cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty, Information Acquisition, and Technology Adoption

Consumers or firms contemplating purchasing a new product or adopting a new technology are often plagued by uncertainty: Will the benefits outweigh the costs? Should we buy now or wait and gather more information? In this paper, we study a dynamic programming model of this technology adoption problem. In each period, the consumer decides whether to adopt the technology, reject it, or wait and gather additional information by observing a signal about the technology's benefit. The technology's actual benefit may be constant or changing stochastically over time. The dynamic programming state variable is a probability distribution that describes the consumer's beliefs about the benefits of the technology. We allow general probability distributions on benefits and general signal processes and assume that the consumer updates her beliefs over time using Bayes' rule. We are interested in structural properties of this model. We show that improving the technology's benefit need not make the consumer better off and that first-order stochastic dominance improvements in the consumer's distribution on benefits need not increase the consumer's value function. Nevertheless, the model possesses a great deal of structure. For example, we obtain monotonic value functions and policies if we order distributions using likelihood-ratio dominance rather than first-order stochastic dominance. We also examine convexity properties and provide many comparative statics results.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF RAZOR BLADE SHEAR, ALLO-KRAMER SHEAR, WARNER-BRATZLER SHEAR AND SENSORY TESTS TO CHANGES IN TENDERNESS OF BROILER BREAST FILLETS

This study evaluated the ability of the razor blade (RB) shearing method and various other instrumental shearing methods as a means for developing models to predict tenderness in broiler breast fillets. Breast fillets were subjected to either shear analysis (razor, Allo-Kramer or Warner-Bratzler) or sensory evaluation (trained descriptive or consumer). The relationships between the instrumental and the descriptive sensory attributes exhibited coefficients of determination of 0.53 < R2 < 0.73 for initial hardness and chewdown hardness, while the relationships between the instrumental and the consumer sensory attributes of tenderness acceptability and intensity had coefficients of determination ranging between 0.71 < R2 < 0.97. For both descriptive and consumer sensory analyses, the instrumental shear tests performed similarly for predicting the tenderness of cooked broiler breast meat. The RB shear test for assessing meat tenderness had advantages, in that no sample cutting or weighing was required to execute the test nor was it excessively destructive, as only a small incision was made in the sample.
Approval Summary: Cetuximab in Combination With Cisplatin or Carboplatin and 5-Fluorouracil for the First-Line Treatment of Patients With Recurrent Locoregional or Metastatic Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer

On November 7, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved cetuximab in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer. Approval was based on a randomized study of 442 patients conducted outside the U.S. Cisplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously) or carboplatin (area under the curve 5 intravenously) on day 1 with 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m2/day continuous intravenous infusion days 1-4) were administered every 3 weeks. Cetuximab, 400 mg/m2 intravenously, was administered initially followed by cetuximab, 250 mg/m2 intravenously weekly. After completion of six planned treatment courses, cetuximab patients without progression continued cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly. The study used European Union (EU)-approved cetuximab rather than U.S.-approved cetuximab. U.S.-approved cetuximab provides approximately 28% higher exposure relative to EU-approved cetuximab in a pharmacokinetic comparability study in monkeys. Overall survival, the primary efficacy endpoint, was significantly improved in cetuximab-treated patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-0.98; p = .034, stratified log-rank test). Median survival times were 10.1 and 7.4 months, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) was also significantly improved in patients receiving cetuximab (HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46-0.72; p < .0001). Median PFS times were 5.5 and 3.3 months, respectively. Response rates were 35.6% and 19.5% (odds ratio: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.50-3.60; p = .0001). Adverse reactions (≥25%) from cetuximab plus chemotherapy treatment included nausea, anemia, vomiting, neutropenia, rash, asthenia, diarrhea, and anorexia. Conjunctivitis occurred in 10% of cetuximab patients. Other adverse reactions, sometimes severe, included infusion reactions, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia.
Rotational stability of tidally deformed planetary bodies

[1] We consider the true polar wander (rotational variations driven by mass redistribution) of tidally deformed planetary bodies. The rotation pole of bodies without tidal deformation is stabilized by the component of the rotational bulge which retains a memory for prior rotational states, that is, a remnant rotational bulge. For planetary bodies with tidal deformation, the additional stabilizing effect of a remnant tidal bulge results in less permissive excursions of the rotation pole. The magnitude of the load driving reorientation is parameterized by Q, the ratio between the degree-2 gravitational potential of the load and the remnant rotational bulge. Reorientation is favored if the initial load longitude is close to 90°, that is, close to the center of the leading or trailing hemisphere. As an illustration of the new theory, we consider reorientation driven by internal loading on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Small loads (∣Q∣ ≈ 1) are inconsistent with significant reorientation because of the small present-day angular separation between the load and the rotation axis. Larger loads (∣Q∣ ≈ 2) permit reorientations approaching 90°. Large reorientation scenarios are consistent with the present-day equatorial location of a geologically inferred ancient polar terrain.
Evaluation of Quantum Efficiency, Crosstalk, and Surface Recombination in HgCdTe Photon-Trapping Structures

