cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
21-Gene Recurrence Score Adds Significant Value for Grade 3 Breast Cancers: Results From a National Cohort.

PURPOSEThe 21-gene recurrence score (RS) is used to identify patients with hormone receptor–positive early-stage breast cancer who may benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to endocrine therapy...
Model-Based Analysis of Cannabidiol Dose-Exposure Relationship and Bioavailability.

Introduction There is a large variation in cannabidiol (CBD) pharmacokinetics and little information on its bioavailability. This study aims to establish the CBD dose-exposure relationship and to evaluate the effects of dosage forms, food, and doses on CBD absorption. Methods Single-dose (range: 5-6000 mg) CBD plasma concentration-time profiles administered as oral solution (OS), oral capsule (OC), or oromucosal spray/drop (OM) from healthy volunteers were extracted from 15 published clinical studies. A dose-exposure proportionality assessment was performed, and a population-based meta-analysis of CBD pharmacokinetics and systemic bioavailability was conducted with a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. A three-compartment model with a Weibull or zero-order absorption model was used to describe CBD disposition and absorption kinetics. Dosage form, food, and dose were assessed for covariation. Results Oral solution CBD exposures increased less than proportionally with doses of 750 mg or greater, and bioavailability (6.5% at 3000 mg) decreased with increasing dose. The bioavailability of OC (5.6%) and fed-state OM (6.2%) were similar, whereas it was lower in fasted-state OM (0.9%). The Weibull absorption model best described OS, OC, and fed-state OM profiles. The slowest absorption rate was observed in OS, resulting in a time of maximum concentration of 4.75 hours, followed by fed-state OM (3.13 hrs) and OC (2.1 hrs). The absorption kinetics of fasted-state OM was best described by a zero-order absorption for the duration of 1.71 hours. Conclusion The effects of doses, dosage forms, and feeding status on CBD pharmacokinetics were quantified and should be taken into consideration for dose optimization.
Mismatch between automated CTP and ASPECTS score in patients with anterior large vessel occlusion.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the relationship between delay to computed tomography perfusion and estimated core infarct volumes in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Patients and methods A retrospective registry of consecutive adults >18 years old who underwent CTP in clinical practice for suspected LVO within 24 h of LKN at 3 academic hospitals was queried (06/2017 – 12/2017). CT and CTP findings were compared over time as a continuous variable, and dichotomized by ≤6 h or 6−24 h from LKN. Results Of 410 screened patients, 75 had LVO, of whom 60 (14.6 %) met inclusion criteria (median age 78y [IQR 64–84], 36 were female [60 %]), and 39 (65.0 %) underwent thrombectomy. Thirty (50 %) presented in the extended window (6−24 h) and had lower ASPECTS scores compared to patients in the early window (median 7 vs. 9, p 6 s volumes (p = 0.29), or mismatch ratios (p = 0.48) after adjusting for age, NIHSS, ASPECTS, and thrombolysis. Conclusion As time progresses in anterior LVO, the unenhanced CT is more sensitive than CTP for detecting irreversibly damaged tissue. These results underscore the importance of carefully reviewing the unenhanced and perfusion CT when considering a patient for thrombectomy.
Modeling and mitigation of high-concentration antibody viscosity through structure-based computer-aided protein design

For an antibody to be a successful therapeutic many competing factors require optimization, including binding affinity, biophysical characteristics, and immunogenicity risk. Additional constraints may arise from the need to formulate antibodies at high concentrations (>150 mg/ml) to enable subcutaneous dosing with reasonable volume (ideally <1.0 mL). Unfortunately, antibodies at high concentrations may exhibit high viscosities that place impractical constraints (such as multiple injections or large needle diameters) on delivery and impede efficient manufacturing. Here we describe the optimization of an anti-PDGF-BB antibody to reduce viscosity, enabling an increase in the formulated concentration from 80 mg/ml to greater than 160 mg/ml, while maintaining the binding affinity. We performed two rounds of structure guided rational design to optimize the surface electrostatic properties. Analysis of this set demonstrated that a net-positive charge change, and disruption of negative charge patches were associated with decreased viscosity, but the effect was greatly dependent on the local surface environment. Our work here provides a comprehensive study exploring a wide sampling of charge-changes in the Fv and CDR regions along with targeting multiple negative charge patches. In total, we generated viscosity measurements for 40 unique antibody variants with full sequence information which provides a significantly larger and more complete dataset than has previously been reported.
Numbers or no numbers in science studies

This article analyzes my own research trajectory with respect to the qualitative/quantitative divide in science studies and situates my work in the field.
Mobile Quantum Gravimeter with a Novel Pyramidal Magneto-Optical Trap

We demonstrate a mobile quantum gravimeter measuring tidal gravity variations in the laboratory and surveying gravity in the field. With simplicity and sensitivity, our instrument paves the way for bringing quantum sensors to field applications.
FG-GMM-based Interactive Behavior Estimation for Autonomous Driving Vehicles in Ramp Merging Control *

