cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed storage allocation problems

We investigate the problem of using several storage nodes to store a data object, subject to an aggregate storage budget or redundancy constraint. It is challenging to find the optimal allocation that maximizes the probability of successful recovery by the data collector because of the large space of possible symmetric and nonsymmetric allocations, and the nonconvexity of the problem. For the special case of probability-1 recovery, we show that the optimal allocation that minimizes the required budget is symmetric. We further explore several storage allocation and access models, and determine the optimal symmetric allocation in the high-probability regime for a case of interest. Based on our experimental investigation, we make a general conjecture about a phase transition on the optimal allocation.
Visual electromagnetics using Mathematica and HyperCard

Computer-generated graphic solutions to electromagnetic problems are being developed to help build intuition and visualization skills in students of electromagnetic courses. These solutions are referred to as visual electromagnetics. The idea is to use upper division students in physics to help generate solutions, and in the process teach these students how to write numerical code and graphically display the results. Modules on electromagnetics are being generated using Mathematica to generate the code and graphics and HyperCard to store the graphics in a mode that allows student interaction. Each module will cover an area in electromagnetics, and will consist of several HyperCard stacks. Mathematica, with its powerful mathematics capabilities and multitude of plot types, makes developing the basic code to generate the graphics much easier than in the past. HyperCard has revolutionized retrieval and organization of the generated solutions allowing text, animation, and sound to be coupled in a seamless manner. >
Reciprocity law experiments in polymeric photodegradation: a critical review

Accelerating the photodegradation of polymeric materials is of great practical interest in weathering research. Acceleration can be achieved by exposing polymeric materials to a high radiant flux; however, questions have arisen within the weathering community as to whether high radiant flux results can be extrapolated to in-service flux levels. Experiments designed to test this premise are called reciprocity law experiments. An extensive review has been conducted to assess the state-of-the-art of reciprocity law experiments in the photography, photoconductivity, photo-medicine, photobiology, and polymer photodegradation literatures. From this review, the Schwarzschild law (a power law generalization of the reciprocity law) appears to model adequately photoresponse vs. radiant flux for most materials and systems. A band theory model has been presented to explain variations in the Schwarzschild law coefficients and other experimental phenomena commonly associated with reciprocity experiments. Obstacles to the general acceptance of high radiant flux, laboratory-based experiments are discussed.
Senior capstone design experiences for ABET accredited undergraduate electrical and computer engineering education

Capstone senior design experiences are both a graduation requirement for undergraduate engineering majors and for ABET accreditation of these programs. A senior design course is typically the last bridge for students between undergraduate education and the engineering profession in their respective disciplines. The course differs from other lecture and laboratory based courses in the engineering curriculum in fundamental ways. We describe these fundamental differences and present our experience in advising students for semester-long capstone design projects in electrical and computer engineering at the Savannah campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology over a period of four years between 2001 and 2005. We give details about the course objectives, structure, outcomes and related assessment. We also give details of completed projects, all involving software and hardware development and integration, with several projects dealing with the development of algorithms and applications for mobile robots. We conclude with the lessons learned, observations and recommendations that should be of value to engineering educators.
“A Woman's Nature is Like a Great House Full of Rooms”: Edith Wharton's Personal and Fictional Representation of Homes

ABSTRACTAll of her life, the turn-of-the-century American novelist Edith Wharton was extremely sensitive to her environment. This preoccupation resulted in a professional interest in houses and their interior decoration. She created homes for herself, both in America and in France, in which she ensured the conditions for the development of her authorship. She moreover published books in which she expressed her opinions on how a home should be constructed and decorated, which contributed to her reputation as a professional author, but also as an intellectual, a connoisseur, and a cosmopolitan. The average American bourgeois home, which she abhorred, formed a source of inspiration for her literary imagery in the depiction of characters who find themselves entrapped in patriarchal society.
Errors in Projecting Gate Dielectric Reliability From Fowler–Nordheim Stress to Direct-Tunneling Operation

The extrapolation of gate dielectric reliability of devices that are stressed in the Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling regime but operate in the direct-tunneling (D-T) region is analyzed using the time-dependent dielectric-breakdown power law model. Due to the differences in the slopes of the gate current versus voltage characteristics between F-N and D-T, the widely established practice of directly extrapolating the time to breakdown from stress to operating conditions is, in general, not rigorously correct. Reliability projections across a wide voltage space can have significant errors, and the operating voltage that a technology can safely sustain may be overestimated.
Gain-of-function somatic mutations contribute to inflammation and blood vessel damage that lead to Alzheimer dementia: a hypothesis

