cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there empirical evidence for "defensive medicine"? A reassessment

Proponents of tort reform applied to medical malpractice argue for change partly on the premise that the threat of lawsuits has made medical care more costly. Using U.S. longitudinal data from the National Long-Term Care Survey merged with Medicare claims and other data for 1985-2000, this study assesses whether tort reforms have reduced Medicare payments made on behalf of beneficiaries and the survival probability following an index event. Direct reforms (caps on damages, abolition of punitive damages, eliminating mandatory prejudgment interest, and collateral source offset) did not significantly reduce payments for Medicare-covered services in any specification. Indirect reforms (limitations on contingency fees, mandatory periodic payments, joint-and-several liability reform, and patient compensation funds) significantly reduced Medicare payments only in a specification based on any hospitalization, but not in analysis of hospitalization for each of four common chronic conditions. Neither direct nor indirect reforms had a significant effect on the health outcomes, with one exception. The overall conclusion is that tort reforms do not significantly affect medical decisions, nor do they have a systematic effect on patient outcomes.
Age-related differences in promoter-induced extension of in vitro proliferative life span of Syrian hamster fibroblasts

Abstract The proliferative capacity of Syrian hamster dermal fibroblasts has been previously shown to be inversely related to the age of the donor (Mech. Ageing and Dev., 34 (1986) 151). The present study demonstrates an inverse correlation between in vivo age and the in vitro morphological and proliferative response of Syrian hamster dermal fibroblasts to the tumor promoter phorbol-12, 13-didecanoate. Treatment of fetal fibroblasts with promoter increased the proliferative life span of the cultures by ∼2-fold, but did not increase the frequency of conversion to established cell lines. Neonatal and young adult fibroblasts exhibited intermediate responses to promoter treatment, showing 54.9% and 33.1% extension, respectively. In contrast, promoter treatment had no significant effect on aged adult fibroblasts. Maximal extension required continual treatment beginning in primary culture or at passage 1. Promoter-induced extension of proliferative life span appears to be mediated through the prolonged maintenance of small, highly proliferative cells that are present in primary cultures of these cells.
Towards program optimization through automated analysis of numerical precision

Reducing the arithmetic precision of a computation has real performance implications, including increased speed, decreased power consumption, and a smaller memory footprint. For some architectures, e.g., GPUs, there can be such a large performance difference that using reduced precision is effectively a requirement. The trade-off is that the accuracy of the computation will be compromised. In this paper we describe a proof assistant and associated static analysis techniques for efficiently bounding numerical and precision-related errors. The programmer/compiler can use these bounds to numerically verify and optimize an application for different input and machine configurations. We present several case study applications that demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques and the performance benefits that can be achieved with rigorous precision analysis.
Prevalence and determinants of erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Prevalence and determinants of erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. Background The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is not known. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ED among a community-based hemodialysis (HD) population using a two-stage cluster random sampling design. The presence and severity of ED were assessed among 302 ESRD patients using the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Logistic regression was used to examine and test associations between ED and other medical conditions. Results The prevalence of any level of ED was 82% (95% CI, 76 to 87%) for all HD subjects. The prevalence of severe ED was 45% (CI, 36 to 55%). Subjects younger than 50 years had a prevalence of ED of 63% (CI, 53 to 71%), while in subjects 50 years or older, it was 90% (CI, 84 to 94%). A multivariable analysis demonstrated increasing age (50 to 59, OR=2.04, 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.1; 60 to 69, OR=5.5, 95% CI, 1.9 to 15.6) and diabetes (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.3) to be independently associated with the presence of any level of ED. However, neither the subjects' age nor history of diabetes predicted the severity of ED among subjects with ED. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) was inversely associated with ED (OR = 0.41, 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.98). Poor functional status (Karnofsky score or the Index of Physical Impairment) was not associated with ED. Conclusions ED is extremely prevalent among HD patients. Increasing age, diabetes, and nonuse of ACEIs were associated with higher prevalence of ED. The high prevalence of ED was seen even among patients with good functional status.
An examination of the interpersonal model of loss of control eating in children and adolescents.