Interactive behavior is important for autonomous driving vehicles, especially for scenarios like ramp merging which require significant social interaction between autonomous driving vehicles and human-driven cars. This paper enhances our previous Probabilistic Graphical Model (PGM) merging control model for the interactive behavior of autonomous driving vehicles. To better estimate the interactive behavior for autonomous driving cars, a Factor Graph (FG) is used to describe the dependency among observations and estimate other cars’ intentions. Real trajectories are used to approximate the model instead of human-designed models or cost functions. Forgetting factors and a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) are also applied in the intention estimation process for stabilization, interpolation and smoothness. The advantage of the factor graph is that the relationship between its nodes can be described by self-defined functions, instead of probabilistic relationships as in PGM, giving more flexibility. Continuity of GMM also provides higher accuracy than the previous discrete speed transition model. The proposed method enhances the overall performance of intention estimation, in terms of collision rate and average distance between cars after merging, which means it is safer and more efficient.
Peer Pressure in BIM-Based Collaboration Improves Student Learning

AbstractBuilding information modeling (BIM)-based collaboration may be associated with peer pressure in educational settings. Peer pressure creates a challenge for educators to foster students’ BIM...
Cultural Exports: Italian Film Festivals in the US

Film festivals serve a variety of purposes. They provide a communal experience, foster meaningful conversation about world cultures, cinematic and social practices. In this essay I investigate how different types and levels of support, as well as geography, determines programming choices, financial outcomes and community engagement. I offer a brief overview of Italian film festivals in the U.S. and I focus on the analysis of three Italian film festivals that distinguish themselves amongst the others because, maintaining their differences, they share the common objective of using films as vehicles for “cultural formation as promotion of Italy abroad” as per the Franceschini Act. They integrate academic screening discussions, lectures, and presentations. However, the way in which they are financially supported as well as the area in which they operate, lead to different outcomes. The public spheres of these festivals create those social identities necessary to promote a cultural capital. I affirm that in the U.S.A., in lack of government funds, film festivalsshould count on enhancing their cultural capitals in order continue to attract the support of their patrons, mostly interested in obtaining the cultural capitals of educational film festivals.
Quantitative Characterization of Ferroelectric/Dielectric Interface Traps by Pulse Measurements

The ferroelectric (FE) polarization switching behavior in the HfZrO2 (HZO) FE/dielectric (FE/DE) stack is investigated systematically by charge responses from pulse measurements. The trapped charge density at the FE/DE interface related with the FE polarization switching is found to be $1.2\,\times \,10^{14}$ cm−2 according to the leakage-current-assist polarization switching mechanism. Furthermore, by the time-dependent nonswitching charge responses, the extra FE/DE interface trap density of $1.1\,\times \,10^{13}$ cm−2 is confirmed, which is not related but can be detected along with the FE polarization switching. The quantitative characterization reveals the huge amount of FE/DE interface traps and their dominant role in the FE operation of HZO FE/DE stack, which improves the proposed leakage-current-assist polarization switching model. This improved model provides a more comprehensive understanding of the polarization switching in the HZO FE/DE stack and new insights on HZO negative-capacitance (NC) and FE field-effect transistors (FETs).
Validation of SAS4A/SASSYS-1 for predicting steady-state single-phase natural circulation

Abstract The validation of system analysis codes for nuclear reactor systems is required for the development and application of these computational tools. Designed as a comprehensive system analysis code for advanced nuclear reactors, SAS4A/SASSYS-1 requires validation of its physics model for capturing single-phase natural circulation behavior. To support the validation of SAS4A/SASSYS-1, high-precision experiments are performed capturing steady-state single-phase natural circulation on a scaled facility with comprehensive instrumentation. Dedicated tests are performed quantifying the critical modeling parameters, and a single-phase natural circulation benchmark dataset is obtained with well-documented uncertainty and comprehensive facility description. The validation is then performed against the dataset examining the capability of SAS4A/SASSYS-1 in simulating steady-state single-phase natural circulation. The experimental facility is modeled in the candidate code. Solution verification is performed using Richardson-extrapolation-based estimators which quantify and restrict numerical errors from discretization. Input uncertainty provided by the benchmark dataset is forward propagated through the candidate code, quantifying the output uncertainty in a Monte Carlo approach. The composition of the output uncertainty is also quantified through a variance-based sensitivity analysis. With the uncertainty quantified for each individual condition, a detailed comparison between the simulation results and experimental data is performed covering the whole dataset. The results show consistent agreement for all primary parameters. The current validation activity provides a valuable benchmark dataset for the validation of system analysis codes in capturing single-phase natural circulation and demonstrates satisfactory prediction capability of SAS4A/SASSYS-1 for steady-state single-phase natural circulation.
Resolving the ultraluminous X-ray sources in the Ly α emitting galaxy Haro 11

