cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
More Intelligent Models

Along the lines of car-following models, single-regime models stand at one end and use one equation to handle all driving situations. Models can become increasingly intelligent if they include more and more equations to represent different regimes, such as start-up, speedup, free-flow, approaching, following, and stopping. Even more intelligent models can mimic the way of human thinking—for example, using rules and reasoning based on neural networks.
Assessment of Bile Duct Tumors: Endoscopic vs Radiographic

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver tumor and it’s associated with a poor prognosis. They diagnosis of CCA can be challenging because of its paucicellular nature, anatomic location, and silent clinical character. Cross sectional radiologic studies (MRI/MRCP and multidetector CT scan) are critical for diagnosis and staging CCA but their sensibility is yet improvable and they don’t allow tissue acquisition. ERCP has been for years the modality of choice for evaluating and sampling biliary strictures for malignancy. New endoscopic techniques like EUS and cholangioscopy and advances in imaging technologies and cytology processing have the potential of significantly improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of this malignancy.
Assured satellite communications: A minimal-cost-variance system controller paradigm

This paper begins to bridge theoretical systems control with satellite communications in fundamental ways. In view of satellite system controllers, quality of service of user terminals needs a radically different perspective to reliably maintain a minimum adaptive link margin to account for link state uncertainties. Special emphasis is therefore given to the cost-variance, discrete-time control theory which enables an effective design for reliability to analyze the behavior of Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR)-based tracking systems. The work further articulates the use of state estimates for terminal power adjustments supported by discrete Kalman filtering with intermittent blockages. Moreover, the recent assessment of multi-access interference protection recommends that terminal powers should continue to be subject to terminal power control output back-off constraints. Lastly, communication rates for terminal reports from active remote terminals to the satellite ground hub can be optimized by means of the model-based triggering events.
Convergence of Excitation Energies in Mixed Quantum and Classical Solvent: Comparison of Continuum and Point Charge Models

Mixed quantum mechanical (QM)/classical methods provide a computationally efficient approach to modeling both ground and excited states in the condensed phase. To accurately model short-range interactions, some amount of the environment can be included in the QM region, whereas a classical model can treat long-range interactions to maintain computational affordability. The best computational protocol for these mixed QM/classical methods can be determined by examining convergence of molecular properties. Here, we compare molecular mechanical (MM) fixed point charges to a polarizable continuum model (PCM) for computing electronic excitations in solution. We computed the excitation energy of three pairs of neutral/anionic molecules in aqueous solvent, including up to 250 water molecules in the QM region. Interestingly, the convergence is similar for MM point charges and a PCM, with convergence achieved when at least one full solvation shell is treated with QM. Although the van der Waals (VDW) definition of t...
Partners or Managers? A Case Study of Public–Private Partnerships in New York City:

This case tells the story of a failed public–private partnership. It illustrates how stakeholders, encouraged by the current political context, rushed into a partnership without establishing a basi...
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis

The gastrointestinal tract is the most common organ system affected by systemic sclerosis (SSc) other than the skin. Greater than 90 % of SSc patients have esophageal involvement, and this primarily manifests as reflux and dysphagia. In addition to symptoms, complications include stricture, candidal esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus. There is an association between esophageal dysmotility and pulmonary disease, although causality has not been established. Gastric involvement is less common and can manifest as dysmotility or bleeding. Dysmotility often presents with impaired gastric emptying and associated symptoms, including nausea, postprandial fullness, bloating, and weight loss. Bleeding is often due to gastric antral vascular ectasia. While this affects a minority of SSc patients, consequences can be significant. This chapter will review the data regarding foregut manifestations and specifically will focus on diagnostic modalities and treatment options – including lifestyle modification, medical therapy, alternative therapy, endoscopic options, and surgical approaches where appropriate. Unfortunately, treatment remains supportive at present, and there is a lack of disease-modifying therapeutic options.
Abstract IA5: Using cross-species analysis of genome-wide regulatory networks to identify drivers of cancer malignancy

We have been interested in using systems biology approaches for cross-species interrogations of cancer phenotypes. To identify regulatory drivers of prostate cancer malignancy, we have performed cross-species analysis of complementary human and mouse gene regulatory networks (interactomes) assembled from molecular profiles of human tumors and genetically engineered prostate cancer mouse models, respectively. Genome-wide analysis of these interactomes reveals extensive conservation of their transcriptional programs, particularly those known to be essential for prostate tumorigenesis. Cross-species interactome interrogation and subsequent experimental validation have elucidated a synergistic interaction of FOXM1 and CENPF that drives prostate cancer malignancy. Silencing of both FOXM1 and CENPF, but not either individually, abrogates prostate tumor growth in vivo via cooperative regulation of key signaling pathways in prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, co-expression of FOXM1 and CENPF is a highly robust prognostic indicator of disease outcome. Taken together, these analyses suggest that genome-wide cross-species interrogation of regulatory networks represents a valuable new strategy to identify causal mechanisms of human cancer. Citation Format: Cory Abate-Shen. Using cross-species analysis of genome-wide regulatory networks to identify drivers of cancer malignancy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: The Translational Impact of Model Organisms in Cancer; Nov 5-8, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA5.
Seeking moral autonomy in a Chinese context: A study of elementary moral education standards