The interpersonal model of binge eating disorder proposes that social problems lead to negative affect which, in turn, precipitates binge eating episodes. However, no study to date has examined this model among youth who report loss of control (LOC) eating. Participants were 219 non-treatment seeking children and adolescent volunteers, age 8–17 years (13.1 ± 2.8y; 50% female). Children’s social problems were assessed by parent report. Youth completed self-report questionnaires of negative affect that assessed depressive symptoms and anxiety. Participants were interviewed to determine the presence or absence of LOC eating in the month prior to assessment. Structural equation modeling analyses found that social problems were positively related to LOC eating presence (p = 0.02). Negative affect mediated the relationship between social problems and LOC eating (95% CI Product = .00247, .01336). These preliminary results suggest that the interpersonal model of binge eating may describe one possible pathway for the development of LOC eating among non-treatment seeking youth.
Design, runtime, and analysis of multi-agent systems

Developing a multi-agent system (MAS) is a challenging task, considering sophisticated agent interactions, uncertain environmental conditions, and dynamic domain requirements. This set of demonstrations offers tools for the design and analysis of agent systems and implementations. The design tools help to quickly select agent functionality, assign functionality to components, and then evaluate agent technologies for potential inclusion in the agent design. Search and evaluation is based on the ability of candidate technologies to deliver required functionality and satisfy deployment constraints (e.g. interoperability with database choice, operation on selected OS, etc). The analysis tool, Tracer, is used to validate the implemented behaviors against the designed behaviors and can be used for software comprehension. Sample technologies illustrated in this work include novel work in belief revision, information source selection, and action selection. These technologies are encoded in each agent to form a reliable information network and to support agents' action-selection in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) target tracking simulation.
A generalized framework for solving dynamic optimization problems using the artificial chemical process paradigm: Applications to particulate processes and discrete dynamic systems

Abstract The solution of optimal control problems (OCPs) becomes a challenging task when the analyzed system includes non-convex, non-differentiable, or equation-free models in the set of constraints. To solve OCPs under such conditions, a new procedure, LARES-PR, is proposed. The procedure is based on integrating the LARES algorithm with a generalized representation of the control function. LARES is a global stochastic optimization algorithm based on the artificial chemical process paradigm. The generalized representation of the control function consists of variable-length segments, which permits the use of a combination of different types of finite elements (linear, quadratic, etc.) and/or specialized functions. The functional form and corresponding parameters are determined element-wise by solving a combinatorial optimization problem. The element size is also determined as part of the solution of the optimization problem, using a novel two-step encoding strategy. These building blocks result in an algorithm that is flexible and robust in solving optimal control problems. Furthermore, implementation is very simple. The algorithm's performance is studied with a challenging set of benchmark problems. Then LARES-PR is utilized to solve optimal control problems of systems described by population balance equations, including crystallization, nano-particle formation by nucleation/coalescence mechanism, and competitive reactions in a disperse system modeled by the Monte Carlo method. The algorithm is also applied to solving the DICE model of global warming, a complex discrete-time model.
U.S. corporate bond returns: A study of market anomalies based on broad industry groups

Abstract We examine three major U.S. corporate bond market indices for calendar-based anomalies over the period 1982–2002. The analysis covers the entire corporate bond market and two broad industry classes: industrials and utilities. We find mixed support for the weekend effect in the overall bond index and the industrials index and to a lesser extent in the utilities index. We also show strong evidence of a January effect. This paper not only updates the study of corporate bond market anomalies through the period 2002 but also is the first examination based on broad industry classes.
Acceleration Effect on the Stanton Number for Castings of Ice-Roughened Surfaces

The equivalentangle®¤ has been plottedvs ® for differentvalues of in Fig. 2. It is obvious that, when D 0, then ® D a¤, whereas when ®D 0, then ®¤D . For small (typically, for < 5 deg), ®1⁄4 ®¤, but, otherwise, there is a signi cant difference between ® and ®¤. The equivalent’ has been plotted vs for different values of ® in Fig. 3. Clearly, ’D 90 deg, when ®D 0, and ’D , when ®D 90 deg. For small (typically, for < 5 deg), ’1⁄4 = sin®, for example, ’1⁄4 1 2 , for ®D 30 deg.
Altered melanocyte differentiation and retinal pigmented epithelium transdifferentiation induced by Mash1 expression in pigment cell precursors.

Transcription factor genes governing pigment cell development that are associated with spotting mutations in mice include members of several structural transcription factor classes but not members of the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) class, important for neurogenesis and myogenesis. To determine the effects of bHLH factor expression on pigment cell development, the neurogenic bHLH factor Mash1 was expressed early in pigment cell development in transgenic mice from the dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) promoter. Dct:Mash1 transgenic founders exhibit variable microphthalmia and patchy coat color hypopigmentation. Transgenic F1 mice exhibit microphthalmia with complete coat color dilution. Marker analysis demonstrates that Mash1 expression in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) initiates neurogenesis in this cell layer, whereas expression in remaining neural crest-derived melanocytes alters their differentiation, in part by profoundly downregulating expression of the p (pink-eyed dilution) gene, while maintaining their cell fate. The effects of transcriptional perturbation of pigment cell precursors by Mash1 further highlight differences between pigment cells of distinct developmental origins, and suggest a mechanism for the alteration of melanogenesis to result in marked coat color dilution.
Immunoprophylactic control of bovine babesiosis: role of exoantigens of Babesia