Lyman continuum and line emission are thought to be important agents in the reionization of the early universe. Haro 11 is a rare example of a local galaxy in which Ly$\alpha$ and continuum emission have escaped without being absorbed or scattered by ambient gas and dust, potentially as a consequence of feedback from its X-ray sources. We build on our previous Chandra analysis of Haro 11 by analyzing three new observations. Our subpixel spatial analysis reveals that the two previously known X-ray sources are each better modelled as ensembles of at least 2 unresolved point sources. The spatial variability of these components reveals X1 as a dynamical system where one luminous X-ray source ($L_{\rm X} \sim 10^{41}$ erg s$^{-1}$) fades as a secondary source begins to flare. These might be intermediate mass black holes or low luminosity active galactic nuclei near the center of the galaxy in the process of merging. Optical emission line diagnostics drawn from the literature suggest that while the galaxy as a whole is consistent with starburst signatures of ionization, the individual regions wherein the X-ray sources reside are more consistent with AGN/composite classification. The sources in X2 exhibit some degree of flux variability. X2a dominates the flux of this region during most observations ($L_{\rm X} \sim 6\ \times\ 10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$), and gives the only evidence in the galaxy of a soft Ultra-Luminous X-ray source capable of high energy winds, which we suggest are responsible for allowing the coincident Ly$\alpha$ emission to escape.
Essential function and targets of BMP signaling during midbrain neural crest delamination.

Abstract BMP signaling plays iterative roles during vertebrate neural crest development from induction through craniofacial morphogenesis. However, far less is known about the role of BMP activity in cranial neural crest epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and delamination. By measuring canonical BMP signaling activity as a function of time from specification through early migration of avian midbrain neural crest cells, we found elevated BMP signaling during delamination stages. Moreover, inhibition of canonical BMP activity via a dominant negative mutant Type I BMP receptor showed that BMP signaling is required for neural crest migration from the midbrain, independent from an effect on EMT and delamination. Transcriptome profiling on control compared to BMP-inhibited cranial neural crest cells identified novel BMP targets during neural crest delamination and early migration including targets of the Notch pathway that are upregulated following BMP inhibition. These results suggest potential crosstalk between the BMP and Notch pathways in early migrating cranial neural crest and provide novel insight into mechanisms regulated by BMP signaling during early craniofacial development.
Stairway to heaven or highway to hell: Liquidity, sweat equity, and the uncertain path to ownership

We study a setting in which a principal contracts with an agent to operate a firm over an infinite time horizon when the agent is liquidity constrained and privately observes the sequence of cost realizations. We formulate the principal’s problem as a dynamic program in which the state variable is the agent’s continuation utility, which is naturally interpreted as his equity in the firm. The optimal incentive scheme resembles what is commonly regarded as a sweat equity contract, with all rents back loaded. Payments begin when the agent effectively becomes the owner, and from this point on, all production is efficient. These features are shown to be similar to features common in real-world work-to-own franchising agreements and venture capital contracts.
Fungal chromosomes

There are now four well-established methods to examine the chromosomes of filamentous fungi: mapping genes to linkage groups by recombination analyses, light-microscopic observation of chromosomes in meiotic divisions, electron-microscopic observation of the synaptonemal complexes between homologous chromosomes in prophase of meiosis, and separation of chromosomes as individual bands by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. These techniques and their contributions are described in brief with special reference toNeurospora. A fifth technique will be used more and more in characterizing chromosomes at the molecular level as DNA sequencing is completed for a limited number of the fungi. However, only the molecular studies of chromosome structures as they relate to centromeres, telomeres or nucleolus organizer regions are discussed, as is the potential usefulness of DNA sequencing to identify the junctions of chromosome rearrangements.
Assessing the Robustness and Performance of Artificial Intelligence Powered Planning Tools in Clinical Settings.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Artificial intelligence (AI) driven tools have been maturing in automating the radiation treatment planning process. To prepare for clinical deployment of these tools, it is essential to understand their robustness in clinical scenarios. This study works to fill the existing gap between research initiated and clinically ready AI tools by investigating a clinical assessment approach based on phantom design and planning complexity simulation. The hypothesis is that AI tool assessment program provides more clinically relevant and comprehensive evaluations beyond typical model validation studies. MATERIALS/METHODS A cylindrical digital phantom was designed in the treatment planning system with an axial diameter of 30 cm and length of 18 cm. The phantom contains key structures involved in pancreas SBRT including the PTV25Gy, PTV33Gy, C-loop, stomach, bowel and liver with their base shape and volume representing the average of 100 clinical SBRT patients. Phantom cases were synthesized to mimic real-life anatomical variations and overlaps through displacement, expansion, and rotation of PTVs and OARs. This study involved a total of 32 simulated cases to test a broad range of planning scenarios. A previously developed deep learning based automatic planning tool was assessed in this study. This AI tool is composed of two deep neural networks (NNs) which predict beam dose and fluence maps sequentially. The goal of treatment planning was to deliver 25 Gy to PTV25 and 33 Gy to PTV33 in 5 fractions via simultaneous integral boost (SIB) while limiting luminal OAR max dose to below 29 Gy. The AI-plan's quality was analyzed against the clinical evaluation criteria, which include PTV V100%, luminal OAR max dose using Dmax and D0.03cc. The passing rate of key clinical criteria were collected to quantify overall robustness. RESULTS For all scenarios, the mean PTV25 V25Gy of the AI plans was 96.7% while mean PTV33 V33 Gy was 82.2%. Large variation (16.3%) in PTV33 V33 Gy was observed due to anatomical variations, i.e., proximity of luminal structures to PTV33. Mean max dose was 28.55, 27.68, and 24.63 Gy for the C-loop, bowel and stomach respectively. Using D0.03cc as a surrogate for max dose, the value was 28.03, 27.12, and 23.84 Gy for the same respective structures. A max dose constraint of 29 Gy was achieved for 81.3% cases for the C-loop and stomach, and 78.1% for the bowel. Using D0.03cc as a surrogate for max dose, the passing rate was 90.6% for the C-loop and 81.3% for both the bowel and stomach. CONCLUSION The results showed promising robustness of AI planning tool for pancreas SBRT, providing important evidence of its readiness for clinical implementation. The established approach could guide the robustness testing and other clinical assessments of AI based treatment planning tools in general, which is an important component for safe clinical implementation.
A Synergetic Approach to Energy-Oriented Models of Socio-Economic-Technological Problems

