cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supermachines and Superminds

If the computational theory of mind is right, then minds are realized by machines. There is an ordered complexity hierarchy of machines. Some finite machines realize finitely complex minds; some Turing machines realize potentially infinitely complex minds. There are many logically possible machines whose powers exceed the Church–Turing limit (e.g. accelerating Turing machines). Some of these supermachines realize superminds. Superminds perform cognitive supertasks. Their thoughts are formed in infinitary languages. They perceive and manipulate the infinite detail of fractal objects. They have infinitely complex bodies. Transfinite games anchor their social relations.
Building a whole-program type analysis in Eclipse

Eclipse has the potential to become a widely-used platform for implementation and dissemination of various static analyses for Java. In order to realize this potential, it is important to understand the challenges for building high-quality static analyses in Eclipse. This paper discusses some of these challenges in the context of the TACLE plug-in for whole-program type analysis and call graph construction. In particular, we argue that the treatment of the standard Java libraries should be an important concern for static analysis builders. Our experiments indicate that it may be necessary to use pre-computed summary information for the libraries, in order to improve the scalability of whole-program analyses for Eclipse. The experience described in this paper could be beneficial for static analysis researchers who use Eclipse as the infrastructure for their analysis implementations.
Total Hip Arthroplasty After Prior Surgical Treatment of Hip Fracture: Is it Always Challenging?

Salvage total hip arthroplasty (THA) presents a viable solution for failed open reduction internal fixation. This study compares salvage THA in patients with prior femoral neck fractures vs patients with prior intertrochanteric fractures. One hundred fifty-four hips in 152 patients underwent conversion from open reduction internal fixation to THA. Eighty-three patients had previous femoral neck fractures, and 69 patients (71 hips) had prior intertrochanteric fractures. Salvage THA in patients with prior intertrochanteric fractures presented a more technically demanding procedure with longer operative times and larger amounts of blood loss. Although conversion THA presents a technically challenging procedure, it is safe and yields relatively few orthopedic complications.
Geochemical evidence for airborne dust additions to soils in Channel Islands National Park, California

There is an increasing awareness that dust plays important roles in climate change, biogeochemical cycles, nutrient supply to ecosystems, and soil formation. In Channel Islands National Park, California, soils are clay-rich Vertisols or Alfi sols and Mollisols with vertic properties. The soils are overlain by silt-rich mantles that contrast sharply with the underlying clay-rich horizons. Silt mantles contain minerals that are rare or absent in the volcanic rocks that dominate these islands. Immobile trace elements (Sc-Th-La and Ta-Nd-Cr) and rare-earth elements show that the basalt and andesite on the islands have a composition intermediate between upper-continental crust and oceanic crust. In contrast, the silt fractions and, to a lesser extent, clay fractions of the silt mantle have compositions closer to average upper-continental crust and very similar to Mojave Desert dust. Island shelves, exposed during the last glacial period, could have provided a source of eolian sediment for the silt mantles, but this is not supported by mineralogical data. We hypothesize that a more likely source for the silt-rich mantles is airborne dust from mainland California and Baja California, either from the Mojave Desert or from the continental shelf during glacial low stands of sea. Although average winds are from the northwest in coastal California, easterly winds occur numerous times of the year when “Santa Ana” conditions prevail, caused by a high-pressure cell centered over the Great Basin. The eolian silt mantles constitute an important medium of plant growth and provide evidence that abundant eolian silt and clay may be delivered to the eastern Pacifi c Ocean from inland desert sources.
McKeever Arthrodesis for the Painful Hallux

Three hundred nine McKeever arthrodeses for treatment of the painful hallux were performed on 234 patients at the Mayo Clinic from 1955 to 1980. Two hundred six cases were contacted, and 71 were personally examined and X-rayed. The average follow-up was 15 years (1 to 28 years). Ninety-one percent wore shoes within 2 months, 92% are painless, and 98% without other foot pathology are wearing dress shoes of their choosing. Complications, which consisted of failed fixation, infection, and recurrence of deformity, occurred in 8%. The screw fixation was removed in 30%. Eighty-six percent of the patients are satisfied.
Birth of a Quotation: Woodrow Wilson and “Like Writing History with Lightning”

In February 1915, upon viewing The Birth of a Nation at a special White House screening, President Woodrow Wilson reportedly remarked, “It's like writing history with lightning. My only regret is that it is all so terribly true.” This line has appeared in numerous books and articles over the past seventy years. This article examines the history of this alleged quotation and the sources where it has appeared. The article weighs the evidence that Wilson effusively praised in these words one of the most racist major movies in American history.
Methods to Reduce Avian Bycatch in Small Mammal Studies Using Snap Traps

Avian bycatch, a common and undesired occurrence in small mammal studies, should be minimized by researchers. We examined effects of trap covering, treadle color (copper or yellow plastic), trap size (mouse or rat), and trap weathering (traps <1 yr or ≥ 1 yr old) on avian bycatch during 3 years. We found that covered traps caught 81% fewer birds and 70% fewer small mammals than did uncovered traps, that mouse traps caught 30% more birds and 38% more small mammals than did rat traps, and no capture differences for treadle color or trap weathering. Covered traps effectively reduced avian bycatch and should be used when reduced small-mammal capture rates are acceptable.
Accruals and Value/Glamour Anomalies: The Same or Related Phenomena?