In this article, we explored Chinese moral education standards for grades one and two by using the heuristic of moral autonomy by employing a typology of moral autonomy, one based on Kantian and Deweyan ideas about moral autonomy and agency . Given the larger charge for all of schooling to develop independence, problem-solving, and creativity in China, we sought to determine whether this change is actually the case within the 2011 Chinese moral education standards for grades one and two, for the period of 2011-2020 . Although some elements of moral autonomy are stated and suggested in the standard learning objectives, there are significant discrepancies between ultimate goals of education for children’s development of autonomy and their practices and implementation within these Chinese moral education curriculum standards.
Potential Predictability during a Madden–Julian Oscillation Event

AbstractThe Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is an important source of predictability. The boreal 2004/05 winter is used as a case study to conduct predictability experiments with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. That winter season was characterized by an MJO event, weak El Nino, strong North Atlantic Oscillation, and extremely wet conditions over the contiguous United States (CONUS). The issues investigated are as follows: 1) growth of forecast errors in the tropics relative to the extratropics, 2) propagation of forecast errors from the tropics to the extratropics, 3) forecast error growth on spatial scales associated with MJO and non-MJO variability, and 4) the relative importance of MJO and non-MJO tropical variability on predictability of precipitation over CONUS.Root-mean-square errors in forecasts of normalized eddy kinetic energy (NEKE) (200 hPa) show that errors in initial conditions in the tropics grow faster than in the extratropics. Potential predictability extends out to about...
Octupole deformation in the ground states of even-even Z ∼ 96 , N ∼ 196 actinides and superheavy nuclei

A systematic search for axial octupole deformation in the actinides and superheavy nuclei with proton numbers $Z=88--126$ and neutron numbers from the two-proton drip line up to $N=210$ was performed in covariant density functional theory (DFT) using four state-of-the-art covariant energy density functionals representing different model classes. The nuclei in the $Z\ensuremath{\sim}96, N\ensuremath{\sim}196$ region of octupole deformation were investigated in detail and the systematic uncertainties in the description of their observables were quantified. A similar region of octupole deformation exists also in Skyrme DFT and microscopic+macroscopic approaches but it is centered at somewhat different particle numbers. Theoretical uncertainties in the predictions of the regions of octupole deformation increase on going to superheavy nuclei with $Z\ensuremath{\sim}120, N\ensuremath{\sim}190$. There are no octupole deformed nuclei for $Z=112--126$ in covariant DFT calculations. This agrees with Skyrme DFT calculations, but disagrees with Gogny DFT and microscopic+macroscopic calculations which predict an extended $Z\ensuremath{\sim}120, N\ensuremath{\sim}190$ region of octupole deformation.
Modeling and analysis of an open-drive Z-compressor

A rotary Z-compressor prototype for compressed air applications has been developed and tested. The Z-compressor working process resembles the one of a two-stage rolling piston compressor where the stages are phased by half rotation. In contrary to the traditional rolling piston design, the vane in a Z-compressor is positioned parallel to the main shaft and not perpendicular. In order to understand the impact of leakage and frictional losses and improve the design of such machine, a mechanistic model has been developed to include governing equations within the working chambers (i.e., two suction chambers and two compression chambers), leakage flow models, detailed mechanical analysis, one-degree of freedom valve model, in-chamber heat transfer and an overall energy balance of the compressor shell. The model has been validated with preliminary experimental data and then exercised to identify the potential performance improvements over a range of clearances and working conditions.
Brief Commentary: Laboratory Accuracy of Hemoglobin A1c Ranges and Treatment Targets for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

This commentary was selected for publication from among several submitted in response to a call for readers' perspectives on treatment targets for type 2 diabetes.
The Importance of Within-Person Variability in Estimating Prevalence

There are four major uses of national nutrition data [1–3]: 1. Assessment and monitoring 2. Regulation 3. Evaluation of the impact of diet on the risk of disease or death 4. Commercial uses
Role of Caveolae in the Airway

