cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Update on Sexsomnia, Sleep Related Sexual Seizures, and Forensic Implications

The first classification of sleep-related disorders and abnormal sexual behaviors and experiences was published in 2007. Parasomnias (abnormal sleep-related behaviors and experiences) and sleep-related epileptic seizures were the most frequently reported disorders, apart from Kleine-Levin syndrome (periodic hypersomnia with abnormal wakeful sexual behaviors). The first set of conditions were named sexsomnia (sleepsex) and epileptic (ictal) sexsomnia, respectively. Sexsomnia usually emerges during confusional arousals (CAs) from delta non-REM sleep (N3 sleep), either associated or unassociated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We now report an additional 16 cases of sexsomnia and 2 cases of ictal sexsomnia (temporal lobe epilepsy; bupropion-induced seizures) published from 2007-2014, based on a literature search in PubMed and Embase. The demographics of the second group of 16 sexsomnia cases were similar to those of the first group of 31 cases, in regards to male gender predominance (75% vs. 81%); age at presentation (39 yrs vs. 32 yrs); age of onset (33 yrs vs. 26 yrs); and duration of sexsomnia in males (5.6 yrs vs. 8.3 yrs). The female groups were too small to compare. The distribution of sexual behaviors across the groups was generally comparable in regards to sexual vocalizations, masturbation, fondling, and intercourse/attempted intercourse. Amnesia for the sexsomnia by the affected person was 100% in both groups. Video-polysomnographic studies were conducted in nearly all patients in both groups, and provided important diagnostic findings in almost all patients. The mean number of parasomnias per patient was 1.9+1.4 vs. 2.2+1.0, respectively, with the range extending up to 5 parasomnias per patient. In both groups, a non-REM sleep parasomnia (disorder of arousal [DOA]) was the main cause of the sexsomnia (75% vs. 90%), including a comparable percentage in each group having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as the presumed trigger for a DOA with sexsomnia (18.7% vs. 12.9%), which was strongly supported by the control of both sexsomnia and OSA with therapy of OSA with nasal CPAP in 100% (4/4) of treated cases. Overall treatment efficacy was very high in the combined groups (82% [18/22]). Eight novel findings on sexsomnia and ictal sexsomnia were identified. The forensic implications of sexsomnia are discussed.
THE TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN CHILDREN WITH ALTERNATE-DAY CORTICOSTEROIDS

Seven children, six with ulcerative colitis and one with granulomatous colitis, were treated with prednisone administered as a single dose on alternate days for periods of between 1 and 3½ years. All seven are attending school regularly and are growing and gaining at rates that approach normal. None show the features of Cushing9s syndrome. Gastrointestinal symptoms have been slight, the bowel lesions have improved radiologically, and the findings on sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy have been equally satisfactory. A significant degree of therapeutic benefit has been achieved with little in the way of side effects, but one cannot yet predict whether the long-term risk of carcinoma has diminished.
Presence of Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms (PCSS) in OEF/OIF Veterans at 1-4 and 5-8 Years after Traumatic Brain Injury in Combat (C-TBI) and the Effect of Prior Non-Combat TBI (NC-TBI) on These Symptoms (P04.235)

Objective: Most data on occurrence of PCSS following C-TBI deals with 6-12 months after C-TBI. The current report evaluates PCSS at 1-4 and at 5-8 years after C-TBI, and the further effect of NC-TBI occurring before C-TBI. Background Following C-TBI, PCSS may persist for up to 8 years and are not affected by an NC-TBI. Headache and cognitive difficulties are the most severe problems. Design/Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, 5713 OEF/OIF Veterans were seen at OKC VAMC and screened for C-TBI. Of these, 1382 screened positive and were referred to TBI clinic where 500 have been seen by a physician or PA with special training in TBI and evaluated with a pre-determined format that collected information on TBI, PCSS, psychosocial situation, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and physical and neurologic examinations. This report deals with headache, poor coordination, difficulty with decisions and depression as representation of PCS. Symptoms were rated as none, mild/moderate, or severe, based on interference with life activities. 500 subjects were divided by time periods of 1-4 and 5-8 years after C-TBI and by presence or absence of an NC-TBI. Results: The results will be presented in detail. The major findings were: 1. Almost 50% of subjects suffer severe headaches. 2. Approximately 40% of subjects note severe difficulty with decision making. 3. 60-70% have mild/moderate difficulty with coordination, while severe coordination problems occur in Conclusions: Following C-TBI, PCSS may persist for up to 8 years and are not affected by an NC-TBI. Headache and cognitive difficulties are the most severe problems. Disclosure: Dr. Couch has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Headache Current Treatment Options in Neurology. Dr. Stewart has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wisdom has nothing to disclose.
Sex Pheromones of the Zebra Caterpillar : Bioassay and Preliminary Chemical Investigations