The introduction of microquantities into the analysis and synthesis of macro-systems is one of the most crucial issues that challenges the scholarly community regardless of discipline. The assertion applies equally well in the physical, biological, behavioral and social sciences, as well as in modern technology and policy planning.
On the accuracy of self-normalized log-linear models

Calculation of the log-normalizer is a major computational obstacle in applications of log-linear models with large output spaces. The problem of fast normalizer computation has therefore attracted significant attention in the theoretical and applied machine learning literature. In this paper, we analyze a recently proposed technique known as "self-normalization", which introduces a regularization term in training to penalize log normalizers for deviating from zero. This makes it possible to use unnormalized model scores as approximate probabilities. Empirical evidence suggests that self-normalization is extremely effective, but a theoretical understanding of why it should work, and how generally it can be applied, is largely lacking. We prove upper bounds on the loss in accuracy due to self-normalization, describe classes of input distributions that self-normalize easily, and construct explicit examples of high-variance input distributions. Our theoretical results make predictions about the difficulty of fitting self-normalized models to several classes of distributions, and we conclude with empirical validation of these predictions.
Younger Adults Derive Pleasure and Utilitarian Benefits from Browsing for Music Information Seeking in Physical and Digital Spaces

Objective – This study’s objective was to identify the utilitarian and hedonic features of satisfying music information seeking experiences from the perspective of younger adults when using physical and digital music information retrieval (MIR) systems in their daily lives. Design – In-depth, semi-structured interviews. Setting – Large public library in Montreal, Canada. Subjects – 15 French-speaking younger adults, 10 males and 5 females (aged 18 to 29 years, mean age of 24 years). Methods – A pre-test was completed to test the interview guide. The guide was divided into five sections asking the participants questions about their music tastes, how music fit into their daily lives, how they discovered music, what music information sources were used and how they were used, what made their experiences satisfying, and their biographical information. Participants were recruited between April 1, 2006 and August 8, 2007 following maximum variation sampling for the main study. Recruitment stopped when data saturation was reached and no new themes arose during analysis. Interviews were recorded and the transcripts were analyzed via constant comparative method (CCM) to determine themes and patterns. Main Results – The researchers found that both utilitarian and hedonic factors contributed to satisfaction with music information seeking experiences for the young adults. Utilitarian factors were divided between two main categories: finding music and finding information about music. Finding information about music could be further divided into three sub-categories: increasing cultural knowledge and social acceptance through increased knowledge about music, enriching the listening experience by finding information about the artist and the music, and gathering information to help with future music purchases including information that would help the participants recommend music to others. Hedonic outcomes that contributed to satisfying information seeking experiences included deriving pleasure and feeling engaged while searching or browsing for music. Especially satisfying experiences were those where the participants felt highly engaged in the process and found new, independent, non-mainstream music. Not finding new music did not automatically lead to an unsatisfying experience for the participants; however, technology malfunctions in digital MIR systems and unpleasant environments such as those with unfriendly staff in physical music spaces (libraries and stores), led to unsatisfying experiences for the participants. Conclusions – As the results show that the hedonic aspects of music information seeking are very important, designers of MIR systems must take into account the hedonic as well as utilitarian outcomes when creating user interfaces. MIR systems should be designed with browsing as well as searching capabilities so searchers can make serendipitous discoveries of new music and information about music. In other words, MIR systems need to be engaging to ensure satisfying interactions for searchers.
The Special Nature of the Insurance Contract: A Few Suggestions for Further Study