Caveolae are flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane that are rich in lipids and serve as microdomains to facilitate interactions between proteins at the membrane as well as intracellular components, thus modulating signal transduction, protein and lipid transport, and other processes. Constituent caveolar proteins such as caveolins and cavins also have scaffolding domains that anchor and regulate protein function. There is now evidence that caveolae and their constituent proteins are present in airway smooth muscle in a variety of species. Caveolae in airway cells contain or interact with molecules such as receptors, ion channels, and regulatory proteins that are key to the roles of airway epithelium and smooth muscle in regulating airway structure and function. Furthermore, caveolar protein expression and regulation appear to be important in mediating and modulating the effects of inflammation on the airway, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of diseases such as asthma.
Behavioral Approaches to Creativity

Behavioral is a term associated with classic operant concepts. This article combines operant and problem-solving paradigms that share variation/selection processes and problems. Given creative behavior as a goal, a common problem is getting ‘stuck’ in successful (because they have been selected) behaviors. Solutions (variability and constraint selection) to this and other creativity problems are proposed. Examples include two painters (Anonimo and Max Beckmann) and a playwright (Thorton Wilder).
Nuss procedure in the adult population for correction of pectus excavatum

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has been successfully modified for use in adult patients. Many patients present in adulthood with progression of symptoms as the chest wall becomes less compliant with age. A thorough workup is completed including echocardiogram and chest CT to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is done to quantify the physiologic impact. Modifications of the original Nuss procedure required to allow for successful adult repair include the use of forced sternal elevation, the use of multiple bars, medial bar fixation, and interspace support to prevent bar rotation and migration. Occasionally, fractures may occur that require an open procedure and osteotomy or cartilage resection and hybrid approach incorporating the principals of intrathoracic support and osteotomy with bar stabilization.
Birth mode and infectious morbidity risks in Qom children of Argentina

OBJECTIVES Cesarean delivery may increase childhood infectious morbidity risks via altered birth exposures and subsequent immune, microbial, and epigenetic development. Many Latin American indigenous populations experience dual burdens of infectious and chronic diseases, and are particularly vulnerable to rising rates of cesarean delivery and associated adverse outcomes. The Qom/Toba are an indigenous population in Argentina experiencing rapid lifestyle transitions. We hypothesized that cesarean delivery would be associated with increased risk of infectious symptoms in Qom children after adjusting for gestational and nutritional factors. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of birth records and monthly anthropometric and illness data collected previously from 90 Qom children (aged 1-55 months). We tested for additive effects of birth mode on risk of gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory illness (RI) in mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusting for child weight-for-age (WAZ), weaning, and gestational and maternal age. RESULTS Cesarean deliveries accounted for 46% of births and were associated with maternal age < 20 and ≥ 30 years, gestational age < 39 weeks, and prenatal complications. GI and RI risks were reduced in association with cesarean delivery, greater WAZ, weaning, maternal age ≥ 30 years, and gestational age < 39 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between cesarean delivery and reduced infectious risks may reflect statistical confounding with relatively rapid postnatal growth and greater adiposity. Postnatal growth trajectories may be important mediators of long-term morbidity risks associated with cesarean delivery. The frequency of cesarean deliveries among the Qom remains concerning given traditionally high rates of fertility and adolescent pregnancy.
A Deep Learning Approach to Target Recognition in Side-Scan Sonar Imagery

Automatic target recognition using autonomous underwater vehicles and involving side-scan sonar imagery is of significant interest in both military and commercial applications. Adaptation of a state-of-the-art deep learning method for object detection in side-scan sonar imagery is described. Results of application of the method to available data support the approach as simple yet robust in detecting objects/anomalies along the seabed. A systematic procedure was employed in transfer learning a pre-trained convolutional neural network in order to learn the pixel-intensity based features of seafloor anomalies in sonar images. Using this process, newly trained convolutional neural network models were produced using relatively small training datasets and tested to show reasonably accurate anomaly detection and classification with little to no false alarms.
A National Study of Oncology Nurses Discussing Cancer Clinical Trials With Patients

In the United States less than 10% of cancer patients engage in clinical trials. Although most oncology nurses have multiple opportunities to discuss clinical trials with patients, barriers including attitudes and social norms may impede these discussions. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we developed and evaluated measures for attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control of nurses for discussing clinical trials with cancer patients. Of the 18,000 Oncology Nurse Society members invited, 1,964 completed the survey. Structural equation modeling and internal consistency reliability were used to evaluate items and constructs. We found that overall model fit and reliability was good: Confirmatory Fit Index (CFI) = 0.91, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05; attitudes, 21 items, alpha = 0.84; perceived behavioral control, 10 items, alpha = 0.85; and subjective norms, 9 items, alpha = 0.89. These measures of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control show good reliability and initial evidence of validity.
From ab initio onwards

Roberto Car tells Nature Materials how the Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics method originated and how his research career has evolved since then.
Age predicts outcomes better than frailty following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort analysis.

