cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Liver Transplant Recipients

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a rare complication of liver transplantation associated with high morbidity and mortality. Death typically occurs due to complications related to severe infection, shock, and multiorgan failure. The clinical presentation involves dysfunction of multiple organ systems with overlapping symptoms that often results in a diagnostic delay. As there are a limited number of cases reported in the literature, there are no clear guidelines for treatment. Many different therapeutic measures have been utilized that target various immune system pathways, but steroids remain the first line of therapy. We report on two patients who developed aGvHD after liver transplantation who were treated with ruxolitinib, a novel Janus kinase 1/2 (JAK) inhibitor that has been shown to improve outcomes in steroid refractory cases of aGvHD after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We reviewed the literature to discuss various therapeutic options currently available for aGvHD after liver transplantation.
Pharmacoresponsiveness of spontaneous recurrent seizures and the comorbid sleep disorder of epileptic Kcna1-null mice.

Abstract Drug resistant epilepsy affects ∼30% of people with epilepsy and is associated with epilepsy syndromes with frequent and multiple types of seizures, lesions or cytoarchitectural abnormalities, increased risk of mortality and comorbidities such as cognitive impairment and sleep disorders. A limitation of current preclinical models is that spontaneous seizures with comorbidities take time to induce and test, thus making them low-throughput. Kcna1-null mice exhibit all the characteristics of drug resistant epilepsy with spontaneous seizures and comorbidities occurring naturally; thus, we aimed to determine whether they also demonstrate pharmacoresistanct seizures and the impact of medications on their sleep disorder comorbidity. In this exploratory study, Kcna1-null mice were treated with one of four conventional antiseizure medications, carbamazepine, levetiracetam, phenytoin, and phenobarbital using a moderate throughput protocol (vehicle for 2 days followed by 2 days of treatment with high therapeutic doses selected based on published data in the 6 Hz model of pharmacoresistant seizures). Spontaneous recurrent seizures and vigilance states were recorded with video-EEG/EMG. Carbamazepine, levetiracetam and phenytoin had partial efficacy (67%, 75% and 33% were seizure free, respectively), whereas phenobarbital was fully efficacious and conferred seizure freedom to all mice. Thus, seizures of Kcna1-null mice appear to be resistant to three of the drugs tested. Levetiracetam failed to affect sleep architecture, carbamazepine and phenytoin had moderate effects, and phenobarbital, as predicted, restored sleep architecture. Data suggest Kcna1-null mice may be a moderate throughput model of drug resistant epilepsy useful in determining mechanisms of pharmacoresistance and testing novel therapeutic strategies.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Acute Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) remains a tremendous burden to health care systems and patients worldwide. The cornerstone neurohormonal disruption that leads to the debilitating sequelae in HF patients revolves primarily around aldosterone and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Aldosterone plays a detrimental role in tissue remodeling by inducing inflammation and fibrosis within the cardiovascular and renal systems, leaving mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) as key pharmacological tools to slow pathogenesis and improve patient outcomes. The role of MRA in improving morbidity and mortality in outpatients with chronic HF and low ejection fraction is well established and supported by large randomized controlled trials. However, evidence-based data relating to the use of MRA in acute HF (AHF) remain somewhat limited, and therefore, the use of MRA is not ubiquitously considered in the acute setting. Current studies for the use of MRA in AHF are limited by small sample size as well as safety concerns relating to the dose-dependent effects on electrolyte homeostasis and renal function. Here, we discuss the imperative need for additional trials elucidating the potential benefits of MRA in AHF as an adjunct diuretic therapy. We not only discuss the role of MRA in neurohormonal regulation of aldosterone but also highlight a potential dose-dependent role for MRA in natriuresis. Furthermore, we showcase existing and recent evidence-based data demonstrating the effectiveness of MRA in AHF and on long-term outcomes. Finally, we look at several treatment strategies and safety concerns as they relate to MRA use so as to aid in avoidance of MRA-related complications while facilitating achievement of treatment goals.
Analysis of Spatial Autocorrelation in House Prices

This article examines spatial autocorrelation in transaction prices of single-family properties in Dallas, Texas. The empirical analysis is conducted using a semilog hedonic house price equation and a spherical autocorrelation function with data for over 5000 transactions of homes sold between 1991:4 and 1993:1. Properties are geocoded and assigned to separate housing submarkets within metropolitan Dallas. Hedonic and spherical autocorrelation parameters are estimated separately for each submarket using estimated generalized least squares (EGLS). We find strong evidence of spatial autocorrelation in transaction prices within submarkets. Results for spatially autocorrelated residuals are mixed. In four of eight submarkets, there is evidence of spatial autocorrelation in the hedonic residuals for single-family properties located within a 1200 meter radius. In two submarkets, the hedonic residuals are spatially autocorrelated throughout the submarket, while the hedonic residuals are spatially uncorrelated in the remaining two submarkets. Finally, we compare OLS and kriged EGLS predicted values for properties sold during 1993:1. Kriged EGLS predictions are more accurate than OLS in six of eight submarkets, while OLS has smaller prediction errors in submarkets where the residuals are spatially uncorrelated and the estimated semivariogram has a large variance.
Oral contraception and twinning: An epidemiologic study