Abstract A major breakthrough in babesiosis vaccine research was achieved with the development of methods for continuous propagation in vitro of Babesia parasites. The development of a soluble, exoantigen-containing immunogen, free of erythrocytic antigens, has been proposed as a practical and realistic means of immunoprophylactic control of babesiosis. Such immunogens have been tested for immunogenicity of different strains, minimal protective dose, and protective efficacy of a combined B. bovis-B. bigemina immunogen. During the last 7 years, most of these aspects have been studied in a co-operative research programme between the University of Illinois and the Veterinary Research Institute of Venezuela. The Babesia exoantigen vaccine prevents clinical disease, is effective against different parasite strains, induces protective immunity for at least 13 months, does not immunize against host blood groups, is antigenically stable for at least 3 years at 4 °C, and is available in large quantities. Continued improvement of currently available culture-derived immunogens will best guarantee the successful production of food-producing animals in the tropics. Since July 1984, 16 field vaccination trials have been conducted in 7 states of Venezuela in areas where large-scale dairy and beef production is crucial for the livestock industry. These ranches encompassed a cattle production of 14 000, of which 3000 have been vaccinated with a combined B. bovis-B. bigemina immunogen in 2 subcutaneous inoculations with a 4-week interval. In the first 5 trials, a 1-year monitoring period following vaccination and natural tick exposure indicated that the culture-derived vaccine has effectively controlled the clinical manifestation of infection. Studies on antigen characterization are shifting the emphasis from crude antigenic preparations to purified polypeptides, isolated and identified using new biochemical techniques. Current research efforts are directed toward isolation of protective antigens and the production of synthetic vaccines. Until optimal molecular vaccines are developed, a polyvalent inactivated B. bovis-B. bigemina immunogen may offer the best combination of potency, efficacy and safety available for effective immunoprophylaxis against bovine babesiosis.
Managing the Megacity for Global Sustainability: The New York Metropolitan Region as an Urban Biosphere Reserve

: The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), while not originally conceived to include urban areas, was intended to include sites representing all significant ecosystems with the goal of support for sustainable development locally and globally. Drawing on the example of the New York Metropolitan Region (NYMR), which has a population of 21.4 million, it is argued here that the eventual inclusion of the largest of the world's cities in WNBR not only is within the logic of the biosphere reserve concept, but would also benefit the network and its goals. The ecological significance of the NYMR, its role as a driver for global environmental change, as well as the efforts under way in the city to improve urban environmental management and governance are all examined. Potential added value to the WNBR of including megacities such as the NYMR is considered, in particular, regarding the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and the strengthening of links between megacities and their global natural resource bases.
A Note on the Early Theatrical Activities of Ferdinando Bibiena

For those interested in the activities of those great Italian theatre artists, the Bibiena family, the early work of Ferdinando, founder of this prestigious group of stage designers and theatre architects, is still not fully documented. Although Ferdinando was identified as “Pittore di Corte” to the Farnese Dukes of Parma between 1680 and 1708 by Giampetro Zannotti, his first biographer in 1739, information concerning his early theatrical activities is still meager. It is generally assumed that Ferdinando began his theatrical career with his work for the Farnese wedding festival in Parma in 1690.
Voice over ATM: an evaluation of network architecture alternatives

This article describes eight application scenarios in which there is a business case for voice over ATM. It then evaluates alternative network architectures for implementing the required network functionality. The article incorporates much of the ongoing work of the ATM Forum and the ITU, but does not restrict itself to standards and implementation agreements. In addition, it evaluates nonstandardized alternatives for ATM transport of voice traffic. There are two main areas: N/spl times/64 kb/s structured data transfer, also known as composite cell transport-a network operator may aggregate individual voice calls into N/spl times/64 kb/s blocks for transport to an intermediate point in the network. At that point the individual calls need to be remapped into new M/spl times/64 kb/s blocks for the next stage of their transport. Architectural alternatives and advantages of remapping are investigated. Interworking of signalling is of two types: network interworking, in which the end users are connected to non-ATM networks and an ATM network is used for backbone transport; and service interworking, in which an ATM user is connected to a non-ATM user. Functionality and architectural alternatives for network and service interworking are evaluated.
The impact of symptomatology on response to a health promoting intervention among older adults with schizophrenia.