Abstract Objective Increasing age has been associated with worse outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), yet frailty’s effect on aSAH outcomes has never been studied. The most common frailty measurement tool is the modified frailty index (mFI). The goal of this study is to compare the effect of frailty versus age as predictors of aSAH outcomes and mortality. Patients and methods Our institutional aSAH series were retrospectively identified and divided into non-frail (mFI = 0–1) and frail (mFI≥2) cohorts based on admission mFI scores. Primary outcomes were mortality and discharge location. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results There were 217 aSAH patients identified and 57 were frail (26.3%). Forty-one (18.9%) patients died and 74 (34%) were discharged home. Frail patients were significantly older (p Conclusion Frailty is associated with worse aSAH grades, more complications, and increased mortality, however, increasing age and HH scores were the only independent predictors of aSAH outcomes. This study suggests that HH score and increasing patient age, and not the accumulated co-morbidities at the time of aSAH, better predict outcomes.
Schütz, Alfred (1899–1959)

Alfred Schutz was born in Vienna, Austria, on April 13, 1899. In 1918, Schutz entered the University of Vienna, earning a doctorate in law, and continuing his postgraduate studies in the social sciences. Schutz is best known for his pioneering writings on phenomenological sociology, a discipline that explores relationships between human social action and associated states of individual consciousness. For Schutz, language, as system of conventional signs, plays a central role in transmitting the many modes of thought expressed within a society, exerting a profound, though ultimately contestable, influence on personal worldview.
Depth Sensor-Based In-Home Daily Activity Recognition and Assessment System for Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term adult disability. Many stroke patients participate in rehabilitation programs prescribed by an occupational therapist to aid in recovery; however, occupational therapists rely on in-clinic assessments and often-unreliable self-assessments at home to track a patient's progress, limiting their ability to monitor how patients perform outside of a clinical setting. Our Daily Activity Recognition and Assessment System collects depth and skeletal data passively from within the patient's home to assess long-term recovery and provide metrics to an occupational therapist to allow for more individualized rehabilitation plans. Using data from a wall-mounted depth sensor, we adapt a hierarchical co-occurrence network to identify actions from pre-segmented skeletal data. We then perform assessments on the classified actions to track key recovery metrics: normalized jerk, speed of motions, and extent of reach. We also introduce novel filters to identify high quality data for analysis. Our sensor was installed in a stroke patient's kitchen for seven days, generating the first action recognition data set from a stroke patient in a naturalistic environment. We use this data in conjunction with the NTU-RGB-D data set to validate our recognition and assessment algorithms. We achieved 90.1% accuracy by replicating the results of the NTU-RGB-D data set and a maximum of 59.6% accuracy on our kitchen data set.
Reconfigurable Reflective Colors in HolographicallyPatterned Liquid Crystal Gels

Thin film holographic gratings have attracted significant attention due the tailorability of their photonic properties. The ability of holography to create materials with unique photonic properties...
Factors affecting the resolution of acute non-infectious anterior scleritis

Background/aims Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-⍺) inhibitors are increasingly being used to treat scleritis, however, their efficacy has not been compared to older treatments. Additionally, few studies have assessed differences in the course of scleritis among different patient groups. We identify demographic factors, comorbidities and treatments associated with the resolution of acute scleritis. Methods The records of patients with non-infectious anterior scleritis who presented between 1 January 2013 and 1 January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 141 patients (169 eyes) with anterior scleritis were identified. 92.9% had diffuse anterior scleritis, 5.0% had nodular anterior scleritis and 2.1% had necrotising scleritis. Topical corticosteroids were used in 66.7% of patients, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 48.9% and systemic corticosteroids in 37.6%. Non-corticosteroid immunomodulatory therapies were required in 37.6% of patients. In a Cox proportionate hazards model, factors positively associated with the resolution of an episode of scleritis included NSAID use (HR=2.145; 95% CI 1.200 to 3.832), Hispanic race (HR=2.991; 95% CI 1.115 to 7.341) and lupus erythematous (HR=6.175; 95% CI 1.774 to 21.489). Bilateral scleritis was negatively associated with resolution (HR=0.437; 95% CI 0.196 to 0.972). TNF-⍺ inhibitors (HR=3.346; 95% CI 1.277–8.763), NSAID use (HR=2.558; 95% CI 1.383 to 4.729), lupus erythematosus (HR=5.251; 95% CI 1.478 to 18.659) and Hispanic race (HR=3.198; 95% CI 1.022 to 10.005) were significantly positively associated with steroid sparing resolution. Conclusion Patient characteristics including a lupus diagnosis and Hispanic race were associated with faster times to symptom resolution and steroid sparing resolution, as were treatments including systemic NSAIDs and TNF-⍺ inhibitors. Due to limitations in the available data, this analysis did not account for disease severity. Future prospective studies will further elucidate the relationship between these factors and patient outcomes.
Neurological & psychological aspects of Barth syndrome: Clinical manifestations and potential pathogenic mechanisms.