Among 4,428 women studied at five large hospitals in Connecticut, those conceiving within two months of cessation of oral contraceptive use had a twofold increased rate of delivering twins. This increase was found in both black and white women. Analysis of unlike and like sex twins indicates that this effect seems to clearly depend on an increased rate of dizygous twinning.
Optimal mean-square performance for MIMO networked systems

This paper addresses optimal mean-square performance for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) linear time invariant (LTI) systems subject to exogenous noise and communication losses between the plant and controller. First we derive linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for analysis of mean-square stability and performance, then we show how a pair of semidefinite programs (SDPs) can be used to convexly find the optimal mean-square performance controller for output feedback scenarios assuming a delayed binary acknowledgment from the actuator receiver is available at the controller.
Three Halloween genes from the Varroa mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) and their expression during reproduction

The ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathway involves sequential enzymatic hydroxylations by a group of enzymes collectively known as Halloween gene proteins. Complete sequences for three Halloween genes, spook (Vdspo), disembodied (Vddib) and shade (Vdshd), were identified in varroa mites and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of predicted amino acid sequences for Halloween orthologues showed that the acarine orthologues were distantly associated with insect and crustacean clades indicating that acarine genes had more ancestral characters. The lack of orthologues or pseudogenes for remaining genes suggests these pathway elements had not evolved in ancestral arthropods. Vdspo transcript levels were highest in gut tissues, while Vddib transcript levels were highest in ovary-lyrate organs. In contrast, Vdshd transcript levels were lower overall but present in both gut and ovary-lyrate organs. All three transcripts were present in eggs removed from gravid female mites. A brood cell invasion assay was developed for acquiring synchronously staged mites. Mites within 4 h of entering a brood cell had transcript levels of all three that were not significantly different from mites on adult bees. These analyses suggest that varroa mites may be capable of modifying 7-dehydro-cholesterol precursor and hydroxylations of other steroid precursors, but whether the mites directly produce ecdysteroid precursors and products remains undetermined.
Child Sexual Abuse: How to Move to a Balanced and Rational Approach to the Cases Everyone Abhors

Society as a whole and participants in the criminal justice system have great difficulty dealing with allegations of child sexual abuse in a coherent and consistent fashion. Our social and judicial reactions are erratic. On the one hand, for many years there was a pervasive disbelief that individuals in positions of reverence and respect, such as priests and scout leaders, could possibly harm the children entrusted to their care. Perhaps as a result of the collective guilt caused by disbelieving the true victims of this abuse, in recent years the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, to an unwavering conviction that a young child is incapable of fabricating a story of abuse, even when the tale of mistreatment is inherently incredible. The pendulum has swung from a reluctance to believe any charge by a child against an adult to a non-reflective embrace of every accusation made, no matter how implausible or fanciful. Therefore, a more exhaustive analysis is required to highlight the unique challenges posed by these cases. As judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys, we must learn to deal with the unique challenges presented by cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse so that the innocent are protected, whether those innocents are the children, the accused, or both. This article will highlight some of the difficulties posed by these cases and provide suggestions for ameliorating them. This article focuses on how prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys and police investigators must all take responsibility for bridging this systemic gap. Each individual can utilize his or her unique role to ensure that proper procedures are followed to protect victims and the wrongly accused. Practical solutions and guidance is offered from the investigation stage through the trial process.
Theism and Violence in the Ancient World: The Argument of Jan Assmann

Bibliographical review. Jan Assmann, Of God and Gods: Egypt, Israel, and the Rise of Monotheism (George L. Mosse Series in Modern European Cultural and Intellectual History; Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press, 2008). x + 196 pp.
Papillary Muscle Rupture Following Myocardial Infarction

Papillary muscle rupture is an uncommon, catastrophic complication of myocardial infarction that is potentially correctable if promptly diagnosed. Two cases are described in which the diagnosis of papillary muscle rupture was complicated by unusual initial presentations, absence of audible murmurs, and technically difficult, nondiagnostic transthoracic echocardiograms. In both cases, a high index of clinical suspicion for papillary muscle rupture led to transesophageal echocardiography and a rapid, definitive diagnosis. Since early surgery may be important in this disorder, a rapid, reliable diagnosis is essential and transesophageal echocardiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice.
Immigrant Entrepreneurship: The Role of Formal Corporate Governance Arrangement and Social Capital in Community and Family