A simple apparatus was constructed and used to bioassay for the sex pheromone of Ceramica picla (Harris). As little as 10-8 female equivalent of the crude extract of abdominal tips elicited the response of the males, which raised their antennae, fluttered their wings, oriented to the tube carrying the pheromone vapors, grasped the tube with their legs, and curved their abdomens. On a given day, males can be used repeatedly for bioassay. Bioassays of liquid chromatographic fractions from extracted female tips indicated the presence of at least 2 pheromones, and chemical tests and gas chromatographic retention times indicated that 1 pheromone is an alcohol and the other is an acetate; both have about 10 carbon atoms connected to the functional group. In the laboratory bioassay, the 2 pheromones were more potent combined than separate.
Multiphase Laboratory Bioassays to Select Chemicals for Field-Testing on the Western Spruce Budworm

A multiphase bioassay of 10 insecticide formulations was conducted with last instars of Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman. Based on assessments of intrinsic toxicity (spray and feeding), residual activity, and rainfastness, the probable decreasing order of efficacy of the formulations is: BAY SIR 8514 ( N -([trifluoromethoxy) phenyl]carbamoyl)-2-chlorobenzamide), carbaryl (Sevin XLR formulation), thiodicarb, sulprofos, permethrin, carbaryl (Sevin-4-oil formulation), fenitrothion, malathion, phosmet, and phosmet with 2% rhoplex.
Modeling and Dynamic Parameter Identification of the SCHUNK Powerball Robotic Arm

This paper presents the modeling and dynamic parameter identification of the 6-DoF SCHUNK Powerball LWA 4P robotic arm. Precise positioning, zero backlash and compact design of the joints which integrate two perpendicular axes, make this robot ideal for service robotics applications and human-robot interaction. Due to the significant effect of the lubricant temperature on the behavior of viscous friction in the harmonic drives, a systematic procedure is developed to overcome this problem. A series of experiments have been conducted to model the friction at each joint, then the procedure of identification has been applied based on an inverse dynamic model and linear least-square techniques. Finally, a verification trajectory is executed by the robot to validate the estimated parameters of the system.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Analysis of results of main food detection in Luoyang in 2008

Objective:To investigate and understand the status of the sanitary quality of main food in Luoyang to provide evidence,reference and direction for supervision of food hygiene safety.Methods:Main food,including protein food,beer,starch goods and flavoring etc.were randomly selected from the main trade markets and supermarkets of sub-county,township and village in Luoyang,and tested with national standards of food hygiene test methods.Results:We can know from the result that a total of 328 samples were sampled and tested,296 samples passed.The qualified rate was 90.24%,and the lowest qualified rate among them was bean curd,only for 58.54%.Conclusion:The qualified rate of some food is low,which is more serious.So the local government and competent departments should attach enough importance to strengthen supervision.
Some reflections on the origins of biological psychiatry.

The history of medicine is full of famous names. Some— Parkinson, Hodgkin, Wilson, Addison, Sydenham, Huntington, Alzheimer—are instantly recognized because their names are linked with common or important diseases; some— Wernicke, Meynert, Fallot, Nissl, Bell, Babinski—are remembered because their names are linked with human anatomy or pathophysiology. Sometimes, students and seasoned clinicians remember a disorder because of its eponym; at other times, they remember the name and forget the disorder; but rarely will they recall the features of a disease and forget the proper name associated with it. For whatever reason, doctors seem to be good at recalling the famous names of medicine, even if they’re not familiar with the people behind the names. As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, I’m able to speak on the lives of Freud, Piaget, and Erickson, but I have known less about the background of other During his day, Babinski was considered gifted both as a neurologist and as a psychiatrist, but not as an academician. He lived and practiced in France at a time when politics controlled academic appointments. From the 1820s through the 1870s, the government actually abolished the Paris School of Medicine, and only in 1877 did the government issue a decree introducing psychiatry clinics into the four Some Reflections on the Origins of Biological Psychiatry
Challenges in Implementing Competency-based English Language Teaching at University Level

Competency-based curriculum has been widely implemented by many higher institutions in Indonesia. It is expected that the competency based curriculum, which puts more emphasis on the needs of job market, prepare students for specified tasks. Competency in a general sense can be seen from the task performance. English language competency is one of the basic competencies which should be acquired by a university graduate in order to enter international market and survive the global competition. The institution luch offers English language as part of their curriculum must answer the demand for an English language competent graduate b preparing the best way to teach the language. This article examines the steps to develop a competency-based English language leaching where student's attitude and achievement comprise the important segments of evaluation. It focuses on the challenges, which will probably be faced by the teachers in implementing this competency-based teaching at the university level.
Contrasting aerosol refractive index and hygroscopicity in the inflow and outflow of deep convective storms: Analysis of airborne data from DC3

