and tractability over the approaches proposed in the relevant literature.
Laboratory immersion method for accelerated prediction of preservative leaching from pressure-treated wood exposed to precipitation

This paper reports on the development of accelerated laboratory methods to allow estimation of preservative leaching from pressure-treated wood exposed to precipitation. End-matched lumber specimens were pressure-treated with a boron-copper formulation and exposed to either natural weathering for one year, laboratory immersion protocols, or a laboratory simulated rainfall protocol. The rainfall run-off or immersion water was collected at intervals according to the method used and analyzed for concentrations of copper and boron. Of the laboratory methods evaluated, the simulated rainfall approach resulted in leaching patterns most similar to outdoor exposure, especially in the case of copper. However, this method is relatively complex and not ideally suited for standardized use. Although the immersion methods evaluated initially exaggerated leaching, reasonable approximations of leaching from one year of natural weathering were achieved with accelerated testing. Models were developed to relate hours of immersion to millimeters of precipitation, and used to evaluate how well the immersion methods might predict leaching from natural weathering over many years of exposure. One of the methods produced boron and copper leaching estimates that were within 15% and 7% (respectively) of losses predicted for wood exposed to 5 years of natural weathering. The results indicate that laboratory immersion methods have value in estimating long term preservative leaching from treated wood products exposed to precipitation.
The risk of varenicline-induced seizure among those who have attempted to quit smoking using pharmacotherapy.

Abstract Objective Varenicline is an effective smoking cessation agent; however, its use is limited because of black box warnings issued by regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Australia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated the label for varenicline in 2015 to warn about the risk of varenicline-induced seizures. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of seizure associated with varenicline use. Methods A nested case–control study was performed using IMS LifeLink PharMetrics Plus administrative claims data (2009–2015). The outcome was presumptive seizures. All smokers making an attempt to quit smoking and having no recent seizure events were included in the nest. Cases and controls were matched (1:4) on age (± 5 years), sex, index date (± 30 days), event date, and duration of enrollment. An exposure period of 90 days preceding the event date was used. Chi-square tests were used to compare the characteristics of cases and controls. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to determine if an association between presumptive seizures and varenicline use exists. Results Our final sample was comprised of 1342 cases and 5368 controls. The adjusted analysis showed that odds of a seizure for patients with a varenicline prescription were 1.09 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.88–1.36) times those of patients with no varenicline exposure. Conclusions This study did not find a significant association between varenicline and increased risk of presumptive seizures. These findings raise questions regarding the necessity for a warning label for increased risk of seizures associated with varenicline.
Remote sensing for international human rights advocacy: Critiques and responses

In recent years the rise of remote sensing (RS) imagery in international human rights (IHR) advocacy has begun to draw significant critical attention from the academic community. This article engag...
Validamycin A Delays Development and Prevents Flight in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Trehalose is a disaccharide that is the major sugar found in insect hemolymph fluid. Trehalose provides energy, and promotes growth, metamorphosis, stress recovery, chitin synthesis, and insect flight. The hydrolysis of trehalose is under the enzymatic control of the enzyme trehalase. Trehalase is critical to the role of trehalose in insect physiology, and is required for the regulation of metabolism and glucose generation. Trehalase inhibitors represent a novel class of insecticides that have not been fully developed. Here, we tested the ability of trehalose analogues to function as larvacides or adulticides in an important disease vector-Aedes aegypti. We show that validamycin A, but not 5-thiotrehalose, delays larval and pupal development and prevents flight of adult mosquitoes. Larval mosquitoes treated with validamycin A were hypoglycemic and pupae had increased levels of trehalose. Treatment also skewed the sex ratio toward male mosquitoes. These data reveal that validamycin A is a mosquito adulticide that can impair normal development of an important disease vector.
Utility of serum CA-125 monitoring in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the utility of serum cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) levels to monitor patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Method This was a single-center retrospective review of all patients with EOC who were treated with ICI therapy from January 2013 to May 2017. This study compared the percentage change in baseline CA-125 in patients who had clinical benefit, defined as complete response, partial response, or stable disease by RECIST 1.1, with duration ≥24 weeks, versus those who did not. The groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Fifty-nine (66%) of 89 patients who underwent ICI therapy had CA-125 data at baseline and during treatment. Of those who derived clinical benefit, 11/15 (73%) experienced an increase in CA-125 from baseline to end of treatment. Of those who did not derive clinical benefit, 36/44 (82%) experienced a CA-125 increase (p = 0.48). The average % increase from baseline to within 12 weeks of treatment initiation for patients with and without clinical benefit was 34% and 195%, respectively (p = 0.008). Conclusion Our analysis demonstrates a statistically significant difference in the magnitude of increase in CA-125 levels within the first 12 weeks of treatment between patients who achieved clinical benefit and those who did not. However, both groups of patients were equally likely to experience an increase in CA-125 within 12 weeks. These findings suggest that physicians should apply caution when using early CA-125 data to guide treatment decisions for patients with EOC undergoing ICI therapy.
Separable recruitment of DNA Polymerase α for leading- and lagging-strand replication initiation

