cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Subtypes of Bladder Cancer

Recent whole genome characterizations of primary human bladder cancers revealed that they can be grouped into “intrinsic” basal and luminal molecular subtypes. Here, we provide an overview of the subtypes and discuss their biological and clinical properties. Basal cancers are characterized by advanced stage and metastatic disease at presentation. They tend to be enriched with squamous and small cell/neuroendocrine features and inactivating mutations and deletions of TP53 and RB1. Basal cancers can be divided into “epithelial” and “mesenchymal” (also known as “claudin low”) subsets, and a portion of the latter form a “neuroendocrine/neuronal” subset that is associated with particularly poor survival. Luminal cancers are often enriched with papillary histopathological features and activating mutations in FGFR3, and they can also be divided into additional subsets based on differential stromal cell infiltration, relative genomic instability, and high- versus low-level expression of carcinoma in situ (CIS) gene expression signatures. Importantly, the bladder cancer molecular subtypes display differential sensitivities to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade, and preliminary data also suggest that they respond differently to radiation with or without hypoxia modulation. Ongoing studies are investigating the relevance of the molecular subtypes to the bladder cancer histopathological variants and to upper tract urothelial cancer. The bladder cancer molecular subtypes were associated with different prognoses and responses to conventional and targeted therapies in retrospective studies. If validated in prospective studies, molecular subtyping will be integrated into bladder cancer clinical management.
Incidence and outcomes of early percutaneous coronary intervention after isolated valve surgery.

BACKGROUND Coronary ischemia requiring early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare but serious complication of isolated valve surgery. We sought of assess the incidence, predictors and outcomes of early PCI after isolated valve surgery using the national inpatient sample. METHODS Patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), isolated mitral valve repair (MVr) or replacement (MVR) between 2003 and 2014 were identified. Patients who had early postoperative PCI were compared with patients who did not require PCI. Primary end point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were complications, length-of-stay and cost. RESULTS Among the 135,611 included patients, 1,074 (0.8%) underwent PCI prior to discharge. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was higher in patients requiring early PCI following AVR (11.2 vs. 3.1%), MVR (24.1 vs. 5.5%), and MVr (22.4 vs. 2.5%) (P < 0.001) compared with patients not requiring PCI. Postoperative PCI remained independently associated with higher mortality after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and hospital characteristics (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.74, 95%CI 2.70-5.17 for AVR, aOR = 6.10, 95%CI 4.53-8.23 for MVR, and aOR = 9.90, 95%CI 7.22-13.58 for MVr). Patients undergoing PCI had higher incidences of stroke, acute kidney injury, infectious complications, higher hospital charges, and longer hospitalizations. Age, robotic-assisted surgery, and chronic renal failure were independent predictors of needing early postoperative PCI. CONCLUSIONS Early PCI after isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery is rare but is associated with substantial in-hospital morbidity, mortality, and cost. Further studies are needed to identify preventable causes, and optimal management strategies of this serious complication.
Advances in Materials and Structures for Ingestible Electromechanical Medical Devices

Ingestible biomedical devices that diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases has been a dream of engineers and clinicians for decades. The increasing apparent importance of gut health on overall well-being and the prevalence of many gastrointestinal diseases have renewed focus on this emerging class of medical devices. Several prominent examples of commercially successful ingestible medical devices exist. However, many technical challenges remain before ingestible medical devices can achieve their full clinical potential. This Minireview summarizes recent discoveries in this interdisciplinary topic including novel materials, advanced materials processing techniques, and select examples of integrated ingestible electromechanical systems. After a brief historical perspective, these topics will be reviewed with a dedicated focus on advanced functional materials and fabrication strategies in the context of clinical translation and potential regulatory considerations. Future perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related to ingestible medical devices will also be summarized.
Association of frailty index with perioperative mortality and in-hospital morbidity after elective lower extremity bypass