We empirically test the relation between immigrant’s venture creation decision and governance mechanism under a unified framework of governance in both sociology and finance. We find that corporate governance arrangements are more valued by entrepreneurs with better education attainment and higher household income, such as immigrant entrepreneurs. This type of entrepreneurs tends to be more reluctant to create a venture due to the high opportunity costs. In addition, social capital embedded in community significantly and positively affects the new venture creation decision. At the same time, an inverted U shape relationship is observed between social capital in family and new venture creation. This paper answers how relational governance and corporate governance are related to new venture creation in immigrant entrepreneurship, especially in emerging phase. The key argument is that the efficacy of corporate governance and relational governance mechanisms in immigrant entrepreneurship are contingent on different types of social capital which immigrant entrepreneurs possess and on the formal corporate governance arrangement, the adoption of which is influenced by immigrant entrepreneurs’ characteristics.
Optimal quantization for distributed estimation via a multiple access channel

Quantizer design algorithms for decentralized estimation are presented. Scalar quantizer design for the problem of multiple descriptions over a multiple-access channel is also studied. The importance of the initial index assignment is explained and an algorithm (based on simulated annealing) for choosing a good initial index assignment is derived.
Experiencing Clinical Ethical Dilemmas: Cases of Ethical Decision-Making in the Care of Children with Major Craniofacial Deformities

Abstract This series of six papers considers ethical and health policy issues related to the care of children born with major craniofacial anomalies, using a real-life case-based approach. The papers are based upon the direct experiences of pediatricians, craniofacial surgeons, social workers, parents, and ethicists. Using a simple theoretic framework presented in the paper by Sharp, the authors “unpack” their cases and discuss the ethical, clinical, and social issues raised, considering policy implications.
Deciding What Is a Controversial Issue: A Case Study of Social Studies Curriculum Controversy

Frame analysis was used to examine how competing stakeholders framed a sixth grade curriculum controversy over whether the WWII internment of Japanese Americans should be categorized as a controversial issue. Teachers and administrators in a northwestern U.S. school claimed that the internment was clearly wrong and not controversial, but these claims were challenged by a small group of activists. Three data sets were analyzed: 11 semi-structured interviews, 40 public documents, and curriculum materials. Although activists could not change the school's claims, they were able to change the curriculum. Findings illustrate the ways that stakeholders in social studies curriculum controversies negotiate whether an issue should be categorized as controversial. Categorizations were dynamic and contingent on historical, contemporary, and ideological contexts.
Sickle erythrocytes increase prostacyclin and endothelin‐1 production by cultured human endothelial cells under flow conditions

: We investigated the effects of sickle erythrocytes on the production of vasotone mediators in endothelial cells (ECs) using an in vitro recirculating flow system. Sickle erythrocytes increased the EC production of two important vasoactivators, prostacyclin and endothelin-1, under venous wall shear stress conditions of 1 dyn cm−2. The presence of interleukin-1β in the perfusion system, as a model for inflammatory cytokine effects, enhanced the overall amounts of released prostacyclin but did not affect the production of endothelin-1. This study demonstrates the effects of sickle erythrocytes on the function and metabolism of ECs under vascular flow environments. The altered production of vasoactivators may contribute to the vasotone instability and vasoocclusive crises in sickle cell anemia.
An “Economic Miracle” in Nicaragua … Is It Still Possible?

In the spring of 1990 the whole world was watching what was happening in Nicaragua. Free elections brought to a communist country a change of the political regime without violence. Dona Violeta Barrios de Chamorro was elected President and formed a new democratic government. Old and new expectations were revived overnight. After enduring so many privations and tribulations under a communist regime, the Nicaraguan people thought that a new era of prosperity and freedom was at their door. Two years later, in the spring of 1992, the economic and financial situation of Nicaragua had not improved nearly enough to satisfy the needs and the dreams of the Nicaraguan people. This Stabilization Plan was sent on 6 April 1990 to Madame President Barrios de Chamorro but she ignored it. Asks how long people can endure politicians who promise liberation and prosperity and after they get into power they forget it. How right was the British historian Lord Acton, who said: “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
The Euro, the Dollar, and the International Monetary System

On January 1, 1999, the euro came into existence as the single currency of 11 of the 15 member countries of the European Union (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal). Britain, Sweden, and Denmark chose not to participate, and Greece was not allowed in because it did not satisfy any of the Maastricht conditions for admission. It is likely, however, that all four nations will join by the year 2002 when the euro is to completely replace national currencies and become the sole currency of the European Union. This is the first time that a group of sovereign nations voluntarily give up their moneys in favor of a common currency, and ranks as one of the most important events of postwar monetary history. In my presentation, I will begin by examining the position of the dollar as the undisputed international and vehicle currency at the end of 1998, at the eve of the introduction of the euro. Then I will discuss the reasons the euro became the second most important international currency from its very inception. Subsequently, I will examine ways to deal with possible damaging exchange rate misalignments between the euro and the dollar, the yen, and other important international currencies, as well as the experience of the euro since its introduction.
The nuclear envelope: emerging roles in development and disease