During eukaryotic DNA replication, DNA polymerase alpha/primase (Pol α) initiates synthesis on both the leading and lagging strands. It is unknown whether leading- and lagging-strand priming are mechanistically identical, and whether Pol α associates processively or distributively with the replisome. Here, we titrate cellular levels of Pol α in S. cerevisiae and analyze Okazaki fragments to study both replication initiation and ongoing lagging-strand synthesis in vivo. We find that leading- and lagging-strand initiation are differentially sensitive to Pol α abundance, and to the presence of the replisome adaptor protein Ctf4. Our results suggest that distinct, distributive modes of Pol α recruitment exist for the leading and lagging strands. Additionally, we observe that activation of the checkpoint becomes essential for viability upon severe depletion of Pol α, and demonstrate that this checkpoint requirement is due to impaired leading-strand initiation as opposed to reduced lagging-strand priming.
Hole-induced electronic and optical transitions in L a 1 − x S r x Fe O 3 epitaxial thin films

We have investigated the electronic and optical properties of epitaxial $\mathrm{L}{\mathrm{a}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{r}}_{x}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ for $0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1$ prepared by molecular-beam epitaxy. Core-level and valence-band x-ray photoemission features monotonically shift to lower binding energy with increasing $x$, indicating downward movement of the Fermi level toward the valence-band maximum. Combining valence-band photoemission and O $K$-edge x-ray absorption data, we map the evolution of the occupied and unoccupied bands and observe a narrowing of the gap, along with a transfer of state density from just below to just above the Fermi level as a result of hole doping. In-plane transport measurements confirm that the material becomes a $p$-type semiconductor at lower doping levels and exhibits a conversion from semiconducting to metallic behavior at $x=1$. Low-energy optical transitions revealed by spectroscopic ellipsometry are explained based on insight from theoretical densities of states and first-principles calculations of optical absorption spectra.
Hybrid Three-Phase Isolated DC-DC Converter Based on 5-Level NPC Topology

In this paper, a hybrid three-phase isolated DC-DC converter based on neutral point clamped (NPC) converter using wide band gap semiconductor devices is proposed. In this structure 5-level NPC converters in high voltage side and 3-level NPC converters in low voltage side are connected through high frequency transformer. 1.2kV silicon carbide MOSFETs and 1.2kV silicon IGBTs have been chosen for this structure. To better evaluate the efficiency of the converter, thermal characteristics of switches have been modeled. Finally, simulations have been done in PLECS software package to verify the operation of the proposed converter.
Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles as Safer Seed Priming Agent to Improve Chlorophyll and Antioxidant Profiles in Watermelon Seedlings

The use of nanoscale nutrients in agriculture to improve crop productivity has grown in recent years. However, the bioefficacy, safety, and environmental toxicity of nanoparticles are not fully understood. Herein, we used onion bulb extract to synthesize manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs). X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used for the structural and morphological characterization of synthesized MnO-NPs. The MnO-NPs were oval shape crystalline nanoparticles of Mn2O3 with sizes 22–39 nm. In further studies, we assessed the comparative toxicity of seed priming with MnO-NPs and its bulk counterparts (KMnO4 and Mn2O3), which showed seed priming with MnO-NPs had comparatively less phytotoxicity. Investigating the effect of seed priming with different concentrations of MnO-NPs on the hormonal, phenolic acid, chlorophyll, and antioxidant profiles of watermelon seedlings showed that treatment with 20 mg·L−1 MnO-NPs altered the chlorophyll and antioxidant profiles of seedlings. At ≤40 mg·L−1, MnO-NPs had a remarkable effect on the phenolic acid and phytohormone profiles of the watermelon seedlings. The physiological outcomes of the MnO-NP seed priming in watermelon were genotype-specific and concentration-dependent. In conclusion, the MnO-NPs were safer than their bulk counterparts and could increase crop productivity.
Financial burden and medication adherence among near-poor older adults in a pharmaceutical assistance program.