The quantum efficiency (QE) in HgCdTe photovoltaic pixel arrays employing a photon-trapping (PT) structure realized with a periodic array of pillars intended to provide broadband operation was investigated. It was found that the QE depends heavily on the passivation of the pillar surface. This is due to the presence of large fixed positive charge on the surface of pillars passivated with anodic oxide. A three-dimensional numerical simulation model was used to study the effect of the surface charge density and surface recombination velocity on the exterior of the pillars. Then, the QE of this structure was evaluated subject to different surface conditions. It was found that alone the surface charge density or surface recombination is detrimental to the QE but that the QE is recovered when both phenomena are present. Subsequently, the crosstalk was analyzed and the superior performance of the PT structure was demonstrated by evaluating the modulation transfer function.
Analysis of Additional Interference Occurring After the Removal of Interferon

Cultures of chick cells exposed to interferon continued to decrease in virus-producing ability during incubation after the interferon was removed. The rate of development of the additional interference and the degree of viral interference finally manifested were dependent on the concentration of interferon to which the cultures were exposed and the time of exposure. Additional interference occurred also in infected cells. Additional interference was inhibited by actinomycin D and puromycin. The best explanation of additional interference is that it results from interferon that is fixed to the cells during their initial period of contact.
High school youth and suicide risk: exploring protection afforded through physical activity and sport participation

BACKGROUND: Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for adolescents. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the adolescent suicide rate increased 18% between 2003 and 2004. Sport may represent a promising protective factor against adolescent suicide. This study examined the relative risk of hopelessness and suicidality associated with physical activity and sport participation. METHODS: Data from the CDC's 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed. Logistic regression modeling was used to compare the odds of hopelessness and suicidality in students who engaged in various levels of physical activity to inactive students. Similar analyses were performed comparing risks of athletes to nonathletes, and the risks of highly involved athletes to nonathletes. RESULTS: Findings showed that frequent, vigorous activity reduced the risk of hopelessness and suicidality among male adolescents. However, low levels of activity actually increased the risk of feeling hopeless among young females. Yet, for both males and females, sport participation protected against hopelessness and suicidality. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that involvement in sport confers unique psychosocial benefits that protect adolescents against suicidality. Findings suggest that mechanisms other than physical activity contribute to the protective association between sport and reduced suicidality. Social support and integration may account for some of the differences found in suicidality between athletes and nonathletes. Language: en
Evaluation of a cow-side immunoassay kit for assessing IgG concentration in colostrum

Objective—To determine sensitivity and specificity of a cow-side immunoassay kit for assessing IgG concentration in colostrum. Design—Prospective study. Animals—76 dairy and 11 beef cows of various parities. Procedure—Colostrum from first, second, and third milkings and milk samples were collected, and IgG concentration was determined by means of radial immunodiffusion. The immunoassay was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing results of the immunoassay (positive vs negative) with results of immunodiffusion (< 50 g/L vs ≥ 50 g/L). Results—135 colostrum or milk samples were collected. Mean ± SD colostral IgG concentrations, determined by means of radial immunodiffusion for dairy and beef cows were 65.4 ± 51.4 g/L and 114.8 ± 42.7 g/L, respectively. Mean IgG concentrations for first-, second-, and third-milking colostrum samples and for milk samples were 92 ± 49.0 g/L, 74.6 ± 45.1 g/L, 47.5 ± 32 g/L, and 6.8 ± 3.8 g/L, respective...
Apoptosis in dendritic cell biology

Apoptosis or programmed cell death regulates many aspects in immunological homeostasis and, thus, controls the initiation, magnitude, duration, and termination of immune responses. Recent studies on dendritic cells (DC), including Langerhans cells (LC), have reinforced this concept by documenting that these antigen presenting cells express surface receptors and ligands that are known to mediate apoptotic cell death and that they are highly susceptible to apoptotic signals. In this review article, four major topics concerning apoptosis in the biology of DC will be overviewed: (a) molecular mechanisms of apoptosis; (b) DC apoptosis induced by various stimuli; (c) regulation of DC apoptosis; and (d) cross-priming and cross-tolerance induced by DC ingesting apoptotic bodies.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

