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This paper introduces Llettuce, an open-source tool designed to address the complexities of converting medical terms into OMOP standard concepts. Unlike existing solutions such as the Athena database search and Usagi, which struggle with semantic nuances and require substantial manual input, Llettuce leverages advanced natural language processing, including large language models and fuzzy matching, to automate and enhance the mapping process. Developed with a focus on GDPR compliance, Llettuce can be deployed locally, ensuring data protection while maintaining high performance in converting informal medical terms to standardised concepts.

Purpose: To develop and validate a multi-parametric SAturation-recovery single-SHot Acquisition (mSASHA) cardiac T1 and T2 mapping technique with high accuracy and precision in a single breath-hold. Methods: The mSASHA acquisition consists of 9 images in an 11 heartbeat breath-hold -- the first without preparation, 6 images with saturation recovery preparation, and 2 images with both saturation recovery and T2-preparation. T1 and T2 values were calculated using a 3-parameter model. mSASHA was validated in simulations and phantoms on a Siemens 3T Prisma scanner with comparison to a joint T1-T2 technique with a 4-parameter model. mSASHA values were compared to reference MOLLI, SASHA and T2p-bSSFP sequences in 10 healthy volunteers. Results: mSASHA had high accuracy compared to reference spin-echo measurements, with an average of -0.7+/-0.4% T1 error and -1.3+/-1.3% T2 error. mSASHA coefficient of variation (CoV) in phantoms for T1 was lower than MOLLI (0.7+/-0.1% vs 0.9+/-0.2%, p<0.01) and similar to reference T2p-bSSFP for T2 (1.4+/-0.6% vs 1.5+/-0.5%, p>0.05). In simulations, 3-parameter mSASHA fitting had higher precision than 4-parameter joint T1-T2 fitting for both T1 and T2. In-vivo myocardial mSASHA T1 was similar to conventional SASHA (1523+/-18 ms vs 1520+/-18 ms, p>0.05) with similar CoV to both MOLLI and SASHA (3.3+/-0.6% vs 3.1+/-0.6% and 3.3+/-0.5% respectively, p>0.05 for both). Myocardial mSASHA T2 values were 37.1+/-1.1 ms with similar precision to T2p-bSSFP (6.7+/-1.7% vs 6.0+/-1.6%, p>0.05). Conclusion: mSASHA provides high accuracy cardiac T1 and T2 quantification in a single breath-hold, with similar precision to reference MOLLI and linear T2p-bSSFP reference techniques., Comment: 27 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

While it is tempting in experimental practice to seek as high a data rate as possible, oversampling can become an issue if one takes measurements too densely. These effects can take many forms, some of which are easy to detect: e.g., when the data sequence contains multiple copies of the same measured value. In other situations, as when there is mixing$-$in the measurement apparatus and/or the system itself$-$oversampling effects can be harder to detect. We propose a novel, model-free technique to detect local mixing in time series using an information-theoretic technique called permutation entropy. By varying the temporal resolution of the calculation and analyzing the patterns in the results, we can determine whether the data are mixed locally, and on what scale. This can be used by practitioners to choose appropriate lower bounds on scales at which to measure or report data. After validating this technique on several synthetic examples, we demonstrate its effectiveness on data from a chemistry experiment, methane records from Mauna Loa, and an Antarctic ice core., Comment: Submission for Physical Review E

Permutation entropy techniques can be useful in identifying anomalies in paleoclimate data records, including noise, outliers, and post-processing issues. We demonstrate this using weighted and unweighted permutation entropy of water-isotope records in a deep polar ice core. In one region of these isotope records, our previous calculations revealed an abrupt change in the complexity of the traces: specifically, in the amount of new information that appeared at every time step. We conjectured that this effect was due to noise introduced by an older laboratory instrument. In this paper, we validate that conjecture by re-analyzing a section of the ice core using a more-advanced version of the laboratory instrument. The anomalous noise levels are absent from the permutation entropy traces of the new data. In other sections of the core, we show that permutation entropy techniques can be used to identify anomalies in the raw data that are not associated with climatic or glaciological processes, but rather effects occurring during field work, laboratory analysis, or data post-processing. These examples make it clear that permutation entropy is a useful forensic tool for identifying sections of data that require targeted re-analysis---and can even be useful in guiding that analysis., Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures

Paleoclimate records are extremely rich sources of information about the past history of the Earth system. Information theory, the branch of mathematics capable of quantifying the degree to which the present is informed by the past, provides a new means for studying these records. Here, we demonstrate that estimates of the Shannon entropy rate of the water-isotope data from the West Antarctica Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core, calculated using weighted permutation entropy (WPE), can bring out valuable new information from this record. We find that WPE correlates with accumulation, reveals possible signatures of geothermal heating at the base of the core, and clearly brings out laboratory and data-processing effects that are difficult to see in the raw data. For example, the signatures of Dansgaard-Oeschger events in the information record are small, suggesting that these abrupt warming events may not represent significant changes in the climate system dynamics. While the potential power of information theory in paleoclimatology problems is significant, the associated methods require careful handling and well-dated, high-resolution data. The WAIS Divide ice core is the first such record that can support this kind of analysis. As more high-resolution records become available, information theory will likely become a common forensic tool in climate science., Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures, 1 table

We analyzed the response of NaI(Tl) to low energy nuclear recoils in the experiment that is reported on here. Such detectors have been used recently to search for evidence of dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). Understanding the response of these detectors to low energy nuclear recoils is crucial in these searches. We have measured nuclear recoils and associated quenching factors (QF) for sodium recoils in the energy range of 8 keV - 48 keV. The results are characterized by a decrease in QF as the recoil energy decreases. The measured values are significantly lower than those reported by DAMA, but are similar to results from recent measurements. We present the details of our experiment, including the neutron beam calibration, shielding optimization, and the experimental design and setup. The DAMA/LIBRA combined modulation signal is used with the new QF values to illustrate the changes to the dark matter interpretation resulting from this improved characterization of these NaI(Tl) detectors., Comment: 9 pages, 14 figures

This is the supporting online material for the manuscript arXiv:1404.4201 "Water isotope diffusion rates from the NorthGRIP ice core for the last 16,000 years - glaciological and paleoclimatic implications."

A high resolution (0.05 m) water isotopic record ($\delta^{18}\mathrm{O}$) is available from the NorthGRIP ice core. In this study we look into the water isotope diffusion history as estimated by the spectral characteristics of the $\delta^{18}\mathrm{O}$ time series covering the last 16,000 years. The diffusion of water vapor in the porous medium of the firn pack attenuates the initial isotopic signal, predominantly having an impact on the high frequency components of the power spectrum. Higher temperatures induce higher rates of smoothing and thus the signal can be used as a firn paleothermometer. We use a water isotope diffusion model coupled to a steady-state densification model in order to infer the temperature signal from the site, assuming the accumulation and strain rate history as estimated using the GICC05 layer counted chronology and a Dansgaard--Johnsen ice flow model. The temperature reconstruction accurately captures the timing and magnitude of the B{\o}lling--Aller{\o}d and Younger Dryas transitions. A Holocene climatic optimum is seen between 7 and 9 ky b2k with an apparent cooling trend thereafter. Our temperature estimate for the Holocene climatic optimum, points to a necessary adjustment of the ice thinning function indicating that the ice flow model overestimates past accumulation rates by about 10\% at 8 ky b2k. Finally, the record presents a climatic variability over the Holocene spanning millennial and centennial scales with a profound cooling occurring at approximately 4000 years b2k. The new reconstruction technique is able to provide past temperature estimates by overcoming the issues apparent in the use of the classical $\delta^{18}\mathrm{O}$ slope method. It can in the same time resolve temperature signals at low and high frequencies.