Abstract Objective The frailty index has been linked to adverse outcomes after surgical procedures. In this study, we evaluated the association between frailty index and outcomes after elective lower extremity bypass (LEB) for lower extremity ischemia. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2005-2012) was used to identify patients who underwent elective LEB using diagnostic and procedure Current Procedural Terminology codes. Modified frailty index (mFI) scores, derived from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, were categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high. Association of mFI with 30-day postoperative death (POD), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiopulmonary events (CPEs), deep tissue surgical site infection (SSI), and graft failure (GF) was evaluated. Both univariate and multivariable regression analyses—adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, and creatinine levels—were used to assess the effect of frailty on each outcome. Results Of 12,677 patients (mean age, 67.7 ± 11.1 years) identified who underwent elective LEB, POD occurred in 265 (2.1% overall). Postoperative MI, SSI, CPEs, and GF occurred in 1.6%, 2.5%, 3.1%, and 4.3%, respectively. The mean mFI of the entire sample was 0.3 ± 0.1. Adjusted odds ratio for development of any morbidity in the group with the highest mFI was 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.72; P = .010) compared with the low frailty group. Patients with higher mFI were more likely to develop MI and CPEs but not SSI or GF. Univariate and multivariable analyses showed a significantly increased risk of POD among those in the highest mFI tertile. Female sex and age, increased American Society of Anesthesiologists class and creatinine levels, and decreased body mass index independently predicted increased mortality. The addition of categorical mFI improved models with these variables. Conclusions Higher mFI is independently associated with higher mortality and morbidity. Preoperative mFI assessment may be considered an additional screening tool for risk stratification among patients undergoing LEB.
Applying Sociocultural Theory to Prepare Teachers to Work With Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students and Families

This chapter reports on the comprehensive reform of an early childhood teacher education program aiming to substantively address the improvement of educational circumstances of culturally and linguistically diverse children. This project engages sociocultural theory, research, and praxis and expands a funds of knowledge perspective. This reform calls for new contexts for action, new forms of family and community engagement, and new circulation of literacies across households, neighborhoods, and U.S. schools. Overarching design goals for the program are focused on challenging the following: (a) narrow conceptions of language literacy and stories; (b) bounded or contained views of learning contexts; (c) hegemonic cultural and linguistic norms, matters regarding U.S. language and educational policies and power; (d) issues of voice and silencing; (e) quantitative and static views of “resources”; and (f) the limited attention to the agency, identities, and strategic actions of diverse students and their families as they traverse home, community, and institutional contexts.
1,3,5-Trimethoxybenzene and 2,4,6-Trimethoxystyrene are the Major Components in the Leaf Oil of Eugenia confusa from Abaco Island, Bahamas:

The leaf oil of Eugenia confusa was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The most abundant components were 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (74.0%) and 2,4,6-trimethoxystyrene (20.7%).
Association Between Adiposity and Perceived Physical Fatigability in Mid‐ to Late Life

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare and contrast the associations between measures of adiposity and fat distribution and perceived fatigability among well-functioning individuals in mid- to late life. METHODS In 1,054 adults (70.4 ± 12.4 years, 52% female), adiposity was measured as BMI, percent fat (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), waist and hip circumferences, and waist to height ratio. In a subset of 383 participants, visceral fat was measured. Perceived fatigability was evaluated after a 5-minute treadmill walk (1.5 mph) using the Borg rating of perceived exertion (range, 6-20). Associations between adiposity measures and perceived fatigability were assessed using regression models adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, and comorbidities. RESULTS All adiposity measures, except subcutaneous fat, were positively associated with perceived fatigability after adjustment (P < 0.05 for all). Standardized coefficients indicated that BMI, hip circumference, and visceral fat had the strongest associations with fatigability. Associations between BMI and fatigability were present only among those above the threshold for overweight and strongest in those aged ≥ 65 years. Moreover, BMI was associated with fatigability only among participants with higher waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS Measures of adiposity, particularly central adiposity, are strongly associated with fatigability, suggesting that weight management may be an effective target for curbing fatigability and maintaining quality of life with aging.
"So Much for Darwin" - An Analysis of Stormfront Discussions on Race

Even though people who actively participate in the white nationalist movement appear to be a relatively small percentage of the global population, it appears that racist and anti-Semitic attitudes continue to inform a new generation of white nationalists, many of whom populate discussion forums on Stormfront, online since 1995 and billed as the first Internet site in the hate genre. Membership in extremist groups and support for sites like Stormfront embody specific attitudes about race, the importance of the existence of biological races, intellectual superiority of whites, and justification for these beliefs that is sometimes framed with a religious perspective such as Christian Identity. This project is based on a content analysis of Stormfront discussion forums posted online between the years 2010 and 2017. The findings indicate that some discussants are willing to admit the existence of small percentages of mixed DNA without giving up their white identity. They understand the concept of mass migration and human breeding patterns. Others stand ready to argue these points and discredit DNA testing whenever possible. Hatred of Jews is a recurrent theme throughout Stormfront forums, no matter the topic of discussion and both William Pierce and Wesley Swift are gaining currency with younger discussants on the site. Additionally and maybe most importantly, a mentoring system is in place where more mature and seasoned white racialists share race science anecdotes and articles from J. Philippe Rushton and Arthur Jensen, among others. They also provide information and answer questions about Christian Identity ideology in an effort to build bridges from one generation of racists to the next.
Patterns of Lung Disease