Amyloid deposits are a characteristic feature of advanced Alzheimer dementia (AD), but whether they initiate the disease or are a consequence of it remains an unsettled question. To explore an alternative pathogenic mechanism, I propose that the triggering events that begin the pathogenic cascade are not amyloid deposits but damaged blood vessels caused by inflammatory reactions that lead to ischemia, amyloid accumulation, axonal degeneration, synaptic loss, and eventually irreversible neuronal cell death. Inflammation and blood vessel damage are well recognized complications of AD, but what causes them and why the cerebral microvasculature is affected have never been adequately addressed. Because heritable autosomal dominant mutations of NLRP3, APP, TREX1, NOTCH3, and Col4A1 are known to provoke inflammatory reactions and damage the brain in a wide variety of diseases, I propose that one or more low abundant, gain-of-function somatic mutations of the same 5 gene families damage the microvasculature of the brain that leads to dementia. This implies that the pathogenic triggers that lead to AD are derived not from external invaders or amyloid but from oxidative damage of our own genes.
Phorbol ester-induced prostaglandin production in piglet cortical astroglia

We examined effects of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), which activates protein kinase C (PKC), on prostaglandin and leukotriene production in piglet cultured glia derived from cerebral cortex and white matter. Levels of prostaglandins were determined using enzyme immunoassay. Baseline levels in media for prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were 730 +/- 116 pg/ml and increased to 1,551 +/- 196 pg/ml at 10(-8) M PDB (P < 0.05) and to 2,182 +/- 190 pg/ml at 10(-6) M PDB (P < 0.05) (n = 16). Little or no 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, prostaglandin E2, or leukotrienes C4/D4 were produced. PGF2 alpha levels in media did not increase in the presence of the vehicle for PDB (dimethyl sulfoxide) or 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (PDD; a phorbol ester that does not activate protein kinase C) or when indomethacin (10 micrograms/ml), quinacrine (10(-6) M), or isoquinolinylsulfonylmethyl piperazine (10(-4) M) (an inhibitor of PKC activation) was coadministered with PDB. We conclude that glia can be important contributors of prostaglandins to extracellular-cerebrospinal fluids where they could influence cerebrovascular tone, and that PDB probably increases prostaglandin production via liberation of arachidonic acid by PKC-induced activation of phospholipase A2.
THE DYNAMICS OF THE DEMOBILIZATION OF THE PROTEST CAMPAIGN IN ASSAM

ABSTRACTThis study highlights the role that critical events play in the demobilization of protest campaigns. Social movement scholars suggest that protest campaigns demobilize as a consequence of polarization within the campaign or the cooptation of the campaign leaders. I offer critical events as an alternative causal mechanism and argue that protest campaigns in ethnically divided societies are particularly combustible, as they have the potential to trigger unintended or unorchestrated communal violence. When such violence occurs, elite strategies change, mass support declines, and the campaign demobilizes. An empirical investigation of the dynamics of the demobilization phase of the anti-foreigner protest campaign in Assam, India, between 1979 and 1985 confirms this argument. A single group analysis is conducted to compare the dynamics of the campaign before and after the communal violence by using time series event data collected from The Indian Express, a national newspaper. The study has wider impli...
‘No somos los pobrecitos’: Negotiating stigma, identity, and need in constructions of childhood poverty in Cusco, Peru

In Cusco, Peru, children participating as informal vendors in the tourism industry are often stigmatized as pobrecitos – poor children who are in positions of economic and psychological vulnerabili...
Carbon dioxide hydrate phase equilibrium and cage occupancy calculations using ab initio intermolecular potentials.

Gas hydrate deposits are receiving increased attention as potential locations for CO2 sequestration, with CO2 replacing the methane that is recovered as an energy source. In this scenario, it is very important to correctly characterize the cage occupancies of CO2 to correctly assess the sequestration potential as well as the methane recoverability. In order to predict accurate cage occupancies, the guest–host interaction potential must be represented properly. Earlier, these potential parameters were obtained by fitting to experimental equilibrium data and these fitted parameters do not match with those obtained by second virial coefficient or gas viscosity data. Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations provide an independent means to directly obtain accurate intermolecular potentials. A potential energy surface (PES) between H2O and CO2 was computed at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level and corrected for basis set superposition error (BSSE), an error caused due to the lower basis set, by using the half counterpo...
Fighting, Maturity, and Population Density in Microtus pennsylvanicus