John Doe picks up the phone and dials his insurance agent. "I just bought my wife a mink coat for our twenty-fifth anniversary," says Doe. "It set me back $3,500. I'd like to insure it at full value." "Sure," replies the agent, "I'll write it up on a floater right away and send you the policy. The premium will run about $64." Several weeks later Doe receives the policy and a bill in the mail. He notes the policy is a "fur floater" and in the amount of $3,500. He puts it in his strong box and writes out a check for the amount of the bill on the first of the month when he pays his other monthly bills. If you were to ask Doe what he has done, he would probably say that he has "bought" some insurance. From whom has he bought it? His local agent-the one that handles his "general" insurance; another agent handles his life insurance. Does he know which company issued the policy? No, and he doesn't care. Does he question the amount of the premium? No-he understands that is "standard." Does he know whether his wife's coat is covered under all circumstances? No-he hasn't read the policy; he tried to read one once and fell asleep in the process; he assumes his agent took care of full coverage. Does he know how long the policy runs? No-he assumes three years; the agent always takes care of renewals and bills him as a matter of course. Has he signed any paper? No-he never does in these insurance deals unless it involves life insurance. Does he realize he has entered into an insurance contract? No-he has never thought of it in that way. Now, if one were to ask what John Doe has done in the "eye of the law," the response would probably be: Doe has entered into a unilateral, aleatory contract, the consideration on his side being the payment of an insurance premium, the consideration on the other side being a promise to indemnify for a three year period in the event the mink coat disappears-subject to numerous conditions, as, for example, that Doe make proof of loss within sixty days, cooperate with the insurer in recovering the property, bring any action against the insurer within two years, etc. Should Doe fail to comply with any of these conditions precedent or subsequent, as the case may be, he cannot recover from the insurer.
Paternalism, Limited Paternalism and the Pontius Pilate Plight When Researching Children

Recognizing the immense purchasing power of children, marketing researchers often gather information from them. Given the vulnerability of these children as research subjects, this paper explores the different ethical standards that marketing researchers could adopt in their research efforts. The Paternalistic Ethical Standard and the Limited Paternalistic Ethical Standard are discussed and the ethical quandary known as the Pontius Pilate Plight is identified in the context of the latter standard. An enhanced version of the Limited Paternalistic Standard is suggested as an ethical guide for marketing researchers. Based on interviews with professional marketing researchers to gauge the applicability of the proposed standard, managerial implications are identified.
Oxidation versus aggregation — how do SOD1 mutants cause ALS?

Multiple models have been proposed for the mechanism by which mutant superoxide dismutase 1 induces motor neuron death and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A combination of cell biology and genetics may soon lead to an answer.
Elliptic Curves and Their Applications to Cryptography: An Introduction

List of Tables. List of Figures. Foreword. Preface. 1. Public Key Cryptography. 2. The Group Law on Elliptic Curves. 3. Elliptic Curves Over Finite Fields. 4. The Discrete Logarithm Problem. 5. Counting Points On Elliptic Curves. References. Index
How should we screen for breast cancer

Breast cancer is a killer. Screening for it is commonly seen as a life-saver, and moves to reduce screening programmes are understandably greeted with outrage. But, as Howard Wainer explains, evidence is a great help in deciding such issues.
Bands and bonds of B12As2.

Ab initio pseudopotential calculations of the crystal structure, electronic structure, cohesive energy, and formation enthalpy of ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ have been calculated using a large plane-wave expansion. We compare the bonding with that of ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{13}$${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{B}}_{12}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, which have nearly or exactly identical structures as well as with that of elemental As.
Morphology-Based Language Modeling for Arabic Speech Recognition

Abstract : Language modeling is a difficult problem for languages with rich morphology. In this paper we investigate the use of morphology-based language models at different stages in a speech recognition system for conversational Arabic. Class-based and single-stream factored language models using morphological word representations are applied within an N-best list rescoring framework. In addition, we explore the use of factored language models in first-pass recognition, which is facilitated by two novel procedures: the data-driven optimization of a multi-stream language model structure, and the conversion of a factored language model to a standard word-based model. We evaluate these techniques on a large-vocabulary recognition task and demonstrate that they lead to perplexity and word error rate reductions.
Microsystems for the fabrication of nano-scale structures