NASA [NNX12AC1OG, NNX14AP75G, NNX12AC03G, NNX15AT96G]; NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship [NNX14AK79H]; ONR [N00014-10-1-0811, N00014-16-1-2567]; National Science Foundation [AGS-1522910]; National Science Foundation
Treat-and-Extend Therapy Using Aflibercept for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Purpose To determine the efficacy and durability of aflibercept used in a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD). Design Multicenter, prospective, open label, noncomparative, interventional study. Methods Forty eyes of 40 patients with treatment-naive NVAMD were managed with a TAE regimen of intravitreal aflibercept. The main endpoints were the change in mean and median best-corrected visual acuity from baseline at years 1 and 2. Other endpoints included mean number of annual injections and treatment intervals. Results Thirty-five (87.5%) and 31 patients (77.5%) completed year 1 and year 2, respectively. The mean letter gain was 7.2 ( P P = .269) letters at 1 and 2 years, respectively, from a mean baseline of 58.9 letters (20/63 Snellen equivalent). The median visual gain was 11.5 and 7.5 letters at 1 and 2 years, respectively, from a median baseline of 59.0 letters (20/63 Snellen equivalent). The mean number of injections was 8.0 and 6.5 during the first and second year, respectively. Twelve-week or longer treatment intervals were used in 35% and 38% of patients during the first- and second-year time points, respectively. Conclusion Intravitreal aflibercept TAE therapy led to significant visual improvement in eyes with NVAMD at 1 year, with some loss in the visual gains at the end of year 2 that was not related to loss of exudative control. TAE therapy with aflibercept is a rational strategy to reduce treatments and clinic evaluations over 2 years with satisfactory outcomes.
Joint statement from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) regarding the clinical use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA).

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) provides a new tool in selected patients for the management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage.1–3 Recent improvements in technology have facilitated more rapid placement through smaller femoral access sheaths, which may reduce access-related complications.4 However, high grade evidence to guide REBOA use is limited, and there is a substantial complication risk should this approach be used inappropriately.5 To address the current state of implementation of this new therapeutic strategy, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) has worked in collaboration with the American College of Emergency Physicians to issue this joint policy statement which addresses the current practice relevant to patient indications, potential complications, implementation, patient management, and training of providers. We urge trauma centers to consider these factors in the adoption of this approach.
Normal Laws for Two Entropy Estimators on Infinite Alphabets.

This paper offers sufficient conditions for the Miller–Madow estimator and the jackknife estimator of entropy to have respective asymptotic normalities on countably infinite alphabets.
Quantified Modal Logic

This is a book on first-order modal logic. Adding quantifier machinery to classical propositional logic yields first-order classical logic, fully formed and ready to go. For modal logic, however, adding quantifiers is far from the end of the story, as we will soon see. But certainly adding quantifiers is the place to start. As it happens, even this step presents complications that do not arise classically. We say what some of these are after we get language syntax matters out of the way.
Bioavailability of endotracheal epinephrine in an ovine model of neonatal resuscitation.

Abstract Background Distressed infants in the delivery room and those that have completed postnatal transition are both resuscitated according to established neonatal resuscitation guidelines, often with endotracheal (ET) epinephrine at the same dose. We hypothesized that ET epinephrine would have higher bioavailability in a post-transitional compared to transitioning newborn model due to absence of fetal lung liquid and intra-cardiac shunts. Methods 15 term fetal (transitioning newborn) and 6 postnatal lambs were asphyxiated by umbilical cord and ET tube occlusion respectively. Lambs were resuscitated after 5 min of asystole. ET epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg) was administered after 1 min of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and chest compressions, and repeated 3 min later, followed by intravenous (IV) epinephrine (0.03 mg/kg) every 3 min until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Serial plasma epinephrine concentrations were measured. Results Peak plasma epinephrine concentrations were lower in transitioning newborns as compared to postnatal lambs: after a single ET dose (145.36 ± 135.5 ng/ml vs 553.54 ± 215 ng/ml, p 0.99). There was a higher incidence of post-ROSC tachycardia and increased carotid blood flow in the postnatal group. Conclusions In the postnatal period, ET epinephrine at currently recommended doses resulted in higher peak epinephrine concentrations, post-ROSC tachycardia and cerebral reperfusion without significant differences in incidence of ROSC. Further studies evaluating the optimal dose of ET epinephrine during the postnatal period are warranted.
More ward nursing staff improves inpatient outcomes, but how much is enough?