Abstract Background With increasing drug prices in the past decade, affordability and medication adherence are a growing concern for near-poor older adults, especially for those who are not receiving Low-Income Subsidy in Medicare Part D. SeniorCare is a pharmaceutical assistance program in Wisconsin for near-poor older adults, providing comprehensive prescription coverage with flat copayments. Objectives To evaluate five-year trends in financial hardship and medication adherence and to examine factors associated with these outcomes in SeniorCare members. Methods SeniorCare program enrollment and pharmacy claims data from 2014 to 2018 were used. The study population was near-poor older adults in SeniorCare with annual family income ≤200% of the federal poverty level. Financial burden was assessed using the proportion of total annual out-of-pocket costs to total annual income. Medication adherence was assessed by adapting the measures endorsed by the Pharmacy Quality Alliance and National Quality Forum. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were used to evaluate the trends, and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with financial burden and medication adherence. Results From 2014 to 2018, mean annual out-of-pocket costs per member declined by 3.7% (p Conclusions The near-poor older adults enrolled in Wisconsin SeniorCare program had low financial burden and good medication adherence within the program.
Crumpled graphene balls adsorb micropollutants from water selectively and rapidly

Abstract Thousands of anthropogenic materials (e.g., micropollutants, MPs) are discharged to surface and groundwaters daily and their wide distribution potentially threatens ecological and human health. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a widely used adsorbent to remove MPs, but with several deficiencies such as slow adsorption kinetics and hindered performance by natural organic macromolecules (NOM). Here, we detail the synthesis of a novel adsorbent, three-dimensional (3D), stacking-resistant, crumpled graphene oxide balls (CGBs) and their adsorbent properties by using eight persistent MPs under relevant environmental conditions. CGBs displayed 4–8 times greater adsorption capacity than GAC for seven of the eight MPs on a surface area equivalent basis. Kinetic experiments show that seven of eight MPs in a mixture reach >90 % removal efficiency after 15 min contact time (compared to 5–10 % removal of GAC). CGB adsorption performance was also tested as a function of varying NOM concentration, with other realistic environmental conditions of pH, ionic strength, water hardness, and alkalinity, to demonstrate that CGB adsorption of MPs is not adversely affected by NOM even at high concentrations and is stable over a range of field conditions. These findings demonstrate that CGBs are potentially a powerful adsorbent for micropollutant removal in complex aqueous environments.
The Effect of Duration of Lenalidomide Maintenance and Outcomes of Different Salvage Regimens in Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM).

The optimal duration of lenalidomide maintenance post-autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in Multiple Myeloma (MM), and choice of therapy at relapse post-maintenance, need further evaluation. This retrospective study assessed outcomes of patients with MM (n = 213) seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between 1/1/2005-12/31/2016 who received lenalidomide maintenance post-ASCT. The median PFS was 4 (95% CI: 3.4, 4.5) years from diagnosis of MM; median OS was not reached (5-year OS: 77%). Excluding patients who stopped lenalidomide maintenance within 3 years due to progression on maintenance, ≥3 years of maintenance had a superior 5-year OS of 100% vs. 85% in <3 years (p = 0.011). Median PFS was 7.2 (95% CI: 6, 8.5) years in ≥3 years vs. 4.4 (95% CI: 4.3, 4.5) years in <3 years (p < 0.0001). Lenalidomide refractoriness at first relapse was associated with inferior PFS2 [8.1 (95% CI: 6.4, 9.9) months vs. 19.9 (95% CI: 9.7, 30.2; p = 0.002) months in nonrefractory patients]. At first relapse post-maintenance, median PFS2 was superior with daratumumab-based regimens [18.4 (95% CI: 10.9, 25.9) months] versus regimens without daratumumab [8.9 (95% CI: 5.5, 12.3) months; p = 0.006]. Daratumumab + immunomodulatory drugs had superior median PFS2 compared to daratumumab + bortezomib [NR vs 1 yr (95% CI: 0.5, 1.5); p = 0.004].
Financial Constraints and Exports