Abstract Barth syndrome is a rare X-linked multisystem mitochondrial disease that is caused by variants in the tafazzin gene leading to deficient and abnormal cardiolipin. Previous research has focused on the cardiomyopathy and neutropenia in individuals with Barth syndrome, yet just as common are the least explored neurological aspects of Barth syndrome. This review focuses on the major neuropsychological and neurophysiological phenotypes that affect the quality of life of individuals with Barth syndrome, including difficulties in sensory perception and feeding, fatigue, and cognitive and psychological challenges. We propose selected pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these phenotypes and draw parallels to other relevant disorders. Finally, avenues for future research are also suggested.
Surging Intercountry Adoptions in Africa: Paltry Domestication of International Standards

This Article is dedicated to addressing the issues surrounding intercountry adoption, specifically in regards to Africa. In light of the dramatic increase in the number of intercountry adoptions from Africa, it has become imperative to take a critical look at the arguments for and against intercountry adoptions, the existing framework for this practice, and the jurisprudence and legislation of select African countries in this area. Through expounding on the aforementioned topics, this Article showcases the need for improved regulation. It then presents recommendations for how this system can be improved to further facilitate intercountry adoptions, a vital step for finding stable homes for orphans. * Associate Professor of Law, Ave Maria School of Law. LLB, Makerere University, Uganda, First Class Honors and First-in-Class; LLM, University of Notre Dame, Summa Cum Laude; JSD, University of Notre Dame, Summa Cum Laude. Thanks are owed to my research assistants, Catherine Statler and Stephanie Giagnorio. BYU Journal of Public Law [Vol. 27
Abstract P4-05-01: Genetic analysis of the role of Brca1 in suppression of basal-like breast cancer

BRCA1 mutation carriers are predisposed to developing basal-like breast cancers with high metastasis and poor prognosis. However, the mechanism underlying the function of BRCA1 in suppressing basal-like breast cancer remains unclear. We previously reported that deletion of p18Ink4c (p18), an inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6, functionally inactivates the RB pathway, stimulates mammary luminal stem cell proliferation, and leads to spontaneous luminal tumor development whereas germline mutation of Brca1 alters the fate of luminal cells and causes luminal-to-basal mammary tumor transformation. We report here that disruption of Brca1 by both germline and epithelium-specific mutation of Brca1 in p18 deficient mice activates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induces basal-like breast tumors. Introduction of BRCA1 suppresses expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) and inhibits EMT in mammary tumor cells. Knockdown of BRCA1 in human luminal cancer cells activates EMT and increases tumor formation potential. Consistently, EMT features are inversely correlated with BRCA1 in human breast cancers. These findings provide genetic evidence suggesting that BRCA1 suppresses EMT and inhibits basal-like tumor development. Citation Format: Xin-Hai Pei, Feng Bai, Ho Lam Chan, Alexandria Scott, Matthew D Smith, Cheng Fan, Jason I Herschkowitz, Charles M Perou, Alan S Livingstone, David J Robbins, Anthony J Capobianco. Genetic analysis of the role of Brca1 in suppression of basal-like breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-05-01.
O Humano numa Paisagem Pós-Humanista

'A publicacao deste artigo em portugues foi autorizada graciosamente pela autora e pela editora Routledge, Chapman & Hall. Seu original em ingles, intitulado Ecce Homo, Ain't (Ar'n't) Ia Woman, and Innapropriate/ d Others: The Human In a Post-Humanist Landscape, foi editado por Joan Scott e Judith Butler na coletânea Feminists Theorize the Pohtical. Nova Iorque, 1992. Quero focalizar aqui os discursos de sofrimento e desmembramento. E tomar os desarticulados corpos de historia como figuras de possiveis ligacao e responsabilizacao. A teoria feminista avanca por figuracao exatamente nos momentos em que suas proprias narrativas historicas estao em crise. Hoje as narrativas historicas estao em crise, por todo o espectro politico, em todo o mundo. Sao momentos em que algo poderoso e perigoso ocorre. Figuracao e rearrumar o palco para possiveis passados e futuros. Figuracao e o modo de teoria em que as retoricas mais "normais" de analise critica sistematica parecem apenas repetir e manter nosso aprisionamento nas historias das desordens estabelecidas. Humanidade e uma figura modernista; e essa humanidade tem uma face generica, uma forma universal. A face da humanidade tem sido a do homem. A humanidade feminista precisa ter outra forma, outros gestos; mas, creio, precisamos ter figuras feministas de humanidade. Nao podem ser homem ou mulher; tampouco o ser humano como a narrativa historica apresentou esse universal generico. As figuras feministas, finalmente, nao podem ter nome; nao podem ser nativas. A humanidade feminista deve, de algum modo, resistir a representacao, a figuracao literal, e tambem explodir em poderosos novos tropos, novas figuras de discurso, novas viradas de possibilidade historica. Para esse processo, no ponto critico de inflexao em que todos os tropos dao outra virada, precisamos de oradores extaticos. Este ensaio conta a historia de um orador assim, que pode figurar a condicao autocontraditoria e necessaria de uma humanidade nao generica. Quero deixar de lado aqui as figuras liuministas de individualidade coerente e dominante, pessoas com
Torsional topology and fermion-like behavior of elastic waves in phononic structures