We apply the set theory to investigate the patterns of market returns associated with three market anomalies to explore their relationships: (1) the accruals anomaly (ACC), and (2) two manifestations of the value/glamour anomaly: the cash flows-to-price (CFOP) and the book-to-market anomalies (BM). The purpose is to determine whether these are truly unique anomalies caused by different factors or whether they are manifestations of the same underlying phenomenon. The results suggest that although the accruals anomaly shares some factors with the CFOP and BM anomalies, the accruals anomaly has characteristics unique and separate from the two value/glamour anomalies.
Tax Planning in an International Environment

This paper provides a practical overview and normative analysis of international tax planning ideas for entities who are establishing or restructuring their business affairs. In particular, in an international financial hub, such as Hong Kong, taxation advisors and lawyers need to be particularly vigilant in ensuring that their client complies with their taxation obligations and is commercially savvy. No doubt international tax planning is a sophisticated area which involves careful planning, detailed implementation and thorough understanding of a number of fundamentals of both international and domestic tax laws. This paper will discuss and examine four main international structuring techniques, namely (i) risk segregation; (ii) cross-border transactions; (iii) holding structures; and (iv) cost-sharing arrangements – also the impact of, for example, bank secrecy and OECD tax model, on international tax planning in this regard.
On the role of long incubation periods in the dynamics of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Part 1: Single population models.

In this study, we investigate systematically the role played by the reproductive number (the number of secondary infections generated by an infectious individual in a population of susceptibles) on single group populations models of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Our results for a single group model show that if R ⩽ 1, the disease will die out, and strongly suggest that if R > 1 the disease will persist regardless of initial conditions. Our extensive (but incomplete) mathematical analysis and the numerical simulations of various research groups support the conclusion that the reproductive number R is a global bifurcation parameter. The bifurcation that takes place as R is varied is a transcritical bifurcation; in other words, when R crosses 1 there is a global transfer of stability from the infection-free state to the endemic equilibrium, and vice versa. These results do not depend on the distribution of times spent in the infectious categories (the survivorship functions). Furthermore, by keeping all the key statistics fixed, we can compare two extremes: exponential survivorship versus piecewise constant survivorship (individuals remain infectious for a fixed length of time). By choosing some realistic parameters we can see (at least in these cases) that the reproductive numbers corresponding to these two extreme cases do not differ significantly whenever the two distributions have the same mean. At any rate a formula is provided that allows us to estimate the role played by the survivorship function (and hence the incubation period) in the global dynamics of HIV. These results support the conclusion that single population models of this type are robust and hence are good building blocks for the construction of multiple group models. Our understanding of the dynamics of HIV in the context of mathematical models for multiple groups is critical to our understanding of the dynamics of HIV in a highly heterogeneous population.
Proton channel models: Filling the gap between experimental data and the structural rationale

Voltage-gated proton channels are integral membrane proteins with the capacity to permeate elementary particles in a voltage and pH dependent manner. These proteins have been found in several species and are involved in various physiological processes. Although their primary topology is known, lack of details regarding their structures in the open conformation has limited analyses toward a deeper understanding of the molecular determinants of their function and regulation. Consequently, the function-structure relationships have been inferred based on homology models. In the present work, we review the existing proton channel models, their assumptions, predictions and the experimental facts that support them. Modeling proton channels is not a trivial task due to the lack of a close homolog template. Hence, there are important differences between published models. This work attempts to critically review existing proton channel models toward the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the structural features of these proteins.
Epidural Hematoma Producing Brown-Sequard Syndrome: A Case Due to Ruptured Hemangioma with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

A man developed spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma secondary to ruptured hemangioma with a clinical picture resembling acute partial Brown-Sequard syndrome. Diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed prompt surgical decompression and complete reversal of the neurological deficits. The diagnosis, etiology, and MRI findings of spinal epidural hematomas are discussed.
Toward Multi-scale Modeling and simulation of conduction in heterogeneous materials