This paper describes fabrication and testing of microsystems which can be utilized for in-situ deposition control and direct patterning of structures with micron and submicron lateral and vertical dimensions. An electrostatically-driven microactuator acts as an addressable active shutter and shadow mask in a Physical Vapor Deposition system. The displacement of the actuator is controlled in the nano-scale range, without using electrical sensing circuitry, by means of 'stoppers' fabricated as integral parts of the structure. The deposition of metals through the real-time-actuated microsystem allowed control of the three dimensional shape of the deposited patterns as verified by AFM measurements.
Determining the Comparative Efficiency of Schools through Data Envelopment Analysis

Conventional methods for comparing the relative productivity of schools employ least squares regression to find the expected achievement of schools with the same input characteristics. The result is that analysts typically contrast the relative effects of "predictor"variables on achievement rather than comparing school units with respect to their input/output efficiency. A newly developed input/output method for comparing the efficiency of decision making units is presented. and it is applied to the elementary schools in an urban school district. The method results in the identification of efficient and inefficient schools and provides management information relative to input and output measures.
Shifts in late Paleozoic atmospheric circulation over western equatorial Pangea: Insights from pedogenic mineral δ18O compositions

The d 18 O values of pedogenic calcites, phyllosilicates, and iron (oxyhydr)oxides from fossil soils throughout the southwestern United States show systematic paleolatitudinal and temporal trends that indicate a significant change in soil moisture conditions and atmospheric circulation patterns over southwestern Euramerica throughout latest Pennsylvanian and Early Permian time. A progressive depletion of as much as 6‰ in mineral 18 O values with increasing distance northward (to 108) of the paleoequator indicates a weakening or disruption of zonal easterly flow over the study area by latest Pennsylvanian time. Furthermore, elevated d 18 O values suggest a proximal source of paleoprecipitation over the study area, perhaps due to initiation of reversed equatorial flow over tropical southwestern Euramerica. Coupling of the geographic and temporal trends defined by pedogenic mineral d 18 O values with those defined by climatically sensitive paleosol pedotypes in the study area, along with overall elevated mineral d 18 O values, provides some of the strongest evidence that Northern Hemisphere monsoonal circulation was well established over Pangea by Early Permian time.
Metaphysical Vagueness and Metaphysical Indeterminacy

The topic of this paper is whether there is metaphysical vagueness. It is shown that it is important to distinguish between the general phenomenon of indeterminacy and the more narrow phenomenon of vagueness (the phenomenon that paradigmatically rears its head in sorites reasoning). Relatedly, it is important to distinguish between metaphysical indeterminacy and metaphysical vagueness. One can wish to allow metaphysical indeterminacy but rule out metaphysical vagueness. As is discussed in the paper, central argument against metaphysical vagueness, like those of Gareth Evans and Mark Sainsbury, would if successful rule out metaphysical indeterminacy. One way to argue specifically against the possibility of metaphysical vagueness might be thought to be to argue for a specific theory of the nature of vagueness according to which vagueness is a semantic phenomenon. But it is shown that there are complications also pertaining to arguments with that structure. Toward the end of the paper, I discuss Trenton Merricks’ well-known argument against a semantic view on vagueness and for a metaphysical view.
A Fortran Program for Simulating Educational Growth With Varying School Impact

To facilitate empirical investigations of longitudinal methodology, a computer procedure was developed to generate artificial data in which true growth scores are known. This procedure simulates the results of the Educational Testing Service Growth Study that pertain to the relationships among scores on a test of academic potential and scores on a test of educational attainment administered on four occasions. Similarly, the procedure simulates the results of Project TALENT that pertain to the correlation of community per capita income with average academic potential of students and with school resources. It is also assumed in the program that school resources determine school impact. The program user is allowed to specify the correlation between resources and impact and the extent to which schools vary in impact. Student scores and school means generated by this program are entered on separate output tapes.
Beyond the crucial experiment: mapping the performance characteristics of contingent valuation

Through the 1970s and 1980s, contingent valuation (CV) research progressed steadily: applications increased in number and breadth, results gained a degree of credibility, and welfare evaluations from discrete choice data permitted widespread use of policy referendum formats. Following the Exxon Valdez damage assessments, vigorous challenges to CV were mobilized. Instead of the present preoccupation with standardizing CV methods and constructing Popperian tests of CV generically, a broad-based research program is recommended, including proliferation of methods, mapping the performance characteristics of CV, and combining contingent and observed choice data.
Lay beliefs about hypertension: an interpretive synthesis of the qualitative research.

Purpose: The purpose of this interpretive synthesis was to explore lay beliefs about high blood pressure and its treatment in order to develop a foundation for better partnering with clients. Data sources: Meta-interpretation was used to analyze 11 qualitative research studies published in the United States between 2000 and 2005. Conclusions: Professional and lay beliefs about hypertension are not congruent. Historical factors, lack of congruence between belief systems, and poor relationships with providers lead many clients, especially African Americans, to distrust providers and impede the effectiveness of treatment plans. The most problematic discrepancies were related to beliefs about (a) the presence of symptoms, (b) the need to take medications for the rest of life, and (c) race-specific treatment plans. The interactions between nurse practitioners and hypertensive clients have not been explored. Implications for practice: Professional–client interactions based on partnership models, with specific consideration for the above-stated discrepancies in beliefs, are necessary to improve hypertension control.
A delta-B indicator

Control of magnetic characteristics of toroidal cores has been successfully accomplished by this indicator, comprised of an integrating and a linear amplifier, and peak-to-peak voltmeter.
A regression-like approach to developing a severity index for EMS patients.