The chromosomes of eukaryotic cells are separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope includes two riveted membranes, plus embedded pore complexes that mediate nuclear import and export. In this sense, the nuclear envelope is truly a border zone. However, the envelope also links directly to chromosomes, and anchors two major infrastructures--the nuclear lamina and Tpr filaments--to the nuclear perimeter. Proteins of the nuclear envelope mediate a variety of fundamental activities, including DNA replication, gene expression and silencing, chromatin organization, cell division, apoptosis, sperm nuclear remodeling, the behavior of pronuclei, cell fate determination, nuclear migration and cell polarity. Furthermore, mutations in nuclear lamins and lamin-binding proteins cause tissue-specific inherited diseases. This special issue of Cell and Molecular Life Sciences is devoted to recent major advances in the characterization of nuclear envelope proteins and their roles. We offer here an overview of the topics covered in this issue of CMLS, and also discuss the emerging recognition that the nuclear envelope is an organelle critical for a wide range of genetic and developmental activity in multicellular organisms.
An Information Model of Ocean Data

An information model of oceanographic data is presented to simplify the view of complex data structures. Features of the model are described and possible applications to data management are explored. Most oceanographic data at the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) are of the type: oceanographic cruise - station - depth series. That data organization carries with it certain implied relationships of measurements to time and space. It also affects how the data are stored, inventoried, and retrieved, and the types of products available from the data. Other data organizations, such as time series, present different patterns for data storage, inventory, and products. The information model of ocean data provides a conceptual overview of ocean data structures that should be useful in data management.
A study of the interacting FENE dumbbell model for semi-dilute polymer solutions in extensional flows

The effect of polymer concentration on the conformation of semidilute polymer solutions in extensional flows is studied via the interacting elastic dumbbell model proposed by Hess (1984), here modified to include a nonlinear Warner spring (FENE dumbbell) instead of the linear Hookean spring of the original model. The length of flow-induced conformation changes for the polymer is predicted to be a decreasing function of concentration. In particular, increasing concentration tends to inhibit large extension of the polymer due to polymer-polymer interaction. The specific birefringence is thus proportional to c−1 for semi-dilute solutions, in contrast to dilute solutions where it is known to be independent of concentration. However, the correlation between birefringence and the principle eigenvalue of the velocity gradient tensor, also found originally for dilute solutions, is predicted to occur in the semi-dilute regime. All of these predictions agree qualitatively with experimental observations.
History of the Journal of Neurosurgery, 1965–1980

The author, who was editor of the Journal of Neurosurgery from 1975 to 1985, recalls the history of the journal during the 15 hears beginning in 1965, when Dr. Louise Eisenhardt resigned as its first editor. In an addendum, he presents some thoughts on the future of neurosurgery and the role the journal should play in it.
Particle-grid methods for reacting flows in porous media with application to Fisher's equation

Abstract A two-step particle-in-cell model is developed for reactive mass transport problems in subsurface porous formations and applied to a model nonlinear diffusion-reaction system. Simulations progress by using a random walk particle method to diffuse or advect solute mass, represented here as a collection of particles, followed by a numerical integration step to determine changes in mass due to reaction processes on a grid. Techniques for mapping mass from the particles to the grid and vice versa are discussed. Numerical simulations of the so-called Fisher equation are compared to analytical solutions in the form of a steady travelling wave and a pertubed system undergoing a transition between two different steady waves. The approximations used in the approach are studied and discussed in terms of its future application to practical multidimensional, multicomponent transport problems.
A lexicographic semiorder polytope and probabilistic representations of choice

Abstract I consider the convex polytope defined by the convex hull of the set of all simple lexicographic semiorders ( Davis-Stober, 2010 ) compatible with a fixed linear ordering over a set of choice alternatives. Simple lexicographic semiorders have been previously used by decision theorists to model intransitive choice (e.g., Tversky, 1969 ). This convex polytope is a full dimensional 0/1 polytope in R n ( n − 1 ) . I present seven families of inequalities that constitute a complete linear description of this polytope for any finite n . I prove that these inequalities are a minimal such list, i.e., they are facet-defining for any finite n . I go on to demonstrate that this polytope is equivalent to a ‘mixture model’ of probabilistic choice.
BRIEF EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF STIMULUS PROMPTS FOR ACCURATE RESPONDING ON ACADEMIC TASKS IN AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Brief multielement designs were used to examine the effects of specific instructional strategies on accuracy of academic performance during outpatient evaluations of 4 children with learning disorders. Instructional strategies that improved accuracy on academic tasks were identified for all participants. These results suggest that the application of experimental analysis methodologies to instructional variables may facilitate the identification of stimulus prompts that are associated with enhanced academic performance.
Probabilistic Optimal-Cost Scheduling