This report summarizes a project in which the authors sought to develop and deploy: (i) experimental techniques to elucidate the complex, multiscale nature of thermal transport in particle-based materials; and (ii) modeling approaches to address current challenges in predicting performace variability of materials (e.g., identifying and characterizing physical- chemical processes and their couplings across multiple length and time scales, modeling infor- mation transfer between scales, and statically and dynamically resolving material structure and its evolution during manufacturing and device performance). Experimentally, several capabilities were sucessfully advanced. As discussed in Chapter 2 a flash diffusivity capabil- ity for measuring homogeneous thermal conductivity of pyrotechnic powders (and beyond) was advanced; leading to enhanced characterization of pyrotechnic materials and properties impacting component development. Chapter 4 describes sucess for the first time, although preliminary, in resolving thermal fields at speeds and spatial scales relevant to energetic components. Chapter 7 summarizes the first ever (as far as the authors know) application of TDTR to actual pyrotechnic materials. This is the first attempt to actually characterize these materials at the interfacial scale. On the modeling side, new capabilities in image processing of experimental microstructures and direct numerical simulation on complicated structures were advanced (see Chapters 3 more » and 5). In addition, modeling work described in Chapter 8 led to improved prediction of interface thermal conductance from first principles calculations. Toward the second point, for a model system of packed particles, significant headway was made in implementing numerical algorithms and collecting data to justify the approach in terms of highlighting the phenomena at play and pointing the way forward in de- veloping and informing the kind of modeling approach oringinally envisioned (see Chapter 6). In both cases much more remains to be accomplished. « less
Controlled preclotting: a simplified technique proved by time

Precise preclotting techniques are necessary to ensure that knitted Dacron (DuPont, Inc., Wilmington, DE) grafts are impervious and hypothrombogenic. In situ and submersion preclotting techniques are insufficient because they result in a highly thrombogenic flow surface and may not produce an impervious wall, a bad combination at best and a disastrous one at worst. The authors have used a controllable preclotting method for more than 10 years that assures that the wall will be impervious and the flow surface hypothrombogenic. We believe that the 100-200 ml of the patient's blood and approximately 15 min of the surgeon's time required to achieve this result are prudent investments for both.
Ergebnisse der Nasenklappenerweiterungsplastik nach Walter bei Nasenflügelansaugphänomen

Fur das Nasenflugelansaugphanomen gibt es verschiedene Ursachen. Deshalb ist eine exakte rhinologische Diagnostik erforderlich.
The Fractional Strong Metric Dimension of Graphs.

For any two vertices x and y of a graph G, let S{x, y} denote the set of vertices z such that either x lies on a y − z geodesic or y lies on a x − z geodesic. For a function g defined on V(G) and U ⊆ V(G), let g(U) = ∑ x ∈ Ug(x). A function g: V(G) → [0,1] is a strong resolving function of G if g(S{x, y}) ≥ 1, for every pair of distinct vertices x, y of G. The fractional strong metric dimension, sdim f (G), of a graph G is min {g(V(G)): g is a strong resolving function of G}. For any connected graph G of order n ≥ 2, we prove the sharp bounds \(1 \le sdim_f(G) \le \frac{n}{2}\). Indeed, we show that sdim f (G) = 1 if and only if G is a path. If G contains a cut-vertex, then \(sdim_f(G) \le \frac{n-1}{2}\) is the sharp bound. We determine sdim f (G) when G is a tree, a cycle, a wheel, a complete k-partite graph, or the Petersen graph. For any tree T, we prove the sharp inequality sdim f (T + e) ≥ sdim f (T) and show that sdim f (G + e) − sdim f (G) can be arbitrarily large. Lastly, we furnish a Nordhaus-Gaddum-type result: Let G and \(\overline{G}\) (the complement of G) both be connected graphs of order n ≥ 4; it is readily seen that \(sdim_f(G)+sdim_f(\overline{G})=2\) if and only if n = 4; further, we characterize unicyclic graphs G attaining \(sdim_f(G)+sdim_f(\overline{G})=n\).
Asynchronous decentralized algorithms for the noisy 20 questions problem

This paper studies the problem of adaptively searching for an unknown target using multiple agents connected through a time-varying network topology. Agents are equipped with sensors capable of fast information processing, and we propose an asynchronous decentralized algorithm for controlling their search based on noisy observations. We propose asynchronous decentralized algorithms for adaptive query-based search that combine the Bayesian bisection method and social learning. Under standard assumptions on the time-varying network dynamics, we prove convergence to correct consensus on the value of the parameter as the number of iterations grow. Our results establish that stability and consistency can be maintained even with one-way updating and randomized pairwise averaging, thus providing a scalable low complexity alternative to the synchronous decentralized estimation algorithms studied in previous works. We illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of our algorithm for random network topologies.
Chromatin Dynamics and Epigenetics of Stem Cells and Stem-Like Cancer Cells

Abstract Embryonic stem cells must be transformed into fate-restricted derivatives before being used for cell therapy. Discerning the intrinsic plasticity and regenerative potential of stem cell populations requires studying chromatin dynamic modifications that shape their respective epigenomes. Here, we review the epigenetic changes during stem cell commitment and highlight the processes deregulated in stem-like cancer cells. Detailed understanding of these molecular regulations will significantly contribute to our understanding of developmental process with utility for regenerative therapeutics.
Non-toxic retention of nanoceria in murine eyes.