The issue of the adequacy of nurse staffing in hospitals and its impact on patient outcomes remains contentious. While there have been a large number of studies demonstrating an association of staffing levels and skills mix on a wide range of outcomes, including mortality, hospital-acquired infections and overall length of stay in patients in hospitals, the vast majority of these studies have been conducted comparing high-staffed hospitals to low-staffed hospitals.1–6 Concerns have been raised that other factors than staffing also differ between high-staffed and low-staffed hospitals that might contribute to the observed differences, and that staffing plays a smaller role than is suggested by these studies. Settling the issue through a study by randomly assigning different staffing levels to hospitals or units seems very unlikely to occur on logistic grounds. And given the existing body of work research ethics committees would probably not approve such a study. What has proven feasible is utilising day-to-day variations in staffing and census across units within hospitals to assess the impact of low staffing on patient outcomes. Prior to the study by Griffiths et al in this issue of BMJ Quality & Safety ,7 two published studies have used this methodology. Needleman et al 8 identified shifts by units with substantial shortfalls in professional nurse staffing from targets established by a large academic medical centre’s staff projection system, and examined the association of cumulative exposure to low-staffed shifts on patient mortality over a 5-year period for 40 units. They found a substantial increase in mortality associated each low-staffed shift to which a patient was exposed. They also found that the hazard of mortality was increased for shifts with substantially higher than average patient turnover, as turnover was not incorporated into the staffing system. Fagerstrom et al 9 used data from 36 units …
Toward Understanding the Relationship Between Prioritized Values and Preferences for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among Seriously Ill Adults.

Abstract Context Prioritizing among potentially conflicting end-of-life values may help patients discriminate among treatments and allow clinicians to align treatments with values. Objectives To investigate end-of-life values that patients prioritize when facing explicit trade-offs and identify predictors of patients whose values and treatment preferences seem inconsistent. Methods Analysis of surveys from a multi-center cluster-randomized trial of patients with serious illness. Respondents prioritized end-of-life values and identified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preferences in two health states. Results Of 535 patients, 60% prioritized relief of discomfort over extending life, 17% prioritized extending life over relief of discomfort, and 23% were unsure. Patients prioritizing extending life were most likely to prefer CPR, with 93% preferring CPR in current health and 67% preferring CPR if dependent on others, compared with 69% and 21%, respectively, for patients prioritizing relief of discomfort, and 78% and 33%, respectively, for patients unsure of their prioritized value (P Conclusion Clinicians face challenges as they clarify patient values and align treatments with values. Patients' values predicted CPR preferences, but a substantial proportion of patients expressed CPR preferences that appeared potentially inconsistent with their primary value. Clinicians should question assumptions about relationships between values and CPR preferences. Further research is needed to identify ways to use values to guide treatment decisions.
Triethylamine poly(hydrogen fluorides) in the synthesis of a fluorinated nucleoside glycon

Abstract The stereospecific synthesis of 6 via a highly selective, noncorrosive fluorination of 4 with Et3N·3HF was discovered. The intermediate fluorosulfonate 5 was isolated, purified and its structure verified.
Stretchable fabric-based LiCoO2, electrode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract There is a strong need for stretchable energy storage devices that can accommodate applications such as smart textiles, wearable sensors, flexible display devices, and biomedical implants. Here, we report the development and characterization of a stretchable fabric-based LiCoO2 electrode for lithium ion batteries. The performance of the fabric-based electrode is evaluated in a battery based on solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte. The battery exhibits a capacity of 0.14 mAh cm − 2 and a good cycling stability over 100 charge/discharge cycles. The mechanical properties of the stretchable fabric-based electrode are also evaluated including the tensile strength and % elongation. The electrical conductivity of the silver fabric-based LiCoO2 electrode is found to be higher than that of the rigid Al foil-based LiCoO2 electrode, and it is observed to increase during stretching. The stretchable fabric-based LiCoO2 cathode is a viable and promising candidate for the eventual integration in stretchable smart textile applications.
Health care provider’s experiences, practices, and recommendations for interventions and screening of cystic fibrosis patients with disordered eating: A qualitative analysis:

ObjectivesTo investigate health care providers’ perspectives on their experiences and practices with cystic fibrosis patients exhibiting disordered eating behaviors and their recommendations for in...
Wireless Power Transfer to Randomly Distributed Implants via Homogeneous Magnetic Fields

Complex gesture recognition and multi-degree-of-freedom prostheses necessitate the ability to chronically record electromyography (EMG) signals from multiple physically distant muscles. This paper presents an inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) system for a distributed EMG recording platform that can power multiple implants via a homogeneous magnetic field. The proposed coil array is designed to optimally power randomly distributed implants across a large area on the forearm. Efficiency is maximized by carefully optimizing the geometry of the hexagonal sub-coil of the array and the frequency of the WPT, while field homogeneity is maximized by stacking three horizontally offset layers of coils in order to minimize magnetic field variations. The array achieves best-case, worst-case, and average efficiencies of 70.3%, 65.5%, and 68.5%, respectively, enabling efficient power delivery to multiple randomly distributed implants.
Probing the Radial Chemistry of Getter Components in Light Water Reactors via Controlled Electrochemical Dissolution.