During the planning and execution of construction projects, it often becomes necessary to shorten the duration of the project. A widely used technique for reducing the duration of a project is commonly referred to as least-cost scheduling. This procedure is based on deterministically arriving at the shortest project duration for the minimum cost possible. There is, however, one major problem with the typical application of this technique. It does not address the variability inherent in the duration and cost of the project activities. Thus, the resulting compressed schedule value cannot be applied with any stated level of statistical confidence. This paper presents a new procedure that addresses some of the major shortcomings of least-cost scheduling. It does so by accounting for the variability inherent in the duration and cost of the scheduled activities by simultaneously applying range estimating and probabilistic scheduling to the historical data. The resulting data set is then analyzed to provide a compressed schedule duration and cost estimate that have a higher overall confidence of being achieved.
Sorption of ethyl acetate and d-limonene in poly(lactide) polymers

Poly(lactide) (PLA) polymers have garnered increased attention in the last few years as food packaging materials because they are environmentally friendly polymers. As the production of PLA increases and price per pound drops, PLA is becoming a growing alternative as a green food packaging material. In this research, the organic vapor barrier properties of commercially available PLA polymers were studied. Gravimetric sorption tests in PLA films were carried out, and the diffusion (D), solubility (S) and permeability (P) coefficients for ethyl acetate and d-limonene in PLA were determined. For ethyl acetate, values of P = 1.22 × 10−17 kg m m−2 s−1 Pa−1, D = 2.63 × 10−15 m2 s−1, and S = 4.62 × 10−3 kg m−3 Pa−1) at 45 °C and a partial pressure of 12 654 Pa were obtained. For d-limonene, no trace was detected after 21 days of testing at 45 °C and 258 Pa, which indicates a permeability coefficient lower than 9.96 × 10−21 kg m m−2 s−1 Pa−1. Poly(lactide) polymers demonstrated good aroma barrier to ethyl acetate and d-limonene, and will most likely be good aroma barriers. PLA is not likely to promote flavor loss by either permeation or scalping. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Cerebral perfusion abnormalities in abstinent cocaine abusers: a perfusion MRI and SPECT study

Abstract Nuclear medicine studies found decreased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the cortex and deep gray matter of cocaine users. Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-radioactive technique, has not been applied to evaluate persistent rCBF abnormalities. Twenty-five abstinent cocaine users and 15 healthy subjects without a history of drug use were examined with perfusion MRI, using dynamic bolus-tracking, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), using 133 Xe-calibrated 99m Tc-HMPAO. After coregistration of SPECT with MRI, the relative rCBF (from perfusion MRI and SPECT) and absolute rCBF (from SPECT) were determined in 10 brain regions in each hemisphere. There was a statistically significant interaction between drug use and brain region on SPECT alone (relative and absolute rCBF), and on SPECT and perfusion MRI combined, but not on perfusion MRI alone. There also was a significant interaction among gender, drug use, and brain region. Compared to the control subjects, cocaine users showed increased rCBF in the frontal white matter (+8.6%, P =0.02) and in the globus pallidus (+6.3%, P =0.05), and decreased rCBF in the putamen (−3.9%, P =0.04) and the temporal cortex (−2.4%, P =0.02). SPECT and perfusion MRI detect a regional pattern of rCBF abnormalities in cocaine users that is consistent across the two methods. The hypoperfusion in the cortex and deep gray matter of the cocaine users is consistent with previous results. The increased rCBF in the white matter of cocaine users may be due to the presence of reactive glia.
Changes in mouse brain neurotensin receptor density following chronic infusion of neurotensin

Abstract Many centrally acting drugs affect neurotensin (NT) systems by increasing levels of the peptide in specific brain regions. If these changes represent increases in extracellular NT levels, then changes in NT receptors would be expected. The focus of this study was to examine the effects of continous exposure of NT receptors to agonist. Continous infusion of NT (0.6 or 6 nmol/h) into the lateral ventricle via an osmotic minipump for 3 days caused a significant increase (over saline infusion) in total and low-affinity NT receptor density in the cerebellum of LS mice. High-affinity NT receptor density was increased in the frontal cortex. Seven days of NT infusion (6 nmol/h) caused no changes in NT receptor density.
Thyroid cancer stem cells