Purpose We have shown that cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), with unique characteristics and catalytic activities, are retained in the retina for more than 1 year after a single intravitreal injection and can be potentially used for the treatment of a variety of eye diseases. The objective of this study is to determine whether the retention of nanoceria in the eye causes inflammation or adverse side effects. Methods Wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice at P30 were intravitreally injected with several concentrations of nanoceria. The health of the photoreceptors was assessed by analyzing the expression of photoreceptor-specific genes, and the retinal structure and function. The effect of nanoceria was investigated by analyzing of the vascular system, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and cellular infiltration into the eye. Results Our data showed that there were no changes in the retinal structure or function, or cytokine gene expression following a single intravitreal injection of nanoceria. Conclusions Nanoceria, at doses ranging from 17.2 ng to 1720 ng per eye, do not cause any damage to the retinal structure and function by 30 days post injection. No cellular infiltration and no increases in inflammatory responses were found in the eyes. Our data indicate that nanoceria are safe to use for treatment of a variety of eye diseases.
New Theoretical Perspectives on the Distribution of Income and Wealth Among Individuals

A central question of economics has been: how do we explain the distribution of income among factors of production, and the distribution of income and wealth among individuals.
The role of landscape architecture in urban design education: design studios from Korea University and Harvard University

Landscape architecture today enjoys greater potential for educational interchange with other design fields such as urban design and architecture than at any time in its history. As a design medium that positively contributes to the complexities of the contemporary city and to a more equitable distribution of ecological and environmental resources, landscape architecture in urban design education is examined through its role in the creation of civic spaces and their natural and built urban character. Case studies are introduced that explore two joint design studies in urban design led jointly by the author and Professor Kim Seiyong with students from Korea University and Harvard University Graduate School of Design. A main urban district undergoing rapid transformation in Seoul, Republic of Korea, forms the study area, where opportunities for integration of landscape architecture and urban design medium, methods and expression are explored through student projects in a range of localised, natural and const...
Spatial aggregation as a means to improve attribute reliability

Abstract Attributes of areal units are often estimates derived from survey samples. Estimates of these attributes with large standard errors ( SEs ) discount the confidence and validity of spatial analytical results. Large SE for estimates of enumeration units are often the results of small sample sizes in areal units and imply unreliable attribute values. One way to suppress error in attributes is to merge areal units to raise sample size. Traditional regionalization methods serve this purpose, but may unnecessarily alter the geography of the study area. We propose an interactive-heuristic aggregation approach to assist analysts in selecting and merging only units with SEs larger than acceptable levels while preserving the original geography and data as much as possible. Results of this approach and a recent automated optimization method are comparable. Both methods successfully lower the SEs in attribute data, but the interactive approach flexibly adjusts the importance levels of different aggregation criteria across areal units, thus offering a high degree of transparency in the aggregation process. The interactive approach also incorporates subjective and local knowledge of neighborhoods in selecting areal units for aggregation.
Intelligent home system based on ZigBee and CPS

Intelligent home system based on ZigBee and CPS is proposed in this paper after studying the structure and function of ZigBee protocol and CPS (Cyber-physical systems). The remote communication is done by GPRS network. ZigBee wireless network platform uses the low power microcontroller CC2530, which consists of a photosensitive sensor, combustible gas sensor, humidity sensor, infrared sensor and 12864 LCD screen. Home execution system is composed of music light cube, step motor, GPRS module, and fan etc., which can effectively improve the home environment. ZigBee protocol stack is used to design software in order to coordinate modules' tasks and effectively establish and maintain whole network. LabVIEW is adopted to achieve the dynamic data display and the realization of wireless opening lighting and fan, and selecting Home mode function. This intelligent home system is characterized by signal diversified information collection, diversified communication, friendly human-machine interaction and good tailoring and extensibility.
Delivering on seafood traceability under the new U.S. import monitoring program.