A study of a population of Microtus pennsylvanicus was conducted in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, using snap-traps. Densities probably were between 100 and 200 per acre in 1968 and half that in 1969. Inhibition of growth and maturation were seen in both years but was greater in 1968. Fighting between males, as indicated by the prevalence and severity of wounds, was severe in 1968 but reduced the following year. Male voles, with rare exception, were not attacked or did not fight until testicular weight was more than 900 milligrams and seminal vesicular weight greater than 100 milligrams. Thus voles in which maturation was inhibited showed essentially no evidence of having been attacked or having fought. Changes in rate of maturation with density may explain many of the observed differences in the tolerance of young males by old male voles.
Social Factors in Heart Disease: A Preliminary Research Report on the Relationship of Certain Social Factors to Blood Pressure in Males

conditions but also that they be considered as they affect one's family and relationship with others. Awareness of and the general soundness of an innovation may be obtained from an impersonal source, but its suitability for the potential adopter and the effect upon his personal relationships is most likely to be determined by personal communication with persons who are aware of his situation and who are involved in these relationships. This may be the county agent or agriculture instructor for those who have developed personal contacts with such persons. For most, however, sanction of a new practice is likely to be sought from neighbors, friends, relatives, or others with whom the farmer has continuing relationships. In other words, the most appropriate contacts for evaluating the new practice are those which serve other functions-friendship, mutual aid, status, etc.-for the farmer. Learning the techniques of putting new practices into operation is a task-oriented function. It is expected therefore that this role is performed by those sources having the technical "know-how" and who communicate it effectively. Most instruction in techniques requires two-way communication and personal demonstration with actual materials and equipment. The agricultural agencies with professionally trained personnel are best equipped to perform this role, although other farmers and commercial dealers also perform this role for many persons not having established contacts with the agencies. It is not likely, therefore, as some seem to imply, that the day has arrived when it is sufficient to utilize the mass media in disseminating information about new ideas in farming. The possibilities for television in this respect remain to be demonstrated. Yet, it is unlikely that even it can replace the interpersonal exchange between the farmer and the expert or between the farmer and other farmers or dealers in learning about how to put new practices into effect, many of which are rather complex and intricate. While the findings of this study may not hold true for farmers of older age and for farmers of other regions, they do substantiate for the most part the findings of previous studies. Both form and content of information appear to be associated with the nature of the communicating agent as a social system with its set of functions, norms, and operational features. Greater refinement in the roles of the communicating agents might be obtained (a) by a series of questions pertaining to each type of agent, and (b) by questions pertaining to different types of changes or practices.
Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle on Variable Terrain

Rough, off-road terrain contains multiple hazards for an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). In this paper, hazards are classified into three groups: obstacles, rough traversable terrain, and rough untraversable terrain. These three types of hazards create a rollover risk for a UGV. A nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) that is capable of navigating a UGV through these hazards is presented. The control algorithm features a nonlinear tire model which more accurately captures the dynamics of the UGV when compared to a linearized tire model, and has a fast enough run time for real time implementation. On an actual vehicle, the UGV is assumed to be equipped with a perception based sensor, such as a Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) unit, to provide information of the terrain roughness, grade, and elevation. This information is used by the NMPC to safely control the vehicle to a target location. However, for the purposes of this paper, control inputs and terrain are simulated in Car-Sim [1], and the feasibility of real time implementation is investigated.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Control of Process-Induced Defects in the Formation of Single and Multiple layer dielectric Structures for Si Semiconductor Devices

A low-temperature, 200–300°C, plasma-assisted oxidation-deposition process sequence has been developed for formation of SiO2/Si heterostructures. Adding a nitride layer to form an ON, or ONO composite dielectric, increases the density of trapping states, Dit, at the SiO2/Si interface, unless the entire structure is subjected to a high-temperature rapid thermal anneal, e.g., 30 s at 900°C. By interrupting the nitride deposition, and using on-line Auger electron spectroscopy, AES, the increase in Dit correlates with a migration of N-atoms to the SiO2/Si interface during the nitride deposition. There is no evidence for N-atom incorporation into the oxide layer itself. In contrast, for remote PECVD deposition of oxides onto nitrides, O-atoms react with the nitride, and form an oxy-nitride alloy interfacial region layer.
Application of equipment's abnormal state detection based on immune detector of wavelet packet character

Traditional method is difficult to be efficiently applied to the abnormal state detection of complex mechanical equipment because of the complex mechanism and insufficient fault samples.Combined with wavelet packet and artificial immune system,the immune detectors of wavelet packet character are constructed.The algorithm of detector production and approach of abnormal state detection are proposed.The immune detectors of wavelet packet character are produced by studying normal samples without the equipment fault data.So the approach proposed is applicable to the detection of the abnormal states of the equipment that lack fault data.As an application example,the abnormal state detection of piston compressor is investigated.Results show that the immune detectors of wavelet packet character can efficiently detect the abnormal states of gas vales of the piston compressor.
Analytical Models of Competition and Coordination in Marketing Channels: A Qualitative Review

The analytical modeling, or ’management science’ approach to the study of channels related problems began in the early 1980s. This review paper qualitatively summarizes and integrates the principal studies from this domain in order to identify patterns of knowledge development. Key results from each paper are listed in the Table, and the relationships among the studies covered are depicted diagrammatically in the Figure. A number of empirically testable research propositions are offered throughout which are derived directly from results of the modeling papers. Virtually all recent research in the area has built either directly or indirectly upon the seminal work by Jeuland and Shugan (1983) and McGuire and Staelin (1983). An important finding is that there is an emerging emphasis in the modeling literature on the virtues of coordination, or cooperation, among channels partners in lieu of competition. This development complements the present focus on relationship management observed in the research from the ’power and conflict’, or more traditional behavioral paradigm.
Candidate Biomarkers for Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Critical Review.