Abstract A one-dimensional block-spring model that supports rotational waves is analyzed within Dirac formalism. We show that the wave functions possess a spinor and a spatio-temporal part. The spinor part leads to a non-conventional torsional topology of the wave function. In the long-wavelength limit, field theoretical methods are used to demonstrate that rotational phonons can exhibit fermion-like behavior. Subsequently, we illustrate how information can be encoded in the spinor-part of the wave function by controlling the phonon wave phase.
The bcl-2 gene family.

Abstract Viability is a fundamental determinant of all cellular functions, and regulation of cell viability is important in shaping tissue differentiation and organism development. The genes in the bcl-2 family can profoundly influence cell viability. In addition to bcl-2, cellular genes in this family include bcl-x, bax, mcl-1, and A1 (from vertebrates), as well as ced9 (from Caenorhabditis elegans). Different members of the family exhibit a spectrum of activity, ranging from survival-enhancement to death-enhancement. Thus, the combinatorial effects of various bcl-2 family members may allow a fine level of control over the important function of cell viability. In addition, alterations in these genes may cause aberations in cell death and thus contribute to cancer.
Creating more credible and persuasive recommender systems: The influence of source characteristics on recommender system evaluations

Whether users are likely to accept the recommendations provided by a recommender system is of utmost importance to system designers and the marketers who implement them. By conceptualizing the advice seeking and giving relationship as a fundamentally social process, important avenues for understanding the persuasiveness of recommender systems open up. Specifically, research regarding the influence of source characteristics, which is abundant in the context of humanhuman relationships, can provide an important framework for identifying potential influence factors. This chapter reviews the existing literature on source characteristics in the context of human-human, human-computer, and human-recommender system interactions. It concludes that many social cues that have been identified as influential in other contexts have yet to be implemented and tested with respect to recommender systems. Implications for recommender system research and design are discussed.
Scalable modeling and analysis of requirements preferences: A qualitative approach using CI-Nets

We present a framework for reasoning with preferences in the context of Goal-Oriented Requirements Engineering (GORE). Our choice of preference language, conditional importance networks (CI-nets), is motivated by the occurrence in requirements engineering of qualitative preferences and tradeoffs involving sets of items; such preferences are expressed more naturally in CI-nets than in other representations. Building on our past experience with CI-nets, we are improving the scalability and usability of CI-nets for specifying and analyzing requirements preferences. We discuss our ongoing work and long-term plans, including efforts to develop more efficient methods to identify conflicting preferences among possible requirements, guide negotiation of resolutions to such conflicts, and improve traceability and comprehension of requirements preferences.
Nonlinear mechanical behavior in striated muscle and its relationship to underlying crossbridge activity

Small muscles dissected from the frog (Rana pipien) toe were submersed in a cooled (0 degrees C) Ringers solution and attached at opposite ends to a tension transducer and a length regulating servo device. Muscle stiffness was measured by imposing a length disturbance (bandlimited (0-500 Hz) noise or single-frequency sinusoid) on an initially isometric muscle preparation and recording this disturbance and the concomitant tension response. If active muscle stiffness was to be measured, the muscle was electrically stimulated to produce a fused tetanus prior to imposing the length disturbance. The passive muscle was characterized as highly compliant, almost linear elasticity (elastic modulus 638 kN/m/sup 3/). Estimates of the muscle stiffness as a function of frequency were obtained using spectral density methods. The active muscle appears to 'soften' in response to release and 'harden' in response to stretch. The linear behavior of active muscle was modeled as a linear spring (elastic modulus 102040 kNm/sup 3/) in parallel with a linear dampener (viscous modulus 810 kN*s/m/sup 3/). >
Rethinking the nature of urban environmental politics: Security, subjectivity, and the non-human