Getters are among the key functional components in the tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs) of light water reactors (LWRs) and are used to capture the released tritium gas. They are ni...
A generalized Bayesian approach to model calibration

Abstract In model development, model calibration and validation play complementary roles toward learning reliable models. In this article, we expand the Bayesian Validation Metric framework to a general calibration and validation framework by inverting the validation mathematics into a generalized Bayesian method for model calibration and regression. We perform Bayesian regression based on a user’s definition of model-data agreement. This allows for model selection on any type of data distribution, unlike Bayesian and standard regression techniques, that “fail” in some cases. We show that our tool is capable of representing and combining least squares, likelihood-based, and Bayesian calibration techniques in a single framework while being able to generalize aspects of these methods. This tool also offers new insights into the interpretation of the predictive envelopes (also known as confidence bands) while giving the analyst more control over these envelopes. We demonstrate the validity of our method by providing three numerical examples to calibrate different models, including a model for energy dissipation in lap joints under impact loading. By calibrating models with respect to the validation metrics one desires a model to ultimately pass, reliability and safety metrics may be integrated into and automatically adopted by the model in the calibration phase.
A location model with an endogenous dummy variable

Abstract In this note, we consider a location model with an unobserved endogenous dummy variable without regressors and without instrumental variables. We show that it is possible to estimate the location parameter under regularity assumptions. One of these assumptions is a symmetry assumption on the error. However, a lower bound to the asymptotic variance is derived that shows that estimators of the model will inherently possess an extremely large asymptotic variance under sensible assumptions on the error term.
Patient characteristics associated with improvements in asthma control and reduction in emergency department visits for older adults with asthma

To identify patient characteristics associated with improvements in asthma control among older adults with asthma. Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of an asthma self-ma...
Investigating Passive Muscle Mechanics With Biaxial Stretch.

Introduction: The passive stiffness of skeletal muscle can drastically affect muscle function in vivo, such as the case for fibrotic tissue or patients with cerebral palsy. The two constituents of skeletal muscle that dominate passive stiffness are the intracellular protein titin and the collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM). However, efforts to correlate stiffness and measurements of specific muscle constituents have been mixed, and thus the complete mechanisms for changes to muscle stiffness remain unknown. We hypothesize that biaxial stretch can provide an improved approach to evaluating passive muscle stiffness. Methods: We performed planar biaxial materials testing of passively stretched skeletal muscle and identified three previously published datasets of uniaxial materials testing. We developed and employed a constitutive model of passive skeletal muscle that includes aligned muscle fibers and dispersed ECM collagen fibers with a bimodal von Mises distribution. Parametric modeling studies and fits to experimental data (both biaxial and previously published) were completed. Results: Biaxial data exhibited differences in time dependent behavior based on orientation (p<0.0001), suggesting different mechanisms supporting load in the direction of muscle fibers (longitudinal) and in the perpendicular (transverse) directions. Model parametric studies and fits to experimental data exhibited the robustness of the model (<20% error) and how differences in tissue stiffness may not be observed in uniaxial longitudinal stretch, but are apparent in biaxial stretch. Conclusions: This work presents novel materials testing data of passively stretched skeletal muscle and use of constitutive modeling and finite element analysis to explore the interaction between stiffness, constituent variability, and applied deformation in passive skeletal muscle. The results highlight the importance of biaxial stretch in evaluating muscle stiffness and in further considering the role of ECM collagen in modulating passive muscle stiffness.
Sensor Performance Improvement via Measured Input Reconstruction Using Sliding Mode Observers

In this paper, the dynamic sensor accuracy is improved by reconstructing the true input signal of the sensor from dynamically distorted measurement corrupted by exogenous perturbations using sliding mode observers (SMO). The proposed observer also estimates the true input signal reconstruction error caused by the disturbance perturbing the sensor dynamics. The innovative dynamic filter is proposed to shape the equivalent control injection term of the proposed observer in order to achieve the best reconstruction accuracy. The efficacy of the proposed observer in improving the sensor accuracy is confirmed on a case study, a true signal reconstruction by the planar metal-polymer composite sensor.
Use of 55 PET radiotracers under approval of a Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC)