Abstract Fatigue impacts 80-90% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and an incomplete understanding of fatigue mechanisms limits effective treatment. Disease activity indices and laboratory markers inconsistently correlate with fatigue severity in SLE populations. Identification of fatigue biomarkers has important implications for understanding pathogenesis and defining novel therapeutic targets, but a paucity of evidence exists for fatigue biomarkers in SLE. The evidence for adipokines, reduced glutathione, iron deficiency, and vitamin D as potential biomarkers for SLE-related fatigue are reviewed. To address gaps in the SLE literature, the experience of each fatigue biomarker in other diseases is examined. Finally, biomarker associations with SLE pathogenesis and disease activity are discussed, as further rationale for investigation among SLE patients.
A Plea for Psychometric Rigor.

To the Editor: We wish to commend Dr. Cowart and colleagues for their report of a multiple mini-interview (MMI) and its correlation with PharmD students’ grade-point averages.[1][1] Activities described in this investigation were considerable work to accomplish. Necessarily so, non-traditional (
Methods for manipulating and investigating developmental timing in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for obtaining reproducible developmental timing, dissecting and characterizing the program of temporal regulation, obtaining timer mutants, initiating rapid recapitulation, initiating erasure and the subsequent program of dedifferentiation, and stimulating simultaneous programs of dedifferentiation and redifferentiation in the same cells. The chapter reviews the methods that developed for (1) investigating the complexity and relationships of those processes that serve as developmental timers, (2) isolating timer mutants, (3) initiating rapid recapitulation, (4) initiating erasure and the subsequent program of dedifferentiation, and (5) stimulating simultaneous progress through dedifferentiation and redifferentiation. D. discoideum is employed as a system for studying the developmental regulation of gene expression, chemotaxis, cell interactions, cohesion, cytoskeleton, and a long list of other cell functions and components. Dictyostelium discoideum provides an excellent system, as for many unsolved problems in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology to invest timing regulation. First, because the developmental program includes an ordered, easily monitored, and highly reproducible sequence of morphogenetic stages, it lends itself to detailed investigations of the number, complexity, and dependencies of those processes which are rate-limiting for developmental stages. These processes are referred to as “developmental timers.” Second, because of the cellularity of Dictyostelium morphogenesis, developing cultures can be disaggregated and challenged to reinitiate development without an intermittent period of growth.
A Framework for SDN Network Evaluation

Unauthorized access of personal or proprietary information seems to be a routine. A better understanding of the health of our networks can help us identify network anomalies that indicate malicious activity and other latent, systemic issues. Software-Defined Networks (SDN) enable the collection of network operational and configuration data that are not readily available, if available at all, from traditional networks. By accumulating and analyzing a time series data repository (TSDR) of SDN and traditional network metrics along with operational and configuration data we can establish known behavior and security patterns for specific network paths and segments. By comparing these patterns with data gathered at the time of use we can assess the dependability and security of the network path or segment being used. Our research provides a framework for a broad range of capabilities for administrators to use as well as for automated protection services. To narrow the scope of our research, this paper focuses on a subset of those capabilities as they apply to the analysis of a specific network path at the time of use or inspection. We developed a service that inspects a network path before and after sending sensitive information and compares this inspection to our known behavior and security patterns to provide a user with a dependability assessment of that specific network path. This dependability assessment allows users to decide whether a network path is secure enough for sending their information. Our research proposes techniques for a network path analysis service that can be used to identify latent systemic network problems, facilitate a more dependable network and to prevent the theft of information by malicious actors.
Optimum Use of Fresh Water to Restore Baldcypress – Water Tupelo Swamps and Freshwater Marshes and Protect Against Salt Water Intrusion: A Case Study of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin

Freshwater wetlands are important in the Mississippi Delta for habitat, water quality improvement, fisheries, carbon sequestration, and as a buffer against hurricane storm surge and waves. Forested wetlands are particularly important as hurricane buffers because of their 3-dimensional structure and their resistance to blow down during hurricanes. Fresh wetlands will be severely threatened by accelerated sea-level rise, more frequent stronger hurricanes, and intense drought that will lead to progressive inundation and saltwater intrusion. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin contains the largest area of tidal freshwater wetlands in the Delta. To ensure sustainability of fresh wetlands, a consistent source of fresh water is needed to counter increasing salinity levels. Sustainable restoration of baldcypress-water tupelo swamps in the Pontchartrain Basin can only be achieved through wise use of point and non-point sources of fresh water. In this paper, we identify potential sources of fresh water in the Pontchartrain Basin and determine the feasibility of engineering these to maximize sheet flow to enhance freshwater wetland health. Sources of fresh water include coastal plain rivers, Mississippi River diversions, non-point source runoff, direct rainfall on wetlands, storm water pumps, and treated municipal effluent. The latter is important because it is available even during drought periods.
Electrochemical characterization of high frequency stimulation electrodes: role of electrode material and stimulation parameters on electrode polarization.

Objective. With recent interest in kilohertz frequency electrical stimulation for nerve conduction block, understanding the electrochemistry and role of electrode material is important for assessing the safety of these stimulus protocols. Here we describe an approach to determining electrode polarization in response to continuous kilohertz frequency sinusoidal current waveforms. We have also investigated platinum, iridium oxide, and titanium nitride as coatings for high frequency electrodes. The current density distribution at 50 kHz at the electrode–electrolyte interface was also modeled to demonstrate the importance of the primary current distribution in supporting charge injection at high frequencies. Approach. We determined electrode polarization in response to sinusoidal currents with frequencies in the 1–50 kHz range and current amplitudes from 100 to 500 µA and 1–5 mA, depending on the electrode area. The current density distribution at the interface was modeled using the finite element method (FEM). Main results. At low frequencies, 1–5 kHz, polarization on the platinum electrode was significant, exceeding the water oxidation potential for high amplitude (5 mA) waveforms. At frequencies of 20 kHz or higher, the polarization was less than 300 mV from the electrode open circuit potential. The choice of electrode material did not play a significant role in electrode polarization at frequencies higher than 10 kHz. The current density distribution modeled at 50 kHz is non-uniform and this non-uniformity persists throughout charge delivery. Significance. At high frequencies (>10 kHz) electrode double-layer charging is the principal mechanism of charge-injection and selection of the electrode material has little effect on polarization, with platinum, iridium oxide, and titanium nitride exhibiting similar behavior. High frequency stimulation is dominated by a highly nonuniform primary current distribution.
A CASE OF PROFOUND HYPOGLYCEMIA IN THE SETTING OF STARVATION AND BETA-ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE IN A PATIENT WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM

Objective: The objectives of this case report are to describe an unusual presentation of Graves disease presenting with life-threatening hypoglycemia and to discuss rarely considered physiological mechanisms involved in this patient's hypoglycemia. Methods: Clinical evaluation in this case report involved multiple laboratory assays directed towards the confirmation and further evaluation of the potential etiology of the hypoglycemia. Insulin-mediated etiologies of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia secondary to ingestion of sulfonylureas and glinides, and the patient's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis were evaluated through assessment of serum insulin, C-peptide, proinsulin, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and insulin secretagogue serum concentrations. Results: Hypoglycemia associated with thyrotoxicosis is a rare phenomenon. We excluded insulin-mediated causes of hypoglycemia (given undetectable serum proinsulin, insulin, and C-peptide in the setting of concomitant hypoglycemia), oral hypoglycemic agents (given neg...
Diet breadth and exploitation of exotic plants shift the core microbiome of Cephaloleia, a group of tropical herbivorous beetles

The beetle genus Cephaloleia has evolved in association with tropical ginger plants and for many species their specific host plant associations are known. Here we show that the core microbiome of six closely related Costa Rican Cephaloleia species comprises only eight bacterial groups, including members of the Acinetobacter, Enterobacteriacea, Pseudomonas, Lactococcus, and Comamonas. The Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriacea together accounted for 35% of the total average 16S rRNA ribotypes recovered from all specimens. Further, microbiome diversity and community structure was significantly linked to beetle diet breadth, between those foraging on less than two plant types (specialists) versus over nine plant types (generalists). Moraxellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae were highly prevalent in specialist species, and also present in eggs, while Rickettsiaceae associated exclusively with generalist beetles. Bacteria isolated from Cephaloleia digestive systems had distinct capabilities and suggested a possible beneficial role in both digestion of plant-based compounds, including xylose, mannitol, and pectin, and possible detoxification, via lipases. Cephaloleia species are currently expanding their diets to include exotic invasive plants, yet it is unknown whether their microbial community plays a role in this transition. In this study, colonization of invasive plants was correlated with a dysbiosis of the microbiome, suggesting a possible relationship between gut bacteria and niche adaptation.
Trace Metals in Drinking Water: Sources and Effects