Thyroid cancer is the most frequently diagnosed endocrine cancer and causes more deaths than all other endocrine cancers combined. Research findings support the concept that a subpopulation of thyroid cancer cells displays properties characteristic of stem cells. These putative cancer-forming entities drive tumorigenesis as a result of their dual ability to undergo self-renewal and to differentiate into various types of cancer cells; they also mediate metastasis and are resistant to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This Review discusses the cellular origin of thyroid cancer and the properties of the thyroid cancer stem cell niche. The article critically evaluates the methods used to identify molecular markers expressed by thyroid-cancer-initiating cells and outlines prospective therapeutic strategies to directly target these cells. Stem-cell technology offers an unprecedented opportunity to investigate these crucial cancer stem cell populations and to advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control disease processes. Such knowledge could potentially lead to the development of more effective and safer treatment regimens for late-stage thyroid cancer than are currently available.
INVERSE OPTIMAL CONTROLLER DESIGN FOR STRICT-FEEDBACK STOCHASTIC SYSTEMS WITH EXPONENTIAL-OF-INTEGRAL COST

Abstract For a class of nonlinear stochastic systems in strict-feedback form, where the diffusion coefficients depend on the state, we obtain risk-sensitive state-feedback controllers which are both globally inverse optimal and locally sub-optimal. These controllers also lead to closed-loop system trajectories that are bounded in probability.
Laser-induced stress wave thermometry applied to silicon wafer processing: Modeling and experimentation

We present a methodology correlating the group velocity of guided plate waves to temperature in anisotropic silicon substrate. The model is developed through numerical solution and manipulation of the dispersion relations, while elastic constants and plate thickness are treated as functions of temperature. Analytical results demonstrate that adequate thermal resolution is provided by both the lowest-order antisymmetric and symmetric dispersive Lamb wave modes to serve as an effective diagnostic in a noncontact thermometry scheme applicable during rapid thermal processing of silicon waters. Validation is made through a combination of experimentation using laser-generated ultrasound in silicon wafers and analysis employing the Gabor wavelet transform to extract frequency- and temperature-dependent group velocities from the dispersive Lamb waves.
Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia: Ping pong in the His-Purkinje system

Background Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT), which is characterized by an alternating beat-to-beat ECG QRS axis, is a rare but intriguing arrhythmia associated with digitalis toxicity, familial catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), and several other conditions that predispose cardiac myocytes to delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) and triggered activity. Evidence from human and animal studies attributes BVT to alternating ectopic foci originating from the distal His–Purkinje system in the left and/or right ventricle, respectively. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple "ping pong" model of reciprocating bigeminy to explain BVT. Methods We constructed a two-dimensional anatomic model of the rabbit ventricles with a simplified His–Purkinje system, in which different sites in the His–Purkinje system had different heart rate thresholds for DAD-induced bigeminy. Results When the heart rate exceeded the threshold for bigeminy at the first site in the His–Purkinje system, ventricular bigeminy developed, causing the heart rate to accelerate and exceed the threshold for bigeminy at the second site. Thus, the triggered beat from the first site induced a triggered beat from the second site. The triggered beat from the second site next reciprocated by inducing a triggered beat from the first site, and so forth. Bigeminy from two sites produced BVT, and that from three or more sites produced polymorphic VT. Conclusion This "ping pong" mechanism of reciprocating bigeminy readily produces the characteristic ECG pattern of BVT and its degeneration to polymorphic VT if additional sites develop bigeminy.
Apparent correlation of sex chromosome loss and disease course in urothelial cancer.

Abstract In recent years, interest in the genetics of various solid tumors has increased dramatically. Over the last several years, our laboratory has pursued genetic studies of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. We have studied the cytogenetics and disease course of more than 100 patients, achieving successful cultures in more than 75%. In these patients, we observed the loss of a sex chromosome (either X or Y) with a frequency of 40%. We stratified patients with loss of sex chromosomes into three groups: 1) presence of markers or chromosomes rearrangements, 2) aneuploidy without marker chromosomes, and 3) loss of sex chromosome only. The relevancy of both the natural history and potential impact of sex chromosome loss to the disease course, including invasive potential, will be discussed in detail for each of the three groups.
Social, economic and ecological parameters of infant feeding in Usino, Papua New Guinea

Much of our knowledge about infant feeding practices comes from cultures undergoing rapid development, where a decline in lactation already exists. In order to delineate cultural baselines against which the impacts of development may be identified and measured, detailed ethnographic description of infant feeding practices in regions minimally changed by modernizing forces are required. This paper, based on fourteen months of intensive ethnographic fieldwork, serves as a baseline study in an area only marginally altered by economic development and identifies specific interrelationships between local economics, social structure and physical environment that define infant feeding patterns in the Usino area, Papua New Guinea.
The Elaboration and Evolution of CBT: A Familiar Foundation and Creative Application With Chronic Pain