How do firms' financial constraints, which restrict their borrowing, dynamically impact exports? This paper finds that after controlling for the endogeneity of financial constraints, constrained firms are less likely to export, and relaxing financial constraints leads to an increase in exports. In the model, imperfect contract enforceability restricts firms' borrowing. Firms use retained earnings to accumulate capital, relax financial constraints, and start exporting. Variations in firm age and financial environments can be used to solve the endogeneity problem of financial constraints. Using a firm-level data set in 26 developing countries between 2001 and 2013, we empirically find that constrained firms are 61.5% less likely to export, constrained exporters export 74.2% less, and relaxing financial constraints increases firms' exports. These results suggest that developing countries need to improve financial environments in ways besides currently used export-stimulating policies.
The laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory project LIGO

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) will search for direct evidence of gravitational waves emitted by astrophysical sources in accord with Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. State of the art laser interferometers located in Hanford, Washington and Livingston Parish, Louisiana will unambiguously measure the infinitesimal displacements of isolated test masses which convey the signature of these gravitational waves. The initial implementation of LIGO will consist of three interferometers operating in coincidence to remove spurious terrestrial sources of noise. Construction of the facilities has begun at both sites, while research continues to design and develop the technologies to be utilized in achieving the target sensitivity curve having a minimum sensitivity of ∼ 1 × 10meters/ √ Hz at ∼ 150 Hz for the initial phase of LIGO. Advanced LIGO interferometers of the future, having strain sensitivities on the order of 10/ √ Hz corresponding to optical phase sensitivities on the order of 10radians/ √ Hz over an observing band from 10Hz to 10kHz, require a complete understanding of the noise sources limiting detection. These fundamental noise sources will be quantitatively highlighted along with the principles of operation of the initial LIGO detector system and the characteristics of the most promising sources.
Afferent Activity is Greatly Increased by Spontaneous Phasic Contractions in Mouse Ex Vivo Urinary Bladder

Spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs) are transient, non-voiding contractions during urinary bladder filling that hallmark many bladder pathologies. However, the origin and physiological importanc...
Carboxypeptidase E cytoplasmic tail mediates localization of synaptic vesicles to the pre-active zone in hypothalamic pre-synaptic terminals.

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 886–896. Abstract How synaptic vesicles (SVs) are localized to the pre-active zone (5–200 nm beneath the active zone) in the nerve terminal, which may represent the slow response SV pool, is not fully understood. Electron microscopy revealed the number of SVs located in the pre-active zone, was significantly decreased in hypothalamic neurons of carboxypeptidase E knockout (CPE-KO) mice compared with wild-type mice. Additionally, we found K+-stimulated glutamate secretion from hypothalamic embryonic neurons was impaired in CPE-KO mice. Biochemical studies indicate that SVs from the hypothalamus of wild-type mice and synaptic-like microvesicles from PC12 cells contain a transmembrane form of CPE, with a cytoplasmic tail (CPEC10), maybe involved in synaptic function. Yeast two-hybrid and pull-down experiments showed that the CPE cytoplasmic tail interacted with γ-adducin, which binds actin enriched at the nerve terminal. Total internal reflective fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy using PC12 cells as a model showed that expression of GFP-CPEC15 reduced the steady-state level of synaptophysin-mRFP containing synaptic-like microvesicles accumulated in the area within 200 nm from the sub-plasma membrane (TIRF zone). Our findings identify the CPE cytoplasmic tail, as a new mediator for the localization of SVs in the actin-rich pre-active zone in hypothalamic neurons and the TIRF zone of PC12 cells.
Caching and Visualizing Statistical Analyses

We present the cacher and CodeDepends packages for R, which provide tools for (1) caching and analyzing the code for statistical analyses and (2) distributing these analyses to others in an efficient manner over the Web. The cacher package takes objects created by evaluating R expressions and stores them in key-value databases. These databases of cached objects can subsequently be assembled into “cache packages” for distribution over the Web. The cacher package also provides tools to help readers examine the data and code in a statistical analysis and reproduce, modify, or improve upon the results. In addition, readers can easily conduct alternate analyses of the data. The CodeDepends package provides complementary tools for analyzing and visualizing the code for a statistical analysis and this functionality has been integrated into the cacher package. In this chapter, we describe the cacher and CodeDepends packages and provide examples of how they can be used for reproducible research.
Absolute calibration of a wideband antenna and spectrometer for accurate sky noise temperature measurements