PurposeTo explore the relationship between the symptoms of schizophrenia experienced by older persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus and their response to a health promoting intervention.MethodsSecondary data analysis of data obtained from a lifestyle intervention program that recruited participants over age 40 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and type 2 diabetes mellitus from board-and-care facilities and day treatment programs. Participants had been randomly assigned to a 24-week diabetes awareness and rehabilitation training (DART; n = 32) or a usual care plus information (UCI; n = 32) comparison group. Baseline and 6-month (intervention completion) assessments included a diabetes knowledge test (DKT), diabetes self-efficacy measured by the diabetes empowerment scale (DES), and symptomatology defined by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Simple linear regression models in 3 steps were used to analyze the data.ResultsA significant condition by symp...
Adaptive Intra-Symbol SMSE Waveform Design Amidst Coexistent Primary Users

An analytic approach is presented for optimizing Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded (SMSE) waveforms using independent selection of intra-symbol (within a symbol) subcarrier power and modulation order. The SMSE framework is well-suited for cognition-based, software defined radio (SDR) applications. By exploiting statistical knowledge about the spectral and temporal behavior of interfering signals, the inherent SMSE framework flexibility is leveraged to substantially increase system throughput while limiting coexistent interference. Results for a coexistent scenario are provided in which the analytic optimization of the SMSE waveform is demonstrated in the presence of multiple Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signals. The results reveal significant performance benefits that demonstrate the potential of the SMSE framework to dynamically adapt to changing environmental conditions-key functionality required for future SDR implementations.
Citrobacter Ventriculitis in a Neonate Responsive to Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

There are increasing reports of citrobacter central nervous system infections in neonates. These organisms cause brain abcesses in a high percentage of patients. They may be resistant to commonly used antibiotics. We report a term male infant with underlying meningo-myelocoele and hydrocephalus in whom Citrobacter diversus meningitis and ventriculitis developed. Initial antibiotic therapy including intraventricular amikacin failed to sterilize the ventricles or alter a deteriorating clinical course. Adding intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to the therapeutic regimen resulted in reversal of a progressively worsening condition and eventual recovery. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be considered as a potentially useful alternative antibiotic for susceptible central nervous system infections.
THE INDEPENDENCE OF RAMSEY'S THEOREM

In [3] F. P. Ramsey proved as a theorem of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory (ZF) with the Axiom of Choice (AC) the following result: (1) Theorem. Let A be an infinite class. For each integer n and partition {X , Y} of the size n subsets of A, there exists an infinite subclass of A all of whose size n subsets are contained in only one of X or Y .
The lateral intercondylar ridge--a key to anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

As our techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have evolved, our focus has drifted from anatomy. We believe that it is important to hearken back to anatomy and to fully understand normal anatomy so that we can try to restore it with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. The results associated with current anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques are adequate but not exceptional. A recent meta-analysis of the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction indicated that only 33% of patients who had reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft and 41% of those who had reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft had normal outcomes according to the final International Knee Documentation Committee score1. There is clearly room for improvement, and we think that the keys to improvement will be based on anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In their paper entitled “Morphology of the Femoral Intercondylar Notch,” Farrow et al. evaluate the anatomy of the lateral intercondylar notch in 200 cadaveric specimens. The authors' goal—namely, to perform a detailed study of the area where the anterior cruciate ligament attaches in order to provide more reliable guidance for femoral tunnel placement—is admirable. The authors note that the osseous ridge that Dr. Clancy termed the “resident's ridge” was present in 194 of …
Triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome treated with laser ablation: the USFetus experience.

Objective. We sought to assess outcomes of triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (FFTS) treated with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV).Study design. All twins and triplets with FFTS treated with SLPCV were analyzed. Triplets were classified as dichorionic–triamniotic (D/T) or monochorionic–triamniotic (M/T). In M/T triplets, SLPCV between FFTS affected recipient–donor pairs was performed first (step 1); SLPCV of remaining vascular communications was then attempted (step 2).Results. Forty-six of 692 (6.7%) gestations with FFTS treated with SLPCV were triplets; 40 (87%) were D/T, 6 (13%) were M/T. Overall perinatal survivorship in triplets versus twins were not different (73.9% vs. 75.1%, p = 0.757). SLPCV was achieved in 93% of D/T triplets. In the M/T triplets, step 1 was successful in all cases, and step 2 in half of cases. The D/T group delivered later in gestation than the M/T group (31.6 vs. 27.0 weeks, p = 0.049); no difference in overall perinatal survival was...
The Ontogeny of Salt Intake in Rats

Many mammals eat salt irrespective of need. When depleted of sodium, they consume even more of it. In both conditions, the amount consumed depends on the concentration of salt offered, with weak concentrations being preferred and strong ones avoided.
Assessment of active learning with upper division computer science students