This chapter describes the two major categories and appearances of lung disease (air space, interstitial), as well as other classic patterns and signs (ground-glass opacity, tree-in-bud pattern, mosaic attenuation, and the silhouette and spine signs).
Periacetabular Osteotomy for Mild or Borderline Acetabular Dysplasia

Evaluating the adolescent and young adult hip can be challenging given the rapid evolutions in the field over the last 10-20 years. One of the more difficult groups of patients to evaluate are those that fall into the mild or borderline acetabular dysplasia. We must determine whether the patient's pain and chondrolabral disease is due to their acetabular morphoplogy or their associated femoral morphology and therefore is more of an unstable or an impingement hip. A thorough history, physical examination, and imaging evaluation are needed to determine the best treatment option in these patients. When this evaluation determines that the patient is suffering from a primary instability problem, these patients are best treated with a surgery that improves the stability of the hip. Here we describe the patient evaluation and periacetabular osteotomy technique in the mild or borderline dysplastic patient.
Longitudinal Blade-Frequency Force Induced by a Propeller on a Prolate Spheroid

Abstract : An expression was developed for the longitudinal component of the vibratory force exerted on a prolate spheroid by the operation of a marine propeller in a space-varying field (wake). Two evaluation schemes were considered: one by integration of the pressure signal over the surface of the ellipsoid and the other by means of Lagally's theorem with the ellipsoid represented by a known source-sink distribution. Numerical calculations indicate the important role played by propeller clearance and slenderness ratio in the magnitude of the vibratory force.
Environmental Indices for the Chinese Grain Sector

Increased population pressure and political decisions have led to more intensive agricul­ tural practices in China. As in other regions of the world, these practices can damage natural capitaL We use the Kalman fi Iter and Chinese panel data to estimate an index of environmental productivity (natural capital), togcther with the parameters of environmen­ tal dynamics and the production function. These estimates show that intensive practices are likely to have had persistent, substantial, and statistically significant negative effects on productivity. Ignoring these effects can cause substantial misallocation of resources. The results illustrate the possibility of estimating sectoral environmental indices using data commonly available.
Do sovereign credit ratings matter? The relationship between ratings and capital flows before and after the great recession

We examine the relationship between sovereign credit ratings and international equity and bond inflows pre- and post-Great Recession using 1996–2016 annual data for 53 countries. The ratings are st...
Sub-National Economic Freedom: A Review and Analysis of the Literature (Appendix)

This file provides an appendix to our "Sub-National Economic Freedom: A Review and Analysis of the Literature" that was not included in the published version of the paper. Original paper is available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2986353
Factors Associated With Manufacturer Drug Coupon Use at US Pharmacies

Importance Drug companies offer coupons to lower the out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, yet little is known about why they do so for some drugs but not for others. Objective To examine whether the following factors are associated with manufacturer drug coupon use: (1) patient-cost characteristics (mean per-patient cost per drug, mean patient copay); (2) drug characteristics (generics availability or “later-in-class-entrant” drugs); (3) drug-class characteristics (in-class coupon use among competitors; in-class generic competition; in-class mean cost and copay). Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cohort analysis of anonymized transactional pharmacy claims sourced from retail US pharmacies from October 2017 to September 2019, supplemented with information derived from Medi-Span, Red Book, and FDA.gov. Data were analyzed from September 2020 to February 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was availability of a manufacturer’s coupon. The secondary outcome was the mean proportion of transactions in which a coupon was used for each product. Results The sample of 2501 unique brand-name prescription drugs accounted for a total of 8 995 141 claims. Manufacturers offered a coupon for 1267 (50.7%) of these drugs. When the manufacturer offered a coupon, it was used in a mean (SD) 16.3% (20.3%) of the transactions. Within a drug class, higher mean total cost per patient was positively associated with the likelihood of coupon use (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 per 10% increase; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), but higher mean patient copay was inversely associated (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). For drug characteristics, single-source later-in-class-entrant products were associated with a greater likelihood of coupon use compared with first entrants and multisource brands (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.89). The intensity of coupon use was associated with later-in-class-entrant products and the class mean per-patient cost (4.16-percentage-point increase; 95% CI, 1.20-7.13; 0.27 per 10% increase; 95% CI, 0.09-0.44). Drugs with a new in-class brand-name competitor had greater mean coupon use compared with drugs without a new competitor (10.2% of claims with a coupon vs 5.9%). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of transactional pharmacy claims, higher mean per-patient total cost within a class was significantly associated with the likelihood of coupon use, but not patient out-of-pocket cost. Manufacturers’ coupons were more likely to be used for expensive later-in-class-entrant products facing within-class competition where coupon use was prevalent.
In Vitro Drug Release Testing and In Vivo/In Vitro Correlation for Long Acting Implants and Injections