The federal government provides billions of dollars in assistance each year to students and families through federal student aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and through tax expenditures, such as credits and deductions. GAO was asked to (1) describe the size and distribution of Title IV student aid and tax expenditures available to assist students and families with higher education expenses; (2) assess the extent to which tax filers select higher education provisions that maximize their tax benefit; (3) summarize what is known about the effect of student aid and tax expenditures on student outcomes; and (4) describe factors that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of federal student assistance programs. GAO analyzed data from Education, IRS, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, and conducted a literature review for original empirical research. GAO also developed a framework for evaluating federal assistance and validated it with recognized experts of higher education finance. GAO recommends (1) that IRS and Education work together to develop a strategy to improve information provided to tax filers who appear eligible to claim a tax provision but do not and (2) that Education sponsor and conduct evaluative research into the effects of Title IV programs and tax expenditures at improving student outcomes. Education and IRS agreed with GAO's recommendations. Education noted that while it does not have access to tax data, it will work with IRS to assist in taxpayer outreach. Appended are: (1) Objectives, Scope, and Methodology; (2) Descriptions of Title IV Programs and Higher Education-Related Tax Expenditures; (3) Text to Accompany Interactive Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8; (4) Comments from the Department of Education; (5) Comments from the Internal Revenue Service; and (6) GAO Contacts and Staff Acknowledgments. A bibliography is included. (Contains 14 tables, 8 figures and 62 footnotes.)

Current understanding of neuronal growth is mostly qualitative, as the staggering number of physical and chemical guidance cues involved prohibit a fully quantitative description of axonal dynamics. We report on a general approach that describes axonal growth in vitro, on poly-D-lysine coated glass substrates, as diffusion in an effective external potential, representing the collective contribution of all causal influences on the growth cone. We use this approach to obtain effective growth rules that reveal an emergent regulatory mechanism for axonal pathfinding on these substrates., Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review E

Detailed knowledge of mechanical parameters such as cell elasticity, stiffness of the growth substrate, or traction stresses generated during axonal extensions is essential for understanding the mechanisms that control neuronal growth. Here we combine Atomic Force Microscopy based force spectroscopy with Fluorescence Microscopy to produce systematic, high-resolution elasticity maps for three different types of live neuronal cells: cortical (embryonic rat), embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion, and P-19 (mouse embryonic carcinoma stem cells) neurons. We measure how the stiffness of neurons changes both during neurite outgrowth and upon disruption of microtubules of the cell. We find reversible local stiffening of the cell during growth, and show that the increase in local elastic modulus is primarily due to the formation of microtubules. We also report that cortical and P-19 neurons have similar elasticity maps, with elastic moduli in the range 0.1-2 kPa, with typical average values of 0.4 kPa (P-19) and 0.2 kPa (cortical). In contrast, DRG neurons are stiffer than P-19 and cortical cells, yielding elastic moduli in the range 0.1-8 kPa, with typical average values of 0.9 kPa. Finally, we report no measurable influence of substrate protein coating on cell body elasticity for the three types of neurons.

Nonradiative energy dissipation in electronically excited polyatomic molecules proceeds through conical intersections, loci of degeneracy between electronic states. We observe a marked enhancement of laser-induced double ionization in the vicinity of a conical intersection during a non-radiative transition. We measured double ionization by detecting the kinetic energy of ions released by laser-induced strong-field fragmentation during the ring-opening transition between 1,3-cyclohexadiene and 1,3,5-hexatriene. The enhancement of the double ionization correlates with the conical intersection between the HOMO and LUMO orbitals., Comment: The manuscript has been accepted for publication at the Journal of Chemical Physics (October 28 2013)

We have studied the photo-induced isomerization from 1,3-cyclohexadiene to 1,3,5-hexatriene in the presence of an intense ultrafast laser pulse. We find that the laser field maximally suppresses isomerization if it is both polarized parallel to the excitation dipole and present 50 fs after the initial photoabsorption, at the time when the system is expected to be in the vicinity of a conical intersection that mediates this structural transition. A modified ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) method shows that the laser induces a resonant coupling between the excited state and the ground state, i.e., a light-induced conical intersection. The theory accounts for the timing and direction of the effect.