The United States is the world’s largest fish importer. Recent reports, however, indicate that 25–30% of wild-caught seafood imported into the US is illegally caught, heightening concerns over the country’s significant role in driving Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. In January 2017, NOAA enacted the Seafood Import Monitoring Program in an effort to combat IUU fishing through mandating improved seafood traceability requirements. This program requires reporting of fisheries data from harvest to arrival at the US border. Given the role of the US as a major global importer of seafood, this regulation could be a transformative action on fisheries worldwide if implementation includes two key components—(1) applying best available and most appropriate technologies and (2) building monitoring and enforcement capacity among trading nations. This paper provides insightful commentary on the potential for this US policy to lead by example and improve an essential natural resource that over a billion people worldwide depend on for nutrition and livelihoods.
Sex Differences in Subjective Responses To Moderate Versus Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes.

Introduction Men and women may be differentially sensitive to the acute perceptual responses to smoking cigarettes that vary in nicotine content ("dose") but are matched on non-nicotine constituents. Methods Dependent adult smokers (43 M, 31 F) took four controlled puffs from Spectrum research cigarettes that were moderate (16-17 mg/g) or very low (0.4 mg/g) in nicotine content, and matched on "tar." To ensure reliable responses, each cigarette was administered singly five times in random order under blind conditions, with one or the other provided every 15 minutes over a 2.5-hour session following overnight abstinence. Subjective perceptions (eg, "satisfying", "how much nicotine") were rated after each cigarette. Results Subjective ratings differed due to cigarette nicotine content, as expected, and did so differentially between men and women. The interaction of nicotine content by sex was significant for most rated subjective perceptions of the cigarette, as multivariate analyses showed that differences due to nicotine content were highly significant for men (p < .001) but only marginal for women (p = .08). Conclusions Relative to men, women's subjective responses to acute smoking are less sensitive to differences in cigarette nicotine content. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of sex differences in response to very carefully controlled doses of smoked nicotine per se. Further research should examine possible sex differences in nicotine dosing administered by other smoked and nonsmoked methods, as well as the developmental pattern of these differences during onset and during cessation of dependent smoking. Implications Subjective perceptions of smoking cigarettes varying in nicotine contents differ between men and women. These results with research cigarettes are similar to other studies with carefully dosed nicotine administration by other means, supporting the notion that women, relative to men, are less sensitive to pharmacological factors and more sensitive to nonpharmacological factors in acute cigarette smoking. Future studies are warranted to examine sex differences in other responses to controlled nicotine intake via smoking, and via other smoked and nonsmoked methods of administering nicotine doses.
Parent–Offspring Conflict

Conflict is an inevitable by-product of the parent–offspring relationship, as parents try to socialize their children with their values and beliefs and children attempt to test their growing autonomy. Parent–offspring conflict may also serve as a crucial catalyst for children's social cognitive development. This article begins with a review of theoretical perspectives on parent–offspring conflict, before reviewing the research literature, taking a developmental, bidirectional perspective. We conclude with a discussion of nonnormative conflict such as coercive family processes and conflict that leads to child maltreatment.
Issues using volumetric image quantification tools across clinical workstations

1330 Objectives The recently published PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST) specifies the use of spherical Volumes of Interest (VOI) for the calculation of SUVpeak. We report our experience in performing the mechanics of a PERCIST-based analysis using a sampling of clinically available software. Methods Four PET image analysis applications in our clinical environment were used for this work. A user was tasked with (a) drawing a 1cc spherical VOI on a PET image volume and (b) placing that VOI on a specific triangulated voxel. Results While all four workstations offer a VOI toolset, only two have the ability to directly extract spherical VOI quantitative statistics. Of the two which do not have this ability, one would allow a spherical VOI to be constructed through semi-automatic tools which would concatenate manually drawn 2-dimensional ROIs across image planes into a VOI object, though the process was exceedingly laborious and for all practical purposes not usable. Of the remaining two workstations, two differing methods for constructing the sphere are employed. One requires the user to specify the diameter of the desired sphere, whereas the other requires the user to specify the maximum bounding cube of the sphere. These produce different results, as specifying the diameter of the sphere sets a minimum constraint for the resulting sphere whereas setting the size of the bounding cube sets a maximum constraint for the sphere (which often results in a smaller than desired VOI). Conclusions The ability to reproducibly apply VOI-based methods of quantitative analysis across various clinically available commercial workstations is severely limited by both the availability of the volumetric toolsets across workstations as well as the application of apparently similar tools between workstations. This limits both the development and adoption of proposed standardized methods of quantitative analysis, such as PERCIST, and draws focus to the inherent difficulties in any inter-workstation quantitative analysis
From a Single Child to Uniform Newborn Screening: My Lucky Life in Pediatric Medical Genetics