An advantage of long acting implants and injections is their ability to maintain a relatively constant drug concentration at the site of interest. In vitro drug release testing, particularly where an in vivo/in vitro relationship has been established, can help in ensuring in vivo performance. There are various in vitro release testing methods, which are chosen, based on availability, dosage form specifications and drug properties. These are categorized into three groups: sample and separate, flow-through and dialysis. Although there are currently no standard methods for in vitro release testing of controlled release parenterals, standard dissolution apparatus specified by the United States Pharmacopeia have been adapted in some cases and the development of compendial monographs is anticipated. An in vivo/in vitro correlation can predict the bioavailability characteristics of a product based on release in vitro.
BKDK: Branched-chainα-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (vertebrates) (Branched-chain 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase kinase, [3 methyl-2-oxobutanoate dehydrogenase (lipoamide)] kinase)

BKDK specifically phosphorylates and inactivates the E1 subunit (branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase) of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. This complex catalyses the committed step in the oxidative disposal of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). Although BKDK is a serine PK according to the sites phosphorylated (S293 and S303 in the El a subunit), it lacks significant sequence similarity with known eukaryotic Ser/Thr PKs. A greater degree of similarity exists with members of the prokaryotic histidine PK family. Four subdomains (I, II, III, and IV) of these kinases are highly conserved in all members of this family. Considerable sequence similarity exists in BKDK within all four of these subdomains. The enzyme has been assayed by the rate of ATP-dependent inactivation of the branched-chain a-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex, and by the rate of incorporation of 32P from [γ32P]ATP into its E1 α subunit.
Surveys of X-Ray Sources

My assignment this afternoon is to review briefly the status of the observational work that has been accomplished since the last IAU discussion of X-ray astronomy which took place at the Liege Symposium 3 years ago. Essentially, the methods of observation have not changed in any significant way. All of the information has come from small rockets, on the order of the Aerobee and the Skylark in size, and from packages carried on balloons. The quality of the surveys varies according to the objectives of each experiment. For example, my colleagues and I, at the Naval Research Laboratory, have attempted to perform broad-sky surveys to fill the picture of the general distribution of sources in space and, as a result, have had to sacrifice precision in position and high resolution. At the other extreme, Dr. Giacconi and his colleagues, at American Science and Engineering, Inc. and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have concentrated the available flight time on individual sources and have achieved remarkably high positional accuracy for some of the stronger sources — sufficient to associate them with optical objects. Dr. Fisher and his colleagues at Lockheed have taken an intermediate approach and used fan beam scans of limited regions of the sky, which give more precise position and better resolution in one dimension than the broad NRL surveys.
Consumer thresholds for establishing the value of beef tenderness

In the present study, a national consumer evaluation was conducted for beef tenderness on USDA Select strip loin steaks of known Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force values, ranging from tough (> 5.7 kg) to tender ( or = 86% consumer acceptability. Consumer acceptability for tenderness decreased from 86% at 4.3 kg for a "slightly tender" rating to 59% at 4.9 kg for a "slightly tough" rating. Data from the present study suggested that consumer WBS tenderness values of 4.9 kg would result in 100, 99, 94, 86, and 25% customer satisfaction for beef tenderness, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of the consumers would purchase steaks if the retailer guaranteed them to be tender. The retail steak value differences found in this study would result in the opportunity for a premium to be paid for a guaranteed tender ( 5.7 kg) classification. A premium of $66.96 could be paid to the tender classification carcasses vs the tough (> 4.9 kg) classification carcasses, and a premium of $36.58 could be paid for the tender classification carcasses vs the intermediate (> 3.0 to < 4.6 kg) classification carcasses. Results from the present study show that consumers can segregate differences in beef tenderness and that consumers are willing to pay more for more-tender beef.
Evaluation of ureteric contraction: a comparison among ring, spiral-cut and longitudinal segments.

Objective To determine the optimal contractile response of isolated ureters to inflammatory mediators and neurotransmitters by evaluating four common methods of ureteric suspension. Materials and methods Ureters from adult domestic swine were placed immediately in Krebs buffer and cut into 4–5 mm segments. Four methods of suspension were compared: (i) an unopened ring segment suspended horizontally; (ii) a spirally cut segment (lumen cut open at a 45° and suspended end-to-end); (iii) an open longitudinal segment; and (iv) a closed longitudinal segment. All segments were placed in individual water-jacketed tissue baths containing Krebs buffer, the frequency of contraction measured using a force transducer and registered on a polygraph. The sensitivity of all four segments was tested by measuring the tension and frequency in response to increasing frequencies of electric field stimulation, and by a cumulative concentration–response curve to carbachol. Results Ureteric segments responded with an increased frequency of contraction depending on the intensity of stimulus to both electric field stimulation and carbachol. However, there were no significant differences in spontaneous levels of contraction, sensitivity or maximal response among the methods of suspension in response to electric field stimulation or carbachol. Conclusion These results indicate that all four methods of suspending the ureteric segments produce contractile responses sensitive enough to study the action of various neurotransmitters.
Shape-based sequential machine analysis