We use spectral unmixing to determine the number of transient photoproducts and to track their evolution following the photo- excitation of 1,3-cyclohexadiene (CHD) to form 1,3,5-hexatriene (HT) in the gas phase. The ring opening is initiated with a 266 nm ultraviolet laser pulse and probed via fragmentation with a delayed intense infrared 800 nm laser pulse. The ion time-of-flight (TOF) spectra are analyzed with a simplex-based spectral unmixing technique. We find that at least three independent spectra are needed to model the transient TOF spectra. Guided by mathematical and physical constraints, we decompose the transient TOF spectra into three spectra associated with the presence of CHD, CHD+, and HT, and show how these three products appear at different times during the ring opening.

We describe an undergraduate laboratory that combines an accurate measurement of the speed of light, a fundamental investigation of a basic laser system, and a nontrivial use of statistical analysis. Students grapple with the existence of longitudinal modes in a laser cavity as they change the cavity length of an adjustable-cavity HeNe laser and tune the cavity to produce lasing in the TEM$_{00}$ mode. For appropriate laser cavity lengths, the laser gain curve of a HeNe laser allows simultaneous operation of multiple longitudinal modes. The difference frequency between the modes is measured using a self-heterodyne detection with a diode photodetector and a radio frequency spectrum analyzer. Asymmetric effects due to frequency pushing and frequency pulling, as well as transverse modes, are minimized by simultaneously monitoring and adjusting the mode structure as viewed with a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The frequency spacing of longitudinal modes is proportional to the inverse of the cavity length with a proportionality constant equal to half the speed of light. By changing the length of the cavity, without changing the path length within the HeNe gas, the speed of light in air can be measured to be ($2.9972 \pm0.0002) \times 10^{8}$ m/s, which is to high enough precision to distinguish between the speed of light in air and that in a vacuum., Comment: 6 pages; 6 figures; Published in the American Journal of Physics

An Oklahoma study sought to identify specific benefits that accrue to students with special needs in secondary Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs and to determine teachers' perceptions of SAE programs for students with special needs. Data were gathered in the fall of 1993 through a mailed survey of all 362 agricultural education departments in the state; 249 responses were received (69 percent). The study found that only 68 percent (956) of 1,401 students with special needs were involved in SAE. The most common types of SAE programs conducted by students with special needs included livestock exhibition, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and job placement. The teachers were very experienced, with an average age of 38 and with 14 years of teaching experience. Overall, teachers' perceptions of students with special needs involved in SAE programs were positive. They felt that SAE for students with special needs was similar to SAE for mainstream students in most respects, although special needs students needed more help and had fewer options. The study concluded that SAE offered multiple opportunities and benefits for special needs students and related directly to the objectives of special education. Several difficulties were cited: poor student recordkeeping, lack of parental support, family's socioeconomic status, supervision time, and students' abilities and behaviors. Recommendations were made to involve more special needs students in SAE based on their needs. (Contains 23 references.) (KC)