Mike, a memorable young patient with untreated phenylketonuria, as well as others affected by genetic disorders that could be treated if diagnosed in infancy, launched my six-decade career. This autobiographical article reflects on my childhood, early research, and professional experiences in pediatric genetics. My laboratory research focused on inborn errors of metabolism, including the glycogen storage diseases. My effort to organize newborn screening through the recommended uniform screening panel shaped and standardized newborn screening nationwide. Looking ahead, the expansion of whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing into newborn screening raises ethical and policy issues regarding informed consent procedures and the storage and use of residual blood spots.
Assessment of Performance of New-Generation Silicon Photomultipliersfor Simultaneous Neutron and Gamma Ray Detection

Significant interest in silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) over the last decade has spurred impressive growth in their technology, both in terms of performance and selection of SiPMs with differing characteristics. Nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards is a field of particular relevance for the development of SiPMs as they have been shown to be capable of simultaneously detecting gamma rays and neutrons when coupled with organic scintillators and utilizing pulse-shape discrimination (PSD). As such, an assessment of the state of the art in SiPM technology and study of the impact certain SiPM characteristics have on performance in different applications is required. This paper characterizes the performance of 20 different SiPMs from five manufacturers with pixel sizes ranging from 3 to 6 mm and microcell size ranging from 15 to $75~\mu \text{m}$ . Emphasis is placed on the ability to discriminate between neutrons and gamma rays when coupled to organic scintillator stilbene as a function of overvoltage, as well as the noise. Comparison with a fast photomultiplier tube (PMT) shows that current generation SiPMs perform competitively with PMTs in PSD, and it is found that SiPMs with larger microcells tend to have more effective neutron–gamma ray discrimination capability.
Data mining for gene networks relevant to poor prognosis in lung cancer via Backward-Chaining Rule Induction

We use Backward Chaining Rule Induction (BCRI), a novel data mining method for hypothesizing causative mechanisms, to mine lung cancer gene expression array data for mechanisms that could impact survival. Initially, a super- vised learning system is used to generate a prediction model in the form of "IF THEN " style rules. Next, each antecedent (i.e. an IF condition) of a previously discovered rule becomes the outcome class for subsequent application of supervised rule induction. This step is repeated until a termination condition is satisfi ed. "Chains" of rules are created by working backward from an initial condition (e.g. survival status). Through this iterative process of "backward chaining," BCRI searches for rules that describe plausible gene interactions for subsequent validation. Thus, BCRI is a semi-supervised approach that constrains the search through the vast space of plausible causal mechanisms by using a top-level outcome to kick-start the process. We demonstrate the general BCRI task sequence, how to implement it, the validation process, and how BCRI-rules discovered from lung cancer microarray data can be combined with prior knowledge to generate hypotheses about functional genomics.
Empirical research on integrative and eclectic psychotherapies.

In his recent chapter on the history of psychotherapy integration, Arkowitz (1992b) reviews a large number of articles and books on integration that have made significant theoretical and clinical contributions. In contrast, empirical evaluations of these ideas have lagged behind. He argues that until research on the effectiveness of integrative treatments and tests of hypotheses derived from integrative theories are carried out, the promise of these new approaches will remain unfulfilled.
IL-22: There Is a Gap in Our Knowledge

IL-22 is a critical cytokine in modulating tissue responses during inflammation. IL-22 is upregulated in many chronic inflammatory diseases, making IL-22 biology a potentially rewarding therapeutic target. However, this is complicated by the dual-natured role of IL-22 in inflammation, as the cytokine can be protective or inflammatory depending on the disease model. Although scientific interest in IL-22 has increased considerably in the past 10 y, there is still much we do not know about the environmental, cellular, and molecular factors that regulate the production and function of this cytokine. A better understanding of IL-22 biology will allow us to develop new or improved therapeutics for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. In this article, I will highlight some of the outstanding questions in IL-22 biology.
Local system security via SSHD instrumentation

In this paper we describe a method for near real-time identification of attack behavior and local security policy violations taking place over SSH. A rational is provided for the placement of instrumentation points within SSHD based on the analysis of data flow within the OpenSSH application as well as our overall architectural design and design principles. Sample attack and performance analysis examples are also provided.
Pathways for African American Success: Results of Three-Arm Randomized Trial to Test the Effects of Technology-Based Delivery for Rural African American Families.