This paper describes the assessment and evaluation of experiments with active learning techniques performed in upper division computer science classes at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In spite of the traditional views of computer science as an individualistic subject matter that attracts introverted, nonsocial students, the authors used active learning techniques in their classrooms for several semesters with encouraging results. In addition to an improved attitude and stated increased satisfaction, students' test results seemed to show increased comprehension and improved critical reasoning abilities. However, the authors felt the need to further evaluate their experiments for a more objective assessment. As an initial step, the authors conducted a survey of CSUN graduates, now working professionals. The goal of the survey was to determine how well the active learning experiments met the objectives of improved critical analysis abilities that were needed on their jobs, as well as improved communication and collaboration skills.
Ethics and Public Policy Implications of Research on Consumer Well-Being:

Abstract This essay provides an overview of research programs related to consumer well-being (CWB) and discusses the ethics perspectives and public policy implications of the programs. The author groups CWB research programs into five ethics perspectives: (1) ethics of consumer sovereignty, (2) duty ethics of nonmaleficence, (3) ethics of stakeholder theory, (4) ethics of social justice, and (5) ethics of human development and quality of life. Ethical guidelines and public policy implications are then logically deduced to assist professional and industry associations in setting CWB standards, to train member organizations to develop and implement programs to enhance CWB, and to monitor the extent to which the entire profession or industry is contributing to society through CWB. These ethical guidelines can also help government institutions and nongovernmental organizations create public policies to ensure that institutions deliver higher levels of CWB.
The leadership of emergence: A complex systems leadership theory of emergence at successive organizational levels☆

Complexity science reframes leadership by focusing on the dynamic interactions between all individuals, explaining how those interactions can, under certain conditions, produce emergent outcomes. We develop a Leadership of Emergence using this approach, through an analysis of three empirical studies which document emergence in distinct contexts. Each of these studies identifies the same four “conditions” for emergence: the presence of a Dis-equilibrium state, Amplifying actions, Recombination/“Self-organization”, and Stabilizing feedback. From these studies we also show how these conditions can be generated through nine specific behaviors which leaders can enact, including: Disrupt existing patterns through embracing uncertainty and creating controversy, Encourage novelty by allowing experiments and supporting collective action, Provide sensemaking and sensegiving through the artful use of language and symbols, and Stabilize the system by Integrating local constraints. Finally, we suggest ways for advancing a meso-model of leadership, and show how our findings can improve complexity science applications in management.
Multisensory Approach to Handwriting Remediation: Perceptions of School-Based Occupational Therapists

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the current practices of school-based occupational therapists regarding their use of multisensory modalities and activities in handwriting remediation. Method A survey was sent to 313 school-based occupational therapist members of the American Occupational Therapy Association who identified themselves as working in a school system as their primary employment setting. Of these, 198 surveys were returned and analyzed descriptively, resulting in a response rate of 63.3%. Results More than 130 different multisensory modalities and activities were documented. Twenty-five of these had previously been reported in the literature, the other 114 were documented, by respondents, within the "other" category. Most respondents reported using 5 or more modalities and activities per student, the most frequent being chalk and chalkboard. No consensus among respondents is apparent about the primary sensory systems stimulated by the modalities and activities. No difference in modality and activity use was found on the basis of demographic variables. Conclusion Overall findings indicate that the breadth of modalities and activities being used is far greater than that currently found in the literature. The results suggest a need for completing studies designed to examine the use and effectiveness of multisensory modalities and activities in handwriting remediation.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Public Access Defibrillation in the Current Era—Can We Do Better Yet?

The paper in this edition of JAHA by Iwami, et al. entitled “Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest by Public Location in the Public-Access Defibrillation Era”[1][1] offers very encouraging data with regard to the improving outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The information
Statistical methods to evaluate health effects associated with major sources of air pollution: a case-study of breathing patterns during exposure to concentrated Boston air particles

Summary. We conduct a case-study evaluating the source-specific effects of particulate matter on respiratory function. Using a structural equation approach, we assess the effect of different receptor models on the estimated source-specific effects for univariate respiratory response. Furthermore, we extend the structural equation model by placing a factor analysis model on the response to represent the measured respiratory responses in terms of underlying respiratory patterns. We estimate the particulate matter source-specific effects on respiratory rate, accentuated normal breathing and airway irritation and find a strong increase in airway irritation that is associated with exposure to motor vehicle particulate matter.
The Grammar of Telegraphic Structures: Sentential and Nonsentential Derivation