Abstract An approach to constructing a severity index for emergency medical services patients with cardiac-related problems is developed. The procedure is based on two linear programming models and produces a set of weights which can be added to estimate the severity of a patient's condition. A set of patients independent of the set used to derive the weights was ranked with respect to severity by a set of physicians who were also independent of the model development process. The average value for Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient (rho) between a ranking based on the severity weights and the physicians was 0.6897. The average value of rho calculated over all possible pairs of the physician rankings was 0.6859. Thus, the ranking based on the severity weights correlated as well with the physicians rankings as did the physician rankings among themselves.
Are Super-efficient Estimators Super-powerful?

Abstract We consider inference problems in two parametric families where estimators which are super-efficient relative to the maximum likelihood estimator (mle) exist. We examine whether tests based on these super-efficient estimators perform better than the tests based on the mle's. The measures of test efficiency used are Pitman efficiency, Bayes risk efficiency, Bahadur and Hodges–Lehmann efficiencies.
Calcium and 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonic acid : polynuclear complex formation in the physiological range of pH

Abstract 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid (HEDP) is used in a variety of diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications at in vivo concentrations of from 1 mM. Previous studies have shown that calcium and HEDP form polynuclear aggregate complexes at high pH. Calcium ion titrations at constant pH 8.0, and pH titrations at 1:1 and 2:1 ratios of total calcium to total diphosphonate, provide evidence for the occurrence of aggregation of calcium and HEDP under physiological conditions. A robust feature of several polynuclear models examined is a dramatic pH dependence of polynuclear species concentrations between pH 5.5 and 7.0.
A behavioral analysis of Van Riperian therapy for stutterers

Abstract The treatment of stuttering in the United States by speech pathologists began in the late twenties and early thirties, and a description of the therapy these early speech pathologists practiced has been described by Knight Dunlap (1932) and Bryng Bryngelson (1935), among others. Refinements and modifications of these early techniques were made by later speech pathologists, notably Johnson (1944, 1948), and most recently by Van Riper (1971, 1972).
Dynamical motion of atoms in Ni(001) and Rh(001) surfaces

Abstract In a recent study a continued fraction method of calculating the phonon spectral density of atomic motions was applied to atoms in the nickel (111) surface. The present paper is an extension of the method to the nickel (001) and rhodium (001) surfaces. In addition, phonon dispersion curves are obtained for these surfaces using the method of slab calculations. The results of the density and slab calculations are compared for several force constant models of nickel and rhodium.
Analysis of Recent Crustal Movement in the Central and Northern Sierra Nevada, California, Using Repeated Geodetic Leveling Data

Abstract A comparative analysis of repeated geodetic leveling data was made along nine subparallel, E—NE-trending leveling lines located in the central to northern Sierra Nevada and the eastern Central Valley. The analysis was made to identify relative changes of elevation and evaluate these changes with respect to the regional geology and tectonics. The analysis used National Geodetic Survey first- and second-order, unadjusted, observed elevations. The relative changes in elevation indicate that crustal deformation is continuing to occur in the Sierra Nevada along pre-existing zones of crustal weakness and that this deformation is localized along some strands of Late Cenozoic faulting within the Mesozoic Foothills fault system. This deformation is characterized by variable and nonunifor westward tilt of the Sierran block west of the Melones fault zone, and relatively consistent eastward tilt of the Sierran block east of the Melones fault zone. Variable elevation changes occur within the Foothills fault system and are often associated with prominent geological or structural contacts. In addition, subsidence in the Central Valley appears to be of small magnitude and localized in extent, indicating nontectonic changes in elevation problably due to compaction of unconsolidated sediments.
Contributions to the general theory of movement

Abstract One of the purposes of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing efforts to formulate a mathematical framework for a general theory of movement. It shows that in a particular model, and from a different perspective and a slight reinterpretation, Alonso's seminal articulation holds.
A prototype HBD for PHENIX

Abstract We constructed and tested a threshold Cherenkov detector (inspired by the conceptual design of Giomataris and Charpak (Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 310 (1991) 589 ) consisting of a gas radiator followed by a photosensitive wire chamber using a solid CsI photocathode. The detector was operated with C2F6 radiator gas and a 95%He+5%CH4 mixture for the avalanche gas. At 95% electron efficiency, the pion efficiency was 1 333 , 1 150 , and 1 100 for each of the lengths listed above.
Ecological aspects of the evolutionary processes.