Objective The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a technology-based program to avert risky behaviors among rural African American youth. We hypothesized that the technology-based and group-based formats of the Pathways for African Americans Success (PAAS) program would lead to improvements in primary outcomes, and that the technology condition would perform at least as well as the group condition. Methods A three-arm Randomized Control Trial (RCT) ([N = 141] technology-based delivery, [N = 141] small group delivery, and [N = 136] literature control) was conducted with 421 sixth graders and their caregivers, Summer 2009-Fall 2012. Families were recruited from five rural counties in Tennessee and completed baseline, posttest [M = 14.5 (4.4) months after pretest] and long-term follow-up [M = 22.6 (3.7) months after posttest]. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test intervention-induced changes in both parents and youths' primary outcomes (pretest to posttest) and on secondary targeted outcome, youth sexual risk, and substance use patterns (pretest to follow-up). Results Parents in the technology condition reported significant increases in strategies to reduce risk. Youth in the technology condition experienced a significant decline in intent to engage in risk behaviors and reduction in substance use and sexual risk behavior. Youth in the group condition experienced a significant increase in affiliation with deviant peers. Conclusions This study provides evidence of the ability of eHealth to improve parenting and reduce adolescent engagement in substance use and sexual risk behavior. Suggestions for dissemination in schools and health-care systems are offered.
Efficacy of autologous serum tears for treatment of neuropathic corneal pain

Abstract Objective Corneal nerve damage may result in neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). Autologous serum tears (AST) have been shown to results in nerve regeneration and may help alleviate corneal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AST in the treatment of NCP. Methods This was a retrospective case-control study. Sixteen patients suffering from severe NCP and no current ocular surface disease were compared to 12 controls. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) (HRT3/RCM; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Germany) of the central corneas was performed bilaterally. Change in pain severity (scale of 0–10), corneal nerve density, tortuosity, reflectivity and presence of beading and micro-neuromas before and after treatment were recorded. Results All patients had severe pain, with a mean of 9.1 ± 0.2 (range 8–10). Subbasal nerves were significantly decreased before treatment as compared to controls, including total nerve length (10,935.5 ± 1264.3 vs. 24,714.4 ± 1056.2 μm/mm2; p Conclusion IVCM demonstrates underlying alterations of the subbasal corneal nerve plexus in patients suffering from debilitating NCP. AST-induced nerve regeneration is seen following treatment with AST, which correlates with improvement in patient symptoms of NCP.
146 ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF ACUTE TOXIC SHOCK IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) typically presents as a cluster of symptoms that include fever, hypotension, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, myalgias, nonfocal neurologic abnormalities, and an erythematous rash. TSS was originally identified by a series of complications in menstruating women, but since then approximately half of all cases have been associated with nonmenstrual causes. This case study describes an unusual presentation of nonmenstrual TSS in a 16-year-old male who works with marble sealant and acid. The patient reported that he was in his usual state of health until 1 day after work when he developed decreased appetite. The patient went to bed and awoke, on day of admission, unable to move his arms or legs. Subsequently, he went back to sleep, and awoke at noon to shower, during which he felt dizzy and vomited. At this point, the patient noticed a red rash on his index finger and the medial aspects of his thighs and decided to come to the emergency room. The patient vomited once while in the ER triage and was afebrile. Upon examination, the patient was afebrile, normotensive, and mildly tachycardic. Lower extremity (LE) examination revealed two 2 × 2 cm annular erythematous macular lesions on the left medial knee, with no bullae. His right LE had three 3 × 2 cm linear erythematous macules grouped over the medial aspect of his lower leg 6 cm from his knee. His left hand was warm to the touch, with painful active range of motion (AROM). There were 1 × 1 cm erythematous macules over the distal phalangeal (DIP) joint on his ring, small and index fingers, and the proximal phalangeal joint (PIP) of his index finger. His left index finger was erythematous and edematous from the tip to past his metacarpophalangeal joint with a 1 × 1 cm bullae medially adjacent to the webspace of his left index finger. A 0.5 × 0.5 cm bullae was present on the palmar surface of his right thumb over the interphalangeal joint. Neurologic examination of his left hand revealed decreased pinpoint/light sensation, proprioception over all of his fingers, and loss of kinesthesia in his index finger. Laboratory tests were obtained, which revealed leukocytosis with one band, hematuria, and proteinuria. Poison control was contacted to rule out chemical exposure, and the patient began to experience dizziness and backache. Reexamination revealed increasing sommolence, hypotension, and tachycardia. The patient was bolused with crystalloid and transferred to another hospital for a higher level of care.
A framework for using calibrated campus-wide building energy models for continuous planning and greenhouse gas emissions reduction tracking

Abstract Physics-based building energy models, once calibrated to historic energy data, are increasingly used to explore energy efficiency retrofits. When utilized for large building portfolios, such as university campuses, these calibrated models require substantial initial effort to develop, but are then typically only used once for analyzing potential building upgrades and estimating carbon reduction opportunities. This paper presents a continuous energy performance planning and tracking system for a university campus that automatically updates and compares measured against simulated building energy use for a hundred campus buildings. The system archives historic data, enables exploration of potential upgrade scenarios, and allows for the documentation of energy retrofits to individual buildings. The objectives of this tracking system are to support facility managers to ensure that their buildings are performing as intended, financial administrators to quantify potential energy savings and payback times of building upgrades and the overall university community to track campus-wide carbon emissions from buildings vis-a-vis previously defined reduction targets. A proof-of-concept implementation is presented for the authors’ campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation gene therapy for hemophilia a using non-genotoxic ANTI-CD117 immunotoxin conditioning