L'A. examine les structures d'enonces telegraphiques anglais du point de vue de la grammaire generative. Afin de montrer que l'ellipse n'est pas le seul mecanisme grammatical a la base des structures telegraphiques, il propose une distinction entre deux types de structures telegraphiques pouvant etre expliquees par differentes derivations grammaticales. Cette distinction oppose les structures phrastiques, dans lesquelles l'ellipse joue un role important, et les structures non phrastiques, qui representent des constituants independants non phrastiques. L'A. suggere ici que les deux approches en concurrence dans la grammaire generative pour expliquer les structures plus petites que des phrases (l'analyse de l'ellipse et l'analyse non phrastique), sont necessaires pour une explication complete du corpus
Response of the Phytoplankton Community in an Alpine Lake to Drought Conditions: Colorado Rocky Mountain Front Range, U.S.A

Lakes may serve as sentinels for the impacts of changing climate in alpine areas. In the Rocky Mountain region, 2002 was a year with extremely low snowpack. We examined the summer phytoplankton community in Green Lake 4 for a 6-year period that included the summer of 2002. The phytoplankton community variation was examined in the context of the changes in physical and chemical properties of Green Lake 4. The physical changes associated with the 2002 drought included warmer surface water temperatures and greater hydraulic residence times; whereas the chemical changes included higher concentrations of acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and major ions. During the summer of 2002 the phytoplankton community was dominated by Synedra sp. and Ankyra sp.; two previously rare species. The growth of Synedra sp. was sufficient to cause a decrease in silica concentrations, which has not been observed in other summers in the water quality monitoring record. The results of a redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that concentrations of major ions and ANC were aligned with Synedra sp. and Ankyra sp. during the 2002 drought year. Following the 2002 drought year, Chrysococcus sp. and Chlorococcum sp., which became abundant, were aligned with nitrate in the RDA. These results indicate that the response of the phytoplankton community to the extreme drought was most strongly correlated with water quality changes that occurred, rather than temperature and hydraulic residence time. The dominant species in the post-drought phytoplankton community were found to be associated with nitrate, which is brought to the watershed by atmospheric deposition and may represent an anthropogenic driver of phytoplankton community composition.
Differentiating Systolic from Diastolic Heart Failure Using Impedance Cardiography

Objective Differentiating systolic from diastolic congestive heart failure (CHF) is often difficult in the ED. Impedance cardiography (IC) allows for the noninvasive evaluation of systolic function and measurement of diastolic time intervals. This study was designed to assess the ability of IC to accurately measure isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and determine relative cardiac contractility, thereby differentiating systolic from diastolic mechanisms in acute CHF. Methods In an evaluation of the technique, the average differences in the diastolic time intervals measured in normal subjects by both IC tracings and phonocardiography were compared. Likewise, the average Heather index (HI) of patients with known systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction Results Analysis of 280 IC tracings in eight healthy volunteers revealed an average difference of 0.0075 seconds (95% CI = -0.0067 to 0.0217) when IVRT intervals measured by phonocardiography and IC are compared. The HI in this normal group averaged 14.2 (95% CI = 9.4 to 19.0), contrasting to the much lower value of 2.8 (95% CI = 1.98 to 3.62) seen in eight subjects with documented systolic dysfunction. In 26 patients with decompensated CHF, there was a close correlation (r = 0.81) of the measured IVRT to left ventricular hypertrophy by voltage criteria and while a fall in the HI was correlated with intravascular volume expansion. Though there was considerable overlap (46%) in mechanisms of CHF, 35% of the patients were found to have only systolic dysfunction (HI 0.125 and HI > 5) for their failure. Conclusion IC measures of contractility and diastolic time intervals are a potentially effective method for differentiating the dominant mechanisms of CHF in the emergent setting and categorizing CHF patients into different subsets.
Speedier decoding of cyclic codes using chord properties

Finite-field transform quantities, appearing in typical cyclic code decoders, obey conjugacy-based relationships commonly called chord properties. It is demonstrated that these relationships may be used to significantly expedite error estimation by the decoder. The resulting speed-up factor is proportional to the degree of the extension field in which the code design is specified. BCH codes and standard decoder structures, either of the frequency-domain or time-domain type, are used to motivate, develop, and illustrate the underlying principles. Approximate estimates of the complexities and benefits of the proposed techniques are given. Finally, these chord-directed speed-up methods are extended to Reed-Solomon and other cyclic codes that use symbols in an extension field. >
Incidentalomas of the Pancreas