In the US, EU and elsewhere, basic clinical research studies with positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers that are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) can often be conducted under institutional approval. For example, in the United States, such research is conducted under the oversight of a Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC) as long as certain requirements are met. Firstly, the research must be for basic science and cannot be intended for immediate therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, or to determine the safety and effectiveness of the PET radiotracer. Secondly, the PET radiotracer must be generally recognized as safe and effective. Specifically, the mass dose to be administered must not cause any clinically detectable pharmacological effect in humans, and the radiation dose to be administered must be the smallest dose practical to perform the study and not exceed regulatory dose limits within a 1-year period. In our experience, the main barrier to using a PET radiotracer under RDRC approval is accessing the required information about mass and radioactive dosing. The University of Michigan (UM) has a long history of using PET radiotracers in clinical research studies. Herein we provide dosing information for 55 radiotracers that will enable other PET Centers to use them under the approval of their own RDRC committees. The data provided herein will streamline future RDRC approval, and facilitate further basic science investigation of 55 PET radiotracers that target functionally relevant biomarkers in high impact disease states.
Positive Effects of Probiotics on Motor Coordination and Brain during Moderate and High-Intensity Exercise in Adolescent Female Mice

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and motor functions during different levels of exercise. Methods Female adolescent mice (n=140) were divided into two groups, of which one group was fed probiotics and the other group was not. For both groups, three levels of exercise were conducted: non-exercise, moderate-intensity exercise, and high-intensity exercise. Probiotics acquisition and aerobic treadmill exercise were the main variables during the growth period. We evaluated motor function with a rotarod test and analyzed cytokines and neurotransmitters in the cerebellum. Results In acceleration mode, the moderate and high-intensity exercise groups showed longer running times than the non-exercise groups (P Conclusion Taken together, probiotics help improve motor skills during moderate and high-intensity exercise and help relieve inflammatory responses in the brain. Thus, we suggest that probiotics can be a useful supplement for brain and body development during exercise in adolescence.
Online learning for hierarchical scheduling to support network slicing in cellular networks

Abstract We study a learning-based hierarchical scheduling framework in support of network slicing for cellular networks. This addresses settings where users and/or service classes are grouped into slices, and resources are allocated hierarchically. The hierarchy is implemented by combining a slice-level scheduler which allocates resources to slices, and flow-level schedulers within slices which opportunistically allocate resources to users/services. Optimizing the slice-level scheduler to maximize system utility is typically hard due to underlying heterogeneity and uncertainty in user channels and performance requirements. We address this by reformulating the problem as an online black-box optimization where slice-level schedulers (parameterized by a weight vector) combined with flow-level schedulers result in user/service level stochastic rewards representing performance fitness; the goal is to learn the best weight vector. We develop a bandit algorithm based on queueing cycles by building on Hierarchical Optimistic Optimization (HOO). The algorithm guides the system to improve the choice of the weight vector based on observed rewards. Theoretical analysis of our algorithm shows a sub-linear regret with respect to an omniscient genie. Finally through simulations, we show that the algorithm adaptively learns the optimal weight vectors when combined with opportunistic and/or utility-maximizing flow-level schedulers.
A Pathway for the Interaction of Stress and Noise Influences on Hearing

Threshold shifts following noise exposure, whether temporary or permanent, are frequently described as being variable [1,2]. Such threshold shifts following noise exposure differ markedly from individual to individual. Temporary threshold shifts (TTS) observed for the same individual after repeated exposure to the same noise are also variable. This variability, even with the same listener exposed to sounds with identical physical parameters, implies that noise may interact with other variables to influence hearing acuity. A variety of other variables may be likely candidates for interaction with noise, including environmental and body temperature [3,4], whole body vibration [5], and chemical agents [3,6].
Linking state child care and child welfare policies and populations: Implications for children, families, and policymakers

Abstract Policymakers have begun to explore new areas of service system integration, including coordination of services for vulnerable children and families. Early care and education (ECE) research has also begun to pursue more nuanced questions about the role of ECE in the development of vulnerable children, including those involved with child welfare. Yet, to date, very little is understood about the integration of ECE and child welfare service systems or policy. This study examined state variation in federal child care subsidy (CCDF) program policies including eligibility, priority, copays, and activity requirements for families involved in child-welfare. Findings showed that, overall, states made fewer accommodations in their CCDF policies for children in foster care than for those otherwise involved in child welfare, such as by waving copays and activity requirements. Three typologies of states' CCDF policies were identified using latent class analysis: an accommodating typology, a selective accommodations typology, and a not accommodating typology. The relationships between these typologies and indicators of states' child welfare placements (types and stability) were also explored. Findings have implications for state policymakers and researchers interested in the integration and improvement of services for vulnerable children and families.
A 50.3ns transient-response CR-free SIMO power converter with adaptive current compensation

A fast-transient, cross-regulation-free, single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter is proposed. To overcome the inherent drawback of slow load transient response, it employs an adaptive current compensation technique and linear-assisted SIMO architecture, achieving 50.3ns transient response to 270mW load change at 500kHz switching frequency and with 0.35µm CMOS process. The efficiency reaches the peak of 82.8% at 102mW and stays above 70% over the entire 300mW power range.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT SYSTEMS