THE CASE presented by Wicksell and colleagues (2005) raises a number of intriguing issues, particularly about the utility and application of cognitive and behavioral approaches in pain management. Rather than focus on the specific application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, and Wilson, 1999) in this case, we have chosen to comment on how their work reminds us of the similarities across CBT approaches and to suggest some minor but important modifications. We also emphasize the importance of understanding both the common foundation in CBT and the need for continued evolution, elaboration, and creative application of these therapies in new and challenging environments. As McCracken (2006; this issue) has so eloquently reminded us, the application of clinical psychology in pain management is clearly tied to cognitive behavioral therapy, with an increased focus on the functional and contextual aspects of the problem, such as with the case presented. Just as the application of ACT emphasizes the functional and contextual elements of a targeted problem, recent advances in cognitive theory have offered an approach that is much more flexible and easily applied in challenging clinical environments such as with chronic pain. Beck's (1999) recent modification of traditional cognitive theory, the theory of modes, is relevant to the discussion, particularly since it has received surprisingly little attention in the clinical and research literature. A mode is defined as being comprised of “specific suborganizations within the personality organization that incorporate the relevant components of the basic systems of personality: cognitive (information processing), affective, behavioral, and motivational” (Beck, 1999; p. 4). What is important about this modified approach is that the theory of modes is a sharp and significant departure from the notion of simple linear processing and the primacy of
Calculation of gravitational waveforms from black hole collisions and disk collapse: Applying perturbation theory to numerical spacetimes.

Many simulations of gravitational collapse to black holes become inaccurate before the total emitted gravitational radiation can be determined. The main difficulty is that a significant component of the radiation is still in the near-zone, strong field region at the time the simulation breaks down. We show how to calculate the emitted waveform by matching the numerical simulation to a perturbation solution when the final state of the system approaches a Schwarzschild black hole. We apply the technique to two scenarios: the head-on collision of two black holes and the collapse of a disk to a black hole. This is the first reasonably accurate calculation of the radiation generated from colliding black holes that form from matter collapse.
Rescue of cardiac leptin receptors in db/db mice prevents myocardial triglyceride accumulation.

Increased leptin levels have been suggested to contribute to cardiac hypertrophy and attenuate cardiac lipid accumulation in obesity, although it has been difficult to separate leptin's direct effe...
Interactions between gut peptides and the central melanocortin system in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Abstract Genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the central melanocortin system plays a critical role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Animals and humans with defects in the central melanocortin system display a characteristic melanocortin obesity phenotype typified by increased adiposity, hyperphagia, metabolic defects and increased linear growth. In addition to interacting with long-term regulators of energy homeostasis such as leptin, more recent data suggest that the central melanocortin system also responds to gut-released peptides involved in mediating satiety. In this review, we discuss the interactions between these systems, with particular emphasis on cholecystokinin (CCK), ghrelin and PYY 3–36 .
Mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of thin film from corn hull arabinoxylan

Isolated corn hull arabinoxylan was dissolved in water and provided a clear solution. Plasticizer (glycerol, propylene glycol, or sorbitol) was added to the arabinoxylan solution at 0–20 wt % (film dry weight), which was cast into stable films. Film thickness ranged from 22 to 32 μm. Mechanical properties, moisture content, and water vapor permeability (WVP) were studied for the arabinoxylan-based films as a function of plasticizer concentration. Measured data for the corn hull arabinoxylan–based films were 13–18 wt % moisture content, 10–61 MPa tensile strength, 365–1320 MPa modulus, 6–12% elongation, and 0.23–0.43 × 10−10 g m−1 Pa−1 s−1 water vapor permeability. Plasticized arabinoxylan films produced in this study had lower WVPs than those of unplasticized films, which is likely attributable to the phenomenon known as antiplasticization. Scanning electron micrographs showed a homogeneous structure on film surfaces. Films containing sorbitol had the best moisture barrier properties. When grapes were coated with arabinoxylan and arabinoxylan/sorbitol films, weight loss rates of the fruit decreased by 18 and 41%, respectively, after 7 days. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2896–2902, 2004
The strip-packing problem for a boat manufacturing firm

This paper addresses the problem of minimizing the amount of wasted space when cutting a set of rectangular pieces from a single rectangular sheet of stock material. A simulated annealing algorithm is developed and is shown to significantly outperform three existing heuristics on a set of 37 real-world data sets. In addition, a mathematical programming formulation of the problem and several theoretical lower bounds are developed and used to demonstrate that the simulated annealing solutions are within 9.5% of the optimal solution, on average.
Weather Modification: AN Economic Alternative for Augmenting Water Supplies