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis which has not appreciably changed over the past decades despite advances in surgical and medical therapies. Most patients present with advanced disease and are not amenable to surgical extirpation. Even with intended curative resection, long-term survival is rare as PDAC is likely systemic very early in the disease process. There are currently no valid screening tools for PDAC but an increasing number of pancreatic lesions are detected due to the ubiquitous use of abdominal imaging in the workup for other diseases. A pancreatic incidental finding may be an opportunity for early diagnosis of a pancreatic malignancy. Conversely, however, many incidentally discovered pancreatic lesions are of little clinical consequence and pancreatic surgery has a high associated morbidity. Thus the management of a pancreatic incidentaloma is a medical quandary. In this article, we discuss the various incidentally discovered pancreatic lesions, with particular attention to the risk of pancreatic malignancy and potential management strategies.
Anomaly detection in radiation signals using kernel machine intelligence

Acquisition of consecutive ultra-short interval measurements with a radiation detector serves in detecting anomalies in the ambient environment, potentially caused by hidden radioactive material. An anomaly is defined as the contribution of a man-made radiation source to the measured signal. In this paper a new methodology is presented and tested on detecting anomalies in various radiation signals. The methodology employs machine intelligence tools to perform automated detection of malignant source contribution. In particular, a Gaussian process (GP) modeled as a function of a learning kernel is used for post-processing of measured signals. For detection purposes, a window that slides over the measured signal is divided into three parts, where the two parts are used for training the GP that is subsequently used for predicting the values of the third part. Next, a comparison between predicted and measured values in the third part is conducted by computing the mean average percentage error (MAPE). If MAPE is relatively high, then the likelihood of an anomaly in the part under examination is respectively high. Adoption of a sliding window ensures that no part of signal will remain unchecked. Testing results obtained on a set of gamma-ray signals exhibit the potency of the presented methodology in effectively detecting anomalies.
Challenges in the characterization of plasma-processed three-dimensional polymeric scaffolds for biomedical applications.

Low-temperature plasmas offer a versatile method for delivering tailored functionality to a range of materials. Despite the vast array of choices offered by plasma processing techniques, there remain a significant number of hurdles that must be overcome to allow this methodology to realize its full potential in the area of biocompatible materials. Challenges include issues associated with analytical characterization, material structure, plasma processing, and uniform composition following treatment. Specific examples and solutions are presented utilizing results from analyses of three-dimensional (3D) poly(e-caprolactone) scaffolds treated with different plasma surface modification strategies that illustrate these challenges well. Notably, many of these strategies result in 3D scaffolds that are extremely hydrophilic and that enhance human Saos-2 osteoblast cell growth and proliferation, which are promising results for applications including tissue engineering and advanced biomedical devices.
Thermal conductivity of Si nanowires: A first-principles analysis of the role of defects

The theoretical laser-flash method is used to calculate the thermal conductivity of the ${\text{Si}}_{200}{X}_{32}$ ($X=\text{H}$, D, or OH) and ${\text{Si}}_{296}{X}_{112}$ ($X=\text{H}$ or D) nanowires. The main emphasis is on the role of defects, which are described using first-principles methods. The defects considered are the surface of the nanowire, random distributions of substitutional C or Ge impurities, and monoatomic $\ensuremath{\delta}$ layers of C or Ge. The localized vibrational modes of these defects are explicitly included in the calculations and no empirical defect-related parameter is introduced. We find that the surface Si--H wag modes couple resonantly to each other much faster than they decay into bulk modes, which leads to distinct surface and bulk contributions to the thermal conductivity. The spatially-localized vibrational modes associated with the Ge or C impurities as well as the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ layers trap thermal phonons thus reducing the thermal conductivity.
Reflections of a Sometime-Public Intellectual

At least once a month, I receive an e-mail, phone call, or question from one of my colleagues—how do you get an op-ed into the New York Times? It seems that a great number of my colleagues have at least one public intellectual (PI) bone in their body that they are keen to display. They hold, often for good reason, that they have something to say that will serve the president, the American people, or even the world. Although I have no answer to the immediate question—it is easier to win a lottery than to get into the New York Times—I do have a few thoughts about the greater question: how can an academic, especially a political scientist, gain a public voice? Here, then, follow the lessons of fifty years of trying to speak in that voice, drawing on both my experiences and those of my colleagues.
Surgical treatment of echinococcal cyst of the heart. Report of a case and review of the world literature.