Performance of concrete pavements is controlled by the behavior and performance of the jointing system used, especially the performance and load transfer efficiency of the joint. A finite-element program is presented that includes the analysis of slabs with various joint systems in PCC pavements. Dowelled joints, joints with aggregate interlock, and joints with various types of load transfer schemes can be taken into account during the analysis of the slab under load rather than analyzing the slab and joint systems separately and superimposing the results. The program described is also capable of analyzing slabs comprised of two layers with different material properties, either bonded together or unbonded. Slab thickness, slab modulus values, and subgrade support values can each be varied at each node point in the program to evaluate jointed slabs of nonuniform stiffness and nonuniform support.
The Computability of Group Constructions, Part I

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the computability of group constructions. The chapter also discusses relative Grzegorczyk hierarchy and free products with amalgamation. A free product with amalgamation is a useful construction when dealing with decision problems in groups because intuitively the normal form theorem yields decision procedures for such products modulo the decision procedures for the groups and the amalgamated subgroups. The chapter discusses strong Britton extensions.
Does quitting smoking decrease the risk of midlife hot flashes? A longitudinal analysis

Epidemiological studies have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of midlife hot flashes; however, the effect of quitting smoking on this risk is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of quitting smoking on hot flashes using data from 761 women aged 45 to 54 years of age at baseline followed for 1 to 7 years. Results showed that women who quit smoking were less likely to suffer from hot flashes, less likely to have severe hot flashes, and less likely to have frequent hot flashes than women who continued to smoke (OR=0.55, 0.80, 0.76), but were more likely to suffer from any hot flashes, more severe hot flashes, and more frequent hot flashes than women who never smoked (OR=2.55, 1.68, 1.46). Subset analysis of the 353 women who had ever smoked found that women who had quit smoking for longer than 5 years had significantly lower odds, severity, and frequency of hot flashes than women who had continued smoking (OR=0.36, 0.62, 0.63) or women who had quit in the previous 5 years (OR=0.66, 0.77, 0.69). These findings suggest that that early smoking cessation programs may improve women's well-being during the menopausal transition.
New Code of Ethics for Wind Energy Companies Doing Business in New York: A Back-Door Approach to Regulating Municipal Ethics

Following allegations of corruption and unethical conduct on the part of both wind farm developers and municipal officials, the New York Attorney General unveiled a voluntary code of ethics for wind energy companies. Perhaps recognizing the gaps in municipal ethics laws and regulations at the state and local level, this voluntary code is an avenue for indirectly regulating the conduct of municipal officials. The only potential signatories to the voluntary code are wind companies, and to date, only two companies have signed - and both of these companies were facing investigations by the Attorney General. This article compares provisions in the voluntary wind code of ethics with existing state statutory language regulating disclosure of interests, gifts, lobbying, employment, education and training and notification. A copy of the code of conduct for wind farm development is appended to the article.
Relationships of temperature and sodium chloride concentration to the survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in broth and fish homogenate.

The interaction of temperature and NaCl concentration in affecting the survival of three strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was studied in Trypticase soy broth and fish homogenate. Cells of V. parahaemolyticus suspended in Trypticase soy broth without NaCl were quite unstable and readily killed. The presence of NaCl appeared to be protective to the cells at 48 ± 1 C, with the optimal concentration strain-dependent for the 3 to 12% range tested. Temperatures of 5 ± 1, -5 ± 1, and -18 ± 1 C reduced the number of viable organisms per milliliter regardless of the NaCl concentration. In the presence of NaCl, viable cells, in numbers ranging up to 580 per ml, were still detected at the end of 30 days of storage. Similar results were obtained for cells suspended in fish homogenate, except that fish homogenate itself was protective as compared with Trypticase soy broth. This protection was significantly lower than that provided by NaCl in any amount tested.
Computer-assisted structure elucidation

Program case, an evolving computer model of the structure elucidation process, treats three major tasks: reduction of chemical and spectral properties to their structural implications, generation of complete molecular structures compatible with the structural features identified, and ranking these structures by comparing predicted and observed spectral properties. Current program status and application will be discussed.
Nonlinear Ultraviolet Excitation of Nitriles to Metastable Superexcited States XCN**, Indications for Col- lisionally Induced Fragmentation of XCN**

Employing detection systems with subnanosecond rise times, we have studied1-4 nonlinear UV excitation (266 nm, photon fluence ~1019 cm−2) and subsequent fragmentation of a number of molecular species through the development of emissive products, especially CN B and C2 d (significant also are NH A and CH A,C). Digitally accumulated waveforms of emission afford temporal signatures of a variety of distinct processes. With 0.4-nm resolution, we obtain information on the time dependence of vibrational distributions and even some rotational information. Further, isotopically labeled parent materials enable us to distinguish processes in which atoms are contributed by different parent molecules and to identify isomerization.
Finitary inductively presented logics