Scientific advances have been a key factor in the increased public attention to toxic metals in drinking water. New epidemiological methods have improved our ability to link acute and chronic human health effects to toxic metal exposures via drinking water. Toxicological studies detect carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects at levels that were previously believed to be safe. Improved analytical methods can now detect trace metals at parts per trillion (ng/L) level and water supplies that were once thought to be pure are found to contain a number of toxic metals. Even though the risk to human health may be extremely low at such minute concentrations, the frequent findings create the perception that the consumers are being exposed to a host of toxic metals, and the risks from multiple and multimedia exposures are not well known or quantified.
Torsion of Functionally Graded Isotropic Linearly Elastic Bars

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of material inhomogeneity on the torsional response of linearly elastic isotropic bars. The work is motivated by the recent research activity on functionally graded materials (FGMs), i.e. materials with spatially varying properties tailored to satisfy particular engineering applications. The classic approach to the torsion problem for a homogenous isotropic bar of arbitrary simply-connected cross-section in terms of the Prandtl stress function is generalized to the inhomogeneous case. The special case of a circular rod with shear modulus depending on the radial coordinate only is examined. It is shown that the maximum shear stress does not, in general, occur on the boundary of the rod, in contrast to the situation for the homogeneous problem. It is shown that the material inhomogeneity may increase or decrease the torsional rigidity compared to that for the homogeneous rod. Optimal upper and lower bounds for the torsional rigidity for nonhomogeneous bars of arbitrary cross-section are established. A new formulation of the basic boundary-value problem is given. The results are illustrated using specific material models used in the literature on functionally graded elastic materials.
Modeling and Simulation in Validation Assessment of Failure Predictions for High Temperature Pressurized Pipes

A unique quasi-static temperature dependent low strain rate finite element constitutive failure model has been developed at Sandia National Laboratories (Dempsey JF, Antoun B, Wellman G, Romero V, Scherzinger W (2010) Coupled thermal pressurization failure simulations with validation experiments. Presentation at ASME 2010 international mechanical engineering congress & exposition, Vancouver, 12–18 Nov 2010) and is being to be used to predict failure initiation of pressurized components at high temperature. In order to assess the accuracy of this constitutive model, validation experiments of a cylindrical stainless steel pipe, heated and pressurized to failure is performed. This “pipe bomb” is instrumented with thermocouples and a pressure sensor whereby temperatures and pressure are recorded with time until failure occurs. The pressure and thermocouple temperatures are then mapped to a finite element model of this pipe bomb. Mesh refinement and temperature mapping impacts on failure pressure prediction in support of the model validation assessment is discussed.
Enrichment of melanoma-associated T cells in 6-thioguanine-resistant T cells from the peripheral blood of a melanoma patient following successful treatment with immune checkpoint blockade.

e21607Background: Somatic mutations in vivo preferentially arise in proliferating (activated) cells. Ex vivo selection of T cells resistant to 6-thioguanine identifies T cells with in vivo hypoxant...
Zinc reduces antiseizure activity of neurosteroids by selective blockade of extrasynaptic GABA-A receptor-mediated tonic inhibition in the hippocampus.

Abstract Zinc is an abundant trace metal in the hippocampus nerve terminals. Previous studies demonstrate the ability of zinc to selectively block neurosteroid-sensitive, extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors in the hippocampus (Carver et al, 2016). Here we report that zinc prevents the seizure protective effects of the synthetic neurosteroid ganaxolone (GX) in an experimental model of epilepsy. GABA-gated and tonic currents were recorded from dissociated dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs), CA1 pyramidal cells (CA1PCs), and hippocampal slices from adult mice. Antiseizure effects of GX and the reversal of these effects by zinc were evaluated in fully-kindled mice expressing generalized (stage 5) seizures. In electrophysiological studies, zinc blocked the GABA-evoked and GX-potentiated GABA-gated chloride currents in DGGCs and CA1PCs in a concentration-dependent fashion similar to the competitive GABA-A receptor antagonists bicuculline and gabazine. Zinc completely blocked GX potentiation of extrasynaptic tonic currents, but not synaptic phasic currents. In hippocampus kindling studies, systemic administration of GX produced a dose-dependent suppression of behavioral and electrographic seizures in fully-kindled mice with complete seizure protection at the 10 mg/kg dose. However, the antiseizure effects of GX were significantly prevented by intrahippocampal administration of zinc (ED50, 150 μM). The zinc antagonistic response was reversible as animals responded normally to GX administration 24 h post-zinc blockade. These results demonstrate that zinc reduces the antiseizure effects of GX by selectively blocking extrasynaptic δGABA-A receptors in the hippocampus. These pharmacodynamic interactions have clinical implications in neurosteroid therapy for brain conditions associated with zinc fluctuations.
Impact of Cancer on Employment