The pathophysiology of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) includes a number of complex and diverse mechanisms involving interactions between hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, neutrophils, macrophages, sinusoidal endothelial cells, and platelets. Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), a cytokine produced by numerous cell types in response to inflammatory stimuli, is a well-known mediator during ischemia/reperfusion (IR) that plays a central role in injury to hepatocytes. TNF-α has a multifactorial effect in hepatic IRI because of the many interactions between TNF-α and reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, adhesion molecules, and various cytokines and chemokines. The intracellular cascades that TNF-α triggers and their downstream effects are clearly presented throughout this manuscript. With these mechanisms in mind, ischemic preconditioning and pharmacological interventions with potential clinical application to prevent or attenuate IRI will be emphasized.
Facial animation framework for web and mobile platforms

In this paper, we present a realistic facial animation framework for web and mobile platforms. The proposed system converts the text into 3D face animation with synthetic voice, ensuring synchronization of the head and eye movements with emotions and word flow of a sentence. The expression tags embedded in the input sentences turn into given emotion on the face while the virtual face is speaking. The final face motion is obtained by interpolating the keyframes over time to generate transitions between facial expressions. Visual results of the animation are sufficient for web and mobile environments. The proposed system may contribute to the development of various new generation e-Health applications such as intelligent communication systems, human-machine interfaces and interfaces for handicapped people.
Meningoencephalitis in Mink Associated with a Sarcocystis Neurona-Like Organism

5. Hsu SM, Raine L, Farger H: 1981, Use of avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex (ABC) in immunoperoxidase techniques: a comparison between the ABC and unlabeled antibody (PAP) procedure. J Histochem Cytochem 29:577-580. 6. Neer TM, Reavis DU: 1983, Craniopharyngioma and associated central diabetes insipidus and hypothyroidism in a dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 182:519-520. 7. Patnaik AK, Nafe LA: 1980, Intracranial teratocarcinoma in a dog. Vet Pathol 17:764-769. 8. Ribas JL, Carpenter JL, Mena H, et al.: 1991, Central system meningioma in the dog: a review of 50 cases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 50:373. 9. Saunders LZ, Richard CG: 1952, Craniopharyngioma in a dog with apparent adiposogenital syndrome and diabetes insipidus. Cornell Vet 42:490-495. 10. Schulman FY, Carpenter JL, Ribas JL, Brum DE: 1992, Cystic papillary meningioma in the sella turcica of a dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 200:67-69. 11. Valentine BA, Summers BA, de Lahunta A, et al.: 1988, Suprasellar germ cell tumors in the dog: a report of five cases and review of the literature. Acta Neuropathol 76:94-100. 12. Walsh JW: 1985, Suprasellar germinomas. In: Neurosurgery, ed. Wilkins WH, Rengachary SS, pp. 921-925. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VISUAL SEIZURES AND VISUAL EVOKED POTENTIALS

We have studied a patient (pt) in status epilepticus with visual seizures (szs) arising focally from the right occipital area and have recorded the visual evoked potential (VEP) to three different stimuli under three different conditions (during, between and with no szs). The pt experienced “sparkling” in the contralateral visual field as the sz and the intensity of the “sparkling” was directly related to the frequency of the ictal activity recorded on the EEG. During the szs the VEPs could still be recorded, but the amplitude of the P100 was higher on the contralateral side with pattern reversal (PR) stimuli, and with flashes (FL) the positive peak after the P100 was less evident on the ipsilateral side. Latencies to these latter two positivities were generally shorter than in normals, with much greater standard deviations ipsilaterally with FL and contralaterally with PR, especially during the actual szs. The relationship between VEP generation and visual sz phenomena is discussed.
Incorporating the effect of mutual inductances in power electronic circuits

A mathematical model is developed for the direct representation of multiple mutual inductances in a power electronic circuit. The development of the model and its implementation are illustrated by an example. The power electronic analysis software ATOSEC5 is modified to include the analysis of circuits with mutual inductance. Analysis of an inverter shows the importance of the mutual coupling in the actual behavior of the circuit. >
A new genus of Paguridae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura) for a new species from the tropical eastern Pacific and Pagurus longimanus Wass, 1963 from the tropical western Atlantic

A new genus, Spathapagurus, is described for S. collinae n. sp. from the tropical eastern Pacific and its geminate species Pagurus longimanus Wass, 1963 from the tropical western Atlantic. These congeners share grossly unequal chelipeds, the right being narrowly spatulate and up to four times longer than the left. The males have short sexual tubes consisting of slight extrusions of the vas deferens from the gonopores, though these short tubes are masked by long, forwardly directed setae. The females lack first pleopods and have unpaired left second to fifth pleopods. The new species is fully described, illustrated, and compared to P. longimanus , herein placed in the new genus. The diagnosis of the latter species is emended and its distribution expanded to include the Caribbean coast of Panama in Central America.
An Iterative Least Square Approach to Elastic-Lidar Retrievals for Well-Characterized Aerosols