In this paper, the problem of determining if a given sequential specification can be made to fit a predetermined set of shape constraints is explored. Shape constraints are constraints not on the logical makeup of the automata, but on the distribution of information required to support correct output behavior. These constraints allow the machine to be distributed into partitions with predefined communication and bit-level encoding complexity. For example, construction of a machine in the form of a feedback shift-register is a simple case of a shape constraint. Such constraints are based on the notion of a "D-atom" which is somewhat similar to dichotomy based encoding.
Semileptonic B Decays as a Probe of New Physics

Physics beyond the Standard Model could be measured indirectly, through its effects on Standard Model observables. One place to look for such effects is in the semileptonic decays of B mesons. In order to constrain the possible role of new physics on semileptonic B decays, we present the most general low energy effective Lagrangian constructed from all dimension six four-fermion operators that contribute to the process b-> c l- nu. We then use it to compute the corrections due to new physics to the differential decay rates for the exclusive processes B-> D(*) l- nu, as well as the inclusive decays B-> X l- nu. Both inclusive and exclusive rates are expressed in terms of a set of parameters that characterize the types of four-fermion interactions that can be induced by physics beyond the Standard Model. Although it is not particularly useful to carry out a full analysis until data from the next generation of B factories becomes available, here we illustrate how the existing experimental results can be used to constrain some of these parameters.
Tragic History of the VII International Congress of Genetics

VERY likely the best illustrative example of illegal and even criminal interference of the Communist Party in purely scientific affairs is the story of the VII International Genetics Congress planned for 1937 in the USSR. The red terror, introduced by Lenin soon after the Revolution of 1917,
Use of Demineralized Bone Matrix in Ankle/Hindfoot Fusion

Sixty-three patients who underwent complex ankle or hindfoot fusion had demineralized bone matrix placed in their fusion site to stimulate fusion. Thirty-seven patients had Grafton putty, a demineralized bone matrix product, and 26 patients had Orthoblast, a demineralized bone matrix mixed with crushed cancellous allograft bone placed to stimulate their fusion site. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically to fusion or nonunion. Of the 37 patients who had Grafton putty placed to stimulate ankle or hindfoot fusion, five (14%) developed a nonunion. Of the 26 patients who had Orthoblast placed to stimulate fusion, two (8%) developed a nonunion. These differences were not statistically significant. Nonunion rates of approximately 10% continue to be reported for ankle and hindfoot fusion procedures. In an attempt to minimize this complication, various bone graft substitutes have been used. We found no difference in efficacy of the two demineralized bone matrix compounds, and were not able to demonstrate a superior union rate compared to historical controls.
Is video modeling enough to teach parent-child interactions? Toward a systematic evaluation of the key components of video modeling.

Parent-child interactions help set the foundation for a child's development. It is therefore important to investigate the relative efficiency and efficacy of procedures used to train them. One procedure that researchers continue to explore is video modeling. The current study evaluated the effect of a video model that displayed favorable parent-child interactions and a modified model with embedded instructions to determine if the introduction of either of these models would alter parent-child interactions. Both models were presented alone without supplemental guidance. Three families were involved in the study. The results showed no systematic change across families or conditions as a result of video viewing and are discussed within context of the needs of the parent, adequate stimulus control, community to support behavior change, measurement sensitivity, and influence of methodology. This study provided a great baseline for future studies to explore the necessary components to create an effective video model.
An experimental test of assessment reactivity within a web-based brief alcohol intervention study for college students.

Abstract Objective Web-based brief alcohol intervention (WBI) programs have efficacy in a wide range of college students and have been widely disseminated to universities to address heavy alcohol use. In the majority of efficacy studies, web-based research assessments were conducted before the intervention. Web-based research assessments may elicit reactivity, which could inflate estimates of WBI efficacy. The current study tested whether web-based research assessments conducted in combination with a WBI had additive effects on alcohol use outcomes, compared to a WBI only. Methods Undergraduate students (n = 856) from universities in the United States and Canada participated in this online study. Eligible individuals were randomized to complete 1) research assessments + WBI or 2) WBI-only. Alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and protective behaviors were assessed at one-month follow up. Results Multiple regression using 20 multiply imputed datasets indicated that there were no significant differences at follow up in alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, or protective behaviors used when controlling for variables with theoretical and statistical relevance. A repeated measures analysis of covariance revealed a significant decrease in peak estimated blood alcohol concentration in both groups, but no differential effects by randomized group. There were no significant moderating effects from gender, hazardous alcohol use, or motivation to change drinking. Conclusions Web-based research assessments combined with a web-based alcohol intervention did not inflate estimates of intervention efficacy when measured within-subjects. Our findings suggest universities may be observing intervention effects similar to those cited in efficacy studies, although effectiveness trials are needed.
Lunar Roving Vehicle