Darwin in his On the Origin of species made it clear that evolutionary change depends on the combined action of two different causes, the first being the origin of genetically based phenotypic variation in the individual organisms comprising the population and the second being the action of selective agents of the external environment placing demands on the individual organisms. For over a century following Darwin, most evolutionists focused on the origin of inherited variation and its transmission; many workers continue to regard genetics to be the core of evolutionary theory. Far less attention has been given to the exact nature of the selective agents with most evolutionists still treating this cause imprecisely to the detriment of our understanding of both nomological and historical evolutionary theory. Darwin was vague in the meaning of his new concept of "Natural Selection," using it interchangeably as one of the causes for evolutionary change and as the final outcome (= evolutionary change). In 1930, natural selection was defined clearly as "non-random, differential reproduction of genes" by R. Fisher and J.B.S. Haldane which is a statement of the outcome of evolutionary process and which omits mention of the causes bringing about this change. Evolutionists quickly accepted this outcome definition of natural selection, and have used interchangeably selection both as a cause and as the result of evolutionary change, causing great confusion. Herein, the details will be discussed of how the external environment (i.e., the environment-phenotype interaction) serves as selective agents and exerts demands on the phenotypic organisms. Included are the concepts of fitness and of the components of fitness (= adaptations) which are respectively (a) survival, (b) direct reproductive and (c) indirect reproductive features. Finally, it will be argued that historical-narrative analyses of organisms, including classification and phylogenetic history, are possible only with a full understanding of nomological evolutionary theory and with functional/adaptive studies of the employed taxonomic features in addition to the standard comparative investigations.
Catalytic biofilm formation by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and anode characterization by expanded uncertainty

Abstract In this study, high-density planktonic cultures of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 are grown aerobically to early stationary phase. After washing the cells and removing from original medium, the culture is exposed to an anaerobic environment in an electrochemical cell. An applied potential of −0.30 V vs Ag/AgCl is applied to the working electrode and the corresponding current is measured via chronoamperometry. Current begins to increase within 2–3 h stabilizing at 5 h. Cyclic voltammetry was measured at 5 h indicating the initial stages a kinetically limited biofilm and again at 24 h with an apparently more stable catalytic biofilm. At this point, the biofilm appears to suffer mass transport limitation as the catalytic wave dominates the shape of the voltammogram, similar to voltammograms reported for Geobacter spp. Polarization curves are also reported herein, further demonstrating a large increase of current near the oxidation potential of what is believed to be the terminal protein complex (MtrC/OmcA) of the trans-membrane cytochrome cascade, the Mtr pathway. Additional characterization and comparison between replicates of the biofilm is made using the idea of expanded uncertainty. This novel approach in reporting measured results for microbial fuel cells elucidates specific electrochemical parameters for appropriate comparison between systems and laboratories.
Ensuring Access to the Outcomes of Community Resource Projects

The assistant professor was very excited. She had only been in her faculty position for a few months and had several grant proposals pending. One of them was to the Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) to develop a novel method for silencing genes. It had been about 4 months since her application
Interferometric probing of a cylindrical tube using holography.

This paper describes a method for probing a nonrefracting phase object confined by a cylindrical tube and quantifies the errors introduced into the measurement. The method is applicable to a phase object with a refractive index that is much less than that of the tube material; such as a gas contained in a glass or plastic tube. Double-exposure holographic interferometry with plane-wave illumination and real-image reconstruction was used to produce the interferogram, and ray-tracing computations were used when reconstructing the refractive-index distribution to correct the distortions in the interferogram caused by the tube. An error analysis was performed for a specific tube using both experimental results and numerical simulations. The experiments were conducted using a 52-mm long acrylic tube with a 51.3-mm i.d. and a 56.3-mm o.d. The tube contained CO2 during the first holographic exposure and air during the second; both exposures were made at room temperature and pressure. Therefore, the refractive-index change between exposures was known accurately. For the experimental conditions used in this study, it was possible to image the interferogram and still probe to within 1.1 mm of the tube wall. The average error in the refractive-index distribution reconstructed from the experimental interferogram was <0.5%, even though the concentricity and eccentricity of the tube surfaces were 0.010 and 0.013 mm, respectively. The numerical simulations demonstrated that the average error in the reconstructed refractive-index distribution due to error in the tube refractive index and error in the tube-wall thickness was <0.15%.
A class of tests for homogeneity of quantiles under unequal right-censorship

Abstract A class of tests is considered for testing equality of quantiles (of a specified order) of K (⩾ 2) continuous populations when the observations are subject to random right-censorship. The tests may be viewed as a generalization of a class of tests considered by Sen (1962) to the case of right-censored data. The proposed tests are useful when the censoring distributions are unequal and do not require the scale or the shape parameters of the underlying populations to be either known or equal.