An iterative least square method is presented for estimating the solution to the lidar equation. The method requires knowledge of the backscatter values at a boundary point for all channels and a priori defined relationships between backscatter, extinction, and mass-fraction concentration for all scattering components. The lidar equation is formulated in vector form, and a solution is computed using an iterative least square technique. The solution is stable for signals with extremely low signal-to-noise ratios and for signals at ranges far beyond the boundary point. The solution can be applied to lidar signals with an arbitrary number of wavelengths and scattering components.
Secretagogue-induced translocation of CRHSP-28 within an early apical endosomal compartment in acinar cells

Ca2+-regulated heat-stable protein (CRHSP-28) is a member of the TPD52 protein family that has been shown to regulate Ca2+-dependent secretory activity in pancreatic acinar cells. Immunofluorescenc...
Optical trapping of nanoparticles with significantly reduced laser powers by using counter-propagating beams (Presentation Recording)

Gold nanoparticles (GNP) have wide applications ranging from nanoscale heating to cancer therapy and biological sensing. Optical trapping of GNPs as small as 18 nm has been successfully achieved with laser power as high as 855 mW, but such high powers can damage trapped particles (particularly biological systems) as well heat the fluid, thereby destabilizing the trap. In this article, we show that counter propagating beams (CPB) can successfully trap GNP with laser powers reduced by a factor of 50 compared to that with a single beam. The trapping position of a GNP inside a counter-propagating trap can be easily modulated by either changing the relative power or position of the two beams. Furthermore, we find that under our conditions while a single-beam most stably traps a single particle, the counter-propagating beam can more easily trap multiple particles. This (CPB) trap is compatible with the feedback control system we recently demonstrated to increase the trapping lifetimes of nanoparticles by more than an order of magnitude. Thus, we believe that the future development of advanced trapping techniques combining counter-propagating traps together with control systems should significantly extend the capabilities of optical manipulation of nanoparticles for prototyping and testing 3D nanodevices and bio-sensing.
A Modified Nonlocal Continuum Electrostatic Model for Protein in Water and Its Analytical Solutions for Ionic Born Models

A nonlocal continuum electrostatic model, defined as integro-differential equations, can significantly improve the classic Poisson dielectric model, but is too costly to be applied to large protein simulations. To sharply reduce the model's com- plexity, a modified nonlocal continuum electrostatic model is presented in this paper for a protein immersed in water solvent, and then transformed equivalently as a sys- tem of partial differential equations. By using this new differential equation system, analytical solutions are derived for three different nonlocal ionic Born models, where a monoatomic ion is treated as a dielectric continuum ball with point charge either in the center or uniformly distributed on the surface of the ball. These solutions are analyt- ically verified to satisfy the original integro-differential equations, thereby, validating the new differential equation system. AMS subject classifications: 92-08, 65N30
"Report a Landslide” A website to engage the public in identifying geologic hazards

Direct observation by people is the most practical way of identifying, locating, and describing most damaging landslides. In an effort to increase public awareness of landslide hazards and encourage public participation in collecting basic data about landslides, the USGS recently launched a website called “Report a landslide.” The website is modeled in part after the highly successful USGS website “Did you feel it?” which has been used for several years to gather data from the public about intensity of felt earthquakes. The new “Report a landslide” website encourages visitors to report where and when they observed a landslide and to classify the landslide by movement type. Interested users also can report information about damage and casualties, dimensions, and simple geological observations, and can submit photographs of the landslide. Once a user submits a report, the location of the reported landslide appears on a map, and the location is linked to a summary of submitted data. Photos are reviewed prior to posting on the event page. By adding existing USGS data from historical landslides and promoting the website in the wake of large, regional landslide events, we hope to generate widespread awareness and interest in the website. The “Report a landslide” site has great potential for eventually creating a nationwide source of basic landslide data.
Analysis of an electronic consultation program at an academic medical centre: Primary care provider questions, specialist responses, and primary care provider actions

Introduction Electronic consultations (eConsults) increase access to specialty care, but little is known about the types of questions primary care providers (PCPs) ask through eConsults, and how they respond to specialist recommendations. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive analysis of the first 200 eConsults completed in the UCSF eConsult program. Participating PCPs were from eight adult primary care sites at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA. Medicine subspecialties participating were Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/hepatology, Hematology, Infectious diseases, Nephrology, Pulmonary medicine, Rheumatology, and Sleep medicine. We categorized eConsult questions into "diagnosis," "treatment," and/or "monitoring." We performed medical record reviews to determine the percentage of specialist recommendations PCPs implemented, and the proportion of patients with a specialist visit in the same specialty as the eConsult, emergency department visit, or hospital admission during the subsequent six months. Results PCP questions related to diagnosis in 71% of cases, treatment in 46%, and monitoring in 21%. Specialist responses related to diagnosis in 76% of cases, treatment in 64%, and monitoring in 40%. PCPs ordered 79% of all recommended laboratory tests, 86% of recommended imaging tests and procedures, 65% of recommended new medications, and 73% of recommended medication changes. In the six months after the eConsult, 14% of patients had a specialist visit within the UCSF system in the same specialty as the eConsult. Discussion eConsults provide guidance to PCPs across the spectrum of patient care. PCPs implement specialists' recommendations in the large majority of cases, and few patients subsequently require in-person specialty care related to the reason for the eConsult.
Induction of Increased Benzpyrene Hydroxylase Activity in Pulmonary Tissue in Vitro