First page of article Keywords: lunar roving vehicle (LRV); extending surface extravehicular activities
Numerical solution of 3d inverse scattering problems with noisy discrete fixed-energy data

Abstract A rigorous method is described for a stable soluton of 3D inverse scattering problems with noisy discrete fixed-energy scattering data. The error estimates are given.
Tethered networks: Elasticity, rigidity and interactions

Abstract A “Landau-Ginzburg” theory is proposed to described statistical mechanics of large macromolecules with regular (D-dimensional) connectivity, embedded in a d-dimensional space. Effective elasticity and rigidity terms emerge naturally as a consequence of connectivity, while longer-range interactions are also included. A combined Mean-Field/Flory treatment reveals crumpled, rigid, and compact phases. The transitions between these phases and the role of fluctuations are explored.
The global crisis, social protection and jobs

. Policy responses to the global financial meltdown of 2008 and the collapse of aggregate demand have largely been driven by domestic interests. Resurgent protectionism, bank bail-outs and national-level stimulus packages are distorting competition and incentives to the detriment of developing countries, much-needed spending on social protection and, ultimately, rapid global economic recovery. Warning against underestimation of the job-destruction potential of the current crisis, the author argues for a truly global stimulus package, together with a rethink of economic paradigms and regulatory policies, financial assistance to developing countries, a less constraining IMF, and stronger social protection as an automatic stabilizer of economies.
A Vacuum in Political and Economic Labor Policy

A vacuum is arising in the social policy of advanced countries. It is due to the fact that both of the currently dominant bases for social policy, market-oriented policy, and its presumed antagonist, welfare state policy, have the same and an insufficiently broad production value model at their core. The solution is to create a true new alternative, work quality policy, based on a re-understanding of work organization and the alternative forms of value it can create. Understanding work organization’s consequences can help resolve current dilemmas relating to (a) economic growth based on low production cost instead of skill development, (b) hidden costs of work intensity and job insecurity, (c) true service sector productivity, and (d) current fragility of democratic institutions.
WRITING DIFFERENCES IN TEACHER PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS: USE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LANGUAGE

This study investigated potential writing differences between African American and European American candidates in a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) portfolio entry from the Middle Childhood/Generalist Certificate. The use of features other than Edited American English was examined as a possible source of construct-irrelevant variance in assessors' scoring judgments. Thirty-two written commentaries, 18 from African American candidates and 14 from European American candidates, were coded for grammatical, lexical, and discourse features. The coding frame identified features of African American Language (AAL) and Speech Code Errors (SCE). Instances of AAL were fewer than instances of SCE and clustered according to potential users of AAL.
Identification of hormone-binding regions of the luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor using synthetic peptides.

A comprehensive series of overlapping synthetic peptides have been used to study the relationship between the primary structure of the ovarian receptor for LH/human CG (hCG) and hormone binding. Twenty-four consecutive, overlap peptides that replicate the entire extracellular domain of the rat luteal receptor have been synthesized by standard solid-phase techniques on an automated synthesizer. Eight additional peptides from the extracellular domain and three peptides replicating the putative extracellular loop regions have also been synthesized. Each peptide was evaluated in RRAs for interaction with hCG by measuring its ability to competitively inhibit binding of 125I-hCG to membrane receptor. Twelve peptides were found to be potent in RRAs and caused a reduction of half-maximal binding of 125I-hCG at concentrations of 10-250 x 10(-6) M. The 12 active peptides (and adjacent inactive peptides) defined at least 4 independent receptor regions that can interact with hormone. One site near the NH2-terminus wa...
A Psychometric Analysis of the DSM-III-R Personality Disorder Criteria

The recent revision of the DSM-III included many changes to the definitions of personality disorders. This study examined the characteristics of the 11 DSM-III-R personality disorders with respect to three psychometric criteria. Examined were the convergence of each feature with entire personality syndrome, the discriminability of the different features, and the internal consistency of the 11 sets of criteria. Results suggested that limited discriminability was a problem for most of the personality disorder criteria, and the criteria for narcissistic and avoidant personalities in particular were problematic in this respect. Suggestions for an alternative definitional strategy are made which may take advantage of the differential utility of symptoms in defining personality syndromes.
Detecting the form of selection in the outer membrane protein C of Enterobacter aerogenes strains and Salmonella species.