Abstract The growing field of urban political ecology (UPE) has greatly advanced understandings of the socio-ecological transformations through which urban economies and environments are produced. However, this field has thus far failed to fully consider subjective (and subject-forming) dimensions of urban environmental struggle. I argue that this can be overcome through bringing urban political ecology into conversation with both post-structural political ecology and critical geopolitics. Bridging these literatures focuses attention on practices of socio-ecological exclusion and attachment through which environmental subjectivities are formed. This argument is drawn out through a case study of the politics of local economic development and conservation within the watershed of the Big Darby Creek near Columbus, Ohio. This struggle was driven by a preservationist movement that coalesced around a shared understanding of socio-ecological hybridity as a source of metaphysical insecurity. Hybridity appears here as a site of political and ethical struggle over social and ecological exclusions produced in the pursuit of security. This case study demonstrates a paradox of environmental politics: the non-human is at once a site of constituent possibilities for identity and subjectivity as well as forces which seek to foreclose this radical openness. Recognizing the paradoxical nature of environmental struggle allows for a more complex and nuanced account of the multifarious forces that shape the formation of environmental subjectivities.
Sampling properties of an inequality restricted estimator

Abstract This paper evaluates the sampling properties of the inequality restricted estimator under a squared error loss measure.
Environmental stabilization of a-Si:H photoconductors via reaction with an alkylsilane

Abstract Reactively sputtered a-Si:H photoconductive layers approximately one μm thick on flexible conductive substrates were treated with a monomeric octadecylsilane derivative and cured briefly at 120 °C to form and bond an alkylsiloxane surface layer. Whether the a-Si:H layer was bare or first topcoated with 10 nm of Si3N4, treated photoconductors had spatially uniform dark surface potentials greater than 22 V at 105 s after charging by negative corona in ambient relative humidity (ARH) of 65%. The improved environmental stability enabled stable, high-quality electrophotographic performance in ARH exceeding 70% with electrophoretic toners optimized for CdS photoreceptors. The simple chemical stabilization may be of broader utility in silicon-based technology.
A gene-model-free method for linkage analysis of a disease-related-trait based on analysis of proband/sibling pairs

In this paper we investigate the power of finding linkage to a disease locus through analysis of the disease-related traits. We propose two family-based gene-model-free linkage statistics. Both involve considering the distribution of the number of alleles identical by descent with the proband and comparing siblings with the disease-related trait to those without the disease-related-trait. The objective is to find linkages to disease-related traits that are pleiotropic for both the disease and the disease-related-traits. The power of these statistics is investigated for Kofendrerd Personality Disorder-related traits a (Joining/founding cults) and trait b (Fear/discomfort with strangers) of the simulated data. The answers were known prior to the execution of the reported analyses. We find that both tests have very high power when applied to the samples created by combining the data of the three cities for which we have nuclear family data.
D1-3: Marshfield Dictionary of Clinical and Translational Science (MD-CTS): An Online Reference for Clinical and Translational Science Terminology

Background/Aims New terms are rapidly appearing in the literature and practice of clinical medicine and translational research. To catalog real-world usage of medical terms, we report the first construction of an online dictionary of clinical and translational medicinal terms, which are computationally generated in near real-time using a big data approach. This project is NIH CTSA-funded and developed by the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation in conjunction with University of Wisconsin - Madison. Currently titled Marshfield Dictionary of Clinical and Translational Science (MD-CTS), this application is a Google-like word search tool. By entering a term into the search bar, MD-CTS will display that term’s definition, usage examples, contextual terms, related images, and ontological information. A prototype is available for public viewing at http://spellchecker.mfldclin.edu/.
Influence of an Institution-Specific Sepsis Protocol on the Adequacy of Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy:

Objective: A sepsis protocol including institution-specific antibiotic recommendations based on local susceptibility patterns was implemented at our institution. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of these recommendations on the adequacy of initial empiric therapy in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit.Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study conducted in a medical intensive care unit at a university-affiliated medical center. Charts of patients identified as having sepsis in our sepsis database from November 2004 to September 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Adequacy of initial therapy was assessed, as were the number of antibiotics used per patient and 28-day mortality.Results: One hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria for the evaluation. Thirty-eight patients were in the pre-protocol group and 71 patients were in the post-protocol group. Adequacy of initial therapy increased from 68% pre protocol to 85% post p...
The pollen dispersal kernel and mating system of an insect-pollinated tropical palm, Oenocarpus bataua