SummaryA technique has been developed for obtaining induction of increased benzpyrene hydroxylase activity in short-term cultures of rat pulmonary tissue. Several pheno-thiazines, polycyclic hydrocarbons, and other compounds which induce increased benzpyrene hydroxylase activity in vivo when administered to rats will likewise induce an increased activity of this enzyme system in vitro when added to the culture system.
Increasing the Usefulness of Academic Scholarship for Local Government Practitioners

The connection between public administration scholarship and practice has been a challenge since the establishment of the profession of public administration. This raises several key issues such as whether practitioners have access to scholarly research, whether scholars are addressing topics that the practitioners are interested in, and the extent to which the practitioners can understand and apply material they have acquired from research articles. This article uses the results from a panel discussion with local government managers and information from leading public administration journals to explore the causes of the divide and offer options to help bridge the gap.
The mass question

Do the elementary particles known as neutrinos have mass? Yes, according to recent experiments. But how much? A surprising — and controversial — result suggests that the answer is not what we thought.
The role of operative inferior vena caval interruption in the management of venous thromboembolism

Inferior vena caval interruption by direct operative techniques remains the mainstay of therapy for those patients with pulmonary embolism who cannot be treated effectively by anticoagulation, or who sustain recurrent embolic episodes despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. Complete ligation of the cava is associated with a somewhat higher operative mortality than plication, but appears indicated for those situations in which even a small subsequent embolus would be life-threatening. Plication, which has more frequent indications, is generally performed by placement of an external clip, with an acceptable operative mortality and effective control of recurrent emboli. Longterm caval patency following plication approximates 70%, and should minimize late sequelae, which appear most closely related to the extent of preexisting venous thrombotic disease. Technical aspects of the performance of caval interruption procedures are critical in insuring success and minimizing late recurrences and complications. The direct operative approaches permit precise anatomic location of the caval interruption and simultaneous ligation of associated major venous collaterals, which is an effective, low-risk approach to the life-threatening pulmonary embolism problem.
Surgical anatomy and physiology of swallowing

Deglutition, the act of swallowing, is an extremely complex process involving approximately 50 pairs of muscles and nerves that are responsible for preparing and transferring food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. A problem with any of these structures can lead to dysphagia and a decrease in the quality of life in patients suffering from it. To successfully diagnose and treat dysphagia, a thorough understanding of deglutition is essential. The anatomy and physiology of the swallowing process is reviewed as it pertains to operative approach and technique.
Determination of total arsenic in biological materials with atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Objective To establish a method for measuring total arsenic in biological materials with double channel atomic fluorescence spectrometer of type PF6-2.Methods Mercury in the sample was measured with atomic fluorescence spectrometry after wet digestion or microwave digestion processes.Results The detection limit was 0.5 ng/ml of a good linear relationship between 0-50 mg/ml,the correlation coefficient was 0.999 3.There was no significant difference in results of the determination between this method and the current method for measuring arsenic.The precision of microwave digestion was better.The precision of the RSD was 2%-4%,the recovery of standard addition was 91.0%-104.7%.Conclusion The speed of analysis of atomic fluorescence spectrometry is fast,detection limit is low,accuracy and precision is high,and it is a good method for the determination of total arsenic in biological materials.
Tyrosinemia type I and not treatment with NTBC causes slower learning and altered behavior in mice

Tyrosinemia type I is a recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) gene, coding for the final enzyme in the metabolism of tyrosine. This renders FAH nonfunctional and without treatment, toxic metabolites accumulate causing liver and kidney damage. Introduction of the drug NTBC in 2002 offered a treatment which inhibits an upstream enzyme, preventing the production of the toxic metabolites. There is now a long-term survival rate of greater than 90 % in children, but there are reports of lower cognitive function and IQ as well as schooling and behavioral problems in these children. We studied a mouse model of tyrosinemia type I to gain insight into the effects of tyrosinemia type I and treatment with NTBC on mouse learning, memory, and behavior. In the Barnes maze, visual and spatial cues can be used by mice to remember the location of a dark escape box. The primary time, distance, and strategy taken by the mice to locate the escape box is a measure of learning and memory. Our findings show that mice with tyrosinemia type I were slower to learn than wild-type mice treated with NTBC and made more mistakes, but were capable of learning and storing long-term memory. After learning the location of the target hole, mice with tyrosinemia type I respond differently to a change in location and were less flexible in learning the new target hole location. Our findings suggest that this slower learning and cognitive difference is caused by tyrosinemia type I and not by the treatment with NTBC.
Finite difference schemes for transient simulation of transmission lines exhibiting uncertainties