Abstract A notion of finitary inductively presented (f-i.p.) logic is proposed here, which includes all syntactically described logics (formal systems) met in practice. A f.i.p. theory FS0 is set up which is universal for all f.i.p. logics; though formulated as a theory of functions and classes of expressions, FS0 is a conservative extension of PR A. The aims of this work are (i) conceptual, (ii) pedagogical and (iii) practical. The system FSQ serves under (i) and (ii) as a theoretical framework for the formalization of metamathematics. The general approach may be used under (iii) for the computer implementation of logics. In all cases, the work aims to make the details manageable in a natural and direct way.
Patients’ Online Reviews of Physicians

This short essay explores how doctors and other healthcare professionals have responded to patient reviews of their services and addresses how they should deal with patient reviews in the future.
Representation, reasoning and the intermediary metabolism of Escherichia coli

Computational methods of biological processes must express and use biological ideas as biologists do. The complexity of the biology and the flexible and elastic use of biological language offer significant problems in representing both information and reasoning. The author illustrates these problems and describes several strategies that can be used in designing representations. The approach to this class of problems is to develop accurate computational models of biological processes which can be verified by in vivo and in computo experimentation. The examples are drawn from efforts to study the cellular physiology of E. coli in computo using Prolog. >
The cometary magnetic field and its associated electric currents

Two different observations of Comet Kohoutek (1973f) seem to suggest the existence of substantial magnetic fields (not less than 100 gammas) in its coma and tail. The effects of the currents and hydromagnetic waves associated with these magnetic fields are considered. It is shown that while the currents closing through the inner coma may represent an important source of ionization in that region, the dissipation of hydromagnetic waves may also be a significant, if not dominant, source of heating there.
A geometrical approach to the motion planning problem for a submerged rigid body

The main focus of this article is the motion planning problem for a deeply submerged rigid body. The equations of motion are formulated and presented by use of the framework of differential geometry and these equations incorporate external dissipative and restoring forces. We consider a kinematic reduction of the affine connection control system for the rigid body submerged in an ideal fluid, and present an extension of this reduction to the forced affine connection control system for the rigid body submerged in a viscous fluid. The motion planning strategy is based on kinematic motions; the integral curves of rank one kinematic reductions. This method is of particular interest to autonomous underwater vehicles which cannot directly control all six degrees of freedom (such as torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicles) or in case of actuator failure (i.e. under-actuated scenario). A practical example is included to illustrate our technique.
The Role of Written Provider Communication in External Client Participation

Abstract In certain classes of services, the client's role in the service delivery process often extends beyond the face-to-face exchange. With compliance dependent services (CDS), the client is expected to continue to perform for him or herself once away from the service provider in order to ensure positive outcomes and customer satisfaction (Dellande and Gilly, 1998). This study examined the effectiveness of written provider communication in influencing client motivation and role clarity in CDS. Two exploratory investigations examining written provider communication were conducted. In study 1, written material of three different types of health care related CDS (dialysis, prenatal care and weight loss) were examined; in study 2, dialysis written material was further examined. The findings suggest that, in the majority of the materials examined, written provider communication does not seem to clearly communicate the consequences of noncompliance (a source of customer motivation). However, the materials e...
Some simple Apple II software for the collection and analysis of observational data

Two general-purpose software packages for collecting and analyzing observational data from a variety of settings are discussed. One package is designed for coding mutually exclusive behavioral states using the Apple’s keyboard as an input device. The other is designed to monitor temporally overlapping behaviors, and it makes use of the Apple II’s built-in game-control button inputs to indicate up to three behavioral states that may occur simultaneously.
Spectral Density for Third Order Cumulants under Strong Mixing Conditions

If X?{Xv:v?Zd} is a strictly stationary random field, with X0 bounded and expressible as a sum of indicator functions satisfying certain conditions, if the mixing coefficient ?(s) is summable over Zd (that, is, ?mmd?1?(m)<∞), and if a mixing condition involving three sets is satisfied, then the third order cumulant Cum(Xa, Xb, Xc) of X has a continuous spectral density. We do not begin with the assumption that the cumulants are absolutely summable.
TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS IN APLASTIC ANÆMIA

Abstract Twenty-four consecutive patients with Summary acquired aplastic anaemia have been studied retrospectively. Only six patients survived: of these, five received anabolic-androgenic steroids for more than 6 months. Profound leucopenia and serious haemorrhage and/or infection at the time of presentation were associated with the death of eighteen patients who, with one exception, did not survive the 4-6 month period required for a therapeutic effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids. An alternative form of therapy must be considered for this group.