Pollen dispersal shapes the local genetic structure of plant populations and determines the opportunity for local selection and genetic drift, but has been well studied in few animal-pollinated plants in tropical rainforests. Here, we characterise pollen movement for an insect-pollinated Neotropical canopy palm, Oenocarpus bataua, and relate these data to adult mating system and population genetic structure. The study covers a 130-ha parcel in which all adult trees (n=185) were mapped and genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci, allowing us to positively identify the source tree for 90% of pollination events (n=287 of 318 events). Mating system analysis showed O. bataua was effectively outcrossed (tm=1.02) with little biparental inbreeding (tm−ts=−0.005) and an average of 5.4 effective pollen donors (Nep) per female. Dispersal distances were relatively large for an insect-pollinated species (mean=303 m, max=1263 m), and far exceeded nearest-neighbour distances. Dispersal kernel modelling indicated a thin-tailed Weibull distribution offered the best fit to the genetic data, which contrasts with the fat-tailed kernels typically reported for pollen dispersal in trees. Preliminary analyses suggest that our findings may be explained, at least in part, by a relatively diffuse spatial and temporal distribution of flowering trees. Comparison with previously reported estimates of seed movement for O. bataua suggests that pollen and seed dispersal distances may be similar. These findings add to the growing body of information on dispersal in insect-pollinated trees, but underscore the need for continued research on tropical systems in general, and palms in particular.
Does More Aggressive Therapy Improve Outcomes in the Treatment of Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Concurrent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy currently offers the best treatment strategy in stage IIIA/IIIB non-small cell lung cancer. However, inadequate radiation dose may be a contributing factor in the resultant lack of adequate control of local disease. Hypothetically, radiation doses that are higher than “standard” (eg, 60 Gy) might increase patient morbidity without improving cure rates, and data from a University of North Carolina phase I/II trial suggested that at least 74 Gy can be given safely to patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, with a trend toward improved survival. Also, clinical data indicate that the cytoprotective agent amifostine (Ethyol; MedImmune Inc, Gaithersburg, MD) can be used to reduce esophagitis (and possibly pneumonitis) in patients treated with conventional radiation doses. Finally, a phase III clinical trial is proposed to: (1) test the hypothesis that higher radiation doses lead to a survival advantage in non-small cell lung cancer patients; and (2) discern the value of amifostine as a cytoprotective agent in the high-radiation dose range.
An interactive turning/post/mixed machine simulator

An interactive system has been developed which makes it convenient to prepare, execute, and modify programs for Turing, Post, or mixed machines. The system runs on a Datapoint 2200 intelligent terminal with CRT display, keyboard, and dual tape cassette drives. Machine type, legal symbols, program or rules, 'tape' contents, and other initial parameters are input from the keyboard and shown on the display. During 'execution' the sixty-four characters about the 'read head' are also shown on the display and the speed of the execution can be dynamically modified (including single-stepping) or interrupted. Tape cassettes are used to make the 'tape' of the machine effectively infinite relative to its speed. Such pedagogical simulators should increase understanding and/or reduce frustration for students being introduced to these theoretical machines. They can also be used to verify moderately complex computations with such machines. This paper deals with the organization, utilization, and possible extensions of the system.
The linac coherent light source (LCLS): a fourth-generation light source using the SLAC linac

Abstract A study for a free electron laser using the SLAC linac is described. With the high electron energy available from the SLAC linac, this device, operating in a single pass, high gain regime, should reach wavelengths down to a few Angstroms. It would provide X-ray brightness and coherence many orders of magnitude higher than any existing X-ray source.
Stability and attractivity of periodic solutions of parabolic systems with time delays

Abstract This paper is concerned with the existence, stability, and global attractivity of time-periodic solutions for a class of coupled parabolic equations in a bounded domain. The problem under consideration includes coupled system of parabolic and ordinary differential equations, and time delays may appear in the nonlinear reaction functions. Our approach to the problem is by the method of upper and lower solutions and its associated monotone iterations. The existence of time-periodic solutions is for a class of locally Lipschitz continuous reaction functions without any quasimonotone requirement using Schauder fixed point theorem, while the stability and attractivity analysis is for quasimonotone nondecreasing and mixed quasimonotone reaction functions using the monotone iterative scheme. The results for the general system are applied to the standard parabolic equations without time delay and to the corresponding ordinary differential system. Applications are also given to three Lotka–Volterra reaction diffusion model problems, and in each problem a sufficient condition on the reaction rates is obtained to ensure the stability and global attractivity of positive periodic solutions.
The construction of a null basis for a discrete divergence operator

The divergence free finite element method (DFFEM) is a method to find an approximate solution of the Navier-Stokes equations in a divergence free space. That is, the continuity equation is satisfied a priori. DFFEM eliminates the pressure from the calculations and significantly reduces the dimension of the system to be solved at each time step. For the standard 9-node velocity and 4-node pressure DFFEM, a basis for the divergence-free subspace is constructed such that each basis function has nonzero support on at most 4 contiguous elements. Given this basis, discretely divergence free macro elements can be constructed and used in the implementation of the DFFEM.
The Ethnographic Research Tradition and Mathematics Education Research.

Although in theory ethnography has been put forward as a powerful naturalistic methodology, in practice it has rarely been used by educational researchers because of differences in assumptions, goals, and primary research questions. From my perspective as an educational anthropologist, I describe the research tradition of ethnography-its underlying assumptions, its heritage in holistic cultural anthropology, its goals and research questions, and the organization of its research methods. Throughout, I compare elements of this ethnographic tradition with more common educational research practices. In the final section, I discuss the advantages of improved communication for future research in both mathematics education and educational anthropology.