Finite difference numerical schemes are shown to be effective at propogating the effects of uncertainties in time domain. Stochastic LIM is based on the Stochastic Galerkin Method applied to finite difference leapfrog-based Latency Insertion Method. In this paper, two techniques for simulating transmission lines exhibiting uncertainties are discussed. The geometric and material uncertainties in a transmission line is characterized by the probability distribution of its per-unit-length R, L, G, C parameters. Then, transient simulation of equivalent stochastic circuit is performed using Stochastic LIM and also deterministic LIM with Stochastic Collcation.
Tunable spin–orbit coupling and symmetry-protected edge states in graphene/WS 2

We demonstrate clear weak anti-localization (WAL) effect arising from induced Rashba spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in WS_2-covered single-layer and bilayer graphene devices. Contrary to the uncovered region of a shared single-layer graphene flake, WAL in WS_2-covered graphene occurs over a wide range of carrier densities on both electron and hole sides. At high carrier densities, we estimate the Rashba SOC relaxation rate to be ~0.2 ps^(-1) and show that it can be tuned by transverse electric fields. In addition to the Rashba SOC, we also predict the existence of a'valley-Zeeman' SOC from first-principles calculations. The interplay between these two SOC's can open a non-topological but interesting gap in graphene; in particular, zigzag boundaries host four sub-gap edge states protected by time-reversal and crystalline symmetries. The graphene/WS_2 system provides a possible platform for these novel edge states.
The Kameido Anthrax Incident: A Microbial Forensics Case Study

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the Kameido Anthrax incident. The Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese religious sect, attacked the Tokyo subway system with sarin, a chemical nerve agent. Subsequent investigations revealed that the sect had also attempted to develop and utilize biological weapons. In mid-1993, a bioterrorist attack with an aerosol containing Bacillus anthracis spores was launched in Kameido, Japan. On June 29–30, 1993, complaints about foul odors were registered with local environmental health authorities in Kameido in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The odors originated from the eight-story headquarters building of the Aum Shinrikyo. Some of the exposed persons reported appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. Birds and pets were also reportedly ill, but the nature of these illnesses was not defined. Police investigations of the sarin attack on the Tokyo subway system revealed that the Aum Shinrikyo was also involved in bioterrorism. Following the conservative Japanese policy of not revealing criminal evidence until the time of trial in court, the true nature of the Kameido incident was first disclosed to the public in May 1996. Aum Shinrikyo members had confessed that the odors resulted from efforts to aerosolize a liquid suspension of B. anthracis spores. The motive was to trigger an inhalational anthrax epidemic and a subsequent world war. The war would culminate in the Aum Shinrikyo members becoming a super-race that would rule the world in accord with Asahara's preaching.
The Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey: measuring conflicting attitudes about giving blood

SUMMARYObjectives This study was designed to develop and conduct initial validation testing for a novel measure of ambivalence about donating blood. Background Previous studies of living organ, bone marrow and stem cell donors have identified donation-related ambivalence as a predictor of decisions about donation and post-donation outcomes. Ambivalence about blood donation has not received the same attention. Methods In Study 1, a sample of young adults (N = 396) were administered test items of ambivalence, and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to identify the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey. In Study 2, a separate sample of young adults (N = 241) completed the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey in addition to questionnaires assessing known predictors of blood donation. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two-factor structure reflecting commitment to donating blood and indecision about giving blood. The commitment subscale was positively related to known predictors of increased donation behaviour (e.g. donation intention, self-efficacy), whereas the indecision subscale was positively related to known predictors of decreased donation behaviour (e.g. donation anxiety, negative affect). Furthermore, a history of blood donation was associated with greater commitment and less indecision. Conclusions The present findings provide strong initial support for the reliability and validity of a novel measure of blood donor ambivalence.
Prolonged low-level noise-induced plasticity in the peripheral and central auditory system of rats