[1] A new method of absolute calibration of sky noise temperature using a three-position switched spectrometer, measurements of antenna and low noise amplifier impedance with a vector network analyzer, and ancillary measurements of the amplifier noise waves is described and compared with other methods of calibration. An initial test of the method has been made using brief observations from 55 to 110 MHz at West Forks, Maine, to estimate the sky noise spectral index. Estimates are made of the accuracy that might ultimately be achieved with observations to detect or set limits on the red-shifted 21 cm line at a radio quiet site. It is concluded that an antenna reflection coefficient better than about −20 dB is required to avoid being limited by the accuracy of the antenna reflection coefficient measurements using a vector network analyzer.
An Overview of High Performance Computing and Challenges for the Future

In this talk we examine how high performance computing has changed over the last 10-year and look toward the future in terms of trends. These changes have had and will continue to have a major impact on our software. A new generation of software libraries and algorithms are needed for the effective and reliable use of (wide area) dynamic, distributed and parallel environments. Some of the software and algorithm challenges have already been encountered, such as management of communication and memory hierarchies through a combination of compile-time and run-time techniques, but the increased scale of computation, depth of memory hierarchies, range of latencies, and increased run-time environment variability will make these problems much harder. We will focus on the redesign of software to fit multicore architectures.
The Search for a Second Genesis of Life in Our Solar System

One of the key goals of Astrobiology is to search for another example of life. In the near term, Mars and Europa are the likely targets for a search for a second genesis. On Mars the search is likely to be conducted in the frozen permafrost. On Europa active life may be found in the ocean beneath the ice cover.
Propylthiouracil-Induced Hepatic Failure and Encephalopathy in a Child

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is the most common antithyroid medication utilized in children for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. An adverse effect of PTU reported infrequently is hepatic injury. The child described here is the fifth reported case of severe hepatic injury in the pediatric age group and documents that clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatic injury requires immediate discontinuation of PTU.
Use of exact and adjusted liability scores to detect genes affecting common traits

We used the Haseman-Elston sib-pair test to screen for linkage of markers to genes for disease susceptibility in the simulated data as given in Problem 2 of GAW9. We applied the analysis to the underlying quantitative liability trait (Q1), other covariates of Q1 (Q2-Q4), and the dichotomous affection status trait. In addition, we analyzed the residual Q1 after adjusting for the covariates. Using the sib-pair linkage test, we identified a large region of chromosome 5 affecting the residual value of Q1, a region of chromosome 2 affecting Q3, and a region of chromosome 1 possibly affecting Q2. The analysis of the dichotomous traits did not reveal any regions to be significant. This is likely to be due to lack of information since the families were not selected through affected probands.
Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection: a case-control study among privately insured children

Abstract Objective To assess whether antecedent streptococcal infection(s) increase the risk of subsequent diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome (TS), other tic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or major depressive disorder (MDD) in a national sample of privately insured children. Method Using health insurance claims data, we compared the prior year's occurrence of streptococcal infection in children ages 4 to 13 years with OCD, TS, or tic disorder newly diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2004 to that of a cohort of matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to determine the association of prior streptococcal sore throat or scarlet fever with a diagnosis of OCD, TS, or tic disorder. We repeated the analyses for two other infectious diseases (otitis media and sinusitis) and one noninfectious condition (migraine). We also investigated the potential specificity of this association by performing similar analyses focused on newly diagnosed ADHD and newly diagnosed MDD. Results Subjects with newly diagnosed OCD, TS, or tic disorder were more likely than controls to have had a diagnosis of streptococcal infection in the previous year (odds ratio 1.54,95% confidence interval 1.29–2.15). Prior streptococcal infection was also associated with incident diagnoses of ADHD (odds ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.35) and MDD (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.30). Conclusions These findings provide epidemiologic evidence that some pediatric-onset neuropsychiatric disorders, including OCD, tic disorders, ADHD, and MDD, may be temporally related to prior streptococcal infections. Whether this is the result of a nonspecific stress response or secondary to an activation of the immune system remains to be determined.
On the Production of Heavy Electrons

The barytron theory of nuclear forces shows a close correspondence to the theory of the electromagnetic field. Estimates based on this analogy are given for the probabilities of the processes leading to actual production of barytrons. A comparison with the experimental evidence regarding the occurrence of barytrons in the cosmic radiation shows that the theoretical cross sections are too small to explain the properties of the hard component. The difficulty is increased by the short lifetime of the barytrons which is estimated to be of the order \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ sec. from radiative $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay. Therefore no simple picture of barytron production in terms similar to radiation theory can be given. This failure, however, indicates only the inapplicability of perturbation calculations, but does not constitute an actual disproof of the link between nuclear forces and cosmic radiation.
The Lonely Crowd Revisited