Employment provides important psychological and financial benefits for patients in terms of both income and health care benefits. For patients diagnosed with cancer, ongoing employment and return to work can promote a sense of normalcy and control during an emotionally challenging time.1,2 Job loss has been correlated with both short- and long-term financial distress among cancer survivors.3,4 Financial toxicity, which results from decreased earning and increased spending after a cancer diagnosis, is linked to increased symptom burden and emotional distress and to decreased quality of life and treatment adherence.5-11 Advanced financial toxicity (ie, bankruptcy) is associated with nearly double the risk of death among cancer survivors (odds ratio [OR], 1.79).12 This article describes work outcome trends among cancer survivors; job retention barriers, facilitators, and socioeconomic disparities; current US policy that affects cancer and work; and possible approaches to improving work outcomes, including policy and patient-facing interventions. Much of the work outcomes literature emanates from outside of the United States, although the US literature is growing. The different national work and illness policies limit the degree to which we can extrapolate from non-US studies, but they can serve as an example and, therefore, are included here when appropriate.
Identifying most typical and most ideal attribute levels in small populations of expert decision makers: Studying the Go/No Go decision of disaster relief organizations

Abstract This paper proposes the use of Most Typical (MT) and Most Ideal (MI) levels when an adaptive choice-based conjoint (ACBC) survey can only obtain a small sample size n from a small population size N. This situation arises when expert decision makers are surveyed from among important small populations such as executives of large companies or political leaders, for which the expert decision maker assumption is reasonable. The paper compares respondents' MT levels obtained using the Build Your Own (BYO) question with MI levels obtained using part-worth utilities. The MI levels are validated using the Potentially All Pairwise RanKings of all possible Alternatives (PAPRIKA) method. It then explores differences in MT/MI levels for two related populations using an application concerning disaster relief. For effective disaster relief coordination, humanitarian organizations must understand each other's response decisions. An ACBC survey on the “Go/No-Go” decision by 49 faith-based (FBOs) and 12 non faith-based (NFBOs) disaster relief organizations considered four attributes: Funding, Disaster Response Type, Need Assessment, and Community Access. There was disparity between MT/MI Funding levels: 18 of 19 respondents reported MT levels of 50% or less, but 12 of 19 estimated to have MI levels of at least 75%. Greatest similarity between FBOs and NFBOs was observed for MI Need Assessment. Greatest disagreement of MI levels determined by part-worths and PAPRIKA was for Need Assessment and Disaster Response Type. To handle zero counts in the sample frequency distributions, we include a mathematical appendix explaining our use of a Bayesian rather than maximum likelihood estimation of MT/MI population frequency distributions.
94 – Cryptococcus Vuillemin

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on Cryptococcus genus and its member species. The cells of this genus are spheroidal, ovoidal, or elongate, and reproduction occurs by multilateral or polar budding. Ascospores, ballistospores and ballistoconidia are not formed, and colony color on solid media may be white or cream and some strains produce red, yellow or brown pigments. All species utilize D-glucuronate and most species synthesize starch. Those species that do not synthesize starch utilize inositol, a combination that distinguishes those species from Rhodotorula spp. The member species of this genus include Cryptococcus aerius, Cryptococcus albidosimilis, Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus amylolentus, Cryptococcus antarcticus, Cryptococcus aquaticus, Cryptococcus ater, and Cryptococcus bhutanensis. The cells of Cryptococcus aerius, after undergoing growth in malt extract for 3 days at 20° C, appear as globose to ovoidal, and maybe single, in pairs and often in small clusters or in short chains. The cells of Cryptococcus albidosimilis, after undergoing growth in 1% glucose-yeast extract-peptone water, appear as ovoid, encapsulated and functionally monopolar. The organisms slowly produce a scantyannulus and a little sediment.
Lethality of four species of Phasmarhabditis (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) to the invasive slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Gastropoda: Agriolimacidae) in laboratory infectivity trials