The types of selective pressure operating on the outer membrane protein C (ompC) of Enterobacter aerogenes strains, the causative agent for nosocomial infections, and Salmonella sp., the hazardous pathogen are investigated using the maximum likelihood-based codon substitution models. Although the rate of amino acid replacement to the silent substitution (omega) across the entire codon sites of ompC of E. aerogenes (omega=0.3194) and Salmonella sp. (omega=0.2047) indicate that the gene is subjected to purifying selection (i.e. omega 1). Such contrast in the intensity of selective pressures in both pathogens could be associated with the differential response to the adverse environmental changes. In E. aerogenes, majority of the positively selected sites are located in the hypervariable cell-surface-exposed domains whereas the trans-membrane domains are functionally highly constrained.
Bush Administration proceeding with climate change research plans

While the Bush administration continues to withhold from the public many details about its Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) and Climate Change Technology Initiative (CCTI), it is moving ahead with efforts to incorporate some key elements of these plans into federal agency planning for the upcoming fiscal year 2004 budget cycle. The administration is trying ”on the fly” to identify key climate change priorities to consider, “so that by the end of the year, we will have a well-developed new program plan,” assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere James Mahoney told a meeting of the National Academy of Sciences' Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) on 8 May.
LIPID AND AMINO ACID SYNTHESIS IN AGGREGATING PLATELETS

SUMMARY Lipid and amino acid synthesis was studied in aggregated and nonaggregated platelets by following the incorporation of glucose carbons or acetate into individual lipid classes and amino acids. Aggregation induced by polystyrene-latex particles, collagen, or ADP increased the synthesis of both. This effect was thought to be due to the increased utilization of glucose known to occur during platelet aggregation. Thrombin was found to decrease overall synthesis of lipids and, in addition, could be shown to alter significantly the pattern of individual lipid synthesis, notably that of phosphatidylethanolamine, ceramide, and triglycerides. Aggregation by ADP did not change the normal pattern of lipid synthesis. Platelets were shown to be capable of synthesizing most of the nonessential amino acids. Glutamic and aspartic acid, serine, glycine, and alanine were the principal products of this synthesis in nonaggregated platelets. Aggregation which enhanced the overall incorporation of glucose carbons into amino acids stimulated primarily the synthesis of glutamic and aspartic acid, undoubtedly a consequence of the increased citric acid cycle activity in such platelets.
Sharp bounds for integral means

We introduce a bound M of f, ‖f‖∞⩽M⩽2‖f‖∞, which allows us to give for 0⩽p<∞ sharp upper bounds, and for −∞<p<0 sharp lower bounds for the average of |f|p over E if the average of f over E is zero. As an application we give a new proof of Gruss's inequality estimating the covariance of two random variables. We also give a new estimate for the error term in the trapezoidal rule.
The Quaternary marine terraces of Santa Cruz, California: Evidence for coseismic uplift on two faults

The coast-parallel elevation pattern of marine terraces along 50 km of coast centered about Santa Cruz, California, provides an opportunity to assess the relative roles of candidate uplift mechanisms. We assemble 130 existing latitude-longitude-elevation inner-edge locations from three of these marine terraces to constrain elastic dislocation models of coseismic uplift. Uplift resulting from repeated oblique slip seismic events similar to the Loma Prieta earthquake (M s = 6.9) of October 17, 1989, appears to explain well the portion of the terrace uplift pattern south of Santa Cruz. Depending on whether the lowest terrace is assumed to correspond to isotope stage 5c or 5e, the calculated mean repeat time for Loma Prieta events is either 490 or 820 yr, corresponding to either 4.1- or 2.4mm/yr slip rates on the Loma Prieta fault. Residual uplift not explained by such events increases monotonically to the north toward Ano Nuevo, where the San Gregorio fault zone intersects the coastline. We assess whether this residual uplift may result from repeated events on the San Gregorio fault. Given only the strike of the San Gregorio fault, we use an extensive parameter search to determine the geometry of, and the style of motion on, the implied rupture plane that best explains this residual uplift. The fault parameters that minimize the misfit between data and model imply activity of a moderately steep (70°) north-east-dipping San Gregorio fault that ruptures in oblique thrust slip from ∼15 km to the surface. The thrust slip component dominates the uplift pattern, resulting in uplift of the coastline from Santa Cruz northward. These parameters match available geological, geodetic, and seismic data on the dip and sense of motion on strictures within the San Gregorio fault zone. The San Gregorio fault has therefore been an active late Pleistocene participant in North American-Pacific plate boundary motion. We conclude that the complex pattern of uplift along this 50 km reach of coastline can be explained by coseismic mechanisms tied to San Andmas bend-related fault structures onshore, and to the San Gregorio fault zone offshore. As both of these mechanisms result locally in considerable shore-normal uplift gradients, caution is warranted in applying common correlation techniques based solely on uplift rates in the assignment of terrace ages in this and other such settings. In addition, while it is tempting to use terrace culmination offsets as a means of estimating San Andreas fault dextral slip rates, we provide a formalism to determine under what conditions such calculations are meaningful. We conclude that the terrace offsets along the Santa Cruz coastline result not from dextral slip on the San Andreas, but from differential indentation of the Loma Prieta uplift pattern by the various sea- level highstand coastlines.
Large-Scale Sensing System Combining Large-Area Electronics and CMOS ICs for Structural-Health Monitoring