David Riesman's The Lonely Crowd (1950) is inseparably linked-name and image both-to the 1950s. The title evokes at once such themes as the spread of large organizations manned by a grey-suited "new middle class," delusive attempts to escape their reach in pseudo-pastoral suburban retreats, the flush of a new and unexpected prosperity inducing a frenzied accumulation of material goods, and an underlying malaise that expressed itself in compulsive conformity in tastes, habits, and opinions, including political opinions. This era, with these strikingly salient associated images, stands out so sharply because it was actually of rather short duration, although I often encounter younger people who equate "the 50s" with a dreary, interminably long succession of "bad old days" (rather the way my generation thought of the Victorian Age or even the 19th century) from which we were all "liberated" in the blessed "60s." In reality, The Lonely Crowd was published in 1950 and was written in 1948-1949 when Riesman, joined by Nathan Glazer, was on leave at Yale from the University of Chicago, where Reuel Denney was a colleague. Interviews, intended to illustrate rather than confirm the book's major ideas, were conducted in 1948, and 21 of them provided the basis for a separate volume, Faces in the Crowd, published in 1952. The tone of both books reflects, therefore, what Riesman himself has recently called (1987) the "innocent optimism" of the immediate postwar years rather than the rising tide of inchoate spiritual discontents of half a decade or more later. Most of the conditions with which The Lonely Crowd is so readily linked-affluence, rising mass consumption, suburbia, alienation, etc.-postdate it, although Riesman's pioneering insights, including those in later essays of his, contributed considerably to the identification and interpretation of these phenomena. The social science perspectives shaping
The Impact of Family Planning Classes on Contraceptive Knowledge, Acceptance, and Use

In order to evaluate the impact of classes in family planning on the acceptance and use of contraception a study was conducted in Harlem Hospital New York in 1970. 100 postpartum women completed questionnaires before attending a class on family planning and 100 completed the questionnaires attending the class. The median age of the women was 21 years and median number of children 2.1. There was a significant increase in knowledge about methods of contraception after the class. Acceptance of contraception was not influenced by whether the woman had attended the class or not. Those in the after class group did not differ in their acceptance of contraception when high scores on quizes were compared to low scorers. However those women who understood the mechanism of action for oral contraceptives had significantly higher continuation rates.
Social inequality among Yugoslav women in directoral positions

Through secondary analysis of 1981 Yugoslavia Census data, we examine the women's share of high‐status directoral positions by ethnicity for each of the six Yugoslav republics and two autonomous provinces. We test the hypothesis that nations and nationalities with higher education levels exhibit greater levels of occupational gender inequality than those with less education. This hypothesis was not supported by our data. We discuss possible implications for gender inequality in the future.
Influence of cyclosporine pharmacokinetics, trough concentrations, and AUC monitoring on outcome after kidney transplantation

To assess the importance of cyclosporine pharmacokinetics on graft outcome and acute rejection episodes, pretransplant and a total of 1868 posttransplant whole-blood cyclosporine pharmacokinetic profiles were performed in 160 consecutive kidney transplant recipients. The following posttransplant pharmacokinetic risk factors were associated with a poorer graft survival and a higher incidence of acute rejection: F, 325 ml/min; steady-state cyclosporine concentrations, < 350 ng/ml during intravenous infusion; or average cyclosporine concentrations, < 400 ng/ml during the first oral study. Although the discrimination between rejecting and nonrejecting patients was greatest for cyclosporine concentrations obtained at 24 hours after drug administration, measurements at 6 and 14 hours, as well as average concentrations, were all highly predictive. Because of the strong association between the cyclosporine concentrations and outcome, an equation is described to provide initial oral dose prediction. Furthermore, this association suggests that improved cyclosporine pharmacokinetic monitoring may aid in improving outcome after kidney transplantation.
A de novo designed 11 kDa polypeptide: Model for amyloidogenic intrinsically disordered proteins