Abstract Slugs such as Deroceras reticulatum (Muller) are among the most important pests of agricultural production throughout North America. Current control strategies are unreliable and this has resulted in increased interest and research on biological control options using nematodes in the genus Phasmarhabditis which have been recently discovered in the U.S. Herein, the lethality of U.S. strains of P. hermaphrodita (Schneider), P. californica Tandingan De Ley, Holovachov, Mc Donnell, Bert, Paine and De Ley, P. papillosa (Schneider) and an undescribed species of Phasmarhabditis at two inoculation rates were investigated for the first time, against D. reticulatum in laboratory infectivity trials. Our data shows that three of the nematode species (P. hermaphrodita, P. californica and P. papillosa) are lethal to D. reticulatum but the extent of and time to cause complete mortality varied. In terms of slug survival (LT 50) and median percentage slug mortality, P. papillosa demonstrated the most lethality in the trials, and the undescribed species the least. However, before an informed decision can be made on the use of these nematodes as effective and safe biological control agents, there are many additional knowledge gaps that need to be filled. Of particular importance will be comprehensive host range testing that incorporates native gastropod species.
Validating Grading of Aesthetic Outcomes of Web Space Reconstruction for Finger Syndactyly: Crowdsourcing Public Perceptions Using Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Background It has recently been attempted in the literature to analyze the aesthetic outcomes of syndactyly web space reconstruction utilizing dorsal pentagonal advancement flaps and dorsal rectangular flaps with skin grafting. The study utilized a categorical grading system for evaluating the aesthetic outcomes of reconstruction to be used in conjunction with a visual analog scale (VAS), which has yet to be validated in the assessment of aesthetic outcomes following web space reconstruction. Objectives To utilize crowdsourced public perceptions to validate the grading of aesthetic outcomes in web space reconstruction for finger syndactyly. Methods A prospective study was conducted of random volunteers recruited through an internet crowdsourcing service to gain responses for a survey to analyze patient opinions toward the aesthetic outcomes of web space reconstruction. Outcomes were graded based on descriptions of the appearance, color, matte, and distortion of the reconstruction. Results The excellent dorsal flap demonstrated a mean VAS score of 6.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.45-6.87), and the very good, good, and poor dorsal flaps had mean VAS scores of 5.94 (95% CI = 5.73-6.15), 4.98 (95% CI = 4.77-5.19), and 3.55 (95% CI = 3.31-3.79), respectively. The odds ratio for receiving an excellent rating was 4.21 (95% CI = 3.04-5.82) for excellent dorsal flap with P < 0.0001. Conclusions This study confirms and validates the assessment of aesthetic outcomes of web space reconstruction by the Yuan Grading Scale. This evidence may guide future practice such that recommendations can be made to align with the aesthetic preferences of the patient.
Assessing the Impact of Hospital Dismissal Summary Readability on Patient Outcomes Following Prostatectomy.

Abstract Purpose To assess the impact of decreasing the reading level of hospital dismissal summary information on the number of unplanned patient contacts with providers following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Methods A multidisciplinary team revised the hospital dismissal summary given to patients following prostatectomy to decrease the reading level from a 13th grade to seventh grade level. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing 30-day outcome measures including: patient-initiated telephone calls and online messages, unplanned clinic visits, readmission rates, and emergency department visits pre- and post-intervention. Other perioperative practices remained unchanged between the cohorts. Results A total of 110 patients were included in the study (pre-intervention n=60, post-intervention n=50). Patient age (P =.72), race (P =.59), marital status (P =.39), and education level (P = 1.0) were similar between the groups. Pre-intervention, 11.7% of patients had a self-reported education lever lower than the 13th grade, compared to 2% of patients post-intervention with an education level at or below the seventh grade. Following revision of the dismissal information, the number of patient-initiated messages (per patient) significantly decreased (mean 2.3 vs 1.4; P =.02). Patients who received the new dismissal information were significantly less likely to have an emergency department visit (20% vs 4%;P = .02). There were no differences in 30-day unplanned office visits (P =.75) or readmissions (P = 1.0). Conclusion Reducing grade level readability of hospital dismissal information was associated with significantly lower rates of patient-initiated messages and emergency department visits. This intervention represents a valuable opportunity for improving the quality of patient care and decreasing postoperative care burden on the healthcare system.
Childhood eviction and cognitive development: Developmental timing-specific associations in an urban birth cohort.

Abstract Eviction upends children's lives and exacerbates deprivation; it remains largely unexamined as a determinant of cognitive development. We assess whether children evicted in infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood exhibit lower scores on four cognitive assessments (measuring executive function, mathematical reasoning, written language skills, and vocabulary skills) at age 9. Using linear regression and selection weights, we analyze longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national, urban birth cohort (N = 1724 for eviction during infancy, 2126 for early childhood, 1979 for middle childhood). These stages of childhood follow the timing of FFCWS′ data collection waves, with “infancy” data collected in the first year of life, “early childhood” in the third and fifth years of life, and “middle childhood” in the ninth year. In adjusted models, children evicted in middle childhood exhibited scores 0.20–0.43 SDs below similar children who were not (depending on the assessment; p-values = 0.004–0.055), the equivalent of as much as a full year of schooling. Point estimates of the association between eviction in infancy and 3/4 cognitive skills at age 9 were also large, but imprecisely estimated (between −0.25 and −0.28 SDs; p-values = 0.053–0.101), while point estimates for eviction in early childhood were near zero and statistically insignificant. Our large estimates for middle childhood and infancy, compared to earlier residential mobility studies, indicate downwardly mobile moves may exhibit more severe associations with future cognition. Estimates suggest preventing eviction may be a powerful, cost-effective way to safeguard children's cognitive development.