Early-stage damage detection for bridges requires continuously sensing strain over large portions of the structure, yet with centimeter-scale resolution. To achieve sensing on such a scale, this work presents a sensing sheet that combines CMOS ICs, for sensor control and readout, with large-area electronics (LAE), for many-channel distributed sensing and data aggregation. Bonded to a structure, the sheet thus enables strain sensing scalable to high spatial resolutions. In order to combine the two technologies in a correspondingly scalable manner, non-contact interfaces are used. Inductive and capacitive antennas are patterned on the LAE sheet and on the IC packages, so that system assembly is achieved via low-cost sheet lamination without metallurgical bonds. The LAE sheet integrates thin-film strain gauges, thin-film transistors, and long interconnects on a 50-μm-thick polyimide sheet, and the CMOS ICs integrate subsystems for sensor readout, control, and communication over the distributed sheet in a 130 nm process. Multi-channel strain readout is achieved with sensitivity of 18 μStrain RMS at a readout energy of 270 nJ/measurement, while the communication energy is 12.8 pJ/3.3 pJ per bit (Tx/Rx) over a distance of 7.5 m.
Mapping family connectedness across space and time

Understanding the structure and evolution of family networks embedded in space and time is crucial for various fields such as disaster evacuation planning and provision of care to the elderly. Computation and visualization can potentially play a key role in analyzing and understanding such networks. Graph visualization methods are effective in discovering network patterns; however, they have inadequate capability in discovering spatial and temporal patterns of connections in a network especially when the network exists and changes across space and time. We introduce a measure of family connectedness that summarizes the dynamic relationships in a family network by taking into account the distance (how far individuals live apart), time (the duration of individuals’ coexistence within a neighborhood), and the relationship (kinship or kin proximity) between each pair of individuals. By mapping the family connectedness over a series of time intervals, the method facilitates the discovery of hot spots (hubs) wh...
AN ITEM FACTORIZATION OF THE FACULTY ATTITUDE SURVEY

THE EVALUATION of faculty morale in the edu cational setting, while evoking much interest, has not generally been approached with the same degree of rigor commonly found in industrial studies. An article previously published by the authors (4) de scribed the development of a differential morale at titude inventory for the college environment. This instrument consisted of twelve categories which, when factored, yielded four group factors that were tentatively identified as supervision, self integra tion, institutional environment, and employment re wards. These four factors were found to c 1 o s e ly parallel factors identified by Baehr and Renck (1) in a study carried out in an industrial setting. A weakness of this earlier study (4), resulted from the fact that the categories factored had been formed of items assigned by judges. The size of the sample made item factorization impractical, there fore, the categories described had to be accepted on the basis of subjective judgments. A subsequent study using a revised form of this differential morale attitude inventory termed the Faculty Attitude Survey, Form X, w a s undertaken by Hansen (2). Essentially, the revised form con sisted of a reordering of the same items as in the original study with the substitution of areaction item to the survey itself, for an ambiguous item that was eliminated. The purpose of Hansen's study was to refine the Faculty Attitude Survey by item factorization and to relate the factor scores of fac ulty members on the reconstituted categories to cer tain data collected on the same individuals by a so ciometric device developed by McCabe (3), McCabe's instrument was designed to identify the dimensions of the influence structure in the college setting which he hypothesized as communications,reliance and attributed influence. Hansen found that nine of the original 12 catego ries of the attitude survey remained fundamentally unchanged but that a major realignment of items had occurred. While a total of 12 identifiable c atego ries were derived from this analysis, three of these bore no relationship to those originally postulated. At least one significant relationship was found be tween each of the three indices of the influence struc ture as developed by McCabe and factor scores o n the Faculty Attitude Survey. In general, however, these relationships were small and the direction in consistent. A more adequate description of Hansen's and Mc cabe's studies can be found in the microfilmed dis sertations. In addition, the Faculty Attitude Survey, Form X, as described in this paper, appears in Han sen's study in its entirety.