This study provides an analysis of the economic impact of Ulster University and its students on the Northern Ireland economy. With over 26,000 students, Ulster University is Northern Ireland's largest university in terms of student numbers. With its headquarters based at the Coleraine Campus, it has three more campuses in Northern Ireland: the Magee Campus, Jordanstown Campus, and Belfast Campus. It also has two additional branch campuses in London and Birmingham. The university has a broad based portfolio of teaching and research across six faculties including art; art, design, and the built environment; computing and engineering; life and health sciences; social sciences and the Ulster Business School. This report's primary aim is to assess the economic impact of the university as a business generating economic activity and contributing to Northern Ireland in terms of the jobs, output, and "Gross Value Added" (GVA) generated in a "snapshot year". The report presents key economic aspects of Ulster University in the academic and financial year ending 2012-13 and its impact on Northern Ireland and on the rest of the United Kingdom. 2012-13 was the most recent year for which the relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data was available. Major economic characteristics of the university are examined, including its revenue, expenditure, and employment. The study also includes modeled analysis of the economic activity generated in other sectors of the economy through the secondary or "knock-on" effects of the expenditure of the university and its students. This analysis used a two-stage approach to the estimation of the economic impact of the university: (1) The impact of the university on the United Kingdom was modeled, using a purpose-designed economic model of the United Kingdom; (2) A Location Quotient approach was used to estimate the share of institutional impact likely to have accrued to Northern Ireland. The model used was a "Type II" input-output model based on data derived from the United Kingdom Input-Output tables and related Office for National Statistics data. The model had been specifically designed to analyse higher education impact and was updated in 2013 to undertake a United Kingdom-wide study of higher education for Universities UK along with studies of the nine regions of England. This modeling system and analysis framework has also been used for a study of higher education in Wales as well as studies of individual institutions. Institutional income and expenditure data was sourced from HESA and student expenditure data from surveys undertaken for the United Kingdom Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The following are appended: (1) Methodology and Data Sources; and (2) References and Bibliography.

This study provides an analysis of the economic impact of Queen's University Belfast and its students on the Northern Ireland economy. Based in the City of Belfast, the university has over 22,500 students. Its turnover of nearly £290 million makes it Northern Ireland's largest university in terms of its financial standing. With origins going back to 1845 as Queen's College, the university gained formal independent university status in 1908. It has an extensive portfolio of teaching and research across 20 schools and 11 specialist institutes covering a range of disciplines including the sciences, social sciences, computing, engineering, arts and humanities, law, medicine, pharmacy, and nursing. This report's primary aim is to assess the economic impact of the university as a business generating economic activity and contributing to Northern Ireland in terms of the jobs, output, and "Gross Value Added" (GVA) generated in a "snapshot year". The report presents key economic aspects of Queen's University Belfast (QUB) in the academic and financial year 2012-13 and its impact on Northern Ireland and on the rest of the United Kingdom. 2012-13 was the most recent year for which the relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data was available. Major economic characteristics of the university are examined, including its revenue, expenditure, and employment. The study also includes modeled analysis of the economic activity generated in other sectors of the economy through the secondary or "knock-on" effects of the expenditure of the university and its students. This analysis used a two-stage approach to the estimation of the economic impact of the university: (1) The impact of the university on the United Kingdom was modeled, using a purpose-designed economic model of the United Kingdom; and (2) A Location Quotient approach was used to estimate the share of the university's impact likely to have accrued to Northern Ireland. The model used was a "Type II" input-output model based on data derived from the United Kingdom Input-Output tables and related Office for National Statistics data. The model had been specifically designed to analyse higher education impact and was updated in 2013 to undertake a United Kingdom-wide study of higher education for Universities UK along with studies of the nine regions of England. This modeling system and analysis framework has also been used for a study of higher education in Wales as well as studies of individual institutions. Institutional income and expenditure data was sourced from HESA and student expenditure data from surveys undertaken for the United Kingdom Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The following are appended: (1) Methodology and Data Sources; and (2) References and Bibliography.

A literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based practices in secondary transition using quality indicator checklists for experimental research. Practices were categorized by the Taxonomy for Transition Programming. Overall, 32 secondary transition evidence-based practices were identified. Two practices had a strong level of evidence, 28 had a moderate level of evidence, and 2 had a potential level of evidence. The majority of practices represented instruction of skills within the category of Student Development. No evidence-based practices were identified in the category of Interagency Collaboration. Findings provide practitioners with a set of evidence-based practices for improving transition services and researchers with an agenda for conducting future research. (Contains 6 tables.)