Prolonged low-level noise exposure alters loudness perception in humans, presumably by decreasing the gain of the central auditory system. Here we test the central gain hypothesis by measuring the acute and chronic physiologic changes at the level of the cochlea and inferior colliculus (IC) after a 75-dB SPL, 10-20-kHz noise exposure for 5weeks. The compound action potential (CAP) and summating potential (SP) were used to assess the functional status of the cochlea and 16 channel electrodes were used to measure the local field potentials (LFP) and multi-unit spike discharge rates (SDR) from the IC immediately after and one-week post-exposure. Measurements obtained immediately post-exposure demonstrated a significant reduction in supra-threshold CAP amplitudes. In contrast to the periphery, sound-evoked activity in the IC was enhanced in a frequency-dependent manner consistent with models of enhanced central gain. Surprisingly, one-week post-exposure supra-threshold responses from the cochlea had not only recovered, but were significantly larger than normal, and thresholds were significantly better than controls. Moreover, sound-evoked hyperactivity in the IC was sustained within the noise exposure frequency band but suppressed at higher frequencies. When response amplitudes representing the neural output of the cochlea and IC activity at one-week post exposure were compared with control animal responses, a central attenuation phenomenon becomes evident, which may play a key role in understanding why low-level noise can sometimes ameliorate tinnitus and hyperacusis percepts.
Information and Reference

The technical concept of information developed after Shannon [22] has fueled advances in many fields, but its quantitative precision and its breadth of application have come at a cost. Its formal abstraction from issues of reference and significance has reduced its usefulness in fields such as biology, cognitive neuroscience and the social sciences where such issues are most relevant. I argue that explaining these nonintrinsic properties requires focusing on the physical properties of the information medium with respect to those of its physical context—and specifically the relationship between the thermodynamic and information entropies of each. Reference is shown to be a function of the thermodynamic openness of the information medium. Interactions between an informing medium and its physical context that drive the medium to a less probable state create intrinsic constraints that indirectly reflect the form of this extrinsic influence. This susceptibility of an informing medium to the effects of physical work is also relevant for assessing the significance or usefulness of information. Significance can be measured in terms of work “saved” due to access to information about certain contextual factors relevant to achieving a preferred target condition.
Exploration before exploitation

The current U.S. administration has proposed to open up 90% of the U.S. continental shelf to oil and gas drilling as part of a new Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Draft Proposed Program. Although there is a clear need to move beyond fossil fuels for America's energy needs and energy security, there are also a number of immediate existential threats posed by an increase in offshore drilling.
Sensitivity of electrospray molecular dynamics simulations to long-range Coulomb interaction models.

Molecular dynamics (MD) electrospray simulations of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM-${\mathrm{BF}}_{4}$) ion liquid were performed with the goal of evaluating the influence of long-range Coulomb models on ion emission characteristics. The direct Coulomb (DC), shifted force Coulomb sum (SFCS), and particle-particle particle-mesh (PPPM) long-range Coulomb models were considered in this work. The DC method with a sufficiently large cutoff radius was found to be the most accurate approach for modeling electrosprays, but, it is computationally expensive. The Coulomb potential energy modeled by the DC method in combination with the radial electric fields were found to be necessary to generate the Taylor cone. The differences observed between the SFCS and the DC in terms of predicting the total ion emission suggest that the former should not be used in MD electrospray simulations. Furthermore, the common assumption of domain periodicity was observed to be detrimental to the accuracy of the capillary-based electrospray simulations.
Re-Examining an Old Problem: Identification of Demand Curves in Outdoor Recreation

(1977). Re-Examining an Old Problem: Identification of Demand Curves in Outdoor Recreation. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 313-315.
Transcranial direct current brain stimulation decreases impulsivity in ADHD.

Abstract Background Impulsivity is a core deficit in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to modulate cognitive control circuits and could enhance DLPFC activity, leading to improved impulse control in ADHD. Objective Hypothesis: We predicted 2.0 mA anodal stimulation (tDCS) versus sham stimulation applied over the left DLPFC would improve Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT) scores. Our secondary hypothesis predicted that stop signal task (SST) reaction time (SSRT) would decrease with tDCS (versus sham). Methods Thirty-seven participants completed two periods of three tDCS (or sham) sessions two weeks apart in a within-subject, double-blind, counterbalanced order. Participants performed a fractal N-back training task concurrent with tDCS (or sham) stimulation. Participants completed the CPT and SST at the beginning of treatment (baseline), at the end of the treatment, and at a 3-day post-stimulation follow-up. Results There was a significant stimulation condition by session interaction for CPT false positive scores (χ2 = 15.44, p 0.05). There was no significant stimulation condition by session interaction effect on CPT true positive errors or response time (ps > 0.05). No significant change in SSRT performance was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that stimulation of the left DLPFC with tDCS can improve impulsivity symptoms in ADHD, supporting the therapeutic potential for tDCS in adult ADHD patients.
Physical Therapy as the First Point of Care to Treat Low Back Pain: An Instrumental Variables Approach to Estimate Impact on Opioid Prescription, Health Care Utilization, and Costs.