Background & Aim Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) gene therapy is a potentially curative approach for the treatment of the most common severe bleeding disorder, hemophilia A (HA). Our laboratory has previously established the ability to produce stable therapeutic levels of fVIII in a mouse model of HA following irradiation or chemotherapy and transplantation of Sca-1+ cells, a population containing both HSC and progenitors, genetically modified ex vivo using recombinant lentiviral vector encoding a bioengineered high-expression fVIII variant, termed ET3. Conventional myeloablative regimens for HSCT such as total body irradiation and myeloablative alkylating chemotherapy are associated with adverse side effects, including sterility, hormonal dysregulation and genotoxicity. These risks represent a primary barrier to clinical translation of HSCT gene therapy for HA and many other monogenic diseases. Therefore, the development of targeted, non-genotoxic conditioning agents is critical. Methods, Results & Conclusion We have successfully implemented the use of an immunotoxin bioconjugate comprised of a monoclonal antibody against the stem cell factor receptor c-Kit (anti-CD117) and the ribosome-inactivating protein toxin saporin (sap) for non-genotoxic HSCT conditioning. We achieved consistent depletion of bone marrow LSK (lineage-negative Sca-1+ c-Kit+) and long-term HSC (LSK+ CD150+ CD48−) compartments five days after retro-orbital venous sinus injection of 0.5 mg/kg CD117-sap compared to control (59.2% LSK reduction; 38.9% LT-HSC reduction) in both C57BL/6J wild-type and HA mice. Following CD117-sap conditioning, HA mice were transplanted with 1 × 106 ET3-transduced Sca-1+ cells from GFP+ congenic mice. We observed robust mixed hematopoietic chimerism and myeloid engraftment at two and four weeks post-transplantation in recipients conditioned with CD117-sap compared to control mice (2 wk: 86.4 ± 9.2% vs. 1.2 ± 0.6% GFP+ granulocytes, p = 0.00009; 4 wk: 93.9 ± 5.6% vs. 0.2 ± 0.3% GFP+ granulocytes, p = 0.0018). Moreover, these mice exhibit therapeutic levels of circulating fVIII activity as early as 2 weeks post-transplantation (0.11 IU/ml, p = 0.005). Taken together, these preliminary data are a promising proof-of-concept demonstrating the feasibility of using non-genotoxic immunotoxin conditioning for HA gene therapy.
Consequences of US and EU biodiesel policies on global food security

Abstract Biofuel policies in one country or region can have important effects on agricultural commodity prices and markets around the world. In this study, we employ a multicommodity, multiregion structural economic model of US and international agriculture markets. We investigate two scenarios related to biodiesel policy shifts: (i) an increase in the US mandate for biomass-based diesel use; and (ii) a decrease in the allowable use of biodiesel from food-based feedstocks in the EU. The effects appear moderate, particularly for soybean and rapeseed oil prices, compared to the baseline. The effects depend, to a large extent, on model assumptions and the complex interaction of global policies and markets. Still, the results show these impacts could have important food security implications.
Application of carbon dioxide injection in shale oil reservoirs for increasing oil recovery and carbon dioxide storage

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection is an enhanced oil recovery method that has the potential to increase oil recovery from unconventional shale reservoirs while also storing a portion of the injected CO2 into the reservoir thus reducing the CO2 environmental impact. This research studies the ability of cyclic CO2 injection to increase oil recovery from shale cores and the impact of different factors on the oil recovery potential. The research then studies the ability to store the injected CO2 in the shale through adsorption and the storage capacity at different reservoir thermodynamic conditions. Oil recovery was impacted significantly by the CO2 injection pressure. The CO2 phase was also found to be a factor related to the CO2 injection pressure and also had a strong impact on oil recovery. Increasing the soaking time of the CO2 increased the oil recovery due to the increase in the interaction time between the CO2 and the crude oil. The storage potential of the CO2 in the shale was influenced significantly by the pressure and temperature. Increasing the CO2 injection pressure increased the CO2 adsorption, while increasing the temperature decreased the adsorption capacity. Based on the experiments conducted, it was found that cyclic CO2 injection could be a means of both increasing oil recovery from shale reservoirs and also for CO2 storage operations to reduce CO2 environmental impact.