A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all school principals in Ontario asking them to indicate which of 55 vandalism prevention measures they had used; how effective each had been in reducing vandalism; the cost of vandalism during 1978; whether they have an alarm system and a vandalism-reporting system; and what community groups the school has involved in vandalism prevention measures. Among the most-used and most effective measures, according to the 3025 respondents, were providing adequate teacher supervision in hallways and lunch rooms, and keeping schools clean and attractive. One of the most effective measures, in the opinion of the principals, was installing an alarm system, although over one-third of the principals reported they already had one. The findings are discussed in terms of which measures are most effective, the cost of school vandalism, and how to use the findings. The need for developing more behavioral programs and better cost-reporting systems, and ways of utilizing the results of the study are outlined. (Author/MLF)

Reviews the history of instructional technology. Describes how computers and related technologies can be viewed through four conflicting perspectives on curriculum: (1) academic rationalism; (2) self-actualization; (3) social relevance; and (4) development of cognitive processes. Identifies concerns each conception has about certain uses of technology and discusses compatible uses of technology. (AEF)

Implementation of an ISA FORTRAN standard for executive functions and process input-output within a simulation system called MINIFOR provides a useful real-time program development tool for small single function, dedicated minicomputers having a FORTRAN compiler but limited program development aids. A FORTRAN-based pre-compiler is used off-line to eliminate most compilation errors, while the run-time system is used off-line to eliminate most execution errors. The description of the structure and features of the MINIFOR system illustrates its capabilities and limitations. Attention is directed toward the run-time system and an example of its use is included. (Author/MK)

The objective of this study was to identify, describe, and appraise existing behavior-oriented, vandalism-prevention programs using a case-study approach. This report summarizes an investigation of three programs in Ontario (Canada): Project PRIDE (Pupils Responsible in Determining their own Environment); Operation Aware; and a Diversion program. The general research methods are outlined and detailed descriptions and assessment of each program are given. Project PRIDE was implemented in a school system composed of 45 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools. The major component of the project is a financial incentive in which an account is established for each school on the basis of student enrollment. Costs incurred as a result of vandalism are subtracted from the fund and the balance given to the student council at the end of the school year. Operation Aware is an awareness program designed to teach grade 5 and 6 students what to expect from their peers as they mature and how to cope with negative peer influence. Five Ontario school boards adopted Operation Aware as a pilot program. The Diversion program's purpose is to evaluate young offenders and postpone or prevent their entry into the formal criminal justice system. The Waterloo County Board of Education has been involved in eight Diversion cases. (Author/MLF)

A study was conducted to identify and compare factors influencing teachers of vocational agriculture to continue their careers in the teaching profession. The major data source for the study was a 74-item questionnaire which focused on selected variables identified in previous studies. Responses from 216 teachers (84 percent) were treated and presented in two groups (supervisory district and experience) and in a summary of statements classified as tangible or intangible. Findings indicated that the major reasons that teachers remain in the profession are Future Farmer of America and adult farmer organization activities and teaching situation. Community support was considered to be of great influence across all experience groups except teachers with 20-24 years of experience. Only six tangible factors were perceived as having great influence on teachers' decisions to remain in the profession, while 22 intangible factors were perceived as having great influence. Among the highest ranked intangible factors were (1) satisfaction experienced in helping others and (2) satisfaction and pride in student acomplishment. (The survey instrument is appended.) (LRA)

Methodological issues which confront researchers using the concept of the family career include the selection of appropriate dependent variables; the efficacy of historical versus immediate effects; and scaling the family career (a proposed replacement for the "family life cycle"). The issue of which dependent variables should be explained by the family career rather than by the present stage of the career was found to be unresolvable, partially due to the paucity of empirical research on the family career in relation to these variables. In addition, a more substantial problem underlies the selection of dependent variables: the issue of immediate and historical effects. Many researchers appear to assume effects to be the result of the immediately previous stimuli. However, these effects might result from historical effects or an interaction of both historical and immediate causes. The third issue is scaling the sequencing of the family career stages, since the timing dimesion is already at an adequate level of measurement. Sequencing is treated as a normatively regulated process such that deviations from the modal procession of stages implies deviations from the norms. The family career scale developed is a measure of deviations from the normative family career. (CM)