A de novo polypeptide GH6[(GA)3GY(GA)3GE]8GAH6 (YE8) has a significant number of identical weakly interacting β-strands with the turns and termini functionalized by charged amino acids to control polypeptide folding and aggregation. YE8 exists in a soluble, disordered form at neutral pH but is responsive to changes in pH and ionic strength. The evolution of YE8 secondary structure has been successfully quantified during all stages of polypeptide fibrillation by deep UV resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectroscopy combined with other morphological, structural, spectral, and tinctorial characterization. The YE8 folding kinetics at pH 3.5 are strongly dependent on polypeptide concentration with a lag phase that can be eliminated by seeding with a solution of folded fibrillar YE8. The lag phase of polypeptide folding is concentration dependent leading to the conclusion that β-sheet folding of the 11-kDa amyloidogenic polypeptide is completely aggregation driven. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 607–618, 2010. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Microwave-induced reaction sintering of NiAl2O4

Abstract While the enormous increase in kinetics during the synthesis and sintering of complex ceramics in a microwave field is now well established, there are less examples where synthesis and sintering to high density have been demonstrated in one single step. In this communication, we report the simultaneous synthesis and sintering of NiAl 2 O 4 from NiO+Al 2 O 3 powder mixture in just 15 min in a 2.45-GHz microwave field. The “anisothermal reaction” condition that was achieved in a microwave field appears to be responsible for the observed enhancement in the reaction kinetics of NiAl 2 O 4 formation.
Modeling and analysis of CogNet architecture for cognitive radio networks

This paper introduces CogNet architecture which is developed based on cross-layer optimized network architecture and specially designed for cognitive radio networks. It enables cognitive radios to share the network information between the lower three layers through a common database while efficiently processing the shared information using the cognitive engine which is attached onto the common database. Cognitive engine in the proposed CogNet architecture is primarily used for routing function in network layer and is served as an example of use of CogNet architecture. It contains four estimators for different purposes and a five-step sequential procedure is implemented to process the shared network information. The available parameters for routing functions, such as routing metrics, can be intelligently adjusted according to the cross-layer optimized feedback from cognitive engine. The detailed modeling, analysis and implementations of CogNet architecture are provided.
The Scaling of Mood

Five mood thermometers were developed for measuring self-reported tension, confusion, anger, fatigue, and depression among adolescents by using numerical estimation to create adjectives and then su...
Vibronic Spin—Orbit Interactions in Heteroaromatic Molecules. I. Polycyclic Monoazines

The phosphorescence of several polycyclic monoazines is more in‐plane polarized in hydrocarbon solvents than in hydroxyl solvents outside the 0,0 band. The results are attributed to the solvent effect on the second‐order spin—orbit coupling involving vibronic interactions between n, π* and π, π* electronic states. It is suggested that the solvent effect on the vibronic spin—orbit interactions is partly responsible for the solvent dependence of phosphorescence lifetime. The solvent effects on the fluorescence and intersystem crossing of heteroaromatic molecules are examined and discussed in light of these results.
Virtual patient care: an interprofessional education approach for physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy students

The purpose of this retrospective qualitative case report is to describe how a case-based, virtual patient interprofessional education (IPE) simulation activity was utilized to achieve physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) student IPE learning outcomes. Following completion of a virtual patient case, 30 PA, 46 PT and 24 OT students were required to develop a comprehensive, written treatment plan and respond to reflective questions. A qualitative analysis of the submitted written assignment was used to determine whether IPE learning objectives were met. Student responses revealed three themes that supported the learning objectives of the IPE experience: benefits of collaborative care, role clarification and relevance of the IPE experience for future practice. A case-based, IPE simulation activity for physician assistant and rehabilitation students using a computerized virtual patient software program effectively facilitated achievement of the IPE learning objectives, including development of greater student awareness of other professions and ways in which collaborative patient care can be provided.
Charge Exchange Cross Sections for Helium Ions in Gases

The charge exchange cross sections have been determined for a helium ion beam in several stopping gases. The cross sections for electron loss by a fast helium atom (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{01}$) and for electron capture by an ion (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{10}$) are reported for energies between 4 and 200 kev. The target gases studied were hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, neon, and argon. ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{01}$ increases monotonically throughout the energy range for all gases studied, obtaining values of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at 200 kev. In all stopping gases except helium, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{10}$ passes through a maximum of approximately 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ near 50 kev, whereas for helium this cross section decreases throughout the energy range as expected for the resonant exchange reaction. Evidence is presented that the metastable excited state of the helium atom is of importance in the charge exchange process.
A first-principles study of the phase stability of fcc-based Ti-Al alloys

In this paper we present results of a first-principles phase stability study of fcc-based Ti-Al alloys. In particular, the full-potential linear muffin tin orbital method has been used to determine heats of formation and other zero-temperature properties of 9 fcc ordered superstructures as well as fcc and hcp Ti, and fcc Al. From these results a set of effective cluster interactions are determined which are used in a cluster variation method calculation of the thermodynamic properties and the composition-temperature phase diagram of fcc-based alloys.
Grayscale optical correlator for CAD/CAC applications

This paper describes JPL's recent work on high-performance automatic target recognition (ATR) processor consisting of a Grayscale Optical Correlator (GOC) and neural network for various Computer Aided Detection and Computer Aided Classification (CAD/CAC) applications. A simulation study for sonar mine and mine-like target detection and classification is presented. Applications to periscope video ATR is also presented.
On the mechanism of the interaction of ketamine and halothane in vitro.