The case histories of two children with echinococcal cysts of the left ventricular myocardium are reported. Both patients underwent successful enucleation of the cysts, after initial local treatment with 0.5 percent silver nitrate solution. A previous review of the world literature on the surgical treatment of echinococcal cyst of the heart, published in 1971, is brought up to date by the addition of 60 new cases to the 118 cases then described. Instillation of 0.5 percent silver nitrate solution into the cyst cavity is now a routine procedure in our institution to sterilize the cyst and to kill the scolices. This substance is preferable to formalin and hypertonic sodium chloride solution, because it acts rapidly and is nontoxic and nonabsorbable. The two children in this report are the first in whom silver nitrate solution was used to sterilize the myocardial cysts.
A review of technical requirements for plug-and-play solar photovoltaic microinverter systems in the United States

Abstract The average American is highly supportive of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and has the opportunity to earn a high return of investment from a PV investment for their own home. Unfortunately, the average American does not have easy access to capital/financing to install a PV system able to meet their aggregate annual electric needs. One method to overcome this challenge is to allow ‘plug-and-play solar’, which is defined as a fully inclusive, commercial, off-the-shelf PV system (normally consisting of a PV module and microinverter), which a prosumer can install by plugging it into an electric outlet and avoiding the need for significant permitting, inspection and interconnection processes. Many advanced countries already allow plug-and-play solar, yet U.S. regulations have lagged behind. In order to assist the U.S. overcome regulatory obstructions to greater PV penetration, this article first reviews the relevant codes and standards from the National Electric Code, local jurisdictions and utilities for PV with a specific focus on plug-and-play solar. Next, commercially available microinverters and alternating current (AC) modules are reviewed for their technical and safety compliance to these standards and all were found to be compliant. The technical requirements are then compared to regulatory and utility requirements using case studies in Michigan, which were found to create arbitrary non-technically-valid barriers to grid entry. The analysis also exposed the redundancy of the utility accessed AC disconnect switch for residential and small commercial grid connected solar PV. It is clear that the AC disconnect switch is not necessary technically and thus imposing it is an economic barrier to grid entry for solar PV systems with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified microinverters. To reduce consumer and utility workload and the concomitant soft costs, this article provides a streamlined application with only technical requirements and free and open source software to ease utility implementation. Finally, the advantages of supporting plug-and-play solar PV with UL certified microinverters include greater PV system performance, faster uptake and higher PV penetration levels, improved prosumer economics, and more environmentally responsible electric generation.
The promise of television in the continuing education of mental health practitioners.

(1986). The Promise of Television in the Continuing Education of Mental Health Practitioners. Health Education: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 18-21.
Connectivity Maintenance of a Heterogeneous Sensor Network

In this paper we derive connectivity constraints for a heterogeneous sensor network made up of sensing agents and mobile communication relays. With these constraints we develop feasible motion sets that can guarantee network connectivity. We also show how to reduce the number of communication constraints to allow the sensing agents to maximize their feasible motion sets and thus allow for a larger search area while maintaining network connectivity. A technique for shaping the network configuration is also presented that allows for biasing particular communication links within the network. Numerical simulations and preliminary experimental results verify the validity of the proposed approach.
Modulating amyloid-β aggregation: The effects of peptoid side chain placement and chirality

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the buildup of insoluble aggregated amyloid-β protein (Aβ) into plaques that accumulate between the neural cells in the brain. AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and is the only cause of death among the top ten that cannot currently be treated or cured (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Selkoe, 1996). Researchers have focused on developing small molecules and peptides to prevent Aβ aggregation; however, while some compounds appear promising in vitro, the research has not resulted in a viable therapeutic treatment. We previously reported a peptoid-based mimic (JPT1) of the peptide KLVFF (residues 16–20 of Aβ) that modulates Aβ40 aggregation, specifically reducing the total number of fibrillar, β-sheet structured aggregates formed. In this study, we investigate two new variants of JPT1 that probe the importance of aromatic side chain placement (JPT1s) and side chain chirality (JPT1a). Both JPT1s and JPT1a modulate Aβ40 aggregation by reducing total β-sheet aggregates. However, JPT1a also has a pronounced effect on the morphology of fibrillar Aβ40 aggregates. These results suggest that Aβ40 aggregation may follow a different pathway in the presence of peptoids with different secondary structures. A better understanding of the interactions between peptoids and Aβ will allow for improved design of AD treatments.
In vivo versus ex vivo CRISPR therapies for retinal dystrophy.

SUMMARYTwo therapeutic paths have been proposed to treat inherited retinal dystrophy using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). One strategy is to genetically correct patient cells ex vivo for autologous transplant, whereas the second is to modify cells in vivo by delivering CRISPR effectors to the retina. The feasibility of both editing strategies has been demonstrated within three years of CRISPR’s adaptation to mammalian systems. However, the functional integration of transplanted cells into host retinae has been a long-standing challenge that currently represents the 2025 moonshot of the National Eye Institute’s Audacious Goals Initiative. The clinical translatability of each path is discussed with regard to current investigations and whether cell replacement can be circumvented by in vivo editing.