Objective To compare differences in opioid prescription, health care utilization, and costs among patients with low back pain (LBP) who saw a physical therapist (PT) at the first point of care, at any time during the episode or not at all. Data sources Commercial health insurance claims data, 2009-2013. Study design Retrospective analyses using two-stage residual inclusion instrumental variable models to estimate rates for opioid prescriptions, imaging services, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and health care costs. Data extraction Patients aged 18-64 years with a new primary diagnosis of LBP, living in the northwest United States, were observed over a 1-year period. Principal findings Compared to patients who saw a PT later or never, patients who saw a PT first had lower probability of having an opioid prescription (89.4 percent), any advanced imaging services (27.9 percent), and an Emergency Department visit (14.7 percent), yet 19.3 percent higher probability of hospitalization (all p Conclusions When LBP patients saw a PT first, there was lower utilization of high-cost medical services as well as lower opioid use, and cost shifts reflecting the change in utilization.
Telling and Selling: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

This chapter chronicles how Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman adapted Gregory Maguire’s dark political novel to the Broadway stage. We discuss their initial attraction to the tale, their discovery that the show “was about two Witches instead of one,” and the initial critical reception of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz in the context of Oz’s profound place in American culture. We then turn our focus to Nancy Coyne’s and Marc Platt’s marketing strategies, analyzing the crucial role they played in Wicked’s unprecedented success.
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb joint are associated with early complications after subsequent surgery.

Truven MarketScan® Databases were used to identify patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis who underwent surgical treatment. Pre-operative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections were id...
Segmenting lung tumors on longitudinal imaging studies via a patient-specific adaptive convolutional neural network.

Abstract Purpose To design a deep learning algorithm that automatically delineates lung tumors seen on weekly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans acquired during radiotherapy and facilitates the analysis of geometric tumor changes. Methods This longitudinal imaging study comprised 9 lung cancer patients who had 6–7 weekly T2-weighted MRI scans during radiotherapy. Tumors on all scans were manually contoured as the ground truth. Meanwhile, a patient-specific adaptive convolutional neural network (A-net) was developed to simulate the workflow of adaptive radiotherapy and to utilize past weekly MRI and tumor contours to segment tumors on the current weekly MRI. To augment the training data, each voxel inside the volume of interest was expanded to a 3 × 3 cm patch as the input, whereas the classification of the corresponding patch, background or tumor, was the output. Training was updated weekly to incorporate the latest MRI scan. For comparison, a population-based neural network was implemented, trained, and validated on the leave-one-out scheme. Both algorithms were evaluated by their precision, DICE coefficient, and root mean square surface distance between the manual and computerized segmentations. Results Training of A-net converged well within 2 h of computations on a computer cluster. A-net segmented the weekly MR with a precision, DICE, and root mean square surface distance of 0.81 ± 0.10, 0.82 ± 0.10, and 2.4 ± 1.4 mm, and outperformed the population-based algorithm with 0.63 ± 0.21, 0.64 ± 0.19, and 4.1 ± 3.0 mm, respectively. Conclusion A-net can be feasibly integrated into the clinical workflow of a longitudinal imaging study and become a valuable tool to facilitate decision- making in adaptive radiotherapy.
Collective Behavior and Ecology

Abstract We explore individual-based and continuum models of the distribution of organisms which respond to their environment by altering their movement relative to the fluid they live in. Aggregations can occur either through sensing of gradients or by simply altering the random motions based on local cues. These may include information about positions and perhaps velocities of neighbors as well as environmental characteristics. Once aggregations form, the ecological interactions will also change: a patch of organisms can locally deplete their resource so that the average or the nonlinear terms representing uptake end up being smaller than they would be with a uniform distribution. We examine a number of cases of both this kind of interaction and predator–prey dynamics; the influence on the mean population is sensitive to the details of the functional forms of the growth and mortality processes. The impact can be quite significant.
Mechanism of Photoredox-Initiated C–C and C–N Bond Formation by Arylation of IPrAu(I)–CF3 and IPrAu(I)–Succinimide

Herein, we report on the photoredox-initiated gold-mediated C(sp2)-CF3 and C(sp2)-N coupling reactions. By adopting gold as a platform for probing metallaphotoredox catalysis, we demonstrate that cationic gold(III) complexes are the key intermediates of the C-C and C-N coupling reactions. The high-valent gold(III) intermediates are accessed by virtue of photoredox catalysis through a radical chain process. In addition, the bond-forming step of the coupling reactions is the reductive elimination from cationic gold(III) intermediates, which is supported by isolation and crystallographic characterization of key Au(III) intermediates.