Abstract 1. 1. Electrically induced contraction of guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle was inhibited by ketamine and halothane with IC 50 s of 2.1 × 10 −4 M and 1.8 v/v% respectively. 2. 2. The inhibitory action of ketamine was partially antagonized by naloxone and the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. 3. 3. The actions of ketamine and halothane were synergistic at high levels of response (above 30% inhibition). 4. 4. The actions of ketamine and halothane became antagonistic after treatment with pertussis toxin. 5. 5. The interaction of ketamine and halothane was similar to the interaction of morphine and halothane.
Io‐related Jovian auroral arcs: Modeling parallel electric fields

[1] Recent observations of auroral arcs on Jupiter suggest that electrons are being accelerated downstream from Io's magnetic footprint, creating detectable emissions. The downstream electron acceleration is investigated using one-dimensional spatial, two-dimensional velocity static Vlasov solutions under the constraint of quasi-neutrality and an applied potential drop. The code determines self-consistent charged particle distributions and potential structure along a magnetic field flux tube in the upward (with respect to Jupiter) current region of Io's wake. The boundaries of the flux tube are the Io torus on one end and Jupiter's ionosphere on the other. The results indicate that localized electric potential drops tend to form at 1.5-2.5 Rj Jovicentric distance. A sufficiently high secondary electron density causes an auroral cavity to be produced similar to that on Earth. Interestingly, the model results suggest that the proton and the hot electron population in the Io torus control the electron current densities between the Io torus and Jupiter and thus may control the energy flux and the brightness of the aurora downstream from Io's magnetic footprint. The parallel electric fields also are expected to create an unstable horseshoe electron distribution inside the auroral cavity, which may lead to the shell electron cyclotron maser instability. Results from our model suggest that in spite of the differing boundary conditions and the large centrifugal potentials at Jupiter, the auroral cavity formation may be similar to that of the Earth and that parallel electric fields may be the source mechanism of Io-controlled decametric radio emissions.
Physostigmine treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy.

Cognitive and extrapyramidal effects of cholinomimetic therapy were evaluated in 8 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. Each was randomized to a 10-day double-blind crossover trial of physostigimine and placebo. Physostigmine treatment was associated with marginal and inconsistent changes in long-term memory, suggesting that cholinergic therapy alone is insufficient to restore cognitive function. Motor scores remained unchanged.
Contribution of foliar leaching and dry deposition to sulfate in net throughfall below deciduous trees

Abstract Experiments were conducted at Walker Branch Watershed, TN, in 1986 with radioactive 35S (87 day half-life) to quantify the contribution of foliar leaching and dry deposition to sulfate (SO2−4) in net throughfall (NTF). Two red maple (Acer rubrum) and two yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) trees (12–15 m tall) were radiolabeled by stem well injection. Total S and 35S were measured in leaves; 35S and SO2−4 were measured in throughfall (THF). The contribution of foliar leaching to SO2−4 in NTF, THF minus incident precipitation, was estimated by isotope dilution of 35S in NTF arising from nonradioactive S in dry deposition. The per cent contribution of foliar leaching to SO2−4 in NTF was greatest during the week following isotope labeling and during the period of autumn leaf fall. During the growing season, foliar leaching accounted for 80% of the SO2−4 in NTF beneath the study trees. Dry deposition of S to these tree species can be reasonably approximated during summer from the measurement of SO2−4 flux in NTF.
Utilizing laboratory information systems to improve quality

Abstract The technology exists for using the laboratory information system (LIS) for both quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) of clinical laboratories. The LIS has been enlisted in an effort to decrease errors and optimize patient care with the emphasis on changes to systems or processes to accomplish these goals. This article addresses how to incorporate the LIS into routine or special projects of QA and QC and provides examples. Finally, follow-up is stressed to maintain the gains achieved.