. Experimental results of cloud seeding in Southwestern Colorado suggest that runoff can be increased by 25 percent over a 3,300 mile area. There is a need to estimate the economic consequences in the Colorado River Basin. The evidence presented suggests that weather modification is an economically feasible means to provide additional water for the basin. Compared with other proposed means of augmenting water supplies, weather modifications appear to be one of the least cost alternatives. A very low proportion of weather modification costs are fixed; thus the program is easily reversible. Also, a relatively small increase in daily precipitation covers the direct costs of operation. Benefits of water produced by weather modification included power production and irrigation of forage crops. In the long run, if additional water is used for higher valued fruit and vegetable production, or for domestic and industrial purposes, its value would rise sharply. Preliminary investigation of extra-market costs and benefits suggests that while they have little effect on the benefit-cost ratio, they may be very important to individuals and groups affected. The distribution of costs and benefits is important as the benefits accrue to downstream users and some of the costs are incurred by Coloradoans. There is a need for further research on the long-run economic effects of weather modification programs, particularly with respect to extra-market factors.
THE APPLICATION OF A FINITE DIFFERENCE/FINITE VOLUME ALGORITHM TO SOLVE MAXWELL'S EQUATIONS IN THE TIME DOMAIN

Abstract A finite volume/finite difference method based on Ni's multigrid formulation is introduced for the solution of Maxwell's equations. The scheme is presented for the cases of transverse magnetic scattering from two-dimensional circular and square cylinders, as well as from NACA 0012 airfoil. The codes are validated against the traditional Method of Moments, which is analogous to a panel method in CFD. The circular cylinder scattering is compared to the analytical series solution for better understanding how the roles of numerical dispersion and dissipation errors affect the solution. The reflecting boundary conditions are modeled by the idea of inducing fields inside the conductor and a method of modeling the singularities that arise at a sharp corner is presented. Absorbing boundary conditions are modeled by integrating along the characteristic compatibility equations in the direction of the outgoing wave.
Clinical and economic consequences of formulary restrictions for three leading proton pump inhibitors

Aims We evaluated the clinical and economic consequences of a sharp formulary restriction for three leading proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in a large-scale natural experiment of all British Columbia seniors. Methods All BC residents 65+ were eligible for publicly funded health care, including drug benefits. The Ministry of Health holds linkable data on all prescription drug dispensings independent of payer, physician services, and hospitalizations. We selected a cohort of all patients who were 66 years or older and used one of the PPIs subject to restriction in the time period 6 months before the policy start (38,426). Results The mean age was 76 years and 63% were women. Utilization for the restricted omeprazole and pantoprazole declined sharply after the policy (-9000 daily doses per month per 10,000 and -5700; p<0.0001). The covered rabeprazole increase (+16,000; p<0.0001). There was no increased switching to H-2 blockers or stopping all gastro-protective drugs. 45% of all PPI users switched to the covered rabeprazole. Lower income status and higher price of the PPI were associated with this switching (OR=1.09 and 1.23). There was no increase in the excess rate of GI bleeds following the PPI restriction (p=0.97). There was a delayed increase in GERD-related visit rates (+3 per 10,000). Health plan savings were about $2.9M over the first 6 months of the policy. Conclusions A formulary restriction of 3 leading PPIs led to substantial utilization changes and savings without negatively affecting GI bleed rates. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P1–P1; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.008
Psychopathy Without (the Language of) Disorder

Psychopathy is often characterized in terms of what I call “the language of disorder.” I question whether such language is necessary for an accurate and precise characterization of psychopathy, and I consider the practical implications of how we characterize psychopathy—whether as a biological, or merely normative, disorder.
Separation constraint partitioning: a new algorithm for partitioning non-strict programs into sequential threads

In this paper we present substantially improved thread partitioning algorithms for modern implicitly parallel languages. We present a new block partitioning algorithm, separation constraint partitioning, which is both more powerful and more flexible than previous algorithms. Our algorithm is guaranteed to derive maximal threads. We present a theoretical framework for proving the correctness of our partitioning approach, and we show how separation constraint partitioning makes interprocedural partitioning viable.We have implemented the partitioning algorithms in an Id90 compiler for workstations and parallel machines. Using this experimental platform, we quantify the effectiveness of different partitioning schemes on whole applications.
Neutron activation analysis of stone from the Chadron Formation and a Clovis Site on the Great Plains

Abstract Cryptocrystalline silicates from the Chadron Formation were widely used by prehistoric human groups in the Great Plains of North America. There are two documented quarry areas: Flattop Butte in Colorado and the White River Badlands of South Dakota. Cryptocrystalline silicates from these sources are visually indistinguishable, making it difficult to determine the sources of artefacts found at archaeological sites. In this investigation, neutron activation analysis is used to distinguish the two sources. This technique also identifies lithic material from the Clovis-age Eckles site in Kansas as being from Flattop Butte.